Legislature(2007 - 2008)
2008-01-15 House Journal
Full Journal pdf2008-01-15 House Journal Page 1683 HOUSE JOURNAL ALASKA STATE LEGISLATURE TWENTY-FIFTH LEGISLATURE - SECOND SESSION Juneau, Alaska Tuesday January 15, 2008 First Day Pursuant to adjournment the House was called to order by Speaker Harris at 1:02 p.m. Roll call showed 39 members present. Representative Samuels moved and asked unanimous consent that Representative Gruenberg be excused from a call of the House from today to evening plane time, January 20. There being no objection, it was so ordered. An Honor Guard from the Tongass Alaska Girl Scouts Council, composed of Chevelle Hogan, Bernie Osborne, Annika Pearson, Catriona Pearson, Summer Putman, Sierra Risley, and Sommer Ward, presented the Colors and led the Pledge of Allegiance. The Alaska Youth Choir sang "Alaska's Flag" under the direction of Missouri Smyth. The invocation was offered by the Chaplain, the Reverend George Silides of Holy Trinity Episcopal Church. Representative Dahlstrom moved and asked unanimous consent that the invocation be spread on the journal. There being no objection, it was so ordered. I invite you to wait upon the Lord, the maker of heaven and earth, the creator and governor of all life, the source of all wisdom, the companion of the poor and the guardian of the weak. Almighty and ever-living, loving God, be present with those who take counsel for the renewal and mission of this House. I 2008-01-15 House Journal Page 1684 pray, O God, that you will bless these gathered with courage, grace and love, even above right choices or well-thought decisions. Help them to trust one another where it is well- earned and when it is a risk, remembering the trust our fellow citizens have placed in them. Give us grace to lay aside all suspicion of motive or purpose and whatever else may hinder us from imagining and doing what is necessary for the common good. Remind them, O Lord, of what first called these public servants into service for your people-the passion to see the lives of all made better and a future more secure for all our children. We ask a blessing also upon the families of all whom we have asked to serve us that they may not suffer unduly from the absence of these loved ones-their fathers and mothers, mentors and grandparents. And finally, upon all those who support these legislators away from the public light, may your strength and stamina be given and a due sense of their value and contribution to the work done here. Peace be upon this House and all who enter. Amen. CERTIFICATION OF THE JOURNAL Representative Samuels moved and asked unanimous consent that the th journal for the 30 legislative day of the Second Special Session and the Final Supplement for the Second Special Session be approved as certified by the Chief Clerk. There being no objection, it was so ordered. * * * * * Representative Holmes introduced Chris Jenkins, Guest Page, from Anchorage. MESSAGES FROM THE GOVERNOR A message dated December 18, 2007, was read stating under the provision of article III, section 18 of the Alaska Constitution, the Governor requests the opportunity to address a joint session of the 2008-01-15 House Journal Page 1685 Twenty-fifth Alaska State Legislature on Tuesday, January 15, 2008, at 6:00 p.m. for presentation of the State of the State and State of the Budget Address. MESSAGES FROM THE SENATE A message dated January 15, 2008, was received stating the Senate requests that the House change the invitation to a joint session for the Governor's annual State of the State and State of the Budget Address to 4:00 p.m., Tuesday, January 15, 2008. * * * * * The Speaker appointed Representatives Lynn and Kawasaki to advise the Governor that the House is in session and ready to do business. The Speaker appointed Representatives Fairclough and Doll to advise the Senate that the House is in session and ready to do business. The House stood at ease until the appointed members reported back. Representatives Lynn and Kawasaki reported that the Governor was notified that the House is in session and ready to do business. Representatives Fairclough and Doll reported that the Senate was notified that the House is in session and ready to do business. COMMUNICATIONS The following were received: Dept. of Administration Office of the Commissioner Monetary Terms of Agreement between the State and the Alaska State Employees Association representing the General Government Bargaining Unit October 23, 2007 (as required by AS 23.40.215) 2008-01-15 House Journal Page 1686 Dept. of Administration Office of the Commissioner Monetary Terms of Agreement between the State