Legislature(2001 - 2002)
2002-02-13 House Journal
Full Journal pdf2002-02-13 House Journal Page 2217 HOUSE JOURNAL ALASKA STATE LEGISLATURE TWENTY-SECOND LEGISLATURE -- SECOND SESSION Juneau, Alaska Wednesday February 13, 2002 Thirty-first Day Pursuant to adjournment the House was called to order by Speaker Porter at 10:04 a.m. Roll call showed 36 members present. Representative Davies had been previously excused from a call of the House today. Representatives Rokeberg and Williams were absent and their presence was noted later. Representative Masek was absent. The invocation was offered by Pastor Patrick Brayton of Valley Chapel. Representative Hudson moved and asked unanimous consent that the invocation be spread on the journal. There being no objection, it appears below: Heavenly Father, I come to You in Jesus' Name to petition for Your blessing on the men and women who make up this legislative body. You have entrusted them with the well being of this, the most beautiful of states. May they be guided by Your hand into the path of wisdom and righteousness. Lord, I truly believe You have answers for every problem that we now face, and Your word offers that wisdom to all who would ask You for it. Lord, we ask You now. Guide us to fair and reasonable solutions to even the thorniest of issues. Give to each of these who serve us in these chambers the knowledge and courage to make the right choices for the good of all, and then Lord, protect and bless them for their stand. Bless them, also, with supernatural unity as Your wisdom unfolds, and let the benefit of Your truth be evident to all. In the wonderful and powerful name of Jesus Christ I submit to You this prayer. Amen. The Pledge of Allegiance was led by Representative Chenault. 2002-02-13 House Journal Page 2218 CERTIFICATION OF THE JOURNAL Representative James moved and asked unanimous consent that the journal for the 29th and 30th legislative days be approved as certified by the Chief Clerk. There being no objection, it was so ordered. SPECIAL ORDER OF BUSINESS Representative Foster moved and asked unanimous consent that the citation, Honoring - Jim and Jeannette James, 54th Wedding Anniversary, be taken up as a Special Order of Business at this time. There being no objection, it was so ordered. **The presence of Representative Williams was noted. Representative Foster moved and asked unanimous consent that all members of the House be shown as cosponsors of the citation. There being no objection, it was so ordered. Representative Foster moved and asked unanimous consent that the House approve the citation. There being no objection, the following citation was approved and sent to enrolling: Honoring - Jim and Jeannette James, 54th Wedding Anniversary By Senator Therriault; Representatives Porter, Berkowitz, Bunde, Chenault, Cissna, Coghill, Crawford, Croft, Davies, Dyson, Fate, Foster, Green, Guess, Halcro, Harris, Hayes, Hudson, James, Joule, Kapsner, Kerttula, Kohring, Kookesh, Kott, Lancaster, Masek, McGuire, Meyer, Morgan, Moses, Mulder, Murkowski, Ogan, Rokeberg, Scalzi, Stevens, Whitaker, Williams, Wilson MESSAGES FROM THE GOVERNOR HB 334 A message dated February 12, 2002, was read stating the Governor has signed the following bill and is transmitting the engrossed and enrolled copies to the Lieutenant Governor's office for permanent filing: 2002-02-13 House Journal Page 2219 CS FOR HOUSE BILL NO. 334(FIN) "An Act making appropriations for a grant to Arctic Power to promote the opening of the Arctic National Wildlife Refuge for oil and gas exploration and development; and providing for an effective date." Chapter No. 5, SLA 2002 Effective Date: February 13, 2002 MESSAGES FROM THE SENATE A message dated February 11, 2002, was read stating the Senate has passed the following and they are transmitted for consideration: FIRST READING AND REFERENCE OF SENATE RESOLUTIONS SCR 21 CS FOR SENATE CONCURRENT RESOLUTION NO. 21(HES) by the Senate Health, Education & Social Services Committee: Supporting the development of adequate in-state treatment capacity for severely disturbed children. was read the first time and referred to the Health, Education & Social Services Committee. FIRST READING AND REFERENCE OF SENATE BILLS SB 115 SENATE BILL NO. 115 by the Senate Rules Committee by request of the Legislative Budget & Audit Committee, entitled: "An Act extending the termination date of the Board of Storage Tank Assistance." was read the first time and referred to the Resources and Finance Committees. 2002-02-13 House Journal Page 2220 SB 153 CS FOR SENATE BILL NO. 153(FIN) by the Senate Finance Committee, entitled: "An Act replacing the storage tank assistance fund with the underground storage tank revolving loan fund and relating to that revolving loan fund; repealing the tank cleanup program and the tank upgrading and closure program; and providing for an effective date." was read the first time and referred to the Resources and Finance Committees. COMMUNICATIONS The following were received: Dept. of Health & Social Services Division of Juvenile Justice Annual Report, Fiscal Year 2001 Dept. of Labor & Workforce Development Alaska Human Resource Investment Council Alaska Workforce Summit - A Business & Legislative Dialogue Workforce Investment Act Title 1-B Annual Report, Program Year 2000 HB 65 Pursuant to: CONFERENCE CS FOR HOUSE BILL NO. 65 "An Act relating to a new optional group of persons eligible for medical assistance who require treatment for breast or cervical cancer; and providing for an effective date." Chapter No. 33, SLA 2001 2002-02-13 House Journal Page 2221 The following was received: Dept. of Health & Social Services Office of the Commissioner Breast and Cervical Cancer Report February 12, 2002 REPORTS OF STANDING COMMITTEES HJR 37 The Rules Committee has considered: HOUSE JOINT RESOLUTION NO. 37 Congratulating Alaska Airlines on its 70th Anniversary. The report was signed by Representative Kott, Chair, with the following individual recommendations: Do pass (5): Kohring, Porter, Kott, McGuire, Berkowitz The following fiscal note(s) apply: 1. Zero, House Rules Committee/All Depts. HJR 37 was returned to the Rules Committee for placement on the calendar. HB 206 The Resources Committee has considered: HOUSE BILL NO. 206 "An Act relating to a vessel-based commercial fisheries limited entry system, to management of offshore fisheries, and to the definition of 'person' for purposes of the commercial fisheries entry program; and providing for an effective date." and recommends it be replaced with: 2002-02-13 House Journal Page 2222 CS FOR HOUSE BILL NO. 206(2d RES) "An Act relating to a vessel-based commercial fisheries limited entry system for the Bering Sea Korean hair crab fishery and for weathervane scallop fisheries, to management of offshore fisheries, and to the definition of 'person' for purposes of the commercial fisheries entry program; and providing for an effective date." The report was signed by Representatives Masek and Scalzi, Co- chairs, with the following individual recommendations: Do pass (4): Chenault, Stevens, Fate, Scalzi No recommendation (1): Masek The following fiscal note(s) apply to CSHB 206(2d RES): 2. Zero, Dept. of Fish & Game HB 206 was referred to the Rules