Legislature(1999 - 2000)

1999-02-10 Senate Journal

Full Journal pdf

1999-02-10                     Senate Journal                      Page 0197
                                 SENATE JOURNAL                                
                            ALASKA STATE LEGISLATURE                           
                    TWENTY-FIRST LEGISLATURE - FIRST SESSION                   
                                                                               
Juneau, Alaska                                                                 
                                                                               
                                Twenty-third Day                               
                                                                               
Pursuant to adjournment the Senate was called to order by President            
Pearce at 11:09 a.m.                                                           
                                                                               
The roll showed twenty members present.                                        
                                                                               
The prayer was offered by the Chaplain, Pastor James Brubaker of               
the Faith Lutheran Church. Senator Hoffman moved and asked                     
unanimous consent that the prayer be spread. Without objection, it             
was so ordered.                                                                
                                                                               
Dear Father in Heaven, the people of this state have                          
chosen the members of this body to lead them, to                               
govern them, to direct them in their daily lives. But                          
most of all, dear Father, You have chosen us to be                             
first and foremost servants to them as Your Son was                            
servant to all. He said: If anyone wants to be first,                          
he must be the very last and be the servant of all.                            
                                                                               
As servants, guide us to seek:                                                
		His wisdom in our leadership,                                                
		His sacrificing love in our governing,                                       
		His humility in our direction.                                               
                                                                               
Yes, Lord, make me a servant, humble and meek.                                
Lord, let me lift up those who are weak, and may                               
the prayer of my heart always be: Make me a                                    
servant, make me a servant. Yes, please, make me                               
a servant today!                               Amen.                           
                                                                               
Senator Tim Kelly led the Senate in the Pledge of Allegiance.                  
                                                                               
                                                                               
                                      197                                      

1999-02-10                     Senate Journal                      Page 0198
                                Certification                                
                                                                               
Senator Mackie moved and asked unanimous consent that the                      
journals for the twenty-first and twenty-second legislative days be            
approved as certified by the Secretary. Without objection, it was so           
ordered.                                                                       
                                                                               
                           Messages from the House                           
                                                                               
Message dated February 8 was read, stating the House passed and                
transmitted for consideration:                                                 
                                                                               
                  First Reading and Reference of House Bills                 
                                                                               
HB 9                                                                         
HOUSE BILL NO. 9 BY REPRESENTATIVES PORTER, Kerttula,                          
Croft, Berkowitz, Cowdery, Smalley, Green, Bunde, Therriault,                  
Murkowski, entitled:                                                           
                                                                               
An Act relating to collection of settlement                                   
information in civil litigation; amending Rule                                 
41(a)(3), Alaska Rules of Civil Procedure, and Rule                            
511(e), Alaska Rules of Appellate Procedure; and                               
providing for an effective date.                                               
                                                                               
was read the first time and referred to the Judiciary Committee.               
                                                                               
                                                                               
                                Communications                               
                                                                               
The following report is on file in the Office of the Secretary of the          
Senate:                                                                        
                                                                               
Citizens Foster Care Review Board Annual Report 1998                           
from Michael Shiffer, Program Coordinator, Division of Senior                  
Services, Department of Administration                                         
in accordance with AS 47.14.210                                                
                                                                               
                                                                               

1999-02-10                     Senate Journal                      Page 0199
                          Standing Committee Reports                         
                                                                               
SCR 2                                                                        
The Resources Committee considered SENATE CONCURRENT                           
RESOLUTION NO. 2 Relating to management of Alaskas wildlife                    
and fish resources. Signing do pass: Senator Halford, Chair, Senators          
Green, Pete Kelly. Signing no recommendation: Senators Mackie,                 
Parnell, Lincoln.                                                              
                                                                               
Zero fiscal note published today from the Senate Resources                     
Committee.                                                                     
                                                                               
The resolution was referred to the Rules Committee.                            
                                                                               
SJR 4                                                                        
The Finance Committee considered SENATE JOINT RESOLUTION                       
NO. 4 Relating to a national ballistic missile defense system, and             
recommended it be replaced with                                                
                                                                               
CS FOR SENATE JOINT RESOLUTION                                                
NO.4(FIN)                                                                      
                                                                               
Signing do pass: Senators Torgerson, Parnell, Cochairs, Senators               
Green, Pete Kelly, Adams, Leman, Donley.                                       
                                                                               
