HCR 6-EST. LEG. TASK FORCE ON UNMANNED AIRCRAFT  10:24:34 AM CHAIR DYSON announced that the final order of business would be HCR 6. [CSHCR 6(EDT) was before the committee.] REPRESENTATIVE SHELLEY HUGHES, sponsor of HCR 6, explained that HCR 6 would establish a legislative task force on unmanned aircraft. She explained that the issue came to her attention because of constituents' concerns about privacy as it relates to drones. She said her research turned up positive things happening in Alaska involving drones. She said she learned that the University of Alaska - Fairbanks, Center for Unmanned Aircraft Systems Integration was a leader in the nation regarding drone technology and was harnessing it for good purposes. She noted it was important to recognize the good, but also address privacy matters. Representative Hughes explained that the resolution does two things. It recognizes the accomplishments of the University of Alaska - Fairbanks, Center for Unmanned Aircraft Systems Integration and the research conducted to advance this technology in a safe manner. It establishes a task force within the legislative branch to come up with policy recommendations regarding privacy protection, as well as the use for public and private purposes, including for law enforcement. She recalled a presentation on the House side by retired Air Force Brigadier General Rowe Bailey who brought a model of an unmanned aircraft named Scout. She listed some of the tasks drones can do. She said HCR 6 also recognizes that with new technology comes the need to revisit certain laws to ensure the safety of our citizens. 10:28:44 AM CHAIR DYSON thought the bill was on the right track. SENATOR GIESSEL said she is supportive of the program, but not of another task force of 15 members and the expense of it. SENATOR WIELECHOWSKI also wondered about the fiscal note for a large task force and why 15 members and commissioners are needed on it. CHAIR DYSON said that is a legitimate concern. He commented that a drone is being used to survey the beaches for tsunami debris. He noted that private aviation has concerns about the military using drones. CHAIR DYSON held HCR 6 in committee. He suggested the sponsor address some of the concerns at a later hearing. 10:30:41 AM REPRESENTATIVE HUGHES pointed out that April 10 is the date the Center is trying to put forward its application. She said the commissioners are included on the task force because of the areas in which a drone might be used, such as Natural Resources. She added that the expenses of the task force will be absorbed by departments for commissioners attending. The thought was that the funding within the legislative budget was adequate for private industry members. Thus, the zero fiscal note. SENATOR GIESSEL observed that there are two legislators on the task force and they would not accrue a zero note.