Legislature(2011 - 2012)
2012-01-17 House Journal
Full Journal pdf2012-01-17 House Journal Page 1327 HOUSE JOURNAL ALASKA STATE LEGISLATURE TWENTY-SEVENTH LEGISLATURE - SECOND SESSION Juneau, Alaska Tuesday January 17, 2012 First Day The House of Representatives of the Second Session of the Twenty- seventh Legislature was called to order by Speaker Chenault at 1:03 p.m. Roll call showed 39 members present. Representative Austerman moved and asked unanimous consent that Representative Neuman be excused from a call of the House from today to 9:35 p.m., January 18. There being no objection, it was so ordered. An Honor Guard from the Alaska Girl Scouts Council, Juneau Service Unit, composed of Reece Bleakley, Winter Clancy, Kimberly Clark, Sierra Coleman, Meg Kurland, Asianna Mazon, Summer Putman, Allison Rivera, Amara Sanguni, and Teja Tolbert, presented the Colors and led the Pledge of Allegiance. The Alaska Youth Choir sang "Alaska's Flag" and "America the Beautiful" under the direction of Missouri Smyth. The invocation was offered by the Chaplain, The Most Reverend Edward J. Burns, Bishop of the Catholic Diocese of Juneau. Representative P. Wilson moved and asked unanimous consent that the invocation be spread on the journal. There being no objection, it was so ordered. Good and gracious God, in the beginning you created the heavens and the earth; you are the Alpha and the Omega; all that we have comes from your almighty hand-we thank you 2012-01-17 House Journal Page 1328 and we praise you for the blessings you have bestowed upon us. As the members of the House of Representatives of the State of Alaska begin this legislative session, we ask that you stretch out your hand and bless them with your gifts of wisdom, strength, and grace. May they seek to do your will in serving the common good of your people. We ask that you bless them for their service to the great state of Alaska. We are grateful for the sacrifice they make in serving in public office. We recognize that by serving in this capacity they have sacrificed much to be here; please guide them as they serve the needs of their brothers and sisters throughout this vast land we call home. Bless, too, their loved ones and all who are dear to them. May these legislators know your presence in their lives. Give them a sense of peace and fulfillment in serving others. And may this legislative session be fruitful and advance all the needs of this state that are right and just. We ask all this in your Holy Name. Amen. CERTIFICATION OF THE JOURNAL Representative Austerman moved and asked unanimous consent that the journal for the second legislative day of the Second Special Session, House Journal Supplement No. 3, Senate and House Joint Journal Supplement No. 8, and the Second Supplement and Final Supplement of the First Session and First and Second Special Sessions be approved as certified by the Chief Clerk. There being no objection, it was so ordered. * * * * * The Speaker appointed Representatives Costello and Doogan to advise the Governor that the House is in session and ready to do business. The Speaker appointed Representatives Herron and Gardner to advise the Senate that the House is in session and ready to do business. 2012-01-17 House Journal Page 1329 The Speaker stated that, without objection, the House would recess to notify the Governor and Senate; and so, the House recessed at 1:19 p.m. AFTER RECESS The Speaker called the House back to order at 1:43 p.m. A delegation from the Senate, composed of Senators Ellis and Huggins, reported that the Senate is organized and ready to do business. Representative Costello reported that the Governor was notified that the House is in session and ready to do business. Representative Herron reported that the Senate was notified that the House is in session and ready to do business. MESSAGES FROM THE GOVERNOR A message dated December 28, 2011, was read stating under the provision of art. III, sec. 18, Constitution of the State of Alaska, the Governor requests the opportunity to address a joint session of the Twenty-seventh Alaska State Legislature on Wednesday, January 18, 2012, at 7:00 p.m., for presentation of the State of the State and State of the Budget Address. EO 116 EXECUTIVE ORDER NO. 116: Transferring certain hearing and appeal functions of the Department of Health and Social Services to the office of administrative hearings in the Department of Administration. was referred to the State Affairs and Finance Committees. The following fiscal