Legislature(1993 - 1994)
03/23/1993 08:00 AM House STA
| Audio | Topic |
|---|
* first hearing in first committee of referral
+ teleconferenced
= bill was previously heard/scheduled
+ teleconferenced
= bill was previously heard/scheduled
HOUSE STATE AFFAIRS STANDING COMMITTEE
March 23, 1993
8:00 a.m.
MEMBERS PRESENT
Representative Al Vezey, Chairman
Representative Pete Kott, Vice Chairman
Representative Harley Olberg
Representative Jerry Sanders
Representative Gary Davis
Representative Fran Ulmer
Representative Bettye Davis
MEMBERS ABSENT
None
OTHER HOUSE MEMBERS PRESENT
Representative John Davies
SENATORS PRESENT
Senator Loren Leman
COMMITTEE CALENDAR
*HCR 10 Relating to certification of the Alaska State
Legislature's opposition to requiring suspension
of a driver's license for drug offenses.
MOVED FROM COMMITTEE WITH A DO PASS RECOMMENDATION
*HB 197 "An Act making an appropriation to the Alyeska
Settlement Fund and making appropriations from the
Alyeska Settlement Fund; and providing for an
effective date."
CSHB 197 (STA) MOVED FROM COMMITTEE WITH A DO
PASS RECOMMENDATION
SB 90 "An Act clarifying powers and duties of state
officials in relation to a disaster emergency
caused by a catastrophic oil discharge or the
release of a hazardous substance."
MOVED FROM COMMITTEE WITH A DO PASS RECOMMENDATION
HB 65 "An Act relating to the improvement of state
finances through reduction of operating costs of
certain state agencies and establishment of
certain fees; and providing for an effective
date."
CSHB 65 (STA) MOVED FROM COMMITTEE WITH NO
RECOMMENDATIONS
HB 59 "An Act making a special appropriation to the
Department of Natural Resources for refunds to
certain veterans who purchased state land and for
reimbursement to the University of Alaska for the
veterans' land discount applied to land
transferred to the University of Alaska; and
providing for an effective date."
MOVED FROM COMMITTEE WITH A DO PASS RECOMMENDATION
HB 37 "An Act relating to open meetings of governmental
bodies."
HELD IN COMMITTEE FOR FURTHER CONSIDERATION
(* first public hearing)
WITNESS REGISTER
Jeannie Smith, Legislative Aide
to Representative Richard Foster
State Capitol, Court Room 611
Juneau, Alaska 99801-1182
465-3789
Position Statement: Delivered sponsor statement, HCR 10
Representative John Davies
State Capitol, Court Room 604
Juneau, Alaska 99801-1182
465-4457
Position Statement: Prime Sponsor, 2D SSHB 37
Rosalee Walker, President
Alaska Municipal League
217 2nd Street
Juneau, Alaska 99811
586-1325
Position Statement: Supported 2D SSHB 37
Kent Swisher, Director
Alaska Municipal League
217 2nd Street
Juneau, Alaska 99811
586-1325
Position Statement: Supported 2D SSHB 37
Wendy Redman, Vice President
for University Relations
University System
910 Yukon Drive
Fairbanks, Alaska 99775-5560
474-7582
Position Statement: Supported 2D SSHB 37; provided
information on HB 59
Senator Loren Leman
Room 113, State Capitol
Juneau, Alaska 99801-1182
465-2095
Position Statement: Prime Sponsor, SB 90
Jeff Morrison, Director
Administrative and Support Services Division
Department of Military and Veterans Affairs
5th Floor, Goldstein Bldg.
P.O. Box 110900
Juneau, Alaska 99801-0900
465-4730
Position Statement: Supported the intent of SB 90
Donald G. Study, Acting Director
Division of Labor Standards and Safety
Department of Labor
P.O. Box 20630
Juneau, Alaska 99802-0630
465-4855
Position Statement: Opposed deletion of Section 44 of HB 65
Representative Harley Olberg
Room 110, State Capitol
Juneau, Alaska 99801-1182
465-4859
Position Statement: Prime Sponsor, HB 197
Craig Tillery, Assistant Attorney General
Department of Law
1031 W. 4th Ave., Suite 200
Anchorage, Alaska 99501
269-5274
Position Statement: Provided information on HB 197
PREVIOUS ACTION
BILL: HCR 10
SHORT TITLE: FEDERAL-AID HY FUNDING/DRUG ENFORCEMENT
BILL VERSION: CSHCR 10(HES) AM
SPONSOR(S): TRANSPORTATION BY REQUEST
TITLE: Relating to allowing the state the right to determine
and impose sanctions on motor vehicle drivers.
