Legislature(2007 - 2008)
2007-02-22 Senate Journal
Full Journal pdf2007-02-22 Senate Journal Page 0327 SENATE JOURNAL ALASKA STATE LEGISLATURE TWENTY-FIFTH LEGISLATURE FIRST SESSION Juneau, Alaska Thursday February 22, 2007 Thirty-eighth Day Pursuant to adjournment the Senate was called to order by President Green at 10:49 a.m. The roll showed fifteen members present. Senators Bunde, Stevens were excused from a call of the Senate. Senators Cowdery, Stedman, Therriault were absent. The prayer was offered by the Chaplain, Pastor Mike Rose of the Juneau Christian Center. Senator Hoffman moved and asked unanimous consent that the prayer be spread. Without objection, it was so ordered. Heavenly Father, I give you praise for this day which is created for your glory. Thank you for your loving kindness and faithfulness to each person. Lord, thank you for the freedoms that we enjoy in this great nation, and help us to remember and cherish the sacrifices others made for us to make our freedom possible. Lord, we remember our troops in the Middle East today, and ask that you would protect them and prosper them in their assignments. Lord, we ask for ongoing protection from all terrorists and their assignments against our nation. 2007-02-22 Senate Journal Page 0328 Lord, I pray that you would grant your favor to the Senate today, I ask that you give them wisdom for all decisions that they make today. May your blessing, provision and protection be over the Senators and their families today. This I pray in your matchless name. Amen. Senator Kookesh led the Senate in the Pledge of Allegiance. Certification Senator Huggins, Acting Majority Leader, moved and asked unanimous consent that the journal for the thirty-seventh legislative day be approved as certified by the Secretary. Without objection, it was so ordered. Messages from the House Message dated February 21 was read, stating the House passed and transmitted for consideration: First Reading and Reference of House Bills HB 51 HOUSE BILL NO. 51 am BY REPRESENTATIVES RAMRAS, Samuels, Harris, Olson, entitled: "An Act relating to recorking, sealing, or packaging of wine served with a meal and removal of recorked, sealed, or packaged wine from licensed premises." was read the first time and referred to the Labor and Commerce Committee. 2007-02-22 Senate Journal Page 0329 Standing Committee Reports SB 4 The Health, Education and Social Services Committee considered SENATE BILL NO. 4 "An Act extending the cash assistance benefit program for seniors under the senior care program and increasing the benefit amount; and providing for an effective date." Signing do pass: Senator Davis, Chair; Senators Elton, Thomas, Cowdery. Signing do not pass: Senator Dyson. The following fiscal information was published today: Fiscal Note No. 1, Department of Health and Social Services The bill was referred to the Finance Committee. The presence of Senator Cowdery was noted. SB 5 The Judiciary Committee considered SENATE BILL NO. 5 "An Act relating to reporting of certain crimes" and recommended it be replaced with CS FOR SENATE BILL NO. 5(JUD) Signing do pass: Senator French, Chair; Senator McGuire. Signing do not pass: Senator Huggins. Signing no recommendation: Senator Therriault. Signing amend: Senator Wielechowski. The following fiscal information was published today: Fiscal Note No. 1, zero, Department of Public Safety Fiscal Note No. 2, indeterminate, Department of Administration Fiscal Note No. 3, indeterminate, Department of Administration Fiscal Note No. 4, indeterminate, Department of Administration Fiscal Note No. 5, zero, Alaska Court System Fiscal Note No. 6, zero, Department of Law The bill was referred to the Finance Committee. 