Committee for placement on the calendar. HB 281 The Labor & Commerce Committee has considered: HOUSE BILL NO. 281 "An Act relating to civil liability for providing alcoholic beverages to a person under 21 years of age; and providing for an effective date." The report was signed by Representative Murkowski, Chair, with the following individual recommendations: Do pass (5): Rokeberg, Meyer, Kott, Halcro, Murkowski No recommendation (1): Crawford The following fiscal note(s) apply: 1. Zero, House Labor & Commerce Committee 2002-02-13 House Journal Page 2223 HB 281 was referred to the Judiciary Committee. HB 306 The Labor and Commerce Committee has considered: HOUSE BILL NO. 306 "An Act authorizing the Department of Community and Economic Development to issue permits to certain agencies to purchase, possess, and use certain drugs for euthanizing domestic animals." and recommends it be replaced with: CS FOR HOUSE BILL NO. 306(L&C) (same title) The report was signed by Representative Murkowski, Chair, with the following individual recommendations: Do pass (1): Halcro No recommendation (5): Rokeberg, Meyer, Crawford, Kott, Murkowski The following fiscal note(s) apply to CSHB 306(L&C): 1. Zero, Department of Community & Economic Development HB 306 was referred to the Rules Committee for placement on the calendar. HB 307 The Finance Committee has considered: HOUSE BILL NO. 307 "An Act delaying to June 30, 2007, the last date by which hydrocarbon exploration geophysical work must be performed or drilling of a stratigraphic test well or exploratory well must be completed in order for a person to qualify for an exploration incentive credit." 2002-02-13 House Journal Page 2224 The report was signed by Representative Williams, Co-chair, with the following individual recommendations: Do pass (9): Bunde, Whitaker, Harris, Croft, Moses, Lancaster, Hudson, Foster, Williams The following fiscal note(s) apply: 1. Indeterminate, Dept. of Natural Resources 2. Indeterminate, Dept. of Revenue HB 307 was referred to the Rules Committee for placement on the calendar. HB 321 The Judiciary Committee has considered: SPONSOR SUBSTITUTE FOR HOUSE BILL NO. 321 "An Act relating to the purpose for crime victims' compensation; and limiting the factors that may be considered in making a crime victims' compensation award in cases of sexual assault or sexual abuse of a minor." and recommends it be replaced with: CS FOR SPONSOR SUBSTITUTE FOR HOUSE BILL NO. 321(JUD) "An Act limiting the factors that may be considered in making a crime victims' compensation award in cases of sexual assault or sexual abuse of a minor." The report was signed by Representative Rokeberg, Chair, with the following individual recommendations: Do pass (4): Berkowitz, Meyer, Coghill, James No recommendation (2): Ogan, Rokeberg The following fiscal note(s) apply to CSSSHB 321(JUD): 2002-02-13 House Journal Page 2225 1. Zero, Dept. of Public Safety SSHB 321 was referred to the Finance Committee. HB 330 The Judiciary Committee has considered: HOUSE BILL NO. 330 "An Act relating to providing alcoholic beverages to a person under 21 years of age." and recommends it be replaced with: CS FOR HOUSE BILL NO. 330(JUD) (same title) The report was signed by Representative Rokeberg, Chair, with the following individual recommendations: Do pass (4): Meyer, Coghill, Ogan, Rokeberg No recommendation (2): Berkowitz, James The following fiscal note(s) apply to CSHB 330(JUD): 1. Zero, Dept. of Law 2. Indeterminate, Dept. of Administration 3. Indeterminate, Dept. of Corrections HB 330 was referred to the Finance Committee. HB 332 The Judiciary Committee has considered: HOUSE BILL NO. 332 "An Act extending the termination date of the Council on Domestic Violence and Sexual Assault; and providing for an effective date." 2002-02-13 House Journal Page 2226 and recommends it be replaced with: CS FOR HOUSE BILL NO. 332(JUD) "An Act extending the termination date of the Council on Domestic Violence and Sexual Assault and relating to the council's duties; and providing for an effective date." The report was signed by Representative Rokeberg, Chair, with the following individual recommendations: No recommendation (6): Berkowitz, Meyer, Coghill, Ogan, James, Rokeberg The following fiscal note(s) apply to CSHB 332(JUD): 1. Fiscal, Dept. of Public Safety 2. Fiscal, Dept. of Public Safety 3. Fiscal, Dept. of Public Safety HB 332 was referred to the Finance Committee. HB 343 The Finance Committee has considered: HOUSE BILL NO. 343 "An Act extending the termination date of the Board of Professional Counselors." and recommends it be replaced with: CS FOR HOUSE BILL NO. 343(FIN) "An Act extending the termination date of the Board of Professional Counselors; and relating to licensing of professional counselors." The report was signed by Representative Williams, Co-chair, with the following individual recommendations: Do pass (6): Whitaker, Croft, Lancaster, Hudson, Foster, Williams 2002-02-13 House Journal Page 2227 The Finance Committee recommends adoption of the House Labor & Commerce Committee letter of intent (page 2139). The following fiscal note(s) apply to CSHB 343(FIN): 1. Fiscal, Dept. of Community & Economic Development HB 343 was referred to the Rules Committee for placement on the calendar. HB 362 The Finance Committee has considered: HOUSE BILL NO. 362 "An Act extending the termination date of the Board of Governors of the Alaska Bar Association." The report was signed by Representative Williams, Co-chair, with the following individual recommendations: Do pass (6): Whitaker, Croft, Lancaster, Hudson, Foster, Williams The following fiscal note(s) apply: 1. Zero, Alaska Court System HB 362 was referred to the Rules Committee for placement on the calendar. REPORTS OF SPECIAL COMMITTEES HCR 23 The House Special Committee on Education has considered: HOUSE CONCURRENT RESOLUTION NO. 23 Proposing amendments to Uniform Rule 20 of the Alaska State Legislature; and providing for an effective date for the amendments. 2002-02-13 House Journal Page 2228 The report was signed by Representative Bunde, Chair, with the following individual recommendations: Do pass (6): Green, Wilson, Joule, Guess, Stevens, Bunde The following fiscal note(s) apply: 1. Zero, House Special Committee on Education HCR 23 was referred to the Health, Education and Social Services Committee. HJR 33 The House Special Committee on Military & Veterans' Affairs has considered: HOUSE JOINT RESOLUTION NO. 33 Expressing gratitude to President George W. Bush, to the President's cabinet, and to the men and women of the United States armed forces and declaring support for the war on terrorism. and recommends it be replaced with: CS FOR HOUSE JOINT RESOLUTION NO. 33(MLV) Expressing gratitude to President George W. Bush, to the President's cabinet, and to the men and women of the United States armed forces and declaring support for the war on terrorism and for the President's effort to support democracies and promote peace worldwide. The report was signed by Representative Chenault, Chair, with the following individual recommendations: Do pass (4): Cissna, Murkowski, Hayes, Chenault The following fiscal note(s) apply to CSHJR 33(MLV): 1. Zero, House Special Committee on Military & Veterans' Affairs 