SB 36-OPT-OUT CHARITABLE GIVING PROGRAM  9:02:05 AM CHAIR WIELECHOWSKI announced the first order of business would be SB 36. SENATOR PASKVAN moved to adopt CS for SB 36( ), labeled 27- LS0342\B, as the working document. CHAIR WIELECHOWSKI objected for discussion purposes. GRIER HOPKINS, staff to Senator Joe Thomas, sponsor of SB 36, said the changes in version B add a sentence to the title, which now includes the provision allowing an electric cooperative to assist persons in acquiring and installing weatherization and energy efficiency products and services. This change occurs in section 2, page 2, and line 29. 9:04:23 AM SENATOR KOOKESH joined the meeting. Currently, utilities can only provide financing programs for electrical appliances and plumbing upgrades. Homer Electric Association runs a line of credit program for its members, and a number of them have asked for help with energy efficiency and weatherization programs. On page 4, lines 13 - 17, the CS defines "charitable program" for purposes of the bill. SENATOR KOOKESH asked how it works if a customer asks for a full three-year refund. MR. HOPKINS answered that the cooperatives are required to keep a reserve fund for this purpose. The donation is a maximum of 99 cents per bill or $36 per customer over a three year period. CHAIR WIELECHOWSKI asked Mr. Sniffen to define "charitable purpose." ED SNIFFEN, Assistant Attorney General, Consumer Protection and Antitrust Enforcement, Civil Division, Department of Law (DOL), Anchorage, said there were some questions regarding the definition of "charitable purpose," and limiting language was discussed at the last meeting. The CS language tracks the language currently in the bill under section 01.013 to allow donations to a charitable, scientific, or educational purpose, but specifically restricts the use of money for any pecuniary profit or for a labor organization. A charitable purpose is further defined as relief of poverty, distress, or any other condition of concern to the state. 9:10:19 AM JOE GALLAGHER, Homer Electric Association, spoke in support of CSSB 36( ), version B. He said the bill would allow the association to assist people in installing weatherization and energy efficiency products and services. The association already has a financing program for appliances, which has worked very well. Members would like to add weatherization and energy efficiency products. Because of restrictions in the current law, the association is unable to do this. The goal of the CS is to add language that allows them to help finance energy efficiency projects. 9:11:11 AM CHAIR WIELECHOWSKI closed public testimony, and removed his objection. SENATOR PASKVAN moved to report CS for SB 36( ), version B, from committee with individual recommendations and accompanying fiscal notes. CHAIR WIELECHOWSKI announced that without objection, CSSB 36(STA) passed from the Senate State Affairs Standing Committee.