Legislature(2009 - 2010)
2009-02-20 Senate Journal
Full Journal pdf2009-02-20 Senate Journal Page 0299 SENATE JOURNAL ALASKA STATE LEGISLATURE TWENTY-SIXTH LEGISLATURE FIRST SESSION Juneau, Alaska Friday February 20, 2009 Thirty-second Day Pursuant to adjournment the Senate was called to order by President Stevens at 10:02 a.m. The roll showed sixteen members present. Senators Dyson, McGuire were excused from a call of the Senate. Senators Menard, Wagoner were absent. The prayer was offered by the Chaplain, Pastor Gary Waterhouse of the Seventh-day Adventist Church of Juneau and Sitka. Senator Hoffman moved and asked unanimous consent that the prayer be spread. Without objection, it was so ordered. We lift up your name O Lord, thanking you for this assembly, and for the work accomplished this week. And when our work is completed this day we pray for traveling mercies as we go to our homes and some to their temporary homes here in Juneau. We also would remember those in this building who help to keep things running smoothly, the staff members who are not as visible, yet so important to an efficient operation of this Capitol. Be with all the aforementioned as well as their loved ones. We pray that the weekend will give us the rest for body, mind, and soul that we so desperately need. And for those who may be absent because of sickness, please, Lord, bring them back here with full health. 2009-02-20 Senate Journal Page 0300 Finally Lord, we thank you for our 50 wonderful, prosperous years as a state, and we look forward to the next 50. With optimism in our heart we can't help but think, "the best is yet to come." In thy name I pray. Amen. Senator Paskvan led the Senate in the Pledge of Allegiance. Certification Senator Ellis moved and asked unanimous consent that the journal for the thirty-first legislative day and House and Senate Joint Journal Supplement No. 4 be approved as certified by the Secretary. Without objection, it was so ordered. Standing Committee Reports SB 72 The State Affairs Committee considered SENATE BILL NO. 72 "An Act relating to use of child safety seats and seat belts" and recommended it be replaced with CS FOR SENATE BILL NO. 72(STA) Signing do pass: Senator Menard, Chair; Senators French, Meyer, Paskvan, Kookesh. The following previously published fiscal information applies: Fiscal Note No. 1, zero, Department of Transportation and Public Facilities The bill was referred to the Rules Committee. SB 79 The State Affairs Committee considered SENATE BILL NO. 79 "An Act waiving payment of premiums for major medical insurance under the defined benefit retirement plan for public employees for disabled peace officers who have at least 20 years of credited service as peace officers" and recommended it be replaced with 2009-02-20 Senate Journal Page 0301 CS FOR SENATE BILL NO. 79(STA) "An Act waiving payment of premiums for major medical insurance under the defined benefit retirement plan for public employees who are disabled and have at least 20 years of credited service as peace officers; and providing for an effective date." Signing do pass: Senator Menard, Chair; Senators French, Meyer, Paskvan, Kookesh. The following fiscal information was published today: Fiscal Note No. 1, Department of Administration The bill was referred to the Labor and Commerce Committee. Introduction and Reference of Senate Bills SB 117 SENATE BILL NO. 117 BY SENATOR MCGUIRE, entitled: "An Act requiring the Department of Revenue to set the minimum price for cigarettes for sale by wholesalers and retailers; and prohibiting a wholesaler or retailer from selling at wholesale or retail cigarettes at a lower price than the price set by the Department of Revenue." was read the first time and referred to the Labor and Commerce and Finance Committees. SB 118 SENATE BILL NO. 118 BY SENATOR MCGUIRE, entitled: "An Act relating to medical assistance coverage for traumatic brain injury services." 