Legislature(2005 - 2006)
2005-03-03 Senate Journal
Full Journal pdf2005-03-03 Senate Journal Page 0457 SENATE JOURNAL ALASKA STATE LEGISLATURE TWENTY-FOURTH LEGISLATURE FIRST SESSION Juneau, Alaska Thursday March 3, 2005 Fifty-third Day Pursuant to adjournment the Senate was called to order by President Stevens at 11:11 a.m. The roll showed seventeen members present. Senator Gary Stevens was excused from a call of the Senate. Senators Davis, Hoffman were absent. Senator Green, Acting Majority Leader, moved and asked unanimous consent that Senator Davis be excused from a call of the Senate today and on March 4. Without objection, Senator Davis was excused. Senator Green, Acting Majority Leader, moved and asked unanimous consent that Senator Hoffman be excused from a call of the Senate today. Without objection, Senator Hoffman was excused. The prayer was offered by the Chaplain, Pastor Tim Frega of Auke Bay Bible Church. Senator Olson moved and asked unanimous consent that the prayer be spread. Without objection, it was so ordered. Dear Heavenly Father, I am burdened to pray today for our men and women from Alaska that are soldiers overseas. I pray that You keep them safe and that You give them comfort while they are away from home. I ask Father that you take and give their children love from above. Bless their wives and husbands that are here at home without their mates. Give them strength to carry on the work of the home. I know that in a spiritual sense, Father, that we all are in a warfare with the wicked one. I know that Jesus has the power to break bondages and give freedom. May these men and 2005-03-03 Senate Journal Page 0458 women in this Senate put on the "whole armor of God" daily and may they realize how clever our real enemy is. Because of this Jesus, may these Senators daily give their lives to Your agenda and to Your control. In Christ's name I pray. Amen. Senator Elton led the Senate in the Pledge of Allegiance. Certification Senator Green, Acting Majority Leader, moved and asked unanimous consent that the journal for the fifty-second legislative day be approved as certified by the Secretary. Without objection, it was so ordered. Messages from the House Message dated March 2 was read, stating the House passed and transmitted for consideration: First Reading and Reference of House Bills HB 1 CS FOR HOUSE BILL NO. 1(HES) BY THE HOUSE HEALTH, EDUCATION AND SOCIAL SERVICES COMMITTEE, entitled: "An Act relating to the base student allocation used in the formula for state funding of public education; and providing for an effective date." was read the first time and referred to the Finance Committee. HB 76 CS FOR HOUSE BILL NO. 76(FIN) am BY THE HOUSE FINANCE COMMITTEE, entitled: 2005-03-03 Senate Journal Page 0459 "An Act relating to the Big Game Commercial Services Board and to the regulation of big game hunting services and transportation services; and providing for an effective date." was read the first time and referred to the Resources and Finance Committees. Concur Messages SJR 2 Message dated March 2 was read, stating the House passed and returned for consideration SENATE JOINT RESOLUTION NO. 2 with the following amendment: SENATE JOINT RESOLUTION NO. 2 am H Urging the United States Congress to pass legislation to open the coastal plain of the Arctic National Wildlife Refuge, Alaska, to oil and gas exploration, development, and production. Senator Green, Acting Majority Leader, moved that the Senate concur in the House amendment. The question being: "Shall the Senate concur in the House amendment?" The roll was taken with the following result: SJR 2 am H Shall the Senate Concur in the House amendment to SJR 2? YEAS: 16 NAYS: 1 EXCUSED: 3 ABSENT: 0 Yeas: Bunde, Cowdery, Dyson, Ellis, French, Green, Guess, Huggins, Kookesh, Olson, Seekins, Stedman, Stevens B, Therriault, Wagoner, Wilken Nays: Elton Excused: Davis, Hoffman, Stevens G 2005-03-03 Senate Journal Page 0460 and so, the Senate concurred in the House amendment, thus adopting SENATE JOINT RESOLUTION NO. 2 am H Urging the United States Congress to pass legislation to open the coastal plain of the Arctic National Wildlife Refuge, Alaska, to oil and gas exploration, development, and production. The Secretary was requested to notify the House. The resolution was referred to the Secretary for enrollment. SJR 5 Message dated March 2 was read, stating the House passed and returned for consideration SENATE JOINT RESOLUTION NO. 5 with the following