Legislature(2007 - 2008)

2008-03-03 Senate Journal

Full Journal pdf

2008-03-03                     Senate Journal                      Page 2049
                                                                                                                                
                                  SENATE JOURNAL                                                                             
                                                                                                                                
                             ALASKA STATE LEGISLATURE                                                                        
                                                                                                                                
                             TWENTY-FIFTH LEGISLATURE                                                                        
                                                                                                                                
                                  SECOND SESSION                                                                             
                                                                                                                                
Juneau, Alaska                            Monday                           March 3, 2008                                      
                                                                                                                                
                                 Forty-ninth Day                                                                             
                                                                                                                                
                                                                                                                                
Pursuant to adjournment the Senate was called to order by President                                                             
Green at 11:23 a.m.                                                                                                             
                                                                                                                                
The roll showed twenty members present.                                                                                         
                                                                                                                                
The prayer was offered by the Chaplain, Pastor Jesse Perry of                                                                   
Northern Light United Church. Senator Hoffman moved and asked                                                                   
unanimous consent that the prayer be spread. Without objection, it was                                                          
so ordered.                                                                                                                     
                                                                                                                                
      God of every people, place, and time,                                                                                     
      Let us begin this day as leaders of hope                                                                                  
      For the future of Alaska.                                                                                                 
                                                                                                                                
      In all our duties remind us to be faithful,                                                                               
      To encourage mutual trust and concern,                                                                                    
      And to practice all the virtues                                                                                           
      That enable us to express our differences                                                                                 
      With integrity and grace.                                                                                                 
                                                                                                                                
      May your Spirit's gift of love, joy, peace, patience,                                                                     
      Gentleness, goodness, faith, meekness, and self-control                                                                   
      Encompass all that is achieved in this chamber.                                                                           
                                                                                                                                
      And finally, O God,                                                                                                       
      Lay down the law of compassion in our hearts,                                                                             
      So that peace with you,                                                                                                   
      And with our neighbors everywhere,                                                                                        
May be secured.                                                              Amen.                                             
                                                                                                                                

2008-03-03                     Senate Journal                      Page 2050
Senator Thomas led the Senate in the Pledge of Allegiance.                                                                      
                                                                                                                                
                                                                                                                                
                                  Certification                                                                              
                                                                                                                                
Senator Ellis moved and asked unanimous consent that the journals for                                                           
the forty-sixth through forty-eighth legislative days be approved as                                                            
certified by the Secretary. Without objection, it was so ordered.                                                               
                                                                                                                                
                                                                                                                                
                            Messages from the Governor                                                                       
                                                                                                                                
HB 37                                                                                                                         
Message was read stating the Governor signed the following bill on                                                              
February 28 and transmitted the engrossed and enrolled copies to the                                                            
Lieutenant Governor's Office for permanent filing:                                                                              
                                                                                                                                
                 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."                                                                           
                                                                                                                                
                               Chapter 5, SLA 2008                                                                             
                             Effective Date: 2/29/08                                                                           
                                                                                                                                
Letter dated and received February 29 was read, stating I withdraw the                                                          
following name for legislative confirmation as submitted to you in my                                                           
letter dated January 30, 2008:                                                                                                  
                                                                                                                                
Board of Barbers and Hairdressers                                                                                             
Vern Hurlbert - Anchorage                                                                                                       
                                                                                                                                
                                                                                                                                
                             Messages from the House                                                                         
                                                                                                                                
SB 125                                                                                                                        
Message dated February 29 was read, stating the Speaker appointed                                                               
Representative Doogan to replace Representative Crawford (House                                                                 
Journal page 2053) to the Free Conference Committee considering the                                                             
following bills:                                                                                                                
                                                                                                                                

2008-03-03                     Senate Journal                      Page 2051
HOUSE CS FOR CS FOR SENATE BILL NO. 125(FIN) "An Act                                                                            
relating to the accounting and payment of contributions under the                                                               
retirement plans of the Public Employees' Retirement System of                                                                  
Alaska and the Teachers' Retirement System, to calculations of                                                                  
contributions under those retirement plans, and to participation in, and                                                        
termination of and amendments to participation in, the defined benefit                                                          
plans of those systems; relating to recovery of an award of damages or                                                          
other recovery by those systems; relating to employer contributions to                                                          
the health reimbursement arrangement plan; relating to participation in                                                         
the public employees' defined contribution plan by certain elected                                                              
officials; making conforming amendments; and providing for an                                                                   
effective date."                                                                                                                
                                                                                                                                
and                                                                                                                             
                                                                                                                                
CS FOR SENATE BILL NO. 125(FIN) "An Act relating to the                                                                         
accounting and payment of contributions under the retirement plans of                                                           
the Public Employees' Retirement System of Alaska and the Teachers'                                                             
Retirement System, to calculations of contributions under those                                                                 
retirement plans, and to participation in, and termination of and                                                               
amendments to participation in, the defined benefit plans of those                                                              
systems; relating to employer contributions to the health                                                                       
reimbursement arrangement plan; making conforming amendments;                                                                   
and providing for an effective date."                                                                                           
                                                                                                                                
Senate members appointed February 21 (page 1966).                                                                               
                                                                                                                                
                                                                                                                                
                                  Communications                                                                             
                                                                                                                                
The following report is on file in the Office of the Secretary of the                                                           
Senate:                                                                                                                         
                                                                                                                                
2006 Annual Report                                                                                                              
from Jeffrey Davis, Chair, and Cecil Bykerk, Executive Director                                                                 
Alaska Comprehensive Health Insurance Association                                                                               
in accordance with AS 21.55.020(f)                                                                                              
                                                                                                                                
                                                                                                                                
                                                                                                                                

2008-03-03                     Senate Journal                      Page 2052
                            Standing Committee Reports                                                                       
                                                                                                                                
SB 185                                                                                                                        
The Judiciary Committee considered SENATE BILL NO. 185 "An                                                                      
Act relating to sex offenders and child kidnappers" and recommended                                                             
the adoption of the State Affairs Committee Substitute offered on page                                                          
1917. Signing do pass: Senator French, Chair; Senators Therriault,                                                              
Wielechowski, Huggins.                                                                                                          
                                                                                                                                
