Legislature(2017 - 2018)

2018-01-18 Senate Journal

Full Journal pdf

2018-01-18                     Senate Journal                      Page 1761
                                                                                                                                
                                SENATE JOURNAL                                                                               
                                                                                                                                
                           ALASKA STATE LEGISLATURE                                                                          
                                                                                                                                
                            THIRTIETH LEGISLATURE                                                                            
                                                                                                                                
                                SECOND SESSION                                                                               
                                                                                                                                
Juneau, Alaska                    Thursday                 January 18, 2018                                                   
                                                                                                                                
                                  Third Day                                                                                  
                                                                                                                                
                                                                                                                                
Pursuant to adjournment the Senate was called to order by President                                                             
Kelly at 11:04 a.m.                                                                                                             
                                                                                                                                
The roll showed eighteen members present. Senator Hughes was                                                                    
excused from a call of the Senate. The seat from District E was vacant.                                                         
                                                                                                                                
The prayer was offered by the Chaplain, Reverend Nancy Campbell,                                                                
White Fields Church. Senator Hoffman moved and asked unanimous                                                                  
consent that the prayer be spread. Without objection, it was so ordered.                                                        
                                                                                                                                
          Dear Heavenly Father,                                                                                                 
                                                                                                                                
          I humble myself under your mighty hand, the mighty                                                                    
          hand of God. Blessed be Your name, oh Lord! I give                                                                    
          You all the praise, honor and glory due Your name.                                                                    
          Hear my cry, oh Lord and give heed to my prayer. I                                                                    
          ask that Your presence fill this place. Bring winds of                                                                
          refreshing to this Senate body. They have labored                                                                     
          long and hard in the past season. As they turn the                                                                    
          page now in the new year with a new season ahead; I                                                                   
          pray You lift any weariness they may feel from their                                                                  
          shoulders. Renew their strength and may your peace                                                                    
          that passes all understanding replace any stress or                                                                   
          anxiety.                                                                                                              
                                                                                                                                
          May you, God, be gracious to them and bless the fruit                                                                 
          of their labors this day. Give them renewed vision                                                                    
          and expectation of new beginnings; a fresh start and a                                                                

2018-01-18                     Senate Journal                      Page 1762
                sense of accomplishment on the horizon as they                                                                 
             reason together. Cause your face to shine upon them,                                                              
                 Lord. I pray this in Jesus' name,     Amen.                                                                   
                                                                                                                                
Senator Meyer led the Senate in the Pledge of Allegiance.                                                                       
                                                                                                                                
                                                                                                                                
                                Certification                                                                                
                                                                                                                                
Senator Micciche moved and asked unanimous consent that the                                                                     
journals for the first and second legislative days be approved as                                                               
certified by the Secretary. Without objection, it was so ordered.                                                               
                                                                                                                                
                                                                                                                                
                           Messages from the House                                                                           
                                                                                                                                
Messages dated May 17, 2017 were read stating the House passed and                                                              
transmitted for consideration:                                                                                                  
                                                                                                                                
                  First Reading and Reference of House Bills                                                                 
                                                                                                                                
HB 105                                                                                                                        
CS FOR HOUSE BILL NO. 105(FIN) BY THE HOUSE FINANCE                                                                             
COMMITTEE, entitled:                                                                                                            
                                                                                                                                
             "An Act prohibiting the taking of wolves and the use                                                              
           of certain traps and snares in certain areas adjacent to                                                            
          the Denali National Park and Preserve."                                                                               
                                                                                                                                
was read the first time and referred to the Resources and Finance                                                               
Committees.                                                                                                                     
                                                                                                                                
HB 124                                                                                                                        
CS FOR HOUSE BILL NO. 124(FIN) BY THE HOUSE FINANCE                                                                             
COMMITTEE, entitled:                                                                                                            
                                                                                                                                
             "An Act relating to corporations, including benefit                                                               
            corporations, and other entities; and providing for an                                                             
          effective date."                                                                                                      
                                                                                                                                
was read the first time and referred to the Labor and Commerce and                                                              
Finance Committees.                                                                                                             
                                                                                                                                

2018-01-18                     Senate Journal                      Page 1763
HB 150                                                                                                                        
HOUSE BILL NO. 150 BY THE HOUSE SPECIAL COMMITTEE                                                                               
ON MILITARY AND VETERANS' AFFAIRS, entitled:                                                                                    
                                                                                                                                
          "An Act relating to pay, allowances, and benefits for                                                                 
          members of the organized militia."                                                                                    
                                                                                                                                
was read the first time and referred to the State Affairs and Finance                                                           
Committees.                                                                                                                     
                                                                                                                                
HB 151                                                                                                                        
CS FOR HOUSE BILL NO. 151(FIN) BY THE HOUSE FINANCE                                                                             
COMMITTEE, entitled:                                                                                                            
                                                                                                                                
          "An Act relating to the duties of the Department of                                                                   
          Health and Social Services; relating to training and                                                                  
          workload standards for employees of the Department                                                                    
          of Health and Social Services and providing                                                                           
          immunity from damages related to those standards;                                                                     
          relating to foster care home licensing; relating to civil                                                             
          and criminal history background checks for foster                                                                     
          care licensing and payments; relating to placement of                                                                 
          a child in need of aid; relating to the rights and                                                                    
          responsibilities of foster parents; requiring the                                                                     
          Department of Health and Social Services to provide                                                                   
          information to a child or person released from the                                                                    
          department's custody; and providing for an effective                                                                  
          date."                                                                                                                
                                                                                                                                
was read the first time and referred to the Health and Social Services                                                          
and Finance Committees.                                                                                                         
                                                                                                                                
                                                                                                                                
                                Communications                                                                               
                                                                                                                                
The following reports are on file in the Office of the Secretary of the                                                         
Senate:                                                                                                                         
                                                                                                                                
Joint Armed Services Committee Report                                                                                           
January 2018                                                                                                                    
in accordance with AS 24.20.675                                                                                                 
                                                                                                                                

