Negotiators to try for deal on rural power program bill

JUNEAU — The Alaska Senate has rejected House changes to a bill that would divvy up excess earnings from a rural power program.

Senate and House negotiators were appointed Wednesday to try to come to a compromise.

Heading into the extended session, legislative leaders said they wanted to limit the focus of bills to those related to the budget and revenues. Senate President Kevin Meyer said this bill falls under that umbrella since some of the excess funds would go toward a community assistance program.

Differences between the respective versions of SB 196 hinged on how excess earnings from the Power Cost Equalization endowment fund are split. The bill’s sponsor, Sen. Lyman Hoffman, said the Senate took a more sound approach to the fund.

The House Wednesday also rejected Senate changes to a hunting and fishing license fee bill.

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