Legislature(2007 - 2008)
2008-02-04 Senate Journal
Full Journal pdf2008-02-04 Senate Journal Page 1765 SENATE JOURNAL ALASKA STATE LEGISLATURE TWENTY-FIFTH LEGISLATURE SECOND SESSION Juneau, Alaska Monday February 4, 2008 Twenty-first Day Pursuant to adjournment the Senate was called to order by President Green at 11:10 a.m. The roll showed sixteen members present. Senators Cowdery, French, McGuire, Wilken were excused from a call of the Senate. 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, thank you for this great state of Alaska. Today I ask that you pour out your blessings and your wisdom on the men and women of the Senate. I ask that you help them with the decisions that are upon them. God you hear us when we call upon you, you are a help in good times as well as tough times. You are an amazing God, full of promise and hope. Help us to trust you with all our heart and to acknowledge you in all our ways so that you can direct our paths. I pray this in the name of Jesus. Amen. Senator Davis led the Senate in the Pledge of Allegiance. 2008-02-04 Senate Journal Page 1766 Certification Senator Ellis moved and asked unanimous consent that the journals for the eighteenth through twentieth legislative days 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: Fourth Annual Report to the Governor of Alaska and the Alaska Legislature, Submitted January 31, 2008 from Terry L. Thurbon, Chief Administrative Law Judge Office of Administrative Hearings, Department of Administration in accordance with AS 44.64.020(a)(7) Bradley Lake Hydroelectric Project Annual Capital Project Status Report from Sara Fisher-Goad, Acting Executive Director Alaska Energy Authority in accordance with AS 44.83.950(b) Schedule of Compensation for Alaska Court System Supreme Court Justices, Appellate Court Judges and Administrative Director Calendar Year 2007 from Stephanie J. Cole, Administrative Director in accordance with AS 22.20.037(d) Nonresidents Working in Alaska 2006 from Click Bishop, Commissioner Department of Labor and Workforce Development in accordance with AS 36.10.130 available at: http://almis.labor.state.ak.us Report to the Senate, Issued February 1, 2008 from the Alaska State Senate Village Public Safety Officers (VPSO) Task Force in accordance with Senate Resolve 6, 2007 available at: www.aksenate.org/?vpso=view 2008-02-04 Senate Journal Page 1767 Notification of availability of 2007 Compensation and Travel Report of Executive Positions from Annette Kreitzer, Commissioner, Department of Administration in accordance with AS 37.05.210 available at: http://fin.admin.state.ak.us/dof/financial_reports/ctep_toc.jsp Introduction and Reference of Senate Bills SB 259 SENATE BILL NO. 259 BY THE SENATE RULES COMMITTEE BY REQUEST OF THE LEGISLATIVE COUNCIL, entitled: "An Act repealing certain provisions relating to applications for medical assistance coverage; making certain provisions of ch. 96, SLA 2006, retroactive; providing for an effective date by repealing an effective date section in ch. 96, SLA 2006; providing for an effective date for certain sections of ch. 96, SLA 2006; and providing for an effective date." was read the first time and referred to the State Affairs and Finance Committees. SB 260 SENATE BILL NO. 260 BY THE SENATE RULES COMMITTEE BY REQUEST OF THE LEGISLATIVE COUNCIL, entitled: "An Act making corrective amendments to the Alaska Statutes as recommended by the revisor of statutes; and providing for an effective date." was read the first time and referred to the State Affairs and Finance Committees. SB 261 SENATE BILL NO. 261 BY SENATOR STEVENS, entitled: 2008-02-04 Senate Journal