2018-01-18                     Senate Journal                      Page 1764
Alaska Energy Authority                                                                                                         
Susitna-Watana Hydro                                                                                                            
2017 Report to the Legislature                                                                                                  
in accordance with AS 44.83.085                                                                                                 
                                                                                                                                
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 2017                                                                                                                   
in accordance with AS 24.20.065                                                                                                 
                                                                                                                                
Department of Commerce, Community and Economic Development                                                                      
Division of Community and Regional Affairs                                                                                      
Alaska Native Language Preservation and Advisory Council                                                                        
2018 Biennial Report to the Governor and Legislature                                                                            
in accordance with AS 44.33.520                                                                                                 
                                                                                                                                
Department of Corrections                                                                                                       
Department of Health and Social Services                                                                                        
Joint Annual Report on Recidivism Reduction                                                                                     
January 2018                                                                                                                    
in accordance with AS 47.38.100                                                                                                 
                                                                                                                                
Department of Administration                                                                                                    
Alaska State Officers Compensation Commission                                                                                   
Findings and Recommendations                                                                                                    
January 17, 2018                                                                                                                
in accordance with AS 39.23.540                                                                                                 
                                                                                                                                
Department of Revenue:                                                                                                          
                                                                                                                                
     Treasury Division                                                                                                          
     Achieving a Better Life Experience (ABLE) Program                                                                          
     Annual Report                                                                                                              
     January 16, 2018                                                                                                           
     in accordance with AS 06.65.350                                                                                            
                                                                                                                                
                                                                                                                                

2018-01-18                     Senate Journal                      Page 1765
     Investment Earnings Report                                                                                                 
     Alaska Marine Highway System Fund                                                                                          
     January 16, 2018                                                                                                           
     in accordance with AS 19.65.070                                                                                            
                                                                                                                                
     Investment Earnings Report                                                                                                 
     Alaska Marine Highway Vessel Replacement Fund                                                                              
     January 16, 2018                                                                                                           
     in accordance with AS 37.05.550                                                                                            
                                                                                                                                
Department of Natural Resources                                                                                                 
Division of Mining, Land and Water                                                                                              
2018 Reports to the Legislature:                                                                                                
                                                                                                                                
     Identified RS-2477 Rights-of-Way                                                                                           
     in accordance with AS 19.30.400                                                                                            
                                                                                                                                
     Notification of Availability of the Annual Mining Report                                                                   
     in accordance with AS 27.05.060                                                                                            
                                                                                                                                
     Land Disposal Income Fund Status                                                                                           
     in accordance with AS 38.04.022                                                                                            
                                                                                                                                
     Land in the Land Disposal Bank Status                                                                                      
     in accordance with AS 38.04.020                                                                                            
                                                                                                                                
     Water Removals and Exports                                                                                                 
     in accordance with AS 46.15.020                                                                                            
                                                                                                                                
     Absence of any Interim Classifications                                                                                     
     in accordance with AS 38.05.300                                                                                            
                                                                                                                                
     Cooperative Resource Management or Development Agreements                                                                  
     in accordance with AS 38.05.027                                                                                            
                                                                                                                                
     Efforts to Maintain or Enhance Access to and Along Fishing                                                                 
     Streams                                                                                                                    
     in accordance with AS 38.04.205                                                                                            
                                                                                                                                
                                                                                                                                

2018-01-18                     Senate Journal                      Page 1766
The following Budget and Audit Reports were received from Kris                                                                  
Curtis, Legislative Auditor, in accordance with AS 24.20.311 and are                                                            
on file in the Office of the Secretary of the Senate:                                                                           
                                                                                                                                
2017 Annual Report, Unabridged                                                                                                  
2017 Annual Report, Condensed                                                                                                   
                                                                                                                                
                                                                                                                                
                        Introduction and Reference of                                                                        
                              Senate Resolutions                                                                             
                                                                                                                                
SCR 14                                                                                                                        
SENATE CONCURRENT RESOLUTION NO. 14 BY SENATOR                                                                                  
COSTELLO,                                                                                                                       
                                                                                                                                
          Relating to awarding the Alaska Decoration of Honor                                                                   
          to certain members of the military.                                                                                   
                                                                                                                                
was read the first time and referred to the State Affairs Committee.                                                            
                                                                                                                                
                                                                                                                                
                  Introduction and Reference of Senate Bills                                                                 
                                                                                                                                
SB 108                                                                                                                        
SPONSOR SUBSTITUTE FOR SENATE BILL NO. 108 BY                                                                                   
SENATOR GIESSEL, entitled:                                                                                                      
                                                                                                                                
          "An Act relating to the State Medical Board; relating                                                                 
          to the licensing of physicians, osteopaths, and                                                                       
          podiatrists; relating to the certification of medical                                                                 
          assistants; relating to the practice of medicine;                                                                     
          relating to the practice of podiatry; relating to the                                                                 
          practice of osteopathy; relating to assault of a                                                                      
          medical professional; and providing for an effective                                                                  
          date."                                                                                                                
                                                                                                                                
was read the first time and referred to the Labor and Commerce and                                                              
Finance Committees.                                                                                                             
                                                                                                                                
                                                                                                                                

2018-01-18                     Senate Journal                      Page 1767
SB 145                                                                                                                        
SENATE BILL NO. 145 BY THE SENATE RULES COMMITTEE                                                                               
BY REQUEST OF THE GOVERNOR, entitled:                                                                                           
                                                                                                                                
               "An Act relating to the membership of the Alaska                                                                
              Criminal Justice Commission; 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 Health and Social Services                                                              
                                                                                                                                
Governor's transmittal letter dated January 17:                                                                                 
                                                                                                                                
Dear President Kelly:                                                                                                           
                                                                                                                                
Under the authority of Article III, Section 18, of the Alaska                                                                   
Constitution, I am transmitting a bill relating to the Alaska Criminal                                                          
Justice Commission membership.                                                                                                  
                                                                                                                                
