Legislature(1995 - 1996)
1996-02-09 Senate Journal
Full Journal pdf1996-02-09 Senate Journal Page 2343 SENATE JOURNAL ALASKA STATE LEGISLATURE NINETEENTH LEGISLATURE - SECOND SESSION Juneau, Alaska Friday Thirty-third Day Pursuant to adjournment the Senate was called to order by President pro tempore Halford at 11:05 a.m. The roll showed sixteen members present. Senator Pearce was excused from a call of the Senate. Senators Ellis, Frank, Taylor were absent. The prayer was offered by the Chaplain, Pastor Jon Paden of the Juneau Church of Christ. Senator Duncan moved and asked unanimous consent that the prayer be spread. Without objection, it was so ordered. Dearest God, Thank You for life. Thank You for serenity. Please, receive these hymns as the meditations of our hearts: Be our strength in hours of weakness, In our wanderings be our share; Through endeavor, failure, danger Father, be Thou at our side. Drop thy still dews of quietness, Till all our strivings cease; Take from our souls the strain and stress, And let our ordered lives confess The beauty of Thy peace. May we remember the humble, the elders, the children, the quiet people of this Great Land. I come to You in the name of peace, Jesus Christ. Amen. Senator Sharp led the Senate in the pledge of allegiance. 2343 1996-02-09 Senate Journal Page 2344 The presence of Senator Ellis was noted. CERTIFICATION Senator Rieger, Acting Majority Leader, moved and asked unanimous consent that the journals for the thirty-first and thirty-second legislative days be approved as certified by the Secretary. Without objection, it was so ordered. MESSAGES FROM THE GOVERNOR SB 166 Message of February 8 was read, stating the Governor signed the following bill and transmitted the engrossed and enrolled copies to the Lieutenant Governors Office for permanent filing: SENATE BILL NO. 166 am An Act relating to the date by which a borough school board is required to submit a school budget to the borough assembly and the date by which the borough assembly is required to appropriate money from local sources for public schools; and providing for an effective date. Chapter 1, SLA 1996 Effective Date: 2/9/96 MESSAGES FROM THE HOUSE Message of February 7 was read, stating the House passed and transmitted for consideration: FIRST READING AND REFERENCE OF HOUSE BILLS HB 210 CS FOR HOUSE BILL NO. 210(STA) am BY THE HOUSE STATE AFFAIRS COMMITTEE, entitled: An Act relating to issuance of motor vehicle registrations and titles, and to licenses and permits to operate a motor vehicle. 1996-02-09 Senate Journal Page 2345 HB 210 was read the first time and referred to the Transportation and State Affairs Committees. STANDING COMMITTEE REPORTS SCR 23 The State Affairs Committee considered SENATE CONCURRENT RESOLUTION NO. 23 Relating to long range financial planning, and recommended it be replaced with CS FOR SENATE CONCURRENT RESOLUTION NO. 23(STA) Signing do pass: Senator Sharp, Chair, Senators Phillips, Leman. Signing no recommendation, should have been more time for public hearing: Senator Duncan. Signing no recommendation, should have had better notice of public hearing to allow public testimony on Committee Substitute: Senator Donley. Zero fiscal note for the Committee Substitute published today from the State Affairs Committee. The resolution was referred to the Rules Committee. The presence of Senators Frank, Taylor was noted. SB 178 The Finance Committee considered SENATE BILL NO. 178 An Act relating to small employer health insurance. Signing do pass: Senator Frank, Cochair, Senators Rieger, Phillips, Sharp. Signing no recommendation: Senator Halford, Cochair, Senators Donley, Zharoff. Previous zero fiscal note. The bill was referred to the Rules Committee. 1996-02-09 Senate Journal Page 2346 INTRODUCTION AND REFERENCE OF SENATE RESOLUTIONS SJR 35 SENATE JOINT RESOLUTION NO. 35 BY SENATORS DUNCAN, Salo, Ellis, Adams, Hoffman, Lincoln, Zharoff, Proposing an amendment to the Constitution of the State of Alaska relating to the education endowment account in the permanent fund. was read the first time and referred to the Judiciary, Health, Education and Social Services and Finance Committees. INTRODUCTION AND REFERENCE OF SENATE BILLS SB 272 SENATE BILL NO. 272 BY SENATORS TORGERSON, Taylor, entitled: An Act relating to small claims actions; relating to actions that may be heard by a magistrate; relating to representation by an attorney in civil actions in which a corporation is a party and to representation by an attorney in certain civil claims asserted by assignment; amending Rules 11(a)(4), 15(c), and 17(b), Alaska District Court Rules of Civil Procedure; and providing for an effective date. was read the first time and referred to the Judiciary Committee. SB 273 SENATE BILL NO. 273 BY SENATOR LINCOLN, entitled: An Act relating to Native handicrafts and other articles made in the state. was read the first time and referred to the State Affairs and Labor and Commerce Committees. 