Previous zero fiscal note applies to the committee substitute.                 
                                                                               
The resolution was referred to the Rules Committee.                            
                                                                               
                                   Recess                                    
                                                                               
Senator Mackie moved and asked unanimous consent that the Senate               
stand in recess to a call of the Chair. Without objection, the Senate          
recessed at 11:23 a.m.                                                         
                                                                               
                                After Recess                                 
                                                                               
The Senate reconvened at 11:29 a.m.                                            
                                                                               

1999-02-10                     Senate Journal                      Page 0200
                          Special Committee Reports                          
                                                                               
                        Committee on Committees Report                       
                                                                               
Dear Madam President:                                                          
                                                                               
Your Committee on Committees has met and submits to the Senate                 
for its consideration the following changes to the original Committee          
on Committees report dated January 19, 1999:                                   
                                                                               
Community and Regional Affairs Committee                                     
	Senator Mackie replaces Senator Wilken                                        
                                                                               
State Affairs Committee                                                      
	Senator Wilken replaces Senator Mackie                                        
                                                                               
The report was signed by Senator Pearce, Chair, Senators Halford,              
Miller, Tim Kelly, Ellis.                                                      
                                                                               
Senator Mackie moved that the Committee on Committees Report be                
adopted.                                                                       
                                                                               
The question being: Shall the Committee on Committees Report be                
adopted? The roll was taken with the following result:                         
                                                                               
Adopt Committee on Committees Report?                                          
                                                                               
YEAS:  20   NAYS:  0   EXCUSED:  0   ABSENT:  0                              
                                                                               
Yeas:  Adams, Donley, Ellis, Elton, Green, Halford, Hoffman, Kelly Pete,       
Kelly Tim, Leman, Lincoln, Mackie, Miller, Parnell, Pearce,                    
Phillips, Taylor, Torgerson, Ward, Wilken                                      
                                                                               
and so, the Committee on Committees Report was adopted.                        
                                                                               
                                                                               

1999-02-10                     Senate Journal                      Page 0201
                  Introduction and Reference of Senate Bills                 
                                                                               
SB 59                                                                        
SENATE BILL NO. 59 BY THE SENATE HEALTH, EDUCATION                             
AND SOCIAL SERVICES COMMITTEE, entitled:                                       
                                                                               
An Act relating to the certificate of need program                            
for nursing care facilities and other facilities; and                          
providing for an effective date.                                               
                                                                               
was read the first time and referred to the Health, Education and              
Social Services and Labor and Commerce Committees.                             
                                                                               
SB 60                                                                        
SENATE BILL NO. 60 BY THE SENATE RULES COMMITTEE                               
BY REQUEST OF THE GOVERNOR, entitled:                                          
                                                                               
An Act relating to international airports revenue                             
bonds; and providing for an effective date.                                    
                                                                               
was read the first time and referred to the Transportation and                 
Finance Committees.                                                            
                                                                               
Fiscal note published today from Department of Revenue.                        
                                                                               
Governors transmittal letter dated February 8:                                 
                                                                               
Dear President Pearce:                                                         
                                                                               
In the 1998 legislative session, I offered bond authorization bills (SB
277 and HB 382) to provide the financing needed for the Anchorage              
International Airport terminal redevelopment project. This project is          
the cornerstone of the larger Gateway Alaska initiative to improve             
the airport and connecting highway transportation infrastructure that          
makes Anchorage International Airport one of Alaska's most                     
important economic engines. The Legislature approved the proposal,             
but lowered the bond authorization by approximately $25 million in             
anticipation of receiving Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) grant          
money toward the project in that amount.                                       
                                                                               

1999-02-10                     Senate Journal                      Page 0202
SB 60                                                                        
Late last year, the FAA approved the Anchorage International                   
Airport's application for grant funds. However, the money will                 
actually be disbursed over a 10-year period, as appropriated annually          
by Congress. This long-term pass-through of federal funds will                 
disrupt the timely cash flow needed for construction of the project.           
                                                                               
Consistent with the Legislatures directive to secure federal funds for         
the project, today I transmit a bill to authorize the sale of $25              
million in additional revenue bonds for the Anchorage International            
Airport terminal redevelopment project. This $25 million will provide          
the necessary cash flow until federal funds are received and will              
allow us to complete the project according to schedule.                        
                                                                               