The Alaska Criminal Justice Commission was established to evaluate                                                              
a broad spectrum of criminal justice subjects including sentencing and                                                          
criminal justice practices, the rights of victims and of the accused,                                                           
restitution, and reformation. The Commission's membership includes                                                              
voices from the Alaska Native community, the judicial system,                                                                   
municipal law enforcement, victim's rights advocates and legislators                                                            
(in a nonvoting, ex officio capacity) and many other perspectives.                                                              
                                                                                                                                
Chapter One, 4SSLA 2017, added the Commissioner of the                                                                          
Department of Health and Social Services (DHSS), or the                                                                         
Commissioner's designee, to the Alaska Criminal Justice Commission                                                              
as a nonvoting member serving ex officio. Because the Commissioner                                                              
of DHSS oversees the Division of Juvenile Justice and the Division of                                                           
Behavioral Health, their membership ought to include voting                                                                     
authority. This bill would change the Commissioner of DHSS, or the                                                              
Commissioner's designee, from a nonvoting member to a voting                                                                    
member. Adjusting this Commissioner's membership to include voting                                                              
authority will bring a juvenile justice and behavioral health                                                                   

2018-01-18                     Senate Journal                      Page 1768
perspective to the Commission's important work. Further, the DHSS                                                               
Commissioner will bring needed input to help better integrate DHSS                                                              
programming into the overall adult and juvenile criminal justice                                                                
reform efforts.                                                                                                                 
                                                                                                                                
This bill would also add as a member a resident of the state who was                                                            
the victim of a felony crime. This addition will bring the needed                                                               
perspective of victims to the Commission's evaluations of criminal                                                              
justice subjects.                                                                                                               
                                                                                                                                
Furthermore, this will return to having an odd number of                                                                        
Commissioners for voting purposes which was the case prior to the                                                               
enactment of Chapter One, 4SSLA 2017.                                                                                           
                                                                                                                                
I urge your prompt and favorable action on this measure.                                                                        
                                                                                                                                
Sincerely,                                                                                                                      
/s/                                                                                                                             
Bill Walker                                                                                                                     
Governor                                                                                                                        
                                                                                                                                
SB 146                                                                                                                        
SENATE BILL NO. 146 BY THE SENATE RULES COMMITTEE                                                                               
BY REQUEST OF THE GOVERNOR, entitled:                                                                                           
                                                                                                                                
          "An Act relating to scheduled substances; relating to                                                                 
          the Controlled Substances Advisory Committee; and                                                                     
          authorizing the attorney general to schedule                                                                          
          substances by emergency regulation."                                                                                  
                                                                                                                                
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 Health and Social Services                                                              
 Fiscal Note No. 2, zero, Department of Corrections                                                                             
 Fiscal Note No. 3, zero, Department of Public Safety                                                                           
 Fiscal Note No. 4, zero, Department of Law                                                                                     
                                                                                                                                
                                                                                                                                

2018-01-18                     Senate Journal                      Page 1769
Governor's transmittal letter dated January 17:                                                                                 
                                                                                                                                
Dear President Kelly:                                                                                                           
                                                                                                                                
Under the authority of Article III, Section 18, of the Alaska                                                                   
Constitution, I am transmitting a bill allowing the Attorney General to                                                         
schedule controlled substances by regulation on an emergency basis.                                                             
                                                                                                                                
Currently, State law requires the Legislature to pass legislation before                                                        
a substance can be added to the list of controlled substances in Alaska.                                                        
This process takes time, often years, and even once a bill is passed,                                                           
drug traffickers often stay one step ahead of the law by simply                                                                 
changing a chemical component of a drug so it is no longer considered                                                           
a controlled substance.                                                                                                         
                                                                                                                                
In recent years, this has become a significant problem for substances                                                           
such as spice and other synthetic opioids. For example, tramadol has                                                            
an opioid-like effect on the body. This drug is on the federal controlled                                                       
substances list, but was not a controlled substance in Alaska until                                                             
recently, through inclusion as a schedule IVA controlled substance                                                              
through Section Two, Chapter One, 4SSLA 2017. Tramadol pills sell                                                               
for approximately five to ten dollars per pill in Alaska depending on                                                           
where the pills are sold. School-age children are common abusers of                                                             
the drug because of the easy acquisition and low cost. Before being                                                             
scheduled as a controlled substance, State and local authorities could                                                          
not seize the drug for prosecution without approval from federal                                                                
authorities. Further, State prosecutors could not prosecute cases of                                                            
tramadol abuse and federal prosecutors did not have the resources to                                                            
adequately address those cases.                                                                                                 
                                                                                                                                
To avoid a repeat of this situation, this bill would allow the Attorney                                                         
General to schedule substances by emergency regulation. Before                                                                  
scheduling a substance, the Attorney General would need to assess the                                                           
danger of the substance and consult with both the Controlled                                                                    
Substances Advisory Committee and the State's Chief Medical                                                                     
Officer. Additionally, the bill does not impair the ability of the                                                              
Legislature, through enactment of law, from annulling a regulation, or                                                          
adding a substance to the controlled substance statutory schedules.                                                             
                                                                                                                                
                                                                                                                                

2018-01-18                     Senate Journal                      Page 1770
Allowing the Attorney General to schedule these dangerous substances                                                            
by regulation would make us more agile and responsive when new or                                                               
altered substances are identified. With this bill, the State would be able                                                      
to keep up with drug traffickers as they alter these substances and                                                             
enable the state to prosecute cases involving these new substances. We                                                          
cannot continue to allow drug traffickers to be one-step ahead of us.                                                           
                                                                                                                                
Let us make a Safer and Smarter Alaska. I urge your prompt and                                                                  
favorable action on this measure.                                                                                               
                                                                                                                                
Sincerely,                                                                                                                      
/s/                                                                                                                             
Bill Walker                                                                                                                     
Governor                                                                                                                        
                                                                                                                                