1996-02-09 Senate Journal Page 2347 SB 274 SENATE BILL NO. 274 BY SENATORS HALFORD, Sharp, Green, entitled: An Act relating to the noise levels of airports and sport shooting facilities. was read the first time and referred to the Transportation Committee. SB 275 SENATE BILL NO. 275 BY THE SENATE RULES COMMITTEE BY REQUEST OF THE GOVERNOR, entitled: An Act relating to state procurement practices and procedures; and providing for an effective date. was read the first time and referred to the State Affairs, Judiciary and Finance Committees. Fiscal notes published today from Department of Administration, Department of Transportation and Public Facilities. Zero fiscal notes published today from Department of Health and Social Services, Department of Revenue, University of Alaska, Department of Administration (2), Department of Corrections, Department of Law, Office of the Governor, Department of Education, Department of Fish and Game, Department of Public Safety, Department of Commerce and Economic Development, Department of Environmental Conservation, Department of Labor, Department of Natural Resources, Department of Community and Regional Affairs, Department of Military and Veterans Affairs. Governors transmittal letter dated February 9: Dear President Pearce: Under the authority of art. III, sec. 18, of the Alaska Constitution, I am transmitting a bill that proposes to change state procurement practices to make them more efficient, effective and economic while preserving public accountability. 1996-02-09 Senate Journal Page 2348 SB 275 Todays rapidly changing business environment, coupled with declining state revenue, underscores the importance of streamlining our administrative practices. This bill responds to that need by reducing costs, simplifying procurement practices, focusing on results, and empowering procurement officers to make sound purchasing decisions. The proposed revisions to the state procurement code set out in this bill are the result of recommendations made by the statewide Procurement Advisory Council, formed by the Department of Administration, to review and streamline statewide procurement practices. The council is made up of private, state and University of Alaska procurement professionals, vendors and small business advocates. Critics rightfully argue that government procurement is not getting the best value for the public. Some current practices impede an agencys ability to accomplish its business, and are not efficient. This bill seeks to correct these problems by simplifying acquisition of office leases under 5,000 square feet and giving procurement officers the discretion to shorten the solicitation process when adequate competition exists along with the ability to enter into a single source contract when in the best interest of the state. This bill also would allow state agencies, including the legislative council, University of Alaska and state Supreme Court, to enter into or renew lease-purchase agreements for real property without legislative approval if the annual payment does not exceed $500,000 and total lease-purchase payments do not exceed $2.5 million. This mirrors the threshold lease rates in current statute for which no legislative approval is needed. And this proposal simplifies small procurements by increasing their dollar limit to the levels set in the Federal Acquisition Streamlining Act of 1994. This bill will result in cost savings for the state because of streamlined acquisition methods and more economic contracts that will allow for lease extensions in return for rent concessions; purchases from General Services Administration supply schedules as authorized in the Federal Acquisition Streamlining Act of 1994; and prevention of preference brokering that adds cost to contracts without adding value. 1996-02-09 Senate Journal Page 2349 SB 275 Contractors and bidders have been critical of the costly and time- consuming protest process under the current procurement code. This bill allows a simplified protest process for small procurement to provide more immediate and less costly redress of procurement actions. The procurement process is often identified as a barrier to accomplishing the states business. This bill establishes an innovative procurement track allowing the purchase of new, unique services or supplies or technologies in controlled circumstances without strict adherence to the formal invitation to bid or competitive sealed proposal rules. This permits and encourages a tailored, innovative solution aimed at reducing costs and improving results. This provision also looks to the future through a reporting mechanism that will allow procurement officers to see what works and doesnt work in applying this process for purchasing new services and supplies. That will help build better, faster, and cheaper solutions for tomorrows procurement culture. Integrity, competition, and accountability must remain at the very core of our procurement process. With increased discretion for procurement officers, increased accountability is also expected. Anyone making a false statement or providing false evidence in the alternate source selection process would be guilty of a class A misdemeanor. The changes offered in this bill simplify and streamline state procurement practices and will result in more efficiency and cost savings in the acquisition of services and supplies. I urge your support of this bill. Sincerely, /s/ Tony Knowles Governor 1996-02-09 Senate Journal Page 2350 SB 276 SENATE BILL NO. 276 BY THE SENATE RULES COMMITTEE BY REQUEST OF THE GOVERNOR, entitled: An Act relating to the calculation of unemployment insurance benefits; and providing for an effective date. was read the