Legislature(2007 - 2008)
2008-01-19 Senate Journal
Full Journal pdf2008-01-19 Senate Journal Page 1639 SENATE JOURNAL ALASKA STATE LEGISLATURE TWENTY-FIFTH LEGISLATURE SECOND SESSION Juneau, Alaska Saturday January 19, 2008 Fifth Day Pursuant to adjournment the Senate was called to order by President Green at 10:02 a.m. The roll showed fifteen members present. Senators Cowdery, McGuire, Stedman, Wilken were excused from a call of the Senate. Senator Davis was absent. The prayer was offered by the Chaplain, Senator Huggins. Senator Hoffman moved and asked unanimous consent that the prayer be spread. Without objection, it was so ordered. Our Most Precious Heavenly Father, We thank thee for bringing us together here today and we ask for thy forgiveness for all of our deeds and misdeeds. As we look back, we say thanks for the opportunity to bring our families together for the holidays. We ask your blessing as we move forward in this new year and new session. We ask you to guide us so that we do the people's business blessed with integrity based on standards that we know you would approve of. As we look around the world, we know that many young Americans are doing our country's business; we ask you to bless them and we say thank you for guiding them safely back to their moms and dads. 2008-01-19 Senate Journal Page 1640 Again Father, we say thank you for all that you do for us. Guide us as we go forth. Amen. Senator Stevens led the Senate in the Pledge of Allegiance. Certification Senator Ellis moved and asked unanimous consent that the journal for the fourth legislative day be approved as certified by the Secretary. Without objection, it was so ordered. Communications The following reports are on file in the Office of the Secretary of the Senate: 2008 Report to the Legislature for the Division of Mining, Land and Water: Report on Identified R.S. 2477 Rights-of-Way in accordance with AS 19.30.400(b) Notification of Annual Mining Report Alaska's Mineral Industry 2006 (published jointly with Department of Commerce, Community and Economic Development) in accordance with AS 27.05.060 available at: www.dggs.dnr.state.ak.us/pubs/pubs Land Disposal Income Fund Report in accordance with AS 38.04.022(b) Notification of Annual Report on the Status of Land in the Land Disposal Bank in accordance with AS 38.04.020(d) Notification of Annual Report on Water Removals and Exports in accordance with AS 46.15.020(b)(5) 2008-01-19 Senate Journal Page 1641 Notification of Interim Classifications in accordance with AS 38.05.300 Summary of Cooperative Resource Management or Development Agreements in accordance with AS 38.05.027 from Dick Mylius, Director, Division of Mining, Land and Water Department of Natural Resources Introduction and Reference of Senate Bills SB 243 SENATE BILL NO. 243 BY SENATOR DAVIS, 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 and Social Services and Finance Committees. SB 244 SENATE BILL NO. 244 BY SENATOR DYSON, entitled: "An Act establishing a consumer health information Internet website within the Department of Health and Social Services." was read the first time and referred to the Health, Education and Social Services and Finance Committees. SB 245 SENATE BILL NO. 245 BY THE SENATE RULES COMMITTEE BY REQUEST OF THE GOVERNOR, entitled: "An Act establishing the Alaska Health Care Commission and the Alaska health care information office; relating to health care planning and 2008-01-19 Senate Journal Page 1642 information; repealing the certificate of need program for certain health care facilities and relating to the repeal; annulling certain regulations required for implementation of the certificate of need program for certain health care facilities; and providing for an effective date." was read the first time and referred to the Health, Education and Social Services and Finance Committees. The following fiscal information was published today: Fiscal Note No. 1, indeterminate, Department of Health and Social Services Fiscal Note No. 2, Department of Health and Social Services Fiscal Note No. 3, Department of Health and Social Services Fiscal Note No. 4, Department of Health and Social Services Governor's transmittal letter dated January 18: Dear President Green: Under the authority of art. III, sec. 18 of the Alaska Constitution, I am transmitting a bill to further the provision of affordable and quality health care services for all Alaskans. This bill is my administration's Alaska Health Care Transparency Act. Access to affordable, quality health care services is one of the most pressing issues facing Alaska families. Providing these services in Alaska is particularly challenging, given our small population and wide geographic area to be served. Dynamic health care planning, that involves both the public and private sectors, is essential to providing affordable, quality health care services. This bill would further health care planning by establishing an Alaska Health Care Commission to look at health care services from a statewide perspective. It would encourage non-traditional stakeholders, including businesses and civic organizations, to share their expertise to address the important issues facing the provision of these essential services. 