Legislature(2019 - 2020)
2020-02-07 Senate Journal
Full Journal pdf2020-02-07 Senate Journal Page 1673 SENATE JOURNAL ALASKA STATE LEGISLATURE THIRTY-FIRST LEGISLATURE SECOND SESSION Juneau, Alaska Friday February 7, 2020 Eighteenth Day Pursuant to adjournment the Senate was called to order by President Giessel at 10:32 a.m. The roll showed sixteen members present. Senators Costello, von Imhof, Wilson were excused from a call of the Senate. Senator Shower was absent. The prayer was offered by the Chaplain, Reverend Gordon Blue, Holy Trinity Episcopal Church. Senator Coghill moved and asked unanimous consent the prayer be spread. Without objection, it was so ordered. Lord, the needs of the people, and the demands of adverse politics and the requirements of electoral campaigns overwhelm those who would serve. The Psalmist, a public Servant, sings, “Save me, O God, for the waters have risen up to my neck. I am sinking in deep mire, and there is no firm ground for my feet. I have come into deep waters, and the torrent washes over me.” Creator, the injustice of false accusation, and the perversion of justice and truth into blind loyalty have become darkness covering the light of the day. Pet theories of greed take places of greater importance than suffering of others. The Psalmist sings, “O God, you know my foolishness, and my faults are not hidden from you. Let not those who hope in you be put to shame through me, Lord God of hosts; let not those who seek you be disgraced because of me, O God of Israel.” 2020-02-07 Senate Journal Page 1674 In the deadlock of ideas, the winner-take-all drains resources into the pockets of masters far away. Promises of sunshine and blue sky paint false memories and sketchy outcomes, peddled by those who sit and murmur at the gate. The Servant sings, “But as for me, this is my prayer to you, at the time you have set, O Lord: In your great mercy, O God, answer me with your unfailing help. Save me from the mire; do not let me sink; let me be rescued from those who hate me and out of the deep waters Answer me O Lord, for your love is kind; in your great compassion, turn to me. “As for me, I am afflicted and in pain; your help, O God, will lift me up on high. The afflicted shall see and be glad; you who seek God, your heart shall live. For the Lord listens to the needy, and his prisoners he does not despise. Let the heavens and the earth praise him, the seas and all that moves in them.” Wake up, Redeemer, the eyes of compassion in your servants, the Senate of Alaska. Arouse in them the smoldering fires of justice, incite great visions of renewal and feed the faith and understanding that rebuilds the trust of the people. Restore the honor that comes from the integrity of those who love this Great Land. Amen. Senator Bishop led the Senate in the Pledge of Allegiance. Certification Senator Hoffman moved and asked unanimous consent the journals for the sixteenth and seventeenth legislative days be approved as certified by the Secretary. Without objection, it was so ordered. 2020-02-07 Senate Journal Page 1675 Messages from the Governor Letter dated Feb 6 was read stating in accordance with AS 18.85.030, I submit the following individual for appointment: Public Defender Samantha Cherot – Anchorage Appointed: 9/12/2019 Term Expires: 9/12/2023 The appointment was referred to the Judiciary Committee. In accordance with Article III, Sections 26 and 27 of the Alaska Constitution and Alaska Statute 39.05.080, I submit the following appointees for confirmation: Alaska Public Offices Commission Hardy “Van” Lawrence – Fairbanks Appointed: 6/18/2019 Term Expires: 3/1/2022 The appointment was referred to the State Affairs Committee. Big Game Commercial Services Board Peter Buist – Fairbanks Appointed: 5/21/2019 Term Expires: 3/1/2021 The appointment was referred to the