amendment: HOUSE CS FOR SENATE JOINT RESOLUTION NO. 5(O&G) Urging the United States Congress to reauthorize the Methane Hydrate Research and Development Act. Senator Green, Acting Majority Leader, moved that the Senate concur in the House amendment. The question being: "Shall the Senate concur in the House amendment?" The roll was taken with the following result: HCS SJR 5(O&G) Shall the Senate Concur in the House amendment to SJR 5? YEAS: 17 NAYS: 0 EXCUSED: 3 ABSENT: 0 Yeas: Bunde, Cowdery, Dyson, Ellis, Elton, French, Green, Guess, Huggins, Kookesh, Olson, Seekins, Stedman, Stevens B, Therriault, Wagoner, Wilken Excused: Davis, Hoffman, Stevens G and so, the Senate concurred in the House amendment, thus adopting HOUSE CS FOR SENATE JOINT RESOLUTION NO. 5(O&G) Urging the United States Congress to reauthorize the Methane Hydrate Research and Development Act. 2005-03-03 Senate Journal Page 0461 The Secretary was requested to notify the House. The resolution was referred to the Secretary for enrollment. Communications The following report is on file in the Office of the Secretary of the Senate: State of the Alaska Workforce Investment System Alaska Workforce Investment Board Annual Report from Andy Baker, Chair, Alaska Workforce Investment Board in accordance with AS 23.15.580(b)(9) Standing Committee Reports SB 98 The Finance Committee considered SENATE BILL NO. 98 "An Act making supplemental appropriations, capital appropriations, other appropriations, and reappropriations; amending appropriations; making appropriations to capitalize funds; and providing for an effective date" and recommended it be replaced with CS FOR SENATE BILL NO. 98(FIN) "An Act making supplemental appropriations, capital appropriations, and other appropriations; amending appropriations; making appropriations to capitalize funds; making appropriations under art. IX, sec. 17(c), Constitution of the State of Alaska, from the constitutional budget reserve fund; and providing for an effective date." Signing do pass: Senators Wilken, Green, Cochairs; Senators Bunde, Dyson, Stedman. Signing no recommendation: Senator Olson. The bill was referred to the Rules Committee. 2005-03-03 Senate Journal Page 0462 SB 101 The State Affairs Committee considered SENATE BILL NO. 101 "An Act making corrective amendments to the Alaska Statutes as recommended by the revisor of statutes; and providing for an effective date" and recommended it be replaced with CS FOR SENATE BILL NO. 101(STA) Signing do pass: Senator Therriault, Chair; Senators Wagoner, Huggins. Signing no recommendation: Senator Elton. The following fiscal information was published today: Fiscal Note No. 1, zero, Office of the Governor The bill was referred to the Judiciary Committee. Introduction and Reference of Senate Resolutions SJR 11 SENATE JOINT RESOLUTION NO. 11 BY SENATOR THERRIAULT, Urging the United States Congress to amend the tax code to repeal the federal excise tax on communications. was read the first time and referred to the Labor and Commerce and Finance Committees. SJR 12 SENATE JOINT RESOLUTION NO. 12 BY SENATOR THERRIAULT, Requesting the United States Senate to move quickly to confirm all nominations by President George W. Bush to the United States Supreme Court. was read the first time and referred to the Judiciary Committee. 2005-03-03 Senate Journal Page 0463 Introduction and Reference of Senate Bills SB 127 SENATE BILL NO. 127 BY SENATORS FRENCH, Elton, entitled: "An Act prohibiting a public officer from taking official action regarding a matter in which the public officer has a significant financial interest; and defining 'official action' for purposes of the chapter generally referred to as the Executive Branch Ethics Act." was read the first time and referred to the State Affairs and Judiciary Committees. SB 128 SENATE BILL NO. 128 BY SENATOR THERRIAULT, entitled: "An Act relating to consideration by the Local Boundary Commission of a requested borough incorporation." was read the first time and referred to the Community and Regional Affairs and Judiciary Committees. SB 129 SENATE BILL NO. 129 BY SENATOR HUGGINS, entitled: "An Act relating to the wrongful recording of a notice of pendency of an action relating to title to or right to possession of real property." was read the first time and referred to the Judiciary Committee. SB 130 SENATE BILL NO. 130 BY THE SENATE RULES COMMITTEE BY REQUEST OF THE GOVERNOR, entitled: "An Act relating to a special deposit for workers' compensation