2008-01-19 Senate Journal Page 1643 Finally, now is the time to recognize that market mechanisms, not static governmental restrictions, are the best way to ensure that proper business decision-making guides the development of health care services. Therefore, to allow business decision-making to take place more efficiently, this bill would repeal the certificate of need program. The bill would also establish an Alaska health care information office to give consumers factually based information on quality, cost, and other important matters to make better informed decisions about health care facilities in the state. Alaska families deserve the best health care that Alaska can offer. This bill would play a major role in improving the health care system in Alaska. I urge your prompt and favorable consideration of this bill. Sincerely, /s/ Sarah Palin Governor SB 246 SENATE BILL NO. 246 BY SENATORS THOMAS, Therriault, entitled: "An Act establishing a working group to analyze the potential of a hydroelectric power project on the Susitna River; and providing for an effective date." was read the first time and referred to the Resources and Finance Committees. Consideration of the Calendar Second Reading of House Bills HB 29 CS FOR HOUSE BILL NO. 29(FIN) "An Act relating to infants who are safely surrendered by a parent shortly after birth" was read the second time. 2008-01-19 Senate Journal Page 1644 The following fiscal information was published today: Fiscal Note No. 4, zero, Senate Rules Committee Fiscal Note No. 5, zero, Department of Law Senator Ellis moved and asked unanimous consent that the bill be advanced to third reading and placed on final passage. Without objection, it was so ordered. CS FOR HOUSE BILL NO. 29(FIN) was read the third time. Senators Dyson, French, Therriault, Stevens, Bunde, Wagoner, Ellis Elton, Wielechowski, Huggins, Green, Kookesh, Olson moved and asked unanimous consent to be shown as cross sponsors on the bill. Without objection, it was so ordered. The question being: "Shall CS FOR HOUSE BILL NO. 29(FIN) "An Act relating to infants who are safely surrendered by a parent shortly after birth" pass the Senate?" The roll was taken with the following result: CSHB 29(FIN) Third Reading - Final Passage YEAS: 15 NAYS: 0 EXCUSED: 4 ABSENT: 1 Yeas: Bunde, Dyson, Ellis, Elton, French, Green, Hoffman, Huggins, Kookesh, Olson, Stevens, Therriault, Thomas, Wagoner, Wielechowski Excused: Cowdery, McGuire, Stedman, Wilken Absent: Davis and so, CS FOR HOUSE BILL NO. 29(FIN) passed the Senate, was signed by the President and Secretary and returned to the House. Citations Honoring - Alaska Federation of Natives 2007 Parents of the Year Wilfred and Vivian Lane Representative(s) Joule Senator(s) Olson, Green, Bunde, Cowdery, Davis, Dyson, Ellis, Elton, Hoffman, Huggins, Kookesh, McGuire, Stedman, Stevens, Therriault, Thomas, Wagoner, Wielechowski, Wilken 2008-01-19 Senate Journal Page 1645 Senator Ellis moved and asked unanimous consent that the citation be adopted. Without objection, the citation was adopted and referred to the Secretary for transmittal. Unfinished Business SB 153 Senator Ellis moved and asked unanimous consent to be shown as a cosponsor on SENATE BILL NO. 153 "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." Without objection, it was so ordered. SB 183 Senator Ellis moved and asked unanimous consent to be shown as a cosponsor on SENATE BILL NO. 183 "An Act repealing the defined contribution retirement plans for teachers and for public employees; making conforming amendments; and providing for an effective date." Without objection, it was so ordered. Senator French moved and asked unanimous consent to be excused from a call of the Senate from February 2 through February 6. Without objection, Senator French was excused. Senator Stevens moved and asked unanimous consent to be excused from a call of the Senate from afternoon plane time, January 23 through evening plane time, January 28. Without objection, Senator Stevens was excused. SCR 13 President Green added a Resources Committee referral to SENATE CONCURRENT RESOLUTION NO. 13 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. The bill was referred to the Resources Committee. 