The following fiscal information was published today:                                                                           
      Fiscal Note No. 3, zero, Department of Law                                                                                
      Fiscal Note No. 4, Department of Public Safety                                                                            
                                                                                                                                
The following previously published fiscal information applies:                                                                  
      Fiscal Note No. 1, Department of Public Safety                                                                            
      Fiscal Note No. 2, zero, Department of Administration                                                                     
                                                                                                                                
The bill was referred to the Finance Committee.                                                                                 
                                                                                                                                
SB 191                                                                                                                        
The Health, Education and Social Services Committee considered                                                                  
SENATE BILL NO. 191 "An Act relating to continuing the public                                                                   
education of a homeless student and to the purpose of certain laws as                                                           
they relate to children." Signing do pass: Senator Davis, Chair;                                                                
Senators Elton, Thomas. Signing no recommendation: Senator Dyson.                                                               
                                                                                                                                
The following fiscal information was published today:                                                                           
      Fiscal Note No. 1, zero, Department of Health and Social Services                                                         
      Fiscal Note No. 2, zero, Department of Education and Early                                                                
       Development                                                                                                              
                                                                                                                                
The bill was referred to the Finance Committee.                                                                                 
                                                                                                                                
SB 229                                                                                                                        
The Finance Committee considered SENATE BILL NO. 229 "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." Signing do pass: Senator Stedman, Cochair; Senators                                                            
Elton, Thomas, Dyson, Huggins. Signing no recommendation: Senator                                                               
Hoffman, Cochair; Senator Olson.                                                                                                
                                                                                                                                

2008-03-03                     Senate Journal                      Page 2053
The following previously published fiscal information applies:                                                                  
      Fiscal Note No. 1, zero, Department of Natural Resources                                                                  
      Fiscal Note No. 2, zero, Department of Fish and Game                                                                      
                                                                                                                                
The bill was referred to the Rules Committee.                                                                                   
                                                                                                                                
SB 256                                                                                                                        
The Finance Committee considered SENATE BILL NO. 256 "An Act                                                                    
making supplemental appropriations, capital appropriations,                                                                     
reappropriations, and other appropriations; amending certain                                                                    
appropriations; ratifying certain expenditures; making appropriations                                                           
to capitalize funds; and providing for an effective date" and                                                                   
recommended it be replaced with                                                                                                 
                                                                                                                                
           CS FOR SENATE BILL NO. 256(FIN) "An Act                                                                              
           making supplemental appropriations, capital                                                                          
           appropriations, reappropriations, and other                                                                          
           appropriations; making an appropriation to the senior                                                                
           benefits payment program; amending certain                                                                           
           appropriations; ratifying certain expenditures;                                                                      
           making appropriations to capitalize funds; and                                                                       
           providing for an effective date."                                                                                    
                                                                                                                                
Signing do pass: Senators Hoffman, Stedman, Cochairs; Senators                                                                  
Elton, Thomas, Huggins. Signing do not pass: Senator Dyson. Signing                                                             
no recommendation: Senator Olson.                                                                                               
                                                                                                                                
The bill was referred to the Rules Committee.                                                                                   
                                                                                                                                
SB 265                                                                                                                        
The Transportation Committee considered SENATE BILL NO. 265                                                                     
"An Act relating to drivers' licenses and identification cards issued to                                                        
sex offenders and child kidnappers" and recommended it be replaced                                                              
with                                                                                                                            
                                                                                                                                
           CS FOR SENATE BILL NO. 265(TRA) "An Act                                                                              
           relating to the payment of permanent fund dividends                                                                  
           to certain individuals required to register as sex                                                                   
           offenders or child kidnappers; and providing for an                                                                  
           effective date."                                                                                                     
                                                                                                                                

2008-03-03                     Senate Journal                      Page 2054
Signing do pass: Senator Kookesh, Chair; Senator Wielechowski.                                                                  
Signing no recommendation: Senator Olson.                                                                                       
                                                                                                                                
The following fiscal information was published today:                                                                           
      Fiscal Note No. 1, zero, Department of Corrections                                                                        
                                                                                                                                
The bill was referred to the State Affairs Committee.                                                                           
                                                                                                                                
                                                                                                                                
                    Introduction and Reference of Senate Bills                                                               
                                                                                                                                
SB 297                                                                                                                        
SENATE BILL NO. 297 BY THE SENATE RULES COMMITTEE                                                                               
BY REQUEST OF THE GOVERNOR, entitled:                                                                                           
                                                                                                                                
           "An Act relating to the compensation for certain                                                                     
           public officials, officers, and employees not covered                                                                
           by collective bargaining agreements; relating to pay                                                                 
           increments for longevity in state service; and                                                                       
           providing for an effective date."                                                                                    
                                                                                                                                
was read the first time and referred to the Finance Committee.                                                                  
                                                                                                                                
The following fiscal information was published today:                                                                           
 Fiscal Note No. 1, Department of Administration                                                                                
                                                                                                                                
Governor's transmittal letter dated February 29:                                                                                
                                                                                                                                
Dear President Green:                                                                                                           
                                                                                                                                
Under the authority of art. III, sec. 18, of the Alaska Constitution, I am                                                      
transmitting a bill that would amend the salary schedule set out in AS                                                          
39.27.011(a) to reflect the increase tentatively agreed to by the                                                               
supervisory unit of state employees.  The salary schedule would                                                                 
provide for a 5.5% increase in FY08, 3% in FY09 and 3% in FY10.                                                                 
Provisions that are not in codified sections of the statute authorize the                                                       
same pay increments for employees and officials of the Alaska Court                                                             
System, the University of Alaska, and certain independent state                                                                 
agencies.                                                                                                                       
                                                                                                                                

2008-03-03                     Senate Journal                      Page 2055
I tasked an Executive Working Group under Administrative Order No.                                                              
237 with identifying recruitment and retention issues.  Several                                                                 
legislators have expressed concern about whether the state is losing                                                            
ground to other employers.  This legislation would implement a                                                                  
portion of the recommendations of the Working Group.  The full                                                                  
report is available on the Department of Administration website.  With                                                          
almost a quarter of the entire state workforce eligible to retire within                                                        
five years, it is a priority of mine to recruit and retain qualified,                                                           
professional staff.                                                                                                             
                                                                                                                                