2002-02-13 House Journal Page 2229 HJR 33 was referred to the Rules Committee for placement on the calendar. HB 286 The House Special Committee on Fisheries has considered: HOUSE BILL NO. 286 "An Act allowing a person to hold more than one commercial fishing entry permit for a fishery; relating to the power of the Board of Fisheries to establish fishing periods and areas for subgroups of commercial fishing permits and commercial fishing permit holders and to establish limits on the amount of fishing gear that may be used by certain commercial fishing permit holders; and providing for an effective date." and recommends it be replaced with: CS FOR HOUSE BILL NO. 286(FSH) "An Act allowing a person to hold two commercial fishing entry permits for a salmon fishery for the purpose of consolidating the fishing fleet for a salmon fishery; relating to salmon fishery associations and to salmon fishery assessments; and providing for an effective date." The report was signed by Representatives Wilson and Stevens, Co- chairs, with the following individual recommendations: Do pass (4): Dyson, Scalzi, Wilson, Stevens No recommendation (3): Coghill, Kerttula, Kapsner The following fiscal note(s) apply to CSHB 286(FSH): 1. Zero, Dept. of Fish & Game HB 286 was referred to the Resources Committee. HB 342 The House Special Committee on Education has considered: 2002-02-13 House Journal Page 2230 HOUSE BILL NO. 342 "An Act relating to appropriations for operating expenses for primary and secondary public education; and providing for an effective date." The report was signed by Representative Bunde, Chair, with the following individual recommendations: Do pass (7): Green, Stevens, Joule, Porter, Wilson, Guess, Bunde The following fiscal note(s) apply: 1. Zero, Dept. of Education & Early Development HB 342 was referred to the Health, Education and Social Services Committee. **The presence of Representative Rokeberg was noted. HB 352 The House Special Committee on Education has considered: HOUSE BILL NO. 352 "An Act extending the dates for assignment of performance designations of public schools and the dates for reports and monitoring based on those designations; and providing for an effective date." The report was signed by Representative Bunde, Chair, with the following individual recommendations: Do pass (4): Guess, Joule, Stevens, Wilson No recommendation (3): Porter, Green, Bunde The following fiscal note(s) apply: 1. Zero, Dept. of Education & Early Development 2002-02-13 House Journal Page 2231 HB 352 was referred to the Health, Education and Social Services Committee. INTRODUCTION OF CITATIONS The following citations were introduced and referred to the Rules Committee for placement on the calendar: Honoring - Tom Layou, Eagle Scout By Representative Rokeberg Honoring - Shishmaref Tannery By Representative Joule Honoring - Karl Bausler, PA, ANP, Indian Health Service Medical Provider of the Year By Senator Elton; Representatives Kerttula, Hudson Honoring - Darroll Hargraves By Senator Olson; Representative Foster Honoring - Phil and Betty Ames, 55th Wedding Anniversary By Senator Ward Honoring - John M. Lichtenberger By Senator Elton; Representatives Kerttula, Hudson In Memoriam - Officer Justin Todd Wollam By Representative McGuire; Senator Leman In Memoriam - Kenneth Lawrence By Senator Elton; Representatives Kerttula, Hudson In Memoriam - Robert C. "Bob" Bailey By Senators Halford, Phillips; Representative Dyson 2002-02-13 House Journal Page 2232 INTRODUCTION, FIRST READING, AND REFERENCE OF HOUSE RESOLUTIONS HJR 39 HOUSE JOINT RESOLUTION NO. 39 by the House Community & Regional Affairs Committee: Disapproving the Local Boundary Commission recommendation regarding the annexation of territory to the City of Homer. was read the first time and referred to the Community & Regional Affairs Committee. INTRODUCTION, FIRST READING, AND REFERENCE OF HOUSE BILLS HB 289 SPONSOR SUBSTITUTE FOR HOUSE BILL NO. 289 by Representative Stevens, entitled: "An Act relating to the effective date of a municipal manager plan that has been adopted and to the effective date of the repeal of a municipal manager plan, and relating to a special election for mayor when municipal manager plans are adopted or repealed." was read the first time and referred to the Community & Regional Affairs Committee. HB 406 HOUSE BILL NO. 406 by Representative Coghill, entitled: "An Act relating to audits of private, nonprofit corporations that receive grants from the state." was read the first time and referred to the Labor & Commerce and Finance Committees. HB 407 HOUSE BILL NO. 407 by Representative Coghill, entitled: 2002-02-13 House Journal Page 2233 "An Act relating to the certificate of need program." was read the first time and referred to the Community & Regional Affairs and Health, Education & Social Services Committees. HB 408 HOUSE BILL NO. 408 by the House Special Committee on Education, entitled: "An Act relating to questionnaires and surveys administered in the public schools." was read the first time and referred to the House Special Committee on Education and the Health, Education & Social Services Committee. HB 409 HOUSE BILL NO. 409 by Representative Lancaster by request, and Representative Dyson, entitled: "An Act rejecting the use of daylight saving time." was read the first time and referred to the Labor & Commerce Committee. HB 410 HOUSE BILL NO. 410 by the House Special Committee on Oil & Gas, entitled: "An Act establishing the Alaska Natural Gas Development Authority, a public corporation, and providing for its structure, management, responsibilities, and operation, and requiring the development of a project plan for the construction and operation of a natural gas transmission pipeline project by the authority." was read the first time and referred to the House Special Committee on Oil & Gas and the Resources and Finance Committees. HB 411 HOUSE BILL NO. 411 by Representative Fate, entitled: 2002-02-13 House Journal Page 2234 "An Act relating to physician assistants; providing that a physician assistant is a health care provider covered by certain laws relating to medical malpractice actions; adding physician assistants to the list of providers against whom unfair discrimination relating to health care insurance is prohibited and to the list of providers who can provide proof of disablement or handicap for the purpose of motor vehicle registration or for the purpose of obtaining a special license plate or a special parking permit; and providing for an effective date." was read the first time and referred to the Health, Education & Social Services and Labor & Commerce Committees. HB 412 HOUSE BILL NO. 412 by the House Rules Committee by request of the Governor, entitled: "An Act relating to taxes regarding certain commercial passenger vessels operating in the state; relating to apportionment of business income; and providing for an effective date." was read the first time and referred to the Transportation, State Affairs, and Finance Committees. The following fiscal note(s) apply: 1. Fiscal, Dept. of Revenue The Governor's transmittal letter dated February 11, 2002, appears below: "Dear Speaker Porter: The cruise ship tax I propose in this legislation is part of a three-year