2009-02-20 Senate Journal Page 0302 was read the first time and referred to the Health and Social Services and Finance Committees. SB 119 SENATE BILL NO. 119 BY SENATORS THOMAS, Ellis, entitled: "An Act relating to a state energy use reduction plan and energy efficiency improvement contracts and to energy audits of public buildings conducted by the Department of Transportation and Public Facilities; relating to agency capital budget requests; establishing an energy efficiency grant fund in the Alaska Housing Finance Corporation; and providing for an effective date." was read the first time and referred to the Resources and Finance Committees. SB 120 SENATE BILL NO. 120 BY SENATORS THOMAS, Ellis, entitled: "An Act relating to an optional exemption from municipal property taxes for residential property." was read the first time and referred to the Community and Regional Affairs and Finance Committees. SB 121 SENATE BILL NO. 121 BY THE SENATE RESOURCES COMMITTEE, entitled: "An Act relating to energy efficiency for public facilities with the intent of reducing state operating costs." was read the first time and referred to the Resources and Finance Committees. 2009-02-20 Senate Journal Page 0303 Consideration of the Calendar Citations Honoring - Alaska Vocational Institute Senator(s) Elton, Stevens, Bunde, Davis, Dyson, Ellis, Hoffman, Huggins, Kookesh, McGuire, Menard, Meyer, Olson, Paskvan, Stedman, Therriault, Thomas, Wagoner, Wielechowski Representative(s) Kerttula, Munoz Honoring - Lynn Marie Barnes Senator(s) Elton, Stevens, Bunde, Davis, Dyson, Ellis, French, Hoffman, Huggins, Kookesh, McGuire, Menard, Meyer, Olson, Paskvan, Stedman, Therriault, Thomas, Wagoner, Wielechowski Representative(s) Kerttula, Munoz Honoring - Juneau Douglas High School Home Builders 2009 National Regional Construction Competition Senator(s) Elton, Stevens, Bunde, Davis, Dyson, Ellis, Hoffman, Huggins, Kookesh, McGuire, Menard, Meyer, Olson, Paskvan, Stedman, Therriault, Thomas, Wagoner, Wielechowski Representative(s) Kerttula, Munoz Honoring - Hjalmar "Ofi" Olson Representative(s) Edgmon Senator(s) Hoffman, Stevens, Bunde, Davis, Dyson, Ellis, Elton, Huggins, Kookesh, McGuire, Menard, Meyer, Olson, Paskvan, Stedman, Therriault, Thomas, Wagoner, Wielechowski In Memoriam - Dearl Wayne Gladden Representative(s) Chenault Senator(s) Wagoner, Stevens, Bunde, Davis, Dyson, Ellis, Elton, Hoffman, Huggins, Kookesh, McGuire, Menard, Meyer, Olson, Paskvan, Stedman, Therriault, Thomas, Wielechowski 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. 