The bill would also change the practice with respect to longevity pay                                                           
steps for non-covered employees.  The current law provides for 3.75                                                             
percent increases at two, four, nine, and 13 years after reaching F step                                                        
on the salary schedule, and requires an employee to have seven years                                                            
continuous service before the employee is eligible for longevity pay.                                                           
This restriction will help the state attract and retain highly qualified                                                        
employees.  This legislation would repeal the longevity pay step                                                                
statute, and provide in AS 39.27.011 for pay increments to employees                                                            
at two year intervals after they attain the F step in their range.  The                                                         
requirement of seven years of continuous service would be eliminated.                                                           
 Legislative and Judicial branch employees who are not magistrates                                                              
and judicial officers, and exempt officers and employees who are not                                                            
covered by collective bargaining agreements may receive these                                                                   
increments if the agencies employing those persons adopt                                                                        
compensation policies that include those persons.                                                                               
                                                                                                                                
In addition, the bill would raise the pay range assigned to the members                                                         
of the Commercial Fisheries Entry Commission (CFEC) and certain                                                                 
members of the Regulatory Commission of Alaska (RCA) from range                                                                 
26 to range 27, and would raise the pay range of the chief procurement                                                          
officer from range 24 to range 27.  Statutory references to specific                                                            
salary steps within pay ranges would be removed for deputy heads of                                                             
principal departments, and CFEC and RCA members.                                                                                
                                                                                                                                
The bill would also provide for a July 1, 2008 effective date so that the                                                       
2008 salary increases are aligned with the new fiscal year for                                                                  
budgetary reasons, except that retroactive provisions of the bill would                                                         
go into effect immediately.                                                                                                     
                                                                                                                                
                                                                                                                                

2008-03-03                     Senate Journal                      Page 2056
These changes are consistent with the goal of this administration to                                                            
improve recruitment and retention of state employees, and the result of                                                         
the Administrative Order 237 Working Group.                                                                                     
                                                                                                                                
I urge your prompt and favorable action on this measure.                                                                        
                                                                                                                                
Sincerely,                                                                                                                      
/s/                                                                                                                             
Sarah Palin                                                                                                                     
Governor                                                                                                                        
                                                                                                                                
                                                                                                                                
                          Consideration of the Calendar                                                                      
                                                                                                                                
                          Second Reading of Senate Bills                                                                     
                                                                                                                                
SB 119                                                                                                                        
SENATE BILL NO. 119 "An Act establishing a grant program to                                                                     
support public school libraries" was read the second time.                                                                      
                                                                                                                                
Senator Stevens, Chair, moved and asked unanimous consent for the                                                               
adoption of the Rules Committee Substitute offered on page 1915.                                                                
Without objection, CS FOR SENATE BILL NO. 119(RLS) "An Act                                                                      
relating to grant programs to support libraries" was adopted.                                                                   
                                                                                                                                
Senator Ellis 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.                                                                                  
                                                                                                                                
CS FOR SENATE BILL NO. 119(RLS) was read the third time.                                                                        
                                                                                                                                
Senator Dyson moved and asked unanimous consent to abstain from                                                                 
voting due to a conflict of interest. Objections were heard and Senator                                                         
Dyson was required to vote.                                                                                                     
                                                                                                                                
The question being: "Shall CS FOR SENATE BILL NO. 119(RLS)                                                                      
"An Act relating to grant programs to support libraries" pass the                                                               
Senate?" The roll was taken with the following result:                                                                          
                                                                                                                                
                                                                                                                                

2008-03-03                     Senate Journal                      Page 2057
                                                                                                                                
CSSB 119(RLS)                                                                                                                   
Third Reading - Final Passage                                                                                                   
                                                                                                                                
YEAS:  15   NAYS:  5   EXCUSED:  0   ABSENT:  0                                                                               
                                                                                                                                
Yeas:  Cowdery, Davis, Ellis, Elton, French, Green, Hoffman,                                                                    
Huggins, Kookesh, McGuire, Olson, Stedman, Stevens, Thomas,                                                                     
Wielechowski                                                                                                                    
                                                                                                                                
Nays:  Bunde, Dyson, Therriault, Wagoner, Wilken                                                                                
                                                                                                                                
and so, CS FOR SENATE BILL NO. 119(RLS) passed the Senate and                                                                   
was referred to the Secretary for engrossment.                                                                                  
                                                                                                                                
                                                                                                                                
                          Third Reading of Senate Bills                                                                      
                                                                                                                                
SB 168                                                                                                                        
SENATE BILL NO. 168 "An Act providing a credit for the payment                                                                  
of certain municipal passenger taxes or fees against the excise tax on                                                          
travel aboard commercial passenger vessels; and providing for an                                                                
effective date" was read the third time.                                                                                        
                                                                                                                                
The following fiscal information was published today by the Rules                                                               
Committee:                                                                                                                      
 Fiscal Note No. 2, indeterminate, Department of Revenue                                                                        
                                                                                                                                
Senator Elton moved that the bill be returned to second reading for the                                                         
purpose of a specific amendment, that being Amendment No. 1.                                                                    
Without objection, the bill was returned to second reading.                                                                     
                                                                                                                                
Senator Elton offered Amendment No. 1 :                                                                                          
                                                                                                                                
Page 2, lines 1 - 3:                                                                                                            
      Delete all material.                                                                                                      
                                                                                                                                
Renumber the following bill section accordingly.                                                                                
                                                                                                                                
Page 2, line 4:                                                                                                                 
 Delete "immediately under AS 01.10.070(c)"                                                                                     
 Insert "January 1, 2009"                                                                                                       
                                                                                                                                

2008-03-03                     Senate Journal                      Page 2058
Senators Therriault, Dyson, Stedman, Stevens moved and asked                                                                    
unanimous consent to be shown as cosponsors on Amendment No. 1.                                                                 
Without objection, it was so ordered.                                                                                           
                                                                                                                                