The airport terminal project is already underway, with the support of          
air carriers. In order to ensure timely project development pending            
receipt of federal money, I urge your prompt and favorable action on           
this measure.                                                                  
                                                                               
					Sincerely,                                                                
					/s/                                                                       
					Tony Knowles                                                              
					Governor                                                                  
                                                                               
SB 61                                                                        
SENATE BILL NO. 61 BY THE SENATE RULES COMMITTEE                               
BY REQUEST OF THE GOVERNOR, entitled:                                          
                                                                               
An Act relating to licensure and professional                                 
discipline of members of the teaching profession and                           
providing for related penalties; relating to grounds                           
for dismissal of a teacher; relating to the                                    
Professional Teaching Practices Commission; relating                           
to limited immunity for procedures under the                                   
Educator Ethics Act; making conforming                                         
amendments; and providing for an effective date.                               
                                                                               
was read the first time and referred to the Health, Education and              
Social Services and Judiciary Committees.                                      
                                                                               

1999-02-10                     Senate Journal                      Page 0203
SB 61                                                                        
Zero fiscal note published today from Department of Education.                 
                                                                               
Governors transmittal letter dated February 8:                                 
                                                                               
Dear President Pearce:                                                         
                                                                               
Quality education for all Alaska children remains a focus and                  
ongoing effort of my Administration. This bill I transmit today                
enhances the state's ability to protect students and the integrity of          
educators by strengthening, streamlining and consolidating licensure           
and discipline provisions for members of the teaching profession.              
                                                                               
The bill incorporates the direction from the Board of Education to             
change a teacher "certificate" to a "license." The name of the                 
"Professional Teaching Practices Commission" would be changed to               
"Educator Ethics Commission," to shorten the name and more                     
accurately reflect the commission's functions.                                 
                                                                               
Among the bill's numerous provisions are new sections governing                
applications and denial of applications for teaching licenses. The             
current regulatory provision requiring criminal history background             
checks for applicants would be strengthened and placed in statute.             
The bill would also compile, for the first time, the grounds for               
denial of an application or for putting conditions on a teaching               
license.                                                                       
                                                                               
The bill expands the range of available disciplinary sanctions beyond          
suspension or license revocation, tracking powers currently available          
to occupational licensing boards, such as being able to summarily              
suspend a license if the educator poses a clear and immediate                  
danger. The commission also would gain the authority to impose a               
civil fine against a person who is regulated by state law, but is not          
required to hold a license. The bill contains provisions that would            
preclude a person whose license is suspended or revoked from                   
employment as a member of the teaching profession, even if the                 
position does not require a license.                                           
                                                                               
                                                                               

1999-02-10                     Senate Journal                      Page 0204
SB 61                                                                        
The bill also would streamline current law by consolidating                    
regulatory and statutory grounds for discipline into one statutory             
provision; allowing reciprocal discipline of an educator who was               
disciplined in another jurisdiction; and clarifying the procedure for          
revoking the license of a person convicted of certain sex crimes. In           
addition, the bill adds misrepresentation of a material fact on an             
employment application as a ground for discipline.                             
                                                                               
In rewriting the procedures and requirements for reinstatement of a            
suspended or revoked license, the bill would expand from one year              
to five years the waiting period for reinstatement.                            
                                                                               
Finally, the bill contains new provisions to protect the confidentiality       
of minors and of investigatory files, and provides immunity from               
liability for persons who participate in good faith in certain                 
investigations and proceedings of the commission or the Department             
of Education.                                                                  
                                                                               
This bill represents a thorough effort on the part of the Department           
of Education and Professional Teaching Practices Commission to                 
ensure Alaska educators are of high quality and integrity. I urge your         
prompt and favorable action on this measure.                                   
                                                                               
					Sincerely,                                                                
					/s/                                                                       
					Tony Knowles                                                              
					Governor                                                                  
                                                                               
SB 62                                                                        
SENATE BILL NO. 62 BY THE SENATOR RULES COMMITTEE                              
BY REQUEST OF THE GOVERNOR, entitled:                                          
                                                                               