JRN-DATE JRN-PG ACTION
02/24/93 433 (H) READ THE FIRST TIME/REFERRAL(S)
02/24/93 433 (H) STATE AFFAIRS, HES, JUDICIARY
03/23/93 (H) STA AT 08:00 AM CAPITOL 102
BILL: HB 197
SHORT TITLE: APPROP: ALYESKA SETTLEMENT
BILL VERSION:
SPONSOR(S): REPRESENTATIVE(S) OLBERG
TITLE: "An Act making an appropriation to the Alyeska
Settlement Fund and making appropriations from the Alyeska
Settlement Fund; and providing for an effective date."
JRN-DATE JRN-PG ACTION
03/03/93 520 (H) READ THE FIRST TIME/REFERRAL(S)
03/03/93 520 (H) STATE AFF, OIL & GAS,
RESOURCES, FINANCE
03/23/93 (H) STA AT 08:00 AM CAPITOL 102
BILL: SB 90
SHORT TITLE: DECLARATION OF DISASTER EMERGENCIES
BILL VERSION:
SPONSOR(S): SENATOR(S) LEMAN
TITLE: "An Act clarifying powers and duties of state
officials in relation to disaster emergency caused by a
catastrophic oil discharge or the release of a hazardous
substance."
JRN-DATE JRN-PG ACTION
02/05/93 245 (S) READ THE FIRST TIME/REFERRAL(S)
02/05/93 246 (S) OIL & GAS, RESOURCES
02/16/93 (S) O&G AT 11:00 AM BELTZ ROOM 211
02/16/93 (S) MINUTE(O&G)
02/17/93 386 (S) O&G RPT 3DP
02/17/93 386 (S) ZERO FISCAL NOTES (DMVA, DEC)
02/22/93 (S) RES AT 03:30 PM BUTROVICH ROOM
205
02/24/93 (S) RES AT 03:30 PM BUTROVICH ROOM
205
02/24/93 (S) MINUTE(RES)
02/25/93 482 (S) RES RPT 3DP 2NR
02/25/93 482 (S) PREVIOUS ZERO FNS (DMVA, DEC)
03/04/93 (S) RLS AT 03:00 PM
03/04/93 (S) MINUTE(RLS)
03/08/93 658 (S) RULES RPT 3CAL 1NR 3/8/93
03/08/93 668 (S) READ THE SECOND TIME
03/08/93 668 (S) ADVANCED TO THIRD READING UNAN
CONSENT
03/08/93 668 (S) READ THE THIRD TIME SB 90
03/08/93 669 (S) RETURN TO SECOND FOR AM 1 UNAN
CONSENT
03/08/93 669 (S) AM NO 1 WITHDRAWN BY SPONSOR
03/08/93 669 (S) AUTOMATICALLY IN THIRD READING
03/08/93 669 (S) PASSED Y18 N1 E1
03/08/93 677 (S) TRANSMITTED TO (H)
03/10/93 582 (H) READ THE FIRST TIME/REFERRAL(S)
03/10/93 582 (H) STATE AFFAIRS, RESOURCES
03/23/93 (H) STA AT 08:00 AM CAPITOL 102
BILL: HB 65
SHORT TITLE: FINANCIAL ADMINISTRATION OF STATE GOVT.
BILL VERSION:
SPONSOR(S): RULES BY REQUEST OF THE GOVERNOR
TITLE: "An Act relating to the improvement of state finances
through reduction of operating costs of certain state
agencies and establishment of certain fees and providing for
an effective date."
