HB 131-COMMUNITY AND TRANSPORTATION ADV. BOARD  4:08:50 PM CHAIR OLSON announced the consideration of HB 131, "An Act establishing the Alaska Community and Public Transportation Advisory Board and relating to a long-range community and public transportation plan; and providing for an effective date." He noted this was the second hearing in this committee. 4:09:04 PM REPRESENTATIVE CATHY MUNOZ, sponsor of HB 131, Alaska State Legislature, paraphrased the following sponsor statement: House Bill 131 creates an Alaska Community and Public Transportation Advisory Board, which will assist in the development and procedural recommendations for existing programs of state, federal, and local agencies that provide community-based transportation services. Public and community transportation is integral in connecting communities, supporting development and serving our most vulnerable constituent. The designation of this board is a recommendation from the Governor's Coordinated Transportation Task Force, which was released in the February 2010 Recommendations Report. The board will continue efforts to address public and community transportation and help fill the gap in transportation for individuals who require more specialized travel - senior citizens, low-income individuals, persons with disabilities, and those who are transit-dependent. The board will consist of 13 members from departments within state and local governments, Denali Commission, Alaska Mental Health Trust Authority, nonprofits, and those with expertise in transportation needs for senior citizens, persons with disabilities, and transit-dependent individuals. This broad range of membership will facilitate communication and strategies that will benefit communities of all sizes. HB 131 has support from the Alaska Mobility Coalition, the Governor's Council on Disabilities and Special Education, Advisory Board on Alcoholism and Drug Abuse, the Alaska Commission on Aging, Alaska Mental Health Trust Authority, Alaska Brain Injury Network, and the Alaska Suicide Prevention Council. 4:10:34 PM SENATOR MENARD asked the sponsor to speak to the letter of intent. REPRESENTATIVE MUNOZ responded that during the previous hearing Senator Wagoner expressed concern about committing very busy commissioners to serve on yet another board. He wanted to insert language to ensure that a commissioner designee would fill the position. She said the language was already in the bill and the intent language was ready to insert, but she understood that Senator Wagoner did not want to include it at this time. SENATOR WAGONER indicated the intent letter was not necessary. CHAIR OLSON found no public testimony and no further committee discussion. He asked the will of the committee. 4:12:15 PM SENATOR WAGONER moved to report CSHB 131(TRA) am from committee with individual recommendations and attached fiscal note(s). CHAIR OLSON announced that without objection, CSHB 131(TRA) am moved from the Senate Community and Regional Affairs Standing Committee.