first time and referred to the Labor and Commerce and Finance Committees. Fiscal note published today from Department of Labor. Governors transmittal letter dated February 9: Dear President Pearce: Under the authority of art. III, sec. 18, of the Alaska Constitution, I am transmitting a bill increasing unemployment insurance benefits. For years the unemployment insurance system has enabled Alaska workers, their families, and their communities to weather periods of unemployment with their economic well-being and dignity intact. Recent events in Sitka and Wrangell, as well as in other areas of the state affected by plant closures or layoffs, have demonstrated all too well the importance of this safety net for our working men and women. The schedule of benefits for unemployment insurance has not been adjusted to increase the maximum weekly benefit amount since 1990. Alaska currently ranks 49th in the nation in unemployment insurance wage replacement, with the average weekly benefit amount only slightly more than 27 percent of the average weekly wage for the state. In terms of the maximum weekly benefit amount, Alaska ranks 35th in the nation, notwithstanding the higher cost of living here. 1996-02-09 Senate Journal Page 2351 SB 276 The current benefit schedule uses a workers yearly wage to determine the weekly benefit amount. The minimum qualifying wage amount is $1,000, which provides a weekly unemployment insurance benefit amount of $44. For each $250 a worker earns over $1,000, two dollars is added to the benefit amount. Weekly benefits are now capped at $212 based on maximum wages of $22,250. This bill would keep the current benefit schedule in place but would replace the current fixed cap with a flexible cap. The new cap on wages would be 75 percent of the average annual Alaska wage, exactly the same as the wage base on which employers and workers are taxed to support the system. Bringing the maximum qualifying wages up to the wage base would raise the maximum benefit amount from $212 to $238 in 1997. The average cost to employers in the year 2000 will be approximately one dollar per employee per week. Thirty-five states use a flexible benefits standard driven by changes in the average weekly wage. The advantage of such a system is that it integrates the benefit standard into the self-adjusting unemployment trust fund formula, which is directly tied to the performance of the state's economy. As average wages rise, the standard for unemployment insurance benefits keeps pace in terms of income replacement. If wages fall, as they did during the 1986-1987 recession, the maximum weekly benefit decreases, and the employer tax burden decreases. I want to emphasize that this is a modest proposal. The bill would raise Alaskas wage replacement less than one percent. While not enough to change our wage replacement ranging among the states, this small change would provide a measure of additional security to Alaskas average wage earners and help slow the erosion of purchasing power during hard times. As we work together to strengthen Alaska's economy to provide quality jobs for Alaska's families and to move certain low-income people from welfare to work, we must ensure that there is an adequate safety net in place to allow unemployed workers sufficient finances to remain in their homes, in their communities, and in Alaska until they are reemployed. 1996-02-09 Senate Journal Page 2352 SB 276 I urge your support of this important legislation as a matter of fairness and equity for Alaska workers and businesses. Sincerely, /s/ Tony Knowles Governor SB 277 SENATE BILL NO. 277 BY SENATOR TAYLOR, entitled: An Act relating to charitable gaming and gaming on state ferries; and providing for an effective date. was read the first time and referred to the Judiciary and Finance Committees. SB 278 SENATE BILL NO. 278 BY SENATOR TAYLOR, entitled: An Act relating to the authority of the Department of Natural Resources to allow credits against fees at state historical parks. was read the first time and referred to the Resources and Finance Committees. SB 279 SENATE BILL NO. 279 BY SENATOR TORGERSON, entitled: An Act relating to salmon classics and race classics. was read the first time and referred to the Judiciary and Finance Committees. SB 280 SENATE BILL NO. 280 BY SENATORS TORGERSON, Green, Phillips, entitled: 1996-02-09 Senate Journal Page 2353 SB 280 An Act relating to the mandatory incorporation of certain boroughs in the unorganized borough. was read the first time and referred to the Community and Regional Affairs and State Affairs Committees. SB 281 SENATE BILL NO. 281 BY SENATOR DUNCAN, entitled: An Act relating to unfair discrimination against a marital and family therapist under a group health insurance policy. was read the first time and referred to the Labor and Commerce, State Affairs and Judiciary Committees. SB 282 SENATE BILL NO. 282 BY SENATORS DUNCAN, Ellis, entitled: An Act relating to regulation of managed care health insurance plans and utilization review companies; and providing for an effective date. was read the first time and referred to the Labor and Commerce, Judiciary and Finance Committees. SB 283 SENATE BILL NO. 283 BY THE SENATE RULES COMMITTEE BY REQUEST OF THE GOVERNOR, entitled: An Act relating to filing, recording, and indexing of documents with or by the Department of Natural Resources; repealing certain filing requirements concerning property involving nonresident aliens; and providing for an effective date. was read the first time and referred to the Resources, State Affairs and Finance Committees. Fiscal note published today from Department of Natural Resources. 