Legislature(1997 - 1998)
1998-01-22 Senate Journal
Full Journal pdf1998-01-22 Senate Journal Page 2259 SENATE JOURNAL ALASKA STATE LEGISLATURE TWENTIETH LEGISLATURE - SECOND SESSION Juneau, Alaska Eleventh Day Pursuant to adjournment the Senate was called to order by President Miller at 10:48 a.m. The roll showed fourteen members present. Senators Duncan, Ellis, Halford, Hoffman, Kelly were absent. Senator Pearce was absent due to illness. The prayer was offered by the Chaplain, Pastor Leon Thompson of Chapel by the Lake. Senator Green led the Senate in the Pledge of Allegiance. Certification Senator Taylor moved and asked unanimous consent that the journal for the tenth legislative day be approved as certified by the Secretary. Without objection, it was so ordered. Communications The following report is on file in the Office of the Secretary of the Senate: The Annual Report of the Local Boundary Commission was received with an Order amending the report to defer the Commissions recommendation for annexation to the City of Haines. As this was the only recommendation of the commission, publication is not required. A complete copy of the Annual Report may be obtained from the Department of Community and Regional Affairs, Anchorage. 2259 1998-01-22 Senate Journal Page 2260 President Miller referred the report to the Community and Regional Affairs Committee. HB 250 The following report is on file in the office of the Secretary of the Senate: Alaska North Slope Gas Commercialization Team Report from Wilson L. Condon, Commissioner, Department of Revenue John T. Shively, Commissioner, Department of Natural Resources Bruce M. Botelho, Attorney General, Department of Law in accordance with Chapter 76, SLA 97 President Miller referred the report to the Resources Committee. The presence of Senator Kelly was noted. Standing Committee Reports SB 234 The Judiciary Committee considered SENATE BILL NO. 234 An Act extending the termination date of the Board of Governors of the Alaska Bar Association. Signing do pass: Senator Taylor, Chair, Senators Ellis, Miller, Pearce. Fiscal note information forthcoming. The bill was referred to the Finance Committee. The presence of Senator Duncan was noted. SB 110 The Rules Committee considered SENATE BILL NO. 110 An Act relating to licensure of landscape architects. Signing to calendar: Senator Kelly, Chair, Senators Duncan, Taylor, Leman, Torgerson. The bill is on todays calendar. 1998-01-22 Senate Journal Page 2261 SB 214 The Rules Committee considered SENATE BILL NO. 214 An Act relating to the possession of a concealed deadly weapon by peace officers and chief administrative officers of local police departments; to the definition of police officer as it is defined for police standards; and providing for an effective date. Signing to calendar and do pass: Senator Kelly, Chair, Senator Leman. Signing to calendar: Senators Taylor, Duncan, Torgerson. The bill is on todays calendar. Introduction and Reference of Senate Bills SB 252 SENATE BILL NO. 252 BY THE SENATE RULES COMMITTEE BY REQUEST OF THE GOVERNOR, entitled: An Act relating to paternity establishment and child support; relating to the crimes of criminal nonsupport and aiding the nonpayment of child support; and amending Rule 37(b)(2)(D), Alaska Rules of Civil Procedure; and providing for an effective date. was read the first time and referred to the Health, Education and Social Services, Judiciary and Finance Committees. Zero fiscal notes published today from Department of Revenue, Department of Administration (2). Indeterminate fiscal note published today from Department of Administration. Governors transmittal letter dated January 21: Dear President Miller: 1998-01-22 Senate Journal Page 2262 SB 252 While federal welfare reform law gave our state greater flexibility for providing public assistance, it also required Alaska and other states to make extensive changes to their state child support laws. The attached bill is needed to satisfy mandates placed on Alaska by the federal Personal Responsibility and Work Opportunity Reconciliation Act of 1996. Failure to comply with the federal child support mandates may result in a significant reduction in federal financial participation to the state for public