Legislature(2015 - 2016)
2015-01-20 Senate Journal
Full Journal pdf2015-01-20 Senate Journal Page 0001 SENATE JOURNAL ALASKA STATE LEGISLATURE TWENTY-NINTH LEGISLATURE FIRST SESSION Juneau, Alaska Tuesday January 20, 2015 First Day Pursuant to provisions of the Constitution of the State of Alaska, the Uniform Rules of the Alaska State Legislature, and AS 24.05.160, the Senate of the State of Alaska assembled in the Senate chamber for the first regular session of the Twenty-ninth Legislature. The Senate was called to order at 2:06 p.m. by the Honorable Byron Mallott, Lieutenant Governor. Colors The following members of the Color Guard of the Service High School Navy Junior Reserve Officers Training Corps (NJROTC) presented the colors: Commanding the Color Guard Cadet Lt. Commander Robert Michael Wilcox Beacham Holding the National Ensign Cadet Lt. Raven McKinley Hamilton At Guard Cadet Lt. Junior Grade Christine Figueroa Abasta Cadet Lt. Commander Jonathan Yechan Joo Service High School NJROTC Senior Naval Science Instructor Commander George J. Tolbert, U.S. Coast Guard Retired Senator Huggins led the Senate in the Pledge of Allegiance. 2015-01-20 Senate Journal Page 0002 National Anthem Allison Holtkamp performed "The Star-Spangled Banner" accompanied by Guo Hua Xia, violinist. Alaska Flag Song Marta Lastufka performed "Alaska's Flag" accompanied by Guo Hua Xia, violinist. Invocation The prayer was offered by the Chaplain, The Reverend Dr. Douglas M. Dye, Chapel by the Lake. Senator Coghill moved and asked unanimous consent that the prayer be spread. Without objection, it was so ordered. Gracious and loving God, we pause to give you thanks for new beginnings. The ancient Hebrew poet wrote, "This is the day that the Lord has made; let us rejoice and be glad in it." (Psalm 118: 24) So, gracious God, on this first day of the Twenty-Ninth Legislature we take a moment to offer you thanks for this new day and the gift of a new beginning. I pray that you will grant to these senators - good health, energy, and vision to serve the people of Alaska with grace and wisdom. Enable them to listen carefully to one another, and empower them to work together to advance the common good of this great land. Many of them are far from home, so, dear Lord, watch over and protect their loved ones. Grant them confidence that you walk with them and guide them. Loving God, we pray too, for the challenges that face our people and state. Even as we are anxious over budgets and resources, help us remember that you 2015-01-20 Senate Journal Page 0003 promise to provide all we need to flourish. Enable all Alaskans, senators and citizens alike, to trust in your goodness and show compassion to each another. This is the day that the Lord has made; fill us with gratitude for the unique beauty of today. Help these men and women to delight in their work, and grant them strength to serve Alaska well. I pray these things in the name of my Lord, Jesus. Amen. Election Certification The Lieutenant Governor read the certificate of election: I, Gail Fenumiai, Director of the Division of Elections for the State of Alaska, do hereby certify that in accordance with the provisions of AS 15.15.450, a General Election was held on the 4th day of November, 2014, in the State of Alaska pursuant to AS 15.15.020 and the following candidates were elected to the office State Senator for the district and term indicated: Senate District A Pete Kelly 4 year term Senate District C Click Bishop 4 year term Senate District E Michael J. "Mike" Dunleavy 4 year term Senate District F Bill Stoltze 2 year term Senate District G Anna I. Fairclough 4 year term Senate District I Berta Gardner 4 year term Senate District K Mia Costello 4 year term Senate District M Kevin Meyer 4 year term Senate District N Catherine A. "Cathy" Giessel 2 year term Senate District O Peter A. Micciche 4 year term Senate District P Gary Lee Stevens 2 year term Senate District Q Dennis Egan 4 year term Senate District S Lyman F. Hoffman 4 year term Senate District T Donald C. "Donny" Olson 2 year term 2015-01-20 Senate Journal Page 0004 In Testimony Whereof, I have hereunto set my hand and affixed hereto the Seal of the State of Alaska, at Juneau, the Capital, this 24th