An Act relating to the definition of conviction for                           
registration of sex offenders and child kidnappers;                            
and providing for an effective date.                                           
                                                                               
was read the first time and referred to the Judiciary and Finance              
Committees.                                                                    
                                                                               

1999-02-10                     Senate Journal                      Page 0205
SB 62                                                                        
Zero fiscal notes published today from Department of Public Safety,            
Department of Law. Indeterminate fiscal note published today from              
Department of Administration.                                                  
                                                                               
Governors transmittal letter dated February 8:                                 
                                                                               
Dear President Pearce:                                                         
                                                                               
Last year, the Administration worked with the Legislature to toughen           
our laws requiring sex offenders to register with the state. The bill          
I transmit today continues this effort by correcting an unforeseen             
inconsistency in our sex offender registration law.                            
                                                                               
This bill would make it clear that sex offenders convicted of crimes           
requiring registration, but whose convictions were set aside under a           
suspended imposition of sentence (SIS), still must register. The SIS           
allows a conviction to be set aside after a person has completed               
conditions of the suspended term. It does not mean the original                
determination of guilt has been overturned or set aside. Although the          
law has not allowed use of the SIS in sexual assault and sexual                
abuse cases since 1988, persons convicted of these crimes in the               
mid-1980's were eligible for SIS, and many convictions were set                
aside under then existing law.                                                 
                                                                               
I am proposing this bill to clarify the law because a few courts have          
ruled a sex offender given a SIS in the 1980's need not register,              
while other courts have ruled he or she must register. This bill will          
prevent inconsistency and avoid litigation by clarifying that                  
"conviction" includes convictions set aside under a SIS. Thus, an              
offender who received a SIS for a felony requiring sex offender                
registration would have to continue to register with the state.                
                                                                               
                                                                               

1999-02-10                     Senate Journal                      Page 0206
SB 62                                                                        
With the 1988 change in law preventing further SIS for sex                     
offenders, the population affected by this bill will gradually diminish.       
However, this bill will make certain the estimated 185 people given            
a SIS for sex offenses in the 1980's must register with the state, as          
they would had they committed their offenses today. In the interest            
of public safety, I urge your prompt consideration and passage of              
this bill.                                                                     
                                                                               
					Sincerely,                                                                
					/s/                                                                       
					Tony Knowles                                                              
					Governor                                                                  
                                                                               
SB 63                                                                        
SENATE BILL NO. 63 BY THE SENATE RULES COMMITTEE                               
BY REQUEST OF THE GOVERNOR, entitled:                                          
                                                                               
An Act relating to money credited to the account                              
of the state in the unemployment trust fund by the                             
Secretary of the Treasury of the United States; and                            
providing for an effective date.                                               
                                                                               
was read the first time and referred to the State Affairs and Finance          
Committees.                                                                    
                                                                               
Zero fiscal note published today from Department of Labor.                     
                                                                               
Governors transmittal letter dated February 8:                                 
                                                                               
Dear President Pearce:                                                         
                                                                               
This bill I transmit today provides the state with authority to receive        
federal funds for the administration of the unemployment insurance             
program as required in the Balanced Budget Act of 1997.                        
                                                                               
                                                                               

1999-02-10                     Senate Journal                      Page 0207
SB 63                                                                        
The 1997 Act provided for a disbursement from the federal                      
unemployment trust fund to the state unemployment trust fund,                  
known as "Reed Act distributions." States must enact legislation               
restricting the use of these distributions for administration of the           
unemployment insurance program, and not for unemployment benefits              
or employment services.                                                        
                                                                               
This bill complies with the federal requirement by providing the state         
with express authority to receive the Reed Act distributions for               
federal fiscal years 1999-2001 for purposes of administering the               
unemployment insurance program.                                                
                                                                               
					Sincerely,                                                                
					/s/                                                                       
					Tony Knowles                                                              
					Governor                                                                  
                                                                               
SB 64                                                                        
SENATE BILL NO. 64 BY THE SENATE TRANSPORTATION                                
COMMITTEE BY REQUEST, entitled:                                                
                                                                               
An Act relating to commercial vehicle registration                            
fees and taxes; and providing for an effective date.                           
                                                                               
was read the first time and referred to the Transportation and                 
Finance Committees.                                                            
                                                                               
SB 65                                                                        
SENATE BILL NO. 65 BY THE SENATE RULES COMMITTEE                               
BY REQUEST OF THE GOVERNOR, entitled:                                          
                                                                               
An Act authorizing an advisory vote on the use of                             
the Alaska permanent fund earnings reserve account;                            
relating to certain procedures for the special                                 
election; and providing for an effective date.                                 
                                                                               
was read the first time and referred to the Finance Committee.                 
                                                                               
Fiscal notes published today from Office of the Governor (2).                  