Resources Committee. Board of Nursing Catherine Hample – Wasilla Appointed: 5/24/2019 Term Expires: 3/1/2021 Lena Lafferty – Anchorage Appointed: 5/24/2019 Term Expires: 3/1/2022 Board of Professional Counselors Laura Patin – Eagle River Appointed: 11/14/2019 Term Expires: 3/1/2021 2020-02-07 Senate Journal Page 1676 The appointments were referred to the Labor and Commerce Committee. Commission on Judicial Conduct Todd Fletcher – Anchorage Appointed: 5/21/2019 Term Expires: 3/1/2023 The appointment was referred to the Judiciary Committee. Professional Teaching Practices Commission Lem Wheeles – Anchorage Appointed: 5/21/2019 Term Expires: 3/1/2022 The appointment was referred to the Education Committee. University of Alaska Board of Regents Cachet Garrett – Fairbanks Appointed: 6/1/2019 Term Expires: 5/31/2021 The appointment was referred to the Education and Finance Committees. The resumes for these appointments have been submitted to the Offices of the Senate Secretary and the Chief Clerk. A Declaration of Disaster Emergency dated February 5 from Governor Mike Dunleavy regarding damage across the Kenai Peninsula Borough from severe winter storms, with an accompanying letter, was received February 5. The declaration and letter had been copied to the Finance Committee Cochairs. Messages from the House Message dated February 5 was read stating the House passed and transmitted for consideration: First Reading and Reference of House Bills HB 116 SPONSOR SUBSTITUTE FOR HOUSE BILL NO. 116 BY REPRESENTATIVES STORY, Kreiss-Tomkins, Vance, Stutes, entitled: 2020-02-07 Senate Journal Page 1677 "An Act relating to the renewal or extension of site leases for aquatic farming and aquatic plant and shellfish hatchery operations." was read the first time and referred to the Finance Committee. Message dated February 5 was read stating: The Senate is invited to meet with the House for the purpose of a Joint Session on Tuesday, February 18, 2020, at 11:00 a.m. for U.S. Senator Lisa Murkowski’s annual address to the Legislature. Senator Hoffman moved and asked unanimous consent the Senate accept the House invitation to meet in Joint Session. Without objection, it was so ordered. The Secretary was requested to notify the House. Communications The following reports are on file in the Office of the Secretary of the Senate: Alaska Industrial Development and Export Authority 2019 Annual Report in accordance with AS 44.80.210 Alaska Court System Schedule of Compensation Alaska Court System Supreme Court Justices, Appellate Court Judges, and Administrative Directors Calendar Year 2019 in accordance with AS 22.20.037 Alaska Commercial Fishing and Agriculture Bank 2019 Annual Report in accordance with AS 44.81.200 2020-02-07 Senate Journal Page 1678 Introduction and Reference of Senate Resolutions SJR 16 SENATE JOINT RESOLUTION NO. 16 BY SENATOR KAWASAKI, Supporting an amendment to the United States Constitution stating that the Constitution does not create, grant, or protect constitutional rights of corporations or other artificial entities, recognizing that the United States government may limit expenditures of money to influence elections and public policy, and overturning the decision of the United States Supreme Court in Citizens United v. Federal Election Commission. was read the first time and referred to the State Affairs Committee. Introduction and Reference of Senate Bills SB 180 SENATE BILL NO. 180 BY SENATOR WIELECHOWSKI, entitled: "An Act relating to the establishment and maintenance of an Internet website providing information on state government financial transactions and specifying the information to be made available on the website." was read the first time and referred to the State Affairs and Finance Committees. SB 181 SENATE BILL NO. 181 BY SENATOR STEVENS, entitled: "An Act relating to transportation of live crab." was read the first time and referred to the Resources Committee. 