day of November, A.D. 2014. /s/ Gail Fenumiai, Director Division of Elections Lieutenant Governor Mallott requested the following Senators approach the rostrum to be administered the Oath of Office: Senate District A Pete Kelly Senate District C Click Bishop Senate District F Bill Stoltze Senate District G Anna I. Fairclough The Lieutenant Governor administered the Oath of Office to the Senators. Lieutenant Governor Mallott requested the following Senators approach the rostrum to be administered the Oath of Office: Senate District I Berta Gardner Senate District K Mia Costello Senate District M Kevin Meyer Senate District N Catherine A. "Cathy" Giessel Senate District O Peter A. Micciche The Lieutenant Governor administered the Oath of Office to the Senators. Lieutenant Governor Mallott requested the following Senators approach the rostrum to be administered the Oath of Office: Senate District Q Dennis Egan Senate District S Lyman F. Hoffman Senate District T Donald C. "Donny" Olson The Lieutenant Governor administered the Oath of Office to the Senators. 2015-01-20 Senate Journal Page 0005 The following Senators will take their Oath of Office at a later date: Senate District E Michael J. "Mike" Dunleavy Senate District P Gary Lee Stevens President Pro Tempore Lieutenant Governor Mallott announced that nominations were in order for President pro tempore of the Senate. Senator Coghill moved and asked unanimous consent that Senator Huggins be nominated. Without objection, it was so ordered. Senator Coghill moved and asked unanimous consent that nominations for President pro tempore of the Senate be closed. Without objection, it was so ordered. Senator Coghill moved and asked unanimous consent that Senator Huggins be elected President pro tempore. There being no objection, Senator Huggins was elected President pro tempore of the Senate. Lieutenant Governor Mallott requested Senator Stoltze and Senator Giessel escort the President pro tempore to the rostrum. President pro tempore Huggins requested Senator Stoltze and Senator Giessel escort the Lieutenant Governor from the chamber. President pro tempore Huggins announced that under provisions of law, AS 24.05.120, the Uniform Rules of the Twelfth Legislature, First Session, as amended in 1985, 1988, 1989, 1991, 1998, 2001, 2003, 2004, 2008, 2011 and 2012 will serve as the temporary rules of the current legislature until permanent rules are adopted. President President pro tempore Huggins announced that nominations for Senate President were open. 2015-01-20 Senate Journal Page 0006 Senator Coghill moved and asked unanimous consent that Senator Meyer be nominated President of the Senate for the Twenty-ninth Legislature. Senator Coghill moved and asked unanimous consent that nominations be closed. Without objection, it was so ordered. Senator Coghill moved and asked unanimous consent that Senator Meyer be elected President of the Senate for the Twenty-ninth Legislature. Without objection, Senator Meyer was elected Senate President. President pro tempore Huggins requested Senator Kelly and Senator MacKinnon to escort President Meyer to the podium. President Meyer requested Senator Kelly and Senator MacKinnon to escort Senator Huggins to his seat. Representative Keller and Representative Drummond called on the Senate to inform the body that the House was organized and ready to do business. President Meyer made the following appointments: Committee on Committees Senator Meyer, Chair Senator Coghill Senator Huggins Senator Kelly Senator Gardner President Meyer appointed Senator Bishop and Senator Egan to inform the Governor that the Senate was organized and ready to do business. President Meyer appointed Senator Costello and Senator Hoffman to inform the House that the Senate was organized and ready to do business. 