SB 54-PRICE GOUGING INVOLVING ENERGY RESOURCES    3:42:54 PM CO-CHAIR WIELECHOWSKI announced the consideration of SB 54. He noted that the bill was heard previously and has two more committees of referral. SENATOR FRENCH moved to adopt the work draft committee substitute (CS) to SB 54, labeled 26-LS0209\T, as the working document. There being no objection, version T was before the committee. SENATOR HUGGINS observed that there have been multiple modifications to the bill and a subsequent committee might make more. For example, on page 2, line 25, it might be appropriate to address amortization of exorbitant and excessive prices. The other topic to look at is whether to place a cap on the civil penalty on page 2, line 9, instead of the current "10 times the economic benefit" penalty. He is concerned that refineries might decide that the best choice is to shut down. 3:44:52 PM CHAIR WIELECHOWSKI said the sole intent of the bill is to get some relief for Alaska consumers. He agrees with the suggestion about amortization; there is no intent to penalize a refiner who charges a higher price for a period of time to make up for previous lower prices. In future committees he would be willing to entertain suggestions about a cap. 3:45:59 PM SENATOR FRENCH moved to report CS to SB 54 from committee with individual recommendations and attached fiscal note(s). There being no objection, CSSB 54(RES) moved from the Senate Resources Standing Committee.