Legislature(1995 - 1996)
1996-01-12 House Journal
Full Journal pdf1996-01-12 House Journal Page 2421 HOUSE JOURNAL ALASKA STATE LEGISLATURE NINETEENTH LEGISLATURE -- SECOND SESSION Juneau, Alaska Friday January 12, 1996 Fifth Day Pursuant to adjournment, the House was called to order by Speaker Phillips at 10:16 a.m. Roll call showed 36 members present. Representatives Brice and Mulder had been previously excused from a call of the House today. Representatives Moses and Williams were absent. The invocation was offered by the Chaplains, Associate Pastor Mary Ann Warden and Pastor Greg Lindsay of the Northern Light United Church. Representative Martin moved and asked unanimous consent that the invocations be spread on the journal. There being no objection, they appear below: Kamanaqtuatiin God, itqatigisigut akkuppak uvluq qausagtaaqsimman. Supayaaq pianiyaruaq ililakput tunuptiynun aasii itiqsaqsigut uvlutchiamun . Agmaglavut irravwt qaummag iksuaq qiniglugu agmag lavuttauq argavut savaqatig iikluta suli nagliktuutikun. Agmag larut siuttavut uvlutchiaq tusaasuglugu uummativut agmag lavut ikayug lugit in upayaat supayaatigun pisuktagisigun ataniq God, uvlutchiaq qausag ataaqsimman akuqtug lakput agmag lugit tallivut. Amen In deepest respect of the spiritual life of each person here, let us pray: Awesome God, be with us now as this day unfolds. May we put the past behind us and awaken to the freshness of this brisk morning. As we open our eyes to the light, may we 1996-01-12 House Journal Page 2422 open our hands to cooperation and work filled with compassion. As we open our ears to the new day sounds, may our hearts be opened to concerns of deepest need. As You unfold this great new day before us, O God, may we receive it with open arms. The Pledge of Allegiance was led by Representative Ogan. CERTIFICATION OF THE JOURNAL Representative Vezey moved and asked unanimous consent that the journal for the 4th legislative day and House & Senate Joint Journal Supplement No. 14 be approved as certified by the Chief Clerk. There being no objection, it was so ordered. MESSAGES FROM THE SENATE A message dated January 11, 1996, was read stating the Senate has accepted the House invitation to meet in joint session in the House Chamber at 11:00 a.m. on Wednesday, January 17, 1996, for the purpose of hearing an address by United States Senator Frank Murkowski. COMMUNICATIONS The following reports are on file in the Chief Clerks office: Department of Commerce and Economic Development Alaska Aerospace Development Corporation 1995 Annual Report Office of the Commissioner Report of Examination of the Alaska Commercial Fishing and Agriculture Bank. (as required by AS 44.81.270(c)) Legislative Budget and Audit Committee Division of Legislative Audit Special Audit Reports 1996-01-12 House Journal Page 2423 Department of Environmental Conservation Board of Storage Tank Assistance September 19, 1995 Department of Administration Alaska Commission on Aging September 29, 1995 Department of Commerce and Economic Development Board of Chiropractic Examiners September 6, 1995 Board of Dispensing Opticians September 29, 1995 Board of Examiners in Optometry October 4, 1995 Alaska Aerospace Development Corporation August 11, 1995 Department of Revenue Alaska State Bond Committee Airport Revenue Bond Transactions October 25, 1995 The following letter, dated December 7, 1995, from Representative MacLean to Speaker Phillips was read: I regretfully inform you of my resignation from the Alaska House of Representatives. The people of District 37 have given me their full support over the years and I have responded with my commitment to provide them with the best representation possible. While I have met this high standard over the years, my deteriorating health will not allow me to maintain this commitment. I will help with the transition so do not hesitate to contact me for that purpose. 1996-01-12 House Journal Page 2424 The following letter, dated January 11, 1996 from Representative Mackie, Minority Leader and Representative Kubina, Minority Whip to Speaker Phillips regarding Governor Knowles nomination of Mr. Don Long as Representative of District 37, was read: This letter announces that the Democrat representatives of the 19th Legislature confirm the nomination of Mr. Don Long to fill the vacancy of Representative MacLean and be seated as the representative of House District 37. The Governors letter appears on page 2347. The Speaker appointed Representatives MacLean and Foster to escort Mr. Long into the House Chamber. OATH OF OFFICE Speaker Phillips administered the oath of office, and Representative Long was escorted to his chair by Representatives MacLean and Foster. The Speaker welcomed Representative Don Long. SPECIAL ORDER OF BUSINESS Representative Vezey moved and asked unanimous consent that the following citation be taken up as a Special Order of Business at this time. Honoring - Eileen MacLean By Representatives Foster, Barnes, Phillips, Austerman, Brown, Davies, G.Davis, Elton, Finkelstein, Grussendorf, Hanley, Ivan, James, Kohring, Kubina, Mackie, Martin, Masek, Navarre, Nicholia, Ogan, Parnell, Porter, Robinson, Rokeberg, Sanders, Toohey; Senator Adams There being no objection, it was so ordered. Representative Vezey moved and asked unanimous consent that the House approve the citation. There being no objection, it was so ordered. 