assistance, unemployment, and child support enforcement programs. The state's enactment of Senate Bill 154 last year met most, but not all, of the federal child support mandates of federal welfare reform. More needs to be done to finish the job. This bill will do that by making additional changes to Alaska's statutes. Under this bill, all employers in the state would be required to report each new hire to the state child support enforcement agency within 20 days. The state will share this information with the federal child support agency and the child support agencies of other states. Timely access to this information may help avoid significant delays in support payments for some children. The bill would also fine-tune state procedures for establishing paternity and for enforcing child support orders. The bill would also make state law conform to new federal requirements regarding reporting of social security numbers for certain licensees not already required to report under state law. The social security numbers provide an invaluable means of ensuring that support payments are timely received and accurately recorded. The bill also amends the Uniform Interstate Family Support Act (UIFSA), which Alaska enacted in 1995, to reflect subsequent changes to the uniform Act adopted by the National Conference of Commissioners on Uniform State Laws. Congress requires that our state child support laws be consistent with the uniform Act. 1998-01-22 Senate Journal Page 2263 SB 252 Finally, this bill will give state courts the power to suspend or revoke, in appropriate circumstances, the recreational hunting and fishing licenses and certain permits of obligors who are out of compliance with child support laws. I urge your prompt attention to this important matter. Alaska's children are our most precious resource and they deserve timely access to child support necessary for their care. Sincerely, /s/ Tony Knowles Governor Recess Senator Taylor moved and asked unanimous consent that the Senate stand in recess to the Joint Session. Without objection, the Senate recessed at 10:54 a.m. After Recess Joint Session in the House Speaker Phillips called the House to order and in accordance with Uniform Rule 51 turned the gavel over to President Miller at 11:02 a.m. The purpose of the Joint Session was to hear an address by the Honorable Frank Murkowski, United States Senator. Senator Taylor moved and asked unanimous consent that the roll call of the Senate be waived and all members be shown as present. Without objection, it was so ordered. Representative Porter moved and asked unanimous consent that the roll call of the House be waived and all members be shown as present. Without objection, it was so ordered. 1998-01-22 Senate Journal Page 2264 President Miller introduced Senator Murkowskis wife, Nancy Murkowski. President Miller appointed Representative Williams and Senator Parnell to escort United States Senator Frank Murkowski to the Joint Session. The Senate Sergeant at Arms, Ethan Falatko, announced Senator Murkowskis entrance to the House Chamber. The Honorable Frank Murkowski was escorted to the rostrum and introduced by President Miller. Senator Murkowski delivered his address. This address appears in House and Senate Joint Journal Supplement No. 12. Following his address, there was a question and answer period. The Senator received a standing ovation and was escorted from the chamber. Senator Taylor moved and asked unanimous consent that the Joint Session stand in adjournment. Without objection, President Miller adjourned the Joint Session at 11:58 a.m. After Recess In the Senate The Senate reconvened at 12:05 p.m. Consideration of the Calendar Second Reading of Senate Bills SB 110 SENATE BILL NO. 110 An Act relating to licensure of landscape architects was read the second time. 1998-01-22 Senate Journal Page 2265 SB 110 Senator Taylor moved and asked unanimous consent for the adoption of the Labor and Commerce Committee Substitute offered on page 1236. Senator Taylor called the Senate. Senator Taylor lifted the call. Without objection, CS FOR SENATE BILL NO. 110(L&C) An Act relating to licensure of landscape architects; relating to exemptions from laws regulating the practice of architecture, engineering, and