2007-02-22 Senate Journal Page 0330 SB 69 The Judiciary Committee considered SENATE BILL NO. 69 "An Act relating to the creation of a civil legal services fund." Signing do pass: Senator French, Chair; Senators Therriault, Wielechowski, McGuire. Signing no recommendation: Senator Huggins. The following fiscal information was published today: Fiscal Note No. 1, zero, Department of Administration The bill was referred to the Finance Committee. The presence of Senators Stedman, Therriault was noted. SB 81 The Health, Education and Social Services Committee considered SENATE BILL NO. 81 "An Act extending the termination date for the Board of Certified Direct-Entry Midwives; and providing for an effective date." Signing do pass: Senator Davis, Chair; Senators Elton, Thomas, Dyson. Signing no recommendation: Senator Cowdery. The following fiscal information was published today: Fiscal Note No. 1, Department of Commerce, Community and Economic Development The bill was referred to the Finance Committee. HB 21 The State Affairs Committee considered CS FOR HOUSE BILL NO. 21(STA) "An Act relating to the state flag; and relating to the proper retirement of an official state flag." Signing do pass: Senator McGuire, Chair; Senators French, Green. The following previously published fiscal information applies: Fiscal Note No. 1, zero, Department of Administration The bill was referred to the Rules Committee. 2007-02-22 Senate Journal Page 0331 Special Committee Reports HB 18 The Senate Special Committee on Education considered CS FOR HOUSE BILL NO. 18(HES) "An Act amending the functions and powers of the Alaska Commission on Postsecondary Education; and relating to the repayment provisions for medical education and postsecondary degree program participants" and recommended it be replaced with SENATE CS FOR CS FOR HOUSE BILL NO. 18(SED) Signing do pass: Senator Stevens, Chair; Senators Huggins, Davis, Olson, Wilken. The following previously published fiscal information applies: Fiscal Note No. 1, Department of Education and Early Development Fiscal Note No. 2, zero, House Finance Committee The bill was referred to the Health, Education and Social Services Committee. Introduction and Reference of Senate Bills SB 93 SENATE BILL NO. 93 BY SENATOR DAVIS, entitled: "An Act relating to licensed professional counselors; and relating to the unlicensed use of the title 'professional counselor.'" was read the first time and referred to the Labor and Commerce Committee. 2007-02-22 Senate Journal Page 0332 Recess Senator Huggins, Acting Majority Leader, moved and asked unanimous consent that the Senate stand in recess to the Joint Session. Without objection, the Senate recessed at 10:55 a.m. After Recess Joint Session in the House Speaker Harris called the House to order and in accordance with Uniform Rule 51 turned the gavel over to President Green, who called the Joint Session to order at 11:12 a.m. The purpose of the Joint Session was to hear an address by the Honorable Lisa Murkowski, U. S. Senator. Senator Huggins, Acting Majority Leader, moved and asked unanimous consent that the roll call of the Senate be waived and all members be shown as present. Without 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. Without objection, it was so ordered. President Green appointed Representative Nelson and Senator McGuire to escort Senator Murkowski to the Joint Session. The Senate Sergeant at Arms, Gary Stambaugh, announced Lisa Murkowski's entrance to the House Chamber. The Honorable Senator Murkowski was escorted to the rostrum and welcomed by President Green. Senator Murkowski delivered her address. This address appears in Senate and House Joint Journal Supplement No. 2. 2007-02-22 Senate Journal Page 0333 Following her address, there was a question and answer period. Senator Murkowski received a standing ovation and was escorted from the chamber by Senator McGuire and Representative Nelson. Senator Huggins, Acting Majority Leader, moved and asked unanimous consent that the Joint Session stand in adjournment. Without objection, President Green adjourned the Joint Session at 12:13 p.m. After Recess In the Senate The Senate reconvened at 12:16 p.m. Announcements Announcements are at the end of the journal. Adjournment Senator Huggins, Acting Majority Leader, moved and asked unanimous consent that the Senate stand in adjournment until 10:00 a.m., February 23, 2007. Without objection, the Senate adjourned at 12:18 p.m. Kirsten Waid Secretary of the Senate 2007-02-22 Senate Journal Page 0334 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 27 Tuesday Beltz 211 3:30 PM + Overview - Local Boundary Commission Bills Previously Heard/Scheduled Mar 01 Thursday Beltz 211 4:00 PM += SB 16 EXTEND REGULATORY COMMISSION OF ALASKA Bills Previously Heard/Scheduled ---------------------------------------- FINANCE Feb 23 Friday Senate Finance 532 9:00 AM No Meeting Scheduled Feb 26 Monday Senate Finance 532 9:00 AM + SB 49 COMMEMORATIVE PLATES: STATEHOOD ANIV. + SB 75 EXTENDING COUNCIL ON DOMESTIC VIOLENCE + HB 18 POSTSECONDARY MEDICAL & OTHER EDUC. PROG. <Pending Referral> Feb 27 Tuesday Senate Finance 532 9:00 AM += SB 83 SUPPLEMENTAL APPROPRIATIONS -- Testimony <Invitation Only> -- + Bills Previously Heard/Scheduled Feb 28 Wednesday Senate Finance 532 9:00 AM + Bills Previously Heard/Scheduled 2007-02-22 Senate Journal Page 0335 FINANCE (continued) Mar 01 Thursday Senate Finance 532 9:00 AM + Joint w/ (H) Finance Alaska Permanent Fund Corporation Presentation; APFC Board of Directors -- Testimony <Invitation Only> -- Mar 02 Friday Senate Finance 532 9:00 AM + Bills Previously Heard/Scheduled ---------------------------------------- HEALTH, EDUCATION & SOCIAL SERVICES Feb 23 Friday Butrovich 205 1:30 PM No Meeting Scheduled Feb 26 Monday Butrovich 205 1:30 PM += SJR 1 MEDICAL ASSISTANCE FOR CHILDREN SEED: Ready to Read, Ready to Learn; AEYC; AK Child Care Resource & Referral Network; Alaska Head Start Directors Presentation: Economic Impact of Early Education & Child Care Services in Alaska Panel Discussion Feb 28 Wednesday Butrovich 205 1:30 PM + Strengthening Families Initiatives = SB 40 LONGEVITY BONUS REAPPLICATIONS Bills Previously Heard/Scheduled Mar 02 Friday Butrovich 205 1:30 PM No Meeting Scheduled ---------------------------------------- JUDICIARY Feb 26 Monday Beltz 211 1:30 PM += SB 13 BAN CONSULTING CONTRACTS WITH LEGISLATORS Feb 28 Wednesday Beltz 211 1:30 PM -- Teleconference <Listen Only> -- + Confirmation Hearing : Talis Colberg Attorney General - Department of Law 2007-02-22 Senate Journal Page 0336 JUDICIARY (continued) Mar 01 Thursday Butrovich 205 3:30 PM + Bills Previously Heard/Scheduled ---------------------------------------- LABOR & COMMERCE Feb 27 Tuesday Beltz 211 1:30 PM + SB 84 BURNING CAPABILITY OF CIGARETTES Bills Previously Heard/Scheduled += SB 68 MOTOR VEHICLE INSURANCE Mar 01 Thursday Beltz 211 1:30 PM + Confirmation of Governor's Appointees: Alcoholic Beverage Control Board - Shirley A Gifford Alaska Workers' Compensation Board - Stephan T Hagedorn Mark A Crutchfield Gloria O'Neill Janet L Waldron William K Willaims ---------------------------------------- RESOURCES Feb 23 Friday Butrovich 205 3:30 PM -- MEETING CANCELED -- + Bills Previously Heard/Scheduled + Presentations Previously Heard/Scheduled Feb 26 Monday Butrovich 205 3:30 PM + Presentation: Agrium Kenai Nitrogen Operations: Agrium US Inc, Alaska RR, Usibelli Coal Mine, Inc -- Testimony <Invitation Only> -- Feb 28 Wednesday Senate Finance 532 12:00 PM Joint w/ (H) Resources + Mining Industry Briefing - Council of Alaska Producers -- Testimony <Invitation Only> -- Bills Previously Heard/Scheduled 2007-02-22 Senate Journal Page 0337 RESOURCES (continued) Feb 28 Wednesday Butrovich 205 3:30 PM += SB 80 OIL & GAS PRODUCTION TAX: EXPENDITURES Bills Previously Heard/Scheduled Mar 02 Friday Butrovich 205 3:30 PM + HB 25 RECREATIONAL LAND USE LIABILITY/ADV. POSS + Confirmation Hearings: Department Commissioners: Tom Irwin, Larry Hartig, Denby Lloyd Big Game Commercial Services Board: Richard A Roher, Leif Wilson Board of Game: Robert Bell, Ben Grussendorf Alaska Oil & Gas Conservation Commission: Cathy P Foerster Bills Previously Heard/Scheduled Presentations Previously Heard/Scheduled ---------------------------------------- STATE AFFAIRS Feb 27 Tuesday Beltz 211 9:00 AM + Overview: Impacts of the 90-Day Session Mar 01 Thursday Beltz 211 9:00 AM + Overview: Impacts of the 90-Day Session ---------------------------------------- TRANSPORTATION Feb 27 Tuesday Butrovich 205 1:30 PM No Meeting Scheduled Mar 01 Thursday Butrovich 205 1:30 PM No Meeting Scheduled ---------------------------------------- 2007-02-22 Senate Journal Page 0338 FINANCE SUBCOMMITTEES ADMINISTRATION Feb 26 Monday Senate Finance 532 3:00 PM Department Budget Overview Mar 05 Monday Senate Finance 532 3:00 PM Department Budget Detail Mar 12 Monday Senate Finance 532 3:00 PM Department Budget Detail Mar 19 Monday Senate Finance 532 3:00 PM Department Budget Detail ---------------------------------------- EDUCATION & EARLY DEVELOPMENT