Legislature(2011 - 2012)
2011-01-26 Senate Journal
Full Journal pdf2011-01-26 Senate Journal Page 0095 SENATE JOURNAL ALASKA STATE LEGISLATURE TWENTY-SEVENTH LEGISLATURE FIRST SESSION Juneau, Alaska Wednesday January 26, 2011 Ninth Day Pursuant to adjournment the Senate was called to order by President Stevens at 11:00 a.m. The roll showed twenty members present. There was a choral performance by the children of Discovery Preschool. The prayer was offered by the Chaplain, Murray Richmond. Senator Meyer moved and asked unanimous consent that the prayer be spread. Without objection, it was so ordered. Holy and Eternal God, In the 23rd Psalm, David said you were like a good shepherd, leading and caring for your sheep. Heaven knows, we often need guidance and care, especially since this body is often charged with providing guidance and care for the people of this state. And if anyone knows that is a hard task, you do, O Lord. The needs of the people are great, and sometimes we as leaders feel like a sheep without a shepherd. We want to balance being good stewards of the state's resources, as well as being good stewards of the state's people - especially the least among us, the people who present more needs than opportunities, the people who don't have all the resources we have, 2011-01-26 Senate Journal Page 0096 the sick, the hungry, the prisoners, the poor. These are the people you specifically asked us to care for, and yet these are the people who present that hardest challenge when it comes to care and guidance. I ask your wisdom and compassion to rest on this body as it fulfills its duties to the state. I know that the men and women here will work hard to provide leadership and guidance to the state of Alaska, but I pray that they also remember that you are also hard at work, providing guidance and care for them in their work. Amen. Senator Egan led the Senate in the Pledge of Allegiance. Certification Senator Meyer moved and asked unanimous consent that the journals for the seventh and eighth legislative days be approved as certified by the Secretary. Without objection, it was so ordered. Messages from the House Message dated January 25 was read stating: The House of Representatives respectfully invites the Senate to a Joint Session of the Twenty-seventh Alaska Legislature at 11:00 a.m. on Tuesday, March 22 for the purpose of hearing Senator Mark Begich's annual message to the Alaska State Legislature. Senator Meyer moved and asked unanimous consent that the Senate accept the House invitation to meet in Joint Session. Without objection, it was so ordered. The Secretary was requested to notify the House. 2011-01-26 Senate Journal Page 0097 Communications The following reports are on file in the Office of the Secretary of the Senate: Department of Law 2010 Annual Report from John J. Burns, Attorney General, Department of Law in accordance with AS 44.23.020(b)(7) Investment Earnings Report for the Alaska Marine Highway System Fund and the Alaska Marine Highway System Vessel Replacement Fund from Bryan Butcher, Commissioner, Department of Revenue in accordance with AS 19.65.070(c) and AS 37.05.550(c) Introduction and Reference of Senate Resolutions SJR 4 SENATE JOINT RESOLUTION NO. 4 BY SENATOR HUGGINS, Honoring President Reagan on the 100th anniversary of his birth. was read the first time and referred to the State Affairs Committee. SCR 3 SENATE CONCURRENT RESOLUTION NO. 3 BY SENATOR HUGGINS, Urging the Alaska Historical Commission to prepare recommendations for the naming of a geographical feature in the state as a permanent legacy in recognition of President Ronald Reagan's service to the United States of America. was read the first time and referred to the Resources Committee. 2011-01-26 Senate Journal Page 0098 SCR 4 SENATE CONCURRENT RESOLUTION NO. 4 BY SENATOR MCGUIRE, Creating and relating to the Alaska Oil and Gas Competitiveness Review Task Force. was read the first time and referred to the Resources and Finance Committees. Introduction and Reference of Senate Bills SB 68 SENATE BILL NO. 68 BY SENATOR COGHILL, entitled: "An Act relating to the examinations, board, loans, records, and lobbying contracts of the Alaska Commercial Fishing and Agriculture Bank; and providing for an effective date." was read the first time and referred to the Labor and Commerce and Finance Committees. SB 69 SENATE BILL NO. 69 BY SENATOR EGAN, entitled: "An Act repealing a prohibition against classified state employees participating in the management of political parties above the precinct level." was read the first time and referred to the State Affairs and Labor and Commerce Committees. SB 70 SENATE BILL NO. 70 BY SENATORS FRENCH, Davis, entitled: "An Act establishing the Alaska Health Benefit Exchange; and providing for an effective date." 2011-01-26 Senate Journal Page 0099 was read the first time and referred to the Labor and Commerce and Finance Committees. SB 71 SENATE BILL NO. 71 BY SENATOR MCGUIRE, entitled: "An Act relating to the duties of the Department of Labor and Workforce Development; relating