1996-01-12 House Journal Page 2425 The citation was sent to enrolling. REPORTS OF SPECIAL COMMITTEES The following report of the Committee on Committees, dated January 12, 1996, was read: Dear Madame Speaker: The Committee on Committees has met and recommends the names of Gene Kubina and Don Long to serve on the following committees: Representative Gene Kubina Rules (additional assignment) Representative Don Long Resources Transportation The report was signed by Representative Phillips, Chair; and, Representatives Moses, Foster, Kubina, Vezey, Hanley and Mackie. Representative Vezey moved and asked unanimous consent that the House adopt the Committee on Committees report. There being no objection, it was so ordered. INTRODUCTION OF CITATIONS The following citations were introduced and referred to the Rules Committee for placement on the calendar: Honoring - Rose Palmquist, 90 years of Dedication and Involvement By Representatives Kohring, Masek, Ogan; Senators Green, Halford, Phillips In Memoriam - Edward R.Russ Meekins By Senator Ellis; Representatives Brown, Mulder INTRODUCTION, FIRST READING AND REFERENCE OF HOUSE BILLS HB 410 HOUSE BILL NO. 410 by Representative Kott, entitled: 1996-01-12 House Journal Page 2426 HB 410 An Act relating to the sale or display for sale of material harmful to minors at places where minors are present or allowed to be present. was read the first time and referred to the Health, Education & Social Services, Labor & Commerce and Finance Committees. HB 411 HOUSE BILL NO. 411 by Representative Mackie, entitled: An Act naming Mountain View Road in Gustavus. was read the first time and referred to the Transportation and Finance Committees. HB 412 HOUSE BILL NO. 412 by the House Rules Committee by request of the Governor, entitled: An Act making appropriations for the operating and loan program expenses of state government, for certain programs, and to capitalize funds; making appropriations under art. IX, sec. 17(c), Constitution of the State of Alaska, from the constitutional budget reserve fund; and providing for an effective date. was read the first time and referred to the Finance Committee. The Governors transmittal letter, dated January 12, 1996, appears below: Dear Speaker Phillips: This year, I am transmitting two appropriations bills for operating and loan program expenses for fiscal year 1997. One is the first separate mental health program bill as required by AS 37.14.003 and AS 37.14.005. This bill is for all other government operations, including the Legislature and Court System budgets prepared by those two branches of government as well as the executive branch budgets for which I am responsible. 1996-01-12 House Journal Page 2427 HB 412 In putting together the fiscal year 1997 operating budget, my overriding concern was to provide a safe landing as we make the transition toward a balanced budget. Taken together, the bills represent a $40 million or 1.6 percent decrease from current year spending from the pure general fund. Thirty-five million dollars of this is in direct expenditure reductions and five million is a shift from oil dollars to user payments. Both reductions help close the fiscal gap. My budget meets the states basic responsibilities to its citizens and is consistent with the Long Range Financial Planning Commissions recommendations. For the first time in decades, the states formula programs (which account for 51% of the FY97 operating budget) will not increase, thanks to aggressive management efforts, a healthy economy and several proposed budget cuts. Formula programs have historically experienced tremendous cost increases due to federal mandates, new program activities, growth in the populations being served and inflation. My 1997 proposed budget for formula programs is actually a very small decrease--0.6 percent-- from FY96. Within this, we have fully funded the K-12 education formula. The welfare reform legislation presented to you this week will direct savings from caseload reductions to get more people back