JRN-DATE JRN-PG ACTION
01/15/93 75 (H) READ THE FIRST TIME/REFERRAL(S)
01/15/93 75 (H) L&C, STATE AFFAIRS, JUDICIARY,
FINANCE
01/15/93 75 (H) -8 FNS(2-DEC, 2-DHSS, LABOR,
DNR, DPS
01/15/93 75 (H) ADM) PUBLISHED 1/15/93
01/15/93 75 (H) -5 REVENUE FNS(DPS, 2-LABOR, 2-
DOE)1/15
01/15/93 75 (H) -5 ZERO FNS (3-ADM, LABOR, REV)
1/15/93
01/15/93 75 (H) GOVERNOR'S TRANSMITTAL LETTER
02/01/93 201 (H) -REVISED FN (DNR) 2/1/93
02/08/93 251 (H) -CORRECTED FN (DNR) 2/8/93
02/09/93 (H) L&C AT 03:00 PM CAPITOL 17
02/09/93 (H) MINUTE(L&C)
02/11/93 (H) L&C AT 03:00 PM CAPITOL 17
02/23/93 (H) L&C AT 03:00 PM CAPITOL 17
03/01/93 478 (H) L&C RPT CS(L&C) NEW TITLE 3DP
1NR
03/01/93 478 (H) DP: PORTER, SITTON, GREEN
03/01/93 478 (H) NR: HUDSON
03/01/93 479 (H) -REVENUE FN (DPS) 3/1/93
03/01/93 479 (H) -ZERO FISCAL NOTE (ADM) 3/1/93
03/01/93 479 (H) -7 PREV FNS (2-DEC, 2-DHSS,
LABOR, DPS
03/01/93 479 (H) ADM) 1/15/93 PREV FN (DNR)
2/8/93
03/01/93 479 (H) -5 PREV REV FNS(DPS, 2-LABOR,
2-DOE)1/15
03/01/93 479 (H) -5 PREV ZERO FNS(3-ADM,LABOR,
REV)1/15/93
03/16/93 (H) STA AT 08:00 AM CAPITOL 102
03/16/93 (H) MINUTE(STA)
03/20/93 (H) STA AT 08:00 AM CAPITOL 102
03/23/93 (H) STA AT 08:00 AM CAPITOL 102
BILL: HB 59
SHORT TITLE: APPROP: VETS' LAND DISCOUNT REFUND
BILL VERSION:
SPONSOR(S): SPECIAL CMTE MILITARY & VETERANS AFFAIRS
TITLE: "An Act making a special appropriation to the
Department of Natural Resources for refunds to certain
veterans who purchased state land and for reimbursement to
the University of Alaska for the veterans' land discount
applied to land transferred to the University of Alaska; and
providing for an effective date."
JRN-DATE JRN-PG ACTION
01/15/93 72 (H) READ THE FIRST TIME/REFERRAL(S)
01/15/93 72 (H) MIL & VET AFF, STATE AFFAIRS,
FINANCE
02/18/93 (H) MLV AT 10:00 AM CAPITOL 17
02/24/93 (H) MLV AT 05:00 PM CAPITOL 17
02/24/93 (H) MINUTE(MLV)
03/01/93 483 (H) MLV RPT CS(MLV) 4DP
03/01/93 483 (H) DP: MULDER, WILLIS, FOSTER,
NAVARRE
03/01/93 484 (H) -ZERO FISCAL NOTE (DNR) 3/1/93
03/16/93 (H) STA AT 08:00 AM CAPITOL 102
03/16/93 (H) MINUTE(STA)
03/23/93 (H) STA AT 08:00 AM CAPITOL 102
BILL: HB 37
SHORT TITLE: OPEN MEETINGS LAW AMENDMENTS
BILL VERSION: 2D SSHB 37
SPONSOR(S): REPRESENTATIVE(S) DAVIES,Therriault,Brice
TITLE: "An Act relating to open meetings of governmental
bodies."
JRN-DATE JRN-PG ACTION
01/08/93 34 (H) PREFILE RELEASED
01/11/93 34 (H) READ THE FIRST TIME/REFERRAL(S)
01/11/93 34 (H) STATE AFFAIRS, JUDICIARY
01/20/93 117 (H) COSPONSOR(S): BRICE
02/11/93 321 (H) SPONSOR SUBSTITUTE INTRODUCED-
REFERRALS
02/11/93 322 (H) STATE AFFAIRS, JUDICIARY
03/10/93 589 (H) 2D SPONSOR SUBSTITUTE INTRO-
REFERRALS
03/10/93 589 (H) STATE AFFAIRS, JUDICIARY
03/23/93 (H) STA AT 08:00 AM CAPITOL 102
ACTION NARRATIVE
TAPE 93-32, SIDE A
Number 000
CHAIRMAN AL VEZEY called the House State Affairs Committee
to order at 8:02 a.m., on March 23, 1993, and noted all
members were present. Also in attendance were
Representative John Davies and Senator Loren Leman.
