Legislature(2007 - 2008)
2008-03-05 Senate Journal
Full Journal pdf2008-03-05 Senate Journal Page 2099 SENATE JOURNAL ALASKA STATE LEGISLATURE TWENTY-FIFTH LEGISLATURE SECOND SESSION Juneau, Alaska Wednesday March 5, 2008 Fifty-first Day Pursuant to adjournment the Senate was called to order by President Green at 11:07 a.m. The roll showed fourteen members present. Senators Dyson, Huggins, McGuire, Stedman, Therriault, Wagoner were excused from a call of the Senate. 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. As the work of this day begins, Help us to gather our scattered thoughts, And face our work with clear minds, Dedicated to the pursuit of justice for all. Each of us is here, because you have heaped Blessings upon us without number. We are here, Because to this place we have been called to serve. In our debates, and speeches, Keep before us the goal of the common good. When it seems that the common good is beyond reach, Inspire us to make uncommon sacrifices, And to keep our hope alive. And now to you, O God, 2008-03-05 Senate Journal Page 2100 The source of all our hope and joy, May we offer ourselves. And to one another, May we offer our gifts of leadership and love For all the people of Alaska. Amen. Senator Wilken led the Senate in the Pledge of Allegiance. Certification Senator Ellis moved and asked unanimous consent that the journal for the fiftieth legislative day be approved as certified by the Secretary. Without objection, it was so ordered. Messages from the House Message dated March 4 was read, stating the House passed and transmitted for consideration: First Reading and Reference of House Bills HB 147 CS FOR HOUSE BILL NO. 147(RLS) BY THE HOUSE RULES COMMITTEE, entitled: "An Act relating to matching funds and state money for state tourism marketing contracts with trade associations; and providing for an effective date." was read the first time and referred to the Finance Committee. HB 310 CS FOR HOUSE BILL NO. 310(FIN) am BY THE HOUSE FINANCE COMMITTEE, entitled: "An Act making appropriations for the operating and loan program expenses of state government, for certain programs, and to capitalize funds; making 2008-03-05 Senate Journal Page 2101 appropriations under art. IX, sec. 17(c), Constitution of the State of Alaska; and providing for an effective date." was read the first time and referred to the Finance Committee. HB 312 CS FOR HOUSE BILL NO. 312(FIN) BY THE HOUSE FINANCE COMMITTEE, entitled: "An Act making appropriations for the operating and capital expenses of the state's integrated comprehensive mental health program; and providing for an effective date." was read the first time and referred to the Finance Committee. HB 320 CS FOR HOUSE BILL NO. 320(FIN) BY THE HOUSE FINANCE COMMITTEE, entitled: "An Act relating to search and rescue training and search and rescue parties; requiring certain search and rescue volunteers to be considered state employees for purposes of workers' compensation coverage; and allowing political subdivisions to elect to provide workers' compensation insurance coverage for search and rescue personnel." was read the first time and referred to the Labor and Commerce and Finance Committees. Standing Committee Reports SB 249 The Finance Committee considered SENATE BILL NO. 249 "An Act establishing the Alaska capstone avionics revolving loan fund and relating to the fund; and providing for an effective date." Signing do pass: Senator Hoffman, Cochair; Senators Elton, Olson. Signing no recommendation: Senator Thomas. 2008-03-05 Senate Journal Page 2102 The following previously published fiscal information applies: Fiscal Note No. 1, Department of Commerce, Community and Economic Development The bill was referred to the Rules Committee. Special Committee Reports SCR 16 The Senate Special Committee on Education considered SENATE CONCURRENT RESOLUTION NO. 16 Establishing and relating to the Education Funding District Cost Factor Commission, and recommended it be replaced with CS FOR SENATE CONCURRENT RESOLUTION NO. 16(SED) Signing do pass: Senator Stevens, Chair; Senators Wilken, Davis. Signing no recommendation: Senator Olson. The following fiscal information was published today: Fiscal Note No. 1, Legislative Agency Fiscal Note No. 2, Legislative Agency President Green added a Finance Committee referral to the resolution. The resolution was referred to the Finance Committee. Introduction and Reference of Senate Bills SB 299 SENATE BILL NO. 299 BY THE SENATE HEALTH, EDUCATION AND SOCIAL SERVICES COMMITTEE, entitled: "An Act relating to certain assaults committed against certain health care workers." was read the first time and referred to the Judiciary and Finance Committees. 