to work so we can achieve even greater savings in the next five years. The budget proposes income limits for eligibility to receive Longevity Bonus payments and reduces some programs of state aid to local communities. The challenge of saying no to todays wants so we can say yes to our childrens needs will grow more difficult as the state's oil revenues decline. The changes I am proposing are not easy. They require leadership and commitment from Alaskas political leaders. I stand ready to work with you in meeting this challenge. Sincerely, /s/ Tony Knowles Governor HB 413 HOUSE BILL NO. 413 by the House Rules Committee by request of the Governor, entitled: 1996-01-12 House Journal Page 2428 HB 413 An Act making appropriations for the operating expenses of the states integrated comprehensive mental health program; and providing for an effective date. was read the first time and referred to the Finance Committee. The Governors transmittal letter, dated January 12, 1996, appears below: Dear Speaker Phillips: Under the authority of art. III, sec. 18, of the Alaska Constitution, and in accordance with AS 37.14.003, I am transmitting a separate appropriation bill limited to appropriations for the state's integrated comprehensive mental health program. In accordance with AS 37.14.003(b), an accompanying report explains the differences between the appropriation bill and the recommendations made by the Alaska Mental Health Trust Authority for expenditures from the general fund for the state's integrated comprehensive mental health program. The statutory requirement that appropriations for the state's mental health program be made by a separate appropriation bill was enacted as part of the settlement of the mental health trust litigation, Weiss v. State, 4FA-82-2208 Civil. The separate focus on appropriations from the general fund for the state's integrated comprehensive mental health program will improve the state's ability to meet the special needs of Alaskans who use any part of the program. I urge your prompt action on this legislation. Sincerely, /s/ Tony Knowles Governor HB 414 HOUSE BILL NO. 414 by Representative Green, entitled: 1996-01-12 House Journal Page 2429 HB 414 An Act requiring conciliation panel review in a civil action against an architect, engineer, or land surveyor; and providing for an effective date. was read the first time and referred to the Labor & Commerce and Judiciary Committees. HB 415 HOUSE BILL NO. 415 by the House Rules Committee by request of the Governor, entitled: An Act streamlining the functions of state government, including authorizing the commissioner of fish and game to award grants for certain resource activities; allowing agents selling fish and game licenses and tags to retain certain compensation; authorizing the Department of Health and Social Services to award grants for certain services for developmentally delayed or disabled children; relating to rabies control and administration of flour and bread standards by the Department of Environmental Conservation; repealing the Athletic Commission, the regulation of boxing and wrestling, the certification of professional geologists, and the Water Resources Board; repealing certain filing statements and bonds for enforcement and collection of certain taxes; and providing for an effective date. was read the first time and referred to the State Affairs, Health, Education & Social Services, Resources and Finance Committees. The following fiscal notes apply: Fiscal note, Dept. of Fish & Game, 1/12/96 Fiscal note, Dept. of Commerce & Economic Development, 1/12/96 Zero fiscal note, Dept. of Environmental Conservation, 1/12/96 Zero fiscal notes (2), Dept. of Health & Social Services, 1/12/96 Zero fiscal note, Dept. of Natural Resources, 1/12/96 Zero fiscal note, Dept. of Revenue, 1/12/96 The Governors transmittal letter, dated January 12, 1996, appears below: 1996-01-12 House Journal Page 2430 HB 415 Dear Speaker Phillips: I am offering this bill as part of my administrations goal to streamline state government. This legislation deletes requirements to perform several duties that are not essential for the public health, safety, or welfare and modifies some programs to increase efficiency. This bill involves several state agencies and a wide variety of programs. The following is a brief description of the legislation. Departments will offer more complete analyses during the committee hearings. Section 1 of the bill would add a new provision authorizing the commissioner of Fish and Game to directly award grants that serve some of that departments core missions--protecting, maintaining, improving, and extending public access to fish, game, and aquatic plant resources