Legislature(2007 - 2008)
2008-01-16 Senate Journal
Full Journal pdf2008-01-16 Senate Journal Page 1579 SENATE JOURNAL ALASKA STATE LEGISLATURE TWENTY-FIFTH LEGISLATURE SECOND SESSION Juneau, Alaska Wednesday January 16, 2008 Second Day Pursuant to adjournment the Senate was called to order by President Green at 10:07 a.m. The roll showed eighteen members present. Senator Cowdery was excused from a call of the Senate. Senator Stedman was absent. The prayer was offered by the Chaplain, The Reverend Hunter Silides, Associate Pastor of Holy Trinity Episcopal Church. Senator Hoffman moved and asked unanimous consent that the prayer be spread. Without objection, it was so ordered. Make us mindful of your constant presence with us, Oh God, and turn our hearts to you. I thank you for this gathering, Oh Lord, because these your servants take counsel for the well being of your people in Alaska. Bless them today, Oh Lord, with zeal to accomplish that which is pleasing in your sight. Pour out your strength upon them, dear Lord, like rain from the sky. Let your wisdom water the seeds they plant and bring forth growth and prosperity for this state. And just as the rain and snow fall from the heavens and return not again but water the earth, so let their efforts flow out from this place, Oh God, accomplishing that for which they are spent. We give thanks that all this is possible through you, dear Lord. Amen. Senator McGuire led the Senate in the Pledge of Allegiance. 2008-01-16 Senate Journal Page 1580 Certification Senator Stevens moved and asked unanimous consent that the journal for the first legislative day and House and Senate Joint Journal Supplement No. 10 be approved as certified by the Secretary. Without objection, it was so ordered. Communications The following report is on file in the Office of the Secretary of the Senate: Report dated January 15, 2008 from Senator Wielechowski and Representative Dahlstrom, Cochairs, Joint Armed Service Committee in accordance with AS 24.20.675(a)(9) Introduction and Reference of Senate Resolutions SCR 12 SENATE CONCURRENT RESOLUTION NO. 12 BY SENATOR WIELECHOWSKI, Proposing an amendment to the Uniform Rules of the Alaska State Legislature relating to voting. was read the first time and referred to the State Affairs and Judiciary Committees. SCR 13 SENATE CONCURRENT RESOLUTION NO. 13 BY SENATOR GREEN, 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. 2008-01-16 Senate Journal Page 1581 was read the first time and held on the Secretary's desk. SJR 12 SENATE JOINT RESOLUTION NO. 12 BY SENATOR THERRIAULT, Opposing proposed changes to the interpretation of the Passenger Vessel Services Act of June 19, 1886, by the United States Department of Homeland Security, Bureau of Customs and Border Protection, affecting cruise itineraries of foreign-flagged vessels transporting passengers to ports in Alaska. was read the first time and referred to the State Affairs Committee. Introduction and Reference of Senate Bills SB 185 SENATE BILL NO. 185 BY SENATORS WIELECHOWSKI, Ellis, entitled: "An Act relating to sex offenders and child kidnappers." (Prefile released January 4, 2008) was read the first time and referred to the State Affairs, Judiciary and Finance Committees. SB 186 SENATE BILL NO. 186 BY SENATOR DAVIS, entitled: "An Act relating to a mental health patient grievance procedure." (Prefile released January 4, 2008) was read the first time and referred to the Health, Education and Social Services and Finance Committees. 2008-01-16 Senate Journal Page 1582 SB 187 SENATE BILL NO. 187 BY SENATORS WIELECHOWSKI, THOMAS, AND ELTON, Ellis, Davis, entitled: "An Act increasing the minimum wage; creating an annual adjustment to the minimum wage based on the rate of inflation; and providing for an effective date." (Prefile released January 4, 2008) was read the first time and referred to the Labor and Commerce and Finance Committees. SB 188 SENATE BILL NO. 188 BY SENATOR THERRIAULT, entitled: "An Act extending the termination date of the Alaska Commission on Aging; and providing for an effective date." (Prefile released January 4, 2008) was read the first time and referred to the Labor and Commerce and Finance Committees. SB 189 SENATE BILL NO. 189 BY SENATOR THERRIAULT, entitled: "An Act making special appropriations for bridge repairs and construction and road construction; and providing for an effective date." (Prefile released January 4, 2008) was read the first time and referred to the Transportation and Finance Committees. SB 190 SENATE BILL NO. 190 BY SENATOR THERRIAULT, entitled: "An Act requiring minors 13 through 17 years of age who are not traveling accompanied by a parent or guardian to present identification and to have 2008-01-16 Senate Journal Page 1583 