note(s) apply: 2012-01-17 House Journal Page 1330 1. Fiscal, Dept. of Health & Social Services 2. Fiscal, Dept. of Health & Social Services 3. Fiscal, Dept. of Administration The Governor's transmittal letter dated January 13, 2012, follows: "Dear Speaker Chenault: Under the authority of Article III, Section 23 of the Alaska Constitution, and in accordance with AS 24.08.210, I am transmitting Executive Order 116 to transfer certain hearing and appeal functions of the Department of Health and Social Services to the Office of Administrative Hearings in the Department of Administration. The Office of Administrative Hearings (OAH) was created in 2004 in the Department of Administration to provide greater coordination and expertise in the conduct of administrative hearings. OAH has provided additional confidence to the public that final administrative decisions on appeal are fairly reached, being heard before a neutral decision maker. The Department of Health and Social Services (DHSS) is currently responsible for a large number of the administrative hearings and appeals, and its decisions affect many Alaskans. Moving DHSS hearing and appeal functions to a neutral and independent adjudicatory body such as OAH will benefit the public by adding to the impartiality and professionalism of the decisions issued. This Executive Order is intended to increase public confidence and to consolidate functions to make a more efficient State government. Sincerely, /s/ Sean Parnell Governor" MESSAGES FROM THE SENATE A message dated April 17, 2011, was read stating the Senate passed the following, and it is transmitted for consideration: 2012-01-17 House Journal Page 1331 FIRST READING AND REFERENCE OF SENATE BILLS SB 66 CS FOR SENATE BILL NO. 66(L&C) by the Senate Labor and Commerce Committee, entitled: "An Act creating a new markets tax credit assistance guarantee and loan program within the Alaska Industrial Development and Export Authority and relating to the program; and providing for an effective date." was read the first time and referred to the Labor & Commerce and Finance Committees. COMMUNICATIONS The following were received: Alaska Comprehensive Health Insurance Association 2010 Annual Report (as required by AS 21.55.020) Alaska Housing Finance Corporation 2011 Annual Report (as required by AS 18.56.089 and 18.56.200) Alaska Industrial Development and Export Authority 2011 Annual Report (as required by AS 44.88.210) Dept. of Health & Social Services Status Report on Health Information Exchange in Alaska December 2011 (as required by AS 18.23.315) 2012-01-17 House Journal Page 1332 Legislative Affairs Agency Division of Legal and Research Services Report Listing Alaska Statutes with Delayed Repeals or Delayed Amendments and Examining Court Decisions and Opinions of the Attorney General Construing Alaska Statutes December 2011 (as required by AS 24.20.065) Alaska State Legislature Joint Armed Services Committee Activities Report January 16, 2012 (as required by AS 24.20.675) Dept. of Revenue Tax Division Revenue Sources Book Fall 2011 Dept. of Transportation & Public Facilities Alaska International Airports System (AIAS) Construction Fund Annual Report and Spending Plan Fiscal Year 2012 (as required by AS 37.15.420) Dept. of Transportation & Public Facilities and the Dept. of Administration Reducing State Energy Consumption 2011 Progress Report (as required by AS 44.42.067) The following audit reports were received from the Division of Legislative Audit, Legislative Budget & Audit Committee, as required by AS 24.20.311: Dept. of Commerce, Community, & Economic Development Division of Corporations, Business and Professional Licensing State Medical Board June 16, 2011 2012-01-17 House Journal Page 1333 Dept. of Commerce, Community, & Economic Development Big Game Commercial Services Board September 13, 2011 Office of the Governor Alaska State Commission for Human Rights Selected Operational Issues September 23, 2011 INTRODUCTION OF CITATIONS The following citation was introduced and taken up later as a Special Order of Business: Honoring - Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. Day By Senator Davis INTRODUCTION, FIRST READING, AND REFERENCE OF HOUSE RESOLUTIONS HR 10 HOUSE RESOLUTION NO. 10 by Representative Keller: Supporting the Electoral College and opposing the Agreement Among the States to Elect the President by National Popular Vote interstate compact. was read the first time and referred to the State Affairs Committee. HCR 19 HOUSE CONCURRENT RESOLUTION NO. 19 by Representatives Herron, Edgmon, Seaton, and Tuck: Acknowledging the lessons learned from the 2011 Norway Policy Tour and encouraging investment in the state's oil and gas industry. was read the first time and referred to the House Special Committee on Economic Development, Trade, & Tourism. 