Legislature(2007 - 2008)
2007-04-11 Senate Journal
Full Journal pdf2007-04-11 Senate Journal Page 0807 SENATE JOURNAL ALASKA STATE LEGISLATURE TWENTY-FIFTH LEGISLATURE FIRST SESSION Juneau, Alaska Wednesday April 11, 2007 Eighty-sixth Day Pursuant to adjournment the Senate was called to order by President Green at 11:08 a.m. The roll showed twenty members present. The prayer was offered by the Chaplain, Elizabeth Schelle of the Christian Science Church. Senator Hoffman moved and asked unanimous consent that the prayer be spread. Without objection, it was so ordered. Lord God, In wisdom, your servant King David wrote in his psalms, "Why art thou cast down, O my soul? and why art thou disquieted within me? hope thou in God: for I shall yet praise him, who is the health of my countenance, and my God." (Psalm 42:11) David knew that for every challenge, there is divine comfort and guidance. There is no confusion without clarity close at hand. There is no anger without the compassion within to temper it. There is no weariness without inspiration to refresh and renew. And there is no victory without the calm of humility to honor it. May this day be filled with experiences of triumph over any sense of limitation. Bless each individual here with hope and the assurance of ever-present good. 2007-04-11 Senate Journal Page 0808 I offer praise and thanksgiving for life in Spirit, the realm of infinite possibilities. Amen. Senator Stevens led the Senate in the Pledge of Allegiance. Certification Senator Stevens moved and asked unanimous consent that the journal for the eighty-fifth legislative day be approved as certified by the Secretary. Without objection, it was so ordered. Consideration of the Calendar Second Reading of Senate Bills SB 103 SENATE BILL NO. 103 "An Act authorizing the transfer of land from the Alaska Railroad Corporation to Eklutna, Inc.; and providing for an effective date" was read the second time. Senator Stevens 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. SENATE BILL NO. 103 was read the third time. The question being: "Shall SENATE BILL NO. 103 "An Act authorizing the transfer of land from the Alaska Railroad Corporation to Eklutna, Inc.; and providing for an effective date" pass the Senate?" The roll was taken with the following result: SB 103 Third Reading - Final Passage Effective Date YEAS: 20 NAYS: 0 EXCUSED: 0 ABSENT: 0 Yeas: Bunde, Cowdery, Davis, Dyson, Ellis, Elton, French, Green, Hoffman, Huggins, Kookesh, McGuire, Olson, Stedman, Stevens, Therriault, Thomas, Wagoner, Wielechowski, Wilken and so, SENATE BILL NO. 103 passed the Senate. 2007-04-11 Senate Journal Page 0809 Senator Stevens moved and asked unanimous consent that the vote on the passage of the bill be considered the vote on the effective date clause. Without objection, it was so ordered and the bill was referred to the Secretary for engrossment. Senate Bills in Third Reading SB 97 SENATE BILL NO. 97 "An Act relating to identification seals for certain articles created or crafted in the state by Alaska Native persons; relating to the Alaska State Council on the Arts; and making certain identification seal violations unfair trade practices" which had been read the third time on March 26 (page 657) was before the Senate in third reading. Senator French, Chair, moved and asked unanimous consent that the bill be returned to second reading for the purpose of adopting the Judiciary Committee Substitute. Without