Senate Bill 213 will permit active members of the Alaska National Guard, the Alaska Naval Militia and the Alaska State Defense Force, where space available, free transportation on the Alaska marine highway system and the Alaska Railroad. This free status will be limited to traveling to and from drill, training, or other official militia activities.

This legislation would make it no different than allowing a particular governmental department moving a D-9 bulldozer or other state equipment from site to site, via the ferry or railroad system, than to permit active members of the National Guard, the Naval Militia and State Defense Force to travel free while conducting official military business.

The purpose of SB 213 is to provide a vehicle in which to get members of our volunteer defense forces to get to and from military training. In the present climate of downsizing and defense budget cuts, funding for transportation of members is constricted.

As the owner and operator of the passenger railroad and marine highway system, the State of Alaska is in the position to offer transportation for these military personnel, who are participating in training to defend our state and freedoms.

Senate Bill 189 would simply mandate the railroad and ferry system provide free transportation, on a space available basis, for the members of the above-referenced state defense organizations who are en route to or from drill, training, or other official militia activities.

The bill also makes a name change from "Alaska State Militia" to "Alaska State Defense Force" in several occurrences in statute.

Senate Bill 213 is a simple, straightforward document to assist our volunteer, citizen soldiers get to and from their training.