SB 147                                                                                                                        
SENATE BILL NO. 147 BY THE SENATE RULES COMMITTEE                                                                               
BY REQUEST OF THE GOVERNOR, entitled:                                                                                           
                                                                                                                                
            "An Act relating to misconduct involving a controlled                                                              
             substance in the second degree; 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 Administration                                                                          
 Fiscal Note No. 2, indeterminate, Department of Administration                                                                 
 Fiscal Note No. 3, Department of Corrections                                                                                   
 Fiscal Note No. 4, zero, Department of Health and Social Services                                                              
 Fiscal Note No. 5, zero, Department of Public Safety                                                                           
 Fiscal Note No. 6, zero, Department of Law                                                                                     
                                                                                                                                
Governor's transmittal letter dated January 17:                                                                                 
                                                                                                                                
Dear President Kelly,                                                                                                           
                                                                                                                                
Under the authority of Article III, Section 18, of the Alaska                                                                   
Constitution, I am transmitting a bill making large quantity                                                                    
distribution of drugs a class A felony offense punishable by up to 20                                                           
years in prison.                                                                                                                
                                                                                                                                

2018-01-18                     Senate Journal                      Page 1771
In Alaska, heroin and methamphetamine are the most heavily imported                                                             
controlled substances. National surveys have shown that                                                                         
methamphetamine contributes to violent crime, and heroin is a                                                                   
contributor of property crime. Additionally, according to Alaska's                                                              
Department of Health and Social Services, between 2009 and 2015                                                                 
Alaska's heroin deaths have more than quadrupled. Alaska's                                                                      
geographical makeup and strained law enforcement resources have                                                                 
made Alaska a profitable location for drug traffickers. These                                                                   
traffickers are importing large amounts of controlled substances into                                                           
our state and poisoning Alaskans.                                                                                               
                                                                                                                                
For example, in 2016 the Statewide Drug Enforcement Unit seized                                                                 
92.5 pounds (approximately 41,968.1 grams) of methamphetamine,                                                                  
and 252.9 pounds (approximately 114,584 grams) of heroin in Alaska.                                                             
Those trafficking large amounts of drugs are not intermediary users                                                             
distributing to support their habit. These individuals are typically                                                            
connected to traffickers from outside of the state, and contribute                                                              
significantly to Alaska's drug epidemic.                                                                                        
                                                                                                                                
Under current law, a person who distributes 2.5 grams or more of a                                                              
drug such as methamphetamine, or 1 gram or more of a drug such as                                                               
heroin, is guilty of a class B felony. If it is the person's first felony                                                       
offense, they are subject to a presumptive sentencing range of zero to                                                          
two years, with a maximum possible sentence of 10 years. This has                                                               
little deterrent effect for those importing large amounts of drugs into                                                         
the state. Classifying the distribution of large amounts of drugs as a                                                          
class A felony will allow judges additional discretion to appropriately                                                         
handle these cases and deter those thinking of importing drugs into the                                                         
state.                                                                                                                          
                                                                                                                                
Without a supply we can reduce the demand, and in order to prevent                                                              
addiction and relapse we must remove the temptation. To create a                                                                
Safer Alaska, I urge your prompt and favorable action on this measure.                                                          
                                                                                                                                
Sincerely,                                                                                                                      
/s/                                                                                                                             
Bill Walker                                                                                                                     
Governor                                                                                                                        
                                                                                                                                
                                                                                                                                

2018-01-18                     Senate Journal                      Page 1772
SB 148                                                                                                                        
SENATE BILL NO. 148 BY THE SENATE RULES COMMITTEE                                                                               
BY REQUEST OF THE GOVERNOR, entitled:                                                                                           
                                                                                                                                
          "An Act relating to powers of the Alaska Police                                                                       
          Standards Council; and relating to background                                                                         
          checks for admission to police training programs and                                                                  
          certification as a police officer."                                                                                   
                                                                                                                                
was read the first time and referred to the State Affairs and Judiciary                                                         
Committees.                                                                                                                     
                                                                                                                                
The following fiscal information was published today:                                                                           
 Fiscal Note No. 1, zero, Department of Corrections                                                                             
 Fiscal Note No. 2, zero, Department of Public Safety                                                                           
                                                                                                                                
Governor's transmittal letter dated January 17:                                                                                 
                                                                                                                                
Dear President Kelly,                                                                                                           
                                                                                                                                
Under the authority of Article III, Section 18, of the Alaska                                                                   
Constitution, I am transmitting a bill relating to the Alaska Police                                                            
Standards Council and national criminal background checks for                                                                   
prospective police officers.                                                                                                    
                                                                                                                                
The Alaska Police Standards Council (Council) is within the                                                                     
Department of Public Safety, and is tasked with overseeing                                                                      
professional standards for employment as a police officer and other                                                             
law enforcement officials. Further, the Council is statutorily                                                                  
authorized to establish police training programs. A person may not be                                                           
certified as a police officer without going through the required training                                                       
and meeting other requirements the Council has established for the                                                              
employment of police officers.                                                                                                  
                                                                                                                                
This bill adds to the Council's powers the ability for the Department of                                                        
Public Safety to request a national criminal history record check from                                                          
the Federal Bureau of Investigation for a person who applies to attend                                                          
a training program established by the Council or who seeks                                                                      
employment as a police officer by an employer that lacks the ability to                                                         
request a national criminal history record check. This bill would give                                                          

2018-01-18                     Senate Journal                      Page 1773
the Council the ability to assure that only qualified candidates become                                                         
police officers by making sure that a thorough national background                                                              
check is completed on all potential police officers. Currently, most                                                            
employers authorized to submit requests for national criminal                                                                   
background checks from the Federal Bureau of Investigation already                                                              
do, and would continue to do so. This bill would allow the Council to                                                           
do the same in the situation where a person is applying to a training                                                           
program established by the Council or where a potential employer                                                                
does not have the ability to request a national criminal history record                                                         
check.                                                                                                                          
                                                                                                                                