1996-02-09 Senate Journal Page 2354 SB 283 Governor's transmittal letter dated February 9: Dear President Pearce: Under the authority of art. III, sec 18, of the Alaska Constitution, I am transmitting a bill relating to changes in state recording laws administered by the Department of Natural Resources. This bill clarifies the criteria for the recording of documents by the department and provides changes to improve the efficiency of the recording function, a service that is provided to all Alaskans through recording offices located in fourteen rural and urban locations across the state. Comprehensive changes were made to recording laws in 1988. A number of provisions were consolidated and a classification system identifying documents eligible for recording was enacted. In practice, this system has required significant staffing time to determine whether a document offered for recording falls within one or more of the specific statutory classifications. Further, because of the ambiguities in the current recording statutes, recording staff have frequently had to step beyond mere ministerial functions when processing documents in an effort to apply the current cumbersome statutory language. The changes proposed in this bill would permit the recording of documents without having to follow the complicated classification system in current law. Minor changes regarding filings under the Uniform Commercial Code (UCC) are also addressed. The bill adds a provision requiring the maintenance of a central office within the Department of Natural Resources for the filing of secured transaction documents under the UCC. The bill also repeals several obsolete or redundant provisions including one concerning duplicate copies of documents relating to mining properties; a provision regarding indexing of common interest community documents; and a provision requiring reports to the Department of Commerce and Economic Development concerning conveyances to nonresident aliens. 1996-02-09 Senate Journal Page 2355 SB 283 By removing such ambiguities and conflicts within the current recording statutes, this bill will streamline the workflow of the recording process and reduce the amount of time currently spent reviewing documents offered for recording. This will also reduce the numbers of documents that are rejected. These proposed efficiencies will enable the recording system to direct necessary resources to the archival projects now underway to improve the permanent public records for the benefit of future generations of Alaskans. I urge your passage of this bill. Sincerely, /s/ Tony Knowles Governor SB 284 SENATE BILL NO. 284 BY THE SENATE RULES COMMITTEE BY REQUEST OF THE GOVERNOR, entitled: An Act relating to the four dam pool transfer fund and the power development fund. was read the first time and referred to the Resources, State Affairs and Finance Committees. Fiscal notes published today from Department of Community and Regional Affairs (3). Zero fiscal note published today from Department of Commerce and Economic Development. Governor's transmittal letter dated February 9: Dear President Pearce: Under the authority of art. III, sec. 18, of the Alaska Constitution, I am transmitting a bill modifying the distribution of money from the four dam pool transfer fund and making necessary changes to the power development fund. These changes are needed to allow the Alaska Energy Authority (AEA) to issue bonds for needed repairs to the four dam pool projects. 1996-02-09 Senate Journal Page 2356 SB 284 The Tyee transmission line links the communities of Wrangell and Petersburg to the Tyee Lake hydroelectric project. The transmission line has been out of operation on three occasions over the last several years because of significant deficiencies in the line. Repairs are immediately needed to ensure that the line can operate without a catastrophic failure. In addition, repairs are required to the Terror Lake hydroelectric project power tunnel. Due, at least in part, to design deficiencies, the Terror Lake power tunnel has not performed in accordance with reasonable standards. Under the long-term power sales agreement between the AEA and the purchasing utilities of the four dam pool, the required repairs to the Tyee transmission line and some of the repairs to the Terror Lake power tunnel are obligations of the AEA. Under the agreement, the utilities make annual debt service payments to the state. Over the past several years, these payments have amounted to between $8 million and $11 million annually. The utilities may reduce or withhold this payment, however, if the AEA lacks sufficient money to fulfill its obligations under the agreement. The ability to withhold payment is generally referred to as the utilities self-help right. Since the Tyee transmission line repairs and some of the Terror Lake tunnel repairs are obligations of the AEA, the purchasing utilities could withhold the annual debt service payment to provide money for these repairs. In fact, under a settlement agreement