land surveying; and relating to fees collected by the Board of Registration for Architects, Engineers, and Land Surveyors was adopted and read the second time. Senator Taylor moved and asked unanimous consent that the bill be considered engrossed, advanced to third reading and placed on final passage. Senator Halford objected, then withdrew his objection. There being no further objections, it was so ordered. CS FOR SENATE BILL NO. 110(L&C) was read the third time. The question being: Shall CS FOR SENATE BILL NO. 110(L&C) An Act relating to licensure of landscape architects; relating to exemptions from laws regulating the practice of architecture, engineering, and land surveying; and relating to fees collected by the Board of Registration for Architects, Engineers, and Land Surveyors pass the Senate? The roll was taken with the following result CSSB 110(L&C) Third Reading - Final Passage YEAS: 16 NAYS: 3 EXCUSED: 0 ABSENT: 1 Yeas: Adams, Donley, Duncan, Ellis, Green, Hoffman, Kelly, Leman, Lincoln, Mackie, Parnell, Sharp, Taylor, Torgerson, Ward, Wilken Nays: Halford, Miller, Phillips Absent: Pearce 1998-01-22 Senate Journal Page 2266 SB 110 and so, CS FOR SENATE BILL NO. 110(L&C) passed the Senate. Senator Taylor gave notice of reconsideration. SB 214 Senator Taylor moved and asked unanimous consent that SENATE BILL NO. 214 An Act relating to the possession of a concealed deadly weapon by peace officers and chief administrative officers of local police departments; to the definition of police officer as it is defined for police standards; and providing for an effective date be held to the January 26 calendar. Without objection, it was so ordered. Citations Honoring - Alaskan Educator Sharon Meacham, 1997 Distinguished Principal Senator(s) Ellis, Hoffman, Wilken, Adams, Donley, Green, Pearce, Duncan, Leman, Parnell, Lincoln, Kelly, Taylor, Halford, Mackie Representative(s) Kemplen Honoring - USCG Cutter Healy (WAGB-20) Senator(s) Ellis, Hoffman, Wilken, Adams, Donley, Green, Pearce, Duncan, Leman, Parnell, Lincoln, Kelly, Taylor, Halford, Mackie Honoring - Maria Elena Ball on the Twenty-sixth Anniversary of Mexico in Alaska Senator(s) Ellis, Hoffman, Wilken, Donley, Green, Pearce, Duncan, Leman, Parnell, Lincoln, Kelly, Taylor, Mackie In Memoriam - Donna L. Kowalski Senator(s) Torgerson, Hoffman, Green, Pearce, Duncan, Leman, Parnell, Lincoln, Kelly, Taylor, Mackie Senator Taylor moved and asked unanimous consent that the citations be adopted. Without objection, the citations were adopted and referred to the Secretary for transmittal. 1998-01-22 Senate Journal Page 2267 Unfinished Business SB 159 Senator Wilken moved and asked unanimous consent that he be shown as a cosponsor on SENATE BILL NO. 159 An Act relating to the new business incentive program Without objection, it was so ordered. Senator Parnell moved and asked unanimous consent that he be excused from a call of the Senate on January 26, 27 and 28. Without objection, Senator Parnell was excused. Senator Ellis moved and asked unanimous consent that he be excused from a call of the Senate from January 23 through morning plane time on January 26. Without objection, Senator Ellis was excused. Senator Hoffman moved and asked unanimous consent that todays prayer be spread. Without objection, it was so ordered. God of all ages, we come before You this morning calling upon Your presence before this body. Give us this day clear minds, energetic bodies, good imaginations, creative hearts, clarity in decisions, and patient spirits. As we go about our business this day help us to be sensitive to those within our families, co-workers, people we pass in the hallways, even people with whom we disagree. There are important decisions to be made during this session and lots of hard work ahead. There are challenges within this great land that stand before us. May we always see the challenges as opportunities to bring about good. May the legislators in the Senate and House work carefully and energetically to bring about what is right and just. 1998-01-22 Senate Journal Page 2268 Be with our nation this day in the midst of the difficulties she faces. Help each of us to stand upright and firm in the midst of the trials of life sorting