2009-02-20 Senate Journal Page 0304 Unfinished Business SB 106 Senator Therriault moved and asked unanimous consent to be shown as a cosponsor on SENATE BILL NO. 106 "An Act disapproving all recommendations of the State Officers Compensation Commission relating to the compensation, benefits, and allowances of state officers; and providing for an effective date." Without objection, it was so ordered. HJR 12 Senator Therriault moved and asked unanimous consent to be shown as a cross sponsor on HOUSE JOINT RESOLUTION NO. 12 Relating to the Ground-based Midcourse Defense System. Without objection, it was so ordered. HB 93 Senator Therriault moved and asked unanimous consent to be shown as a cross sponsor on HOUSE BILL NO. 93 "An Act relating to unwanted telephone solicitations on a cellular or mobile telephone and making those calls to cellular or mobile telephones registered with the national do not call registry violations of the Alaska Unfair Trade Practices and Consumer Protection Act." Without objection, it was so ordered. Senator French moved and asked unanimous consent to be excused from a call of the Senate on February 23, to morning plane time. Without objection, Senator French was excused. Announcements Announcements are at the end of the journal. Adjournment Senator Ellis moved and asked unanimous consent that the Senate stand in adjournment until 11:00 a.m., February 23, 2009. Without objection, the Senate adjourned at 10:21 a.m. Kirsten Waid Secretary of the Senate 2009-02-20 Senate Journal Page 0305 Announcements Americans with Disabilities Act Notice - Persons with disabilities who require special accommodation or alternative communication formats to access committee meetings may contact the appropriate committee office or the Legislative Information Office in their community. Reasonable advance notice is needed to accommodate the request. For further information, call the ADA Coordinator at 465-3854 Voice/465-4980 TDD. STANDING COMMITTEES + indicates teleconference = indicates bill previously heard/scheduled COMMUNITY & REGIONAL AFFAIRS Feb 24 Tuesday Beltz 211 3:30 PM No Meeting Scheduled Feb 26 Thursday Beltz 211 3:30 PM No Meeting Scheduled ---------------------------------------- EDUCATION Feb 20 Friday Beltz 211 8:00 AM + Overview: Moore v. State Feb 20 Friday Senate Finance 532 9:00 AM Joint w/Senate Finance + Presentation by the Alaska Seismic Hazards Safety Commission Feb 23 Monday Beltz 211 8:00 AM + SB 102 RAISE COMP. SCHOOL ATTENDANCE AGE/TRUANCY Bills Previously Heard/Scheduled += SB 33 POSTSECONDARY SCHOLARSHIPS Feb 25 Wednesday Beltz 211 8:00 AM No Meeting Scheduled Feb 27 Friday Beltz 211 8:00 AM + SB 18 POSTSECONDARY MEDICAL EDUC. PROG. Bills Previously Heard/Scheduled 2009-02-20 Senate Journal Page 0306 FINANCE Feb 20 Friday Senate Finance 532 9:00 AM Joint w/ Senate Education Cmte + Presentations: Alaska Seismic Hazards Safety Commission by Dr. John Aho, Chair -- Testimony <Invitation Only> -- + Bills Previously Heard/Scheduled Feb 23 Monday Senate Finance 532 9:00 AM + SB 115 RURAL ENERGY ASSISTANCE PROGRAM + SB 116 APPROP: RURAL ENERGY ASSISTANCE + SB 93 MUNICIPAL AIR QUALITY PROPERTY TAX CREDIT Bills Previously Heard/Scheduled Feb 24 Tuesday Senate Finance 532 9:00 AM + Bills Previously Heard/Scheduled Feb 25 Wednesday Senate Finance 532 9:00 AM + SB 45 VETERANS' CEMETERIES/FUND/LICENSE PLATES + SB 13 MEDICAL ASSISTANCE ELIGIBILITY + SB 87 MEDICAL ASSISTANCE ELIGIBILITY + Bills Previously Heard/Scheduled Feb 26 Thursday Senate Finance 532 9:00 AM + Bills Previously Heard/Scheduled Feb 27 Friday Senate Finance 532 9:00 AM + SB 24 LOUIS MILLER BRIDGE + SB 25 RICHARD DEWEY DUVALL FERRY TERMINAL + SB 57 CHARTER SCHOOL FUNDING Bills Previously Heard/Scheduled ---------------------------------------- HEALTH & SOCIAL SERVICES Feb 20 Friday Butrovich 205 1:30 PM + Presentation by Alaska Native Tribal Health Consortium + Bills Previously