with AEA, the purchasing utilities invoked their self-help right last fiscal year and withheld $4 million to conduct engineering for the required repairs. The debt service payment made by the utilities is deposited into the four dam pool transfer fund. Under current law, subject to appropriation, 40 percent of the balance in the four dam pool transfer fund is transferred to the power cost equalization and rural electric capitalization fund; 40 percent goes to the Southeast energy fund; and 20 percent goes to the power project fund. AEA intends to issue up to $25 million of bonds to finance the immediately needed Tyee transmission line repairs and the obligations of the AEA with respect to the Terror Lake power tunnel for these repairs. That would prevent the utilities from withholding their debt service payments. Under existing law, AEA has the 1996-02-09 Senate Journal Page 2357 SB 284 authority to issue these bonds and they may carry the moral obligation of the state. The bonds will have a term of no more than 25 years. Annual payments are estimated at between $3 million and $5 million and will begin no later than July 1, 1998. The purpose of the deferral of bond payments to July 1, 1998, is to give the AEA time to develop a long-term plan for the four dam pool facilities. The AEA is currently negotiating to sell the dams to the utilities. If the sales take place, the bonds will be paid off before any debt service payments are due. In order to make the proposed bonds marketable, bond investors must be assured that a secure revenue source is available for the debt service on the bonds. There are two critical elements to ensure this secure revenue source. First, the utilities must limit the self-help right under the power sales agreement to guarantee that a sufficient payment is made to the AEA to cover the debt service. In that regard, the four dam pool project management committee and the AEA entered into an agreement whereby the utilities will limit their self-help right. The second critical element is to ensure that the first call on the payments made by the utilities is for the debt service related to the bond issue. This bill accomplishes that second critical element. Section 1 of the bill modifies current law so that, subject to appropriation, an amount necessary to cover the debt service on the loans or bonds will be transferred from the four dam pool fund to the AEA power development fund. Section 2 of the bill clarifies that money in the AEA power development fund can also be used for repairing and improving power projects constructed or acquired before August 11, 1993. This bill will allow the immediately needed repairs on the four dam pool facilities to go forward. Meanwhile, discussions will continue with the utilities to develop a long-term solution to the financing and economic needs of the projects. I urge your passage of this bill. Sincerely, /s/ Tony Knowles Governor 1996-02-09 Senate Journal Page 2358 SB 285 SENATE BILL NO. 285 BY SENATORS HALFORD, Green, Miller, Frank, Sharp, entitled: An Act relating to management of discrete salmon stocks and to a salmon management assessment; and providing for an effective date. was read the first time and referred to the Resources and Finance Committees. SB 286 SENATE BILL NO. 286 BY SENATORS DUNCAN, Salo, Ellis, Adams, Hoffman, Lincoln, Zharoff, entitled: An Act making an appropriation from the earnings reserve account to the principal of the permanent fund; making an appropriation from the budget reserve fund under art. IX, sec. 17(c), Constitution of the State of Alaska, to the principal of the permanent fund; and providing for an effective date. was read the first time and referred to the State Affairs, Health, Education and Social Services and Finance Committees. SB 287 SENATE BILL NO. 287 BY SENATOR TORGERSON, entitled: An Act relating to the unincorporated community capital project matching grant program; and providing for an effective date. was read the first time and referred to the Community and Regional Affairs and Finance Committees. SB 288 SENATE BILL NO. 288 BY SENATORS DUNCAN, Ellis, entitled: 1996-02-09 Senate Journal Page 2359 SB 288 An Act establishing the Alaska Health Purchasing Alliance; relating to group health insurance provided to employees of the University of Alaska, to employers and employees, to uninsured residents of the state, to certain Medicaid enrollees, and to persons in state custody; and providing for an effective date. was read the first time and referred to the Labor and Commerce, State Affairs and Finance Committees. CONSIDERATION OF THE CALENDAR SECOND READING OF SENATE BILLS SB 165 SENATE BILL NO. 165 An Act relating to psychologists and psychological associates was read the second time. Senator Kelly moved and asked unanimous consent for the adoption of the Labor and Commerce Committee Substitute offered on page 2262. Senator Adams objected, then withdrew his objection. There being no further objection, CS FOR SENATE BILL NO. 165(L&C) was adopted and read the second time. Senator Rieger, Acting Majority Leader, moved and asked unanimous consent that the bill be considered engrossed, advanced to third reading and placed on final passage. Without objection, it was so ordered. CS FOR SENATE BILL NO. 165(L&C) was read the third time. The question being: Shall CS FOR