2008-03-05 Senate Journal Page 2103 Consideration of the Calendar Second Reading of House Bills HB 259 HOUSE BILL NO. 259(efd add) "An Act establishing the first week of every March as Alaska History Week; and providing for an effective date" was read the second time. President Green stated HOUSE BILL NO. 259(efd add) will advance to third reading on the March 6 calendar. Third Reading of Senate Bills SB 256 CS FOR SENATE BILL NO. 256(FIN) am was read the third time. The question being: "Shall CS FOR SENATE BILL NO. 256(FIN) am "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" pass the Senate?" The roll was taken with the following result: CSSB 256(FIN) am Third Reading - Final Passage YEAS: 12 NAYS: 2 EXCUSED: 6 ABSENT: 0 Yeas: Cowdery, Davis, Ellis, Elton, French, Green, Hoffman, Kookesh, Olson, Stevens, Thomas, Wielechowski Nays: Bunde, Wilken Excused: Dyson, Huggins, McGuire, Stedman, Therriault, Wagoner and so, CS FOR SENATE BILL NO. 256(FIN) am passed the Senate. Senator Ellis moved for the adoption of the effective date clauses. 2008-03-05 Senate Journal Page 2104 The question being: "Shall the effective date clauses be adopted?" The roll was taken with the following result: CSSB 256(FIN) am Effective Date Clauses YEAS: 12 NAYS: 2 EXCUSED: 6 ABSENT: 0 Yeas: Cowdery, Davis, Ellis, Elton, French, Green, Hoffman, Kookesh, Olson, Stevens, Thomas, Wielechowski Nays: Bunde, Wilken Excused: Dyson, Huggins, McGuire, Stedman, Therriault, Wagoner and so, the effective date clauses failed and CS FOR SENATE BILL NO. 256(FIN) am(efd fld) "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; and making appropriations to capitalize funds" was referred to the Secretary for engrossment. Citations Honoring - Petersburg Emergency Medical Technicians Representative(s) Wilson Senator(s) Stedman, Green, Bunde, Cowdery, Davis, Dyson, Ellis, Elton, Hoffman, Huggins, Kookesh, McGuire, Olson, 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 Senators Wilken, Stevens moved and asked unanimous consent to be excused from a call of the Senate from afternoon plane time, March 6 through evening plane time, March 9. Without objection, Senators Wilken, Stevens were excused. 2008-03-05 Senate Journal Page 2105 SB 289 Senators Stevens, Elton, Ellis, Kookesh moved and asked unanimous consent to be shown as cosponsors on SENATE BILL NO. 289 "An Act relating to home energy conservation and weatherization for purposes of certain programs of the Alaska Housing and Finance Corporation." Without objection, it was so ordered. SB 230 The reconsideration on CS FOR SPONSOR SUBSTITUTE FOR SENATE BILL NO. 230(FIN) am "An Act establishing the film office in the Department of Commerce, Community, and Economic Development; creating a transferable tax credit applicable to certain film production expenditures incurred in the state; and providing for an effective date" was not taken up this legislative day and the bill was referred to the Secretary for engrossment. Announcements Announcements are at the end of the journal. Engrossment SB 230 CS FOR SPONSOR SUBSTITUTE FOR SENATE BILL NO. 230(FIN) am "An Act establishing the film office in the Department of Commerce, Community, and Economic Development; creating a transferable tax credit applicable to certain film production expenditures incurred in the state; and providing for an effective date" was engrossed, signed by the President and Secretary and transmitted to the House for consideration. SB 256 CS FOR SENATE BILL NO. 256(FIN) am(efd fld) "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; and making appropriations to capitalize funds" was engrossed, signed by the President and Secretary and transmitted to the House for consideration. 