of Alaska. Currently, the department does not have authority to award grants and must channel money through other agencies. This causes delay and adds administrative cost. Sections 2- 4, and part of sec. 10 of the bill, would simplify the procedures regarding compensation for vendors who sell sport fishing and hunting licenses and tags on behalf of the state. Currently vendors keep some of the fees they collect as partial payment for their services and pass the balance on to the state. The state then reimburses the vendors for the rest of the compensation due to them. This proposal eliminates that last step by letting vendors calculate total payment due them up front and passing only the balance of the fees to the state. Sections 6 and 7 of the bill would allow the Department of Health and Social Services to award grants rather than contracts for its infant learning program which provides services for developmentally delayed or disabled children. The grant process should increase efficiencies within the department. Section 8 of the bill repeals the Department of Environmental Conservations requirement to regulate rabies reporting and animal constraint. This can be done with no threat to the public health and safety because of continued rabies control efforts by the Department of Health and Social Services coupled with local governments, which 1996-01-12 House Journal Page 2431 HB 415 routinely exercise animal control powers. In the unorganized borough, the Indian Health Service and village public safety officers fill this local role. Section 8 also repeals DECs authority to administer flour and bread standards, which have not been substantially revised since 1949. The federal government sets standards for flour and bread, making state standards unnecessary. Moreover, DEC already has authority to establish certain standards for food. Section 9 of the bill would repeal a number of statutes. It would first abolish the Athletic Commission and the Department of Commerce and Economic Developments regulatory oversight of professional boxing and wrestling. Professional boxing and wrestling matches are very infrequent in Alaska. Therefore, the license fees which are set in statute would have to be raised significantly in order to cover the cost of adequate oversight. Currently, the fees are much too low to allow the board and department to comply with their statutory responsibility. Section 9 would also repeal a requirement that the commissioner of commerce and economic development certify an applicant as a professional geologist if the applicant is already certified by the American Institute of Professional Geologists. This state certification requirement merely places a duty on the commissioner without providing an additional benefit to the public safety or welfare. Finally, sec. 9 would abolish the Water Resources Board. The board has not convened or conducted any business in the last few years for lack of legislative financing. Although the Department of Natural Resources will not assume all of the board's functions, it can and will advise the governor on major water policy issues when the need arises. Thus, the elimination of the board will not unreasonably diminish the ability of the state to address matters relating to water appropriations and use. A part of sec. 10 of the bill would repeal a requirement that nonresident businesses annually file information on sworn affidavits and tax bonds before conducting business in the state. This requirement was placed on nonresident businesses in 1955 when few of them had offices or property in the state. That made it difficult to 1996-01-12 House Journal Page 2432 HB 415 enforce payment of taxes and license fees. But that is no longer the case. The bonding requirement, unique to Alaska, creates an unfriendly business environment in the state. The program provides no benefit, is unproductive for business, and burdensome for state staff. I recommend that it be repealed. I urge your prompt consideration and passage of this bill that streamlines and improves the operations of state government. Sincerely, /s/ Tony Knowles Governor HB 416 HOUSE BILL NO. 416 by the House Rules Committee by request of the Governor, entitled: An Act relating to fees or assessment of costs for certain services provided by state government, including hearing costs related to the real estate surety fund; fees for authorization to operate a postsecondary educational institution or for an agents permit to perform services for a postsecondary educational institution; administrative fees for self-insurers in workers compensation; business license fees; fees for activities related to coastal zone management, training relating to