23RD ALASKA STATE LEGISLATURE 1ST SESSION HOUSE SENATE CONFERENCE COMMITTEE HB 75/HB 76 MAY 6, 2003 4:12 P.M. TAPE CC75 03 - 1, SIDE A CALL TO ORDER Sen. Green called the Conference Committee meeting to order at 4:12 p.m. PRESENT House: Representative John Harris, [Chair pending election] Representative Bill Williams, Member Representative Beth Kerttula, Member [for Rep. Croft] Senate: Senator Lyda Green, [Vice-Chair, pending election] Senator Gary Wilken, Member Senator Lyman Hoffman, Member MEMBERS ABSENT None ALSO PRESENT David Teal, Director, Legislative Finance Division; Cheryl Frasca, Director, Division of Management & Budget, Office of the Governor. SUMMARY CS FOR SS FOR HOUSE BILL NO. 75(FIN) am(brf sup maj fld) "An Act making appropriations for the operating and loan program expenses of state government, for certain programs, and to capitalize funds; and providing for an effective date." SENATE CS FOR CS FOR SS FOR HOUSE BILL NO. 75(FIN)(brf sup maj fld S) "An Act making appropriations for the operating and loan program expenses of state government, for certain programs, and to capitalize funds; and providing for an effective date." and CS FOR SPONSOR SUBSTITUTE FOR HOUSE BILL NO. 76(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." SENATE CS FOR CS FOR SS FOR HOUSE BILL NO. 76(FIN) am S "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 75 and HB 76 were HELD in Committee for further consideration. Senator Green MOVED to ADOPT Representative Harris as presiding chair of the 2004 budget Conference Committee. There being NO OBJECTION, it was so ordered. Representative Harris MOVED to ADOPT Senator Green as vice-chair of the 2004 budget Conference Committee. There being NO OBJECTION, it was so ordered. Chair Harris reviewed rules and guidelines. Chair Harris noted that both the House and the Senate process allowed for public testimony. That portion of the process has now concluded and the Conference Committee will not be accepting public testimony. Chair Harris clarified that only members of the Conference Committee may make motions, take part in discussion, or sit at the table. He indicated that David Teal, Director, Legislative Finance Division would join members at the table and be available to answer questions. The Conference Committee may call members of the Legislature or other witnesses to answer questions raised by members of the Conference Committee. Testimony will only be taken upon request of a Committee member and with approval of the Chair. As in past Conference Committees, Legislative Finance has been directed to prepare the "motion sheets". These sheets summarize the differences between the two versions.   Chair Harris noted that the Conference Committee would operate under Uniform Rule 42. Voting to adopt any motion or take any action before the Committee takes a majority of members and at least two affirmative votes from each body. If a budget component has been closed, it takes two votes from each body to reopen. [A copy of Uniform Rule 42 and related legal opinions were provided to each member]. Vice Chair Green MOVED to ADOPT all appropriations and allocations that are identical in House and Senate versions of the bills. There being NO OBJECTION, it was so ordered. Senator Green MOVED to request limited powers of free conference on the following specific points: Allocations with Items Subject to Conference Language Subject to Conference Structural Change Subject to Conference Mental Health Capital Projects Subject to Conference There being NO OBJECTION, it was so ordered. Chair Harris explained that under Limited Powers the Conference Committee can adopt any amount between zero and the higher of the House or Senate of each item subject to conference. Chair Harris noted that he would try to give 24-hour notice to the departments directly or through 0MB. HB 75 and HB 76 were HELD in Committee for further consideration. #75 #76 ADJOURNMENT The meeting was adjourned at 4:19 p.m.