Legislature(2007 - 2008)
2008-07-24 Senate Journal
Full Journal pdf2008-07-24 Senate Journal Page 3193 SENATE JOURNAL ALASKA STATE LEGISLATURE TWENTY-FIFTH LEGISLATURE FOURTH SPECIAL SESSION Juneau, Alaska Thursday July 24, 2008 Sixteenth Day Pursuant to adjournment the Senate was called to order by President Green at 4:05 p.m. The roll showed fourteen members present. Senator Cowdery was excused from a call of the Senate. Senators Bunde, Davis, McGuire, Stevens, Wilken were absent. Senator Ellis moved and asked unanimous consent that Senator McGuire be excused from a call of the Senate today. Without objection, Senator McGuire was excused. The prayer was offered by the Chaplain, Senator Wagoner. Senator Hoffman moved and asked unanimous consent that the prayer be spread. Without objection, it was so ordered. O God, Give to us and to all in authority, wisdom and strength to know and to do thy will. Fill us with the love of truth and righteousness, and make us ever mindful of our calling to serve the people of this great state. Grant that we be guided by your providence and dwell secure in your peace. Amen. Senator Wielechowski led the Senate in the Pledge of Allegiance. 2008-07-24 Senate Journal Page 3194 Certification Senator Ellis moved and asked unanimous consent that the journals for the first through fifteenth legislative days, Senate Journal Supplement No. 6, Senate and House Joint Journal Supplement No. 17 and House and Senate Joint Journal Supplement No. 18 be approved as certified by the Secretary. Without objection, it was so ordered. Messages from the Governor HB 332 Message was read stating the Governor signed the following bill on July 23 and transmitted the engrossed and enrolled copies to the Lieutenant Governor's Office for permanent filing: CS FOR HOUSE BILL NO. 332(FIN)(title am) "An Act defining an elementary school to include certain pre-elementary programs and relating to counting pre-elementary students in a school's average daily membership." Chapter 117, SLA 2008 Effective Date: 10/21/08 HB 75 Message was read stating the Governor signed the following bill on July 23 and transmitted the engrossed and enrolled copies to the Lieutenant Governor's Office for permanent filing: CS FOR HOUSE BILL NO. 75(STA) "An Act relating to driver's licenses and to alcohol and drug awareness and safety testing." Chapter 118, SLA 2008 Effective Date: 10/21/08 2008-07-24 Senate Journal Page 3195 SJR 11 Message dated July 23 was read stating the Governor read the following resolution and transmitted the engrossed and enrolled copies to the Lieutenant Governor's Office for permanent filing: SENATE JOINT RESOLUTION NO. 11 Supporting federal funding for veterans' health care and urging the United States Congress to ensure adequate funding for veterans' health care. Legislative Resolve No. 32 SJR 12 Message dated July 23 was read stating the Governor read the following resolution and transmitted the engrossed and enrolled copies to the Lieutenant Governor's Office for permanent filing: CS FOR SENATE JOINT RESOLUTION NO. 12(STA) Requesting that Alaska be exempt from changes to the interpretation of the Passenger Vessel Services Act of June 19, 1886, proposed by the United States Department of Homeland Security, Bureau of Customs and Border Protection, affecting cruise itineraries of foreign-flagged vessels transporting passengers to ports in Alaska; or, if Alaska is not exempted, opposing the proposed changes to the interpretation of that Act. Legislative Resolve No. 34 HJR 29 Message dated July 23 was read stating the Governor read the following resolution and transmitted the engrossed and enrolled copies to the Lieutenant Governor's Office for permanent filing: HOUSE JOINT RESOLUTION NO. 29 Urging the President of the United States and the United States