2012-01-17 House Journal Page 1334 HJR 29 HOUSE JOINT RESOLUTION NO. 29 by Representatives Millett, Gruenberg, Fairclough, Tuck, and Thompson: Urging the United States Department of the Interior, Bureau of Land Management, to plug legacy wells properly and to reclaim the legacy well sites as soon as possible in order to protect the environment in the Arctic region. was read the first time and referred to the Resources Committee. HJR 30 HOUSE JOINT RESOLUTION NO. 30 by Representative Keller: Requesting the United States Congress to call a Constitutional Convention to propose an amendment to the Constitution of the United States requiring approval of a majority of state legislatures to increase the federal debt limit. was read the first time and referred to the Finance Committee. INTRODUCTION, FIRST READING, AND REFERENCE OF HOUSE BILLS The Speaker stated that prefiled bills introduced today will be held for joint prime sponsorship in the Chief Clerk's office until 4:00 p.m. (Note: Capitalized names of prefiled bills indicate joint prime sponsorship.) HB 243 (Prefile released January 6, 2012) HOUSE BILL NO. 243 by Representative Kawasaki, entitled: "An Act prohibiting certain automated telephone solicitations." was read the first time and referred to the Labor & Commerce and Judiciary Committees. 2012-01-17 House Journal Page 1335 HB 244 (Prefile released January 6, 2012) HOUSE BILL NO. 244 by Representatives KAWASAKI, TUCK, GARDNER, GARA, and Miller, entitled: "An Act providing that for-profit corporations and limited liability companies organized in this state are not persons for purposes of influencing the outcomes of public office elections, initiatives, referendums, or recalls." was read the first time and referred to the State Affairs and Judiciary Committees. HB 245 (Prefile released January 6, 2012) HOUSE BILL NO. 245 by Representative Hawker, entitled: "An Act establishing a snow classic as an authorized form of charitable gaming." was read the first time and referred to the Labor & Commerce and Finance Committees. HB 246 (Prefile released January 6, 2012) HOUSE BILL NO. 246 by Representative Thomas, entitled: "An Act naming certain bridges." was read the first time and referred to the Transportation and Finance Committees. HB 247 (Prefile released January 6, 2012) HOUSE BILL NO. 247 by Representatives LYNN, THOMPSON, SADDLER, Fairclough, and Costello, entitled: "An Act establishing July 30 each year as Alaska National Guard Day." 2012-01-17 House Journal Page 1336 was read the first time and referred to the House Special Committee on Military & Veterans' Affairs and the State Affairs Committee. HB 248 (Prefile released January 6, 2012) HOUSE BILL NO. 248 by Representative Dick, entitled: "An Act naming the Al Wright Airport at Minto." was read the first time and referred to the Transportation and Finance Committees. HB 249 (Prefile released January 6, 2012) HOUSE BILL NO. 249 by Representative Dick, entitled: "An Act naming the Koyukuk Station Veterans' Airport at Koyukuk." was read the first time and referred to the Transportation and Finance Committees. HB 250 (Prefile released January 6, 2012) HOUSE BILL NO. 250 by Representatives THOMAS, P. WILSON, MILLETT, Austerman, and Edgmon, entitled: "An Act relating to the renewable energy grant fund and recommendation program; and providing for an effective date." was read the first time and referred to the House Special Committee on Energy and the Finance Committee. HB 251 (Prefile released January 6, 2012) HOUSE BILL NO. 251 by Representatives DICK and JOULE, entitled: "An Act relating to the Board of Veterinary Examiners and the practice of veterinary medicine." 