SENATE BILL NO. 165(L&C) An Act relating to psychologists and psychological associates pass the Senate? The roll was taken with the following result: 1996-02-09 Senate Journal Page 2360 SB 165 CSSB 165(L&C) Third Reading - Final Passage YEAS: 19 NAYS: 0 EXCUSED: 1 ABSENT: 0 Yeas: Adams, Donley, Duncan, Ellis, Frank, Green, Halford, Hoffman, Kelly, Leman, Lincoln, Miller, R.Phillips, Rieger, Salo, Sharp, Taylor, Torgerson, Zharoff Excused: Pearce and so, CS FOR SENATE BILL NO. 165(L&C) passed the Senate, and was referred to the Secretary for engrossment. CITATIONS Honoring - Patrick L. Sharrock Senator(s) Taylor, R. Phillips, Halford, Duncan, Adams, Zharoff, Pearce, Kelly, Leman, Rieger, Lincoln, Hoffman, Green Honoring - Delegates to the Alaska Constitutional Convention Representative(s) Vezey Senator(s) Green, Miller, R. Phillips, Duncan, Taylor, Adams, Zharoff, Pearce, Sharp, Kelly, Leman, Hoffman, Donley, Rieger, Lincoln, Halford, Frank Recognizing Family Child Care Week, March 18-23, 1996 Senator(s) Leman, Green, R. Phillips, Halford, Duncan, Taylor, Adams, Zharoff, Pearce, Salo, Kelly, Hoffman, Rieger, Lincoln, Miller, Frank Honoring - Sherrie Markin Goll Senator(s) Ellis, R. Phillips, Duncan, Taylor, Adams, Zharoff, Pearce, Salo, Hoffman, Rieger, Lincoln, Frank Representative(s) Robinson In Memoriam - Harold Herning Representative(s) Vezey, Brice, James, Therriault, Davies Senator(s) Frank, Miller, Sharp, Green, Duncan, Taylor, Kelly, Hoffman, Lincoln, Leman 1996-02-09 Senate Journal Page 2361 In Memoriam - Donald Smokey Schroeder Representative(s) Willis Senator(s) Halford, R. Phillips, Green, Duncan, Taylor, Kelly, Hoffman, Donley, Lincoln, Leman In Memoriam - Anthony W. Tony Thomas Senator(s) Duncan, Taylor, Zharoff, Kelly, Hoffman, Donley, Lincoln, Leman Representative(s) Elton, Robinson In Memoriam - Clarence Mead Wren Representative(s) Ivan Senator(s) Hoffman, Halford, Duncan, Taylor, Zharoff, Kelly, Lincoln, Leman, Green Senator Rieger, Acting Majority Leader, moved and asked unanimous consent that the citations be adopted. Without objection, the citations were adopted and referred to the Secretary for transmittal. UNFINISHED BUSINESS RECONSIDERATION OF HOUSE BILLS HB 32 Senator Adams requested that the reconsideration on CS FOR HOUSE BILL NO. 32(FIN) am S An Act relating to administrative proceedings involving a determination of eligibility for a permanent fund dividend or authority to claim a dividend on behalf of another; and providing for an effective date be taken up. CS FOR HOUSE BILL NO. 32(FIN) am S was before the Senate on reconsideration. Senator Rieger, Acting Majority Leader, moved and asked unanimous consent that the bill be held to the February 12 calendar. Without objection, it was so ordered. CS FOR HOUSE BILL NO. 32(FIN) am S will appear in third reading on reconsideration on the February 12 calendar. 1996-02-09 Senate Journal Page 2362 SPECIAL ORDERS SCR 23 Senator Salo moved that a Finance referral be added to SENATE CONCURRENT RESOLUTION NO. 23 Relating to long range financial planning. Senator Halford ruled the motion out of order. Senator Salo moved and asked unanimous consent to return to Unfinished Business. Without objection, it was so ordered. UNFINISHED BUSINESS Senator Salo moved that a Finance referral be added to SENATE CONCURRENT RESOLUTION NO. 23. Senator Taylor objected. The question being: Shall a Finance referral be added to SENATE CONCURRENT RESOLUTION NO. 23? The roll was taken with the following result: SCR 23 Add FIN referral YEAS: 9 NAYS: 10 EXCUSED: 1 ABSENT: 0 Yeas: Adams, Donley, Duncan, Ellis, Hoffman, Lincoln, Salo, Sharp, Zharoff Nays: Frank, Green, Halford, Kelly, Leman, Miller, R.Phillips, Rieger, Taylor, Torgerson Excused: Pearce and so, the motion failed. SB 270 Senator Frank moved and asked unanimous consent that he be shown as a cosponsor on SENATE BILL NO. 270 An Act relating to juveniles; relating to the jurisdiction of juvenile courts; relating to the release of juveniles; and relating to records concerning juveniles. Without objection, it was so ordered. 1996-02-09 Senate Journal Page 2363 ANNOUNCEMENTS Announcements are at the end of the journal. ENGROSSMENT SB 165 CS FOR SENATE BILL NO. 165(L&C) An Act relating to psychologists and psychological associates was engrossed, signed by the President pro tempore and Secretary and transmitted to the House for consideration. ADJOURNMENT Senator Rieger, Acting Majority Leader, moved and asked unanimous consent that the Senate stand in adjournment until 11:00 a.m., February 12, 1996. Without objection, the Senate adjourned at 12:22 p.m. Nancy Quinto Secretary of the Senate February 1996 1996-02-09 Senate Journal Page 2364 ANNOUNCEMENTS NOTICE - AMERICANS WITH DISABILITIES ACT Persons with disabilities who require special accommodation or alternative communication formats to access committee meetings may contact the appropriate committee office or the Legislative Information Office in their community. Reasonable advance notice is needed to accommodate the request. For further information, call the ADA Coordinator at 465-3854 Voice/465-4980 TDD. + indicates teleconference STANDING COMMITTEES COMMUNITY & REGIONAL AFFAIRS BUTROVICH ROOM 205 FEB 09 FRIDAY 1:30 PM NO MEETING SCHEDULED FEB 12 MONDAY 1:30 PM SCR 14UNIVERSITY OF ALASKA STUDENT HOUSING SB 