2015-01-20 Senate Journal Page 0007 Recess Senator Coghill moved and asked unanimous consent that the Senate stand in recess. Without objection, the Senate recessed at 2:50 p.m. After Recess The Senate reconvened at 3:09 p.m. Senator Coghill moved and asked unanimous consent that the Senate move down the calendar to Special Committee Reports. Without objection, the Senate advanced to: Special Committee Reports Committee on Committees Report January 20, 2015 Mr. President: Your Committee on Committees has met and submits to the Senate for its consideration chairs and members to the ten standing committees as approved by the Committee on Committees: Community and Regional Affairs Committee Senator Bishop, Chair Senator Stedman, Vice Chair Senator Hoffman Senator MacKinnon Senator Egan Education Committee Senator Dunleavy, Chair Senator Huggins, Vice Chair Senator Giessel Senator Stevens Senator Gardner 2015-01-20 Senate Journal Page 0008 Finance Committee Senator Kelly, Cochair Senator MacKinnon, Cochair Senator Micciche, Vice Chair Senator Bishop Senator Dunleavy Senator Hoffman Senator Olson Health and Social Services Committee Senator Stedman, Chair Senator Giessel, Vice Chair Senator Kelly Senator Stoltze Senator Ellis Judiciary Committee Senator McGuire, Chair Senator Coghill, Vice Chair Senator Costello Senator Micciche Senator Wielechowski Labor and Commerce Committee Senator Costello, Chair Senator Giessel, Vice Chair Senator Meyer Senator Stevens Senator Ellis Resources Committee Senator Giessel, Chair Senator Costello, Vice Chair Senator Coghill Senator Micciche Senator Stedman Senator Stoltze Senator Wielechowski 2015-01-20 Senate Journal Page 0009 Rules Committee Senator Huggins, Chair Senator Coghill Senator Kelly Senator Meyer Senator Gardner State Affairs Committee Senator Stoltze, Chair Senator Coghill, Vice Chair Senator Huggins Senator McGuire Senator Wielechowski Transportation Committee Senator Micciche, Chair Senator Bishop, Vice Chair Senator Dunleavy Senator Stedman Senator Egan The report was signed by Senator Meyer, Chair; Senators Coghill, Huggins, Kelly, Gardner. Senator Coghill moved and asked unanimous consent that the Committee on Committees Report be adopted. Without objection, the Committee on Committees Report was adopted. President Meyer announced that Senator Coghill will serve as Majority Leader for the Twenty-ninth Legislature. President Meyer announced that the Minority has selected Senator Gardner to serve as Minority Leader for the Twenty-ninth Legislature. Messages from the House Messages dated January 13 were read stating: The House of Representatives respectfully invites the Senate to a Joint Session of the Twenty-ninth Alaska Legislature at 7:00 p.m. on Wednesday, January 21 for the purpose of hearing Governor Walker's 2015-01-20 Senate Journal Page 0010 State of the State Address; and 7:00 p.m. on Thursday, January 22 for the purpose of hearing Governor Walker's State of the Budget Address. Senator Coghill moved and asked unanimous consent that the Senate accept the House invitations to meet in Joint Session. Without objection, it was so ordered. The Secretary was requested to notify the House. Introduction and Reference of Senate Resolutions SR 1 SENATE RESOLUTION NO. 1 BY THE SENATE RULES COMMITTEE, Establishing a Senate Special Committee on World Trade. was read the first time. The following fiscal information was published today: Fiscal Note No. 1, zero, Senate Rules Committee Senator Coghill moved and asked unanimous consent that SENATE RESOLUTION NO. 1 be taken up. Without objection, the resolution was before the Senate on final passage. The question being: "Shall SENATE RESOLUTION NO. 1 Establishing a Senate Special Committee on World Trade, pass the Senate?" The roll was taken with the following result: SR 1 Final Passage YEAS: 18 NAYS: 0 EXCUSED: 0 ABSENT: 2 Yeas: Bishop, Coghill, Costello, Egan, Ellis, Gardner, Giessel, Hoffman, Huggins, Kelly, MacKinnon, McGuire, Meyer, Micciche, Olson, Stedman, Stoltze, Wielechowski Absent: Dunleavy, Stevens 2015-01-20 Senate Journal Page 0011 and so, SENATE RESOLUTION NO. 1 passed the Senate and was referred to the Secretary for engrossment and enrollment. SR 2 SENATE RESOLUTION NO. 2 BY THE SENATE RULES COMMITTEE, Establishing a Senate Special Committee on the Arctic. was read the first time. The following fiscal information was published today: Fiscal Note No. 1, zero, Senate Rules Committee Senator Coghill moved and asked unanimous consent that SENATE RESOLUTION NO. 2 be taken up. Without objection, the resolution was before the Senate on final passage. The question being: "Shall SENATE RESOLUTION NO. 2 