CALL TO ORDER Representative Chennault called the Conference Committee meeting on HB 95 and HB 96 to order at 5:07:21 PM. MEMBERS PRESENT: Senate: Senator Lyman Hoffman Senator Bert Stedman, Member Senator Fred Dyson, Member House: Representative Mike Chenault, Representative Kevin Meyer, Member Representative Reggie Joule, Member ALSO PRESENT David Teal, Director, Legislative Finance Division; fiscal analysts with the Office of Management and Budget and Legislative Finance Division; and aides to committee members and other members of the Legislature. SUMMARY CSHB 95(FIN) "An Act making appropriations for the operating and loan program expenses of state government, for certain programs, and to capitalize funds; making appropriations under art. IX, sec. 17(c), Constitution of the State of Alaska; and providing for an effective date." CSHB 96(FIN) "An Act making appropriations for the operating and capital expenses of the state's integrated comprehensive mental health program; and providing for an effective date." And Senate CS for CSHB 95(FIN) am S "An Act making appropriations for the operating and loan program expenses of state government, for certain programs, and to capitalize funds; making appropriations under art. IX, sec. 17(c), Constitution of the State of Alaska; and providing for an effective date." Senate CS for CSHB 96(FIN) "An Act making appropriations for the operating and capital expenses of the state's integrated comprehensive mental health program; and providing for an effective date." HB 95 and HB 96 were heard and HELD in Committee for further consideration after adoption of identical items and letters requesting powers of free conference. Senator Hoffman MOVED to ADOPT Representative Chenault as the presiding chair of the Conference Committee on HB 95 and HB 96. There being NO OBJECTION, it was so ordered. Chair Chenault MOVED to ADOPT Senator Hoffman as vice-chair of the Conference Committee on HB 95 and HB 96. There being NO OBJECTION, it was so ordered. Chair Chenault noted that both the House and Senate budget process allowed for public testimony. That portion of the process is now concluded; the Conference Committee would not accept further public testimony. Unless invited by the Chair, only members of the Conference Committee may take part in discussion or sit at the table. Chair Chenault observed that the Legislative Finance Division had been directed to prepare the "motion sheets" for use by the Conference Committee. These sheets summarize the differences between the two versions of the bills that were the subject of committee discussions and were located on the Legislative Finance Division's website. Chair Chenault explained that the Conference Committee would operate under Uniform Rule 42. All action requires a majority vote from each body for adoption. A copy of Uniform Rule 42 and related legal opinions were provided in each member's packet. Senator Hoffman MOVED that all appropriations and language in the FY08 Operating Budget that are identical in House and Senate versions of the bills be adopted. There being NO OBJECTION, it was so ordered. Senator Hoffman MOVED to ADOPT a letter requesting limited powers of free conference for the items that are not identical. There being NO OBJECTION, it was so ordered. Chair Chenault explained that under Limited Powers the Conference Committee can adopt any amount between zero and the higher of the House or Senate version of each item subject to conference. Chair Chenault observed that the Committee meetings would be posted on BASIS under the 24 hour rule. HB 95 and HB 96 were heard and HELD in Committee for further consideration. ADJOURNMENT The meeting was adjourned at 5:13 PM