authorization from a parent or guardian before receiving a ticket from an airline employee." (Prefile released January 4, 2008) was read the first time and referred to the Transportation and Judiciary Committees. SB 191 SENATE BILL NO. 191 BY SENATOR DAVIS, entitled: "An Act relating to continuing the public education of a homeless student and to the purpose of certain laws as they relate to children." (Prefile released January 4, 2008) was read the first time and referred to the Health, Education and Social Services and Finance Committees. SB 192 SENATE BILL NO. 192 BY SENATORS DYSON, Bunde, Therriault, Wagoner, entitled: "An Act relating to the state budget, to performance of state agencies, including the judicial branch, and to missions and desired results to be applied to certain expenditures by state agencies; and providing for an effective date." (Prefile released January 4, 2008) was read the first time and referred to the Health, Education and Social Services, State Affairs and Finance Committees. SB 193 SENATE BILL NO. 193 BY SENATORS DYSON, Bunde, Therriault, Wagoner, entitled: "An Act relating to the state budget, to performance of state agencies, including the judicial branch, and to missions and desired results to be applied to certain expenditures by state agencies; and providing for an effective date." (Prefile released January 4, 2008) 2008-01-16 Senate Journal Page 1584 was read the first time and referred to the Health, Education and Social Services, State Affairs and Finance Committees. SB 194 SENATE BILL NO. 194 BY SENATORS DYSON, Bunde, Therriault, Wagoner, entitled: "An Act relating to the state budget, to performance of state agencies, including the judicial branch, and to missions and desired results to be applied to certain expenditures from state budgets by the executive branch of state government, including the University of Alaska, and by the judicial branch of state government; and providing for an effective date." (Prefile released January 4, 2008) was read the first time and referred to the State Affairs, Judiciary and Finance Committees. SB 195 SENATE BILL NO. 195 BY SENATORS DAVIS, Ellis, entitled: "An Act requiring health care insurers to provide coverage for treatment of mental health, alcoholism, and substance abuse conditions, and requiring parity between health care insurance coverage for mental health, alcoholism, and substance abuse benefits and other medical care benefits; eliminating different treatment for mental health conditions from the minimum benefits of the state health insurance plan; removing an exclusion for mental health services or alcohol or drug abuse from the definition of basic health care services in the law relating to health maintenance organizations; repealing a provision that allows optional insurance coverage for treatment of alcoholism and drug abuse based on the number of employees and the duration of employment; repealing a definition of costs applicable solely to treatment for alcoholism and drug abuse, including a provision that allows the cost for treatment of alcoholism and drug abuse to be determined by the insurance contract or by a contract between the treatment provider and the health care insurer; 2008-01-16 Senate Journal Page 1585 repealing a definition of mental health benefits that excludes treatment of substance abuse or chemical dependency; and providing for an effective date." (Prefile released January 4, 2008) was read the first time and referred to the Health, Education and Social Services, Labor and Commerce and Finance Committees. SB 196 SENATE BILL NO. 196 BY SENATORS GREEN, Ellis, entitled: "An Act relating to establishing a controlled substance prescription database." (Prefile released January 4, 2008) was read the first time and referred to the Labor and Commerce and Finance Committees. SB 197 SENATE BILL NO. 197 BY SENATORS WIELECHOWSKI, Ellis, entitled: "An Act requiring credit card issuers to recognize certain dates as dates of payment." (Prefile released January 4, 2008) was read the first time and referred to the Labor and Commerce Committee. SB 198 SENATE BILL NO. 198 BY SENATORS WIELECHOWSKI AND THOMAS, entitled: "An Act extending the statute of limitations for the filing of complaints with the Alaska Public Offices Commission involving state election campaigns, reducing the period in which an elected candidate may continue to accept contributions; limiting the quantity of unused campaign contributions a candidate may transfer to a political party; increasing 2008-01-16 Senate Journal Page 1586 the penalty for a lobbyist or employer of a lobbyist who fails to properly register or file a report; and extending the statute of limitations for prosecutions of violations of the Alaska Election Code." (Prefile