and the International Organization of Masters, Mates and Pilots Association November 8, 2007 (as required by AS 23.40.215) The Speaker referred the monetary terms of agreements to the Finance Committee. Alaska Industrial Development & Export Authority Alaska Energy Authority Certification of Capital Reserve Funds' Requirement December 7, 2007 (as required by AS 44.83.110 and AS 44.88.105) Dept. of Health & Social Services Annual Report Fiscal Year 2007 Legislative Affairs Agency Division of Legal and Research Services Report Listing Alaska Statutes with Delayed Repeals or Delayed Amendments and Examining Court Decisions and Opinions of the Attorney General Construing Alaska Statutes November 2007 (as required by AS 24.20.065) The following audit reports were received from the Division of Legislative Audit, Legislative Budget & Audit Committee, as required by AS 24.20.311: 2007 Annual Report, Unabridged 2007 Annual Report, Condensed Dept. of Education & Early Development Special Education Service Agency Special Report October 9, 2007 2008-01-15 House Journal Page 1687 Office of the Governor Office of Management & Budget Department Fee Reports (as required by AS 37.10.050) INTRODUCTION OF CITATIONS The following citations were introduced and referred to the Rules Committee for placement on the calendar: Honoring - Janet Clarke By Representative Hawker Honoring - Arthur G. Woodley By Representatives Hawker, Samuels In Memoriam - Gilbert Dementi Sr. By Representative Guttenberg INTRODUCTION, FIRST READING, AND REFERENCE OF HOUSE RESOLUTIONS (Note: Capitalized names on prefiled bills and resolutions indicate joint prime sponsorship.) HCR 12 HOUSE CONCURRENT RESOLUTION NO. 12 by Representative Meyer: Proposing an amendment to the Uniform Rules of the Alaska State Legislature relating to abstention from voting. was read the first time and referred to the State Affairs and Judiciary Committees. HCR 13 HOUSE CONCURRENT RESOLUTION NO. 13 by Representative Hawker by request of the Joint Legislative Education Funding Task Force and Representative Chenault: 2008-01-15 House Journal Page 1688 Establishing and relating to the Education Funding District Cost Factor Commission. was read the first time and referred to the Health, Education & Social Services Committee. HCR 14 HOUSE CONCURRENT RESOLUTION NO. 14 by Representative Hawker by request of the Joint Legislative Education Funding Task Force and Representative Chenault: Proposing an amendment to the Uniform Rules of the Alaska State Legislature relating to standing committees. was read the first time and referred to the Health, Education & Social Services Committee. HCR 15 HOUSE CONCURRENT RESOLUTION NO. 15 by Representatives Harris, Stoltze, Hawker, Chenault, and Gatto: Urging the governor to direct the attorney general to file an amicus curiae brief with the United States Supreme Court in the case of Parker v. District of Columbia, supporting the individual right to keep and bear arms under the Second Amendment to the United States Constitution. was read the first time and referred to the Judiciary Committee. HJR 26 (Prefile released January 4, 2008) HOUSE JOINT RESOLUTION NO. 26 by Representatives COGHILL and LYNN: Proposing an amendment to the Constitution of the State of Alaska relating to direction and control of the medical care and treatment of minors. 2008-01-15 House Journal Page 1689 was read the first time and referred to the Health, Education & Social Services and Judiciary Committees. HJR 27 (Prefile released January 4, 2008) HOUSE JOINT RESOLUTION NO. 27 by Representatives RAMRAS, SAMUELS, Hawker, and Chenault: Proposing an amendment to the Constitution of the State of Alaska authorizing a contractual limitation on taxes related to the production of gas for the purpose of providing fiscal certainty for the construction of a natural gas pipeline. was read the first time and referred to the Judiciary and Finance Committees. HJR 28 (Prefile released January 11, 2008) HOUSE JOINT RESOLUTION NO. 28 by Representatives Samuels, Hawker, and Ramras: Proposing an amendment to the Constitution of the State of Alaska relating to the production tax revenue fund, dedicating a portion of the petroleum production tax to the fund, and limiting appropriations from the fund. was read the first time and referred to the Judiciary and Finance Committees. HJR 29 HOUSE JOINT RESOLUTION NO. 29 by Representative Hawker by request of the Joint Legislative Education Funding Task Force and Representative Chenault: Urging the President of the United States and the United States Congress to fulfill the federal obligation to provide adequate funding for special education in public schools. was read the first time and referred to the Health, Education & Social Services Committee. 