2008-03-05 Senate Journal Page 2106 Adjournment Senator Ellis moved and asked unanimous consent that the Senate stand in adjournment until 11:00 a.m., March 6, 2008. Without objection, the Senate adjourned at 11:53 a.m. Kirsten Waid Secretary of the Senate 2008-03-05 Senate Journal Page 2107 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 06 Thursday Beltz 211 3:30 PM No Meeting Scheduled ---------------------------------------- FINANCE Mar 05 Wednesday Senate Finance 532 9:00 AM += SB 249 CAPSTONE AVIONICS FUND/LOANS + Bills Previously Heard/Scheduled Mar 06 Thursday Senate Finance 532 9:00 AM -- MEETING CANCELED -- + Bills Previously Heard/Scheduled Mar 07 Friday Senate Finance 532 9:00 AM -- MEETING CANCELED -- + Bills Previously Heard/Scheduled 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 2008-03-05 Senate Journal Page 2108 FINANCE (continued) 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 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 2008-03-05 Senate Journal Page 2109 JUDICIARY 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 06 Thursday Beltz 211 1:30 PM Bills Previously Heard/Scheduled += HB 233 UNCLAIMED PHONE/ELEC COOP DISTRIBUTIONS += HJR 16 OPPOSING MILK TAX Mar 08 Saturday Beltz 211 10:00 AM -- Time Change -- Bills Previously Heard/Scheduled ---------------------------------------- RESOURCES 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 06 Thursday Beltz 211 9:00 AM No Meeting Scheduled 2008-03-05 Senate Journal Page 2110 STATE AFFAIRS (continued) Mar 11 Tuesday Beltz 211 9:00 AM += HB 15 BOARD OF FISHERIES CONFLICTS OF INTEREST += SB 296 CRIME VICTIM COMPENSATION FUND + SB 278 VETERAN INFO ON PFD APPLICATIONS + HB 284 PFD ALLOWABLE ABSENCE: FELLOWSHIPS + Bills Previously Heard/Scheduled Mar 13 Thursday Beltz 211 9:00 AM + SB 153 PEACE OFFICERS/FIRE FIGHTER RETIREMENT + HB 296 EXTENDING BOARD OF PAROLE + HB 286 IMPERSONATING A PUBLIC SERVANT + HB 88 TVS AND MONITORS IN MOTOR VEHICLES + Bills Previously Heard/Scheduled ---------------------------------------- TRANSPORTATION Mar 06 Thursday Butrovich 205 1:00 PM No Meeting Scheduled ---------------------------------------- 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 ---------------------------------------- CORRECTIONS Mar 11 Tuesday Fahrenkamp 203 8:00 AM + FY09 Budget Close-out ---------------------------------------- 2008-03-05 Senate Journal Page 2111 FINANCE SUBCOMMITTEES (continued) COURT SYSTEM Mar 11 Tuesday Beltz 211 5:00 PM + FY09 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 ---------------------------------------- ENVIRONMENTAL CONSERVATION Mar 10 Monday Beltz 211 4:30 PM + FY09 Budget Close-out ---------------------------------------- FISH & GAME Mar 10 Monday Senate Finance 532 3:00 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> -- 2008-03-05 Senate Journal Page 2112 FINANCE SUBCOMMITTEES (continued) LAW Mar 11 Tuesday Fahrenkamp 203 1:30 PM Close-out ---------------------------------------- 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 11 Tuesday Fahrenkamp 203 4:00 PM Close-out ---------------------------------------- REVENUE Mar 06 Thursday Fahrenkamp 203 1:30 PM -- MEETING CANCELED -- 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 2008-03-05 Senate Journal Page 2113 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 -- MEETING CANCELED -- + Bills Previously Heard/Scheduled Mar 08 Saturday Butrovich 205 1:30 PM -- Meeting Postponed to 3/15/08 -- + Bills Previously Heard/Scheduled + Overview & Workshop on Charter Schools Mar 15 Saturday Senate Finance 532 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 ---------------------------------------- 2008-03-05 Senate Journal Page 2114 JOINT COMMITTEES (continued) LEGISLATIVE COUNCIL Mar 20 Thursday Senate Finance 532 5:00 PM FY07 Legislature Audit Cutting Edge Development, Inc. Contract Amendment Coldfoot Environmental Services, Inc. Contract Approval Goldstein Improvement Co. Lease Renewal Approval 90 Day Session Subcommittee Charitable Event Approval - Alaska Youth Choir Touring Dinner/Fundraiser ---------------------------------------- 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 ---------------------------------------- 2008-03-05 Senate Journal Page 2115 OTHER MEETINGS (continued) 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