and employers' liability insurers; relating to assigned risk pools; relating to workers' compensation insurers; stating the intent of the 2005-03-03 Senate Journal Page 0464 legislature, and setting out limitations, concerning the interpretation, construction, and implementation of workers' compensation laws; relating to the Alaska Workers' Compensation Board; assigning certain Alaska Workers' Compensation Board functions to the division of workers' compensation in the Department of Labor and Workforce Development and to that department, and authorizing the board to delegate administrative and enforcement duties to the division; establishing a Workers' Compensation Appeals Commission; providing for workers' compensation hearing officers in workers' compensation proceedings; relating to workers' compensation medical benefits and to charges for and payment of fees for the medical benefits; relating to agreements that discharge workers' compensation liability; relating to workers' compensation awards; relating to reemployment benefits and job dislocation benefits; relating to coordination of workers' compensation and certain disability benefits; relating to division of workers' compensation records; relating to release of treatment records; relating to an employer's failure to insure and keep insured or provide security; providing for appeals from compensation orders; relating to workers' compensation proceedings; providing for supreme court jurisdiction of appeals from the Workers' Compensation Appeals Commission; providing for a maximum amount for the cost-of-living adjustment for workers' compensation benefits; relating to attorney fees; providing for the department to enter into contracts with nonprofit organizations to provide information services and legal representation to injured employees; providing for administrative penalties for employers uninsured or without adequate security for workers' compensation; relating to fraudulent acts or false or misleading statements in workers' compensation and penalties for the acts or statements; providing for members of a limited liability company to be included as an employee for purposes of workers' compensation; establishing a workers' compensation benefits guaranty fund; relating to the second injury fund; making conforming amendments; providing for a study and report by the medical services review committee; and providing for an effective date." was read the first time and referred to the Labor and Commerce and Finance Committees. 2005-03-03 Senate Journal Page 0465 The following fiscal information was published today: Fiscal Note No. 1, Department of Labor and Workforce Development Fiscal Note No. 2, zero, Department of Commerce, Community, and Economic Development Fiscal Note No. 3, Department of Law Fiscal Note No. 4, indeterminate, Department of Administration Governor's transmittal letter dated March 3: Dear President Stevens: Under the authority of article III, section 18, of the Alaska Constitution, I am transmitting a bill related to the workers' compensation system. This bill proposes discrete improvements to the current system. The goal of these changes is to increase the efficiency and flexibility of the current system, and significantly reduce some of its costs, in order to ensure that benefits will continue to be available in substantially the same form they are today without stifling employment opportunities. The Legislature has consistently striven to have our workers' compensation system quickly and efficiently deliver fair and predictable benefits to injured workers at a reasonable cost to their employers. Despite those efforts, the current system has not kept pace with the pressures caused by a growing, ever-changing workforce and rising medical costs. In response to complaints regarding delays in resolution of claims and the increasing costs of maintaining the current system, the enclosed bill proposes improvements to several areas. A significant change proposed in this bill is the creation of a workers' compensation appeals commission. Currently, appeals from Alaska Workers' Compensation Board decisions are heard on a rotating basis by individual superior court judges. The bill proposes to have appeals heard by a five-member commission. This commission, like the board itself, would consist of both lay members representing workers and employers as well as a chair with legal training and workers' compensation experience. Appeals would be heard by a panel both knowledgeable in workers' compensation matters and available to produce consistent, legally precedential decisions in an expeditious manner. 