Page 1768 "An Act exempting employers from paying unemployment tax for temporary services provided by fishing vessel crewmembers and related to emergency oil spill training and response activities; and providing for an effective date." was read the first time and referred to the Labor and Commerce and Finance Committees. Consideration of the Calendar Second Reading of House Bills HB 37 HOUSE BILL NO. 37(efd add) "An Act establishing the first Saturday of every March as Susan Butcher Day; and providing for an effective date" was read the second time. 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. HOUSE BILL NO. 37(efd add) was read the third time. The question being: "Shall HOUSE BILL NO. 37(efd add) "An Act establishing the first Saturday of every March as Susan Butcher Day; and providing for an effective date" pass the Senate?" The roll was taken with the following result: HB 37(efd add) Third Reading - Final Passage Effective Date YEAS: 14 NAYS: 2 EXCUSED: 4 ABSENT: 0 Yeas: Bunde, Davis, Dyson, Ellis, Elton, Hoffman, Kookesh, Olson, Stedman, Stevens, Therriault, Thomas, Wagoner, Wielechowski Nays: Green, Huggins Excused: Cowdery, French, McGuire, Wilken 2008-02-04 Senate Journal Page 1769 and so, HOUSE BILL NO. 37(efd add) passed the Senate. Senator Ellis 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 signed by the President and Secretary and returned to the House. Third Reading of House Bills HB 151 Senator Ellis moved and asked unanimous consent that SENATE CS FOR CS FOR HOUSE BILL NO. 151(JUD) "An Act requiring an indemnification, defense, and hold harmless provision in construction- related professional services contracts of state agencies, quasi-public agencies, municipalities, and political subdivisions" be held to the February 6 calendar. Without objection, it was so ordered. Citations In Memoriam - Liv Cheryl Gray, Yis Tu Du 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 - Frank Wallace Representative(s) Thomas Senator(s) Kookesh, Green, Bunde, Cowdery, Davis, Dyson, Ellis, Elton, Hoffman, Huggins, McGuire, Olson, Stedman, Stevens, Therriault, Thomas, Wagoner, Wielechowski, Wilken Senator Ellis moved and asked unanimous consent that the citations be adopted. Without objection, the citations were adopted and referred to the Secretary for transmittal. 2008-02-04 Senate Journal Page 1770 Unfinished Business SJR 14 President Green added a State Affairs Committee referral to SENATE JOINT RESOLUTION NO. 14 Proposing an amendment to the Constitution of the State of Alaska relating to appropriations from the budget reserve fund. Announcements Announcements are at the end of the journal. Adjournment Senator Ellis moved and asked unanimous consent that the Senate stand in adjournment until 10:45 a.m., February 6, 2008. Without objection, the Senate adjourned at 11:36 a.m. Kirsten Waid Secretary of the Senate 2008-02-04 Senate Journal Page 1771 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 05 Tuesday Beltz 211 3:30 PM += SB 122 MUNICIPAL PROPERTY TAX EXEMPTION += SB 182 CLEAN ELECTIONS += SB 204 MUNI TAX EXEMPTION: COMBAT DEATHS += SB 235 ALCOHOL: LOCAL OPTION/LICENSING/MINORS + Bills Previously Heard/Scheduled Feb 07 Thursday Beltz 211 3:30 PM += SB 161 COASTAL MANAGEMENT PROGRAM + Bills Previously Heard/Scheduled ---------------------------------------- FINANCE Feb 04 Monday Senate Finance 532 9:00 AM += SJR 14 BUDGET RESERVE FUND VOTE REQUIREMENT += SB 242 OIL & GAS PRODUCTION TAX DATES -- Public Testimony on Above Bill -- + Bills Previously Heard/Scheduled Feb 05 Tuesday Senate Finance 532 9:00 AM No Meeting Scheduled Feb 06 Wednesday Senate Finance 