2020-02-07 Senate Journal Page 1679 Consideration of the Calendar Second Reading of Senate Bills SB 144 SENATE BILL NO. 144 "An Act establishing June 7 of each year as Walter Harper Day" was read the second time. Senator Hoffman moved and asked unanimous consent the bill be considered engrossed, advanced to third reading and placed on final passage. Without objection, it was so ordered. SENATE BILL NO. 144 was read the third time. Senators Begich, Kawasaki, Kiehl, Olson, Hoffman, Stedman, Giessel moved and asked unanimous consent to be shown as cosponsors on the bill. Without objection, it was so ordered. The question being: "Shall SENATE BILL NO. 144 "An Act establishing June 7 of each year as Walter Harper Day" pass the Senate?" The roll was taken with the following result: SB 144 Third Reading - Final Passage YEAS: 16 NAYS: 0 EXCUSED: 3 ABSENT: 1 Yeas: Begich, Bishop, Coghill, Giessel, Gray-Jackson, Hoffman, Hughes, Kawasaki, Kiehl, Micciche, Olson, Reinbold, Revak, Stedman, Stevens, Wielechowski Excused: Costello, von Imhof, Wilson Absent: Shower and so, SENATE BILL NO. 144 passed the Senate and was referred to the Secretary for engrossment. 2020-02-07 Senate Journal Page 1680 Unfinished Business SJR 16 Senators Gray-Jackson, Begich, Kiehl, Wielechowski moved and asked unanimous consent to be shown as cosponsors on SENATE JOINT RESOLUTION NO. 16 Supporting an amendment to the United States Constitution stating that the Constitution does not create, grant, or protect constitutional rights of corporations or other artificial entities, recognizing that the United States government may limit expenditures of money to influence elections and public policy, and overturning the decision of the United States Supreme Court in Citizens United v. Federal Election Commission. Without objection, it was so ordered. SJR 13 Senator Micciche moved and asked unanimous consent to be shown as a cosponsor on SENATE JOINT RESOLUTION NO. 13 Proposing an amendment to the Constitution of the State of Alaska relating to abortion. Without objection, it was so ordered. SB 130 Senator Bishop moved and asked unanimous consent to be shown as a cosponsor on SENATE BILL NO. 130 "An Act relating to a seafood product development tax credit; providing for an effective date by repealing secs. 32 and 35, ch. 61, SLA 2014; and providing for an effective date." Without objection, it was so ordered. Senator Hoffman moved and asked unanimous consent to be excused from a call of the Senate from afternoon plane time, February 13 through February 15. Without objection, Senator Hoffman was excused. Senator Stedman moved and asked unanimous consent to be excused from a call of the Senate from evening plane time, February 7 through plane time, February 9. Without objection, Senator Stedman was excused. 2020-02-07 Senate Journal Page 1681 Announcements Announcements are at the end of the journal. Engrossment SB 144 SENATE BILL NO. 144 "An Act establishing June 7 of each year as Walter Harper Day" was engrossed, signed by the President and Secretary and transmitted to the House for consideration. Adjournment Senator Hoffman moved and asked unanimous consent the Senate stand in adjournment until 11:00 a.m., February 10, 2020. Without objection, the Senate adjourned at 11:15 a.m. Liz Clark Secretary of the Senate 2020-02-07 Senate Journal Page 1682 Announcements Americans with Disabilities Act Notice - Persons with disabilities who require special accommodation or alternative communication formats to access committee meetings may contact the appropriate committee office or the Legislative Information Office in their community. Reasonable advance notice is needed to accommodate the request. For further information, call the ADA