to the tax rates applicable to the production of oil and gas; relating to a rebate of the production tax on oil and gas based on the employment of resident workers; relating to credits against the oil and gas production tax; relating to the period in which oil and gas production taxes may be assessed; and providing for an effective date." was read the first time and referred to the Resources and Finance Committees. SB 72 SENATE BILL NO. 72 BY THE SENATE RULES COMMITTEE BY REQUEST OF THE GOVERNOR, entitled: "An Act relating to the crimes of stalking, online enticement of a minor, unlawful exploitation of a minor, endangering the welfare of a child, sending an explicit image of a minor, harassment, distribution of indecent material to minors, and misconduct involving confidential information; relating to probation; and providing for an effective date." was read the first time and referred to the Judiciary and Finance Committees. The following fiscal information was published today: Fiscal Note No. 1, zero, Department of Public Safety Fiscal Note No. 2, zero, Department of Law Fiscal Note No. 3, indeterminate, Department of Administration Fiscal Note No. 4, indeterminate, Department of Corrections 2011-01-26 Senate Journal Page 0100 Governor's transmittal letter dated January 24: Dear President Stevens: Together, we can better protect Alaska's children against abuse, exploitation, harm, and fear. To that end, and under the authority of Article III, Section 18, of the Alaska Constitution, I am transmitting a bill relating to the crimes of stalking, online enticement of a minor, unlawful exploitation of a minor, endangering the welfare of a child, sending an explicit image of a minor, harassment, distribution of indecent material to minors, and misconduct involving confidential information and probation. The bill would strengthen Alaska laws related to sexual exploitation of children and domestic violence. The bill prohibits the creation of indecent images of children, online enticement of a child, and using a computer to solicit or entice a minor to engage in sexual behavior. The bill would expand the crime of stalking to include those acts of following or monitoring the victim with a global positioning device, and using or installing a device to record or photograph events in the victim's home, workplace, vehicle, or on the victim's telephone or computer. These changes are in response to technologies that stalkers have available to terrorize victims. Also, the bill would prohibit graphic texting, commonly known as "sexting." Perpetrators would be punished for distributing a sexually explicit image of a child under 16 years old. The bill clarifies that conduct by predators outside the state that harm victims in Alaska may be prosecuted in this state. The bill also clarifies that a child under 16 years old may not be left with an individual who must register as a child kidnapper. Finally, the bill would clarify that a court may order active supervision for probationers who are on felony probation. Active supervision in particular cases enhances public safety by requiring close supervision of certain offenders. Active supervision could also be provided to certain misdemeanants in the discretion of the commissioner of corrections. 2011-01-26 Senate Journal Page 0101 I urge your prompt and favorable action on this measure. Sincerely, /s/ Sean Parnell Governor Unfinished Business Citations Senator Meyer moved and asked unanimous consent that the following citations be made a special order of business. Without objection, it was so ordered. Special Order of Business Honoring - 2011 Inductees: Alaska Sports Hall of Fame Representative(s) Joule Senator(s) Olson, Stevens, Coghill, Davis, Dyson, Egan, Ellis, French, Giessel, Hoffman, Huggins, Kookesh, McGuire, Menard, Meyer, Paskvan, Stedman, Thomas, Wagoner, Wielechowski In Memoriam - Marlene Andrea Benavides Fleming Senator(s) Davis, Stevens, Coghill, Dyson, Egan, Ellis, French, Giessel, Hoffman, Huggins, Kookesh, McGuire, Menard, Meyer, Olson, Paskvan, Stedman, Thomas, Wagoner, Wielechowski In Memoriam - Specialist Amy Renee Sinkler Senator(s) Davis, Stevens, Coghill, Dyson, Egan, Ellis, French, Giessel, Hoffman, Huggins, Kookesh, McGuire, Menard, Meyer, Olson, Paskvan, Stedman, Thomas, Wagoner, Wielechowski Senator Meyer moved and asked unanimous consent that the citations be adopted. Without objection, the citations were adopted and referred to the Secretary for transmittal. SB 21 Senator Ellis moved and asked unanimous consent to be shown as a cosponsor on SENATE BILL NO. 21 "An Act extending senior benefits." Without objection, it was so ordered. 