Establishing a Senate Special Committee on the Arctic, pass the Senate?" The roll was taken with the following result: SR 2 Final Passage YEAS: 18 NAYS: 0 EXCUSED: 0 ABSENT: 2 Yeas: Bishop, Coghill, Costello, Egan, Ellis, Gardner, Giessel, Hoffman, Huggins, Kelly, MacKinnon, McGuire, Meyer, Micciche, Olson, Stedman, Stoltze, Wielechowski Absent: Dunleavy, Stevens and so, SENATE RESOLUTION NO. 2 passed the Senate and was referred to the Secretary for engrossment and enrollment. SR 3 SENATE RESOLUTION NO. 3 BY THE SENATE RULES COMMITTEE, Establishing a Senate Special Committee on Energy. was read the first time. 2015-01-20 Senate Journal Page 0012 The following fiscal information was published today: Fiscal Note No. 1, zero, Senate Rules Committee Senator Coghill moved and asked unanimous consent that SENATE RESOLUTION NO. 3 be taken up. Without objection, the resolution was before the Senate on final passage. The question being: "Shall SENATE RESOLUTION NO. 3 Establishing a Senate Special Committee on Energy, pass the Senate?" The roll was taken with the following result: SR 3 Final Passage YEAS: 18 NAYS: 0 EXCUSED: 0 ABSENT: 2 Yeas: Bishop, Coghill, Costello, Egan, Ellis, Gardner, Giessel, Hoffman, Huggins, Kelly, MacKinnon, McGuire, Meyer, Micciche, Olson, Stedman, Stoltze, Wielechowski Absent: Dunleavy, Stevens and so, SENATE RESOLUTION NO. 3 passed the Senate and was referred to the Secretary for engrossment and enrollment. Senator Coghill moved and asked unanimous consent that further introduction and reference of senate resolutions be held one legislative day. Without objection, it was so ordered. Introduction and Reference of Senate Bills Senator Coghill moved and asked unanimous consent that the introduction and reference of senate bills be held one legislative day. Without objection, it was so ordered. Unfinished Business Election of Senate Secretary In accordance with AS 24.10.030 and Uniform Rule 3(a), Senator Huggins, Rules Committee Chair, nominated Liz Clark to serve as Senate Secretary for the Twenty-ninth Legislature and moved and asked unanimous consent that the nominations be closed. Without objection, it was so ordered. 2015-01-20 Senate Journal Page 0013 Senator Huggins moved and asked unanimous consent that Liz Clark be elected Senate Secretary for the Twenty-ninth Legislature. Without objection, Liz Clark was elected Senate Secretary for the Twenty-ninth Legislature. Introduction of Floor Staff Senator Huggins, Rules Committee Chair, introduced the 2015 Chamber Staff as follows: Sergeant-at-Arms Grace Ellsworth, Juneau Assistant Sergeant-at-Arms Romorenzo Marasigan, Anchorage Senate Pages Gordon Krueger, Wasilla Lydia Mielke, Big Lake Jacob Pennell, Wasilla Tim Rockey, Palmer Gretchen Sharpe-Swart, Palmer Joe Verhagen, Nenana President Meyer made the following appointments: Select Committee on Legislative Ethics Senator Stevens Senator Egan Senator Micciche, alternate to Senator Stevens Senator Gardner, alternate to Senator Egan Senator Coghill moved that Senator Stevens and Senator Egan be confirmed as members to the Select Committee on Legislative Ethics. The question being: "Shall Senator Stevens and Senator Egan be confirmed as members to the Select Committee on Legislative Ethics?" The roll was taken with the following result: 2015-01-20 Senate Journal Page 0014 Shall Senator Stevens and Senator Egan be Confirmed as Members to the Select Committee on Legislative Ethics? YEAS: 18 NAYS: 0 EXCUSED: 0 ABSENT: 2 Yeas: Bishop, Coghill, Costello, Egan, Ellis, Gardner, Giessel, Hoffman, Huggins, Kelly, MacKinnon, McGuire, Meyer, Micciche, Olson, Stedman, Stoltze, Wielechowski Absent: Dunleavy, Stevens and so, Senator Stevens and Senator Egan were confirmed as members to the Select Committee on Legislative Ethics. Senator Coghill moved that Senator Micciche and Senator Gardner be confirmed as alternate members to the Select Committee on Legislative Ethics. The question being: "Shall Senator Micciche and Senator Gardner be confirmed as alternate members to the Select Committee on Legislative Ethics?" The roll was taken with the following result: Shall Senator Micciche and Senator Gardner be Confirmed as Alternate Members to the Select Committee on Legislative Ethics? YEAS: 18 NAYS: 0 EXCUSED: 0 ABSENT: 2 Yeas: Bishop, Coghill, Costello, Egan, Ellis, Gardner, Giessel, Hoffman, Huggins, Kelly, MacKinnon, McGuire, Meyer, Micciche, Olson, Stedman, Stoltze, Wielechowski Absent: Dunleavy, Stevens and so, Senator Micciche and Senator Gardner were confirmed as alternate members to the Select Committee on Legislative Ethics. The Secretary was requested to notify the House. 