sustainable budget plan designed to help fill Alaska's $1.2 billion budget gap. Failure to act this year to address this gap threatens Alaska's economic good health and the jobs Alaska's families depend on. 2002-02-13 House Journal Page 2235 This cruise ship tax is part of my year-one proposal to raise $400 million in new revenues in each of the coming three years. The other revenue elements in this first year are a reinstatement of a tax on income earned in Alaska and an increase in Alaska's tax on alcohol. Every year Alaska welcomes more than 600,000 visitors to our state to tour Alaska's pristine waters on cruise ships. Our visitors enjoy the amenities we offer: clean air and water, a safe and healthy setting, and a supportive business environment. The vast majority of the companies operating cruise ships we welcome here pay no tax to Alaska, to any other state, or to the federal government on their income from cruise ship operations. A tax based on the number of cruise ship passengers imposes the least administrative burden on the industry. A small tax on visitors who stay overnight on a cruise ship is a reasonable way for a state to recoup some of its expense in maintaining the infrastructure that helps serve the visitor industry. The tax proposed in this bill, $30 per visitor who stays overnight in Alaska on a passenger vessel, is comparable to a hotel bed tax. Indeed, it is a smaller percentage than the bed tax charged per night in many visitor destinations. This tax would apply to all passengers who stay overnight in Alaska on commercial vessels. It exempts government-owned vessels, such as the state ferries and military vessels, because these vessels are in a different industry and the government already contributes to the state infrastructure. It does not apply to vessels with less than 12 berths because these vessels are not in the cruise industry. In sum, it is a broad-based nondiscriminatory tax. Some oppose a passenger tax because they argue it is unconstitutional, yet my Administration is confident this measure is constitutional. I have included a fair share protection provision in the bill, however, that would impose a corporate income tax on the same vessels should the passenger tax be struck down. 2002-02-13 House Journal Page 2236 I urge your prompt and favorable consideration of this legislation. Sincerely, /s/ Tony Knowles Governor" HB 413 HOUSE BILL NO. 413 by the House Rules Committee by request of the Governor, entitled: "An Act relating to the imposition of an income tax on individuals, estates, and trusts; relating to the administration of revenue laws; relating to the Alaska Net Income Tax Act; and providing for an effective date." was read the first time and referred to the State Affairs and Finance Committees. The following fiscal note(s) apply: 1. Fiscal, Dept. of Revenue The Governor's transmittal letter dated February 11, 2002, appears below: "Dear Speaker Porter: Alaska's economy is strong -- with our 14th consecutive year of economic growth, more Alaskans working than ever before, and the lowest unemployment rates in a generation. And yet, the economic health and security of Alaska families is threatened by the growing budget gap, which is projected to reach about $1.2 billion by next year. For 20 years, Alaska governors, legislators, economists, and business and civic leaders have urged long-range budget plans recommending the same basic combination of cuts and revenues to replace dwindling oil dollars. Now the day of reckoning is upon us. 2002-02-13 House Journal Page 2237 The approach I have proposed, which calls for raising approximately $400 million in new revenues a year over the coming three years, is based on five principles: · Any plan must be fair. Everyone should contribute, including those who make money here but live elsewhere. · Permanent Fund earnings, after inflation-proofing and dividends and a vote of the people, should be used only after a broad-based tax and corporate taxes are in place. · New revenues should be phased in rather than imposed all at once. This avoids shocking the economy and helps families and businesses adjust to the change. · Any budget plan must be realistic - not based on unsubstantiated estimates or bogus promises. · Efficiencies, savings and continued cost reductions must always be part of budget considerations. This bill I am transmitting today proposes one of the new revenue measures -- a tax on income earned in Alaska. The State of Alaska relied on personal income taxes from the time of statehood until 1980. The income tax was then repealed because the tax and royalty income from North Slope oil fields provided sufficient revenue to operate state government. The income tax I propose is a simple measure based on a percentage of the income tax paid to the federal government. For most Alaskans, this will mean an easy calculation to determine their Alaska tax. It also adopts the progressive measures and incentives of the federal tax system. The target is for this tax to raise about $350 million, which would require a tax rate of 20 percent of an individual's income tax currently paid to the federal government. This level of income tax combined with other taxes I support would result in $400 million in additional annual revenue for the state. If the state adopts new revenue measures 2002-02-13 House Journal Page 2238 averaging $400 million per year for three years, we will reach the goal of $1.2 billion in new annual revenue. An important feature of this bill is a provision to reduce the tax rate when reserves are sufficient. The bill includes a trigger to lower the tax rate to 10 percent when the state's reserves in the Constitutional Budget Reserve Fund climb above $2 billion and a further reduction to 5 percent when the fund reaches $2.5 billion. Any excess general fund income from a major development, such as a natural gas pipeline or the implementation of responsible revenue measures, will increase the balance in the budget reserve fund. The state should maintain at least $1.5 billion in the reserve to avoid an emergency caused by a sudden drop in oil and gas prices. Once reserves reach $2 billion, however, we could lower the tax rate on our citizens. I urge your prompt and favorable consideration of this legislation. Sincerely, /s/ Tony Knowles Governor" HB 414 HOUSE BILL NO. 414 by the House Rules Committee by request of the Governor, entitled: "An Act making supplemental and other appropriations; amending appropriations; and providing for an effective date." was read the first time and referred to the Finance Committee. The Governor's transmittal letter dated February 12, 2002, appears below: "Dear Speaker Porter: Today I am transmitting two supplemental appropriation bills for FY2002 which pay for emergency and unanticipated expenses and those the Legislature short-funded during last year's regular session. 