I urge your prompt and favorable action on this bill.                                                                           
                                                                                                                                
Sincerely,                                                                                                                      
/s/                                                                                                                             
Bill Walker                                                                                                                     
Governor                                                                                                                        
                                                                                                                                
SB 149                                                                                                                        
SENATE BILL NO. 149 BY THE SENATE RULES COMMITTEE                                                                               
BY REQUEST OF THE GOVERNOR, entitled:                                                                                           
                                                                                                                                
                "An Act relating to the surcharge imposed for                                                                  
          violation of state or municipal law."                                                                                 
                                                                                                                                
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 Corrections                                                                             
 Fiscal Note No. 2, Department of Public Safety                                                                                 
                                                                                                                                
Governor's transmittal letter dated January 17:                                                                                 
                                                                                                                                
Dear President Kelly,                                                                                                           
                                                                                                                                
Under the authority of Article III, Section 18, of the Alaska                                                                   
Constitution, I am transmitting a bill relating to the surcharge imposed                                                        
on individuals convicted of violations of state or municipal law.                                                               
                                                                                                                                

2018-01-18                     Senate Journal                      Page 1774
This bill would increase the surcharge fee collected under                                                                      
AS 12.55.039 for conviction of a felony from $100 to $200, for                                                                  
conviction of violation of a misdemeanor or municipal law offense                                                               
from $75 to $150, for conviction of violation of a municipal ordinance                                                          
from $50 to $100. For misdemeanor convictions, for which a sentence                                                             
of incarceration may not be imposed, the surcharge would increase                                                               
from $10 to $20. The Legislature may appropriate money collected                                                                
from the surcharge fee to the Alaska police training fund                                                                       
(AS 18.65.225). The increased revenue as a result of the increased                                                              
surcharge fee would, if appropriated by the Legislature, be used to                                                             
stabilize and enhance public safety by helping fund training for both                                                           
law enforcement and corrections.                                                                                                
                                                                                                                                
This proposed bill strikes the necessary balance between the need to                                                            
adequately fund police training programs and the ability of a convicted                                                         
defendant to pay the surcharge. To create a Safer Alaska we need to                                                             
ensure our officers are receiving adequate training in order to protect                                                         
the ones we love.                                                                                                               
                                                                                                                                
I urge your prompt and favorable action on this measure.                                                                        
                                                                                                                                
Sincerely,                                                                                                                      
/s/                                                                                                                             
Bill Walker                                                                                                                     
Governor                                                                                                                        
                                                                                                                                
SB 150                                                                                                                        
SENATE BILL NO. 150 BY THE SENATE RULES COMMITTEE                                                                               
BY REQUEST OF THE GOVERNOR, entitled:                                                                                           
                                                                                                                                
               "An Act relating to pretrial release procedures;                                                                
                  amending Rule 41, Alaska Rule of Criminal                                                                    
          Procedure; and providing for an effective date."                                                                      
                                                                                                                                
was read the first time and referred to the Judiciary Committee.                                                                
                                                                                                                                
The following fiscal information was published today:                                                                           
 Fiscal Note No. 1, zero, Department of Corrections                                                                             
 Fiscal Note No. 2, zero, Department of Law                                                                                     
                                                                                                                                

2018-01-18                     Senate Journal                      Page 1775
Governor's transmittal letter dated January 17:                                                                                 
                                                                                                                                
Dear President Kelly,                                                                                                           
                                                                                                                                
Under the authority of Article III, Section 18, of the Alaska                                                                   
Constitution, I am transmitting a bill that would allow a judicial officer                                                      
to consider out-of-state criminal history when determining bail and                                                             
release conditions.                                                                                                             
                                                                                                                                
In January of 2018, the "Phase III" of criminal justice reform went                                                             
into effect. This phase substantially changes the method for                                                                    
determining appropriate bail and release conditions. Under the new                                                              
system, bail is largely dependent upon a person's charge and risk                                                               
level, as determined by a pretrial services officer using a risk                                                                
assessment tool. Persons charged with certain misdemeanors, and who                                                             
are assessed as low to moderate risk, must be released on their own                                                             
recognizance or on an unsecured bond. Further, persons charged with                                                             
certain class C felonies and who are assessed as low risk must also be                                                          
released on their own recognizance or on an unsecured bond. The                                                                 
judge has no discretion to impose monetary bail in these situations.                                                            
                                                                                                                                
Unfortunately, the risk assessment tool does not take into account a                                                            
person's out-of-state criminal history. Therefore, judges are prohibited                                                        
from imposing monetary bail for these individuals, regardless of what                                                           
their out-of-state criminal history looks like. This is problematic given                                                       
Alaska's transient population, especially in the summer months.                                                                 
                                                                                                                                
This bill would remove the provisions of law requiring release on a                                                             
person's own recognizance or an unsecured bond and return discretion                                                            
if the person has an out-of-state criminal history that has not been used                                                       
in determining the person's risk level by the risk assessment tool. This                                                        
will allow a judge to consider a person's full criminal history before                                                          
making an appropriate release decision both for the offender and the                                                            
public at-large.                                                                                                                
                                                                                                                                
For a Safer Alaska, I urge your prompt and favorable action on this                                                             
measure.                                                                                                                        
                                                                                                                                
Sincerely,                                                                                                                      
/s/                                                                                                                             
Bill Walker                                                                                                                     
Governor                                                                                                                        

2018-01-18                     Senate Journal                      Page 1776
                        Consideration of the Calendar                                                                        
                                                                                                                                
                                  Citations                                                                                  
                                                                                                                                
Senator Micciche moved and asked unanimous consent the following                                                                
citation be made a special order of business. Without objection, it was                                                         
so ordered.                                                                                                                     
                                                                                                                                