2012-01-17 House Journal Page 1337 was read the first time and referred to the Labor & Commerce and Finance Committees. HB 252 (Prefile released January 6, 2012) HOUSE BILL NO. 252 by Representatives Costello, Lynn, Keller, Feige, Pruitt, Thomas, Tuck, Holmes, P. Wilson, Stoltze, Herron, Foster, and Johnson, entitled: "An Act exempting certain small businesses from the corporate income tax; and providing for an effective date." was read the first time and referred to the Labor & Commerce and Finance Committees. HB 253 (Prefile released January 6, 2012) HOUSE BILL NO. 253 by Representatives STOLTZE, THOMPSON, MILLETT, PRUITT, TUCK, Lynn, and Costello, entitled: "An Act classifying certain substances as schedule IIA controlled substances; and providing for an effective date." was read the first time and referred to the Judiciary and Finance Committees. HB 254 (Prefile released January 6, 2012) HOUSE BILL NO. 254 by Representatives DICK and MUNOZ, entitled: "An Act establishing the Alaska Native Language Preservation and Advisory Council and relating to the preservation, restoration, and revitalization of Alaska Native languages." was read the first time and referred to the State Affairs and Finance Committees. 2012-01-17 House Journal Page 1338 HB 255 (Prefile released January 6, 2012) HOUSE BILL NO. 255 by Representatives GARA, THOMAS, GATTO, P. WILSON, GRUENBERG, TUCK, and Costello, entitled: "An Act prohibiting the driver of a motor vehicle from reading or typing a text message or other nonvoice message or communication on a cellular telephone, computer, or personal data assistant while driving a motor vehicle." was read the first time and referred to the Transportation, Judiciary, and Finance Committees. HB 256 (Prefile released January 6, 2012) HOUSE BILL NO. 256 by Representatives Dick and Herron, entitled: "An Act repealing provisions relating to the power and duties of the Department of Education and Early Development to intervene in a school district to improve instructional practices." was read the first time and referred to the Education and Finance Committees. HB 257 (Prefile released January 6, 2012) HOUSE BILL NO. 257 by Representative Kerttula, entitled: "An Act relating to time limitations on applications for compensation to victims of crime by the Violent Crimes Compensation Board." was read the first time and referred to the State Affairs and Finance Committees. HB 258 (Prefile released January 13, 2012) HOUSE BILL NO. 258 by Representative Joule, entitled: 2012-01-17 House Journal Page 1339 "An Act directing the Department of Transportation and Public Facilities to develop and implement standards and operating procedures allowing for the use in the construction and maintenance of transportation projects and public facilities and in the construction of projects by public and private entities of gravel or aggregate materials that contain a limited amount of naturally occurring asbestos, and authorizing use on an interim basis of those materials for certain transportation projects and public facilities; relating to certain claims arising out of or in connection with the use of gravel or aggregate materials containing a limited amount of naturally occurring asbestos; and providing for an effective date." was read the first time and referred to the Transportation and Finance Committees. HB 259 (Prefile released January 13, 2012) HOUSE BILL NO. 259 by Representatives MUNOZ and P. WILSON, entitled: "An Act establishing procedures and guidelines for auditing pharmacy records; and providing for an effective date." was read the first time and referred to the Labor & Commerce and Finance Committees. HB 260 (Prefile released January 13, 2012) HOUSE BILL NO. 260 by Representatives PETERSEN, TUCK, KAWASAKI, MILLER, and GARA, entitled: "An Act establishing a permanent absentee voting option for qualified voters; and providing for an effective date." was read the first time and referred to the State Affairs and Judiciary Committees. 2012-01-17 House Journal Page 1340 HB 261 (Prefile released January 13, 2012) HOUSE BILL NO. 261 by Representatives EDGMON, MILLETT, and THOMPSON, entitled: "An Act relating to loans for the purchase of commercial fishing entry permits; and providing for an effective date." was read the first time and referred to the House Special Committee on Fisheries and the Finance Committee. HB 262 (Prefile released January 13, 2012) HOUSE BILL NO. 262 by Representative Cissna, entitled: "An Act relating to the offense of interference with access to public buildings or transportation facilities, when a person conditions access to a public building or transportation facility on consent to certain physical contact or to an electronic process that produces a picture of the private exposure of the person." was read the first time and referred to the Judiciary and Finance Committees. HB 263 (Prefile released January 13, 2012) HOUSE BILL NO. 263 by Representatives GARDNER, GARA, TUCK, KAWASAKI, and Kerttula, entitled: "An Act relating to information concerning oil and gas taxes, including information about expenditures that must be provided in order to claim an oil and gas production tax credit for those expenditures, and relating to the disclosure of that information; and providing for an effective date." was read the first time and referred to the Resources Committee. 