2002-02-13 House Journal Page 2239 This bill is sometimes referred to as the "fast track supplemental bill" because it includes items with particularly tight time requirements that are not accommodated by the usual passage of supplemental appropriations later in the spring. Approximately half of the supplemental general funds required are in the fast track bill because formula programs were short-funded last May and the agencies will soon be without sufficient appropriation authority to meet statutory obligations. The largest of these is Medicaid, where the funding level was cut nearly $2 million below the Department of Health and Social Services low-case projection offered with my December 2000 budget proposal. The department informed the Legislature the following April that the mid-case projection was more likely due to significant increases in the caseloads and costs for seniors and the disabled. The year-to-date information is actually tracking with the mid-case scenario. Also as part of last year's cuts from my proposed budget, subsidized adoptions were funded below the department's projection by $1.8 million. It now appears that $2.5 million more will be needed this year for state obligations to parents who have adopted children with special needs. We should remember that in addition to these children having permanent homes, adoptions are less expensive for the state than keeping children in foster care. A third statutory obligation under-funded in the current budget is Power Cost Equalization assistance for high rural energy costs. Continuing high fuel prices in rural Alaska force the need for $1.1 million more for this statutory formula than has been appropriated so far. The Alaska Marine Highway System lost approximately $3.6 million between fiscal year 2001 and 2002 due to the fire aboard the Columbia. Because of that loss and this year's increased fuel costs of $280,000, the Marine Highway Fund needs $2.9 million to avoid drastic service changes this spring. Four highway maintenance stations have had actual or imminent structural failure that required them to be abandoned. This bill pays for temporary replacement space as well as design for the Chandelar 2002-02-13 House Journal Page 2240 replacement on the Dalton Highway in the Brooks Range so it can be constructed this summer. The cost of replacing all four stations will be added to the deferred maintenance bond package I recently introduced. Fortunately, we have unanticipated excess interest earnings on the tobacco settlement bonds which are restricted to use for capital projects or to retire those same bonds. I recommend using a portion of the earnings for eligible projects in this bill. I urge you to put this bill on a "fast track" for final action as early in March as possible. This will allow us to take advantage of the construction season for the highway maintenance stations and the University's Fisheries and Ocean Sciences Facility at Lena Point. Approval of this bill in March will also ensure uninterrupted processing of Medicaid payments and subsidized adoption and guardianship payments. Sincerely, /s/ Tony Knowles Governor" HB 415 HOUSE BILL NO. 415 by the House Rules Committee by request of the Governor, entitled: "An Act making supplemental and other appropriations; amending appropriations; making appropriations to capitalize funds; and providing for an effective date." was read the first time and referred to the Finance Committee. A supplemental request summary from the Office of the Governor was attached and is on file in the Chief Clerk's office. The Governor's transmittal letter dated February 12, 2002, appears below: 2002-02-13 House Journal Page 2241 "Dear Speaker Porter: I am transmitting to you today two supplemental appropriation bills for Fiscal Year 2002. Issues requiring attention on an expedited basis are in a separate "fast track" bill. This bill includes supplemental needs with less immediate timing requirements. The Administration and Legislature made considerable progress reforming the supplemental budget process several years ago. Unfortunately, we have lost some of that progress. Again this year we address the inevitable consequences of actions which supposedly reduced the general fund budget in May, but which actually just split the budget into two parts. Examples include going even below low- case projections for formula programs, not funding fire suppression and core emergency services, and not fully funding commitments such as private sector leases. Fire suppression alone accounts for $7.2 million of this supplemental request; full payment of leases is another $1.3 million. The $16.5 million general fund placeholder amount for supplementals in the budget plan is clearly not sufficient to cover known supplemental funding requirements of this magnitude. Some of the shortfalls can be covered with excess appropriations in other areas. For instance, based on current estimates of general funds needed for the foundation formula, $1.9 million can be transferred to cover supplemental needs. Wherever possible, departments have made internal adjustments to keep within current appropriation levels. Nevertheless, supplemental requests are required when increased costs are beyond an agency's ability to adjust without detrimental effects on services the Legislature already approved in the budget. Some of the supplemental requests will allow us to take advantage of increased federal aid in areas ranging from coastal impact assistance to satellite communication, geological projects, power projects and education grants to be passed on to local school districts. As we work together on the FY2003 budget, the appropriations requested in this bill and its companion "fast track" supplemental should be used as reference points for determining realistic budget levels for the coming year. It is not appropriate to give the public the 2002-02-13 House Journal Page 2242 impression that May budget levels are realistic when we know for certain they simply push part of the budget off until the following year. Sincerely, /s/ Tony Knowles Governor" HB 416 HOUSE BILL NO. 416 by the House Special Committee on Education, entitled: "An Act relating to reemployment of and benefits for retired teachers and principals who participated in retirement incentive programs; and providing for an effective date." was read the first time and referred to the House Special Committee on Education and the Health, Education & Social Services Committee. HB 417 HOUSE BILL NO. 417 by Representative Croft, entitled: "An Act relating to adult day services facilities; relating to certain crimes occurring near an adult day services facility; relating to certain contracts for adult day services; relating to reports of harm regarding certain vulnerable adults; and providing for an effective date." was read the first time and referred to the Labor & Commerce, Health, Education & Social Services, Judiciary, and Finance Committees. HB 418 HOUSE BILL NO. 418 by the House Labor & Commerce Committee by request, entitled: "An Act amending the Alaska Corporations Code as it relates to delivery of annual reports, notice of shareholders' meetings, proxy statements, and other information to shareholders, and providing for electronic proxy voting." 