emergency management response, regulation of pesticides and broadcast chemicals, and subdivision plans for sewage waste disposal or treatment; and providing for an effective date. was read the first time and referred to the State Affairs, Labor & Commerce, Resources and Finance Committees. The following fiscal notes apply: Fiscal note, Dept. of Commerce & Economic Development, 1/12/96 Fiscal notes (2), Dept. of Environmental Conservation, 1/12/96 Fiscal notes (2), Office of the Governor, 1/12/96 Fiscal note, Dept. of Labor, 1/12/96 1996-01-12 House Journal Page 2433 HB 416 Fiscal note, House Special Committee on Military & Veterans Affairs, 1/12/96 Fiscal note, Dept. of Revenue, 1/12/96 The Governors transmittal letter, dated January 12, 1996, appears below: Dear Speaker Phillips: As we work to close Alaskas budget gap, my fiscal plan combines spending cuts with increases in certain fees and taxes. This fee bill asks users of state services to take responsibility and help cover the costs of the agencies that serve them. Section 1 of the bill would grant to the Real Estate Commission the power to charge the real estate surety fund for claim hearing costs as they are incurred. Presently, the commission must await the conclusion of a hearing before charging the fund. Because these costs may have been incurred during a fiscal year that has since been closed out, the costs often cannot be reimbursed from the surety fund. In addition, this section would delete a misleading statutory reference to clarify that only the costs of surety fund claim hearings, and not the costs of all disciplinary hearings, may be charged to the fund. Section 2 would allow the Alaska Commission on Postsecondary Education to charge fees for processing educational institutions applications for authorization to operate, along with application fees for the institutions agent permits. Section 3 of the bill would authorize the State Commission for Human Rights to establish and charge fees for educational and training services and for information and materials the commission provides to the public. This amendment would help the commission cover costs associated with its education efforts to eliminate discrimination. Section 4 of the bill would establish an administrative fee for self- insured employers under the Alaska Workers Compensation Act. Most employers currently pay a portion of the cost of running the state workers compensation program through their insurance premium tax. 1996-01-12 House Journal Page 2434 HB 416 Self-insured employers, however, are receiving the same state services but are not currently contributing to the cost of running the system. Under this bill, employers would share in those costs. Section 5 would change the biennial fee for a business license from $50 to $75. This would mark the first fee increase since statehood. Section 6 of the bill would allow the Division of Governmental Coordination in the Office of the Governor to adopt regulations to charge for services related to federal consistency determinations and certifications under the Coastal Zone Management Act. Section 7 of the bill would authorize the Department of Military and Veterans Affairs to adopt regulations setting reasonable fees for classes and seminars on emergency response procedures. Section 8 of the bill would authorize the Department of Environmental Conservation to adopt regulations setting fees for the regulation of pesticides and broadcast chemicals and for the review of subdivision plans for sewage waste disposal or treatment. This legislation, coupled with my spending plan, is a step toward closing Alaskas budget gap. I urge your prompt consideration and passage of this bill. Sincerely, /s/ Tony Knowles Governor HB 417 HOUSE BILL NO. 417 by the House Rules Committee by request of the Governor, entitled: An Act relating to eligibility for the longevity bonus; and providing for an effective date. was read the first time and referred to the State Affairs, Health, Education & Social Services, Judiciary and Finance Committees. 