1999-02-10                     Senate Journal                      Page 0208
SB 65                                                                        
Governors transmittal letter dated February 9:                                 
                                                                               
Dear President Pearce:                                                         
                                                                               
This bill is a key part of the Alaska Balanced Budget Plan I am                
submitting today. It calls for an advisory vote to be held June 1 of           
this year on the question of whether the legislature should                    
appropriate $4 billion dollars from the Earnings Reserve Account               
(ERA) of the Permanent Fund to the Constitutional Budget Reserve               
(CBR).                                                                         
                                                                               
I have also introduced a bill to appropriate $4 billion dollars to             
provide sustainable revenue for a balanced budget. The effective date          
of that bill is tied to approval of the transfer in a statewide advisory       
vote.                                                                          
                                                                               
I have long stated that no changes in the Permanent Fund should                
occur without a vote of the people. A one-time transfer from the               
ERA, although not affecting the principal of the Permanent Fund,               
would impact future earnings of the Fund. Dividends would decrease             
modestly over the next five years before rising again. Therefore, I            
believe this proposal should be reviewed and voted on by the public.           
                                                                               
We must hold this special election prior to the next fiscal year if we         
are to take advantage of the booming stock market and help achieve             
a balanced budget within 18 months. It is imperative the legislature           
authorize this election expeditiously to ensure sufficient lead-time for       
the election review by the United States Department of Justice and             
setting up the election structure. I urge your prompt consideration.           
                                                                               
					Sincerely,                                                                
					/s/                                                                       
					Tony Knowles                                                              
					Governor                                                                  
                                                                               
SB 66                                                                        
SENATE BILL NO. 66 BY THE SENATE RULES COMMITTEE                               
BY REQUEST OF THE GOVERNOR, entitled:                                          
                                                                               

1999-02-10                     Senate Journal                      Page 0209
SB 66                                                                        
An Act making a special appropriation from the                                
earnings reserve account of the Alaska permanent                               
fund to the constitutional budget reserve fund; and                            
providing for an effective date.                                               
                                                                               
was read the first time and referred to the Finance Committee.                 
                                                                               
Fiscal notes published today from Department of Revenue (2).                   
                                                                               
Governors transmittal letter dated February 9:                                 
                                                                               
Dear President Pearce:                                                         
                                                                               
The greatest threat to Alaska's continued economic good health and             
the prosperity of Alaska families is our state's $1 billion general fund       
budget gap. Unattended, this gap between revenues and the cost of              
public services endangers our economy and the essential services on            
which Alaskans depend, from troopers and schools to roads and                  
Pioneer Homes. Forecasts for continued low oil prices make it clear            
the budget gap is not a short-term situation.                                  
                                                                               
Fortunately, there appears to be increasing agreement among                    
Alaskans that this is the year to put into place a long-term balanced          
budget plan that would address this budget gap. While Alaska is well           
equipped with a large budget reserve to help us make a sensible                
transition, our window of opportunity will not remain open                     
indefinitely.                                                                  
                                                                               
That's why I've proposed an Alaska Balanced Budget Plan to balance             
Alaska's budget and put our state on stable, sustainable footing well          
into the next century. It's based on four simple principles I believe          
most Alaskans agree on:                                                        
	Balance Alaska's budget on a long-term, sustainable basis in                 
18 months;                                                                     
	Protect and grow the state's savings accounts;                               
	Continue to generate a sizable, growing Permanent Fund                       
dividend; and                                                                  
	Make no changes to the Alaska Permanent Fund or                              
dividends without a vote of Alaskans.                                          

1999-02-10                     Senate Journal                      Page 0210
SB 66                                                                        
Together, my Administration and the Legislature have been working              
on the first essential steps toward a balanced budget: significant             
budget cuts. That work continues for both this years budget and                
next. However, most Alaskans have come to realize that balancing               
the budget with cuts alone would lead to unacceptable levels of                
education, public safety, resource management and other vital                  
services. The days of budgets fueled almost exclusively by oil are             
gone; our future budgets will have to include new sources of                   
revenue.                                                                       
                                                                               