released January 4, 2008) was read the first time and referred to the State Affairs, Judiciary and Finance Committees. SB 199 SENATE BILL NO. 199 BY SENATOR THERRIAULT, entitled: "An Act extending the statute of limitations for the filing of complaints with the Alaska Public Offices Commission involving state election campaigns." (Prefile released January 4, 2008) was read the first time and referred to the State Affairs and Finance Committees. SB 200 SENATE BILL NO. 200 BY SENATOR THERRIAULT, entitled: "An Act making it a crime for a public servant to fail to report certain criminal conduct." (Prefile released January 4, 2008) was read the first time and referred to the State Affairs and Judiciary Committees. SB 201 SENATE BILL NO. 201 BY SENATORS WIELECHOWSKI, Ellis, entitled: "An Act relating to the establishment and maintenance of an Internet website providing public finance information; and identifying the information to be available on the Internet website." (Prefile released January 4, 2008) 2008-01-16 Senate Journal Page 1587 was read the first time and referred to the State Affairs and Finance Committees. SB 202 SENATE BILL NO. 202 BY SENATOR WIELECHOWSKI, entitled: "An Act relating to expenditures in aid of or to implement the provisions of the federal Real ID Act." (Prefile released January 4, 2008) was read the first time and referred to the State Affairs and Judiciary Committees. SB 203 SENATE BILL NO. 203 BY SENATOR WIELECHOWSKI, entitled: "An Act requiring a legislator to abstain from voting on questions affecting an enterprise if the legislator or member of the legislator's immediate family has a financial 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 another person; making the Act conditionally effective; and providing for an effective date." (Prefile released January 4, 2008) was read the first time and referred to the State Affairs and Judiciary Committees. SB 204 SENATE BILL NO. 204 BY SENATOR THERRIAULT, 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 for an effective date." (Prefile released January 4, 2008) 2008-01-16 Senate Journal Page 1588 was read the first time and referred to the Community and Regional Affairs and Finance Committees. SB 205 SENATE BILL NO. 205 BY SENATOR DYSON, entitled: "An Act removing the prohibition against individuals who are related to a legislator or legislative employee being eligible for employment by the legislature in certain positions." (Prefile released January 4, 2008) was read the first time and referred to the State Affairs Committee. SB 206 SENATE BILL NO. 206 BY SENATOR DAVIS, entitled: "An Act repealing the Alaska children's trust; and providing for an effective date." (Prefile released January 4, 2008) was read the first time and referred to the Health, Education and Social Services and Finance Committees. SB 207 SENATE BILL NO. 207 BY SENATOR THERRIAULT, entitled: "An Act relating to appropriations to the budget reserve fund." (Prefile released January 4, 2008) was read the first time and referred to the Finance Committee. SB 208 SENATE BILL NO. 208 BY SENATOR DYSON, entitled: "An Act relating to sexual assault." (Prefile released January 4, 2008) was read the first time and referred to the State Affairs and Judiciary Committees. 2008-01-16 Senate Journal Page 1589 SB 209 SENATE BILL NO. 209 BY SENATORS DAVIS, Ellis, entitled: "An Act extending the termination date of the Alaska Commission on Aging; and providing for an effective date." (Prefile released January 4, 2008) was read the first time and referred to the Labor and Commerce and Finance Committees. SB 210 SENATE BILL NO. 210 BY SENATOR DAVIS, entitled: "An Act making a special appropriation to The Alaska Community Foundation; and providing for an effective date." (Prefile released January 4, 2008) was read the first time and referred to the Health, Education and Social Services and Finance Committees. SB 211 SENATE BILL NO. 211 BY SENATOR DAVIS, entitled: "An Act relating to an aggravating factor at sentencing for crimes directed at a victim because of the victim's homelessness." (Prefile released January 4, 2008) was read the first time and referred to the Judiciary Committee. SB 212 SENATE BILL NO. 212 BY SENATOR DAVIS, entitled: "An Act relating to eligibility requirements for medical assistance for certain children and pregnant women; and providing for an effective date." (Prefile released January 4, 2008) was read the first time and referred to the Health, Education and Social Services, Labor and Commerce and Finance Committees. 