Legislature(2005 - 2006)
2005-02-04 Senate Journal
Full Journal pdf2005-02-04 Senate Journal Page 0219 SENATE JOURNAL ALASKA STATE LEGISLATURE TWENTY-FOURTH LEGISLATURE FIRST SESSION Juneau, Alaska Friday February 4, 2005 Twenty-sixth Day Pursuant to adjournment the Senate was called to order by President Stevens at 10:04 a.m. The roll showed sixteen members present. Senators Cowdery, Green, Guess, Olson were excused from a call of the Senate. The prayer was offered by the Chaplain, Pastor Robert Sherwood of the Church of the Nazarene. Senator Hoffman moved and asked unanimous consent that the prayer be spread. Without objection, it was so ordered. My daughter had a premonition that she or someone close to her was going to die. So we stopped on the on ramp to the Florida turnpike and we prayed for her mom, dad, brother, grandparents, aunts, uncles and our church. Then we continued home. The next day at 3:30, I was on my way home from the gym at Homestead Air Force Base. The traffic slowed to a crawl. There was an accident at the corner of Allapathah and Coconut Palm. As I looked, it was my station wagon in the intersection. I pulled over, saw my son on the side of the road and asked him if he was ok. He said he was ok but mom and Krissy were not. I ran to the driver's side of the car, which was missing, and my daughter was bleeding from her face and head, screaming, "I don't want to die." A P.J. from my reserve air rescue unit came up and said, "Get in the back seat and hold her head" so she wouldn't aggravate any neck injuries. 2005-02-04 Senate Journal Page 0220 I went around the other side of the car to get in. My wife was in the front seat turning blue with a large bloody gash on her knee. I held Krissy's head and told her to go to manual, breathe intentionally; she had hit her diaphragm on the dash and had broken several ribs. The rescue folks arrived and took over. Two French Allouette helicopters landed in the intersection and took my bleeding family to the nearest medical center. Driving to the medical center at an illegal speed, I was angry at God and asked him, "What in the name of Yourself are You doing?" He brought to mind that we had prayed about this last night and my family would be ok. The next day I read in the paper that two people had died in that accident - fortunately they had not. I read that it was also the first day the emergency trauma center was open and helicopters were available to bring trauma victims to nearby hospitals. May God protect these men and women here, dear God, when they pray to You. May they love mercy, may they do justice and may they walk humbly with their God. In their hour of need, may You hear their prayer. In Jesus' name. Amen. Senator Ellis led the Senate in the Pledge of Allegiance. Certification Senator Gary Stevens moved and asked unanimous consent that the journals for the twenty-fourth and twenty-fifth legislative days be approved as certified by the Secretary. Without objection, it was so ordered. Messages from the House Message dated February 2 was read, stating the House passed and transmitted for consideration: 2005-02-04 Senate Journal Page 0221 First Reading and Reference of House Bills HB 47 CS FOR HOUSE BILL NO. 47(FIN) BY THE HOUSE FINANCE COMMITTEE, entitled: "An Act extending the termination date of the Board of Certified Real Estate Appraisers; and relating to the requirements for membership on the Board of Certified Real Estate Appraisers." was read the first time and referred to the Labor and Commerce and Finance Committees. HB 64 HOUSE BILL NO. 64 BY REPRESENTATIVES HAWKER, Stoltze, Gara, entitled: "An Act extending the termination date for the Board of Public Accountancy; and providing for an effective date." was read the first time and referred to the Labor and Commerce and Finance Committees. Communications The following reports are on file in the Office of the Secretary of the Senate: Report on Compensation and Travel Expenses 2004 (Notification of availability) from Ray Matiashowski, Commissioner, Department of Administration in accordance with AS 37.05.210 available at: fin.admin.state.ak.us/dof/financial_reports/ctep_toc.jsp 2005-02-04 Senate Journal Page 0222 Report Listing Alaska Statutes with Delayed Repeals or Delayed Amendments and Report Examining Court Decisions and Opinions of the Attorney General Construing Alaska Statutes from the Division of Legal and Research Services, Legislative Affairs Agency in accordance with AS 24.20.065(b) Standing Committee Reports SB 22 The Health, Education and Social Services Committee