Congress to fulfill the federal obligation to provide adequate funding for special education in public schools. Legislative Resolve No. 38 2008-07-24 Senate Journal Page 3196 HJR 34 Message dated July 23 was read stating the Governor read the following resolution and transmitted the engrossed and enrolled copies to the Lieutenant Governor's Office for permanent filing: HOUSE JOINT RESOLUTION NO. 34 Urging the United States Congress to reauthorize the Debbie Smith DNA backlog grant program. Legislative Resolve No. 39 HJR 32 Message dated July 23 was read stating the Governor read the following resolution and transmitted the engrossed and enrolled copies to the Lieutenant Governor's Office for permanent filing: HOUSE JOINT RESOLUTION NO. 32 Supporting open and free competition within the broadcasting industry. Legislative Resolve No. 44 SJR 17 Message dated July 23 was read stating the Governor read the following resolution and transmitted the engrossed and enrolled copies to the Lieutenant Governor's Office for permanent filing: SENATE JOINT RESOLUTION NO. 17 Urging the United States Congress to provide a means for consistently sharing, on an ongoing basis, revenue generated from oil and gas development on the outer continental shelf with all coastal energy-producing states to ensure that those states develop, support, and maintain necessary infrastructure and preserve environmental integrity. Legislative Resolve No. 48 2008-07-24 Senate Journal Page 3197 HJR 31 Message dated July 23 was read stating the Governor read the following resolution and transmitted the engrossed and enrolled copies to the Lieutenant Governor's Office for permanent filing: CS FOR HOUSE JOINT RESOLUTION NO. 31(RES) Opposing the enactment of the Protect America's Wildlife Act of 2007 that intends to prohibit aerial hunting of wildlife, which is essential for predator control in Alaska. Legislative Resolve No. 70 Messages from the House Message dated July 23 was read, stating the House passed and transmitted for consideration: First Reading and Reference of House Bills HB 3001 HOUSE BILL NO. 3001(efd fld) BY THE HOUSE RULES COMMITTEE BY REQUEST OF THE GOVERNOR, entitled: "An Act approving issuance of a license by the commissioner of revenue and the commissioner of natural resources to TransCanada Alaska Company, LLC and Foothills Pipe Lines Ltd., jointly as licensee, under the Alaska Gasline Inducement Act." was read the first time and referred to the Senate Special Committee on Energy. Introduction and Reference of Senate Bills SB 4005 SENATE BILL NO. 4005 BY THE SENATE FINANCE COMMITTEE, entitled: 2008-07-24 Senate Journal Page 3198 "An Act authorizing, as a temporary rebate of state resources to certain state residents, payments to assist in meeting heating costs under the federal and state heating assistance programs; and providing for an effective date." was read the first time and referred to the Finance Committee. SB 4006 SENATE BILL NO. 4006 BY THE SENATE FINANCE COMMITTEE, entitled: "An Act amending the power cost equalization program, repealing the exclusion from eligibility for power cost equalization for certain power projects that take their power from hydroelectric facilities, and amending the definition of 'eligible electric utility' as it applies to the power cost equalization program and the grant program for small power projects for utility improvements; and providing for an effective date." was read the first time and referred to the Finance Committee. Consideration of the Calendar Citations Senator Ellis moved and asked unanimous consent that the following Citation Calendar be made a special order of business. Without objection, it was so ordered. Citation Calendar Honoring - Richard & Eva Carroll 60th Wedding Anniversary Celebration