objection, the bill was returned to second reading. Senator French, Chair, moved and asked unanimous consent for the adoption of the Judiciary Committee Substitute offered on page 745. Senator Therriault objected, then withdrew his objection. There being no further objection, CS FOR SENATE BILL NO. 97(JUD) was adopted. CS FOR SENATE BILL NO. 97(JUD) was automatically in third reading. Senator Hoffman moved and asked unanimous consent to be shown as a cosponsor on the bill. Without objection, it was so ordered. The question being: "Shall CS FOR SENATE BILL NO. 97(JUD) "An Act relating to identification seals for certain articles created or crafted in the state by Alaska Native persons; relating to the Alaska State Council on the Arts; and making certain identification seal violations unfair trade practices" pass the Senate?" The roll was taken with the following result: 2007-04-11 Senate Journal Page 0810 CSSB 97(JUD) Third Reading - Final Passage YEAS: 18 NAYS: 2 EXCUSED: 0 ABSENT: 0 Yeas: Cowdery, Davis, Dyson, Ellis, Elton, French, Green, Hoffman, Huggins, Kookesh, McGuire, Olson, Stedman, Stevens, Thomas, Wagoner, Wielechowski, Wilken Nays: Bunde, Therriault and so, CS FOR SENATE BILL NO. 97(JUD) passed the Senate and was referred to the Secretary for engrossment. Second Reading of Senate Resolutions SJR 3 SENATE JOINT RESOLUTION NO. 3 Relating to the effect of Medicare rates on senior citizens' access to healthcare; and urging the United States Congress to increase Medicare rates for Alaska, was read the second time. Senator Stevens moved and asked unanimous consent that the resolution be considered engrossed, advanced to third reading and placed on final passage. Without objection, it was so ordered. SENATE JOINT RESOLUTION NO. 3 was read the third time. The question being: "Shall SENATE JOINT RESOLUTION NO. 3 Relating to the effect of Medicare rates on senior citizens' access to healthcare; and urging the United States Congress to increase Medicare rates for Alaska, pass the Senate?" The roll was taken with the following result: SJR 3 Third Reading - Final Passage YEAS: 20 NAYS: 0 EXCUSED: 0 ABSENT: 0 Yeas: Bunde, Cowdery, Davis, Dyson, Ellis, Elton, French, Green, Hoffman, Huggins, Kookesh, McGuire, Olson, Stedman, Stevens, Therriault, Thomas, Wagoner, Wielechowski, Wilken 2007-04-11 Senate Journal Page 0811 and so, SENATE JOINT RESOLUTION NO. 3 passed the Senate and was referred to the Secretary for engrossment. SR 5 SENATE RESOLUTION NO. 5 was read the second time and was before the Senate on final passage. The question being: "Shall SENATE RESOLUTION NO. 5 Recognizing the Prince Hall Grand Chapter, Order of the Eastern Star, Alaska Jurisdiction, 35th Annual Communication Week, pass the Senate?" The roll was taken with the following result: SR 5 Second Reading - Final Passage YEAS: 20 NAYS: 0 EXCUSED: 0 ABSENT: 0 Yeas: Bunde, Cowdery, Davis, Dyson, Ellis, Elton, French, Green, Hoffman, Huggins, Kookesh, McGuire, Olson, Stedman, Stevens, Therriault, Thomas, Wagoner, Wielechowski, Wilken and so, SENATE RESOLUTION NO. 5 passed the Senate and was referred to the Secretary for engrossment and enrollment. Citations Honoring - Norman D. Wooten, President, National School Boards Association Senator(s) Stevens, Green, Bunde, Cowdery, Davis, Dyson, Ellis, Elton, Hoffman, Huggins, Kookesh, McGuire, Olson, Stedman, Therriault, Thomas, Wagoner, Wielechowski, Wilken Representative(s) LeDoux th Honoring - Ada Johnson's 