2008-01-15 House Journal Page 1690 INTRODUCTION, FIRST READING, AND REFERENCE OF HOUSE BILLS HB 262 SPONSOR SUBSTITUTE FOR HOUSE BILL NO. 262 by Representatives Kawasaki and Gatto, entitled: "An Act relating to interfering with or obstructing a peace officer's performance of official duties." was read the first time and referred to the Judiciary and Finance Committees. HB 266 (Prefile released January 4, 2008) HOUSE BILL NO. 266 by Representatives Kerttula and Wilson, entitled: "An Act relating to the approval and administration of child care services by the Department of Administration primarily for the benefit of state officers and employees; and providing for an effective date." was read the first time and referred to the State Affairs, Health, Education & Social Services, and Finance Committees. HB 267 (Prefile released January 4, 2008) HOUSE BILL NO. 267 by Representatives Johnson, Dahlstrom, Wilson, Buch, Chenault, and Ramras, entitled: "An Act relating to authorizing the state to join with other states entering into the Wildlife Violator Compact and authorizing the compact to supersede existing statutes by approving standards, rules, or other action under the terms of the compact; and directing the initiation of civil actions to revoke appropriate licenses in this state based on a resident licensee's violation of or failure to comply with the terms of a wildlife resource citation issued in another state that is a party to the compact." 2008-01-15 House Journal Page 1691 was read the first time and referred to the Resources and Finance Committees. HB 268 (Prefile released January 4, 2008) HOUSE BILL NO. 268 by Representatives Stoltze, Lynn, Ramras, and Gatto, entitled: "An Act relating to damaging a vehicle on public land by starting a fire or causing an explosion." was read the first time and referred to the Judiciary Committee. HB 269 (Prefile released January 4, 2008) HOUSE BILL NO. 269 by Representatives Lynn and Fairclough, entitled: "An Act requiring the state to procure United States and Alaska flags manufactured in the United States; and requiring state buildings and schools to display only United States and Alaska flags manufactured in the United States." was read the first time and referred to the State Affairs Committee. HB 270 (Prefile released January 4, 2008) HOUSE BILL NO. 270 by Representatives Coghill and Wilson, entitled: "An Act relating to licensing of and other requirements for facilities that provide abortion services; defining 'ambulatory surgical facility'; and relating to state assistance for abortions." was read the first time and referred to the Health, Education & Social Services and Judiciary Committees. 2008-01-15 House Journal Page 1692 HB 271 (Prefile released January 4, 2008) HOUSE BILL NO. 271 by Representatives DOLL and GRUENBERG, entitled: "An Act relating to flame retardants and to the manufacture, sale, and distribution of products containing flame retardants; relating to bioaccumulative toxic chemicals; and providing for an effective date." was read the first time and referred to the Labor & Commerce and Health, Education & Social Services Committees. HB 272 (Prefile released January 4, 2008) HOUSE BILL NO. 272 by Representative Stoltze, entitled: "An Act extending the termination date of the Alaska regional economic assistance program; and providing for an effective date." was read the first time and referred to the House Special Committee on Economic Development, Trade, & Tourism and the Finance Committee. HB 273 (Prefile released January 4, 2008) HOUSE BILL NO. 273 by Representative Hawker by request of the Joint Legislative Education Funding Task Force and Representatives Wilson, Olson, and Chenault, entitled: "An Act relating to school funding, the base student allocation, district cost factors, and the adjustments for intensive services and average daily membership calculations; and providing for an effective date." was read the first time and referred to the Health, Education & Social Services and Finance Committees. 