considered SENATE BILL NO. 22 "An Act adding birthing centers to the list of health facilities eligible for payment of medical assistance for needy persons." Signing do pass: Senator Dyson, Chair; Senators Elton, Wilken. The following fiscal information was published today: Fiscal Note No. 1, zero, Department of Health and Social Services The bill was referred to the Finance Committee. SB 55 The Resources Committee considered SENATE BILL NO. 55 "An Act instructing the commissioner of natural resources to issue a patent for the remaining interest in certain state land to the owner of the agricultural rights to that land." Signing do pass: Senator Wagoner, Chair; Senators Elton, Ben Stevens, Seekins, Dyson. The following fiscal information was published today: Fiscal Note No. 1, indeterminate, Department of Natural Resources The bill was referred to the Finance Committee. SB 60 The Health, Education and Social Services Committee considered SENATE BILL NO. 60 "An Act extending the termination date of the Statewide Suicide Prevention Council; and providing for an effective date." Signing do pass: Senator Dyson, Chair; Senators Green, Elton, Wilken. 2005-02-04 Senate Journal Page 0223 The following fiscal information was published today: Fiscal Note No. 1, zero, Department of Health and Social Services The bill was referred to the Finance Committee. SB 69 The Resources Committee considered SENATE BILL NO. 69 "An Act making special appropriations to promote the opening of the Arctic National Wildlife Refuge for oil and gas exploration and development; and providing for an effective date." Signing do pass: Senator Wagoner, Chair; Senators Ben Stevens, Seekins, Dyson. Signing do not pass: Senator Elton. The bill was referred to the Finance Committee. Introduction and Reference of Senate Bills SB 90 SENATE BILL NO. 90 BY SENATOR HUGGINS, entitled: "An Act relating to Alaska Territorial Guard Day." was read the first time and referred to the State Affairs Committee. SB 91 SENATE BILL NO. 91 BY SENATOR HUGGINS, entitled: "An Act relating to payment of premiums for Servicemembers' Group Life Insurance on behalf of members of the Alaska National Guard deployed to a combat zone; and providing for an effective date." was read the first time and referred to the State Affairs and Finance Committees. SB 92 SENATE BILL NO. 92 BY SENATOR BEN STEVENS BY REQUEST, entitled: 2005-02-04 Senate Journal Page 0224 "An Act relating to charges paid or collected by users or occupants of an airport facility owned or controlled by the state." was read the first time and referred to the Transportation and Finance Committees. SB 93 SENATE BILL NO. 93 BY SENATOR BEN STEVENS, entitled: "An Act relating to commercial fishing permit and vessel license fees; and providing for an effective date." was read the first time and referred to the Labor and Commerce and Finance Committees. SB 94 SENATE BILL NO. 94 BY SENATORS DYSON, Davis, entitled: "An Act relating to state employee health plans that give employees the option to select a high deductible health plan so as to qualify to establish a health savings account." was read the first time and referred to the State Affairs and Finance Committees. Consideration of the Calendar Citations Honoring - Kenai Chamber of Commerce, 2004 Community Awards Senator(s) Wagoner, Ben Stevens, Cowdery, Davis, Dyson, Ellis, Elton, Green, Hoffman, Huggins, Kookesh, Olson, Seekins, Stedman, Gary Stevens, Therriault, Wilken Representative(s) Olson, Chenault 2005-02-04 Senate Journal Page 0225 In Memoriam - Jon William Paulsen Representative(s) Guttenberg Senator(s) Seekins, Ben Stevens, Cowdery, Davis, Dyson, Ellis, Elton, Green, Hoffman, Huggins, Kookesh, Olson, Stedman, Gary Stevens, Therriault, Wagoner, Wilken Senator Gary Stevens 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 SB 85 Senators Bunde, Therriault moved and asked unanimous consent to be shown as cosponsors on SENATE BILL NO. 85 "An Act repealing the ban on the use of certain off-road vehicles within five miles of the right-of-way of the James Dalton Highway; and providing for an effective date." Without objection, it was so ordered. Announcements Announcements are at the end of the journal. Adjournment Senator Gary Stevens moved and asked unanimous consent that the Senate stand in adjournment until 11:00 a.m., February 7, 2005. Without objection, the Senate adjourned at 10:14 a.m. Kirsten Waid Secretary of the Senate February 2005 2005-02-04 Senate Journal Page 0226 Announcements Americans with Disabilities Act Notice - 