163APPROVE U OF A DEBT FOR STUDENT HOUSING SB 229STATE TRAINING & EMPLOYMENT PROGRAM BILLS PREVIOUSLY HEARD FEB 14 WEDNESDAY 1:30 PM PRESENTATION BY LOCAL BOUNDARY COMMISSION SB 20ALASKA MUNICIPAL BASIC SERVICES PROGRAM SB 207REVENUE BONDS: WATER & WASTE PROJECTS BILLS PREVIOUSLY HEARD FEB 16 FRIDAY 1:30 PM NO MEETING SCHEDULED ---------------------------------------- FINANCE SENATE FINANCE 532 FEB 09 FRIDAY 9:00 AM <MEETING RESCHEDULED FROM 2/7/96> SB 178SMALL EMPLOYER HEALTH INSURANCE SB 162AGRICULTURAL LAND 1996-02-09 Senate Journal Page 2365 FINANCE CONTINUED FEB 13 TUESDAY 9:00 AM HB 38SENTENCING;3RD SERIOUS FELONY OFFENDER SJR 14CONFIRMATION OF BD MANAGING PERM FUND SB 89PERMANENT FUND BOARD MEMBERS & STAFF SB 178SMALL EMPLOYER HEALTH INSURANCE FEB 14 WEDNESDAY 9:00 AM HB 269TAX CREDIT: GIFTS TO PUBLIC BROADCASTING BILLS PREVIOUSLY HEARD OR SCHEDULED FEB 15 THURSDAY 9:00 AM SB 232PFD NOTICES AND ELIGIBILITY SB 250UNIV. OF ALASKA: LAND GRANT & ASSETS BILLS PREVIOUSLY HEARD OR SCHEDULED ---------------------------------------- HEALTH, EDUCATION & SOCIAL SERVICES BUTROVICH ROOM 205 FEB 09 FRIDAY 9:00 AM --RESCHEDULED FROM 2/2/96-- + SB 188VIDEOTAPE INTERVIEW OF ABUSED MINOR FEB 12 MONDAY 9:00 AM + SB 185IMMUNIZATION RECORD UPON CHILD'S DEATH FEB 14 WEDNESDAY 9:00 AM PRESENTATION BY NATIVE MENTAL HEALTH BOARD <JT WITH (H) HES ON ABOVE ISSUE> + SB 159MENTAL HEALTH TREATMENT DECLARATIONS FEB 16 FRIDAY 9:00 AM NO MEETING SCHEDULED ---------------------------------------- JUDICIARY BELTZ ROOM 211 FEB 09 FRIDAY 1:30 PM + HB 158CIVIL LIABILITY FEB 12 MONDAY 1:30 PM SB 263COPYRIGHT ROYALTIES AND LICENSING SB 175NO FRILLS PRISON ACT ---------------------------------------- 1996-02-09 Senate Journal Page 2366 LABOR & COMMERCE FAHRENKAMP RM 203 FEB 13 TUESDAY 1:30 PM SB 258TRUSTS & PROPERTY TRANSFERS IN TRUST SB 261UNEMPLOYMENT COMPENSATION BILLS PREVIOUSLY HEARD FEB 15 THURSDAY 1:30 PM SB 193MANDATORY INSURANCE FOR COSTS OF BIRTH SB 197PROHIBIT INCREASE IN INS FOR DOM VIOLENCE SB 254MEDICAL MALPRACTICE: PANEL & DEFINITIONS BILLS PREVIOUSLY HEARD ---------------------------------------- RESOURCES BUTROVICH ROOM 205 FEB 09 FRIDAY 3:30 PM -- MEETING CANCELLED -- SB 230LEG APPROVE PERM'NT RECREAT'NL RESTRICT'N <BILL POSTPONED UNTIL 2/12/96) BILLS PREVIOUSLY HEARD FEB 12 MONDAY 3:30 PM + SB 230LEG APPROVE PERM'NT RECREAT'NL RESTRICT'N <BILL HELD OVER FROM 2/9/96> + SB 262MANAGEMENT OF FISH/GAME POPULATION & AREA BILLS PREVIOUSLY HEARD FEB 14 WEDNESDAY 3:30 PM + SCR 24REESTABLISH ADFG DIVISION OF GAME + SB 243OIL & GAS LEASES: AREAWIDE & OTHERS + SB 245N SLOPE OIL & GAS BEST INTEREST FINDING BILLS PREVIOUSLY HEARD FEB 16 FRIDAY 3:30 PM -- LOCATION CHANGE TO ANCHORAGE LIO -- -- 716 WEST FOURTH AVENUE + CONFIRMATION HEARING: J. DAVID NORTON, P.E. - ANCHORAGE ALASKA OIL AND GAS CONSERVATION COMMISSION ---------------------------------------- 1996-02-09 Senate Journal Page 2367 RULES FAHRENKAMP RM 203 FEB 09 FRIDAY 12:30 PM CANCELLED FEB 12 MONDAY 8:00 AM SCR 23 LONG RANGE FINANCIAL PLANNING SB 69 REPORTING OF HAZARDOUS SUBSTANCE SB 178 SMALL EMPLOYER HEALTH INSURANCE SB 240 MINING BONDING POOL HB 292FISH & GAME ENFORCEMENT ---------------------------------------- STATE AFFAIRS BELTZ ROOM 211 FEB 13 TUESDAY 3:30 PM SB 217INCOME LIMITS FOR LONGEVITY BONUS -- CONTINUATION OF OVERVIEW BY DEPT. OF ADMINISTRATION FROM 2/1/96 HEARING -- SB 221MOUNTAIN VIEW ROAD - GUSTAVUS SB 266CREAMER'S FIELD GOOSE CLASSIC BILLS PREVIOUSLY HEARD FEB 15 THURSDAY 3:30 PM NO MEETING SCHEDULED ---------------------------------------- TRANSPORTATION BUTROVICH ROOM 205 FEB 13 TUESDAY 1:30 PM SB 226MOTOR VEHICLE REGISTRATION/EMISSIONS SB 241STUDDED TIRES ON STERLING HIGHWAY FEB 15 THURSDAY 1:30 PM SB 196NAMING FERRY VESSEL KONIAG HB 57LICENSING REQUIREMENTS FOR DRIVERS FINANCE SUBCOMMITTEES ADMINISTRATION BELTZ ROOM 211 FEB 14 WEDNESDAY 3:30 PM OVERVIEW OF DOA SENIOR PROGRAMS 1996-02-09 Senate Journal Page 2368 FINANCE SUBCOMMITTEES CONTINUED ADMINISTRATION CONTINUED FEB 21 WEDNESDAY 3:30 PM OVERVIEW OF FOLLOWING: OFFICE OF PUBLIC ADVOCACY PUBLIC DEFENDER ALASKA OFFICES COMMISSION ---------------------------------------- COMMERCE & ECONOMIC DEVELOPMENT FAHRENKAMP RM 203 FEB 12 MONDAY 1:30 PM + MEASUREMENT STANDARDS BANKING, SECURITIES & CORPORATION OCCUPATIONAL LICENSING COMMISSIONER'S OFFICE/ADMINISTRATIVE SERVICES FEB 14 WEDNESDAY 1:30 PM INVESTMENTS/INSURANCE + AK INDUSTRIAL DEVELOPMENT & EXPORT AUTH. + AK PUBLIC UTILITY COMMISSION FEB 23 FRIDAY 1:30 PM TRADE & DEVELOPMENT AK SEAFOOD MARKETING INSTITUTE + AK SCIENCE & TECH. FOUNDATION + AK AEROSPACE DEVELOPMENT ---------------------------------------- COMMUNITY & REGIONAL AFFAIRS BUTROVICH ROOM 205 FEB 13 TUESDAY 8:00 AM JT WITH (H) FINANCE SUBCOMMITTEE DEPT. OF COMMUNITY & REGIONAL AFFAIRS FEB 15 THURSDAY 8:00 AM JT WITH (H) FINANCE SUBCOMMITTEE DEPT. OF COMMUNITY & REGIONAL AFFAIRS FEB 20 TUESDAY 8:00 AM JT WITH (H) FINANCE SUBCOMMITTEE DEPT. OF COMMUNITY & REGIONAL AFFAIRS 1996-02-09 Senate Journal Page 2369 FINANCE SUBCOMMITTEES CONTINUED COMMUNITY & REGIONAL AFFAIRS CONTINUED FEB 22 THURSDAY 8:00 AM JT WITH (H) FINANCE SUBCOMMITTEE DEPT. OF COMMUNITY & REGIONAL AFFAIRS ---------------------------------------- CORRECTIONS SENATE FINANCE 532 FEB 12 MONDAY 1:00 PM FY 97 CARRY FORWARD FY 96 OTI FY 96 NON-DESIGNATED REDUCTIONS GENERAL ADMINISTRATIVE OVERVIEW