Coordinator at 465-3854 Voice/465-4980 TDD. STANDING COMMITTEES + indicates teleconference = indicates bill previously heard/scheduled COMMUNITY & REGIONAL AFFAIRS Feb 11 Tuesday Beltz 105 (tsbldg) 3:30 PM + Presentation: "Susitna-Watana Project & Ambler Road Project" by Tom Boutin, Alaska Industrial Development & Export Authority (AIDEA) & Curtis Thayer, Alaska Energy Authority (AEA) -- Teleconference Listen Only -- Feb 13 Thursday Beltz 105 (tsbldg) 3:30 PM No Meeting Scheduled ---------------------------------------- EDUCATION Feb 07 Friday Butrovich 205 9:00 AM -- Teleconference <Listen Only> -- + Bills Previously Heard/Scheduled: += SB 6 PRE-K/ELEM ED PROGRAMS/FUNDING; READING -- Testimony <Invitation Only> -- **Streamed live on AKL.tv** Feb 10 Monday Senate Finance 532 1:00 PM School District Legislative Fly-In: See Miscellaneous Meetings 2020-02-07 Senate Journal Page 1683 EDUCATION (continued) Feb 11 Tuesday Butrovich 205 9:00 AM -- Teleconference <Listen Only> -- += SB 6 PRE-K/ELEM ED PROGRAMS/FUNDING; READING -- Testimony <Invitation Only> -- Discussion of a Committee Substitute & Amendments + Presentation: "University of Alaska - Program Review, Teacher Training, Enrollments" by Dr. Paul Layer, UA Vice President Academics, Students & Research & Steve Atwater, UA Executive Dean, UA College of Education **Streamed live on AKL.tv** + Bills Previously Heard/Scheduled Feb 12 Wednesday Butrovich 205 9:00 AM += SB 6 PRE-K/ELEM ED PROGRAMS/FUNDING; READING -- Public Testimony <Time Limit May Be Set> -- **Streamed live on AKL.tv** + Bills Previously Heard/Scheduled Feb 13 Thursday Butrovich 205 9:00 AM -- Teleconference <Listen Only> -- += SB 6 PRE-K/ELEM ED PROGRAMS/FUNDING; READING -- Testimony <Invitation Only> -- += SB 169 LICENSE PLATES: COUNCIL ON ARTS -- Public Testimony -- **Streamed live on AKL.tv** + Bills Previously Heard/Scheduled Feb 14 Friday Butrovich 205 9:00 AM -- Teleconference <Listen Only> -- + Bills Previously Heard/Scheduled -- Testimony <Invitation Only> -- **Streamed live on AKL.tv** ---------------------------------------- 2020-02-07 Senate Journal Page 1684 FINANCE Feb 07 Friday Senate Finance 532 9:00 AM + HB 41 SHELLFISH PROJECTS; HATCHERIES; FEES -- Public Testimony -- + Bills Previously Heard/Scheduled Feb 10 Monday Senate Finance 532 9:00 AM + HB 139 AK PERM. FUND CORP. PROCUREMENT EXEMPTION -- Public Testimony -- + HB 68 LABOR STDRS/SAFETY; WORKER COMPENSATION + Bills Previously Heard/Scheduled Feb 11 Tuesday Senate Finance 532 9:00 AM + SB 52 ALCOHOLIC BEVERAGE CONTROL; ALCOHOL REG -- Testimony <Invitation Only> -- + Bills Previously Heard/Scheduled Feb 12 Wednesday Senate Finance 532 9:00 AM + Order of Operations - Oil Tax Regime by Dan Stickel, Director of Economic Research Group, Department of Revenue + Bills Previously Heard/Scheduled Feb 13 Thursday Senate Finance 532 9:00 AM + PRS/TRS Update by Ajay Desai, Director of Division of Retirement & Benefits + Bills Previously Heard/Scheduled Feb 14 Friday Senate Finance 532 9:00 AM + School Construction Funding Overview += HB 106 SCHOOL BOND DEBT REIMBURSEMENT + Bills Previously Heard/Scheduled ---------------------------------------- HEALTH & SOCIAL SERVICES Feb 07 Friday Butrovich 205 1:30 PM No Meeting Scheduled Feb 10 Monday Butrovich 205 1:30 PM No Meeting Scheduled 2020-02-07 Senate Journal Page 1685 HEALTH & SOCIAL SERVICES (continued) Feb 12 Wednesday Butrovich 205 1:30 PM + Presentation: "Coronavirus: Alaska's Response & Preparedness" by Dr. Anne Zink, Department of Health & Social Services, Chief Medical Officer += HB 96 PIONEERS' HOME AND VETERANS' HOME RATES -Invited Testimony Followed by Public Testimony- <Time Limit May Be Set> + Bills Previously Heard/Scheduled Feb 14 Friday Butrovich 205 1:30 PM + HB 29 INSURANCE COVERAGE FOR TELEHEALTH -Invited Testimony Followed by Public