2008-01-15 House Journal Page 1693 HB 274 (Prefile released January 4, 2008) HOUSE BILL NO. 274 by Representative Hawker by request of the Joint Legislative Education Funding Task Force and Representatives Wilson, Olson, and Chenault, entitled: "An Act relating to a report to the legislature on teacher preparation, retention, and recruitment by the Board of Regents of the University of Alaska." was read the first time and referred to the Health, Education & Social Services Committee. HB 275 (Prefile released January 4, 2008) HOUSE BILL NO. 275 by Representatives Gatto and Lynn, entitled: "An Act relating to tires with retractable studs." was read the first time and referred to the Transportation and Labor & Commerce Committees. HB 276 (Prefile released January 4, 2008) HOUSE BILL NO. 276 by Representatives Doll, Lynn, and Wilson, entitled: "An Act extending the termination date of the Alaska Commission on Aging; and providing for an effective date." was read the first time and referred to the Health, Education & Social Services and Finance Committees. HB 277 (Prefile released January 4, 2008) HOUSE BILL NO. 277 by Representatives BUCH, LYNN, HOLMES, CHENAULT, and GRUENBERG, entitled: 2008-01-15 House Journal Page 1694 "An Act establishing a permanent absentee voting option for qualified voters." was read the first time and referred to the State Affairs and Finance Committees. HB 278 (Prefile released January 4, 2008) HOUSE BILL NO. 278 by Representatives BUCH, DOLL, GRUENBERG, Lynn, and Gatto, entitled: "An Act relating to sex offenders and child kidnappers." was read the first time and referred to the Judiciary and Finance Committees. HB 279 (Prefile released January 4, 2008) HOUSE BILL NO. 279 by Representatives DOLL and KERTTULA, entitled: "An Act relating to the duties and powers of the Alaska Commission on Aging and the Department of Health and Social Services." was read the first time and referred to the Health, Education & Social Services and Finance Committees. HB 280 (Prefile released January 4, 2008) HOUSE BILL NO. 280 by Representative Gatto, entitled: "An Act modifying the application of small claims or district court procedures to certain small claims by amending Rule 8(a), Alaska District Court Rules of Civil Procedure." was read the first time and referred to the Judiciary Committee. 2008-01-15 House Journal Page 1695 HB 281 (Prefile released January 4, 2008) HOUSE BILL NO. 281 by Representatives LYNN and GATTO, entitled: "An Act extending the statute of limitations for the filing of complaints with the Alaska Public Offices Commission involving state election campaigns." was read the first time and referred to the State Affairs and Judiciary Committees. HB 282 (Prefile released January 4, 2008) HOUSE BILL NO. 282 by Representative Doogan, entitled: "An Act relating to eligibility for membership on state boards, commissions, and authorities." was read the first time and referred to the Community & Regional Affairs and State Affairs Committees. HB 283 (Prefile released January 4, 2008) HOUSE BILL NO. 283 by Representatives GARDNER, LYNN, and Gatto, entitled: "An Act designating the Alaska Highway and a portion of the Richardson Highway as the Purple Heart Trail." was read the first time and referred to the Transportation and Finance Committees. HB 284 (Prefile released January 4, 2008) HOUSE BILL NO. 284 by Representatives Hawker, Chenault, Lynn, and Buch, entitled: 2008-01-15 House Journal Page 1696 "An Act relating to participation in certain student fellowships as an allowable absence from the state for purposes of eligibility for permanent fund dividends; and providing for an effective date." was read the first time and referred to the State Affairs and Finance Committees. HB 285 (Prefile released January 4, 2008) HOUSE BILL NO. 285 by Representatives Coghill, Lynn, Foster, Kawasaki, and Ramras, entitled: "An Act relating to an optional exemption from municipal property taxes for residences of widows and widowers of certain members of the armed forces of the United States; and providing that this Act may be known as the Sergeant Irving Hernandez, Jr., Act." was read the first time and referred to the Community & Regional Affairs and Finance Committees. HB 286 (Prefile released January 4, 2008) HOUSE BILL NO. 286 by Representatives Dahlstrom, Lynn, and Gatto, entitled: "An Act relating to impersonating a public servant." was read the first time and referred to the Judiciary Committee. HB 287 (Prefile released January 4, 2008) HOUSE BILL NO. 287 by Representatives LYNN and GARA, entitled: "An Act relating to certain investments of the Alaska permanent fund, the state's retirement systems, the State of Alaska Supplemental Annuity Plan, and the deferred compensation 2008-01-15 House Journal Page 1697 program for state employees in companies that do business in Sudan, and restricting those investments." was read the first time and referred to the State Affairs and Finance Committees. HB 288 (Prefile released January 4, 2008) HOUSE BILL NO. 288 by Representative Seaton, entitled: "An Act relating to net energy metering for retail electricity