                          Special Order of Business                                                                          
                                                                                                                                
Honoring - Pam Varni                                                                                                            
Senator(s) Kelly, Egan, Begich, Bishop, Coghill, Costello, Gardner,                                                             
Giessel, Hoffman, Hughes, MacKinnon, Meyer, Micciche, Olson,                                                                    
Stedman, Stevens, von Imhof, Wielechowski, Wilson                                                                               
Representative(s) Edgmon                                                                                                        
                                                                                                                                
Senator Micciche moved and asked unanimous consent the citation be                                                              
adopted. Without objection, the citation was adopted and referred to                                                            
the Secretary for transmittal.                                                                                                  
                                                                                                                                
                                                                                                                                
                             Unfinished Business                                                                             
                                                                                                                                
SB 131                                                                                                                        
Senators Gardner, Begich, Egan moved and asked unanimous consent                                                                
to be shown as cosponsors on SENATE BILL NO. 131 "An Act                                                                        
relating to a separate appropriation bill for operating expenses for                                                            
public education and establishing a date by which the bill must be                                                              
passed by the legislature and transmitted to the governor each year;                                                            
relating to the budget responsibilities of the governor; and providing                                                          
for an effective date." Without objection, it was so ordered.                                                                   
                                                                                                                                
SCR 14                                                                                                                        
Senator Wielechowski moved and asked unanimous consent to be                                                                    
shown as a cosponsor on SENATE CONCURRENT RESOLUTION                                                                            
NO. 14 Relating to awarding the Alaska Decoration of Honor to                                                                   
certain members of the military. Without objection, it was so ordered.                                                          
                                                                                                                                
                                                                                                                                
                                                                                                                                

2018-01-18                     Senate Journal                      Page 1777
                                Announcements                                                                                
                                                                                                                                
Announcements are at the end of the journal.                                                                                    
                                                                                                                                
                                                                                                                                
                                    Recess                                                                                   
                                                                                                                                
Senator Micciche moved and asked unanimous consent the Senate                                                                   
stand in recess to the Joint Session. Without objection, the Senate                                                             
recessed at 11:17 a.m.                                                                                                          
                                                                                                                                
                                 After Recess                                                                                
                                                                                                                                
                          Joint Session in the House                                                                         
                                                                                                                                
Speaker Edgmon called the House to order and in accordance with                                                                 
Uniform Rule 51 turned the gavel over to President Kelly, who called                                                            
the Joint Session to order at 7:01 p.m.                                                                                         
                                                                                                                                
The purpose of the Joint Session was to hear an address by the                                                                  
Honorable William Walker, Governor.                                                                                             
                                                                                                                                
Senator Micciche moved and asked unanimous consent that the roll                                                                
call of the Senate be waived and all members be shown as present.                                                               
Without objection, it was so ordered.                                                                                           
                                                                                                                                
Representative Tuck moved and asked unanimous consent that the roll                                                             
call of the House be waived and all members be shown as present.                                                                
Without objection, it was so ordered.                                                                                           
                                                                                                                                
President Kelly appointed Senator von Imhof and Representative                                                                  
Kreiss-Tomkins to escort Governor Walker to the Joint Session.                                                                  
                                                                                                                                
The Senate Sergeant-at-Arms, Grace Ellsworth, announced the                                                                     
Honorable William Walker's entrance to the House Chamber.                                                                       
                                                                                                                                
Governor Bill Walker was escorted to the rostrum and welcomed by                                                                
President Kelly.                                                                                                                
                                                                                                                                
                                                                                                                                

2018-01-18                     Senate Journal                      Page 1778
Governor Walker delivered his address. This address appears in House                                                            
and Senate Joint Journal Supplement No. 13.                                                                                     
                                                                                                                                
Governor Walker received a standing ovation.                                                                                    
                                                                                                                                
Senator Micciche moved and asked unanimous consent that the Joint                                                               
Session stand in adjournment. Without objection, President Kelly                                                                
adjourned the Joint Session at 7:54 p.m.                                                                                        
                                                                                                                                
                                                                                                                                
                                 After Recess                                                                                
                                                                                                                                
                                In the Senate                                                                                
                                                                                                                                
The Senate reconvened at 7:58 p.m.                                                                                              
                                                                                                                                
                                                                                                                                
                                 Adjournment                                                                                 
                                                                                                                                
Senator Micciche moved and asked unanimous consent the Senate                                                                   
stand in adjournment until 11:00 a.m., January 22, 2018. Without                                                                
objection, the Senate adjourned at 7:59 p.m.                                                                                    
                                                                                                                                
                                                                    Liz Clark                                                   
                                                     Secretary of the Senate                                                    
                                                                                                                                
                                                                                                                                

2018-01-18                     Senate Journal                      Page 1779
                                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 18        Thursday                    Beltz 105 (tsbldg)          3:30 PM                                                 
              No Meeting Scheduled                                                                                              
                                                                                                                                
Jan 23        Tuesday                     Beltz 105 (tsbldg)          3:30 PM                                                 
              No Meeting Scheduled                                                                                              
                                                                                                                                
Jan 25        Thursday                    Beltz 105 (tsbldg)          3:30 PM                                                 
+ SB 125 AIDEA FINANCING FOR LNG PLANT                                                                                          
                   ----------------------------------------                                                                    
                                                                                                                                
                                  EDUCATION                                                                                  
                                                                                                                                
Jan 19        Friday                          Butrovich 205           8:00 AM                                                 
              -- MEETING CANCELED --                                                                                            
+             Bills Previously Heard/Scheduled                                                                                  
                                                                                                                                
Jan 22        Monday                          Butrovich 205           8:00 AM                                                 
              No Meeting Scheduled                                                                                              
                                                                                                                                
Jan 24        Wednesday                       Butrovich 205           8:00 AM                                                 
+= SB 131 EDUCATION FUNDING; BUDGET                                                                                             
              -- Public Testimony <Time Limit May Be Set> --                                                                    
+             Bills Previously Heard/Scheduled                                                                                  
                                                                                                                                