Heard/Scheduled 2009-02-20 Senate Journal Page 0307 HEALTH & SOCIAL SERVICES (continued) Feb 23 Monday Butrovich 205 1:30 PM + SB 98 MEDICAL PATIENT BILLING DISCLOSURES += SB 52 SALVIA DIVINORUM AS CONTROLLED SUBSTANCE + Bills Previously Heard/Scheduled Feb 25 Wednesday Senate Finance 532 8:00 AM Joint w/(H) Health & Social Services Key Campaign Feb 25 Wednesday Butrovich 205 1:30 PM += SB 35 EXTEND SUICIDE PREVENTION COUNCIL + SB 96 CHILD SUPPORT/ CASH MEDICAL SUPPORT + Bills Previously Heard/Scheduled Feb 27 Friday Butrovich 205 1:30 PM + SB 47 STATUTE OF LIMITATION FOR SEXUAL OFFENSES + Bills Previously Heard/Scheduled ---------------------------------------- JUDICIARY Feb 20 Friday Capitol 120 1:30 PM + Joint w/(H) Judiciary Confirmation Hearings: Board of Governors of the Alaska Bar Commission on Judicial Conduct Alaska Judicial Council Violent Crimes Compensation Board Feb 23 Monday Beltz 211 1:30 PM + SB 85 ALCOHOL: LOCAL OPTION/LICENSING/MINORS Feb 25 Wednesday Beltz 211 1:30 PM + SB 110 PRESERVATION OF EVIDENCE + Bills Previously Heard/Scheduled Feb 27 Friday Beltz 211 1:30 PM + Bills Previously Heard/Scheduled ---------------------------------------- 2009-02-20 Senate Journal Page 0308 LABOR & COMMERCE Feb 24 Tuesday Beltz 211 1:30 PM += SB 1 ALASKA MINIMUM WAGE += SB 84 AIDEA: BONDING LIMITS; CONFIDENTIALITY + Bills Previously Heard/Scheduled Feb 26 Thursday Beltz 211 1:30 PM += SB 23 REPEAL DEFINED CONTRIB RETIREMENT PLANS + HB 104 WORKERS COMP. MEDICAL TREATMENT FEES <Pending Referral> + Bills Previously Heard/Scheduled ---------------------------------------- RESOURCES Feb 20 Friday Butrovich 205 3:30 PM + Overview: Securing a New Supply of Natural Gas for Southcentral and Interior Alaska (Bullet Line, Spur Line) Palin Administration Harold Heinz, ANGDA Enstar Natural Gas Company Feb 23 Monday Butrovich 205 3:30 PM Overview: + Updated Information on the Susitna Hydro Project Alaska Energy Authority; + Proposed Chakachamna Hydro Project; TDX Power: Nick Goodman, Pres. and Eric Yould, Program Director Feb 25 Wednesday Senate Finance 532 3:00 PM Please Note Time & Location Change + Overview: Alaska Mining Industry -- Testimony <Invitation Only> -- Feb 27 Friday Butrovich 205 3:30 PM + Overview: Pebble Mine Permitting and Associated Issues -- Testimony <Invitation Only> -- ---------------------------------------- 2009-02-20 Senate Journal Page 0309 STATE AFFAIRS Feb 24 Tuesday Beltz 211 9:00 AM + SJR 6 OPPOSE H.R. 45 IN CONGRESS + SB 50 IDITAROD REGISTRATION PLATES + SB 19 COMPLAINTS AGAINST PEACE OFFICERS/VPSOS + Bills Previously Heard/Scheduled Feb 26 Thursday Beltz 211 9:00 AM + SB 49 BLOOD DONATION AWARENESS FUND + SB 29 NAMING THOMAS B. STEWART LEG. OFFICE BLDG + Bills Previously Heard/Scheduled ---------------------------------------- TRANSPORTATION Feb 24 Tuesday Butrovich 205 1:00 PM SB 111 INTRASTATE AIR SERVICE CERTIFICATES = SB 59 LOW- SPEED MOTOR VEHICLES SB 51 MOTOR VEHICLE WINDOW TINTING Feb 26 Thursday Butrovich 205 1:00 PM No Meeting Scheduled ---------------------------------------- FINANCE SUBCOMMITTEES ADMINISTRATION Feb 25 Wednesday Beltz 211 3:30 PM Review of Division of Motor Vehicles, Division of General Services, and Public Broadcasting -- Testimony <Invitation Only> -- Mar 09 Monday Beltz 211 3:30 PM Division/Program Reviews -- Testimony <Invitation Only> -- Mar 11 Wednesday Beltz 211 3:30 PM Residual Issues/Close-out -- Testimony <Invitation Only> -- 2009-02-20 Senate Journal Page 