2008-01-16 Senate Journal Page 1590 SB 213 SENATE BILL NO. 213 BY SENATOR DYSON, entitled: "An Act relating to the audit authority of the legislative audit division." (Prefile released January 4, 2008) was read the first time and referred to the State Affairs and Finance Committees. SB 214 SENATE BILL NO. 214 BY SENATOR HUGGINS, entitled: SENATE BILL NO. 214 "An Act relating to big game hunting by nonresident members of the military service and their dependents; and providing for an effective date." (Prefile released January 4, 2008) was read the first time and referred to the Resources Committee. SB 215 SENATE BILL NO. 215 BY SENATOR HUGGINS, entitled: "An Act relating to issuance of identification cards and to issuance of driver's licenses; and providing for an effective date." (Prefile released January 4, 2008) was read the first time and referred to the State Affairs and Transportation Committees. SB 216 SENATE BILL NO. 216 BY SENATOR ELLIS, entitled: "An Act designating the Alaska Highway and portion of the Richardson Highway as the Purple Heart Trail." (Prefile released January 4, 2008) was read the first time and referred to the Transportation Committee. 2008-01-16 Senate Journal Page 1591 SB 217 SENATE BILL NO. 217 BY SENATORS WAGONER AND THERRIAULT, entitled: "An Act relating to the energy dividend for 2007; and providing for an effective date." (Prefile released January 11, 2008) was read the first time and referred to the Finance Committee. SB 218 SENATE BILL NO. 218 BY SENATOR FRENCH, entitled: "An Act relating to use of child safety seats and seat belts." (Prefile released January 11, 2008) was read the first time and referred to the Transportation and State Affairs Committees. SB 219 SENATE BILL NO. 219 BY SENATORS WILKEN, Bunde, entitled: "An Act establishing the Governor's Select Panel on School District Cost Factors; repealing current cost factors; relating to child care grants; and providing for an effective date." (Prefile released January 11, 2008) was read the first time and referred to the Special Committee on Education and Finance Committee. SB 220 SENATE BILL NO. 220 BY THE SENATE RULES COMMITTEE BY REQUEST OF THE GOVERNOR, entitled: "An Act making appropriations for the operating and loan program expenses of state government, for certain programs, and to capitalize funds; making supplemental appropriations; and making appropriations under art. IX, sec. 17(c), Constitution of the State of Alaska; and providing for an effective date." 2008-01-16 Senate Journal Page 1592 was read the first time and referred to the Finance Committee. Governor's transmittal letter dated January 15: Dear President Green: Today I am transmitting to you my Fiscal Year 2009 operating budget bill. As I mentioned when I released the budget bills on December 10, 2007, this operating budget represents just a 1.1 percent general fund increase over FY2008. My cabinet has made a strong effort to slow the growth of government while providing funding to meet the needs of Alaskans. Just as importantly, the budget contains significant savings and investments from both the expected FY2008 and FY2009 general fund surpluses. Nearly $2.6 billion will be deposited into the public education fund to pre-fund the foundation and pupil transportation programs through FY2011, including proposed increases to the programs. In addition, $450 million from the FY2008 surplus is appropriated to the Teachers Retirement System (TRS) to reduce the unfunded liability. That appropriation, in turn, results in savings of $46.6 million in the FY2009 appropriation to TRS. Other substantial savings are the deposits totaling $379 million into the constitutional budget reserve fund. I have also included the state's investment of the estimated $200 million in oil and gas tax credits. I look forward to working with the Legislature to finalize the operating budget for the upcoming fiscal year. Sincerely, /s/ Sarah Palin Governor SB 221 SENATE BILL NO. 221 BY THE SENATE RULES COMMITTEE BY REQUEST OF THE GOVERNOR, entitled: "An Act making appropriations, including capital appropriations, supplemental appropriations, and appropriations to capitalize funds; and providing for an effective date." 2008-01-16 Senate Journal Page 1593 was read the first time and referred to the Finance Committee. Governor's transmittal letter dated January 15: Dear President Green: The capital budget bill that I am transmitting to you today represents a significant investment in expanding and improving Alaska's infrastructure. The bill contains nearly $758 million for transportation-related projects, including $262 million for the airport improvement program, $237 million for the surface transportation program, and $115 million for statewide federal programs. The Alaska Student Loan Corporation's final installment of the return of initial organizational capital is included in this budget bill and is reflected as $60 million in bond proceeds that fund deferred maintenance