2005-03-03 Senate Journal Page 0466 The bill also places increased responsibility for oversight of the system in the hands of the workers' compensation division. The bill would increase the division's ability to investigate fraudulent claims, pursue employers who fail to provide coverage for their employees, and oversee medical costs. Under the current system the division must refer suspected fraudulent claims to other state agencies for investigation. Under this bill, the division would be able to investigate fraudulent claims on its own. The bill would also allow the division to investigate and quickly close down employers who attempt to operate without workers' compensation coverage. The board is then empowered to assess fines for failing to insure and the bill creates a fund to receive those fines and use them to pay benefits to injured workers whose employers failed to insure. In addition, the bill gives the division additional authority to address medical costs that are now approaching 60 percent of every workers' compensation benefit dollar paid in Alaska. Under this bill, the Commissioner of the Department of Labor and Workforce Development is authorized to empanel a medical services committee. The committee will review the medical benefit delivery system including current charges, as well as the causes for the sharp rise in charges and possible solutions, and make recommendations for appropriate improvements. The committee is charged with reporting its findings and recommendations by March 1, 2007; sufficient time for a thorough study of the costs and appropriateness of the delivery system. To address the immediate impacts of the recent premium increases and rising direct costs to self-insured businesses, the bill "rolls back" maximum payments to those under the medical fee schedule in effect on December 15, 1999. The bill also authorizes the division to develop a preferred drug list and establishes a statutory preference for generic drugs unless a worker's physician specifies a name brand drug for medical reasons. The division is assisted in this endeavor by input from employers, insurers, providers, and the use of national, peer-reviewed medical treatment guidelines. Under the current bill, employers, insurers, and providers may agree to charges for services in advance. Workers would be under no obligation to select a physician from this preferred provider list but the rates for these providers' services would be established by contract with the insurer or employer. 2005-03-03 Senate Journal Page 0467 The bill also provides the division with guidance in overseeing the efficacy of the medical benefits system. The bill would adopt the American College of Occupational and Environmental Medicine's Occupational Medicine Practice Guidelines as a benchmark for medical treatment. The Guidelines provide for quality care while promoting some standardization of medical services. However, if a condition is not addressed by the Guidelines or the worker's physician recommends alternative treatment, the physician has the opportunity to provide medical justification for treatment outside the Guidelines. In addition, the bill provides workers and employers greater flexibility over certain portions of the worker's claim. Currently, parties may not settle any portion of a worker's claim without board approval. The bill would allow parties represented by legal counsel to more quickly resolve a worker's claim by agreement without board approval, thereby freeing the board to focus on settlements needing more scrutiny such as those involving minors or workers unrepresented by counsel. It would also allow the parties to stipulate to a worker's eligibility for reemployment benefits without the expense and delay of a reemployment eligibility evaluation while also making it easier to exchange unwanted reemployment benefits for a limited cash benefit. This greater flexibility will make the reemployment process more efficient and satisfactory to both parties. The bill further enhances the efficiency of the current system by expanding workers' access to legal counsel and including a limited release of medical information on the report of injury form. The bill allows the division to contract with non-profit organizations to provide legal services to injured workers unable to