1996-01-12 House Journal Page 2435 HB 417 The following fiscal notes apply: Fiscal note, Dept. of Administration, 1/12/96 Fiscal note, Dept. of Health & Social Services, 1/12/96 Zero fiscal note, Dept. of Health & Social Services, 1/12/96 The Governors transmittal letter, dated January 12, 1996, appears below: Dear Speaker Phillips: Under the authority of art. III, sec. 18 of the Alaska Constitution, I am transmitting a bill that makes Alaska senior citizens with high incomes ineligible to receive the longevity bonus. The bill also disqualifies longevity bonus recipients who are absent from the state, for reasons within their control, for 180 days or more within any one-year period. I believe that these changes in the program are necessary as a cost containment measure as we look for ways to reduce state spending and to address our budget gap. The income maximum portion of this bill would disqualify a senior citizen from receiving the bonus if his or her gross income exceeds $60,000 a year. A married couple would be disqualified if the spouses combined gross income exceeds $80,000 a year. Although the 1993 amendments to the bonus statutes, which closed the program to people not applying by the end of this year, will eventually lead to reduced costs for the longevity bonus, the short-term savings have been relatively small, as expected. We estimate that enacting the income maximum for eligibility could reduce the cost of the program by about eight percent, or about $6 million annually. I am aware that many seniors within the state oppose needs-basing the bonus program, somehow equating it to welfare. This bill does not do that. Approximately 92 percent of seniors currently on the program, or more than 27,000 people, would see no change in their bonuses. Setting income caps at a relatively high level does not limit the bonus to only those senior citizens who rely on it for the necessities of life. Instead, the high cap is intended to take the bonus 1996-01-12 House Journal Page 2436 HB 417 away from only those recipients who should not be even minimally affected by the loss. The bill looks only at income, and not assets, so that recipients with moderate incomes will continue to receive the bonus even if they own valuable but nonliquid assets, such as homestead property or a residence that has greatly increased in value over the years. The bill also provides that a recipient disqualified by reason of the income maximum is not permanently disqualified. If his or her income drops, or circumstances change, the recipient can become eligible again. This will protect recipients on fixed incomes who enjoy a one-time gain from the sale of a residence or some other asset. Similarly, the bill contains a special provision for persons who become eligible for the longevity bonus by age and residency in 1996 and apply before January 1, 1997, but are disqualified because of the income maximum. If those persons subsequently become eligible, they will be entitled to $100 a month payments. The second part of the bill is intended to address a specific problem: bonus recipients who spend little of the year in Alaska, but time their absences so that they are never out of Alaska for more than 90 days at a time. The bill would disqualify recipients who are out of the state for 180 days or more in any one-year period, excluding absences beyond the recipients control. This is in keeping with the original intent of the program to assist seniors who are truly residents of Alaska. I urge your prompt consideration and passage of this bill. Sincerely, /s/ Tony Knowles Governor HB 418 HOUSE BILL NO. 418 by the House Rules Committee by request of the Governor, entitled: 1996-01-12 House Journal Page 2437 HB 418 An Act relating to salaries for certain officers and employees who are not members of a collective bargaining unit; and providing for an effective date. was read the first time and referred to the Health, Education & Social Services, State Affairs, Labor & Commerce and Finance Committees. The following fiscal notes apply: Fiscal note, Alaska Court System, 1/12/96 Fiscal note, Legislative Affairs Agency, 1/12/96 The Governors transmittal letter, dated January 12, 1996, appears below: Dear Speaker Phillips: Under the authority of art. III, sec. 18, of the Alaska Constitution, I am transmitting a bill relating to the salaries of state employees who are not members of a collective bargaining unit. This bill would provide for increases in the salary schedule in AS39.27.011(a), effective July 1, 1996, July 1, 1997, and July1,1998, if the federal cost-of-living index indicates that there has been an increase in the cost of living during the previous calendar year. The language describing the percentage of increase--capped at 1.5 percent--is derived from the recently negotiated agreements between the state and most employees covered by collective bargaining including: the Alaska State Employees Association, which represents employees in the largest state bargaining unit, the General Government Unit; the Alaska Public Employees Association, representing the Supervisory Unit; and Public Employees Local 71, representing the Labor, Trades, and Crafts Unit. State employees whose salaries are governed by the salary schedule in AS39.27.011(a) have not had a cost-of-living adjustment in their salaries since 1991. All state employees whose salaries are determined by collective bargaining have had at least one cost-of-living adjustment that was not given to the salary schedule employees; members of some collective bargaining units have had more than one such adjustment. 