projects in eleven agencies. The Susitna Valley High School replacement project and 20 school major maintenance projects comprise nearly $100 million. In addition, the University of Alaska will receive $40 million for deferred maintenance projects statewide. Water and wastewater infrastructure projects total $121 million. The capital budget also contains my municipal revenue sharing proposal of $75 million, an increase of $26.3 million from FY2008. In addition, the budget funds nearly $37 million of information technology projects with a FY2008 effective date in order to utilize $29 million of the FY2008 general fund surplus. I believe that this capital budget is a responsible approach to addressing the needs of Alaskans. I look forward to working with the Legislature to secure passage of this bill. Sincerely, /s/ Sarah Palin Governor SB 222 SENATE BILL NO. 222 BY THE SENATE RULES COMMITTEE BY REQUEST OF THE GOVERNOR, entitled: 2008-01-16 Senate Journal Page 1594 "An Act making appropriations for the operating and capital expenses of the state's integrated comprehensive mental health program; and providing for an effective date." was read the first time and referred to the Finance Committee. In accordance with AS 37.14.003(b) a report of the differences between the Governor's proposed budget and the recommendations of the Alaska Mental Health Trust Authority was transmitted. Governor's transmittal letter dated January 15: Dear President Green: Today I am transmitting the Fiscal Year 2009 appropriations bill for the state's comprehensive mental health program. As required by statute, it includes both operating and capital appropriations and is accompanied by a report outlining the differences between the recommendations of the Alaska Mental Health Trust Authority and my budget. The proposed mental health budget represents a cooperative effort between state agencies and the Alaska Mental Health Trust Authority. Coupled with the resources that have been appropriated in recent years, these productive working relationships have made and will continue to make a positive difference for Alaska's mental health beneficiaries. I look forward to working with the Legislature to secure passage of this budget bill. Sincerely, /s/ Sarah Palin Governor SB 223 SENATE BILL NO. 223 BY THE SENATE RULES COMMITTEE BY REQUEST OF THE GOVERNOR, entitled: 2008-01-16 Senate Journal Page 1595 "An Act providing for and relating to the issuance of general obligation bonds for the purpose of paying the cost of a scientific crime detection laboratory; and providing for an effective date." was read the first time and referred to the State Affairs and Finance Committees. The following fiscal information was published today: Fiscal Note No. 1, Office of the Governor Governor's transmittal letter dated January 15: Dear President Green: Under the authority of art. III, sec. 18, of the Alaska Constitution, I am transmitting a bill providing for and relating to the issuance of general obligation bonds for the purpose of paying the cost of a scientific crime detection laboratory. This revenue would be utilized for the construction of a "state of the science" crime lab that will serve the needs of Alaska's citizens and law enforcement agencies for at least the next 40 years. Over the last 30 years, both the types of evidence analysis and the number of cases submitted by law enforcement for assistance from the crime lab have increased tremendously. Currently, the crime lab provides expert assistance in the areas of fingerprints, biological screening, hair analysis, trace screening, blood alcohol content, drug analysis, DNA, crime scene investigations, shoe prints, and firearm/toolmark ballistics. Forensic science continues to improve. New technology and added analysis are expanding the importance of forensic science in criminal justice investigations; examples include arson analysis equipment, laser examination equipment, vacuum metal deposition chamber examination equipment, trace evidence examinations, space and equipment examinations, toxicology, and question document analysis. Additionally, expanded processing space is necessary to examine evidence from small items such as drug baggies and blood stained clothing to larger items such as entire vehicles. The new crime lab will have sufficient space to accommodate such improvements. 