obtain private legal counsel. It also provides a limited medical release for medical records of treatment for the reported injury on the initial report of injury form. This second change is aimed at reducing unnecessary delays in payment resulting from a lack of supporting medical documentation for an injured worker's claim. The bill also reduces insurers' costs by phasing out contributions to the Second Injury Fund. That Fund represents a limited mechanism for reducing impediments to the hire of workers with certain listed physical limitations. That mechanism has become outmoded due to developments in contemporary employment standards including the 2005-03-03 Senate Journal Page 0468 Americans with Disabilities Act. The Second Injury Fund will not accept new claims and will be phased out as currently accepted claims are paid. The bill would increase the coordination of benefits between the workers' compensation system and other disability systems. This would minimize the instances where double compensation results in a worker receiving combined disability benefits that exceed their take home pay. Finally, the bill would also cap the compensation rates of workers residing outside the State of Alaska to bring them in line with that paid to Alaska resident workers. This bill represents a major step in bringing the existing system up to date with the current State of Alaska's work force. These changes to specific parts of the existing law are vital to the continuing survival of the workers' compensation system and the availability of a full range of benefits for injured workers in the future. I urge your prompt and favorable action on this matter. Sincerely yours, /s/ Frank H. Murkowski Governor Consideration of the Calendar Second Reading of Senate Bills SB 52 SENATE BILL NO. 52 "An Act relating to the reorganization of certain functions of the division of banking, securities, and corporations and the division of occupational licensing in the Department of Commerce, Community, and Economic Development; and providing for an effective date" was read the second time. Senator Bunde, Chair, moved and asked unanimous consent for the adoption of the Labor and Commerce Committee Substitute offered on page 316. Without objection, CS FOR SENATE BILL NO. 52(L&C) "An Act relating to certain functions of the division of banking, 2005-03-03 Senate Journal Page 0469 securities, and corporations and the division of occupational licensing in the Department of Commerce, Community, and Economic Development; relating to program receipts and record search fees of the Department of Commerce, Community, and Economic Development related to banking, securities, and corporations; and providing for an effective date" was adopted. Senator Green, 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. 52(L&C) was read the third time. The question being: "Shall CS FOR SENATE BILL NO. 52(L&C) "An Act relating to certain functions of the division of banking, securities, and corporations and the division of occupational licensing in the Department of Commerce, Community, and Economic Development; relating to program receipts and record search fees of the Department of Commerce, Community, and Economic Development related to banking, securities, and corporations; and providing for an effective date" pass the Senate?" The roll was taken with the following result: CSSB 52(L&C) Third Reading - Final Passage Effective Dates YEAS: 17 NAYS: 0 EXCUSED: 3 ABSENT: 0 Yeas: Bunde, Cowdery, Dyson, Ellis, Elton, French, Green, Guess, Huggins, Kookesh, Olson, Seekins, Stedman, Stevens B, Therriault, Wagoner, Wilken Excused: Davis, Hoffman, Stevens G and so, CS FOR SENATE BILL NO. 52(L&C) passed the Senate. Senator Green, Acting Majority Leader, moved and asked unanimous consent that the vote on the passage of the bill be considered the vote on the effective date clauses. Without objection, it was so ordered and the bill was referred to the Secretary for engrossment. 