Testimony- + Bills Previously Heard/Scheduled ---------------------------------------- JUDICIARY Feb 07 Friday Beltz 105 (tsbldg) 1:30 PM No Meeting Scheduled Feb 10 Monday Beltz 105 (tsbldg) 1:30 PM No Meeting Scheduled Feb 12 Wednesday Beltz 105 (tsbldg) 1:30 PM + Presentation by the Alaska Children's Justice Act Task Force Feb 14 Friday Beltz 105 (tsbldg) 1:30 PM No Meeting Scheduled ---------------------------------------- LABOR & COMMERCE Feb 11 Tuesday Beltz 105 (tsbldg) 1:30 PM + SB 81 TELEPHONE COOPERATIVES;TELECOMMUNICATIONS -- Public Testimony -- += SB 47 PHYSICAL/OCCUPATIONAL THERAPY BD/PRACTICE + Bills Previously Heard/Scheduled 2020-02-07 Senate Journal Page 1686 LABOR & COMMERCE (continued) Feb 13 Thursday Beltz 105 (tsbldg) 1:30 PM + Presentation: "Alaska Hire Legal History" by Dan Wayne, Legislative Legal + Bills Previously Heard/Scheduled ---------------------------------------- RESOURCES Feb 07 Friday Butrovich 205 3:30 PM No Meeting Scheduled Feb 10 Monday Butrovich 205 3:30 PM + SB 171 INDUSTRIAL HEMP PROGRAM; MANUFACTURING -- Public Testimony -- + SB 161 GEOTHERMAL RESOURCES -- Public Testimony -- **Streamed live on AKL.tv** + Bills Previously Heard/Scheduled Feb 12 Wednesday Butrovich 205 3:30 PM + Presentation: Regarding Pending Cases Affecting Alaska Resources by the Department of Law -- Testimony <Invitation Only> -- += HB 122 FUNTER BAY MARINE PARK: UNANGAN CEMETERY -- Public Testimony -- **Streamed live on AKL.tv** + Bills Previously Heard/Scheduled Feb 14 Friday Butrovich 205 3:30 PM += SB 155 EXPLORATION & MINING RIGHTS; ANNUAL LABOR -- Public Testimony -- + SB 145 REGISTRATION OF BOATS: EXEMPTION -- Public Testimony -- **Streamed live on AKL.tv** + Bills Previously Heard/Scheduled ---------------------------------------- 2020-02-07 Senate Journal Page 1687 STATE AFFAIRS Feb 11 Tuesday Butrovich 205 3:30 PM + SB 166 AUTHORITY OF PRETRIAL SERVICES OFFICERS + SB 167 AGGRAVATING FACTOR: CORRECTIONS OFFICER + SB 162 FORM OF NAME ON DRIVER'S LICENSE/ID -- Public Testimony -- **Streamed live on AKL.tv** Feb 13 Thursday Butrovich 205 3:30 PM + SB 170 NAMING VIETNAM HELI. PILOTS' MEM. BRIDGE -- Public Testimony -- + SB 168 SEX OFFENDER REGISTRY; NOTICE TO VICTIMS -- Testimony <Invitation Only> -- + Bills Previously Heard/Scheduled **Streamed live on AKL.tv** ---------------------------------------- TRANSPORTATION Feb 11 Tuesday Butrovich 205 1:30 PM No Meeting Scheduled Feb 13 Thursday Butrovich 205 1:30 PM No Meeting Scheduled ---------------------------------------- FINANCE SUBCOMMITTEES EDUCATION & EARLY DEVELOPMENT Feb 11 Tuesday Senate Finance 532 1:00 PM + FY21 Department of Education & Early Development Budget ---------------------------------------- JUDICIARY Feb 13 Thursday Beltz 105 (tsbldg) 5:00 PM -- Testimony <Invitation Only> -- + Alaska Judiciary Overview: - Fiscal Situation - Program Requirements - Agency History, Mission & Outcomes - Introduction of Anticipated Alaska Judiciary Budget Request ---------------------------------------- 2020-02-07 Senate Journal Page 1688 LAW Feb 13 Thursday Butrovich 205 7:45 AM + Department Overview & Explanation of Subcommittee Book -- Testimony <Invitation Only> -- ---------------------------------------- PUBLIC SAFETY Feb 12 Wednesday Beltz 105 (tsbldg) 3:30 PM + Department Overview & Explanation of Subcommittee Book -- Testimony <Invitation Only> -- ---------------------------------------- TRANSPORTATION & PUBLIC FACILITIES Feb 12 Wednesday Senate Finance 532 7:30 AM + - Subcommittee Binders Synopsis by Staff - FY 21 Budget Highlights - Challenges & Successes ---------------------------------------- SPECIAL COMMITTEES RAILBELT ELECTRIC SYSTEM Feb 10 Monday Butrovich 205 9:00 AM No Meeting Scheduled Feb 12 Wednesday Fahrenkamp 203 9:00 AM -- Please Note Location Change -- += SB 123 ELECTRIC RELIABILITY