2008-01-16 Senate Journal Page 1596 The crime lab has managed to provide an excellent level of assistance to law enforcement during this time of growth. However, in the past five years, the growing demand for lab services has exceeded the capacity of the lab to provide all the services needed by Alaskans. Alaska needs a new crime lab. The new crime lab will provide 80 thousand square feet with room for future expansion. Section 1 of the bill adds a new section to the uncodified law of the state authorizing the issuance and sale of state general obligation bonds in the principal amount of not more than 100 million, if ratified by a majority of the qualified voters of the state who vote on the question. The full faith, credit, and resources of the state would be pledged to the payment of the principal of and interest and redemption premium, if any, on the bonds. Section 2 of the bill adds a new section to the uncodified law of the state establishing the "scientific crime detection laboratory project fund" if the voters ratify the issuance of the bonds, to which shall be credited the proceeds of the sale of the bonds except for the accrued interest and premiums. Section 3 of the bill adds a new section to the uncodified law of the state appropriating 100 million from the scientific crime detection laboratory project fund and up to 6 million in anticipated investment earnings to the Department of Public Safety to be allocated to the design and construction of a state scientific crime detection laboratory in Anchorage. Section 4 of the bill adds a new section to the uncodified law of the state appropriating from the general fund to the state bond committee $500,000 or as much of that amount as is found necessary to carry out the provisions of this bill and to pay expenses incident to the sale and issuance of the bonds. Section 5 of the bill adds a new section to the uncodified law of the state providing that the amount withdrawn from the public facility planning fund (AS 35.10.135) for the purpose of advance planning for the capital improvements financed under this bill shall be reimbursed from the proceeds of the sale of the bonds. 2008-01-16 Senate Journal Page 1597 Section 6 of the bill adds a new section to the uncodified law of the state providing that the unexpended and unobligated balance of the appropriation made in sec. 3 lapses and is appropriated to the state bond committee to redeem bonds sold under this bill. Further, sec. 6 provides that amounts expended from the general fund to pay the principal, interest, and redemption premium on the bonds shall be reimbursed from this appropriation to the extent that the money is not needed to redeem the bonds. Section 7 of the bill amends the uncodified law of the state to add a new section directing the submittal to the voters for ratification at the next general election the question of whether the state shall issue its general obligation bonds in the principal amount of not more than 100 million for the purpose of paying the cost of design and construction of a scientific crime detection laboratory. I urge your prompt and favorable action on this measure. Sincerely, /s/ Sarah Palin Governor SB 224 SENATE BILL NO. 224 BY THE SENATE RULES COMMITTEE BY REQUEST OF THE GOVERNOR, entitled: "An Act providing for and relating to the issuance of general obligation bonds for the purpose of paying the cost of state transportation projects; and providing for an effective date." was read the first time and referred to the Transportation and Finance Committees. The following fiscal information was published today: Fiscal Note No. 1, Office of the Governor Governor's transmittal letter dated January 15: 2008-01-16 Senate Journal Page 1598 Dear President Green: Under the authority of art. III, sec. 18, of the Alaska Constitution, I am transmitting a bill providing for and relating to the issuance of general obligation bonds for the purpose of paying the cost of state transportation projects. The state requires a stable transportation construction program. The capital budget addresses many critical transportation needs in Alaska. However, there is much more that needs to be done. Low interest notes provide the opportunity to keep overall spending low, while at the same time utilizing bond receipts to expand and improve our infrastructure. The use of state bond proceeds allows projects to move from design to completion much faster than the lengthy process that federal funding entails. Safety, congestion, and gas pipeline preparation were the criteria used to identify these priority projects for inclusion in this bond proposal. Section 1 of the bill adds a new section to the uncodified law of the state authorizing the issuance and sale of state general obligation bonds in the principal amount of not more than $140 million if ratified by a majority of the qualified voters of the state who vote on the question. The full faith, credit, and resources of the state would be pledged to the payment of the principal of and interest and redemption premium, if any, on the bonds. Section 2 of the bill adds a new section to the uncodified law of the state establishing