HB 34-NAMING SCOTT JOHNSON MEMORIAL BRIDGE  2:10:46 PM REPRESENTATIVE WOOL announced that the first order of business would be HOUSE BILL NO. 34, "An Act naming the Scott Johnson Memorial Bridge." 2:11:14 PM The committee took an at-ease from 2:11 p.m. to 2:12 p.m. 2:12:04 PM REPRESENTATIVE TALERICO, as prime sponsor, presented HB 34. He paraphrased the sponsor statement, which read as follows [original punctuation provided]: The legislation amends Alaska Statute 35.40 by naming bridge number 506 over the Tok River at mile 1309 of the Alaska Highway to be named the Scott Johnson Memorial Bridge. Scott was a person who led from the front. He set very high standards for himself. After graduating his recruit class as valedictorian, he was assigned to Fairbanks patrol. Scott became involved with the Special Emergency Response Team (S.E.R.T.) for 19 years and held positions of perimeter team leader, entry team leader and acting team leader. He was a K- 9 handler, instructor and coordinator. In addition, Scott trained at least 33 dual purpose and/or drug detection canine teams throughout Alaska. He also worked in the Alaska Bureau of Investigation and at the age of 36 was promoted to sergeant. Scott oversaw patrol shift and later transferred to the Alaska Bureau of Alcohol and Drug Enforcement. Scott earned at least 43 letters of commendation, including two commendations for honorable service during his career. Scott Johnson was an Alaska State Trooper killed in the line of duty on May 1, 2014. He had served the State of Alaska 23 years. Let this be a lasting memorial to a man who gave his life in the line of duty to the citizens of the State of Alaska. 2:14:06 PM REPRESENTATIVE STORY said she had heard compelling testimony as a member of the House State Affairs Standing Committee, when HB 34 was heard by that committee. She emphasized her support of HB 34. CO-CHAIR WOOL shared that he also heard the moving testimony from many people when HB 34 was heard by the House State Affairs Standing Committee, and he stated his full support of the proposed legislation. 2:14:45 PM REPRESENTATIVE CLAMAN inquired as to the size and style of the bridge. 2:14:57 PM REPRESENTATIVE TALERICO shared that it is on the east side of Tok, crosses the Tanana River, and is newly constructed, spanning approximately 200 feet. He said there would be rest areas on each end of the bridge. 2:15:54 PM REPRESENTATIVE RASMUSSEN related that both her father-in-law and brother-in-law are first responders, and she emphasized the respect she has for what they do. She said she thinks the recognition given under HB 34 is well-deserved, and she said she would support the bill. 2:16:19 PM CO-CHAIR STUTES echoed the statements made by her fellow legislators and shared that she has the utmost respect for first responders. She emphasized she is in full support of HB 34. 2:16:54 PM CO-CHAIR WOOL opened public testimony on HB 34. After ascertaining that there was no one who wished to testify, he closed public testimony. 2:17:18 PM REPRESENTATIVE DRUMMOND opined that HB 34 is a wonderful idea and fitting memorial to [the late Trooper Johnson]. She said she had driven across the bridge, as would anyone driving back from Juneau to other parts of the state, and she speculated that it is substantially longer than 200 feet. She said she would be pleased to drive past the bridge once it has been named. 2:18:23 PM CO-CHAIR STUTES moved to report HB 34 out of committee with individual recommendations and the accompanying zero fiscal note. There being no objection, HB 34 was reported out of the House Transportation Standing Committee.