2008-01-19 Senate Journal Page 1646 Announcements Announcements are at the end of the journal. Adjournment Senator Ellis moved and asked unanimous consent that the Senate stand in adjournment until 11:00 a.m., January 23, 2008. Without objection, the Senate adjourned at 10:24 a.m. Kirsten Waid Secretary of the Senate 2008-01-19 Senate Journal Page 1647 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 STANDING COMMITTEES + indicates teleconference = indicates bill previously heard/scheduled COMMUNITY & REGIONAL AFFAIRS Jan 22 Tuesday Beltz 211 3:30 PM -- Meeting Postponed to 1/29/08 -- += SB 161 COASTAL MANAGEMENT PROGRAM Bills Previously Heard/Scheduled Jan 24 Thursday Beltz 211 3:30 PM Bills Previously Heard/Scheduled Jan 29 Tuesday Beltz 211 3:30 PM -- Meeting Postponed from 1/22/08 -- += SB 161 COASTAL MANAGEMENT PROGRAM Bills Previously Heard/Scheduled ---------------------------------------- FINANCE Jan 21 Monday Senate Finance 532 9:00 AM No Meeting Scheduled Jan 22 Tuesday Senate Finance 532 9:00 AM No Meeting Scheduled Jan 23 Wednesday Senate Finance 532 9:00 AM + HB 125 BUDGET PLANNING & LONG-RANGE FISCAL PLAN 2008-01-19 Senate Journal Page 1648 FINANCE (continued) Jan 24 Thursday House Finance 519 1:00 PM -- Please Note Time Change -- + Joint with House Finance Dir. Karen Rehfeld, Office of Management and Budget Dir. David Teal, Div. of Legislative Finance FY09 Budget Discussion and Follow-up Jan 25 Friday Senate Finance 532 9:00 AM + Commercial Passenger Vessel Tax Program Update Presentations by the Dept of Revenue and DEC ---------------------------------------- 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 SB 245 HEALTH CARE: PLAN/COMMISSION/FACILITIES ---------------------------------------- JUDICIARY Jan 21 Monday Beltz 211 1:30 PM + HB 151 INDEMNITY CLAUSE IN PUBLIC CONTRACTS Jan 23 Wednesday Beltz 211 1:30 PM -- MEETING CANCELED -- + HB 7 FALSE CALLER IDENTIFICATION + HB 149 POLLUTANT DISCHARGE PERMITS + Bills Previously Heard/Scheduled Jan 25 Friday Beltz 211 1:30 PM + Bills Previously Heard/Scheduled += HB 149 POLLUTANT DISCHARGE PERMITS += HB 7 FALSE CALLER IDENTIFICATION ---------------------------------------- 2008-01-19 Senate Journal Page 1649 LABOR & COMMERCE Jan 22 Tuesday Beltz 211 1:30 PM += SB 147 WORKERS' COMP EMPLOYER LIABILITY Bills Previously Heard/Scheduled Including But Not Limited to: += SB 120 UNEMPLOYMENT COMPENSATION BENEFITS += SB 28 LIMIT OVERTIME FOR REGISTERED NURSES += SB 107 NATUROPATHS Jan 24 Thursday Beltz 211 1:30 PM += SB 101 GUARDIANSHIP AND CONSERVATORS Bills Previously Heard/Scheduled ---------------------------------------- RESOURCES 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> -- Jan 21 Monday Butrovich 205 3:30 PM + Bills Previously Heard/Scheduled Jan 23 Wednesday Barnes 124 1:00 PM -- Please Note Time & Location Change -- + Joint with House Resources Presentation by Ray Beamesderfer, Kenai Sports Fishing Association -- Testimony <Invitation Only> -- Jan 23 Wednesday Butrovich 205 3:30 PM + Presentation: ConocoPhillips Gas Pipeline Proposal by Brian Wenzel, VP ANS Gas Development -- Testimony <Invitation Only> -- Jan 25 Friday Butrovich 205 3:30 PM No Meeting Scheduled ---------------------------------------- 2008-01-19 Senate Journal Page 1650 STATE AFFAIRS Jan 22 Tuesday Beltz 211 9:00 AM No Meeting Scheduled Jan 24 Thursday Beltz 211 9:00 AM + SB 223 G.O. BONDS FOR CRIME LAB + HB 101 UNIFORM TRAFFIC LAWS ---------------------------------------- TRANSPORTATION Jan 22 Tuesday Fahrenkamp 203 1:00 PM -- Please Note Location Change -- Aviation Overview: Department of Transportation & Public Facilities Jan 24 Thursday Butrovich 205 1:00 PM Bills Previously Heard/Scheduled ---------------------------------------- FINANCE SUBCOMMITTEES ADMINISTRATION Jan 23 Wednesday Senate Finance 532 3:30 PM + Joint with House Administration Budget Overview - Commissioner Kreitzer ---------------------------------------- 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 ---------------------------------------- 2008-01-19 Senate Journal Page 1651 ENVIRONMENTAL CONSERVATION Jan 24 Thursday House Finance 519 3:30 PM -- Please Note Time & Location Change -- Joint with House DEC DEC Budget Jan 29 Tuesday House Finance 519 3:30 PM Joint with House DEC Review of FY 08 Initiatives, Programs & Supplemental Spending ---------------------------------------- FISH & GAME Jan 24 Thursday Senate Finance 532 3:30 PM + Joint with House Fish & Game Budget Overview - Commissioner Lloyd ---------------------------------------- MILITARY AND VETERANS AFFAIRS Feb 07 Thursday House Finance 519 12:00 PM + Joint with House Military & Veterans Affairs Budget Overview Presentation by General Campbell -- Testimony <Invitation Only> -- ---------------------------------------- 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 ---------------------------------------- TASK FORCE ON THE REGULATORY COM OF AK Jan 21 Monday Butrovich 205 9:00 AM + Legislative Resolve 11 - RCA TASK FORCE RCA Presentation and Q&A 2008-01-19 Senate Journal Page 1652 TASK FORCE ON THE REGULATORY COM OF AK (continued) Jan 22 Tuesday Butrovich 205 1:00 PM + Legislative Resolve 11 - RCA TASK FORCE Public Testimony Task Force Work Session ---------------------------------------- OTHER MEETINGS CHILDREN'S CAUCUS Jan 29 Tuesday Butrovich 205 12:00 PM + Presentation by Children's Justice Act Task Force: - Sexual Exploitation of Children via the Internet - Report on Children's Advocacy Centers (CAC) ---------------------------------------- JOINT SESSION Feb 06 Wednesday House Chamber 11:00 AM State of the Judiciary Address by Chief Justice Dana Fabe Feb 19 Tuesday House Chamber 11:00 AM Annual Address by the Honorable Ted Stevens, U.S. Senator