2005-03-03 Senate Journal Page 0470 SB 87 SENATE BILL NO. 87 "An Act relating to motor vehicle safety belt violations" was read the second time. Senator Ellis offered Amendment No. 1 : Page 1, line 3: Delete all material. Insert a new bill section to read: "* Section 1. AS 28.05.099(a) is amended to read: (a) A person convicted of a violation of AS 28.05.095(a) or (d) is guilty of an infraction and may be fined up to $45 [$15] or the court may waive the fine if the person convicted donates $45 [$15] to the emergency medical services entity providing services in the area in which the violation occurred." Senator Ellis moved for the adoption of Amendment No. 1. Senator Bunde objected. The question being: "Shall Amendment No. 1 be adopted?" The roll was taken with the following result: SB 87 Second Reading Amendment No. 1 YEAS: 4 NAYS: 13 EXCUSED: 3 ABSENT: 0 Yeas: Ellis, French, Kookesh, Therriault Nays: Bunde, Cowdery, Dyson, Elton, Green, Guess, Huggins, Olson, Seekins, Stedman, Stevens B, Wagoner, Wilken Excused: Davis, Hoffman, Stevens G and so, Amendment No. 1 failed. Senator Green, 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. 2005-03-03 Senate Journal Page 0471 SENATE BILL NO. 87 was read the third time. Senators Wilken, Seekins, Wagoner, Cowdery moved and asked unanimous consent to be shown as cosponsors on the bill. Without objection, it was so ordered. The question being: "Shall SENATE BILL NO. 87 "An Act relating to motor vehicle safety belt violations" pass the Senate?" The roll was taken with the following result: SB 87 Third Reading - Final Passage YEAS: 11 NAYS: 6 EXCUSED: 3 ABSENT: 0 Yeas: Bunde, Cowdery, Elton, French, Guess, Seekins, Stedman, Stevens B, Therriault, Wagoner, Wilken Nays: Dyson, Ellis, Green, Huggins, Kookesh, Olson Excused: Davis, Hoffman, Stevens G and so, SENATE BILL NO. 87 passed the Senate and was referred to the Secretary for engrossment. Citations Honoring - Tammy Bennett Senator(s) Green, Ben Stevens, Bunde, Cowdery, Davis, Dyson, Ellis, Elton, French, Guess, Hoffman, Huggins, Kookesh, Olson, Seekins, Stedman, Gary Stevens, Therriault, Wagoner, Wilken Honoring - Lynda Adams, Alaskan for Drug-Free Youth Senator(s) Stedman, Ben Stevens, Bunde, Cowdery, Davis, Dyson, Ellis, Elton, French, Green, Guess, Hoffman, Huggins, Kookesh, Olson, Seekins, Gary Stevens, Therriault, Wagoner, Wilken Commemorating - Law Enforcement Memorial Day, May 13, 2005 Representative(s) Harris Senator(s) Therriault, Ben Stevens, Bunde, Cowdery, Davis, Dyson, Ellis, Elton, French, Green, Guess, Hoffman, Huggins, Kookesh, Olson, Seekins, Stedman, Gary Stevens, Wagoner, Wilken 2005-03-03 Senate Journal Page 0472 In Memoriam - Craig Russell Harpel Senator(s) Bunde, Ben Stevens, Cowdery, Davis, Dyson, Ellis, Elton, French, Green, Guess, Hoffman, Huggins, Kookesh, Olson, Seekins, Stedman, Gary Stevens, Therriault, Wagoner, Wilken In Memoriam - Joseph A. Thomas Senator(s) Elton, Ben Stevens, Bunde, Cowdery, Davis, Dyson, Ellis, Green, Guess, Hoffman, Huggins, Kookesh, Olson, Seekins, Stedman, Gary Stevens, Therriault, Wagoner, Wilken Representative(s) Kerttula, Weyhrauch In Memoriam - Richard J. Stitt, Sr. Senator(s) Elton, Ben Stevens, Bunde, Cowdery, Davis, Dyson, Ellis, Green, Guess, Hoffman, Huggins, Kookesh, Olson, Seekins, Stedman, Gary Stevens, Therriault, Wagoner, Wilken Representative(s) Kerttula, Weyhrauch, Chenault In Memoriam - Helen E. Parker Representative(s) Kohring, Gatto, Neuman, Stoltze Senator(s) Green, Huggins, Ben Stevens, Bunde, Cowdery, Davis, Dyson, Ellis, Elton, Guess, Hoffman, Kookesh, Olson, Seekins, Stedman, Gary Stevens, Therriault, Wagoner, Wilken In Memoriam - Gary Foster Representative(s) Kohring, Gatto, Neuman, Stoltze Senator(s) Green, Huggins, Ben Stevens, Bunde, Cowdery, Davis, Dyson, Ellis, Elton, Guess, Hoffman, Kookesh, Olson, Seekins, Stedman, Gary Stevens, Therriault, Wagoner, Wilken Senator Green, 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 Senator Bunde moved and asked unanimous consent to be excused from a call of the Senate from evening plane time, March 24 to morning plane time, March 29. Without objection, Senator Bunde was excused. 2005-03-03 Senate Journal Page 0473 Announcements Announcements are at the end of the journal. Engrossment SB 52 CS FOR SENATE BILL NO. 52(L&C) "An Act relating to certain functions of the division of banking, securities, and corporations and the division of occupational licensing in the Department of Commerce, Community, and Economic Development; relating to program receipts and record search fees of the Department of Commerce, Community, and Economic Development related to banking, securities, and corporations; and providing for an effective date" was engrossed, signed by the President and Secretary and transmitted to the House for consideration. SB 87 SENATE BILL NO. 87 "An Act relating to motor vehicle safety belt violations" was engrossed, signed by the President and Secretary and transmitted to the House for