ORGANIZATIONS -- Public Testimony -- Feb 14 Friday Beltz 105 (tsbldg) 9:00 AM += SB 123 ELECTRIC RELIABILITY ORGANIZATIONS -- Public Testimony -- ---------------------------------------- 2020-02-07 Senate Journal Page 1689 JOINT COMMITTEES LEGISLATIVE COUNCIL Feb 12 Wednesday Senate Finance 532 5:00 PM -- Teleconference <Listen Only> -- + Ratification of Charity Events - 2020 Girl Scouts of Alaska Annual Auction - 28th Fahrenkamp-Kelly Classic Charity Putting Tournament - 57th Annual Legislative Skits - 5th Annual Juneau's Got Talent - Juneau Co-op Reschool Winter Feast - Juneau Animal Rescue 7th Annual Silent Auction - 2020 Kenai River Sportfishing Association Events + Committee Business - FY19 Legislature Audit - FY21 Legislature Budget + Contract Approvals - Ketchikan Office Space Lease Renewal **Streamed live on AKL.tv** ---------------------------------------- OTHER MEETINGS JOINT SESSION Feb 12 Wednesday House Chamber 11:00 AM State of the Judiciary Address by the Honorable Joel H. Bolger, Chief Justice, Alaska Supreme Court Feb 18 Tuesday House Chamber 11:00 AM Annual Address by the Honorable Lisa Murkowski, U.S. Senator ---------------------------------------- 2020-02-07 Senate Journal Page 1690 MISCELLANEOUS MEETINGS Feb 07 Friday Butrovich 205 12:00 PM Lunch & Learn: "Remote Sales Tax Collection" by Nils Andreassen, Executive Director of Alaska Municipal League Sponsored by Senator Kiehl Feb 10 Monday Senate Finance 532 1:00 PM -- Please Note Time & Location -- -- Teleconference Listen Only -- + School District Legislative Fly-In: - Q&A Session Regarding Alaska's Public School System - Information from Individual School Districts Regarding their Respective Legislative & Funding Priorities Feb 11 Tuesday Butrovich 205 12:00 PM Lunch & Learn: "State of the Freight Transportation Industry in Alaska" by the Alaska Trucking Association: - Joey Crum - Northern Industrial Training - Jeremy Miller - Carlile Transportation - Jamie Benson - FedEx - Joe Michel - Alaska Trucking Association Sponsored by Senator Revak Feb 12 Wednesday Butrovich 205 12:00 PM Lunch & Learn: Alaska Food Policy Council - Innovative Efforts to Reduce Food Waste by: - Suzanne Caldwell, Anchorage Solid Waste Services, Will Discuss Pilot Programs to Reduce the Amount of Organic Material Going into Anchorage Landfills - Andrew Mergens, Anchorage School District, Will Discuss Pilot Programs to Reduce Waste in School Lunch Programs, Including the Use of Alaska Grown Food in Anchorage Schools Sponsored by Senator Giessel & Senator Bishop 2020-02-07 Senate Journal Page 1691 MISCELLANEOUS MEETINGS (continued) Feb 18 Tuesday Butrovich 205 12:00 PM Lunch & Learn: "The Current Cybersecurity Landscape in the State & Local Government, The Recent Breach at the State of Colorado & the Nation State Bad Actors - Iran & China" by Brian Sams, Regional State, Local Government & Education (SLED) Account Director at Tanium The Presentation Will Be Followed by a Q&A Session Sponsored by Senator Hughes & Representative Tuck Feb 19 Wednesday Butrovich 205 12:00 PM Lunch & Learn: Discussion on How the Partners for Progress Reentry Center Assists People Leaving Prison, Starting on the Day they Return to the Community & Including Prison In-reach to Prepare for Reentry While they are Still Incarcerated by Ciesta Williams, Job Lab Manager for Partners Reentry Followed by Question & Answer Period Sponsored by Senator Hughes & Representative Fields Mar 04 Wednesday Capitol 106 12:00 PM Lunch & Learn: Alaska Outdoor Alliance - Presenters & Subjects: - Lee Hart, Statewide Outdoor Recreation Priorities - Chris Beck, Statewide Trails Initiative - Natalie Dawson, New Tourism Products & Regenerative Tourism - Dan Blanchard, Adventure Tourism Business - Michele Stevens, Snowmachine Community Priorities Sponsored by Representative Kreiss-Tomkins