the "2008 transportation project fund" if the voters ratify the issuance of the bonds, to which shall be credited the proceeds of the sale of the bonds except for the accrued interest and premiums. Sections 3 - 5 of the bill add new sections to the uncodified law of the state appropriating from the 2008 transportation project fund the amounts of $121.1 million to the Department of Transportation and Public Facilities to be allocated to specified road, highway, and bridge projects throughout Alaska; $10 million to the Department of Commerce, Community, and Economic Development to be awarded as a grant to the Municipality of Anchorage for expansion of the Port 2008-01-16 Senate Journal Page 1599 of Anchorage; and $8.9 million to the Department of Natural Resources to be allocated to the South Denali Access Road Design and Construction project. Section 6 of the bill adds a new section to the uncodified law of the state appropriating from the general fund to the state bond committee $700,000 or as much of that amount as is found necessary to carry out the provisions of this bill and to pay expenses incident to the sale and issuance of the bonds. Section 7 of the bill adds a new section to the uncodified law of the state providing that the amount withdrawn from the public facility planning fund (AS 35.10.135) for the purpose of advance planning for the capital improvements financed under this bill shall be reimbursed from the proceeds of the sale of the bonds. Section 8 of the bill amends the uncodified law of the state to add a new section providing that the unexpended and unobligated balance of the appropriations made in secs. 3 - 5 lapses and is appropriated to the state bond committee to redeem bonds sold under this bill. Further, sec. 8 provides that amounts expended from the general fund to pay the principal, interest, and redemption premium on the bonds shall be reimbursed from this appropriation to the extent that the money is not needed to redeem the bonds. Section 9 of the bill amends the uncodified law of the state to add a new section directing the submittal to the voters for ratification at the next general election the question of whether the state shall issue its general obligation bonds in the principal amount of not more than $140 million for the purpose of paying the cost of state transportation projects. I urge your prompt and favorable action on this measure. Sincerely, /s/ Sarah Palin Governor 2008-01-16 Senate Journal Page 1600 SB 225 SENATE BILL NO. 225 BY THE SENATE 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 Resources and Finance Committees. SB 226 SENATE BILL NO. 226 BY THE SENATE JUDICIARY COMMITTEE, entitled: "An Act relating to litigation brought by a vexatious litigant; amending Rules 3, 4, 12, and 41, Alaska Rules of Civil Procedure; and providing for an effective date." was read the first time and referred to the Judiciary and Finance Committees. SB 227 SENATE BILL NO. 227 BY SENATORS FRENCH, Ellis, 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 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. SB 228 SENATE BILL NO. 228 BY SENATOR DYSON, entitled: 2008-01-16 Senate Journal Page 1601 "An Act relating to and permitting certain uses and occupancies of real property that do not comply with changes made to municipal land use ordinances." was read the first time and referred to the Community and Regional Affairs and State Affairs Committees. SB 229 SENATE BILL NO. 229 BY SENATOR THOMAS, entitled: "An Act relating to the Tanana Valley State Forest and to assignment of certain forest land to the Minto Flats State Game Refuge; and providing for an effective date." was read the first time and referred to the Resources and Finance Committees. SB 230 SENATE BILL NO. 230 BY SENATOR ELLIS, entitled: "An Act establishing the division of film in the Department of Commerce, Community, and Economic Development; and creating a transferable tax credit applicable to certain film production expenditures incurred in the state." was read the first time and referred to the Labor and Commerce and Finance Committees. Unfinished Business Senator Wilken moved and asked unanimous consent to be excused from a call of the Senate from afternoon plane time, January 17 through evening plane time, January 21. Without objection, Senator Wilken was excused. 