                                                                                                                                
                                                                                                                                

2018-01-18                     Senate Journal                      Page 1780
                            EDUCATION (continued)                                                                            
                                                                                                                                
Jan 25        Thursday                        Butrovich 205           3:30 PM                                                 
              -- Please Note Time Change --                                                                                     
+= SB 131 EDUCATION FUNDING; BUDGET                                                                                             
              -- Public Testimony <Time Limit May Be Set> --                                                                    
+             Bills Previously Heard/Scheduled                                                                                  
                                                                                                                                
Jan 26        Friday                          Butrovich 205           8:00 AM                                                 
+             Bills Previously Heard/Scheduled                                                                                  
                   ----------------------------------------                                                                    
                                                                                                                                
                                   FINANCE                                                                                   
                                                                                                                                
Jan 18        Thursday                  Senate Finance 532            9:00 AM                                                 
+             Presentation: Overview FY19 Operating Budget                                                                      
              David Teal, Director, Legislative Finance Div.                                                                    
                                                                                                                                
Jan 19        Friday                    Senate Finance 532            9:00 AM                                                 
+             Joint with the Senate Resources Committee                                                                         
              Overview of Regulations for House Bill 111                                                                        
              Department of Revenue Tax Division                                                                                
                                                                                                                                
Jan 22        Monday                    Senate Finance 532            9:00 AM                                                 
+             Presentation: 2017 Fall Revenue Forecast                                                                          
              Sheldon Fisher, Commissioner, Dept. of Revenue                                                                    
              Ken Alper, Director, Tax Division,  Dept. of                                                                      
              Revenue                                                                                                           
              Dan Stickel, Chief Economist, Dept. of Revenue                                                                    
                                                                                                                                
Jan 23        Tuesday                   Senate Finance 532            9:00 AM                                                 
+             Presentation: Alaska Permanent Fund Corporation                                                                   
              Overview                                                                                                          
              Angela Rodell, CEO, Alaska Permanent Fund                                                                         
              Corporation                                                                                                       
              Bill Moran, Chair, Alaska Permanent Fund                                                                          
              Corporation Board of Trustees                                                                                     
                                                                                                                                
Jan 24        Wednesday                 Senate Finance 532            9:00 AM                                                 
+ SB 143 APPROP: MENTAL HEALTH BUDGET                                                                                           
              Alaska Gasline Development Corporation                                                                            
                                                                                                                                
                                                                                                                                

2018-01-18                     Senate Journal                      Page 1781
                             FINANCE (continued)                                                                             
                                                                                                                                
Jan 25        Thursday                  Senate Finance 532            9:00 AM                                                 
              - Joint with Senate Resources Committee -                                                                         
+             Presentation: Update on the Alaska LNG Project                                                                    
              Alaska Gasline Development Corporation                                                                            
                                                                                                                                
Jan 26        Friday                    Senate Finance 532            9:00 AM                                                 
+             Presentation: Deferred Maintenance                                                                                
              Adam Bryan, Capital Budget Coordinator, Office                                                                    
              of Management and Budget                                                                                          
                   ----------------------------------------                                                                    
                                                                                                                                
                           HEALTH & SOCIAL SERVICES                                                                          
                                                                                                                                
Jan 19        Friday                          Butrovich 205           1:30 PM                                                 
              No Meeting Scheduled                                                                                              
                                                                                                                                
Jan 22        Monday                          Butrovich 205           1:30 PM                                                 
              No Meeting Scheduled                                                                                              
                                                                                                                                
Jan 24        Wednesday                       Butrovich 205           1:30 PM                                                 
+ HB  43 NEW DRUGS FOR THE TERMINALLY ILL                                                                                       
              -- Public Testimony --                                                                                            
                                                                                                                                
Jan 26        Friday                          Butrovich 205           1:30 PM                                                 
              No Meeting Scheduled                                                                                              
                   ----------------------------------------                                                                    
                                                                                                                                
                                  JUDICIARY                                                                                  
                                                                                                                                
Jan 19        Friday                      Beltz 105 (tsbldg)          1:30 PM                                                 
              No Meeting Scheduled                                                                                              
                                                                                                                                
Jan 22        Monday                      Beltz 105 (tsbldg)          1:30 PM                                                 
              No Meeting Scheduled                                                                                              
                                                                                                                                
Jan 24        Wednesday                   Beltz 105 (tsbldg)          1:30 PM                                                 
              No Meeting Scheduled                                                                                              
                                                                                                                                
Jan 26        Friday                      Beltz 105 (tsbldg)          1:30 PM                                                 
              No Meeting Scheduled                                                                                              
                   ----------------------------------------                                                                    

2018-01-18                     Senate Journal                      Page 1782
                               LABOR & COMMERCE                                                                              
                                                                                                                                
Jan 18        Thursday                        Butrovich 205           1:30 PM                                                 
+             How Can We Boost Alaska's Economy?                                                                                
              Dept. of Commerce, Community, and Economic                                                                        
              Development                                                                                                       
              Presentation: Northern Opportunity Strategy                                                                       
               - Commissioner Mike Navarre                                                                                      
               - Britteny Cioni-Haywood, Director, Division                                                                     
              of Economic Development                                                                                           
              Curtis Thayer, Alaska Chamber                                                                                     
              Kara Moriarty, Alaska Oil & Gas Association                                                                       
              Jillian Simpson & Julie Jessen, Alaska Travel                                                                     
              Industry Association                                                                                              
              John Springsteen, Alaska Industrial Development                                                                   
              and Export Authority                                                                                              
              -- Testimony <Invitation Only> --                                                                                 
                                                                                                                                
Jan 23        Tuesday                     Beltz 105 (tsbldg)          1:30 PM                                                 
+             How Are Alaskans Innovating?                                                                                      
              Dept. of Commerce, Community, and Economic                                                                        
              Development - Division of Insurance                                                                               
              Health Insurance Innovation Waiver Update                                                                         
              Lori Wing Heier, Division of Insurance Director                                                                   
              -- Testimony <Invitation Only> --                                                                                 
                                                                                                                                