HCR 10: FEDERAL-AID HY FUNDING/DRUG ENFORCEMENT
Number 016
CHAIRMAN VEZEY read the title to HCR 10 and called for its
sponsor to deliver his statement.
Number 026
JEANNIE SMITH, LEGISLATIVE AIDE TO REPRESENTATIVE RICHARD
FOSTER, PRIME SPONSOR OF HCR 10, delivered the sponsor's
statement for HCR 10. She noted the resolution's necessity
to ensure federal highway funding for Fiscal Year 94, and
95, and told the committee that unless the legislature
passed HCR 10, Alaska would lose $9.6 million for funding in
1994 and 1995, and $19.2 million for each fiscal year
thereafter. She noted passing HCR 10 does not mean Alaska
will comply with federal mandates involving revoking
drivers' licenses. Instead, it simply complies with the
mandate that the legislature look at the idea.
Number 091
CHAIRMAN VEZEY asked for clarification on the deadline for
HCR 10's passage.
MS. SMITH stated April 1, 1993, was the deadline for passage
of HCR 10.
Number 101
REPRESENTATIVE HARLEY OLBERG asked if passing HCR 10 would
comply with the federal mandate.
MS. SMITH stated it would.
CHAIRMAN VEZEY explained the federal regulation allowed
states two options: To either pass a law suspending
drivers' licenses for drug offenses, or to inform the
government it will not. He stated HCR 10 would do the
latter.
Number 134
REPRESENTATIVE BETTYE DAVIS MOVED passage of HCR 10.
Number 153
HCR 10 PASSED by a 6-1 vote, Representative Sanders voting
NO.
HB 37: OPEN MEETINGS LAW AMENDMENTS
Number 156
CHAIRMAN VEZEY read the title to the 2D SSHB 37 and invited
its sponsor to the table.
Number 166
REPRESENTATIVE JOHN DAVIES, PRIME SPONSOR OF HB 37, outlined
his reasoning behind the bill's introduction. He stated the
latest version (2D SSHB 37) makes several changes in the
existing law, including the requirement of 72 hours' notice
of a public meeting; the posting of a meeting's subjects;
and, the definition of how many members of a body constitute
an official meeting. He noted several lawsuits have yielded
conflicting court opinions on the current law, and said the
confusion is keeping good people from running for public
office. He also cited his own experience on the Fairbanks
Borough Assembly, in which a Borough attorney was unable to
make sense of the law, and urged members to clarify that law
with HB 37.
Number 425
CHAIRMAN VEZEY agreed the Open Meetings Act was "broken" and
needed to be "fixed." He told the committee he had also
been at work on a bill similar to 2D SSHB 37, but had
several differences in mind. Those differences included:
1) making an official meeting a gathering of a quorum as
opposed to a simple majority of a quorum; 2) excluding
attorney-client privilege, because it is guaranteed in the
constitution; 3) mandating all parties in an open meetings
lawsuit pay their own costs; and, 4) that agency
publications need not be provided at teleconference sites.
He then called for further testimony on 2D SSHB 37.
Number 492
ROSALEE WALKER, PRESIDENT, ALASKA MUNICIPAL LEAGUE,
testified in favor of 2D SSHB 37, saying the League supports
the idea of open meetings and the current law is too
cumbersome. She pointed out in small communities, people
are violating the law every day because in some court
opinions, two people talking constitutes a meeting. She
also cited the last Cordova election, where people refused
to run for office because of the open meetings law, and a
newcomer was able to win election with a write-in campaign.
Number 529
REPRESENTATIVE FRAN ULMER asked if it was critical to pass a
new law this year.
Number 531
MS. WALKER replied, "The sooner the better." She noted many
cities have already lost money fighting lawsuits, and other
lawsuits are pending action on 2D SSHB 37.
