HOUSE BILL NO. 157                                                                                                             
                                                                                                                                
"An Act relating to absences from the state while                                                                               
serving on oceangoing vessels of the United States                                                                              
merchant marine for purposes of eligibility for                                                                                 
permanent fund dividends; and providing for an                                                                                  
effective date."                                                                                                                
                                                                                                                                
                                                                                                                                
EDWARD BURKE, staff to Representative Jerry Sanders was                                                                         
invited to join the committee.  He requested a brief at                                                                         
ease pending the arrival of Representative Sanders.                                                                             
                                                                                                                                
The committee took a brief at ease.                                                                                             
                                                                                                                                
Co-chair Torgerson reconvened the committee.                                                                                    
                                                                                                                                
Representative JERRY SANDERS was invited to join the                                                                            
committee.  He explained that the dividend would only be                                                                        
provided to the qualified seaman rather than his entire                                                                         
family.  He asked the committee's support.  There were                                                                          
several that had wanted to testify regarding this bill.                                                                         
Co-chair Torgerson advised he did not have anyone on line.                                                                      
                                                                                                                                
Senator Wilken said he had an amendment to include the                                                                          
Peace Corps and asked the bill be held so he could work                                                                         
with Representative Sanders.  Representative Sanders said                                                                       
he did not feel the Peace Corps should be included in this                                                                      
bill because they belong to a different group.  It should                                                                       
be in a separate bill.  He noted that the bill had been                                                                         
defeated in the House.                                                                                                          
                                                                                                                                
Co-chair Torgerson cautioned that this could become a                                                                           
"christmas tree" as did the eligibility bill last year.                                                                         
                                                                                                                                
Senator Wilken commented.  He felt there was a compelling                                                                       
reason that the Peace Corps should be provided for, however                                                                     
he said it was not his intent to kill the bill.                                                                                 
                                                                                                                                
Senator Donley also felt that the Peace Corps is a separate                                                                     
issue and should be in another bill.  He would like to see                                                                      
this bill move forward as is.                                                                                                   
                                                                                                                                
Senator P. Kelly said everyone could make a choice and                                                                          
these were career choices and should not depend on the                                                                          
inclusion to receive the permanent fund.                                                                                        
                                                                                                                                
Senator Leman said he would like an amendment to add                                                                            
foreign service.  They are as deserving also.                                                                                   
                                                                                                                                
Representative Sanders indicated he would like to see the                                                                       
bill passed out as is.                                                                                                          
                                                                                                                                
Co-chair Torgerson SET ASIDE HB 157 and asked Senator                                                                           
Wilken and Senator Leman to work with Representative                                                                            
Sanders regarding their specific issues.  He then called                                                                        
HB 217.