2002-02-13 House Journal Page 2243 was read the first time and referred to the Labor & Commerce Committee. HB 419 HOUSE BILL NO. 419 by Representative Hayes, entitled: "An Act establishing the Prescription Drug Assistance Task Force; and providing for an effective date." was read the first time and referred to the Health, Education & Social Services and Finance Committees. HB 420 HOUSE BILL NO. 420 by the House Resources Committee, entitled: "An Act relating to the use of water; and providing for an effective date." was read the first time and referred to the Resources Committee. HB 421 HOUSE BILL NO. 421 by the House Resources Committee, entitled: "An Act relating to water use and appropriation." was read the first time and referred to the Resources and Finance Committees. HB 422 HOUSE BILL NO. 422 by Representative Fate, entitled: "An Act authorizing the commissioner of fish and game to issue complimentary sport fishing licenses and tags to September 11 emergency responders and their spouses; and providing for an effective date." was read the first time and referred to the Resources and Finance Committees. 2002-02-13 House Journal Page 2244 HB 423 HOUSE BILL NO. 423 by the House Rules Committee by request of the Governor, entitled: "An Act relating to the Alaska Railroad; authorizing the Alaska Railroad Corporation to provide financing for the acquisition, construction, improvement, maintenance, equipping, or operation of facilities for the transportation of natural gas resources within and outside the state by others; authorizing the Alaska Railroad Corporation to issue bonds to finance such facilities; and providing for an effective date." was read the first time and referred to the House Special Committee on Oil & Gas and the Finance Committee. The following fiscal note(s) apply: 1. Fiscal, Dept. of Community & Economic Development The Governor's transmittal letter dated February 12, 2002, appears below: "Dear Speaker Porter: The State of Alaska has a unique opportunity to jumpstart the construction of the Alaska Highway natural gas pipeline by using creative financing to lower the cost of the project. This bill I am transmitting today authorizes the Alaska Railroad Corporation to issue bonds for the pipeline project, leveraging the ability of the corporation to issue tax-exempt bonds for industrial development. This financing plan can push pipeline construction all the closer in our future, resulting in jobs for Alaskans and revenue to the state while delivering natural gas to a waiting continent. The railroad's ability to issue tax-exempt bonds to finance industrial development was authored by Alaska Senator Ted Stevens and approved by Congress in 1983 with the transfer of the Alaska Railroad from federal to state ownership. Congress reaffirmed the railroad's authority to issue tax-exempt bonds in the Tax Reform Act of 1986. 2002-02-13 House Journal Page 2245 Estimates prepared by Goldman Sachs and the Department of Revenue suggest the financing plan presented in this bill will increase the economic viability of the natural gas line construction project by saving the facility owners more than $1 billion over the life of the project. The bill allows the Alaska Railroad to provide financing for the acquisition, construction, improvement, maintenance, equipping, and operation of facilities for the transportation of natural gas resources within and outside the state. It specifically authorizes the railroad to negotiate with producers of natural gas and issue up to $17 billion in bonds for construction of a natural gas pipeline that follows the Trans Alaska Pipeline System from the North Slope to Delta Junction and the Alaska Highway into Canada. While the railroad would issue the bonds, neither the railroad nor the state would own the gas line nor be liable for the debt. That responsibility would fall on the private companies that build, own, and operate the gas line. The bill also requires that prior to issuing bonds, the railroad must determine that any contract or lease is sufficient to pay back the bonds as scheduled, maintain reserves for the payments, and pay all costs necessary to secure the bonds. The railroad has always been important to Alaska's economy. Anchorage was born as a railroad construction town. The railroad supported construction of the Alaska Highway during World War II and the subsequent military buildup in Alaska. It helped build the Trans-Alaska Pipeline System and along its 611 miles of track, the Alaska Railroad carries 7 million tons of freight and half-a-million passengers every year providing jobs to 700 Alaskans. I urge you to take prompt action on this measure. This is an important step in advancing the construction of an Alaska natural gas pipeline. Sincerely, /s/ Tony Knowles Governor" 2002-02-13 House Journal Page 2246 HB 424 HOUSE BILL NO. 424 by the House Judiciary Committee, entitled: "An Act relating to title insurance; and providing for an effective date." was read the first time and referred to the Labor & Commerce Committee. HB 425 HOUSE BILL NO. 425 by Representative Ogan, entitled: "An Act relating to wildfires and other natural disasters." was read the first time and referred to the Resources and Judiciary Committees. HB 426 HOUSE BILL NO. 426 by Representative Lancaster, entitled: "An Act requiring state agencies to provide for electronic submission of forms and relating to annual reports of state agencies." was read the first time and referred to the State Affairs Committee. HB 427 HOUSE BILL NO. 427 by Representative Green, entitled: "An Act relating to civil claims against a third-party; amending Rule 14(c), Alaska Rules of Civil Procedure; and providing for an effective date." was read the first time and referred to the Judiciary Committee. 2002-02-13 House Journal Page 2247 CONSIDERATION OF THE DAILY CALENDAR SECOND READING OF HOUSE BILLS HB 243 The following was read the second time: HOUSE BILL NO. 243 "An Act relating to sexual assault or abuse of a minor." with the: Journal Page JUD RPT CS(JUD) 4DP 2202 FN1: ZERO(LAW) 2202 Representative James moved and asked unanimous consent that the following committee substitute be adopted in lieu of the original bill: CS FOR HOUSE BILL NO. 243(JUD) (same title) There being no objection, it was so ordered. Representative James moved and asked unanimous consent that CSHB 243(JUD) be considered engrossed, advanced to third reading, and placed on final passage. There being no objection, it was so ordered. CSHB 243(JUD) was read the third time. The question being: "Shall CSHB 243(JUD) pass the House?" The roll was taken with the following result: CSHB 243(JUD) Third Reading Final Passage YEAS: 37 NAYS: 0 EXCUSED: 1 ABSENT: 2 Yeas: Berkowitz, Bunde, Chenault, Cissna, Coghill, Crawford, Croft, Dyson, Fate, Foster, Green, Guess, Halcro, Harris, Hayes, Hudson, James, Joule, Kapsner, Kerttula, Kohring, Kookesh, Kott, Lancaster, McGuire, Meyer, Morgan, Mulder, Murkowski, Ogan, Porter, Rokeberg, Scalzi, Stevens, Whitaker, Williams, Wilson 2002-02-13 House Journal Page 2248 Excused: Davies Absent: Masek, Moses And so, CSHB 243(JUD) passed the House and was referred to the Chief Clerk for engrossment. HB 274 The following was read the second time: HOUSE BILL NO. 274 "An Act relating to workers' compensation; and providing for an effective date." with the: Journal Page L&C RPT CS(L&C) NT 6DP 2161 FN1: ZERO(LWF) 2161 Representative James moved and asked unanimous consent that the following committee substitute be adopted in lieu of the original bill: CS FOR HOUSE BILL NO. 274(L&C) "An Act relating to the qualification of a physician used for an employer's independent medical examination and to the authority of the Alaska Workers' Compensation Board to provide an expedited hearing when an employee needs medical treatment; and providing for an effective date." There being no objection, it was so ordered. Amendment No. 1 was offered by Representative Crawford: Page 2, line 24: Delete "may" Insert "shall" Representative Crawford moved and asked unanimous consent that Amendment No. 1 be adopted. Representative Coghill objected. 