Senator Elton moved for the adoption of Amendment No. 1. Without                                                                
objection, Amendment No. 1 was adopted.                                                                                         
                                                                                                                                
SENATE BILL NO. 168 am was automatically in third reading.                                                                      
                                                                                                                                
President Green stated SENATE BILL NO. 168 am will be returned to                                                               
the Rules Committee. There being no objection, the bill was returned                                                            
to the Rules Committee.                                                                                                         
                                                                                                                                
                                                                                                                                
                           Third Reading of House Bills                                                                      
                                                                                                                                
HB 273                                                                                                                        
CS FOR HOUSE BILL NO. 273(FIN) "An Act relating to school                                                                       
funding, funding for student transportation services, the base student                                                          
allocation, district cost factors, and the adjustments for intensive                                                            
services and average daily membership calculations; and providing for                                                           
an effective date" was read the third time.                                                                                     
                                                                                                                                
Senator Wilken moved that the bill be returned to second reading for                                                            
the purpose of a specific amendment, that being Amendment No. 1.                                                                
Without objection, the bill was returned to second reading.                                                                     
                                                                                                                                
Senator Wilken offered Amendment No. 1 :                                                                                         
                                                                                                                                
Page 8, line 31:                                                                                                                
      Delete "$5,480"                                                                                                       
      Insert "$5,580"                                                                                                       
                                                                                                                                
Page 9, lines 3 - 4:                                                                                                            
      Delete "$5,580 [$5,480]"                                                                                              
      Insert "$5,680 [$5,580]"                                                                                              
                                                                                                                                
Page 9, lines 6 - 7:                                                                                                            
      Delete "$5,680 [$5,580]"                                                                                              
      Insert "$5,780 [$5,680]"                                                                                              
                                                                                                                                

2008-03-03                     Senate Journal                      Page 2059
Senator Wilken moved for the adoption of Amendment No. 1.                                                                       
Objections were heard.                                                                                                          
                                                                                                                                
Senator Ellis rose to a point of order. President Green cautioned                                                               
members to proceed in order.                                                                                                    
                                                                                                                                
Senator Wagoner moved and asked unanimous consent to be shown as                                                                
a cosponsor on Amendment No. 1. Without objection, it was so                                                                    
ordered.                                                                                                                        
                                                                                                                                
Senator Ellis rose to a point of order. President Green reminded                                                                
members to proceed in order.                                                                                                    
                                                                                                                                
                                      Recess                                                                                 
                                                                                                                                
President Green stated that the Senate would stand in recess to                                                                 
1:30 p.m. There being no objection, the Senate recessed at 1:06 p.m.                                                            
                                                                                                                                
                                                                                                                                
                                   After Recess                                                                              
                                                                                                                                
The Senate reconvened at 1:35 p.m.                                                                                              
                                                                                                                                
                                                                                                                                
                     Third Reading of House Bills (continued)                                                                
                                                                                                                                
HB 273                                                                                                                        
Senator Wilken called the Senate. The call was satisfied.                                                                       
                                                                                                                                
The question under consideration was the adoption of Amendment                                                                  
No. 1 to CS FOR HOUSE BILL NO. 273(FIN) "An Act relating to                                                                     
school funding, funding for student transportation services, the base                                                           
student allocation, district cost factors, and the adjustments for                                                              
intensive services and average daily membership calculations; and                                                               
providing for an effective date."                                                                                               
                                                                                                                                
The question being: "Shall Amendment No. 1 be adopted?" The roll                                                                
was taken with the following result:                                                                                            
                                                                                                                                
                                                                                                                                

2008-03-03                     Senate Journal                      Page 2060
                                                                                                                                
CSHB 273(FIN)                                                                                                                   
Second Reading                                                                                                                  
Amendment No. 1                                                                                                                 
                                                                                                                                
YEAS:  5   NAYS:  15   EXCUSED:  0   ABSENT:  0                                                                               
                                                                                                                                
Yeas:  Bunde, Dyson, Therriault, Wagoner, Wilken                                                                                
                                                                                                                                
Nays:  Cowdery, Davis, Ellis, Elton, French, Green, Hoffman,                                                                    
Huggins, Kookesh, McGuire, Olson, Stedman, Stevens, Thomas,                                                                     
Wielechowski                                                                                                                    
                                                                                                                                
and so, Amendment No. 1 failed.                                                                                                 
                                                                                                                                
CS FOR HOUSE BILL NO. 273(FIN) was automatically in third                                                                       
reading.                                                                                                                        
                                                                                                                                
Senator Ellis rose to a point of order. President Green cautioned                                                               
members to restrict their remarks to the bill under consideration.                                                              
                                                                                                                                
Senator Hoffman moved and asked unanimous consent to abstain from                                                               
voting due to a conflict of interest. Objections were heard and Senator                                                         
Hoffman was required to vote.                                                                                                   
                                                                                                                                
The question being: "Shall CS FOR HOUSE BILL NO. 273(FIN) "An                                                                   
Act relating to school funding, funding for student transportation                                                              
services, the base student allocation, district cost factors, and the                                                           
adjustments for intensive services and average daily membership                                                                 
calculations; and providing for an effective date" pass the Senate?"                                                            
The roll was taken with the following result:                                                                                   
                                                                                                                                
CSHB 273(FIN)                                                                                                                   
Third Reading - Final Passage                                                                                                   
Effective Dates                                                                                                                 
                                                                                                                                
YEAS:  16   NAYS:  4   EXCUSED:  0   ABSENT:  0                                                                               
                                                                                                                                
Yeas:  Cowdery, Davis, Ellis, Elton, French, Green, Hoffman,                                                                    
Huggins, Kookesh, McGuire, Olson, Stedman, Stevens, Thomas,                                                                     
Wagoner, Wielechowski                                                                                                           
                                                                                                                                
Nays:  Bunde, Dyson, Therriault, Wilken                                                                                         
                                                                                                                                
and so, CS FOR HOUSE BILL NO. 273(FIN) passed the Senate.                                                                       
                                                                                                                                