consideration. Adjournment Senator Green, Acting Majority Leader, moved and asked unanimous consent that the Senate stand in adjournment until 10:00 a.m., March 4, 2005. Without objection, the Senate adjourned at 12:04 p.m. Kirsten Waid Secretary of the Senate March 2005 2005-03-03 Senate Journal Page 0474 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 Mar 04 Friday Beltz 211 1:30 PM No Meeting Scheduled Mar 07 Monday Beltz 211 1:30 PM No Meeting Scheduled Mar 09 Wednesday Beltz 211 1:30 PM + HB 42 JOE WILLIAMS, SR., COASTAL TRAIL <Pending Referral> + SB 112 TAX ON REAA RESIDENTS + SB 114 SERVICE AREAS IN SECOND CLASS BOROUGHS Mar 11 Friday Beltz 211 1:30 PM No Meeting Scheduled Mar 14 Monday Beltz 211 1:30 PM + SB 102 COASTAL MANAGEMENT PROGRAMS Bills Previously Heard/Scheduled ---------------------------------------- FINANCE Mar 03 Thursday Senate Finance 532 9:00 AM += SB 97 SUPPLEMENTAL APPROPRIATIONS/CBR += SB 98 SUPPLEMENTAL APPROPRIATIONS: FAST TRACK -- Testimony <Invitation Only> -- + Bills Previously Heard/Scheduled 2005-03-03 Senate Journal Page 0475 FINANCE (continued) Mar 04 Friday Senate Finance 532 9:00 AM No Meeting Scheduled Mar 07 Monday Senate Finance 532 9:00 AM + SB 63 USE SEAT BELT ROAD SIGNS + HB 158 PUBLIC SCHOOL ACCOUNT/PUBLIC EDUC FUND + HB 115 AIRPORT CUSTOMER FACILITY CHARGES Mar 08 Tuesday Senate Finance 532 9:00 AM + HB 64 EXTEND BOARD OF PUBLIC ACCOUNTANCY + SB 100 ENHANCED 911 SURCHARGES + Bills Previously Heard/Scheduled Mar 09 Wednesday Senate Finance 532 9:00 AM + HB 1 INCREASE AMT OF BASE STUDENT ALLOCATION + Bills Previously Heard/Scheduled Mar 10 Thursday Senate Finance 532 9:00 AM + Senate Bill: RETIREMENT SYSTEM LEGISLATION <Pending Introduction and Referral> + Bills Previously Heard/Scheduled Mar 11 Friday Senate Finance 532 9:00 AM + Bills Previously Heard/Scheduled ---------------------------------------- HEALTH, EDUCATION & SOCIAL SERVICES Mar 04 Friday Butrovich 205 1:30 PM -- Meeting Canceled -- + Bills Previously Heard/Scheduled Mar 07 Monday Butrovich 205 1:30 PM + SB 24 REEMPLOYMENT OF RETIREES + SB 31 PERS\TRS REHIRES + SB 4 REQUIRE CPR FOR HIGH SCHOOL GRADUATION + Bills Previously Heard/Scheduled Mar 09 Wednesday Butrovich 205 1:30 PM No Meeting Scheduled Mar 11 Friday Butrovich 205 1:30 PM No Meeting Scheduled 2005-03-03 Senate Journal Page 0476 JUDICIARY Mar 03 Thursday Butrovich 205 8:30 AM + Bills Previously Heard/Scheduled Mar 08 Tuesday Butrovich 205 8:30 AM + Select Committee on Legislative Ethics Confirmation Hearing: Dennis "Skip" Cook + SB 67 CLAIMS AGAINST HEALTH CARE PROVIDERS + Bills Previously Heard/Scheduled Mar 09 Wednesday Butrovich 205 8:30 AM + Select Committee on Legislative Ethics Confirmation Hearing: Marianne Stillner + SB 105 OVERTIME WAGES FOR FLIGHT CREW + SJR 10 SUPPORT FEDERAL MARRIAGE AMENDMENT + Bills Previously Heard/Scheduled Mar 10 Thursday Butrovich 205 8:30 AM + SB 117 RECORDED STATEMENTS OF CHILD VICTIMS + SB 118 ONLINE ENTICEMENT OF MINOR + SB 119 BAN ONLINE DIST. OF PORNOGRAPHY TO MINORS + Bills Previously Heard/Scheduled ---------------------------------------- LABOR & COMMERCE Mar 03 Thursday Beltz 211 1:30 PM Confirmation Hearings: Alaska State Board of Public Accountancy- Max E. Mertz - Juneau Catherine L. Wilson - Tok Regulatory Commission of Alaska - Anthony A. Price - Anchorage + HB 15 LIQUOR LICENSES: OUTDOOR REC. LODGE/BARS + HB 90 STATE TREASURY WARRANTS Mar 08 Tuesday Beltz 211 1:30 PM + SB 130 WORKERS' COMPENSATION + HB 102 MEDICAL LICENSE: APPLICATION/FOREIGN GRAD + SB 124 FISHERIES BUSINESS LICENSE; BOND Bills Previously Heard/Scheduled Mar 10 Thursday Beltz 211 1:30 PM Bills Previously Heard/Scheduled 2005-03-03 Senate Journal Page 0477 RESOURCES Mar 04 Friday Butrovich 205 3:30 PM No Meeting Scheduled Mar 07 Monday Butrovich 205 3:30 PM = SB 103 OIL & GAS: REG. OF UNDERGROUND INJECTION = SB 110 POLLUTION DISCHARGE & WASTE TRMT/DISPOSAL -- On the Above Bills Testimony -- <By Invitation Only> + HB 76 BIG GAME SERVICES & COMM. SERVICES BD + HCR 2 IN-STATE NATURAL GAS NEEDS Mar 09 Wednesday Butrovich 205 3:30 PM + SB 113 GULF OF ALASKA GROUNDFISH FISHERY Mar 11 Friday Butrovich 205 3:30 PM No Meeting Scheduled ---------------------------------------- STATE AFFAIRS Mar 03 Thursday Beltz 211 3:30 PM No Meeting Scheduled Mar 08 Tuesday Beltz 211 3:30 PM No Meeting Scheduled Mar 10 Thursday Beltz 211 3:30 PM No Meeting Scheduled ---------------------------------------- TRANSPORTATION Mar 03 Thursday Butrovich 205 