SENATE BILL NO. 124 An Act relating to the powers and finances of the Alaska Energy Authority; and providing for an effective date. Upon convening the meeting, Co-chair Pearce directed that SB 124 be brought on for discussion and advised that work draft CSSB 124 (8-GS1023\J, Cramer, 5/4/93) was being distributed for members' review. Senator Sharp MOVED for adoption of CSSB 124, version "J." No objection having been raised, CSSB 124 (Finance), version "J" was ADOPTED. Senator Sharp explained that CSSB 124 (Finance) provides a vehicle for establishment of a task force to evaluate regimented phase out of the Alaska Energy Authority. The Senator noted complications associated with phase out due to bonding requirements. Task force work would be accomplished during the interim between May and December. Senator Kerttula noted the absence of minority representation on the task force. Senator Sharp advised that he would have no problem accommodating a minority member. Senator Frank suggested that the Senate President and the Speaker of the House each appoint two members to the task force. That would provide opportunity to for minority participation. Senator Sharp suggested that the following amendment be prepared for offering on the floor of the Senate: Page 2, Line 7 Delete existing subsection (3) and replace with the following: (3) two members of the House of Representative and two members of the Senate selected by appropriate president officers, one of each body being of the minority. Senator Kerttula concurred in the foregoing. Co-chair Pearce queried members regarding disposition of the bill. Senator Sharp MOVED that CSSB 124 (Finance) pass from committee with individual recommendations. Co-chair Pearce asked if the task force would operate without fiscal impact. Senator Sharp voiced his understanding that the legislative budget would bear a portion of the cost and that utilities would provide their own funding. Co-chair Pearce suggested that bill language allow the commissioner of commerce and economic development and the commissioner of community and regional affairs to appoint designees to the task force but noted that that change could also be made on the floor of the Senate. No objection to passage of CSSB 124 (Finance) having been raised, it was REPORTED OUT of committee with a new title, and a zero fiscal note from the Dept. of Commerce and Economic Development. Co-chairs Pearce and Frank and Senators Kelly and Sharp signed the committee report with a "do pass" recommendation. Senators Kerttula and Rieger signed "no rec." Senator Jacko was absent and did not sign. [NOTE - CSSB 124 (Finance) was returned to committee from the floor of the Senate on May 7, 1993.]