26th ALASKA STATE LEGISLATURE 2nd SESSION CONFERENCE COMMITTEE ON HB 81 and HB 83 April 9, 2009 CALL TO ORDER Senator Hoffman called the Conference Committee meeting on HB 81 and HB 83 to order at 8:04:26 AM. MEMBERS PRESENT: Senate: Senator Lyman Hoffman Senator Bert Stedman, Member Senator Joe Thomas, Member House: Representative Mike Hawker, 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. 8:04:50 AM SUMMARY CSHB 81(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; making supplemental appropriations; making reappropriations; and providing for an effective date." CSHB 83(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 81(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 supplemental appropriations; making reappropriations; making appropriations under art. IX, sec. 17(c) Constitution of the State of Alaska; and providing for an effective date."  Senate CS for CSHB 83(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." 8:05:24 AM Senator Hoffman MOVED that Representative Hawker serve as the presiding chair of the Conference Committee on HB 81 and HB 83. Chair Representative Hawker MOVED that Senator Hoffman serve as Vice-chair of the Conference Committee on HB 81 and HB 83. There being NO OBJECTION, it was so ordered. Chair Hawker 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. 8:06:43 AM Chair Hawker observed that the Legislative Finance Division had been directed to prepare the "motion sheets" for use by the Conference Committee. The motion sheets summarize the differences between the two versions of the bills before the Conference Committee and are located on the Legislative Finance Division's website. Chair Hawker 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. Motions require a majority of each body. 8:08:42 AM Vice Chair Hoffman MOVED that all appropriations and language in the FY08 Operating Budget that are identical in House and Senate versions of HB 81 and HB 83 be adopted. There being NO OBJECTION, it was so ordered. Chair Hawker observed that the committee would need limited powers to reach agreements. Chair Hawker 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. 8:09:41 AM Vice Chair 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 Hawker observed that the Committee meetings would be posted on BASIS under the 24 hour rule. He noted that the Chair would make recommendations regarding items for conference. HB 81 and HB 83 were heard and HELD in Committee for further consideration. ADJOURNMENT The meeting was adjourned at 8:11:45 AM