suppliers and customers." was read the first time and referred to the Labor & Commerce and Finance Committees. HB 289 (Prefile released January 4, 2008) HOUSE BILL NO. 289 by Representatives HARRIS, SEATON, Chenault, and LeDoux, entitled: "An Act exempting employers from paying unemployment tax for crewmembers on fishing vessels that respond or prepare to respond to, or that prepare for or engage in an emergency or practice drill response to, an oil spill; and providing for an effective date." was read the first time and referred to the House Special Committee on Fisheries and the Labor & Commerce Committee. HB 290 (Prefile released January 4, 2008) HOUSE BILL NO. 290 by Representative Kawasaki, entitled: "An Act relating to obtaining DNA samples from persons charged with certain crimes." was read the first time and referred to the Judiciary and Finance Committees. 2008-01-15 House Journal Page 1698 HB 291 (Prefile released January 4, 2008) HOUSE BILL NO. 291 by Representative Meyer, entitled: "An Act relating to requiring completion of a driver's education program for provisional driver's licensees." was read the first time and referred to the State Affairs Committee. HB 292 (Prefile released January 4, 2008) HOUSE BILL NO. 292 by Representatives DOLL and KERTTULA, entitled: "An Act relating to an aggravating factor at sentencing for crimes directed at a victim because of the victim's homelessness." was read the first time and referred to the Judiciary Committee. HB 293 (Prefile released January 4, 2008) HOUSE BILL NO. 293 by Representatives MEYER, LYNN, NEUMAN, STOLTZE, Hawker, Johnson, and Buch, entitled: "An Act relating to the location of the convening of the legislature in session and to the relocation of functions of state government; and providing for an effective date." was read the first time and referred to the State Affairs and Finance Committees. HB 294 (Prefile released January 4, 2008) HOUSE BILL NO. 294 by Representatives WILSON, LEDOUX, SEATON, and Buch, entitled: "An Act establishing the Alaska Marine Highway Authority, transferring to it from the Department of Transportation and Public Facilities the responsibility for the operation, management, planning, construction, and maintenance of facilities of the state's 2008-01-15 House Journal Page 1699 marine highway system, and making conforming amendments; and providing for an effective date." was read the first time and referred to the Transportation and Finance Committees. HB 295 (Prefile released January 4, 2008) HOUSE BILL NO. 295 by Representative Lynn, entitled: "An Act relating to the filing or recording of documents and records with the Department of Natural Resources, to the inspection and copying of filed and recorded documents, and to the filing of secured transaction records under the Uniform Commercial Code; and providing for an effective date." was read the first time and referred to the Labor & Commerce and Resources Committees. HB 296 (Prefile released January 4, 2008) HOUSE BILL NO. 296 by Representative Lynn, entitled: "An Act extending the termination date of the Board of Parole; and providing for an effective date." was read the first time and referred to the State Affairs and Finance Committees. HB 297 (Prefile released January 11, 2008) HOUSE BILL NO. 297 by Representative Neuman, entitled: "An Act relating to the practice of veterinary medicine." was read the first time and referred to the Labor & Commerce Committee. 2008-01-15 House Journal Page 1700 HB 298 (Prefile released January 11, 2008) HOUSE BILL NO. 298 by Representatives Johansen and Wilson, entitled: "An Act relating to long-range plans for the Alaska marine highway system; and providing for an effective date." was read the first time and referred to the Transportation and Finance Committees. HB 299 (Prefile released January 11, 2008) HOUSE BILL NO. 299 by Representative Keller, entitled: "An Act relating to campaign contributions made to candidates in state elections; and providing for an effective date." was read the first time and referred to the State Affairs and Judiciary Committees. HB 300 (Prefile released January 11, 2008) HOUSE BILL NO. 300 by Representative Doll, entitled: "An Act requiring certain persons licensed by the State Medical Board to document an infant's prenatal exposure to alcohol in the infant's medical file." was read the first time and referred to the Labor & Commerce and Health, Education & Social Services Committees. HB 301 (Prefile released January 11, 2008) HOUSE BILL NO. 301 by Representatives KELLER, COGHILL, LYNN, Wilson, and Gatto, entitled: "An Act relating to partial-birth abortions." 