Number 538
REPRESENTATIVE ULMER asked if Ms. Walker had a preference on
what constituted a meeting, a quorum or a majority of a
body's membership.
Number 543
MS. WALKER replied she did not care which one became law.
Her primary concern was that cities would have a definite
guideline.
Number 551
KENT SWISHER, DIRECTOR, ALASKA MUNICIPAL LEAGUE, testified
in favor of 2D SSHB 37, saying the League's official
position was that a quorum should qualify as the standard
for a meeting, and the League would like to see a provision
allowing groups to see an individual member of a body
without violating the law. He stated that in smaller towns
of less than 300, some of the restrictions in 2D SSHB 37
might not be practical.
Number 578
WENDY REDMAN, VICE PRESIDENT FOR UNIVERSITY RELATIONS FOR
THE UNIVERSITY SYSTEM, testified in favor of 2D SSHB 37, but
said the university system would also like to see further
clarification of what kinds of meetings would be subject to
the law.
Number 586
REPRESENTATIVE ULMER asked which standard for an official
meeting the university favored, the majority or a quorum.
MS. REDMAN responded that the university favored a quorum to
be the standard.
Number 590
REPRESENTATIVE ULMER stated the revision of the open
meetings law had been held up long enough and it might be
best to compromise several points of view in a committee
substitute (CS).
Number 601
CHAIRMAN VEZEY declared he did not submit his version as a
CS out of respect to the sponsor of 2D SSHB 37, and asked if
Representative Davies had any objection to the idea.
Number 614
REPRESENTATIVE DAVIES had no opposition to working on a CS
to 2D SSHB 37, but was concerned that under a quorum
standard, three or four people on a committee could meet
without it constituting an official meeting, and still
control an issue. He was also concerned about preventing a
series of smaller meetings that would effectively convene a
quorum.
SB 90: DECLARATION OF DISASTER EMERGENCIES
TAPE 93-32, SIDE B
Number 000
CHAIRMAN VEZEY deferred taking action on 2D SSHB 37, and
read the title to SB 90. He then invited SB 90's sponsor to
the table for his statement.
Number 024
SENATOR LOREN LEMAN, PRIME SPONSOR OF SB 90, explained the
bill's intent to clarify the relationship between the
Department of Environmental Conservation (DEC) and the
Department of Military and Veterans Affairs (DMVA) in the
event of an emergency. He stated SB 90 would give the DMVA
the capability to declare an emergency in the event of an
Exxon Valdez type oil spill which, he believed, brought
about the need for this bill. He further believed SB 90 was
consistent with a memo of agreement between the DEC and the
DMVA after the Exxon Valdez oil spill.
Number 074
REPRESENTATIVE ULMER understood SB 90 to be a "housekeeping"
bill, but wanted to make sure the committee was not making a
policy decision.
SENATOR LEMAN clarified SB 90 was not a policy decision, but
rather a clarification of duties between the two agencies
that had previously been discussed on the House floor.
Number 112
JEFF MORRISON, DIRECTOR, ADMINISTRATIVE AND SUPPORT SERVICES
DIVISION, DMVA, assured the committee the DMVA is in full
agreement with the intent of SB 90.
Number 122
CHAIRMAN VEZEY MOVED passage of SB 90 from committee.
SB 90 PASSED from committee by a 7-0 vote.
HB 65: FINANCIAL ADMINISTRATION OF STATE GOVT.
Number 140
CHAIRMAN VEZEY noted CSHB 65 (STA) had been proposed to
replace CSHB 65 (L&C), and invited comment on both versions.
Number 155
DONALD G. STUDY, ACTING DIRECTOR, DIVISION OF LABOR
STANDARDS AND SAFETY, DEPARTMENT OF LABOR (DOL), told the
committee it would be a mistake to delete section 44 of HB
65, which would allow the DOL to regulate user fees in
accordance with their budget needs.
Number 170
REPRESENTATIVE ULMER asked if the tentative budget before
the finance committee had been based on the fees being
allowed.
MR. STUDY replied in the affirmative.
REPRESENTATIVE ULMER then asked what might be the effect on
the DOL if the budget was not accurate, and the fees not
allowed.
Number 178
MR. STUDY alleged the DOL would lose the $93,500 the fees
would have generated, and unless general fund monies were
substituted for those fees, the DOL would have to lay off
workers and cut service levels. He stated the DOL would
also cut back on travel, and probably see electrical
inspection service cut by at least 25%.