2002-02-13 House Journal Page 2249 Representative Ogan moved and asked unanimous consent that he be allowed to abstain from voting due to a conflict of interest. Objection was heard, and Representative Ogan was required to vote. The question being: "Shall Amendment No. 1 be adopted?" The roll was taken with the following result: CSHB 274(L&C) Second Reading Amendment No. 1 YEAS: 10 NAYS: 22 EXCUSED: 1 ABSENT: 7 Yeas: Berkowitz, Cissna, Crawford, Guess, Hayes, Joule, Kapsner, Kerttula, Kookesh, Whitaker Nays: Bunde, Coghill, Dyson, Fate, Foster, Green, Harris, Hudson, James, Kohring, Lancaster, McGuire, Meyer, Morgan, Mulder, Murkowski, Porter, Rokeberg, Scalzi, Stevens, Williams, Wilson Excused: Davies Absent: Chenault, Croft, Halcro, Kott, Masek, Moses, Ogan And so, Amendment No. 1 was not adopted. Representative James moved and asked unanimous consent that CSHB 274(L&C) be considered engrossed, advanced to third reading, and placed on final passage. There being no objection, it was so ordered. CSHB 274(L&C) was read the third time. Representative Croft moved and asked unanimous consent that he be allowed to abstain from voting due to a conflict of interest. Objection was heard, and Representative Croft was required to vote. The question being: "Shall CSHB 274(L&C) pass the House?" The roll was taken with the following result: 2002-02-13 House Journal Page 2250 CSHB 274(L&C) Third Reading Final Passage YEAS: 36 NAYS: 0 EXCUSED: 1 ABSENT: 3 Yeas: Berkowitz, Bunde, Chenault, Cissna, Coghill, Crawford, Croft, Dyson, Fate, Foster, Green, Guess, Halcro, Harris, Hayes, Hudson, James, Joule, Kapsner, Kerttula, Kohring, Kookesh, Kott, Lancaster, McGuire, Meyer, Morgan, Mulder, Murkowski, Porter, Rokeberg, Scalzi, Stevens, Whitaker, Williams, Wilson Excused: Davies Absent: Masek, Moses, Ogan And so, CSHB 274(L&C) passed the House. Representative James moved and asked unanimous consent that the roll call on the passage of the bill be considered the roll call on the effective date clause. There being no objection, it was so ordered. CSHB 274(L&C) was referred to the Chief Clerk for engrossment. HB 320 The following was read the second time: HOUSE BILL NO. 320 "An Act relating to the use of electronic ballots." with the: Journal Page STA RPT 7DP 2111 FN1: ZERO(GOV) 2111 FIN REFERRAL WAIVED 2208 Amendment No. 1 was offered by Representative Green: Page 1, line 1 (title amendment): Delete "ballots" Insert "balloting equipment" 2002-02-13 House Journal Page 2251 Page 2, line 2: Delete "electronically generated ballots" Insert "electronic balloting equipment" Page 2, line 3, following "available.", through line 6: Delete all material. Insert "If the director provides for voting by use of electronic balloting equipment, the director shall provide electronic balloting equipment that would allow voters with disabilities, including those who are blind or visually impaired, to cast private, independent, and verifiable ballots." Representative Green moved and asked unanimous consent that Amendment No. 1 be adopted. There being no objection, it was so ordered, and the new title appears below: HOUSE BILL NO. 320 am "An Act relating to the use of electronic balloting equipment." Amendment No. 2 was offered by Representative Berkowitz: Page 1, line 1 (title amendment): Delete "electronic" Page 1, lines 10 - 11: Delete "The party affiliation, if any, shall be designated after the name of the candidate." Insert "[THE PARTY AFFILIATION, IF ANY, SHALL BE DESIGNATED AFTER THE NAME OF THE CANDIDATE.]" Representative Berkowitz moved and asked unanimous consent that Amendment No. 2 be adopted. Representative Green objected. The question being: "Shall Amendment No. 2 be adopted?" The roll was taken with the following result: 2002-02-13 House Journal Page 2252 HB 320 am Second Reading Amendment No. 2 YEAS: 9 NAYS: 28 EXCUSED: 1 ABSENT: 2 Yeas: Berkowitz, Cissna, Crawford, Croft, Hayes, Hudson, Kapsner, Kookesh, Morgan Nays: Bunde, Chenault, Coghill, Dyson, Fate, Foster, Green, Guess, Halcro, Harris, James, Joule, Kerttula, Kohring, Kott, Lancaster, McGuire, Meyer, Mulder, Murkowski, Ogan, Porter, Rokeberg, Scalzi, Stevens, Whitaker, Williams, Wilson Excused: Davies Absent: Masek, Moses And so, Amendment No. 2 was not adopted. Representative James moved and asked unanimous consent that HB 320 am be considered engrossed, advanced to third reading, and placed on final passage. There being no objection, it was so ordered. HB 320 am was read the third time. The question being: "Shall HB 320 am pass the House?" The roll was taken with the following result: HB 320 am Third Reading Final Passage YEAS: 37 NAYS: 0 EXCUSED: 1 ABSENT: 2 Yeas: Berkowitz, Bunde, Chenault, Cissna, Coghill, Crawford, Croft, Dyson, Fate, Foster, Green, Guess, Halcro, Harris, Hayes, Hudson, James, Joule, Kapsner, Kerttula, Kohring, Kookesh, Kott, Lancaster, McGuire, Meyer, Morgan, Mulder, Murkowski, Ogan, Porter, Rokeberg, Scalzi, Stevens, Whitaker, Williams, Wilson Excused: Davies Absent: Masek, Moses 2002-02-13 House Journal Page 2253 And so, HB 320 am passed the House and was referred to the Chief Clerk for engrossment. LEGISLATIVE CITATIONS Representative James 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 - Superintendent Richard DeLorenzo, Chugach School District By Representatives Harris, Dyson, Porter, Berkowitz, Bunde, Chenault, Cissna, Crawford, Croft, Guess, Halcro, Hayes, Hudson, James, Joule, Kapsner, Kerttula, Kohring, Kott, Lancaster, Masek, McGuire, Meyer, Morgan, Mulder, Murkowski, Ogan, Rokeberg, Stevens, Williams, Wilson Honoring - Richard C. Campbell By Representatives Bunde, Porter, Berkowitz, Chenault, Cissna, Crawford, Croft, Dyson, Foster, Green, Guess, Halcro, Harris, Hayes, Hudson, James, Joule, Kapsner, Kerttula, Kohring, Kott, Lancaster, Masek, McGuire, Meyer, Mulder, Murkowski, Ogan, Rokeberg, Stevens, Williams, Wilson Honoring - Dr. Mary Francis By Senator Taylor; Representatives Wilson, Porter, Berkowitz, Bunde, Chenault, Cissna, Coghill, Crawford, Croft, Dyson, Halcro, Harris, Hayes, Hudson, James, Joule, Kapsner, Kerttula, Kohring, Kott, Lancaster, Masek, McGuire, Meyer, Morgan, Mulder, Murkowski, Ogan, Rokeberg, Stevens, Williams In Memoriam - Jay Dennis Poss By Representatives McGuire, Porter, Berkowitz, Bunde, Chenault, Cissna, Coghill, Crawford, Croft, Dyson, Fate, Foster, Green, Guess, Halcro, Harris, Hayes, Hudson, James, Joule, Kapsner, Kerttula, Kott, Lancaster, Masek, Meyer, Morgan, Mulder, Murkowski, Ogan, Rokeberg, Scalzi, Stevens, Williams, Wilson 2002-02-13 House Journal Page 2254 In Memoriam - Miriam Manuyak Baldwin By Representatives