HB 103-EXTEND ALASKA MINERALS COMMISSION  1:37:29 PM CHAIR MCKAY announced that the next order of business would be HOUSE BILL NO. 103, "An Act extending the termination date of the Alaska Minerals Commission." 1:37:55 PM REPRESENTATIVE MIKE CRONK, Alaska State Legislature, as prime sponsor, introduced HB 103 by reading the sponsor statement [included in the committee packet], which read as follows [original punctuation provided]: HB 103 is a technical change to statute. The Mineral Commission's present sunset date is February 2024. HB 103 amends that date to February 2034. (A ten- year extension.) 1:38:26 PM CHAIR MCKAY asked what duties the Alaska Minerals Commission performs. DAVE STANCLIFF, Staff, Representative Mike Cronk, Alaska State Legislature, on behalf of Representative Cronk, prime sponsor of HB 103, explained that the Alaska Minerals Commission (AMC) had been around since 1985 and it makes recommendations, files an annual report, and strive to give good advice to policymakers and administration on how best to expand and stimulate the economy through the extraction of minerals. He stated that he had heard nothing but good things about AMC and he added that the commission is not a "huge expense" to the state. CHAIR MCKAY asked about a fiscal note. MR. STANCLIFF related there was a zero fiscal note. 1:41:03 PM CHAIR MCKAY opened public testimony on HB 103. 1:41:15 PM BRONK JORGENSEN, representing self, told the committee that he is a trustee for the 40 Mile Mining District and has served two terms on the Alaska Mineral Commission. He described the commission as excellent for the industry; it raises hidden concerns among the industry that can be brought to light by various agencies. Agencies can bring problems to the commission for resolution. He highly recommended the term of the commission be extended [as proposed under HB 103]. He pointed out that there is [a zero] fiscal note; those who serve on the commission pay their own "per diem and way," and everyone on the commission "is very committed to the goals stated." He spoke in support of extending the commission. In response to Chair McKay, he confirmed that he supports HB 103. 1:42:34 PM CHAIR MCKAY, after ascertaining there was no one else who wished to testify, closed public testimony on HB 103. CHAIR MCKAY ascertained that no one on the committee had an amendment to offer. REPRESENTATIVE CRONK thanked the committee. CHAIR MCKAY entertained a motion. 1:43:11 PM REPRESENTATIVE RAUSCHER moved to report HB 103 out of committee with individual recommendations and the accompanying zero fiscal note. 1:43:41 PM REPRESENTATIVE SADDLER objected to note that he had carried a bill ten years previously to extend the commission. He then removed his objection. There being no further objection, HB 103 was reported out of the House Resources Standing Committee.