out fact from rumor. Show us Your way and help us to walk in it. We pray this to the One who created us and sustains us through all of life. Amen. Announcements Announcements are at the end of the journal. Adjournment Senator Taylor moved and asked unanimous consent that the Senate stand in adjournment until 11:00 a.m., January 23, 1998. Without objection, the Senate adjourned at 12:35 p.m Nancy Quinto Secretary of the Senate January 1998 1998-01-22 Senate Journal Page 2269 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. SENATE STANDING COMMITTEES + indicates teleconference COMMUNITY & REGIONAL AFFAIRS BUTROVICH ROOM 205 JAN 26 MONDAY 0:00 AM NO MEETING SCHEDULED JAN 28 WEDNESDAY 0:00 AM NO MEETING SCHEDULED JAN 30 FRIDAY 0:00 AM NO MEETING SCHEDULED ---------------------------------------- FINANCE SENATE FINANCE 532 JAN 22 THURSDAY 8:30 AM -- TIME CHANGE -- + POLICIES AND PRIORITIES-CRAIG HOLT, CONSULTANT JAN 23 FRIDAY 8:45 AM -- TIME CHANGE -- + STATE EMPLOYMENT REPORT-CHRIS MILLER AND JOHN BOUCHER, DEPT. OF LABOR + CBR FUND PERFORMANCE-ROSS KINNEY, DEPT. OF REVENUE + RIP UPDATE-ANNALEE MCCONNELL, OMB + COLLECTIVE BARGAINING REVIEW-MARK BOYER, DEPT. OF ADMINISTRATION + SB 36PUBLIC SCHOOL FUNDING + SB 142REGIONAL EDUCATIONAL ATTENDANCE AREAS + SB 193ADMINISTRATIVE SPENDING LIMIT FOR SCHOOLS + SB 146PUBLIC SCHOOL FUNDING/CHILD CARE GRANTS 1998-01-22 Senate Journal Page 2270 FINANCE CONTINUED JAN 26 MONDAY 9:00 AM + HB 265REPORTS & RECORDS OF & TO STATE AGENCIES + SB 221NEGATIVELY AMORTIZING LOANS SB 209TASK FORCE ON PRIVATIZATION + SB 220APPROP: AK PERMANENT FUND CORP. <PREVIOUSLY SCHEDULED BILLS> JAN 27 TUESDAY 8:00 AM -- TIME CHANGE -- + OMB OVERVIEW FY99 OPERATING BUDGET + SB 229APPROPRIATIONS: OPERATING BUDGET + SB 230APPROPRIATION: MENTAL HEALTH PROGRAM JAN 28 WEDNESDAY 9:00 AM + OMB OVERVIEW FY99 CAPITAL BUDGET + SB 231APPROPS:CAPITAL/REAPPROP/FUNDS/OPERATING + SB 230APPROPRIATION: MENTAL HEALTH PROGRAM JAN 29 THURSDAY 9:00 AM <PREVIOUSLY SCHEDULED BILLS> JAN 30 FRIDAY 9:00 AM <PREVIOUSLY SCHEDULED BILLS> ---------------------------------------- HEALTH, EDUCATION & SOCIAL SERVICES BUTROVICH ROOM 205 JAN 23 FRIDAY 9:00 AM + HB 170SERVICE ANIMALS FOR PHYS/MENT. CHALLENGED JAN 26 MONDAY 0:00 AM NO MEETING SCHEDULED JAN 28 WEDNESDAY 9:00 AM SCR 19PROTOTYPE SCHOOL DESIGN HB 189RESTRICT TOBACCO SALES JAN 30 FRIDAY 9:00 AM SB 181ABORTION COSTS: GENERAL RELIEF/PARENTS SCR 14PARITY FOR MENTAL HEALTH TASK FORCE ---------------------------------------- 1998-01-22 Senate Journal Page 2271 JUDICIARY BELTZ ROOM 211 JAN 23 FRIDAY 0:00 AM NO MEETING SCHEDULED JAN 26 MONDAY 1:30 PM + SB 242FORFEIT GOOD TIME OF SOME SEX OFFENDERS JAN 28 WEDNESDAY 2:00 PM -- TIME CHANGE -- + SB 219OFFICE OF VICTIMS ADVOCACY <CONTINUED FROM 1/21/98> ---------------------------------------- LABOR & COMMERCE FAHRENKAMP RM 203 JAN 22 THURSDAY 0:00 AM NO MEETING SCHEDULED JAN 27 TUESDAY 1:30 PM + SB 195COMMON LAW LIENS + SB 235BOARD OF CERTIFIED REAL ESTATE APPRAISERS JAN 29 THURSDAY 1:30 PM + LEVY ON PFD(PENDING INTRO & REFERRAL 1/23/98) ---------------------------------------- RESOURCES BUTROVICH ROOM 205 JAN 23 FRIDAY 0:00 AM NO MEETING SCHEDULED JAN 26 MONDAY 0:00 AM NO MEETING SCHEDULED JAN 28 WEDNESDAY 3:30 PM SJR 33SUPPORT AMERICAN FISHERIES ACT <BILLS PREVIOUSLY HEARD/SCHEDULED> JAN 30 FRIDAY 0:00 AM NO MEETING SCHEDULED ---------------------------------------- 1998-01-22 Senate Journal Page 2272 STATE AFFAIRS BELTZ ROOM 211 JAN 22 THURSDAY 3:30 PM -- MEETING CANCELLED -- + SB 223SENIOR HOUSING <BILL HELD TO 1/27/98> SB 76STATE LONG-TERM PLANNING <BILL POSTPONED> JAN 27 TUESDAY 3:30 PM -- RESCHEDULED FROM 01/22/98 -- + SB 223SENIOR HOUSING JAN 29 THURSDAY 0:00 AM NO MEETING SCHEDULED ---------------------------------------- TRANSPORTATION BUTROVICH ROOM 205 JAN 27 TUESDAY 0:00 AM NO MEETING SCHEDULED JAN 29 THURSDAY 1:30 PM SB 251NAMING HERMAN LEIRER ROAD SB 211RENAMING VET MEM BRIDGE IN KETCHIKAN JOINT COMMITTEES SELECT CMTE ON LEGISLATIVE ETHICS BELTZ ROOM 211 JAN 30 FRIDAY 8:15 AM EXECUTIVE SESSION ---------------------------------------- LEGISLATIVE COUNCIL BUTROVICH RM 205 JAN 22 THURSDAY 2:30 PM EXECUTIVE SESSION OTHER MEETINGS MAJORITY CAUCUS CAPITOL ROOM 107 JAN 22 THURSDAY 1:30 PM MAJORITY CAUCUS