2008-03-03                     Senate Journal                      Page 2061
Senator Ellis moved and asked unanimous consent that the vote on the                                                            
passage of the bill be considered the vote on the effective date clauses.                                                       
Without objection, it was so ordered.                                                                                           
                                                                                                                                
Senator Wilken gave notice of reconsideration.                                                                                  
                                                                                                                                
                                                                                                                                
                       Second Reading of Senate Resolutions                                                                  
                                                                                                                                
SCR 15                                                                                                                        
SENATE CONCURRENT RESOLUTION NO. 15 Proposing an                                                                                
amendment to the Uniform Rules of the Alaska State Legislature                                                                  
relating to standing committees, was read the second time.                                                                      
                                                                                                                                
Senator Stevens, Chair, moved and asked unanimous consent for the                                                               
adoption of the Senate Special Committee on Education Committee                                                                 
Substitute offered on page 1718. Without objection, CS FOR                                                                      
SENATE CONCURRENT RESOLUTION NO. 15(SED) Proposing                                                                              
amendments to the Uniform Rules of the Alaska State Legislature                                                                 
relating to standing committees, was adopted and was before the                                                                 
Senate on final passage.                                                                                                        
                                                                                                                                
Senator Wielechowski moved and asked unanimous consent to be                                                                    
shown as a cosponsor on the resolution. Without objection, it was so                                                            
ordered.                                                                                                                        
                                                                                                                                
The question being: "Shall CS FOR SENATE CONCURRENT                                                                             
RESOLUTION NO. 15(SED) Proposing amendments to the Uniform                                                                      
Rules of the Alaska State Legislature relating to standing committees,                                                          
pass the Senate?" The roll was taken with the following result:                                                                 
                                                                                                                                
CSSCR 15(SED)                                                                                                                   
Second Reading - Final Passage                                                                                                  
                                                                                                                                
YEAS:  18   NAYS:  2   EXCUSED:  0   ABSENT:  0                                                                               
                                                                                                                                
Yeas:  Bunde, Cowdery, Davis, Ellis, Elton, French, Green, Hoffman,                                                             
Huggins, Kookesh, McGuire, Olson, Stedman, Stevens, Thomas,                                                                     
Wagoner, Wielechowski, Wilken                                                                                                   
                                                                                                                                
Nays:  Dyson, Therriault                                                                                                        
                                                                                                                                

2008-03-03                     Senate Journal                      Page 2062
and so, CS FOR SENATE CONCURRENT RESOLUTION NO.                                                                                 
15(SED) passed the Senate and was referred to the Secretary for                                                                 
engrossment.                                                                                                                    
                                                                                                                                
                                                                                                                                
                                    Citations                                                                                
                                                                                                                                
Honoring - AWARE Women of Distinction                                                                                           
Representative(s) Kerttula                                                                                                      
Senator(s) Elton, Green, Bunde, Cowdery, Davis, Dyson, Ellis,                                                                   
French, Hoffman, Huggins, Kookesh, McGuire, Olson, Stedman,                                                                     
Stevens, Therriault, Thomas, Wagoner, Wielechowski, Wilken                                                                      
                                                                                                                                
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                                                                           
                                                                                                                                
Senator Stedman moved and asked unanimous consent to be excused                                                                 
from a call of the Senate from afternoon plane time, March 4 through                                                            
evening plane time, March 9. Without objection, Senator Stedman was                                                             
excused.                                                                                                                        
                                                                                                                                
SB 216                                                                                                                        
Senator Thomas moved and asked unanimous consent to be shown as                                                                 
a cosponsor on SENATE BILL NO. 216 "An Act designating the                                                                      
Alaska Highway and portion of the Richardson Highway as the Purple                                                              
Heart Trail." Without objection, it was so ordered.                                                                             
                                                                                                                                
HB 45                                                                                                                         
Senator Thomas moved and asked unanimous consent to be shown as                                                                 
a cross sponsor on CS FOR HOUSE BILL NO. 45(MLV) "An Act                                                                        
authorizing the Department of Military and Veterans' Affairs to                                                                 
establish and maintain Alaska veterans' cemeteries; and establishing                                                            
the Alaska veterans' cemetery fund in the general fund." Without                                                                
objection, it was so ordered.                                                                                                   
                                                                                                                                
                                                                                                                                

2008-03-03                     Senate Journal                      Page 2063
HB 166                                                                                                                        
Senator Thomas moved and asked unanimous consent to be shown as                                                                 
a cross sponsor on CS FOR HOUSE BILL NO. 166(FIN) "An Act                                                                       
relating to contributions from permanent fund dividends to community                                                            
foundations, to certain educational organizations, and to certain other                                                         
charitable organizations; and providing for an effective date." Without                                                         
objection, it was so ordered.                                                                                                   
                                                                                                                                
                                                                                                                                
                                  Announcements                                                                              
                                                                                                                                
Announcements are at the end of the journal.                                                                                    
                                                                                                                                
                                                                                                                                
                                   Engrossment                                                                               
SB 119                                                                                                                        
CS FOR SENATE BILL NO. 119(RLS) "An Act relating to grant                                                                       
programs to support libraries" was engrossed, signed by the President                                                           
and Secretary and transmitted to the House for consideration.                                                                   
                                                                                                                                
SCR 15                                                                                                                        
CS FOR SENATE CONCURRENT RESOLUTION NO. 15(SED)                                                                                 
Proposing amendments to the Uniform Rules of the Alaska State                                                                   
Legislature relating to standing committees was engrossed, signed by                                                            
the President and Secretary and transmitted to the House for                                                                    
consideration.                                                                                                                  
                                                                                                                                
                                                                                                                                
                                    Enrollment                                                                               
                                                                                                                                
SCR 17                                                                                                                        
SENATE CONCURRENT RESOLUTION NO. 17 Relating to                                                                                 
establishing March 2008 as Brain Injury Awareness Month, was                                                                    
enrolled, signed by the President and Secretary, Speaker and Chief                                                              
Clerk and the engrossed and enrolled copies transmitted to the Office                                                           
of the Governor at 2:36 p.m., March 3, 2008.                                                                                    
                                                                                                                                