2008-01-15 House Journal Page 1701 was read the first time and referred to the Judiciary Committee. HB 302 (Prefile released January 11, 2008) HOUSE BILL NO. 302 by Representative Seaton, entitled: "An Act relating to the public's right to know certain information relating to water pollution, and requiring the Department of Environmental Conservation to collect and make available that information to the public." was read the first time and referred to the Resources and Finance Committees. HB 303 (Prefile released January 11, 2008) HOUSE BILL NO. 303 by Representative Neuman, entitled: "An Act relating to marine products and motorized recreational products; and providing for an effective date." was read the first time and referred to the Labor & Commerce Committee. HB 304 (Prefile released January 11, 2008) HOUSE BILL NO. 304 by Representatives Nelson, Lynn, Kerttula, and Gatto, entitled: "An Act establishing a cancer drug repository for redistribution to recipients of medical assistance within the Department of Health and Social Services; and authorizing the Board of Pharmacy to set standards for the cancer drug repository and redistribution program." was read the first time and referred to the Health, Education & Social Services and Finance Committees. 2008-01-15 House Journal Page 1702 HB 305 (Prefile released January 11, 2008) HOUSE BILL NO. 305 by Representatives Meyer, Chenault, Fairclough, Olson, Neuman, and Ramras, entitled: "An Act relating to campaign fund raising by a legislator, legislative employee, or candidate for election to the legislature during a regular or special legislative session." was read the first time and referred to the State Affairs Committee. HB 306 (Prefile released January 11, 2008) HOUSE BILL NO. 306 by Representatives GARA, KAWASAKI, NELSON, KERTTULA, and GRUENBERG, entitled: "An Act relating to providing a pre-elementary program within a school district; and providing for the certification of early childhood education plans." was read the first time and referred to the Health, Education & Social Services and Finance Committees. HB 307 (Prefile released January 11, 2008) HOUSE BILL NO. 307 by Representatives HOLMES, GARA, DAHLSTROM, FAIRCLOUGH, JOHNSON, BUCH, HARRIS, DOLL, and Lynn, entitled: "An Act relating to penalizing certain misdemeanor domestic violence offenses as felonies." was read the first time and referred to the Judiciary and Finance Committees. HB 308 (Prefile released January 11, 2008) HOUSE BILL NO. 308 by Representatives Nelson and Buch, entitled: 2008-01-15 House Journal Page 1703 "An Act establishing a state heating assistance program in addition to the federal heating assistance program." was read the first time and referred to the Community & Regional Affairs and Finance Committees. HB 309 (Prefile released January 11, 2008) HOUSE BILL NO. 309 by Representative LeDoux, entitled: "An Act requiring a legislator to abstain from voting on questions affecting an enterprise if the legislator or a member of the legislator's immediate family has an equity or ownership interest in the enterprise that is substantial, and requiring a legislator to abstain from taking or withholding official action or exerting official influence in certain matters in which the legislator's action or influence could benefit or harm the financial interest of a person by whom the legislator or a member of the legislator's immediate family is employed or with whom the legislator or a member of the legislator's immediate family is negotiating for employment; making the Act conditionally effective; and providing for an effective date." was read the first time and referred to the State Affairs, Judiciary, and Finance Committees. HOUSE BILL NOS. 310, 311, 312, 313, and 314 have been preassigned to the Office of the Governor. HB 315 HOUSE BILL NO. 315 by the House Rules Committee by request of the Legislative Budget and Audit Committee, entitled: "An Act extending the termination date of the Big Game Commercial Services Board; and providing for an effective date." was read the first time and referred to the Labor & Commerce and Finance Committees. 