2012-01-17 House Journal Page 1341 HB 264 (Prefile released January 13, 2012) HOUSE BILL NO. 264 by Representatives Munoz and Chenault, entitled: "An Act allowing a deferral of municipal property taxes on the increase in the value of real property attributable to subdivision of that property; and providing for an effective date." was read the first time and referred to the Community & Regional Affairs and Finance Committees. HB 265 This prefile was not introduced. HB 266 (Prefile released January 13, 2012) HOUSE BILL NO. 266 by Representatives MUNOZ, TUCK, THOMPSON, and Kerttula, entitled: "An Act relating to the practice of naturopathy; and providing for an effective date." was read the first time and referred to the Labor & Commerce Committee. HB 267 (Prefile released January 13, 2012) HOUSE BILL NO. 267 by Representatives MUNOZ, OLSON, Lynn, and Costello, entitled: "An Act relating to the Real Estate Commission; and providing for an effective date." was read the first time and referred to the Labor & Commerce Committee. 2012-01-17 House Journal Page 1342 HB 268 (Prefile released January 13, 2012) HOUSE BILL NO. 268 by Representatives GARDNER, TUCK, KAWASAKI, and Kerttula, entitled: "An Act relating to reporting requirements for credits against the oil and gas production tax and oil and gas exploration, production, and pipeline transportation property taxes; and relating to the authority of the Department of Labor and Workforce Development to audit information reported by an employer claiming a credit." was read the first time and referred to the Labor & Commerce and Finance Committees. HB 269 (Prefile released January 13, 2012) HOUSE BILL NO. 269 by Representative Holmes, entitled: "An Act relating to the amendment of a declaration that creates a common interest community." was read the first time and referred to the Labor & Commerce and Judiciary Committees. HB 270 (Prefile released January 13, 2012) HOUSE BILL NO. 270 by Representatives CISSNA, GRUENBERG, and TUCK, entitled: "An Act requiring the Department of Transportation and Public Facilities to require airports to post warning signs outside of security screening areas warning passengers that they are subject to searches of their bodies by physical touching and by electronic devices that emit radiation." was read the first time and referred to the Transportation and Finance Committees. 2012-01-17 House Journal Page 1343 HB 271 (Prefile released January 13, 2012) HOUSE BILL NO. 271 by Representatives KELLER and PRUITT, entitled: "An Act relating to the state highway system and commercial motor vehicle requirements." was read the first time and referred to the Transportation Committee. HB 272 (Prefile released January 13, 2012) HOUSE BILL NO. 272 by Representatives GARA, GUTTENBERG, GARDNER, KERTTULA, HOLMES, TUCK, KAWASAKI, PETERSEN, GRUENBERG, and CISSNA, entitled: "An Act providing for a reduction in interest on postsecondary education loans for residents." was read the first time and referred to the Education and Finance Committees. HB 273 (Prefile released January 13, 2012) HOUSE BILL NO. 273 by Representative Gardner, entitled: "An Act relating to the inclusion of the charges of a vendor of goods or services on the bills of certain telecommunications carriers; and adding an unlawful act to the Alaska Unfair Trade Practices and Consumer Protection Act." was read the first time and referred to the Labor & Commerce Committee. HB 274 (Prefile released January 13, 2012) HOUSE BILL NO. 274 by Representatives HOLMES and OLSON, entitled: 2012-01-17 House Journal Page 1344 "An Act relating to the exemption of certain acts and transactions from the provisions dealing with unfair methods of competition and unfair or deceptive acts or practices." was read the first time and referred to the Labor & Commerce Committee. HB 275 (Prefile released January 13, 2012) HOUSE BILL NO. 275 by Representatives Lynn and Gara, entitled: "An Act requiring that a policy of group health insurance offered by the state and certain local governments include coverage for colorectal screening, allow retirees to choose between brand-name and generic drug products, and limit certain prescription drug benefit