SB 182-STATE VETERANS' CEMETARY & FUND  CHAIR GENE THERRIAULT announced SB 182 to be up for consideration. 3:51:59 PM DEBORAH GRUNDMAN, Staff to Senator Huggins, explained that SB 182 would put in place the mechanism for the Department of Military and Veterans' Affairs (DMVA) to establish and maintain veterans' cemeteries in the state. 3:53:28 PM SENATOR CHARLIE HUGGINS, Sponsor, described SB 182 as a forward- looking approach. It would create a framework whereby DMVA and local communities could work together and find land that would become state land and a future potential site for a state veterans' cemetery. Based on demographics, he suggested that Fairbanks would be a likely starting point. SENATOR KIM ELTON questioned whether there was a difference between SB 182 and the House bill. SENATOR HUGGINS replied he thought Representative Guttenberg had a bill, but he wasn't sure whether it was the same or different. He advised that he has worked on this issue for several years. SENATOR DAVIS noted she had a copy of the House bill. 3:58:02 PM JOYCE ROKEBERG, Fairbanks, reported that her late husband also had a dream for a veterans' cemetery in the Interior. She made the point that it is difficult for family and friends to visit cemeteries that are located a long distance from home. 4:00:58 PM JERRY BEAL, Director, Department of Military and Veteran Affairs, testified that SB 182 is more substantial and comprehensive than the House bill. He stated that the department certainly supports the idea of having an Interior veterans' cemetery. During the recent American Legion Convention in Kodiak, a resolution was passed supporting an Interior cemetery for state veterans. 4:02:49 PM JUNE CHANCE, Administrative Services Manager, Department of Military & Veterans Affairs, stated support for the bill. There was no further testimony. CHAIR THERRIAULT noted the indeterminate fiscal note and the Finance Committee referral. He asked for the will of the committee. SENATOR THOMAS WAGONER motioned to report SB 182 from committee with individual recommendations and attached fiscal note. There being no objection, it was so ordered.