Senator(s) Kookesh, Green, Bunde, Cowdery, Davis, Dyson, Ellis, Elton, Hoffman, Huggins, McGuire, Olson, Stedman, Stevens, Therriault, Thomas, Wagoner, Wielechowski, Wilken Representative(s) Salmon 2008-07-24 Senate Journal Page 3199 Honoring - Dallas Massie Senator(s) Huggins, Green, Bunde, Cowdery, Davis, Dyson, Ellis, Elton, French, Hoffman, Kookesh, McGuire, Olson, Stedman, Stevens, Therriault, Thomas, Wagoner, Wielechowski, Wilken Representative(s) Stoltze Honoring - Juneau-Douglas High School Boys Soccer Team Representative(s) Kerttula, Doll Senator(s) Elton, Green, Bunde, Cowdery, Davis, Dyson, Ellis, Hoffman, Huggins, Kookesh, McGuire, Olson, Stedman, Stevens, Therriault, Thomas, Wagoner, Wielechowski, Wilken Honoring - Steve Love - Alaska Pioneer and Alaska Railroad Legend Representative(s) Guttenberg Senator(s) Thomas, Green, Bunde, Cowdery, Davis, Dyson, Ellis, Elton, Hoffman, Huggins, Kookesh, McGuire, Olson, Stedman, Stevens, Therriault, Wagoner, Wielechowski, Wilken Honoring - Roger Phenix Representative(s) Guttenberg Senator(s) Thomas, Green, Bunde, Cowdery, Davis, Dyson, Ellis, Elton, Hoffman, Huggins, Kookesh, McGuire, Olson, Stedman, Stevens, Therriault, Wagoner, Wielechowski, Wilken Honoring - Lane Brannen Representative(s) Guttenberg Senator(s) Thomas, Green, Bunde, Cowdery, Davis, Dyson, Ellis, Elton, Hoffman, Huggins, Kookesh, McGuire, Olson, Stedman, Stevens, Therriault, Wagoner, Wielechowski, Wilken Honoring - Greg Zumbehl Representative(s) Guttenberg Senator(s) Thomas, Green, Bunde, Cowdery, Davis, Dyson, Ellis, Elton, Hoffman, Huggins, Kookesh, McGuire, Olson, Stedman, Stevens, Therriault, Wagoner, Wielechowski, Wilken Honoring - Vic Killian Representative(s) Guttenberg Senator(s) Thomas, Green, Bunde, Cowdery, Davis, Dyson, Ellis, Elton, Hoffman, Huggins, Kookesh, McGuire, Olson, Stedman, Stevens, Therriault, Wagoner, Wielechowski, Wilken 2008-07-24 Senate Journal Page 3200 Honoring - Rick Stickle Representative(s) Guttenberg Senator(s) Thomas, Green, Bunde, Cowdery, Davis, Dyson, Ellis, Elton, Hoffman, Huggins, Kookesh, McGuire, Olson, Stedman, Stevens, Therriault, Wagoner, Wielechowski, Wilken Honoring - Joe Tremarello - UAF Nanook Hall of Fame Inductee Representative(s) Guttenberg Senator(s) Thomas, Green, Bunde, Cowdery, Davis, Dyson, Ellis, Elton, Hoffman, Huggins, Kookesh, McGuire, Olson, Stedman, Stevens, Therriault, Wagoner, Wielechowski, Wilken Honoring - Randy Pitney - UAF Nanook Hall of Fame Inductee Representative(s) Guttenberg Senator(s) Thomas, Green, Bunde, Cowdery, Davis, Dyson, Ellis, Elton, Hoffman, Huggins, Kookesh, McGuire, Olson, Stedman, Stevens, Therriault, Wagoner, Wielechowski, Wilken Honoring - Matt Emmons - UAF Nanook Hall of Fame Inductee Representative(s) Guttenberg Senator(s) Thomas, Green, Bunde, Cowdery, Davis, Dyson, Ellis, Elton, Hoffman, Huggins, Kookesh, McGuire, Olson, Stedman, Stevens, Therriault, Wagoner, Wielechowski, Wilken Honoring - Milo Griffin - UAF Nanook Hall of Fame Inductee Representative(s) Guttenberg Senator(s) Thomas, Green, Bunde, Cowdery, Davis, Dyson, Ellis, Elton, Hoffman, Huggins, Kookesh, McGuire, Olson, Stedman, Stevens, Therriault, Wagoner, Wielechowski, Wilken Honoring - Colonel Michael X. Garrett Representative(s) Dahlstrom Senator(s) Dyson, Green, Bunde, Cowdery, Davis, Ellis, Elton, Hoffman, Huggins, Kookesh, McGuire, Olson, Stedman, Stevens, Therriault, Thomas, Wagoner, Wielechowski, Wilken Honoring - Lieutenant Colonel Stephen E. Hughes Representative(s) Dahlstrom Senator(s) Dyson, Green, Bunde, Cowdery, Davis, Ellis, Elton, Hoffman, Huggins, Kookesh, McGuire, Olson, Stedman, Stevens, Therriault, Thomas, Wagoner, Wielechowski, Wilken 2008-07-24 Senate Journal Page 3201 Honoring - Father Tom Moffatt Representative(s) Lynn, Buch