2008-01-16 Senate Journal Page 1602 Senator Wagoner moved and asked unanimous consent to be excused from a call of the Senate from morning plane time, January 21 through evening plane time, January 21; from afternoon plane time, January 25 through morning plane time, January 28; and from afternoon plane time, February 1 through morning plane time, February 4. Without objection, Senator Wagoner was excused. Senator Therriault moved and asked unanimous consent to be excused from a call of the Senate from July 21 through August 19. Without objection, Senator Therriault was excused. Announcements Announcements are at the end of the journal. Adjournment Senator Stevens moved and asked unanimous consent that the Senate stand in adjournment until 11:00 a.m., January 18, 2008. Without objection, the Senate adjourned at 10:34 a.m. Kirsten Waid Secretary of the Senate 2008-01-16 Senate Journal Page 1603 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 Jan 17 Thursday Beltz 211 3:30 PM -- Meeting Postponed to 1/22/08 -- + SB 161 COASTAL MANAGEMENT PROGRAM Bills Previously Heard/Scheduled Jan 22 Tuesday Beltz 211 3:30 PM -- Meeting Postponed from 1/17/08 -- += SB 161 COASTAL MANAGEMENT PROGRAM Bills Previously Heard/Scheduled ---------------------------------------- FINANCE Jan 16 Wednesday House Finance 519 1:00 PM + Joint with House Finance FY 2009 Budget Overview and Policy Discussion, by Dir. Karen Rehfeld, Office of Management and Budget Jan 17 Thursday House Finance 519 1:00 PM + Joint with House Finance Overview of Governor's Proposed FY 2009 Budget, by Dir. David Teal, Legislative Finance Division Jan 18 Friday Senate Finance 532 9:00 AM No Meeting Scheduled ---------------------------------------- 2008-01-16 Senate Journal Page 1604 HEALTH, EDUCATION & SOCIAL SERVICES Jan 21 Monday Butrovich 205 1:30 PM No Meeting Scheduled In Observance of Martin Luther King Day Jan 23 Wednesday Butrovich 205 1:30 PM SB 212 MEDICAL ASSISTANCE ELIGIBILITY Jan 25 Friday Butrovich 205 1:30 PM No Meeting Scheduled ---------------------------------------- JUDICIARY Jan 16 Wednesday Butrovich 205 10:30 AM + 10:30 a.m. to 5:00 p.m. Senate Judiciary Committee Crime Summit -- Testimony <Invitation Only> -- Jan 17 Thursday Butrovich 205 8:30 AM + 8:30 a.m. to 5:00 p.m. Senate Judiciary Committee Crime Summit -- Testimony <Invitation Only> -- ---------------------------------------- LABOR & COMMERCE Jan 17 Thursday Beltz 211 1:30 PM -- MEETING CANCELED -- + SB 147 WORKERS' COMP EMPLOYER LIABILITY <Bill Hearing Postponed> Bills Previously Heard/Scheduled = SB 120 UNEMPLOYMENT COMPENSATION BENEFITS = SB 28 LIMIT OVERTIME FOR REGISTERED NURSES = SB 107 NATUROPATHS ---------------------------------------- 2008-01-16 Senate Journal Page 1605 RESOURCES Jan 18 Friday Butrovich 205 3:30 PM -- Teleconference -- Gas Offtake, Resource Considerations in the 'Maximum Benefit' Equation Alaska Oil & Gas Conservation Commission -- Testimony <Invitation Only> -- Jan 19 Saturday Butrovich 205 11:00 AM -- Teleconference -- -- Note Time Change -- Alaska's Gas: How Our Current Fiscal Policies Stack Up; North American and International Regimes Administration: Departments of Revenue and Natural Resources -- Testimony <Invitation Only> -- ---------------------------------------- FINANCE SUBCOMMITTEES CORRECTIONS Jan 24 Thursday Fahrenkamp 203 8:00 AM + Corrections Budget FY 08 Update ---------------------------------------- COURT SYSTEM Jan 22 Tuesday Fahrenkamp 203 8:00 AM + Court System Budget FY 08 Update ---------------------------------------- ENVIRONMENTAL CONSERVATION Jan 24 Thursday Fahrenkamp 203 4:00 PM + DEC Budget FY 08 Update ---------------------------------------- 2008-01-16 Senate Journal Page 1606 JOINT COMMITTEES LEGISLATIVE BUDGET & AUDIT Jan 29 Tuesday House Finance 519 9:00 AM Denali Commission Presentation Consider Final & Preliminary Audits Audit Software Other Committee Business ---------------------------------------- SELECT COMMITTEE ON LEGISLATIVE ETHICS Jan 16 Wednesday Beltz 211 1:00 PM FULL COMMITTEE: Open Session Public Comment Chair/Staff Report Budget Advisory Opinions: 07-05 Blackberry Use 07-08 Legislative Travel & Campaigning Legislative Internship Programs Committee Rules of Procedure Legislation Update Other Business SENATE SUBCOMMITTEE: Executive Session Public Comment Executive Session Public Session HOUSE SUBCOMMITTEE: Executive Session Public Comment Executive Session Public Session ---------------------------------------- TASK FORCE ON THE REGULATORY COM OF AK Jan 21 Monday Butrovich 205 9:00 AM + Legislative Resolve 11 - RCA TASK FORCE + Overview with Commissioner Anthony Price Jan 22 Tuesday Butrovich 205 9:00 AM + Legislative Resolve 11 - RCA Task Force + Overview with Commissioner Anthony Price ---------------------------------------- 2008-01-16 Senate Journal Page 1607 OTHER MEETINGS JOINT SESSION Feb 19 Tuesday House Chamber 11:00 AM Annual Address by the Honorable Ted Stevens, U.S. Senator ---------------------------------------- VPSO TASK FORCE Jan 18 Friday Beltz 211 8:00 AM -- Rescheduled from 01/04/08 -- Findings & Recommendations for Report to Legislature (due in February) -- Testimony <Invitation Only> --