2011-01-26 Senate Journal Page 0102 SB 38 Senators Ellis, French, McGuire, Menard, Egan moved and asked unanimous consent to be shown as cosponsors on SENATE BILL NO. 38 "An Act establishing a one-time occupational death benefit for peace officers and firefighters." Without objection, it was so ordered. SB 53 Senator Ellis moved and asked unanimous consent to be shown as a cosponsor on SENATE BILL NO. 53 "An Act reestablishing the Alaska Commission on the Status of Women; and relating to the purpose and powers of the Alaska Human Relations Commission." Without objection, it was so ordered. SCR 2 Senator Ellis moved and asked unanimous consent to be shown as a cosponsor on SENATE CONCURRENT RESOLUTION NO. 2 Proposing amendments to the Uniform Rules of the Alaska State Legislature relating to the presiding officer pro tempore. Without objection, it was so ordered. SB 33 Senators Meyer, Dyson, Olson moved and asked unanimous consent to be shown as cosponsors on SENATE BILL NO. 33 "An Act relating to the disposition of remains of a member of the military if the member dies while in a duty status." Without objection, it was so ordered. Announcements Announcements are at the end of the journal. Adjournment Senator Meyer moved and asked unanimous consent that the Senate stand in adjournment until 10:00 a.m., January 28, 2011. Without objection, the Senate adjourned at 11:39 a.m. Kirsten Waid Secretary of the Senate 2011-01-26 Senate Journal Page 0103 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 Jan 27 Thursday Beltz 105 (tsbldg) 3:30 PM No Meeting Scheduled ---------------------------------------- EDUCATION Jan 26 Wednesday Barnes 124 8:00 AM + Joint with House Education Jan 28 Friday Beltz 105 (tsbldg) 8:00 AM + SB 3 FUNDING FOR SCHOOL MEALS ---------------------------------------- FINANCE Jan 26 Wednesday Senate Finance 532 9:00 AM + FY12 Budget Overview & Fiscal Summary Office of Management and Budget, Director Karen Rehfeld Jan 27 Thursday Senate Finance 532 9:00 AM + FY12 Budget Overview & Fiscal Summary Legislative Finance Division, Director David Teal Jan 28 Friday Senate Finance 532 9:00 AM No Meeting Scheduled ---------------------------------------- 2011-01-26 Senate Journal Page 0104 HEALTH & SOCIAL SERVICES Jan 26 Wednesday Butrovich 205 1:30 PM No Meeting Scheduled Jan 28 Friday Butrovich 205 1:30 PM No Meeting Scheduled ---------------------------------------- JUDICIARY Jan 26 Wednesday Beltz 105 (tsbldg) 1:30 PM + Overview: Alaska Department of Corrections Jan 28 Friday Beltz 105 (tsbldg) 1:30 PM No Meeting Scheduled ---------------------------------------- LABOR & COMMERCE Jan 26 Wednesday Barnes 124 3:15 PM Joint w/(H) Labor & Commerce Overview of the Department of Labor and Workforce Development Jan 28 Friday Barnes 124 3:15 PM Joint w/(H) Labor & Commerce Continued overviews as needed Department of Commerce, Community and Economic Development Department of Labor & Workforce Development ---------------------------------------- RESOURCES Jan 26 Wednesday Butrovich 205 3:30 PM + Presentation: Alaska Energy Report Railbelt Large Hydroelectric Mike Harper, Acting Executive Director, AEA Bryan Carey, Tech Engineer, Project Manager, AEA Sara L. Fisher-Goad, Deputy Director, Operations, AEA -- Testimony <Invitation Only> -- 2011-01-26 Senate Journal Page 0105 RESOURCES (continued) Jan 28 Friday Butrovich 205 3:30 PM Presentation: Kevin Banks, Director: Alaska Division of Oil and Gas ---------------------------------------- STATE AFFAIRS Jan 27 Thursday Butrovich 205 9:00 AM + SB 18 DURATION OF REGULAR LEGISLATIVE SESSIONS + SB 26 FEE/TAX EXEMPTION FOR CERTAIN VEHICLES Bills Previously Heard/Scheduled ---------------------------------------- TRANSPORTATION Jan 27 Thursday Barnes 124 1:00 PM Joint with House Transportation + Alaska State Railroad Overview - Christopher Aadnesen, President and CEO, Alaska State Railroad; Bill O'Leary, Chief Financial Officer, Alaska State Railroad; Tom Brooks, Chief Engineer, Alaska State Railroad + Port of Anchorage - Governor Bill Sheffield, Director, Port of Anchorage ---------------------------------------- JOINT COMMITTEES ARMED SERVICES COMMITTEE Feb 08 Tuesday Senate Finance 532 9:00 AM + Presentation: Update on Alaska's Military, by Lt. General Dana Atkins, Commander: Alaskan Command, Alaskan North American Aerospace Defense Command Region, Joint Task Force Alaska, and Eleventh Air Force Maj. General Thomas Katkus, Adjutant General, Alaska National Guard; Commissioner, Department of Military and Veterans' Affairs -- Testimony <Invitation Only> -- ---------------------------------------- 2011-01-26 Senate Journal Page 0106 LEGISLATIVE COUNCIL Feb 03 Thursday House Finance 519 11:00 AM Agenda Forthcoming Feb 17 Thursday TBA 11:00 AM Agenda Forthcoming Mar 17 Thursday House Finance 519 11:00 AM Agenda Forthcoming Apr 07 Thursday House Finance 519 11:00 AM Agenda Forthcoming ---------------------------------------- OTHER MEETINGS JOINT SESSION Feb 24 Thursday House Chamber 11:00 AM Annual Address by the Honorable Lisa Murkowski, U.S. Senator Mar 09 Wednesday House Chamber 11:00 AM State of the Judiciary Address by Chief Justice Walter Carpeneti Mar 22 Tuesday House Chamber 11:00 AM Annual Address by the Honorable Mark Begich, U.S. Senator ---------------------------------------- MISCELLANEOUS MEETING Jan 31 Monday Senate Finance 532 1:00 PM School District Legislative Fly-in Informal Q&A Session Regarding Alaska's Public School System