CHAIRMAN KELLY announced the Senate Rules Committee would take public testimony on CSHB 76(RLS) am - MUNICIPAL TAXES ON DETERIORATED PROPERTY today. He explained the measure makes a technical correction to a bill that was passed by the Legislature last year. Hopefully, the passage of CSHB 76(RLS)am will allow the McKay building project to go forward, as well as others. SENATOR ELLIS asked if the technical change could have been made in the Revisor's bill. CHAIRMAN KELLY clarified the Anchorage municipal attorney asked that last year's legislation be reworded, and the bill also addresses a concern of the Kodiak Island Borough assessor. He stated he is unaware of any substantial opposition to this bill. SENATOR LEMAN asked if CSHB 76(RLS) am is identical to the final version before the Senate Labor and Commerce Committee. DOUG SALIK, legislative staff to the Senate Community and Regional Affairs Committee, explained the House amended the bill on page 2, line 5, by adding the phrase, "on the same portion of the property." The owners of the McKay property are subdividing the property and asked for clarification. Representatives Croft, Halcro and Davies proposed the amendment which is the only change from the Senate version of the bill. MR. SALIK added that change was reviewed by two state assessors and the developer's attorney. SENATOR ELLIS asked why the state assessor was reticent to support the bill. MR. SALIK said Pat Carlson's concerns have been addressed. SENATOR ELLIS asked if anyone has any objections at this point. MR. SALIK replied not that he is aware of. SENATOR LEMAN moved CSHB 76(RLS)am for calendaring. There being no objection, the motion carried.