2008-01-15 House Journal Page 1704 HB 316 HOUSE BILL NO. 316 by Representatives Ramras and Chenault, entitled: "An Act relating to establishing a controlled substance prescription database." was read the first time and referred to the Labor & Commerce and Judiciary Committees. HB 317 HOUSE BILL NO. 317 by Representatives Coghill, Chenault, Johnson, Buch, Kerttula, Ramras, Gatto, and Lynn, entitled: "An Act eliminating the limit on compassionate gifts that a legislator or legislative employee may solicit, accept, or receive under the Legislative Ethics Act; and providing for an effective date." was read the first time and referred to the State Affairs and Judiciary Committees. HB 318 HOUSE BILL NO. 318 by Representative Gatto, entitled: "An Act relating to the location of the convening of the legislature in a special session; and providing for an effective date." was read the first time and referred to the State Affairs and Finance Committees. HB 319 HOUSE BILL NO. 319 by Representatives Ramras and Thomas, entitled: "An Act relating to the practice of dentistry and to dental assistants." 2008-01-15 House Journal Page 1705 was read the first time and referred to the Health, Education & Social Services and Labor & Commerce Committees. HB 320 HOUSE BILL NO. 320 by Representatives Meyer and Buch, entitled: "An Act relating to certification of search and rescue personnel and organizations; requiring certain search and rescue personnel to be considered state employees for purposes of workers' compensation coverage; and allowing municipalities to elect to provide workers' compensation insurance coverage for search and rescue personnel." was read the first time and referred to the Labor & Commerce and Finance Committees. UNFINISHED BUSINESS Representative Samuels moved and asked unanimous consent that the following member be excused from a call of the House. There being no objection, the member was excused as noted: Representative Foster - from 11:30 a.m. to 5:30 p.m., each Monday, Wednesday, and Friday for the duration of the legislative session * * * * * Representative Coghill introduced Jeff Wackerman, Sergeant-at-Arms, Micaela Bradner, Assistant Sergeant-at-Arms, and this session's pages: Gloria Backes - Fairbanks Megan Rodgers - Anchorage Adrian Nash - Haines Lev Tobias - Juneau Lesley Kalbrener - Juneau Representative Samuels moved and asked unanimous consent that the House recess until 3:45 p.m., for the Governor's State of the State and State of the Budget Address; and so, the House recessed at 2:08 p.m. 2008-01-15 House Journal Page 1706 AFTER RECESS The Speaker called the House back to order at 4:01 p.m. JOINT SESSION IN THE HOUSE In accordance with Uniform Rule 51, Speaker Harris turned the gavel over to President Green who called the joint session to order at 4:02 p.m. The purpose of the joint session was to hear the State of the State and State of the Budget Address by the Honorable Sarah Palin, Governor of Alaska. Senator Stevens moved and asked unanimous consent that the roll call of the Senate be waived and all members be shown as present. There being no objection, it was so ordered. Representative Samuels moved and asked unanimous consent that the roll call of the House be waived and all members be shown as present. There being no objection, it was so ordered. President Green appointed Representative Roses and Senator Hoffman to escort the Governor to the joint session. The Senate Sergeant-at-Arms announced the Governor's entrance into the House Chamber. Governor Palin was escorted to the rostrum and welcomed by President Green. Governor Palin delivered her address and it is published in House and Senate Joint Journal Supplement No. 10. Governor Palin received a standing ovation and was escorted from the Chamber by Representative Roses and Senator Hoffman. Senator Stevens moved and asked unanimous consent that the joint session adjourn. There being no objection, President Green adjourned the joint session at 4:30 p.m. 2008-01-15 House Journal Page 1707 The Speaker ordered the House at ease to allow members of the Senate to leave the Chamber. IN THE HOUSE The Speaker called the House back to order at 4:30 p.m. UNFINISHED BUSINESS HB 251 Representative Hawker added his name as cosponsor to: HOUSE BILL NO. 251 "An Act relating to the use of credited military service by retired peace officers and fire fighters to meet certain requirements for major medical insurance coverage benefits." HB 260 Representative Foster added his name as cosponsor to: HOUSE BILL NO. 260 "An Act relating to a State Officers Compensation Commission and establishing how legislators, the governor, the lieutenant governor, and executive department heads shall be compensated; providing for an effective date by repealing the effective dates of certain sections of ch. 124, SLA 1986; and providing for an effective date." ANNOUNCEMENTS House committee schedules are published daily under separate cover. ADJOURNMENT Representative Samuels moved and asked unanimous consent that the House adjourn until 11:00 a.m., January 16, 2008. There being no objection, the House adjourned at 4:30 p.m. Suzi Lowell Chief Clerk