Senator(s) Bunde, McGuire, Green, Cowdery, Davis, Dyson, Ellis, Elton, Hoffman, Huggins, Kookesh, Olson, Stedman, Stevens, Therriault, Thomas, Wagoner, Wielechowski, Wilken Honoring - Service High School Girls Varsity Soccer Team, 2008 State Champions Representative(s) Meyer Senator(s) Cowdery, Green, Bunde, Davis, Dyson, Ellis, Elton, Hoffman, Huggins, Kookesh, McGuire, Olson, Stedman, Stevens, Therriault, Thomas, Wagoner, Wielechowski, Wilken Honoring - USS Juneau Representative(s) Kerttula, Doll Senator(s) Elton, Green, Bunde, Cowdery, Davis, Dyson, Ellis, Hoffman, Huggins, Kookesh, McGuire, Olson, Stedman, Stevens, Therriault, Thomas, Wagoner, Wielechowski, Wilken In Memoriam - William Henry Devon Senator(s) Huggins, Green, Bunde, Cowdery, Davis, Dyson, Ellis, Elton, Hoffman, Kookesh, McGuire, Olson, Stedman, Stevens, Therriault, Thomas, Wagoner, Wielechowski, Wilken Representative(s) Neuman In Memoriam - Michael Lawrence Zagars, Sr. Senator(s) Huggins, Green, Bunde, Cowdery, Davis, Dyson, Ellis, Elton, Hoffman, Kookesh, McGuire, Olson, Stedman, Stevens, Therriault, Thomas, Wagoner, Wielechowski, Wilken In Memoriam - Emma G. Widmark Representative(s) Doll, Kerttula Senator(s) Elton, Green, Bunde, Cowdery, Davis, Dyson, Ellis, Hoffman, Huggins, Kookesh, McGuire, Olson, Stedman, Stevens, Therriault, Thomas, Wagoner, Wielechowski, Wilken In Memoriam - Richard Urion Representative(s) Kerttula, Doll Senator(s) Elton, Green, Bunde, Cowdery, Davis, Dyson, Ellis, French, Hoffman, Huggins, Kookesh, McGuire, Olson, Stedman, Stevens, Therriault, Thomas, Wagoner, Wielechowski, Wilken 2008-07-24 Senate Journal Page 3202 In Memoriam - Alex Duff Combs Representative(s) Holmes Senator(s) Green, Bunde, Cowdery, Davis, Dyson, Ellis, Elton, Hoffman, Huggins, Kookesh, McGuire, Olson, Stedman, Stevens, Therriault, Thomas, Wagoner, Wielechowski, Wilken In Memoriam - Clark Andrew Gudmundson, Sr. Representative(s) Joule Senator(s) Olson, Green, Bunde, Cowdery, Davis, Dyson, Ellis, Elton, Hoffman, Huggins, Kookesh, McGuire, Stedman, Stevens, Therriault, Thomas, Wagoner, Wielechowski, Wilken Senator Ellis moved and asked unanimous consent that the citations be adopted. Without objection, the citations were adopted and referred to the Secretary for transmittal. Unfinished Business HB 152 President Green made the following appointments: Alaska Renewable Energy Task Force Senator Huggins Senator Stedman Senator Thomas Renewable Energy Project Advisory Committee Senator Hoffman Announcements Announcements are at the end of the journal. 2008-07-24 Senate Journal Page 3203 Adjournment Senator Ellis moved and asked unanimous consent that the Senate stand in adjournment until 11:00 a.m., July 28, 2008. Without objection, the Senate adjourned at 4:23 p.m. Liz Clark Assistant Senate Secretary 2008-07-24 Senate Journal Page 3204 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 FINANCE Jul 24 Thursday Senate Finance 532 9:00 AM += SB4002 RESOURCE REBATE PROGRAM FOR RESIDENTS Heard & Held += SB4003 APPROP: ENERGY RELIEF/REBATE/FUEL TAX Heard & Held Bills Previously Heard/Scheduled Jul 25 Friday Senate Finance 532 11:00 AM + SB4005 RESOURCE REBATE FOR HOME HEATING + SB4006 PCE:ELIGIB;AMT;ELIGIBLE UTILITY DEFINED + Bills Previously Heard/Scheduled ---------------------------------------- SPECIAL COMMITTEES SENATE SPECIAL COMMITTEE ON ENERGY Jul 24 Thursday Senate Finance 532 2:00 PM -- MEETING CANCELED -- -- Time Change -- += SB3001 APPROVING AGIA LICENSE += HB3001 APPROVING AGIA LICENSE -- Testimony <Invitation Only> -- Jul 25 Friday Senate Finance 532 1:30 PM += SB3001 APPROVING AGIA LICENSE += HB3001 APPROVING AGIA LICENSE -- Testimony <Invitation Only> -- ---------------------------------------- 2008-07-24 Senate Journal Page 3205 JOINT COMMITTEES LEGISLATIVE COUNCIL Jul 28 Monday Senate Finance 532 1:00 PM Nomination of the Chair Other Business