2015-01-20 Senate Journal Page 0015 President Meyer made the following appointments: Legislative Council Senator Stevens, Chair Senator Meyer Senator Hoffman Senator MacKinnon Senator Coghill Senator Micciche Senator Huggins Legislative Budget & Audit Senator MacKinnon, Vice Chair Senator Hoffman Senator Giessel Senator Stedman Senator Bishop Administrative Regulation Review Senator McGuire, Chair Senator Costello Senator Gardner Joint Armed Services Committee Senator Coghill, Cochair Senator Kelly Senator MacKinnon Senator Bishop Senator Wielechowski SR 1 Senate Special Committee on World Trade Senator Huggins, Chair Senator Stevens, Vice Chair Senator McGuire Senator Micciche Senator Hoffman Senator Gardner 2015-01-20 Senate Journal Page 0016 SR 2 Senate Special Committee on the Arctic Senator McGuire, Cochair Senator Giessel, Cochair Senator Hoffman Senator Stevens Senator Olson SR 3 Senate Special Committee on Energy Senator Bishop, Cochair Senator Micciche, Cochair Senator Hoffman Senator Stedman Senator Egan Announcements Announcements are at the end of the journal. Adjournment Senator Coghill moved and asked unanimous consent that the Senate stand in adjournment until 11:00 a.m., January 21, 2015. Without objection, the Senate adjourned at 3:27 p.m. Liz Clark Secretary of the Senate 2015-01-20 Senate Journal Page 0017 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 Jan 20 Tuesday Senate Finance 532 9:00 AM No Meeting Jan 21 Wednesday Senate Finance 532 9:00 AM No Meeting Jan 22 Thursday Senate Finance 532 9:00 AM + Presentation: Overview FY16 Operating and Capital Budgets, David Teal, Director, Legislative Finance Division Committee Contract: Angela Rodell and Bill Streur Jan 23 Friday Senate Finance 532 9:00 AM + Presentation: Overview FY16 Operating and Capital Budgets Pat Pitney, Director, Office of Management and Budget Presentation: Fall 2014 Forecast Randall Hoffbeck, Commissioner-Designee Department of Revenue ---------------------------------------- RESOURCES Jan 21 Wednesday Butrovich 205 3:30 PM Overview of the Alaska Gasline Development Corporation -- Testimony <Invitation Only> -- 2015-01-20 Senate Journal Page 0018 RESOURCES (continued) Jan 23 Friday Butrovich 205 3:30 PM Update from the Office of the Federal Pipeline Coordinator -- Testimony <Invitation Only> -- ---------------------------------------- STATE AFFAIRS Jan 22 Thursday Butrovich 205 9:00 AM Overview: Ballot Measure No.2 (13PSUM) - An Act to Tax and Regulate the Production, Sale, and Use of Marijuana -- Testimony <Invitation Only> -- ---------------------------------------- TRANSPORTATION Jan 22 Thursday Senate Finance 532 1:00 PM -- Note Location Change -- + Joint w/ House Transportation Overview of the Alaska Marine Highway System (AMHS) Report to the Legislature Presented by Matt McLaren, Business Development and Enterprise Manager, AMHS and Captain Falvey, General Manager, AMHS ---------------------------------------- JOINT COMMITTEES LEGISLATIVE BUDGET & AUDIT Jan 21 Wednesday House Finance 519 9:00 AM Organizational Meeting ---------------------------------------- 2015-01-20 Senate Journal Page 0019 JOINT COMMITTEES (continued) SELECT COMMITTEE ON LEGISLATIVE ETHICS Jan 21 Wednesday Capitol 106 9:00 AM + FULL COMMITTEE: Open Session Public Comment Election of Committee Chairs for 2015-2016 Chair/Staff Report Annual Benefit and Loan Review & Discussion Budget Contractor Subcommittee Report 2015 Legislation Update Collection of Unpaid Fines Report on Meeting with Rules Chairs Other Business ---------------------------------------- OTHER MEETINGS JOINT SESSION Jan 21 Wednesday House Chamber 7:00 PM State of the State Address by the Honorable Bill Walker, Governor of Alaska Jan 22 Thursday House Chamber 7:00 PM State of the Budget Address by the Honorable Bill Walker, Governor of Alaska