SB 304 ELIGIBILITY FOR LONGEVITY BONUS Number 025 CHAIRMAN SHARP brought up SB 304 as the first order of business before the Senate State Affairs Committee. He stated that SB 304 is a committee bill that incorporates a section that was in SB 217. That section received unanimous support from senior citizens. It would establish that a cumulative total absence of 180 days from the state would result in ineligibility to receive longevity bonuses. That would pretty closely match current requirements for the permanent fund dividend. Number 065 SENATOR DONLEY asked if SB 304 would result in a dual system. Would seniors lose for months they were out, and then if they were gone for more than 180 days, they would be permanently ineligible? CHAIRMAN SHARP responded that is correct. If they are gone for more than 180 days in a twelve-month period, they would be ineligible. He asked if anyone wished to testify on the legislation. Hearing none, the chairman stated SB 304 will have a hearing in the Finance Committee, and asked the pleasure of the committee. Number 095 SENATOR LEMAN made a motion to discharge SB 304 and accompanying fiscal note from the Senate State Affairs Committee with individual recommendations. CHAIRMAN SHARP, hearing no objection, stated SB 304 was discharged from the Senate State Affairs Committee.