Joule, Porter, Berkowitz, Bunde, Chenault, Cissna, Coghill, Crawford, Croft, Dyson, Fate, Foster, Guess, Halcro, Harris, Hayes, Hudson, James, Kapsner, Kerttula, Kott, Lancaster, Masek, McGuire, Meyer, Morgan, Mulder, Murkowski, Ogan, Rokeberg, Scalzi, Stevens, Williams, Wilson In Memoriam - Gerald "Jerry" Johnson Bohms By Representatives Fate, Harris, Whitaker, Coghill, Hayes, James, Morgan, Davies, Porter, Berkowitz, Bunde, Chenault, Cissna, Crawford, Croft, Dyson, Foster, Guess, Halcro, Hudson, Joule, Kapsner, Kerttula, Kott, Lancaster, Masek, McGuire, Meyer, Mulder, Murkowski, Ogan, Rokeberg, Scalzi, Stevens, Williams, Wilson; Senators Wilken, Kelly, Therriault In Memoriam - Beverly Joan Dodge By Representatives Bunde, Porter, Berkowitz, Chenault, Cissna, Coghill, Crawford, Croft, Dyson, Foster, Halcro, Harris, Hayes, Hudson, James, Joule, Kapsner, Kerttula, Kott, Lancaster, Masek, McGuire, Meyer, Morgan, Mulder, Murkowski, Ogan, Rokeberg, Scalzi, Stevens, Williams, Wilson In Memoriam - Henry "Hank" Floyd Eaton By Representatives Bunde, Stevens, Porter, Berkowitz, Chenault, Cissna, Coghill, Crawford, Croft, Dyson, Foster, Halcro, Harris, Hayes, Hudson, James, Joule, Kapsner, Kerttula, Kott, Lancaster, Masek, McGuire, Meyer, Morgan, Mulder, Murkowski, Ogan, Rokeberg, Scalzi, Williams, Wilson; Senator Austerman In Memoriam - Patricia D. Brokaw By Representatives Bunde, Porter, Berkowitz, Chenault, Cissna, Coghill, Crawford, Croft, Dyson, Foster, Halcro, Harris, Hayes, Hudson, James, Joule, Kapsner, Kerttula, Kott, Lancaster, Masek, McGuire, Meyer, Morgan, Mulder, Murkowski, Ogan, Rokeberg, Scalzi, Stevens, Williams, Wilson 2002-02-13 House Journal Page 2255 In Memoriam - Timothy P. Connaker By Representatives Rokeberg, Porter, Berkowitz, Bunde, Chenault, Cissna, Coghill, Crawford, Croft, Dyson, Foster, Halcro, Harris, Hayes, Hudson, James, Joule, Kapsner, Kerttula, Kohring, Kott, Lancaster, Masek, McGuire, Meyer, Morgan, Mulder, Murkowski, Ogan, Scalzi, Stevens, Williams, Wilson In Memoriam - Linda Hartshorn By Senator Taylor; Representatives Wilson, Porter, Berkowitz, Bunde, Chenault, Cissna, Coghill, Crawford, Croft, Dyson, Foster, Halcro, Harris, Hayes, Hudson, James, Joule, Kapsner, Kerttula, Kott, Lancaster, Masek, McGuire, Meyer, Morgan, Mulder, Murkowski, Ogan, Rokeberg, Scalzi, Stevens, Williams UNFINISHED BUSINESS Representative James 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: Representative Bunde - from 7:00 a.m., February 16 to 9:35 p.m., February 18, 2002 Representative Cissna - from 1:50 p.m., February 15 to 1:05 p.m., plane time, February 18, 2002 Representative Crawford - from 2:05 p.m., February 15 to 12:55 p.m., plane time, February 18; and from 6:56 p.m., February 22 to 10:04 a.m., plane time, February 25, 2002 Representative Dyson - from 2:05 p.m., February 22 to 10:04 a.m., plane time, February 25, 2002 Representative Green - from 7:00 a.m., February 22 to 9:00 p.m., plane time, February 24, 2002 Representative Kerttula - from noon, March 6 to 2:00 p.m., plane time, March 12, 2002 2002-02-13 House Journal Page 2256 Representative Lancaster - from 6:56 p.m., March 6 to 9:35 p.m., plane time, March 12, 2002 Representative McGuire - from 2:05 p.m., February 20 to 9:35 p.m., plane time, February 24, 2002 Representative Porter - from 10:15 p.m., February 20 to 6:16 p.m., plane time, February 21; and from 1:50 p.m., March 6 to 9:54 a.m., plane time, March 13, 2002 Representative Dyson - from 2:05 p.m., February 15 to 10:04 a.m., plane time, February 19, 2002 (amended from page 2069) Representative Kott - from 7:00 a.m., February 15 to 9:30 p.m., plane time, February 17, 2002 (amended from page 2189) HJR 33 Representative Chenault added his name as cosponsor to: HOUSE JOINT RESOLUTION NO. 33 Expressing gratitude to President George W. Bush, to the President's cabinet, and to the men and women of the United States armed forces and declaring support for the war on terrorism. HB 20 Representative Joule added his name as cosponsor to: HOUSE BILL NO. 20 "An Act relating to state aid to municipalities and certain other recipients, and for the village public safety officer program; relating to municipal dividends; relating to the public safety foundation program; and providing for an effective date." HB 243 Representatives Croft, Berkowitz, and Wilson added their names as cosponsors to: CS FOR HOUSE BILL NO. 243(JUD) "An Act relating to sexual assault or abuse of a minor." 2002-02-13 House Journal Page 2257 HB 252 Representative Dyson added his name as cosponsor to: HOUSE BILL NO. 252 "An Act relating to the construction of certain statutes relating to children; relating to the scope of duty and standard of care for persons who provide services to certain children and families; and providing for an effective date." HB 274 Representative James added her name as cosponsor to: CS FOR HOUSE BILL NO. 274(L&C) "An Act relating to the qualification of a physician used for an employer's independent medical examination and to the authority of the Alaska Workers' Compensation Board to provide an expedited hearing when an employee needs medical treatment; and providing for an effective date." HB 305 Representative Foster added his name as cosponsor to: HOUSE BILL NO. 305 "An Act prohibiting certain state employment, a student loan, or a permanent fund dividend for a person who fails to register for the military selective service; and providing for an effective date." HB 320 Representatives McGuire, Halcro, Murkowski, Dyson, and Rokeberg added their names as cosponsors to: HOUSE BILL NO. 320 am "An Act relating to the use of electronic balloting equipment." HB 368 Representative McGuire added her name as cosponsor to: 2002-02-13 House Journal Page 2258 HOUSE BILL NO. 368 "An Act authorizing the commissioner of community and economic development to refinance and extend the term of a fishery enhancement loan." HB 386 Representative Dyson added his name as cosponsor to: HOUSE BILL NO. 386 "An Act relating to foster care and adoption of children in need of aid; and relating to child-in-need-of-aid proceedings." HB 400 Representative Dyson added his name as cosponsor to: HOUSE BILL NO. 400 "An Act relating to contributions from permanent fund dividends for municipal school districts and regional educational attendance areas; and providing for an effective date." HB 405 Representative Dyson added his name as cosponsor to: HOUSE BILL NO. 405 "An Act relating to the prosecution of criminal offenses committed on or against ferries and other watercraft owned or operated by the state; and providing for an effective date." ENGROSSMENT HB 243 CSHB 243(JUD) was engrossed, signed by the Speaker and Chief Clerk and transmitted to the Senate for consideration. HB 274 CSHB 274(L&C) was engrossed, signed by the Speaker and Chief Clerk and transmitted to the Senate for consideration. 2002-02-13 House Journal Page 2259 HB 320 HB 320 am was engrossed, signed by the Speaker and Chief Clerk and transmitted to the Senate for consideration. ANNOUNCEMENTS House committee schedules are published daily under separate cover. Majority Caucus Speaker's Chamber upon adj., 2/13 ADJOURNMENT Representative James moved and asked unanimous consent that the House adjourn until 10:00 a.m., February 15, 2002. There being no objection, the House adjourned at 11:33 a.m. Suzi Lowell Chief Clerk