payments to an amount based on the cost of the generic drug product." was read the first time and referred to the Labor & Commerce and Finance Committees. HB 276 (Prefile released January 13, 2012) HOUSE BILL NO. 276 by Representatives THOMPSON, DICK, MILLETT, TUCK, and MILLER, entitled: "An Act providing for a credit against the oil and gas production tax for costs incurred in drilling certain oil or natural gas exploration wells in the Nenana Basin." was read the first time and referred to the Resources and Finance Committees. HB 277 (Prefile released January 13, 2012) HOUSE BILL NO. 277 by Representatives SADDLER, FEIGE, MILLETT, and Thompson, entitled: 2012-01-17 House Journal Page 1345 "An Act relating to occupational licensing fees charged by state agencies for certain veterans." was read the first time and referred to the Labor & Commerce and Finance Committees. HB 278 (Prefile released January 13, 2012) HOUSE BILL NO. 278 by Representative Petersen, entitled: "An Act allowing as a condition of probation for a defendant convicted of certain sex offenses a prohibition against the defendant's residing at a residence where outdoor recreational equipment suitable for use by children under 16 years of age is located on the property." was read the first time and referred to the Judiciary Committee. HB 279 HOUSE BILL NO. 279 by the House Rules Committee by request of the Legislative Budget and Audit Committee, entitled: "An Act extending the termination dates of the Board of Nursing, the Board of Dental Examiners, the Board of Barbers and Hairdressers, the Big Game Commercial Services Board, the Alcoholic Beverage Control Board, and the Alaska Seismic Hazards Safety Commission; and providing for an effective date." was read the first time and referred to the Labor & Commerce and Finance Committees. HB 280 HOUSE BILL NO. 280 by Representatives Joule, Chenault, and Millett, entitled: "An Act providing for a credit against the oil and gas production tax for costs incurred in drilling certain oil and gas exploration wells in the Kotzebue basin or the Selawik basin; and providing for an effective date." 2012-01-17 House Journal Page 1346 was read the first time and referred to the Resources and Finance Committees. HB 281 HOUSE BILL NO. 281 by Representatives Thomas, Feige, and Lynn, entitled: "An Act establishing March 30 of each year as Welcome Home Vietnam Veterans Day." was read the first time and referred to the House Special Committee on Military & Veterans' Affairs. HB 282 HOUSE BILL NO. 282 by Representatives Thomas and Feige, entitled: "An Act relating to applying military education, training, and service credit to occupational licensing and certain postsecondary education and employment training requirements; and providing for a temporary occupational license for qualified military service members." was read the first time and referred to the Education and Finance Committees. HB 283 HOUSE BILL NO. 283 by the House Rules Committee by request of the Governor, entitled: "An Act making and amending appropriations, including capital appropriations and other appropriations; making appropriations to capitalize funds; and providing for an effective date." was read the first time and referred to the Finance Committee. The Governor's transmittal letter dated January 13, 2012, follows: 2012-01-17 House Journal Page 1347 "Dear Speaker Chenault: Under the authority of Article III, Section 18 of the Alaska Constitution, I am transmitting a bill relating to the State's capital budget for Fiscal Year 2013 (FY 2013). My budget proposal for FY 2013 continues our efforts to foster opportunity for job growth and economic opportunity for Alaskans. Our budget priorities are established in the State of Alaska's Constitution - resource development, transportation/infrastructure, education, and safe homes and communities for Alaskans. The proposed capital budget totals $1.8 billion and includes resource development and infrastructure projects throughout Alaska such as roads to resources, State and federal highways, airports, the marine highway, ports and harbors, and water and sewer projects. The budget funds renewable energy and weatherization projects and includes two rural school construction projects and 14 school major maintenance projects. Year three of the five-year deferred maintenance program to take care of State assets is also requested. Development of our natural resources is key to economic growth and opportunities for Alaskans. Our budget invests in access to