Mar 07 Wednesday Butrovich 205 8:00 AM -- Meeting Canceled -- FY'08 Proposed Budget Mar 14 Wednesday Butrovich 205 8:00 AM Postsecondary Education Commission FY'08 Proposed Budget Overview Mar 16 Friday Butrovich 205 8:00 AM Dept of Education & Early Development FY'08 Proposed Budget Mar 21 Wednesday Butrovich 205 8:00 AM Dept of Education & Early Development FY'08 Proposed Budget ---------------------------------------- FISH & GAME Feb 27 Tuesday Senate Finance 532 3:00 PM -- Time Change -- Budget Overview 2007-02-22 Senate Journal Page 0339 FINANCE SUBCOMMITTEES (continued) FISH & GAME (continued) Mar 01 Thursday Senate Finance 532 3:00 PM Budget Detail Mar 13 Tuesday Senate Finance 532 8:00 AM Budget Detail ---------------------------------------- HEALTH & SOCIAL SERVICES Mar 08 Thursday Fahrenkamp 203 8:00 AM Department Budget Detail Mar 22 Thursday Fahrenkamp 203 8:00 AM Department Budget Detail Apr 05 Thursday Fahrenkamp 203 8:00 AM Department Budget Close-Out ---------------------------------------- LAW Feb 27 Tuesday Fahrenkamp 203 1:30 PM Budget Overview Mar 06 Tuesday Fahrenkamp 203 1:30 PM Budget Detail Mar 13 Tuesday Fahrenkamp 203 1:30 PM Budget Detail Mar 20 Tuesday Fahrenkamp 203 1:30 PM Budget Detail ---------------------------------------- 2007-02-22 Senate Journal Page 0340 FINANCE SUBCOMMITTEES (continued) MILITARY AND VETERANS AFFAIRS Mar 14 Wednesday Beltz 211 12:00 PM Overview by Major General Craig Campbell FY'08 Proposed Budget ---------------------------------------- NATURAL RESOURCES Mar 06 Tuesday Fahrenkamp 203 4:00 PM -- MEETING CANCELED -- FY'08 Proposed Budget Mar 13 Tuesday Fahrenkamp 203 4:00 PM FY'08 Proposed Budget Mar 20 Tuesday Fahrenkamp 203 4:00 PM FY'08 Proposed Budget Mar 22 Thursday Fahrenkamp 203 4:00 PM FY'08 Proposed Budget ---------------------------------------- PUBLIC SAFETY Mar 05 Monday Beltz 211 8:00 AM -- Meeting Canceled -- Department Budget Detail Mar 06 Tuesday Beltz 211 8:00 AM + Department Budget Detail Mar 19 Monday Beltz 211 8:00 AM -- Meeting Canceled -- Department Budget Detail Mar 20 Tuesday Beltz 211 8:00 AM + Department Budget Detail 2007-02-22 Senate Journal Page 0341 FINANCE SUBCOMMITTEES (continued) PUBLIC SAFETY (continued) Apr 02 Monday Beltz 211 8:00 AM -- Meeting Canceled -- Department Budget Close-Out Apr 03 Tuesday Beltz 211 8:00 AM + Department Budget Close-Out ---------------------------------------- REVENUE Mar 01 Thursday Fahrenkamp 203 1:30 PM Budget Overview Mar 08 Thursday Fahrenkamp 203 1:30 PM Budget Detail Mar 15 Thursday Fahrenkamp 203 1:30 PM Budget Detail Mar 22 Thursday Fahrenkamp 203 1:30 PM Budget Detail ---------------------------------------- TRANSPORTATION & PUBLIC FACILITIES Mar 15 Thursday Beltz 211 8:00 AM DOT/PF Budget Mar 29 Thursday Beltz 211 8:00 AM DOT/PF Budget ---------------------------------------- UNIVERSITY OF ALASKA Mar 01 Thursday Senate Finance 532 7:30 AM Budget Overview 2007-02-22 Senate Journal Page 0342 FINANCE SUBCOMMITTEES (continued) UNIVERSITY OF ALASKA (continued) Mar 08 Thursday Senate Finance 532 7:30 AM Budget Detail Mar 15 Thursday Senate Finance 532 7:30 AM Budget Detail Mar 22 Thursday Senate Finance 532 7:30 AM Budget Detail ---------------------------------------- SPECIAL COMMITTEES SPECIAL COMMITTEE ON EDUCATION Feb 23 Friday Butrovich 205 8:00 AM No Meeting Scheduled Feb 28 Wednesday Butrovich 205 8:00 AM Consideration: Repeal of requirement that 70% of education funds to be spent on instruction. Mar 02 Friday Butrovich 205 8:00 AM Overview: Truancy and Dropouts SB 31 TRUANCY ---------------------------------------- OTHER MEETINGS JOINT LEGISLATIVE HEALTH CAUCUS Mar 21 Wednesday Butrovich 205 12:00 PM "Filling the Need: Complimentary Medicine Workforce" Apr 18 Wednesday Butrovich 205 12:00 PM "Filling the Need: Other Forms of Health Care" 2007-02-22 Senate Journal Page 0343 OTHER MEETINGS (continued) JOINT LEGISLATIVE HEALTH CAUCUS (continued) May 02 Wednesday Butrovich 205 12:00 PM "Week of the Uninsured: Alaska's Workforce" ---------------------------------------- JOINT SESSION Feb 28 Wednesday House Chamber 11:00 AM Chief Justice Dana Fabe's Annual State of the Judiciary Message Mar 19 Monday House Chamber 11:00 AM Annual Address by the Honorable Ted Stevens, U.S. Senator