0310 FINANCE SUBCOMMITTEES (continued) ADMINISTRATION (continued) Mar 13 Friday Beltz 211 3:30 PM Close-out -- Testimony <Invitation Only> -- ---------------------------------------- CORRECTIONS Feb 20 Friday Beltz 211 11:00 AM Overview Mar 13 Friday Beltz 211 11:00 AM Overview Mar 16 Monday Beltz 211 3:00 PM Close-out ---------------------------------------- COURT SYSTEM Feb 26 Thursday Fahrenkamp 203 4:00 PM + Court System Budget Mar 10 Tuesday Fahrenkamp 203 4:00 PM + Court System Budget ---------------------------------------- EDUCATION & EARLY DEVELOPMENT Feb 25 Wednesday Senate Finance 532 5:00 PM + EED Budget Mar 12 Thursday Butrovich 205 4:00 PM + EED Budget ---------------------------------------- 2009-02-20 Senate Journal Page 0311 FINANCE SUBCOMMITTEES (continued) ENVIRONMENTAL CONSERVATION Mar 12 Thursday Fahrenkamp 203 3:30 PM + Overview Mar 16 Monday Beltz 211 5:00 PM Close-out ---------------------------------------- FISH & GAME Feb 23 Monday Senate Finance 532 3:00 PM -- MEETING CANCELED -- Overview Mar 19 Thursday Senate Finance 532 8:00 AM Department Close-out ---------------------------------------- GOVERNOR Feb 20 Friday Senate Finance 532 3:00 PM -- MEETING CANCELED -- Overview Feb 23 Monday Senate Finance 532 3:00 PM -- Rescheduled from 02/20/09 -- Overview Mar 20 Friday Senate Finance 532 3:00 PM Close-out ---------------------------------------- HEALTH & SOCIAL SERVICES Mar 03 Tuesday Fahrenkamp 203 8:00 AM + Public Health Initiatives -- Testimony <Invitation Only> -- 2009-02-20 Senate Journal Page 0312 FINANCE SUBCOMMITTEES (continued) HEALTH & SOCIAL SERVICES (continued) Mar 05 Thursday Fahrenkamp 203 8:00 AM -- MEETING CANCELED -- + Governor's Amendments, Q & A -- Testimony <Invitation Only> -- Mar 10 Tuesday Butrovich 205 3:00 PM + Governor's Amendments, Q & A -- Testimony <Invitation Only> -- Mar 19 Thursday Senate Finance 532 3:00 PM + Budget Close-out -- Testimony <Invitation Only> -- ---------------------------------------- LAW Feb 24 Tuesday Senate Finance 532 1:30 PM Budget Overview: Dept of Law Mar 03 Tuesday Senate Finance 532 1:30 PM Budget Detail Mar 10 Tuesday Senate Finance 532 1:30 PM Budget Detail Mar 17 Tuesday Senate Finance 532 1:30 PM Subcommittee Close-out ---------------------------------------- LEGISLATURE Mar 20 Friday Senate Finance 532 3:30 PM Close-out ---------------------------------------- 2009-02-20 Senate Journal Page 0313 FINANCE SUBCOMMITTEES (continued) NATURAL RESOURCES Feb 20 Friday Fahrenkamp 203 1:00 PM + Continuation of Departmental Overview: Division of Agriculture; Division of Forestry -- Testimony <Invitation Only> -- Feb 24 Tuesday Fahrenkamp 203 4:00 PM + Continuation of Departmental Overview: Division of Parks and Outdoor Recreation; State Pipeline Coordinator's Office; Division of Coastal and Ocean Management -- Testimony <Invitation Only> -- ---------------------------------------- PUBLIC SAFETY Mar 03 Tuesday Fahrenkamp 203 1:30 PM + Governor's Amendments - Q & A Session -- Testimony <Invitation Only> -- Mar 17 Tuesday Fahrenkamp 203 1:00 PM + Budget Close-out -- Testimony <Invitation Only> -- ---------------------------------------- REVENUE Feb 26 Thursday Fahrenkamp 203 1:30 PM Budget Overview: Dept of Revenue Mar 12 Thursday Fahrenkamp 203 1:30 PM Budget Detail Mar 19 Thursday Fahrenkamp 203 1:30 PM Subcommittee Close-out ---------------------------------------- 2009-02-20 Senate Journal Page 0314 FINANCE SUBCOMMITTEES (continued) TRANSPORTATION & PUBLIC FACILITIES Feb 24 Tuesday Senate Finance 532 8:00 AM Budget Overview: Dept. of Transportation Mar 03 Tuesday Senate Finance 532 8:00 AM Budget Detail Mar 10 Tuesday Senate Finance 532 8:00 AM Budget Detail Mar 17 Tuesday Senate Finance 532 8:00 AM Subcommittee Close-out ---------------------------------------- UNIVERSITY OF ALASKA Mar 18 Wednesday Senate Finance 532 8:00 AM Close-out ---------------------------------------- SPECIAL COMMITTEES ENERGY Feb 26 Thursday Senate Finance 532 3:00 PM Joint w/(H) ENERGY Work Session: Comprehensive Energy Plan Presenters: Gwen Holdman, Dir., Alaska Center for Energy and Power; David Hobbs and Jim Meitl, Cambridge Energy Research Associates; Darrell Smith, Black Lion Energae Feb 27 Friday Beltz 211 11:00 AM += SB 31 GEOTHERMAL ELEC. PROD. TAX CREDIT + HCR 2 IN-STATE GAS PIPELINE + HCR 3 IN-STATE GAS PIPELINE + HCR 4 IN-STATE GAS PIPELINE + HCR 5 IN-STATE GAS PIPELINE 2009-02-20 Senate Journal Page 0315 SPECIAL COMMITTEES (continued) WORLD TRADE, TECH, INNOVATIONS Feb 26 Thursday Butrovich 205 8:00 AM + Alternative Energy Opportunities and Technologies in Arctic and Sub-Arctic Alaska Presenter: Mead Treadwell, Chair U.S. Arctic Research Commission ---------------------------------------- JOINT COMMITTEES ARMED SERVICES COMMITTEE Mar 02 Monday Senate Finance 532 3:00 PM + Lt. General Dana Atkins, Commander of Alaskan Command, Alaskan North American Aerospace Defense Command Region Lt. General (AK) Craig E. Campbell, Commissioner / Adjutant General, Alaska National Guard and the Dept. of Military & Veterans Affairs Presentation: Outlook on military construction under the new Obama Administration and continued military expansion in Alaska -- Testimony <Invitation Only> -- ---------------------------------------- LEGISLATIVE BUDGET & AUDIT Feb 25 Wednesday House Finance 519 5:00 PM -- Rescheduled to 03/02/09 -- + Preliminary Audit - FY08 Statewide Single Audit Other Committee Business -- Testimony <Invitation Only> -- 2009-02-20 Senate Journal Page 0316 JOINT COMMITTEES (continued) LEGISLATIVE BUDGET & AUDIT (continued) Mar 02 Monday House Finance 519 5:00 PM -- Rescheduled from 02/25/09 -- + Preliminary Audit - FY08 Statewide Single Audit-Executive Session Other Committee Business -- Testimony <Invitation Only> -- ---------------------------------------- LEGISLATIVE COUNCIL Feb 23 Monday Senate Finance 532 5:00 PM Late Per Diem Approvals Ratification of Charitable Event Cutting Edge Development Inc. Contract Amendment Legislative Council FY10 Budget Proposal Travel and Moving Policy Amendment Revisor's Bill Introduction Update on Legislative Commemorative Coin Other Business ---------------------------------------- SELECT COMMITTEE ON LEGISLATIVE ETHICS Feb 24 Tuesday Butrovich 205 9:00 AM Full Committee: Open Session Election of Chairs Public Comment Chair/Staff Report Budget Sanctioned Charity Events Exempt Positions 2009 Suggested Legislation Advisory Opinion 08-05 State Facilities Advisory Opinion 09-01 Newsletters Executive Session Advisory Opinion 09-02 Public Session Other Business ---------------------------------------- 2009-02-20 Senate Journal Page 0317 OTHER MEETINGS FISH CAUCUS Feb 26 Thursday Capitol 106 12:00 PM + Alaska Seafood in the Global Food Aid Program: New Markets, Products and Revenues Brown Bag Lunch ---------------------------------------- JOINT SESSION Apr 07 Tuesday House Chamber 11:00 AM Annual Address by the Honorable Mark Begich, U.S. Senator