these resources, streamlining permitting, and assessing strategic minerals potential throughout the state. Together with investments in transportation infrastructure, this budget positions Alaska for a future with more opportunity and more prosperity. I look forward to working with the Legislature to finalize the capital budget for the upcoming fiscal year. Thank you for your consideration of this bill. Sincerely, /s/ Sean Parnell Governor" HB 284 HOUSE BILL NO. 284 by the House Rules Committee by request of the Governor, entitled: 2012-01-17 House Journal Page 1348 "An Act making appropriations for the operating and loan program expenses of state government and for certain programs, capitalizing funds, amending appropriations, and making reappropriations; and providing for an effective date." was read the first time and referred to the Finance Committee. The Governor's transmittal letter dated January 13, 2012, follows: "Dear Speaker Chenault: Under the authority of Article III, Section 18 of the Alaska Constitution, I am transmitting a bill relating to the State's operating budget for Fiscal Year 2013 (FY 2013). My budget proposal for FY 2013 continues our efforts to foster opportunity for job growth and economic opportunity for Alaskans. Our budget priorities are established in the State of Alaska's Constitution - resource development, transportation/infrastructure, education, and safe homes and communities for Alaskans. I am proposing a reasonable operating budget that holds the line on government spending and looks to provide a more stable and secure future for our families. With budget discipline, targeted spending, and managing our savings, Alaska's cash reserves and excellent bond rating will provide us with economic opportunities for years to come. I look forward to working with the Legislature to finalize the operating budget for the upcoming fiscal year. Thank you for your consideration of this bill. Sincerely, /s/ Sean Parnell Governor" HB 285 HOUSE BILL NO. 285 by the House Rules Committee by request of the Governor, entitled: 2012-01-17 House Journal Page 1349 "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. A letter dated January 13, 2012, with accompanying spreadsheets, to the Alaska Mental Health Trust Authority from Karen J. Rehfeld, Director, Office of Management and Budget, was attached (as required by AS 37.14.003) and is on file in the Chief Clerk's office. The Governor's transmittal letter dated January 13, 2012, follows: "Dear Speaker Chenault: Under the authority of Article III, Section 18 of the Alaska Constitution, I am transmitting a bill relating to the State's comprehensive mental health program for Fiscal Year 2013 (FY 2013). As required by statute, it includes both operating and capital appropriations. Also, as required, the enclosed report outlines the differences between the recommendations of the Alaska Mental Health Trust Authority and my proposed budget. The proposed mental health budget represents a cooperative effort between State agencies and the Alaska Mental Health Trust Authority. These productive working relationships make a positive difference for Alaska's mental health beneficiaries. I am proposing a reasonable budget that holds the line on government spending and provides a more stable and secure future for our families. With budget discipline, targeted spending, and managing our savings, Alaska's cash reserves and excellent bond rating will provide us with economic opportunities for years to come. I look forward to working with the Legislature to finalize the mental health budget for the upcoming fiscal year. Thank you for your consideration of this bill. 2012-01-17 House Journal Page 1350 Sincerely, /s/ Sean Parnell Governor" HB 286 HOUSE BILL NO. 286 by the House Rules Committee by request of the Governor, entitled: "An Act providing for and relating to the issuance of general obligation bonds for the purpose of paying the cost of municipal port projects; and providing for an effective date." was read the first time and referred to the Finance Committee. The Governor's transmittal letter dated January 13, 2012, follows: "Dear Speaker Chenault: Under the authority of Article III, Section 18 of the Alaska Constitution, I am transmitting a bill providing for and relating to the issuance of $350 million in general obligation bonds for the purpose of paying the cost of certain municipal port projects. The bill would provide for the issuance of general obligation bonds to finance design and