Number 207
CHAIRMAN VEZEY noted the latest CSHB 65 would cut those
fees, which he advocated, since the increasing fees, he
deemed, constituted a direct tax on the working men and
women of Alaska. He went on to note later sections of the
bill also deletes regulatory rights for fees by both the
Department of Natural Resources and the DEC. In both cases,
many of the fees are taken away from regulatory language and
put back into statute. He also noted the DEC anticipated
getting $750,000 from the fee structure, but in CSHB 65,
that had been greatly reduced.
Number 262
REPRESENTATIVE GARY DAVIS expressed concern CSHB 65 might be
making too many drastic changes after being submitted in the
budget process. He stated many of the fee changes had been
mandated by the previous legislature, and he was concerned
about the movement toward more user fees. While he saw an
opportunity to put the brakes on a direct tax, he did not
see how the departments could carry out their constitutional
duties without the fees, and preferred CSHB 65 (L&C) to
CSHB 65 (STA).
Number 315
REPRESENTATIVE BETTYE DAVIS asked if Mr. Study could support
CSHB 65 (STA) if the fees were eliminated.
MR. STUDY explained the DOL had taken budget cuts in the
previous three years, and he could not support the DOL
without the fees.
Number 339
CHAIRMAN VEZEY MOVED ADOPTION of CSHB 65 (STA).
REPRESENTATIVE ULMER opposed CSHB 65 (STA) and favored
CSHB 65 (L&C). She stated the basic philosophy behind
CSHB 65 (L&C) is that users must eventually pay for the
services they use, or the state will eventually have to
subsidize the service.
Number 358
CSHB 65 (STA) was ADOPTED by a 4-3 vote; Representatives
Vezey, Kott, Sanders, and Olberg voting YES; Representatives
Ulmer, B. Davis and G. Davis voting NO.
Number 362
CHAIRMAN VEZEY MOVED passage of CSHB 65 (STA) from
committee.
Number 383
CSHB 65 (STA) passed from committee by a 7-0 vote.
HB 197: APPROP: ALYESKA SETTLEMENT
Number 388
CHAIRMAN VEZEY read the title of HB 197 and invited
Representative Olberg to present his sponsor statement.
Number 391
REPRESENTATIVE HARLEY OLBERG, PRIME SPONSOR OF HB 197,
stated the intent of the bill was to fulfill the "blackmail"
clause in the Alyeska settlement which states the
legislature must appropriate Exxon restoration funds by
September 15th, 1993, or those funds will be turned over to
the State-Federal Exxon Valdez Trustees for disbursement.
He stated allowing that to happen would be a mistake,
because the legislature would only have veto power over any
appropriation, but no input where the money might go.
Number 447
CHAIRMAN VEZEY announced CSHB 197 (STA) was up for
consideration, and opened the floor for more testimony.
Number 458
CRAIG TILLERY, ASSISTANT ATTORNEY GENERAL, DEPARTMENT OF
LAW, explained that the funding from HB 197 is part of the
joint settlement between the federal and state governments
and Alyeska, but all monies spent will go to state projects.
He believed it was necessary to pass HB 197 so the
legislature could retain control of the settlement money.
Number 504
CHAIRMAN VEZEY asked if the administration might be usurping
a constitutional legislative duty by mandating an
appropriation of the funds within the settlement agreement.
MR. TILLERY replied it is the right of the Attorney General
to negotiate the settlement of lawsuits by or against the
state, and the settlement provisions were necessary to
settle the case. He reiterated the administration's
position that the case never would have been settled, and
for the amounts won, had it been taken to court.
Number 538
REPRESENTATIVE OLBERG noted the changes in the proposed CSHB
197 (STA) involved deleting funds for the Kachemak Bay buy
out.
MR. TILLERY noted the change and said it might be the intent
of the legislature to do the Kachemak Bay appropriation in a
separate bill. However, he believed it would be simpler to
make the appropriation in HB 197.
Number 553
CHAIRMAN VEZEY found it personally offensive for the state
to buy land not directly affected by the oil spill with
restoration funds. He stated other legislators and timber
owners felt the same way, and he did not feel the
legislature should go along with the buy out.
