SB 47-STIPEND FOR STATEWIDE BOARDING SCHOOL    8:01:55 AM CHAIR STEVENS announced that the only order of business would be SB 47. He said it was the second hearing on the bill. He noted public testimony would be taken. [SSSB 47 was before the committee.] SENATOR DUNLEAVY moved to adopt work draft CS for SSSB 47, labeled 28-LS0408\P, as the working document. CHAIR STEVENS objected for discussion purposes. RYNNIEVA MOSS, staff, Senator John Coghill, sponsor of SB 47, offered to answer questions related to the bill. CHAIR STEVENS opened public testimony. No one appeared for public testimony. CHAIR STEVENS closed public testimony. 8:03:26 AM SENATOR GARDNER said she likes the bill and the direction it is taking. However, she said she did not like that the state picks up the cost of room and board and travel for children whose parents can afford to pay those costs. She said if the bill were to be changed to exclude those who could pay, more children could be served. She related that the Legislative Affairs Agency reported that it would be unconstitutional to do so. Travel costs and room and board are part of the state's obligation to provide an education. CHAIR STEVENS noted it was a good point. MS. MOSS reported that the sponsor has had the same discussion in the past when he dealt with HB 16 in trying to find a way for parents to contribute to the cause. CHAIR STEVENS removed his objection. SENATOR DUNLEAVY moved to report CSSSSB 47(EDC) from committee with individual recommendations and the attached fiscal note. There being no objection, it was so ordered. 8:05:37 AM At ease from 8:05 to 8:07 a.m. 8:07:04 AM CHAIR STEVENS brought up concerns about the Alaska High School Graduation Qualifying Exam and noted that the committee would hold a hearing at a future date.