1996-01-12 House Journal Page 2438 HB 418 This bill recognizes that inflation affects salary schedule employees just as it affects bargaining unit employees. This bill does not attempt to equalize the salary schedules of the unionized and non-unionized work forces; it is simply designed to guarantee that, through fiscal year 1999, non-unionized workers receive the same cost-of-living protection as their unionized colleagues. I urge your prompt consideration and passage of this bill. Sincerely, /s/ Tony Knowles Governor HB 419 HOUSE BILL NO. 419 by Representative Kott, entitled: An Act relating to the disposal of firearms and ammunition by the state or a municipality. was read the first time and referred to the State Affairs and Judiciary Committees. CONSIDERATION OF THE DAILY CALENDAR LEGISLATIVE CITATIONS Representative Vezey moved and asked unanimous consent that the House approve the citations on the calendar. There being no objection, the following citations were approved and sent to enrolling: Honoring - Alaska State Trooper Rose Edgren, State Medal of Heroism Recipient By Senator Lincoln; Representatives Kubina, Phillips, Austerman, Barnes, Brice, Brown, Bunde, Davies, B.Davis, G.Davis, Elton, Foster, Green, Grussendorf, Hanley, Ivan, James, Kelly, Kohring, Kott, Mackie, MacLean, Masek, Mulder, Navarre, Nicholia, Ogan, Parnell, Porter, Robinson, Rokeberg, Sanders, Therriault, Toohey, Willis 1996-01-12 House Journal Page 2439 In Memoriam - Donald C. Teeluk By Representatives Foster, Phillips, Brice, B.Davis, Elton, Ivan, James, Kott, Kubina, Mackie, MacLean, Masek, Mulder, Nicholia, Parnell, Robinson, Rokeberg, Sanders, Toohey, Willis In Memoriam - Isamu Sam Taguchi By Representatives Elton, Robinson, Phillips, Brice, B.Davis, Foster, Hanley, Ivan, James, Kott, Kubina, Mackie, MacLean, Masek, Nicholia, Robinson, Rokeberg, Sanders, Therriault, Toohey, Willis; Senator Duncan In Memoriam - Dr. Howard Cutler By Representatives Brice, Davies, Phillips, B.Davis, Elton, James, Kelly, Kott, Kubina, Mackie, Nicholia, Ogan, Robinson, Rokeberg, Therriault, Willis In Memoriam - Sandra E. White By Representatives Davies, Brice, B.Davis, Elton, Foster, James, Kott, Kubina, Mackie, Nicholia, Robinson, Rokeberg, Therriault, Willis In Memoriam - H. Prentiss H.P. Gazaway By Senator Ellis; Representatives Brice, Brown, B.Davis, Elton, Finkelstein, Foster, Hanley, James, Kohring, Kott, Kubina, Mackie, Nicholia, Robinson, Therriault, Toohey, Willis In Memoriam - Nicholas Ayaginar Charles By Senators Hoffman, Adams, Lincoln, Zharoff, Duncan; Representatives Ivan, Foster, Nicholia, Phillips, Brice, B.Davis, Elton, Foster, Ivan, James, Kott, Kubina, Mackie, MacLean, Masek, Robinson, Rokeberg, Sanders, Toohey, Willis In Memoriam - Harold Kehoe By Senator Hoffman, Representatives, Brice, B.Davis, Elton, Foster, Ivan, James, Kott, Kubina, Mackie, Masek, Nicholia, Robinson, Rokeberg, Sanders, Toohey, Willis UNFINISHED BUSINESS Representative Vezey moved and asked unanimous consent that the following members be excused from a call of the House. There being no objection, the members were excused as noted: 1996-01-12 House Journal Page 2440 Representative Brown - from 6:50 p.m., plane time, January 12 to 1:45 p.m., plane time, January 27, 1996 Representative Therriault - from 10:00 a.m., plane time, January 15 to 9:20 a.m., plane time, January 16, 1996 Representative Nicholia - from 1:00 p.m., plane time, January 12 to 10:00 a.m., plane time, January 16, 1996 HJR 53 Representatives Elton and Navarre added their names as cosponsors to: HOUSE JOINT RESOLUTION NO. 53 Proposing an amendment to the Constitution of the State of Alaska relating to voter ratification of legislative approval of amendments of the Alaska Statehood Act affecting an interest of the State of Alaska under that Act. HB 71 Representative Kohring added his name as cosponsor to: HOUSE BILL NO. 71 An Act relating to the location of the convening of the legislature in regular session; and providing for an effective date. ANNOUNCEMENTS House committee schedules are published daily under separate cover. Reception for Representatives MacLean and Long After adjournment, Speakers Chambers, 1/12 Majority Caucus 3:30 p.m., 1/12 1996-01-12 House Journal Page 2441 ADJOURNMENT Representative Vezey moved and asked unanimous consent that the House adjourn until 11:00 a.m., January 16, 1996. There being no objection, the House adjourned at 11:27 a.m. Suzi Lowell Chief Clerk