75 Birthday Representative(s) Cissna Senator(s) Davis, Green, Bunde, Cowdery, Dyson, Ellis, Elton, Hoffman, Huggins, Kookesh, McGuire, Olson, Stedman, Stevens, Therriault, Thomas, Wagoner, Wielechowski, Wilken 2007-04-11 Senate Journal Page 0812 Honoring - Cordova Wolverines Volleyball Team Representative(s) Thomas Senator(s) Kookesh, Green, Bunde, Cowdery, Davis, Dyson, Ellis, Elton, Hoffman, Huggins, McGuire, Olson, Stedman, Stevens, Therriault, Thomas, Wagoner, Wielechowski, Wilken In Memoriam - Elspeth "Betts" Conable Johnson Senator(s) Stevens, Green, Bunde, Cowdery, Davis, Dyson, Ellis, Elton, Hoffman, Huggins, Kookesh, McGuire, Olson, Stedman, Therriault, Thomas, Wagoner, Wielechowski, Wilken Representative(s) LeDoux In Memoriam - Chief Franklin Madros, Sr. Senator(s) Kookesh, Green, Bunde, Cowdery, Davis, Dyson, Ellis, Elton, Hoffman, Huggins, McGuire, Olson, Stedman, Stevens, Therriault, Thomas, Wagoner, Wielechowski, Wilken Representative(s) Salmon In Memoriam - Kelly Ann Kompkoff Senator(s) Kookesh, Thomas, Green, Bunde, Cowdery, Davis, Dyson, Ellis, Elton, Hoffman, Huggins, McGuire, Olson, Stedman, Stevens, Therriault, Wagoner, Wielechowski, Wilken Representative(s) Thomas In Memoriam - James Duros Senator(s) Stevens, Green, Bunde, Cowdery, Davis, Dyson, Ellis, Elton, Hoffman, Huggins, Kookesh, McGuire, Olson, Stedman, Therriault, Thomas, Wagoner, Wielechowski, Wilken Representative(s) LeDoux Senator 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 Senator Stedman moved and asked unanimous consent to be excused from a call of the Senate from morning plane time, April 14 through morning plane time, April 16. Without objection, Senator Stedman was excused. 2007-04-11 Senate Journal Page 0813 Senator Cowdery moved and asked unanimous consent to be excused from a call of the Senate from morning plane time, April 12 through evening plane time, April 16. Without objection, Senator Cowdery was excused. Senator Wagoner moved and asked unanimous consent to be excused from a call of the Senate from afternoon plane time, April 12 through morning plane time, April 16. Without objection, Senator Wagoner was excused. SB 150 Senator Stevens moved and asked unanimous consent that President Green be shown as a cosponsor on SENATE BILL NO. 150 "An Act relating to an aggravating factor at sentencing for crimes committed at certain shelters and facilities." Without objection, it was so ordered. Senators Stevens, McGuire, Cowdery, Stedman, Thomas, Dyson, moved and asked unanimous consent to be shown as cosponsors on SENATE BILL NO. 150 "An Act relating to an aggravating factor at sentencing for crimes committed at certain shelters and facilities." Without objection, it was so ordered. Announcements Announcements are at the end of the journal. Engrossment SB 97 CS FOR SENATE BILL NO. 97(JUD) "An Act relating to identification seals for certain articles created or crafted in the state by Alaska Native persons; relating to the Alaska State Council on the Arts; and making certain identification seal violations unfair trade practices" was engrossed, signed by the President and Secretary and transmitted to the House for consideration. 