1:30 PM += SB 40 KUSKOKWIM PORT AUTHORITY + Bills Previously Heard/Scheduled Mar 08 Tuesday Butrovich 205 1:30 PM No Meeting Scheduled 2005-03-03 Senate Journal Page 0478 TRANSPORTATION (continued) Mar 10 Thursday Butrovich 205 1:30 PM + Pavement Rutting Research Grant Program Overview & Automated Bridge Anti-Icing System Presentation by - Jerry DesJarlais/ Jack Hayden Dr.Lutfi Raad, Director of the Transportation Research Center UAF Bills Previously Heard/Scheduled Mar 15 Tuesday Butrovich 205 1:30 PM + Presentation: Division of Motor Vehicles Duane Bannock, Director Mar 17 Thursday Butrovich 205 1:30 PM + DOT/PF - Briefing on Construction Force Accounts, Leasing & Purchasing of Equipment Compared to Private Sector ---------------------------------------- FINANCE SUBCOMMITTEES ADMINISTRATION Mar 03 Thursday Fahrenkamp 203 5:30 PM -- Rescheduled to 03/08/05 -- FY 06 Budget Review Mar 08 Tuesday Location Tba 7:30 AM FY 06 Budget Review ---------------------------------------- COMMERCE, COMMUNITY & ECONOMIC DEV Mar 08 Tuesday Senate Finance 532 8:00 AM Budget Closeout ---------------------------------------- CORRECTIONS Mar 10 Thursday Senate Finance 532 4:00 PM -- Meeting Canceled -- Budget Closeout ---------------------------------------- 2005-03-03 Senate Journal Page 0479 FINANCE SUBCOMMITTEES (continued) COURT SYSTEM Mar 10 Thursday Senate Finance 532 3:00 PM -- Meeting Canceled -- Budget Closeout ---------------------------------------- EDUCATION & EARLY DEVELOPMENT Mar 08 Tuesday Senate Finance 532 2:00 PM FY 06 Operating Budget ---------------------------------------- ENVIRONMENTAL CONSERVATION Mar 03 Thursday Fahrenkamp 203 3:00 PM Missions and Measures Overview Follow-up to 2/17/05 Meeting Mar 10 Thursday Fahrenkamp 203 8:00 AM Preliminary Budget Close-Out Discussions ---------------------------------------- FISH & GAME Mar 07 Monday Fahrenkamp 203 1:30 PM Missions and Measures ---------------------------------------- HEALTH & SOCIAL SERVICES Mar 03 Thursday Senate Finance 532 4:00 PM Department's Budget Overview Mar 08 Tuesday Senate Finance 532 4:00 PM Tentative Meeting Mar 10 Thursday Senate Finance 532 5:00 PM -- Meeting Canceled -- Budget Closeout ---------------------------------------- 2005-03-03 Senate Journal Page 0480 FINANCE SUBCOMMITTEES (continued) LABOR & WORKFORCE DEVELOPMENT Mar 03 Thursday Fahrenkamp 203 8:15 AM Missions and Measures Discussion Mar 10 Thursday Fahrenkamp 203 8:15 AM FY 06 Budget Changes ---------------------------------------- LAW Mar 03 Thursday Butrovich 205 4:00 PM -- Agenda Change -- Budget Detail & Questions Missions & Measures Mar 10 Thursday Butrovich 205 4:00 PM Budget Closeout ---------------------------------------- MILITARY AND VETERANS AFFAIRS Mar 04 Friday Beltz 211 7:30 AM -- Rescheduled to 03/07/05 -- FY 06 Budget Review Mar 07 Monday Beltz 211 5:30 PM -- Rescheduled from 03/04/05 -- FY 06 Budget Review ---------------------------------------- NATURAL RESOURCES Mar 08 Tuesday Beltz 211 8:15 AM Missions and Measures ---------------------------------------- PUBLIC SAFETY Mar 03 Thursday Fahrenkamp 203 12:00 PM FY 06 Budget Review Mar 07 Monday Beltz 211 7:30 AM FY 06 Budget Review 2005-03-03 Senate Journal Page 0481 FINANCE SUBCOMMITTEES (continued) REVENUE Mar 03 Thursday Senate Finance 532 1:30 PM -- Meeting Postponed to 03/10/05 -- Budget Closeout Mar 10 Thursday Senate Finance 532 1:30 PM Budget Closeout ---------------------------------------- TRANSPORTATION & PUBLIC FACILITIES Mar 10 Thursday Senate Finance 532 4:30 PM -- Meeting Canceled -- Budget Closeout ---------------------------------------- JOINT COMMITTEES ADMINISTRATIVE REGULATION REVIEW Mar 03 Thursday Capitol 106 3:00 PM Hearing on Assisted Living Regulations That Were Adopted June 2004 ---------------------------------------- ARMED SERVICES COMMITTEE Mar 15 Tuesday Senate Finance 532 1:00 PM Presentations by General Holly and Boeing ---------------------------------------- OTHER MEETINGS CHILDREN'S CAUCUS Mar 07 Monday Butrovich 205 12:00 PM -- Note Date Change -- + Presentation: Family Wellness Warriors with the Southcentral Foundation, an Alaska Native Healthcare Organization ---------------------------------------- 2005-03-03 Senate Journal Page 0482 OTHER MEETINGS (continued) FISH CAUCUS Mar 03 Thursday Butrovich 205 12:00 PM Harbor Maintenance Funding Issues ---------------------------------------- JOINT SESSION Mar 30 Wednesday House Chamber 11:00 AM Address by U.S. Senator Lisa Murkowski