532 9:00 AM + SB 8 MENTAL HEALTH PATIENT RIGHTS:STAFF GENDER + SB 101 GUARDIANSHIP AND CONSERVATORS + Bills Previously Heard/Scheduled 2008-02-04 Senate Journal Page 1772 FINANCE (continued) Feb 07 Thursday Senate Finance 532 9:00 AM No Meeting Scheduled Feb 08 Friday Senate Finance 532 9:00 AM + SB 57 MARINE PARKS ADDITIONS/HUNTING ALLOWED + HB 13 RETIREMENT SYSTEM LIABILITY/BONDS/CORP. + Bills Previously Heard/Scheduled ---------------------------------------- HEALTH, EDUCATION & SOCIAL SERVICES Feb 04 Monday Butrovich 205 1:30 PM + SJR 11 SUPPORTING U.S. VETERANS' HEALTH CARE Bills Previously Heard/Scheduled += SB 231 LOW-INCOME HOUSING; HOMELESSNESS += SB 233 TEACHERS/HEALTH CARE PROFESS HOUSING LOAN Feb 06 Wednesday Butrovich 205 1:30 PM + SCR 17 BRAIN INJURY AWARENESS MONTH: MARCH 2008 Alaska Brain Injury Network Presentation Presenters: Capt. Barker, Dr. Cherry, Sergeant Tanner, Stephanie Tanner, Jill Hodges + HB 252 LEAVE FOR ORGAN/BONE MARROW DONATIONS Bills Previously Heard/Scheduled Feb 08 Friday Butrovich 205 1:30 PM += SB 245 HEALTH CARE: PLAN/COMMISSION/FACILITIES Bills Previously Heard/Scheduled ---------------------------------------- JUDICIARY Feb 04 Monday Beltz 211 1:30 PM No Meeting Scheduled Feb 06 Wednesday Beltz 211 1:30 PM No Meeting Scheduled Feb 08 Friday Beltz 211 1:30 PM No Meeting Scheduled ---------------------------------------- 2008-02-04 Senate Journal Page 1773 LABOR & COMMERCE Feb 05 Tuesday Beltz 211 1:30 PM + SB 230 FILM OFFICE/ FILM PRODUCTION TAX CREDIT Bills Previously Heard/Scheduled Including But Not Limited to: += SB 117 WORKERS' COMP: DISEASE PRESUMPTION += SB 120 UNEMPLOYMENT COMPENSATION BENEFITS <Bill Hearing Canceled> += SB 196 PRESCRIPTION DATABASE Feb 07 Thursday Beltz 211 1:30 PM -- MEETING CANCELED -- + HJR 25 SUPPORTING RIGHT TO FORM LABOR UNIONS Bills Previously Heard/Scheduled Including But Not Limited to: += SB 153 PEACE OFFICERS/FIRE FIGHTER RETIREMENT Feb 09 Saturday Beltz 211 1:30 PM Bills Previously Heard/Scheduled += HJR 25 SUPPORTING RIGHT TO FORM LABOR UNIONS += SB 120 UNEMPLOYMENT COMPENSATION BENEFITS ---------------------------------------- RESOURCES Feb 04 Monday Butrovich 205 3:30 PM + Presentation: Little Susitna Construction & Prime Subcontractor: SINOPEC -- Testimony <Invitation Only> -- + Bills Previously Heard/Scheduled, if Necessary Feb 06 Wednesday Butrovich 205 3:30 PM + Presentation: TransCanada -- Testimony <Invitation Only> -- + Bills Previously Heard/Scheduled, if Necessary Feb 08 Friday Butrovich 205 3:30 PM No Meeting Scheduled ---------------------------------------- 2008-02-04 Senate Journal Page 1774 STATE AFFAIRS Feb 05 Tuesday Beltz 211 9:00 AM No Meeting Scheduled Feb 07 Thursday Beltz 211 9:00 AM + HB 317 COMPASSIONATE GIFT EXEMPTION Uniform Rule 23 Waived += SB 223 G.O. BONDS FOR CRIME LAB + SB 185 SEX OFFENDER/CHILD KIDNAPPER REGISTRATION + SB 77 USING UNION DUES FOR POLITICAL PURPOSES + Bills Previously Heard/Scheduled ---------------------------------------- TRANSPORTATION Feb 05 Tuesday Butrovich 205 1:00 PM += SB 218 CHILD SAFETY SEATS & SEAT BELTS += SB 236 TRANSPORTATION FUND + Bills Previously Heard/Scheduled Feb 07 Thursday Butrovich 205 1:00 PM + SB 216 PURPLE HEART TRAIL += SB 224 G.O. BONDS FOR TRANSPORTATION PROJECTS + Bills Previously Heard/Scheduled ---------------------------------------- FINANCE SUBCOMMITTEES ADMINISTRATION Feb 06 Wednesday Senate Finance 532 3:30 PM + Joint with House FY09 Budget Overview ---------------------------------------- COMMERCE, COMMUNITY & ECONOMIC DEV Feb 08 Friday House Finance 519 12:15 PM Joint with House FY09 Budget Request 2008-02-04 Senate Journal