SB 311: An Act authorizing a credit against the fishery resource landing tax for certain contributions made by taxpayers not harvesting fisheries resources under a community development quota and for contributions based on fishery resources not harvested under a quota made by taxpayers harvesting fisheries resources under a community development quota, amending the manner of calculating the amount available for revenue sharing by operation of this credit, and expediting agency review of the credit applications under that tax; and providing for an effective date. Larry Meyers, Director, Income & Excise Audit Division, Department of Revenue, spoke to SB 311. Amendments 2 and 3 were ADOPTED. CSSB 311(FIN) was REPORTED OUT of committee with a "do pass", and a zero fiscal note for Department of Revenue. SENATE BILL NO. 311: An Act authorizing a credit against the fishery resource landing tax for certain contributions made by taxpayers not harvesting fisheries resources under a community development quota and for contributions based on fishery resources not harvested under a quota made by taxpayers harvesting fisheries resources under a community development quota, amending the manner of calculating the amount available for revenue sharing by operation of this credit, and expediting agency review of the credit applications under that tax; and providing for an effective date. Co-chair Pearce announced that SB 311 was before the committee. She said that discussion had suggested limiting the use of the tax credits for programs already in statute and the new one added by SB 311. The credits would still be available for training, scholarships, and awarding grants for research projects which was the primary use of the funds. She said this option was contained in amendment 2 if anyone wished to offer it. Senator Sharp MOVED amendment 2. Senator Jacko noted that it was commendable to get people involved with the fisheries by training and scholarships but there was much more to commercial fishing than scrubbing a deck. Allowing the money to be used for other options like processing projects would be beneficial even though it was not a large amount of money. Co-chair Pearce was opposed to non-profit groups receiving state dollars for a tax credit and then, in turn, loaning out those tax dollars and receiving interest on that money. She said there were loan programs already in existence. Senator Jacko said there were many needs in this area. Co-chair Pearce called for a show of hands and amendment 2 was ADOPTED on a vote of 3 to 1 (Co-chairs Pearce, Frank and Senator Sharp were in support. Senator Jacko was opposed.). Co-chair Pearce invited Larry Meyers to join the members at the table to speak to amendment 3. LARRY MEYERS, Director, Income & Excise Audit Division, Department of Revenue, said SB 311 provided a public hearing to grant a credit. The department proposed all language be deleted in Section 1, page 2, line 5-11, and replace with the wording in amendment 3. Senator Jacko MOVED amendment 3. No objection being heard, it was ADOPTED. Senator Jacko MOVED for passage of CSSB 311(FIN) from committee with individual recommendations. No objection being heard, it was REPORTED OUT of committee with a "do pass," and a zero fiscal note for the Department of Revenue. Co-chairs Pearce, Frank, Senators Kelly and Jacko signed "do pass." Senator Sharp signed "no recommendation." ADJOURNMENT The meeting was adjourned at approximately 3:30 p.m.