2007-04-11 Senate Journal Page 0814 SB 103 SENATE BILL NO. 103 "An Act authorizing the transfer of land from the Alaska Railroad Corporation to Eklutna, Inc.; and providing for an effective date" was engrossed, signed by the President and Secretary and transmitted to the House for consideration. SJR 3 SENATE JOINT RESOLUTION NO. 3 Relating to the effect of Medicare rates on senior citizens' access to healthcare; and urging the United States Congress to increase Medicare rates for Alaska, was engrossed, signed by the President and Secretary and transmitted to the House for consideration. Engrossment and Enrollment SR 5 SENATE RESOLUTION NO. 5 Recognizing the Prince Hall Grand Chapter, Order of the Eastern Star, Alaska Jurisdiction, 35th Annual Communication Week, was engrossed and enrolled, signed by the President and Secretary and the engrossed and enrolled copies transmitted to the Office of the Governor at 4:07 p.m., April 11, 2007. Senate Resolve No. 5 Adjournment Senator Stevens moved and asked unanimous consent that the Senate stand in adjournment until 10:00 a.m., April 13, 2007. Without objection, the Senate adjourned at 12:07 p.m. Kirsten Waid Secretary of the Senate 2007-04-11 Senate Journal Page 0815 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 Apr 12 Thursday Beltz 211 3:30 PM -- MEETING CANCELED -- += SB 3 COMMUNITY DIVIDEND PROGRAM Bills Previously Heard/Scheduled ---------------------------------------- FINANCE Apr 11 Wednesday Senate Finance 532 9:00 AM -- MEETING CANCELED -- += SB 125 PERS CONTRIBUTIONS; UNFUNDED LIABILITY <Bill Hearing Postponed> Bills Previously Heard/Scheduled += SB 89 ELECTRONIC MONITORING OF GANG PROBATIONER Apr 11 Wednesday Senate Finance 532 1:00 PM += HB 95 APPROP: OPERATING BUDGET/LOANS/FUNDS += HB 96 APPROP: MENTAL HEALTH BUDGET + Public Testimony Schedule 1:00 - 2:30 pm: Bethel, Kotzebue, Barrow, Nome, Delta Junction, Off-Nets 2:30 - 4:00 pm: Anchorage 5:00 - 6:30 pm: Kenai, Valdez, Kodiak, Ketchikan, Seward, Mat-Su, Glennallen, Tok 2007-04-11 Senate Journal Page 0816 FINANCE (continued) Apr 12 Thursday Senate Finance 532 9:00 AM += SB 61 SUPPLEMENTAL APPROPRIATIONS += HB 95 APPROP: OPERATING BUDGET/LOANS/FUNDS += HB 96 APPROP: MENTAL HEALTH BUDGET Committee Amendments + Bills Previously Heard/Scheduled Apr 12 Thursday Senate Finance 532 5:00 PM += HB 95 APPROP: OPERATING BUDGET/LOANS/FUNDS += HB 96 APPROP: MENTAL HEALTH BUDGET Committee Amendments Apr 13 Friday Senate Finance 532 9:00 AM += HB 95 APPROP: OPERATING BUDGET/LOANS/FUNDS += HB 96 APPROP: MENTAL HEALTH BUDGET Committee Amendments + Bills Previously Heard/Scheduled Apr 13 Friday Senate Finance 532 5:00 PM += HB 95 APPROP: OPERATING BUDGET/LOANS/FUNDS += HB 96 APPROP: MENTAL HEALTH BUDGET Committee Amendments Apr 14 Saturday Senate Finance 532 9:00 AM += HB 95 APPROP: OPERATING BUDGET/LOANS/FUNDS += HB 96 APPROP: MENTAL HEALTH BUDGET Committee Amendments + Bills Previously Heard/Scheduled ---------------------------------------- HEALTH, EDUCATION & SOCIAL SERVICES Apr 11 Wednesday Butrovich 205 1:30 PM No Meeting Scheduled Apr 12 Thursday Capitol 106 4:00 PM -- Day, Time, and Location Change -- Joint w/(H) Health, Education, and Social Services Overview: Reclaiming Futures Project Apr 13 Friday Butrovich 205 1:30 PM No Meeting Scheduled 2007-04-11 Senate Journal Page 0817 JUDICIARY Apr 11 Wednesday Butrovich 205 1:30 PM -- Location Change -- += SB 104 NATURAL GAS PIPELINE PROJECT -- Invited Testimony -- Apr 11 Wednesday Butrovich 205 5:30 PM += SB 104 NATURAL GAS PIPELINE PROJECT -- Invited Testimony -- Apr 12 Thursday Butrovich 205 3:30 PM += SB 104 NATURAL GAS PIPELINE PROJECT Public Testimony 5:30 pm to 7:00 pm Apr 13 Friday Butrovich 205 1:30 PM -- Location Change -- += SB 104 NATURAL GAS PIPELINE PROJECT -- Invited Testimony -- Apr 13 Friday Butrovich 205 5:30 PM += SB 104 NATURAL GAS PIPELINE PROJECT -- Invited Testimony -- Apr 14 Saturday Butrovich 205 10:00 AM += SB 104 NATURAL GAS PIPELINE PROJECT -- Testimony from Industry -- Apr 15 Sunday Butrovich 205 11:00 AM -- MEETING CANCELED -- += SB 104 NATURAL GAS PIPELINE PROJECT ---------------------------------------- LABOR & COMMERCE Apr 12 Thursday Beltz 211 1:30 PM + SB 117 WORKERS' COMP: DISEASE PRESUMPTION Bills Previously Heard/Scheduled = SB 124 ALASKA WORKFORCE INVESTMENT BD ALLOCATION = SB 115 GIFT CARDS = HB 34 SALES BY WINERY LICENSEE Overview: Affordable Housing Dan Fauske, Executive Director, Alaska Housing Finance Corp. 2007-04-11 Senate Journal Page 0818 RESOURCES Apr 11 Wednesday Butrovich 205 3:30 PM + SB 91 POLLUTANT DISCHARGE PERMITS -- Testimony <Time Limit May Be Set> -- + SB 44 APPROP: FIRE ISLAND WIND FARM -- Testimony <Time Limit May Be Set> -- + Presentation: Natural Gas Pricing and Trends -- Testimony <Invitation Only> -- + Bills Previously Heard/Scheduled Apr 13 Friday Butrovich 205 3:30 PM + SB 96 ESTABLISHING A RENEWABLE ENERGY FUND -- Testimony <Time Limit May Be Set> -- += SB 109 OIL & GAS CONSERVATION COMMISSION -- Testimony <Time Limit May Be Set> -- + Bills Previously Heard/Scheduled Apr 16 Monday Butrovich 205 3:30 PM + Presentation: Enstar ---------------------------------------- STATE AFFAIRS Apr 12 Thursday Beltz 211 9:00 AM + HB 171 ACCOMMODATE 90-DAY SESSION += SB 135 ACCOMMODATE 90-DAY SESSION + SB 40 LONGEVITY BONUS REAPPLICATIONS + Bills Previously Heard/Scheduled ---------------------------------------- TRANSPORTATION Apr 12 Thursday Butrovich 205 1:30 PM -- MEETING CANCELED -- SB 139 LIABILITY FOR AIRPORTS AND AIRSTRIPS ---------------------------------------- 2007-04-11 Senate Journal Page 0819 SPECIAL COMMITTEES SPECIAL COMMITTEE ON EDUCATION Apr 11 Wednesday Butrovich 205 8:00 AM No Meeting Scheduled Apr 13 Friday Butrovich 205 8:00 AM SCR 5 CIVICS EDUC/ CITIZENS ADVISORY TASK FORCE ---------------------------------------- JOINT COMMITTEES AK CLIMATE IMPACT ASSESSMENT COMMISSION Apr 12 Thursday Anch Lio Conf Rm 10:00 AM + -- Testimony <Invitation Only> -- 10:00 am to 5:00 pm + -- Open Public Testimony -- 6:00 pm to 8:00 pm Apr 13 Friday Anch Lio Conf Rm 8:30 AM + -- Testimony <Invitation Only> -- 8:30 am to 12:00 pm + -- Open Public Testimony -- 1:00 pm to 3:00 pm ---------------------------------------- SELECT COMMITTEE ON LEGISLATIVE ETHICS Apr 17 Tuesday Butrovich 205 10:00 AM -- Teleconference -- Full Committee: Open Session Election of Committee Chairs Public Comment Chair/Staff Report Budget Legislation Apr 17 Tuesday Butrovich 205 3:00 PM Senate Subcommittee: Executive Session Public Comment Executive Session Public Session ---------------------------------------- 2007-04-11 Senate Journal Page 0820 OTHER MEETINGS CHILDREN'S CAUCUS Apr 24 Tuesday Butrovich 205 12:00 PM + Presentation by The Alaska Trafficking in Persons Task Force Dealing with Child Prostitution in Alaska ---------------------------------------- JOINT LEGISLATIVE HEALTH CAUCUS Apr 18 Wednesday Butrovich 205 12:00 PM "Filling the Need: Other Forms of Health Care" May 02 Wednesday Butrovich 205 12:00 PM "Week of the Uninsured: Alaska's Workforce" ---------------------------------------- MISCELLANEOUS MEETINGS Apr 13 Friday Speaker's Chamber 12:00 PM Presentation on Russia by Masha Mozgovaya