QUESTIONS FEB 19 MONDAY 1:30 PM BRU'S: ADMINISTRATION AND SUPPORT STATEWIDE OPERATIONS PART 1: - INMATE HEALTH CARE - INMATE PROGRAMS - CORRECTIONAL INDUSTRIES ADMINISTRATION - CORRECTIONAL INDUSTRIES PRODUCT COSTS FEB 26 MONDAY 1:30 PM BRU'S: STATEWIDE OPERATIONS PART 2: - CORRECTIONAL CENTERS ...OUT-OF-STATE CONTRACTUAL ...ANVIL MOUNTAIN CORRECTIONAL CENTER ...COMBINED HILAND MT. CORRECTIONAL CENTER ...COOK INLET CORRECTIONAL CENTER ...FAIRBANKS CORRECTIONAL CENTER ...KETCHIKAN CORRECTIONAL CENTER ...LEMON CREEK CORRECTIONAL CENTER MAR 04 MONDAY 1:00 PM STATEWIDE OPERATIONS PART 3: - CORRECTIONAL CENTERS (CONTINUED) ...MAT-SU CORRECTIONAL CENTER ...PALMER CORRECTIONAL CENTER ...SIXTH AVENUE CORRECTIONAL CENTER ...SPRING CREEK CORRECTIONAL CENTER ...WILDWOOD CORRECTIONAL CENTER ...YUKON-KUSKOKWIM CORRECTIONAL CENTER 1996-02-09 Senate Journal Page 2370 FINANCE SUBCOMMITTEES CONTINUED CORRECTIONS CONTINUED MAR 11 MONDAY 2:00 PM STATEWIDE OPERATIONS PART 4: - COMMUNITY CORRECTIONS DIRECTOR - NORTHERN REGION PROBATION - SOUTHCENTRAL REGION PROBATION - SOUTHEAST REGION PROBATION - POINT MACKENZIE REHABILITATION PROGRAM - COMMUNITY JAILS MAR 18 MONDAY 1:00 PM UNFINISHED BUSINESS BUDGET CLOSE-OUT ---------------------------------------- EDUCATION SENATE FINANCE 532 FEB 15 THURSDAY 2:00 PM BUDGET COMPONENTS OF K-12 SUPPORT - SCHOOL FOUNDATION FUNDING PROGRAM - BASIC NEEDS ANALYSIS - STATE FOUNDATION AID ANALYSIS FEB 20 TUESDAY 2:00 PM FOUNDATION FORMULA (CONTINUED) - TABLE OF INSTRUCTIONAL UNITS ...VOCATIONAL EDUCATION ...SPECIAL EDUCATION ...BILINGUAL EDUCATION DISPARITY TEST SUPPLEMENTAL EQUALIZATION FEB 22 THURSDAY 2:00 PM BUDGET COMPONENTS OF: K-12 SUPPORT (CONTINUED) - DISTRICT SUPPORT - CIGARETTE TAX - HANDICAP SCHOOLS - PUPIL TRANSPORTATION - CHILD NUTRITION - COMMUNITY SCHOOLS 1996-02-09 Senate Journal Page 2371 FINANCE SUBCOMMITTEES CONTINUED EDUCATION CONTINUED FEB 29 THURSDAY 2:00 PM BRU'S: - TEACHING & LEARNING SUPPORT - EXECUTIVE ADMINISTRATION - SCHOOL FINANCE MAR 07 THURSDAY 2:00 PM BRU'S: - CORRESPONDENCE STUDY - COMMISSIONS AND BOARDS - KOTZEBUE TECHNICAL CENTER MAR 12 TUESDAY 2:00 PM BRU'S: - ALASKA VOCATIONAL TECHNICAL CENTER - MT. EDGECUMBE BOARDING SCHOOL - VOCATIONAL REHABILITATION MAR 14 THURSDAY 2:00 PM BRU'S: - ALASKA STATE LIBRARY - ALASKA STATE MUSEUMS - ALASKA POSTSECONDARY EDUCATION COMMISSION MAR 21 THURSDAY 2:00 PM UNFINISHED BUSINESS BUDGET CLOSE-OUT ---------------------------------------- ENVIRONMENTAL CONSERVATION SENATE FINANCE 532 FEB 15 THURSDAY 8:00 AM -- TIME CHANGE TO 8:00 A.M. -- ADMINISTRATION BRU FEB 15 THURSDAY 3:30 PM -- MEETING CANCELLED -- AIR AND WATER BRU CLEAN AIR AND CLEAN WATER FUNDS FEB 22 THURSDAY 3:30 PM -- MEETING CANCELLED -- STATEWIDE PUBLIC SERVICES BRU 1996-02-09 Senate Journal Page 2372 FINANCE SUBCOMMITTEES CONTINUED ENVIRONMENTAL CONSERVATION CONTINUED FEB 23 FRIDAY 9:00 AM AIR AND WATER CLEAR AIR FUND FEB 29 THURSDAY 3:30 PM -- MEETING CANCELLED -- ENVIRONMENTAL HEALTH BRU FACILITIES CONSTRUCTION & OPERATIONS BRU MAR 01 FRIDAY 9:00 AM ENVIRONMENTAL HEALTH BRU MAR 07 THURSDAY 3:30 PM -- MEETING CANCELLED -- SPILL PREVENTION & RESPONSE BRU OIL & HAZARDOUS SUBSTANCE RELEASE ..PREVENTION & RESPONSE FUND MAR 08 FRIDAY 9:00 AM STATEWIDE PUBLIC SERVICES MAR 13 WEDNESDAY 9:00 AM SPILL PREVENTION AND RESPONSE MAR 25 MONDAY 9:00 AM FACILITIES CONSTRUCTION & OPERATIONS BRU CLEAN WATER FUND ---------------------------------------- LABOR 1111 W. 8TH STREET FEB 14 WEDNESDAY 8:00 AM --MEETING WILL BE IN THE DEPT. OF LABOR ..COMMISSIONER'S CONFERENCE ROOM, JUNEAU JT WITH (H) FINANCE LABOR SUBCOMMITTEE OVERVIEW OF THE DEPARTMENT OF LABOR BUDGET ---------------------------------------- 1996-02-09 Senate Journal Page 2373 FINANCE SUBCOMMITTEES CONTINUED NATURAL RESOURCES SENATE FINANCE 532 FEB 13 TUESDAY 3:30 PM FEDERAL OFFICE OF SURFACE MINING MINING DEVELOPMENT WATER DEVELOPMENT DEVELOPMENT - SPECIAL PROJECTS FEB 20 TUESDAY 3:30 PM AGRICULTURAL DEVELOPMENT PARKS MANAGEMENT STATE HISTORIC PRESERVATION FEB 27 TUESDAY 3:30 PM LAND DEVELOPMENT MENTAL HEALTH LANDS ADMINISTRATION FOREST MANAGEMENT AND DEVELOPMENT FIRE SUPPRESSION MAR 12 TUESDAY 3:30 PM COMMISSIONER'S OFFICE ADMINISTRATIVE SERVICES RECORDER'S OFFICE/UCC INFORMATION RESOURCE MANAGEMENT INTERDEPARTMENTAL DATA PROCESSING FAIRBANKS OFFICE BUILDING CHARGEBACK MAR 19 TUESDAY 3:30 PM PIPELINE COORDINATOR OIL AND HAZARDOUS WASTE SPILL RESPONSE ---------------------------------------- REVENUE BELTZ RM 211 FEB 26 MONDAY 3:30 PM PERMANENT FUND DIVIDEND DIVISION COMMISSIONER'S OFFICE/ADMIN. SERV. DIV. TREASURY DIVISION/AK STATE ..PENSION INVESTMENT BOARD FEB 28 WEDNESDAY 3:30 PM CHILD SUPPORT ENFORCEMENT DIVISION + ALCOHOLIC BEVERAGE CONTROL BOARD 1996-02-09 Senate Journal Page 2374 FINANCE SUBCOMMITTEES CONTINUED REVENUE CONTINUED MAR 06 WEDNESDAY 3:30 PM OIL & GAS AUDIT DIVISION INCOME AND EXCISE AUDIT DIVISION CHARITABLE GAMING DIVISION OTHER MEETINGS CHILDREN'S CAUCUS BUTROVICH ROOM 205 FEB 13 TUESDAY 12:00 PM PRESENTATION: BY REP. KELLY REGARDING HB 387, JUVENILE CODE REVISIONS PRESENTATION: BY DEPT. OF C&RA CONCERNING CHILD CARE PROGRAMS IN DCRA ---------------------------------------- JOINT SESSION HOUSE CHAMBER FEB 15 THURSDAY 10:30 AM ADDRESS BY U.S. SENATOR TED STEVENS FEB 21 WEDNESDAY 11:00 AM STATE OF THE JUDICIARY BY SUPREME COURT CHIEF JUSTICE ALLEN COMPTON