HB 531 - ELIMINATE SOME MULTIMEMBER BODIES CHAIRMAN VEZEY, under bills previously heard, opened HB 531 for discussion. He noted the committee had received the committee substitute which incorporates the amendment put forth by REPRESENTATIVE ULMER. The amendment provides, "Artifacts, natural history specimens, art objects, collections or other items, materials, or properties that relate to the history of Alaska and are appropriate for preservation in the state museum of a value of $5,000 [$1,000] or more, may not be acquired by purchase, gift or exchange,...without the written approval of the committee." He repeated from the last meeting that he had suggested $10,000. Number 079 REPRESENTATIVE OLBERG stated he thought HB 531 was deciding whether or not the committee would exist. CHAIRMAN VEZEY replied that was in the original HB 531. The committee adopted this amendment on Thursday. Number 097 REPRESENTATIVE ULMER clarified other than changing the threshold from $1,000 to $5,000, reducing the amount of questions that had to be presented to the committee, the amendment stated the committee would never have to have a face to face meeting. The meetings may be by teleconference, thereby saving the travel expense. The amendment clarifies the committee reviews "acquisitions and deaccessions," as opposed to every general thing. CHAIRMAN VEZEY noted there had been debate as to whether the correct word to use was "disposition" or "deaccession." Number 126 GEORGE SMITH, DEPUTY DIRECTOR, DIVISION OF LIBRARIES, ARCHIVES & MUSEUMS, DEPARTMENT OF EDUCATION, answered questions on HB 531. He clarified the correct wording would be "deaccessioning," meaning to withdraw an artifact or other piece of art, from a collection in a formal matter. CHAIRMAN VEZEY stated that copies of the committee substitute would be distributed to committee members for discussion on Thursday. HB 531 was HELD IN COMMITTEE. Number 160 ADJOURNMENT CHAIRMAN VEZEY, hearing no more business before the committee, adjourned the meeting at 9:55 a.m.