                                                                                                                                
                                                                                                                                
                                                                                                                                

2008-03-03                     Senate Journal                      Page 2064
                                   Adjournment                                                                               
                                                                                                                                
Senator Ellis moved and asked unanimous consent that the Senate                                                                 
stand in adjournment until 11:00 a.m., March 4, 2008. Without                                                                   
objection, the Senate adjourned at 2:27 p.m.                                                                                    
                                                                                                                                
                                                                             Kirsten Waid                                       
                                                                Secretary of the Senate                                         
                                                                                                                                
                                                                                                                                

2008-03-03                     Senate Journal                      Page 2065
                                  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                                                                      
                                                                                                                                
Mar 04           Tuesday                                      Beltz 211              3:30 PM                                  
                 -- MEETING CANCELED --                                                                                         
+ SB 228 MUNICIPAL LAND USE REGULATION                                                                                          
                 Bills Previously Heard/Scheduled                                                                               
                                                                                                                                
Mar 06           Thursday                                     Beltz 211              3:30 PM                                  
                 No Meeting Scheduled                                                                                           
                     ----------------------------------------                                                                  
                                                                                                                                
                                     FINANCE                                                                                 
                                                                                                                                
Mar 03           Monday                         Senate Finance 532                  9:00 AM                                   
+= SB 229 TANANA VALLEY FOREST/MINTO FLATS REFUGE                                                                               
+= SB 256 SUPPLEMENTAL/CAPITAL APPROPRIATIONS                                                                                   
+                Bills Previously Heard/Scheduled                                                                               
                                                                                                                                
Mar 04           Tuesday                        Senate Finance 532                  9:00 AM                                   
+ HB 176 CREATE FORT ROUSSEAU CAUSEWAY PARK                                                                                     
+= SB 170 INSURANCE COVERAGE FOR WELL-BABY EXAMS                                                                                
+ SB  28 LIMIT OVERTIME FOR REGISTERED NURSES                                                                                   
+= SB 249 CAPSTONE AVIONICS FUND/LOANS                                                                                          
+                Bills Previously Heard/Scheduled                                                                               
                                                                                                                                
Mar 05           Wednesday                      Senate Finance 532                  9:00 AM                                   
+                Bills Previously Heard/Scheduled                                                                               
                                                                                                                                
Mar 06           Thursday                       Senate Finance 532                  9:00 AM                                   
+                Bills Previously Heard/Scheduled                                                                               
                                                                                                                                
Mar 07           Friday                         Senate Finance 532                  9:00 AM                                   
+                Bills Previously Heard/Scheduled                                                                               

2008-03-03                     Senate Journal                      Page 2066
                               FINANCE (continued)                                                                           
                                                                                                                                
Mar 10           Monday                         Senate Finance 532                  9:00 AM                                   
+ SB 221 BUDGET: CAPITAL, SUPP. & OTHER APPROPS                                                                                 
+                Department Presentations:                                                                                      
                 Departments to be Announced                                                                                    
+                Bills Previously Heard/Scheduled                                                                               
                                                                                                                                
Mar 11           Tuesday                        Senate Finance 532                  9:00 AM                                   
+ SB 221 BUDGET: CAPITAL, SUPP. & OTHER APPROPS                                                                                 
+                Department Presentations:                                                                                      
                 Departments to be Announced                                                                                    
+                Bills Previously Heard/Scheduled                                                                               
                                                                                                                                
Mar 12           Wednesday                      Senate Finance 532                  9:00 AM                                   
+ SB 221 BUDGET: CAPITAL, SUPP. & OTHER APPROPS                                                                                 
+                Department Presentations:                                                                                      
                 Departments to be Announced                                                                                    
+                Bills Previously Heard/Scheduled                                                                               
                                                                                                                                
Mar 13           Thursday                       Senate Finance 532                  9:00 AM                                   
+ SB 221 BUDGET: CAPITAL, SUPP. & OTHER APPROPS                                                                                 
+                Department Presentations:                                                                                      
                 Departments to be Announced                                                                                    
+                Bills Previously Heard/Scheduled                                                                               
                                                                                                                                
Mar 13           Thursday                       Senate Finance 532                   5:00 PM                                  
+= SB 221 BUDGET: CAPITAL, SUPP. & OTHER APPROPS                                                                                
                 Statewide Public Testimony                                                                                     
                                                                                                                                
Mar 14           Friday                         Senate Finance 532                  9:00 AM                                   
+ SB 221 BUDGET: CAPITAL, SUPP. & OTHER APPROPS                                                                                 
+                Department Presentations:                                                                                      
                 Departments to be Announced                                                                                    
+                Bills Previously Heard/Scheduled                                                                               
                     ----------------------------------------                                                                  
                                                                                                                                
                       HEALTH, EDUCATION & SOCIAL SERVICES                                                                   
                                                                                                                                
Mar 03           Monday                                Butrovich 205                 1:30 PM                                  
                 -- Following Session --                                                                                        
+                Bills Previously Heard/Scheduled                                                                               
+= SB 267 DOCUMENT PRENATAL ALCOHOL EXPOSURE                                                                                    
                                                                                                                                
                                                                                                                                

2008-03-03                     Senate Journal                      Page 2067
                 HEALTH, EDUCATION & SOCIAL SERVICES (continued)                                                             
                                                                                                                                
Mar 05           Wednesday                             Butrovich 205                 1:30 PM                                  
+                Medicaid Behavior Health Presentation by                                                                       
                 Mary Thorton, BSRN, MBA                                                                                        
+                Bills Previously Heard/Scheduled                                                                               
                                                                                                                                
Mar 07           Friday                                Butrovich 205                 1:30 PM                                  
+                HESS Confirmation Hearing                                                                                      
+                Best Beginnings Report & Presentation by Abbe Hensley                                                          
+                Bills Previously Heard/Scheduled                                                                               
                     ----------------------------------------                                                                  
                                                                                                                                
                                    JUDICIARY                                                                                
                                                                                                                                
Mar 03           Monday                                       Beltz 211              1:30 PM                                  
                 -- Following Session --                                                                                        
+ SB 235 ALCOHOL: LOCAL OPTION/LICENSING/MINORS                                                                                 
+ HB 165 BIG GAME GUIDES AND TRANSPORTERS                                                                                       
+                Bills Previously Heard/Scheduled                                                                               
                                                                                                                                
