CS FOR SENATE BILL NO. 224(FIN) "An Act relating to the AlaskAdvantage education grant program; relating to professional student exchange program availability; establishing the Alaska merit scholarship program and relating to the program; relating to student records; making conforming amendments; establishing a Joint Legislative Higher Education Scholarship Task Force; establishing an advisory task force on higher education and career readiness in the legislative branch of government; and providing for an effective date." (recording begins at 2:46:51) Co-Chair Hoffman MOVED to ADOPT the new CS for SB 224, labeled 26-GS2271\O, Mischel, 4/17/10. There being NO OBJECTION, it was so ordered. TIM LAMKIN, STAFF, SENATOR GARY STEVENS, explained the legislation. He explained that section 1 contains a new section to set out district determination for scholarship eligibility. Section 2 was amended to read that the commission may adopt regulations under the Administrative Procedure Act. Section 3 establishes that no less than $3 million dollars shall be spent annually on the AlaskAdvantage education grant program. Mr. Lamkin explained that Section 4 increases the minimum needs based award and the cap. Section 5 is a conforming amendment that increases the overall cap over the lifetime of the grant. Section 6 is the core of the program and sets out requirements. Award tiers have been eliminated. Section 7 includes language from another piece of legislation that includes Alaska's participation in WICHE. Mr. Lamkin reported that Section 8 is a conforming amendment that requires private post secondary institutions to maintain records for students who want to participate in the program. 2:49:35 PM Mr. Lamkin related that Sections 9 and 10 deal with transition language. Section 11 creates a task force to focus on the funding component. Section 12 creates a second task force which would focus on reform of the K-12 system. Section 13 sunsets the higher education task force. Sections 14 and 15 are effective dates. Senator Ellis asked if the scholarship task force could explore more than the funding mechanism. Mr. Lamkin noted that the language was broad. He referred to Page 9, lines 14 - 20, where the task force would recommend improvements or additions to the laws pertaining to student preparedness for, and completion, of secondary study. Co-Chair Stedman noted that there would be a forthcoming SFIN fiscal note for $3 million. Co-Chair Hoffman MOVED to report CSSB 224 (FIN) out of Committee with individual recommendations and the forthcoming fiscal note. There being NO OBJECTION, it was so ordered. AT-EASE 2:53:14 PM RECONVENED 7:32:44 PM