construction costs for these port projects. These projects are important to their respective municipalities and would also improve transportation infrastructure in the state. The current low cost of borrowing provides the opportunity to keep overall spending low, while at the same time utilizing bond receipts to expand and improve our infrastructure. Thank you for your favorable consideration of this bill. Sincerely, /s/ Sean Parnell Governor" 2012-01-17 House Journal Page 1351 HB 287 HOUSE BILL NO. 287 by Representative Gruenberg, entitled: "An Act relating to absentee voting." was read the first time and referred to the State Affairs and Judiciary Committees. HB 288 HOUSE BILL NO. 288 by Representative Keller, entitled: "An Act prohibiting denial or withholding of medical assistance eligibility or coverage for a prisoner." was read the first time and referred to the Health & Social Services and Finance Committees. HB 289 HOUSE BILL NO. 289 by Representative Thompson, entitled: "An Act relating to a gas storage facility; relating to the tax credit for a gas storage facility; relating to the powers and duties of the Alaska Oil and Gas Conservation Commission; relating to the regulation of natural gas storage as a utility; relating to the powers and duties of the director of the division of lands and to lease fees for a gas storage facility on state land; and providing for an effective date." was read the first time and referred to the Resources and Finance Committees. UNFINISHED BUSINESS Representative Austerman moved and asked unanimous consent that the following members be excused from a call of the House. There being no objection, the members were excused as noted: Representative P. Wilson - from 7:30 a.m. to 3:30 p.m., January 18 2012-01-17 House Journal Page 1352 Representative Foster - from 6:00 p.m., January 20 to 8:00 p.m., January 22 SPECIAL ORDER OF BUSINESS Representative Austerman moved and asked unanimous consent that the notice and publication requirements be waived and the citation, Honoring - Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. Day, be taken up as a Special Order of Business. There being no objection, it was so ordered. Representative Austerman moved and asked unanimous consent that the House approve the citation. There being no objection, the following citation was approved and sent to enrolling: Honoring - Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. Day By Senator Davis; Representatives Chenault, Austerman, Cissna, Costello, Dick, Doogan, Edgmon, Fairclough, Feige, Foster, Gara, Gardner, Gatto, Gruenberg, Guttenberg, Hawker, Herron, Holmes, Johansen, Johnson, Joule, Kawasaki, Keller, Kerttula, Lynn, Miller, Millett, Munoz, Neuman, Olson, Petersen, Pruitt, Saddler, Seaton, Stoltze, Thomas, Thompson, Tuck, P. Wilson, T. Wilson UNFINISHED BUSINESS HB 9 Representative Hawker added his name as cosponsor to: HOUSE BILL NO. 9 "An Act requiring the Joint In-State Gasline Development Team to report to the legislature recommended changes to state law that are required to enable or facilitate the design, financing, and construction of an in-state natural gas pipeline so that the in- state natural gas pipeline is operational before 2016; and providing for an effective date." HB 168 Representative Dick added his name as cosponsor to: 2012-01-17 House Journal Page 1353 CS FOR HOUSE BILL NO. 168(JUD) "An Act requiring the amount of the security given by a party seeking an injunction or order vacating or staying the operation of a permit affecting an industrial operation to include an amount for the payment of wages and benefits for employees and payments to contractors and subcontractors that may be lost if the industrial operation is wrongfully enjoined." HB 178 Representative Lynn added his name as cosponsor to: HOUSE BILL NO. 178 "An Act relating to election practices and procedures; and providing for an effective date." HB 194 Representative Kawasaki added his name as cosponsor to: HOUSE BILL NO. 194 "An Act making a special appropriation to the Alaska permanent fund; making an appropriation under art. IX, sec. 17(c), Constitution of the State of Alaska, from the constitutional budget reserve fund; and providing for an effective date." ANNOUNCEMENTS House committee schedules are published under separate cover. ADJOURNMENT Representative Austerman moved and asked unanimous consent that the House adjourn until 10:30 a.m., January 18, 2012. There being no objection, the House adjourned at 2:24 p.m. Suzi Lowell Chief Clerk