Mar 05           Wednesday                                    Beltz 211              1:30 PM                                  
+= SB 273 CRUELTY TO ANIMALS                                                                                                    
+ HB 163 PROPERTY FORECLOSURES AND EXECUTIONS                                                                                   
+                Bills Previously Heard/Scheduled                                                                               
                                                                                                                                
Mar 07           Friday                                       Beltz 211              1:30 PM                                  
+                Bills Previously Heard/Scheduled                                                                               
                     ----------------------------------------                                                                  
                                                                                                                                
                                 LABOR & COMMERCE                                                                            
                                                                                                                                
Mar 04           Tuesday                                      Beltz 211              1:30 PM                                  
+ SB 289 HOME ENERGY CONSERVATION                                                                                               
+ SB 293 ELECTRONIC COMMUNICATION DEVICES                                                                                       
+ HB  65 PERSONAL INFORMATION & CONSUMER CREDIT                                                                                 
                 Bills Previously Heard/Scheduled                                                                               
+= SB 147 WORKERS' COMP EMPLOYER LIABILITY                                                                                      
                 <Bill Moved Out of Committee 2/28/08>                                                                          
                                                                                                                                
Mar 06           Thursday                                     Beltz 211              1:30 PM                                  
                 Bills Previously Heard/Scheduled                                                                               
+= HB 233 UNCLAIMED PHONE/ELEC COOP DISTRIBUTIONS                                                                               
+= HJR 16 OPPOSING MILK TAX                                                                                                     
                                                                                                                                

2008-03-03                     Senate Journal                      Page 2068
                           LABOR & COMMERCE (continued)                                                                      
                                                                                                                                
Mar 08           Saturday                                     Beltz 211            10:00 AM                                   
                 -- Time Change --                                                                                              
                 Bills Previously Heard/Scheduled                                                                               
                     ----------------------------------------                                                                  
                                                                                                                                
                                    RESOURCES                                                                                
                                                                                                                                
Mar 03           Monday                                Butrovich 205                 3:30 PM                                  
                 No Meeting Scheduled                                                                                           
                                                                                                                                
Mar 05           Wednesday                      Senate Finance 532                 12:00 PM                                   
                 -- Location & Time Change --                                                                                   
                 Joint with House Resources Committee                                                                           
+                Presentation: Alaska Mining Industry Briefing                                                                  
                 -- Testimony <Invitation Only> --                                                                              
                                                                                                                                
Mar 07           Friday                                Butrovich 205                 3:30 PM                                  
                 No Meeting Scheduled                                                                                           
                     ----------------------------------------                                                                  
                                                                                                                                
                                  STATE AFFAIRS                                                                              
                                                                                                                                
Mar 04           Tuesday                                      Beltz 211             9:00 AM                                   
+= SB 276 STATE CONSTRUCT'N PROJECT LABOR AGREEMENT                                                                             
+ SB 265 SEX OFFENDERS & CHILD  KIDNAPPERS                                                                                      
+ SB 296 CRIME VICTIM COMPENSATION FUND                                                                                         
+ HB 259 ESTABLISHING ALASKA HISTORY WEEK                                                                                       
+                Bills Previously Heard/Scheduled                                                                               
                                                                                                                                
Mar 06           Thursday                                     Beltz 211             9:00 AM                                   
                 No Meeting Scheduled                                                                                           
                     ----------------------------------------                                                                  
                                                                                                                                
                                  TRANSPORTATION                                                                             
                                                                                                                                
Mar 04           Tuesday                               Butrovich 205                 1:00 PM                                  
                 No Meeting Scheduled                                                                                           
                                                                                                                                
Mar 06           Thursday                              Butrovich 205                 1:00 PM                                  
                 No Meeting Scheduled                                                                                           
                     ----------------------------------------                                                                  
                                                                                                                                
                                                                                                                                

2008-03-03                     Senate Journal                      Page 2069
                              FINANCE SUBCOMMITTEES                                                                          
                                                                                                                                
                                  ADMINISTRATION                                                                             
                                                                                                                                
Mar 10           Monday                         Senate Finance 532                   4:00 PM                                  
                 -- MEETING CANCELED --                                                                                         
+                Budget Close-out                                                                                               
                                                                                                                                
Mar 11           Tuesday                        Senate Finance 532                   3:30 PM                                  
+                Budget Close-out                                                                                               
                     ----------------------------------------                                                                  
                                                                                                                                
                          EDUCATION & EARLY DEVELOPMENT                                                                      
                                                                                                                                
Mar 07           Friday                                Butrovich 205                8:00 AM                                   
                 -- MEETING CANCELED --                                                                                         
                 FY09 Budget Overview                                                                                           
                                                                                                                                
Mar 12           Wednesday                             Butrovich 205               12:00 PM                                   
                 Close-out                                                                                                      
                     ----------------------------------------                                                                  
                                                                                                                                
                                     GOVERNOR                                                                                
                                                                                                                                
Mar 12           Wednesday                      Senate Finance 532                   3:00 PM                                  
                 Close-out Meeting                                                                                              
                     ----------------------------------------                                                                  
                                                                                                                                
                             HEALTH & SOCIAL SERVICES                                                                        
                                                                                                                                
Mar 06           Thursday                       Senate Finance 532                   1:00 PM                                  
                 -- Time Change --                                                                                              
+                Department Budget Close-out                                                                                    
                 -- Testimony <Invitation Only> --                                                                              
                     ----------------------------------------                                                                  
                                                                                                                                
                                       LAW                                                                                   
                                                                                                                                
Mar 04           Tuesday                           Fahrenkamp 203                    1:30 PM                                  
                 -- MEETING CANCELED --                                                                                         
                 Budget Detail                                                                                                  
                                                                                                                                
Mar 11           Tuesday                           Fahrenkamp 203                    1:30 PM                                  
                 Close-out                                                                                                      
                     ----------------------------------------                                                                  