Page 1775 FINANCE SUBCOMMITTEES (continued) COMMERCE, COMMUNITY & ECONOMIC DEV (continued) Feb 15 Friday House Finance 519 12:15 PM Joint with House FY09 Budget Request ---------------------------------------- COURT SYSTEM Feb 04 Monday Fahrenkamp 203 4:00 PM -- MEETING CANCELED -- + Court System Budget ---------------------------------------- EDUCATION & EARLY DEVELOPMENT Feb 05 Tuesday House Finance 519 5:00 PM -- MEETING CANCELED -- Joint with House Feb 11 Monday Fahrenkamp 203 12:00 PM FY09 Budget Overview Feb 15 Friday Butrovich 205 8:00 AM FY09 Budget Overview Feb 29 Friday Butrovich 205 8:00 AM FY09 Budget Overview Mar 07 Friday Butrovich 205 8:00 AM FY09 Budget Overview Mar 12 Wednesday Butrovich 205 12:00 PM FY09 Budget Overview ---------------------------------------- FISH & GAME Feb 07 Thursday Senate Finance 532 3:30 PM Joint with House ---------------------------------------- 2008-02-04 Senate Journal Page 1776 FINANCE SUBCOMMITTEES (continued) LABOR & WORKFORCE DEVELOPMENT Feb 04 Monday House Finance 519 5:15 PM Joint with House FY09 Budget Request Feb 06 Wednesday House Finance 519 5:15 PM Joint with House FY09 Budget Request Feb 11 Monday House Finance 519 5:15 PM Joint with House FY09 Budget Request Feb 13 Wednesday House Finance 519 5:15 PM Joint with House FY09 Budget Request ---------------------------------------- MILITARY AND VETERANS AFFAIRS Feb 07 Thursday House Finance 519 12:00 PM + Joint with House Budget Overview Presentation by General Campbell -- Testimony <Invitation Only> -- Mar 05 Wednesday Fahrenkamp 203 1:00 PM FY09 DMVA Budget Closeout ---------------------------------------- NATURAL RESOURCES Feb 05 Tuesday Fahrenkamp 203 4:00 PM -- MEETING CANCELED -- FY09 Budget Overview Feb 12 Tuesday Butrovich 205 4:00 PM -- Location Change -- FY09 Budget Overview 2008-02-04 Senate Journal Page 1777 FINANCE SUBCOMMITTEES (continued) NATURAL RESOURCES Feb 19 Tuesday Fahrenkamp 203 4:00 PM FY09 Budget Overview Feb 26 Tuesday Fahrenkamp 203 4:00 PM FY09 Budget Overview Mar 04 Tuesday Fahrenkamp 203 4:00 PM FY09 Budget Closeout Mar 11 Tuesday Fahrenkamp 203 4:00 PM FY09 Budget Overview ---------------------------------------- SPECIAL COMMITTEES SPECIAL COMMITTEE ON EDUCATION Feb 06 Wednesday Butrovich 205 8:00 AM += SCR 16 EDUCATION FUNDING/COST FACTOR COMMISSION <Bill Hearing Rescheduled from 2/1/08> + SB 219 GOV PANEL ON SCHOOL DISTRICT COST FACTORS Feb 08 Friday Butrovich 205 8:00 AM Bills Previously Heard/Scheduled Feb 09 Saturday Butrovich 205 10:00 AM Bills Previously Heard/Scheduled ---------------------------------------- JOINT COMMITTEES ARMED SERVICES COMMITTEE Feb 12 Tuesday Senate Finance 532 1:00 PM Presentations by: Lt. General Douglas M. Frasier Alaska Army National Guard Alaska Air National Guard ---------------------------------------- 2008-02-04 Senate Journal Page 1778 OTHER MEETINGS JOINT LEGISLATIVE HEALTH CAUCUS Feb 06 Wednesday Beltz 211 12:00 PM The Constitution: Protecting Public Health Mar 19 Wednesday Butrovich 205 12:00 PM Measuring Success: Improving Health Indicators ---------------------------------------- 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 Mar 17 Monday House Chamber 11:00 AM Annual Address by the Honorable Lisa Murkowski, U.S. Senator ---------------------------------------- MAJORITY CAUCUS Feb 07 Thursday Senate Finance 532 1:00 PM + SENATE BIPARTISAN WORKING GROUP Open Caucus Regarding a Long Range Fiscal Plan ---------------------------------------- MISCELLANEOUS MEETINGS Feb 11 Monday Senate Finance 532 2:00 PM SCHOOL DISTRICT LEGISLATIVE FLY-IN Informal Q & A Session Regarding Alaska's Public School System