MR. TILLERY replied the buy out had been recommended by the
trustees' council and in many cases, beaches at Kachemak Bay
had been oiled during the spill. He noted there is concern
about the impact of the oiling of the beaches.
Number 580
REPRESENTATIVE ULMER asked about the rules regarding such
appropriations.
MR. TILLERY noted the rules are stated in paragraph eight,
page nine of the settlement agreement, as well as the
appendixes of the agreement. Under those rules,
appropriations must be made for either restoration of land,
or for spill prevention or reaction.
Number 606
REPRESENTATIVE ULMER asked what would happen if the
legislature did not appropriate the funds this year.
MR. TILLERY replied the money would go to the trustees
council as of September 15th.
Number 622
REPRESENTATIVE G. DAVIS inquired about who would have veto
power over the trustees.
MR. TILLERY noted the legislature would have veto power over
the trustees.
REPRESENTATIVE G. DAVIS then noted his long-time opposition
to the Kachemak Bay buy out, stating it is, in his opinion,
a beautification project. He stated he and other Kenai
River residents noted an oil spill related impact on the
Kenai, and had been trying for years to get an appropriation
to mitigate that impact, and until he could see the entire
list of Alyeska settlements, he could not support HB 197.
Number 695
REPRESENTATIVE ULMER asked how the four projects mentioned
in HB 197 were decided to be the best use of the money.
TAPE 93-33, SIDE A
Number 000
REPRESENTATIVE OLBERG stated the docks and storage
facilities were deemed necessary for spill prevention and
response. He stated the road from Cordova to Shepherd Bay is
necessary because the Bay is the nearest deep water area
near Cordova that can handle ferry-class vessels. He stated
the rest of the appropriation was a combination of
restoration or response needs.
MR. TILLERY pointed out the appropriation was made on the
basis of a need for staging facilities, for response areas
for either state or Alyeska response vessels, and for
advanced communications in the event of another spill; all
identified as needs after the Exxon Valdez spill.
Number 081
REPRESENTATIVE ULMER asked if the people in the affected
communities wanted the projects.
Number 083
REPRESENTATIVE OLBERG stated "very much so", to the point
where many residents were treating the facilities'
construction as a done deal.
Number 091
REPRESENTATIVE G. DAVIS asked why the only city to be
directly affected by oil on its beaches, Seward, had not
been addressed in HB 197.
REPRESENTATIVE OLBERG stated HB 197 is a simple bill:
Whether or not to make the appropriation of funds. If not,
then he stated the trustees' council will make the
appropriation for the legislature. Given the trustees
record, he preferred the legislature.
Number 143
REPRESENTATIVE G. DAVIS knew HB 197 would see further
revision, and wanted to see it moved.
Number 160
CHAIRMAN VEZEY MOVED acceptance of CSHB 197 (STA).
CSHB 197 (STA) was ADOPTED 4-3; Representatives Vezey, Kott,
Sanders and G. Davis voting YES; Representatives Olberg,
Ulmer and B. Davis voting NO.
Number 174
CHAIRMAN VEZEY MOVED passage of CSHB 197 (STA).
CSHB 197 (STA) passed 7-0.
HB 59: APPROP: VETS' LAND DISCOUNT REFUND
Number 208
CHAIRMAN VEZEY explained the committee members' reservations
for not passing HB 59 from committee. He detailed the
concerns over whether the University of Alaska had taken
veterans land into foreclosure after taking some payments on
the land, and then being reimbursed for the original amount.
He then called for any additional testimony on HB 59.
Number 235
WENDY REDMAN, VICE PRESIDENT FOR UNIVERSITY RELATIONS
explained the University never defaulted on land held by
veterans, and a previous spreadsheet given the committee was
in error.
Number 242
CHAIRMAN VEZEY asked for clarification that the university
never foreclosed on a veteran.
MS. REDMAN clarified the University had not.
Number 251
REPRESENTATIVE B. DAVIS MOVED passage of HB 59.
HB 59 PASSED from committee with a 7-0 vote.
ADJOURNMENT
Number 270
CHAIRMAN VEZEY noted the completion of the agenda and
adjourned the meeting at 9:48 a.m.
| Document Name | Date/Time | Subjects |
|---|