2008-03-03                     Senate Journal                      Page 2070
                        FINANCE SUBCOMMITTEES (continued)                                                                    
                                                                                                                                
                                   LEGISLATURE                                                                               
                                                                                                                                
Mar 12           Wednesday                      Senate Finance 532                   3:30 PM                                  
                 Close-out Meeting                                                                                              
                     ----------------------------------------                                                                  
                                                                                                                                
                          MILITARY AND VETERANS AFFAIRS                                                                      
                                                                                                                                
Mar 05           Wednesday                         Fahrenkamp 203                    1:00 PM                                  
                 -- MEETING CANCELED --                                                                                         
                 FY09 DMVA Budget Close-out                                                                                     
                     ----------------------------------------                                                                  
                                                                                                                                
                                NATURAL RESOURCES                                                                            
                                                                                                                                
Mar 04           Tuesday                           Fahrenkamp 203                    4:00 PM                                  
                 -- MEETING CANCELED --                                                                                         
                 FY09 Budget Close-out                                                                                          
                                                                                                                                
Mar 11           Tuesday                           Fahrenkamp 203                    4:00 PM                                  
                 Close-out                                                                                                      
                     ----------------------------------------                                                                  
                                                                                                                                
                                  PUBLIC SAFETY                                                                              
                                                                                                                                
Mar 04           Tuesday                           Fahrenkamp 203                   8:00 AM                                   
+                Department Budget Close-out                                                                                    
                 -- Testimony <Invitation Only> --                                                                              
                     ----------------------------------------                                                                  
                                                                                                                                
                                     REVENUE                                                                                 
                                                                                                                                
Mar 06           Thursday                          Fahrenkamp 203                    1:30 PM                                  
                 Budget Detail                                                                                                  
                                                                                                                                
Mar 13           Thursday                          Fahrenkamp 203                    1:30 PM                                  
                 Close-out                                                                                                      
                     ----------------------------------------                                                                  
                                                                                                                                
                        TRANSPORTATION & PUBLIC FACILITIES                                                                   
                                                                                                                                
Mar 11           Tuesday                                      Beltz 211              3:30 PM                                  
                 Close-out                                                                                                      
                     ----------------------------------------                                                                  

2008-03-03                     Senate Journal                      Page 2071
                                SPECIAL COMMITTEES                                                                           
                                                                                                                                
                          SPECIAL COMMITTEE ON EDUCATION                                                                     
                                                                                                                                
Mar 05           Wednesday                             Butrovich 205                8:00 AM                                   
+                Bills Previously Heard/Scheduled                                                                               
                 Including But Not Limited to:                                                                                  
+= SCR 16 EDUCATION FUNDING/COST FACTOR COMMISSION                                                                              
                                                                                                                                
Mar 07           Friday                                Butrovich 205                8:00 AM                                   
+                Bills Previously Heard/Scheduled                                                                               
                                                                                                                                
Mar 08           Saturday                              Butrovich 205                 1:30 PM                                  
+                Bills Previously Heard/Scheduled                                                                               
+                Overview & Workshop on Charter Schools                                                                         
                     ----------------------------------------                                                                  
                                                                                                                                
                                 JOINT COMMITTEES                                                                            
                                                                                                                                
                            LEGISLATIVE BUDGET & AUDIT                                                                       
                                                                                                                                
Mar 11           Tuesday                         House Finance 519                  8:30 AM                                   
                 Contracts                                                                                                      
                                                                                                                                
Mar 25           Tuesday                         House Finance 519                  8:30 AM                                   
                 Final Audits -                                                                                                 
                 FY08 Statewide Single Audit                                                                                    
                 Dept. of Admin., AK Data Enterprise                                                                            
                 Reporting System                                                                                               
                 Preliminary Audits -                                                                                           
                 Dept. of Natural Resources,                                                                                    
                 Matanuska Maid                                                                                                 
                 Dept. Environmental Conservation,                                                                              
                 Div. of Spill Prevention & Response                                                                            
                     ----------------------------------------                                                                  
                                                                                                                                
                              CONFERENCE COMMITTEES                                                                          
                                                                                                                                
                       FREE CONFERENCE COMMITTEE ON SB 125                                                                   
                                                                                                                                
Mar 03           Monday                         Senate Finance 532                  8:00 AM                                   
                 -- Meeting Postponed until 4:30 pm --                                                                          
= SB 125 PERS/TRS CONTRIBUT'NS;UNFUNDED LIABILITY                                                                               
                     ----------------------------------------                                                                  
                                                                                                                                

2008-03-03                     Senate Journal                      Page 2072
                                  OTHER MEETINGS                                                                             
                                                                                                                                
                         JOINT LEGISLATIVE HEALTH CAUCUS                                                                     
                                                                                                                                
Mar 05           Wednesday                             Butrovich 205               12:00 PM                                   
                 Maximizing Access                                                                                              
                 Measuring Success: Improving Health Indicators                                                                 
                                                                                                                                
Mar 19           Wednesday                             Butrovich 205               12:00 PM                                   
                 -- MEETING CANCELED --                                                                                         
                 Measuring Success: Improving Health Indicators                                                                 
                                                                                                                                
Apr 02           Wednesday                             Butrovich 205               12:00 PM                                   
                 High Quality, Low Cost                                                                                         
                     ----------------------------------------                                                                  
                                                                                                                                
                                  JOINT SESSION                                                                              
                                                                                                                                
Mar 18           Tuesday                            House Chamber                  11:00 AM                                   
                 -- Date Change --                                                                                              
                 Annual Address by the Honorable                                                                                
                 Lisa Murkowski, U.S. Senator                                                                                   
                     ----------------------------------------                                                                  
                                                                                                                                
                         SENATE BIPARTISAN WORKING GROUP                                                                     
                                                                                                                                
Mar 06           Thursday                       Senate Finance 532                 11:00 AM                                   
                 -- Rescheduled to 03/13/08 --                                                                                  
                 Open Caucus on Affordable Housing                                                                              
                                                                                                                                
Mar 13           Thursday                       Senate Finance 532                 11:00 AM                                   
                 Open Caucus on Affordable Housing