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. STANDING COMMITTEES + indicates teleconference = indicates bill previously heard/scheduled COMMUNITY & REGIONAL AFFAIRS Feb 04 Friday Beltz 211 1:30 PM + SB 77 AK REGIONAL ECONOMIC ASSISTANCE PROGRAM Feb 07 Monday Beltz 211 1:30 PM Bills Previously Heard/Scheduled += SB 77 AK REGIONAL ECONOMIC ASSISTANCE PROGRAM Feb 09 Wednesday Beltz 211 1:30 PM + SB 86 STATE/MUNI LIABILITY FOR ATTORNEY FEES Bills Previously Heard/Scheduled Feb 11 Friday Beltz 211 1:30 PM No Meeting Scheduled Feb 14 Monday Senate Finance 532 1:30 PM + USCG/DEC SITUATION REPORT & OVERVIEW M/V SELENDANG AYU GROUNDING USCG Admiral Jim Olson DEC: Kurt Fredriksson, Acting Commissioner ---------------------------------------- FINANCE Feb 04 Friday Senate Finance 532 9:00 AM No Meeting Scheduled Feb 07 Monday Senate Finance 532 9:00 AM No Meeting Scheduled 2005-02-04 Senate Journal Page 0227 FINANCE (continued) Feb 08 Tuesday Senate Finance 532 9:00 AM No Meeting Scheduled Feb 09 Wednesday Senate Finance 532 9:00 AM No Meeting Scheduled Feb 10 Thursday Senate Finance 532 9:00 AM No Meeting Scheduled Feb 11 Friday Senate Finance 532 9:00 AM No Meeting Scheduled ---------------------------------------- HEALTH, EDUCATION & SOCIAL SERVICES Feb 04 Friday Butrovich 205 1:30 PM -- Meeting Canceled -- + Bills Previously Heard/Scheduled Feb 07 Monday Butrovich 205 1:30 PM + SB 84 CHILD PROTECTION CONFIDENTIALITY + SB 51 PUBLIC ASSISTANCE PROGRAMS + Bills Previously Heard/Scheduled Feb 09 Wednesday Butrovich 205 1:30 PM + SB 75 PUBLIC HEALTH DISASTERS/EMERGENCIES + SB 73 STATE VIROLOGY LABORATORY + Bills Previously Heard/Scheduled Feb 11 Friday Butrovich 205 1:30 PM No Meeting Scheduled ---------------------------------------- JUDICIARY Feb 08 Tuesday Butrovich 205 8:30 AM + SJR 1 CONST. AM: APPROPRIATION LIMIT + SJR 4 CONST AM: BUDGET RESERVE FUND + SB 36 ABSENTEE BALLOT APPLICATIONS + Bills Previously Heard/Scheduled Feb 09 Wednesday Butrovich 205 8:30 AM + Bills Previously Heard/Scheduled 2005-02-04 Senate Journal Page 0228 JUDICIARY (continued) Feb 10 Thursday Butrovich 205 8:30 AM + Bills Previously Heard/Scheduled ---------------------------------------- LABOR & COMMERCE Feb 08 Tuesday Beltz 211 1:30 PM Commissioner Greg O'Claray Department of Labor & Workforce Development: Update on Training Programs For Alaskans in Oil/Gas/Mining Industries += SB 52 OCCUPATIONS/CORPORATIONS/BANKS/SECURITIES <Bill Hearing Rescheduled from 02/01/05> += SB 25 GENETICALLY MODIFIED FISH <Bill Hearing Rescheduled from 02/01/05> + SB 67 CLAIMS AGAINST HEALTH CARE PROVIDERS Feb 10 Thursday Beltz 211 1:30 PM Bills Previously Heard/Scheduled ---------------------------------------- RESOURCES Feb 04 Friday Butrovich 205 3:30 PM No Meeting Scheduled Feb 07 Monday Butrovich 205 3:30 PM + SJR 5 REAUTHORIZE METHANE HYDRATE RESEARCH ACT Feb 09 Wednesday Butrovich 205 3:30 PM No Meeting Scheduled Feb 11 Friday Kenai 1:30 PM Joint w/(H) Resource MTG HELD @ KENAI CHALLENGER CENTER Presentation by Cook Inlet O&G Industry -- Testimony by Invitation Only -- ---------------------------------------- 2005-02-04 Senate Journal Page 0229 STATE AFFAIRS Feb 08 Tuesday Beltz 211 3:30 PM + SB 12 LIMIT RELATIONS WITH CERTAIN NATIONS + SB 76 ELECTIONS Feb 10 Thursday Beltz 211 3:30 PM + Department of Administration - OVERVIEW: IMPACT OF HOUSE BILL 242 (2001) + Bills Previously Heard/Scheduled ---------------------------------------- TRANSPORTATION Feb 08 Tuesday Butrovich 205 1:30 PM = SB 63 USE SEAT BELT ROAD SIGNS = SB 40 KUSKOKWIM PORT AUTHORITY SB 85 OFF-ROAD VEHICLE USE ON DALTON HIGHWAY Feb 10 Thursday Butrovich 205 1:30 PM Overview by: Dept. Transportation & Public Facilities Bills Previously Heard/Scheduled Feb 26 Saturday Wasilla Lio Office 10:00 AM + Knik Arm Bridge & Toll Authority - Knik Arm Crossing Project, Presentation by the Knik Arm Bridge and Toll Authority Overview and Updates on the Project Question and Answer Session Following Presentation 10:00 a.m. - 11:30 a.m. ---------------------------------------- OTHER MEETINGS CHILDREN'S CAUCUS Feb 08 Tuesday Butrovich 205 12:00 PM + Alaska Children's Justice Act Task Force Reviewing Practice, Policy, and Laws on Child Abuse. ---------------------------------------- 2005-02-04 Senate Journal Page 0230 OTHER MEETINGS (continued) JOINT SESSION Feb 23 Wednesday House Chamber 11:00 AM State of the Judiciary Chief Justice Alexander O. Bryner Feb 24 Thursday House Chamber 11:00 AM Address by U.S. Senator Ted Stevens Mar 30 Wednesday House Chamber 11:00 AM Address by U.S. Senator Lisa Murkowski