Jan 25        Thursday                    Beltz 105 (tsbldg)          1:30 PM                                                 
+             How Do We Best Train Alaskans For Jobs?                                                                           
              Dept. of Labor & Workforce Development                                                                            
              Presentation: Alaska Technical Vocational                                                                         
              Education Program (TVEP) Update                                                                                   
              Greg Cashen, Deputy Commissioner                                                                                  
              Paloma Harbour, Administrative Services Director                                                                  
              Allison Biastock, Alaska Workforce Investment                                                                     
              Board Director                                                                                                    
              Aviation Advisory Board                                                                                           
              Lee Ryan, Ryan Air                                                                                                
              Gideon Garcia, Northern Air Cargo                                                                                 
              Tom George, Aircraft Owner and Pilots Association                                                                 
              Steve Strait, Board Member                                                                                        
              -- Testimony <Invitation Only> --                                                                                 
                   ----------------------------------------                                                                    
                                                                                                                                
                                                                                                                                

2018-01-18                     Senate Journal                      Page 1783
                                  RESOURCES                                                                                  
                                                                                                                                
Jan 19        Friday                    Senate Finance 532            9:00 AM                                                 
+             Joint with the Senate Finance Committee                                                                           
              Overview of Regulations for House Bill 111 (Ch 3, SSLA 17)                                                        
              - Department of Revenue Tax Division                                                                              
              -- Testimony <Invitation Only> --                                                                                 
                                                                                                                                
Jan 19        Friday                          Butrovich 205           3:30 PM                                                 
+             Overview: State of Alaska Mining Claims and Filing Process                                                        
              - Department of Natural Resources                                                                                 
              Division of Mining, Land, and Water                                                                               
              -- Testimony <Invitation Only> --                                                                                 
              <Above Item Removed from Agenda>                                                                                  
+             Overview: Forestry Development, Opportunities,                                                                    
              and Restrictions                                                                                                  
              - Department of Natural Resources Division of                                                                     
              Forestry                                                                                                          
              -- Testimony <Invitation Only> --                                                                                 
                                                                                                                                
Jan 22        Monday                          Butrovich 205           3:30 PM                                                 
+             Overview: Alaska's Mining Filing Claim Process                                                                    
               - Department of Natural Resources                                                                                
              Division of Mining, Land and Water                                                                                
              -- Testimony <Invitation Only> --                                                                                 
                                                                                                                                
Jan 24        Wednesday                       Butrovich 205           3:30 PM                                                 
+             Overview:                                                                                                         
              Alaska's Oil & Gas Royalty, Unitization Process                                                                   
               - Department of Natural Resources                                                                                
              Division of Oil & Gas                                                                                             
              -- Testimony <Invitation Only> --                                                                                 
                                                                                                                                
Jan 25        Thursday                  Senate Finance 532            9:00 AM                                                 
              - Joint with the Senate Finance Committee -                                                                       
+             Update on the Alaska LNG Project:                                                                                 
              - Alaska Gasline Development Corporation                                                                          
              -- Testimony <Invitation Only> --                                                                                 
                                                                                                                                
Jan 26        Friday                          Butrovich 205           3:30 PM                                                 
+             Overview: Alaska's Oil Production Forecast                                                                        
               - Department of Natural Resources                                                                                
              Division of Oil & Gas                                                                                             
              -- Testimony <Invitation Only> --                                                                                 
                   ----------------------------------------                                                                    

2018-01-18                     Senate Journal                      Page 1784
                                STATE AFFAIRS                                                                                
                                                                                                                                
Jan 18        Thursday                        Butrovich 205           3:30 PM                                                 
              No Meeting Scheduled                                                                                              
                                                                                                                                
Jan 23        Tuesday                         Butrovich 205           3:30 PM                                                 
+ SCR 14 DECORATION OF HONOR AWARD                                                                                              
              -- Public Testimony --                                                                                            
+             Bills Previously Heard/Scheduled                                                                                  
                                                                                                                                
Jan 25        Thursday                        Butrovich 205           3:30 PM                                                 
              No Meeting Scheduled                                                                                              
                   ----------------------------------------                                                                    
                                                                                                                                
                                TRANSPORTATION                                                                               
                                                                                                                                
Jan 18        Thursday                        Butrovich 205           1:30 PM                                                 
              No Meeting Scheduled                                                                                              
                                                                                                                                
Jan 23        Tuesday                         Butrovich 205           1:30 PM                                                 
              No Meeting Scheduled                                                                                              
                                                                                                                                
Jan 25        Thursday                        Butrovich 205           1:30 PM                                                 
              No Meeting Scheduled                                                                                              
                   ----------------------------------------                                                                    
                                                                                                                                
                               JOINT COMMITTEES                                                                              
                                                                                                                                
                    LEGISLATIVE WORKING GROUP ON OIL & GAS                                                                   
                                                                                                                                
Jan 18        Thursday                  Senate Finance 532            3:30 PM                                                 
+             Scoping Meeting Schedule for 2018                                                                                 
              Advisory Group:                                                                                                   
                Overview of Advisory Group Membership, Capacity                                                                 
                Scoping for Advisory Group Meeting Schedule                                                                     
                Topics                                                                                                          
                   ----------------------------------------                                                                    
                                                                                                                                
                                                                                                                                
                                                                                                                                

2018-01-18                     Senate Journal                      Page 1785
                                OTHER MEETINGS                                                                               
                                                                                                                                
                            MISCELLANEOUS MEETINGS                                                                           
                                                                                                                                
Jan 25        Thursday                        Butrovich 205          12:00 PM                                                 
              Lunch & Learn:                                                                                                    
              Alaska Gasline Development Corporation                                                                            
              Presentation By Frank Richard and President Keith Meyer                                                           
              Sponsored by Representative Josephson