Today I am introducing legislation to accomplish the revenue side of           
my Alaska Balanced Budget Plan. This bill, and its companion bill              
requiring a statewide advisory vote, would take advantage of the               
booming investment market with a transfer of $4 billion from the               
Earnings Reserve Account of the Permanent Fund to the                          
Constitutional Budget Reserve Fund (CBR). The transfer would not               
touch the principal of the Permanent Fund.                                     
                                                                               
By using the Earnings Reserve Account to increase the CBR                      
principal, our budget reserve account can make an estimated 550                
million more investment income dollars available annually to help              
balance the state budget. The other element of the balanced budget             
plan, an Alaska credit income tax, would provide the final $350                
million necessary for a sustainable balanced budget well into the next         
century.                                                                       
                                                                               
Under this legislation, three things would have to happen before a             
$4 billion transfer would take place:                                          
	A determination that there is a sufficient balance in the                    
Earnings Reserve Account after paying for inflation-proofing                   
and dividends;                                                                 
	A written finding by the Permanent Fund Board Trustees                       
that the principal of the fund would be fully protected as                     
required by the constitution; and                                              
	Approval of the public through a special statewide advisory                  
ballot this June.                                                              
                                                                               
                                                                               

1999-02-10                     Senate Journal                      Page 0211
SB 66                                                                        
The mechanics of transferring the $4 billion from the Earnings                 
Reserve to the CBR would be determined by the Permanent Fund                   
Trustees to ensure compliance with the Alaska Constitution state laws          
and General Accepted Accounting Principles, as well as to minimize             
transaction costs and disruption of Permanent Fund investment                  
strategies and policies.                                                       
                                                                               
The three part plan Ive outlined - continued cuts, a $4 billion                
transfer and Alaska credit income tax - has been on the Internet for           
review and comment by the public for less than two weeks. Already              
the web site has been visited more than 3,000 times. I hope that               
interactive model and this package of legislation will continue to             
generate lively public discussion.                                             
                                                                               
Uncertainty about our states fiscal situation ill serves every Alaskan         
- our citizens, our communities, Alaska businesses or potential                
business investors. I believe the public sees this is the right time for       
leadership and action on a balanced budget.                                    
                                                                               
Sincerely,                                                                
/s/                                                                       
Tony Knowles                                                              
Governor                                                                  
                                                                               
SB 67                                                                        
SENATE BILL NO. 67 BY THE SENATE RULES COMMITTEE                               
BY REQUEST OF THE GOVERNOR, entitled:                                          
                                                                               
An Act relating to taxation, including taxation of                            
income of individuals, estates, and trusts; and                                
providing for an effective date.                                               
                                                                               
was read the first time and referred to the Finance Committee.                 
                                                                               
Fiscal note published today from Department of Revenue.                        
                                                                               
                                                                               

1999-02-10                     Senate Journal                      Page 0212
SB 67                                                                        
Governors transmittal letter dated February 9:                                 
                                                                               
Dear President Pearce:                                                         
                                                                               
As part of the Alaska Balanced Budget Plan I proposed to close                 
Alaskas budget gap within the next 18 months, today I am                       
transmitting a bill to re-impose a state income tax on individuals.            
                                                                               
The current size of our fiscal gap - the difference between annual             
revenues and expenditures - exceeds one billion dollars. Because of            
our sizeable savings account, the Constitutional Budget Reserve                
(CBR), we have been able to fill this gap over the past several                
years. However, the CBR is currently projected to run dry in the               
next three years. Although we have cut the budget substantially over           
the past four years, and further cuts and efficiencies must take place,        
budget cuts alone will not solve a budget gap of this proportion if            
basic state services to Alaskans are to be preserved.                          
                                                                               
One part of the plan is to transfer $4 billion dollars from the                
Earnings Reserve Account of the Permanent Fund to the CBR. This                
will generate approximately $550 million annually. However, this too           
will not close the gap. I believe an income tax is the fairest way to          
provide the additional $350 million dollars needed to balance our              
budget in the next 18 months.                                                  
                                                                               
Alaskas tremendous natural resource wealth has allowed us to                   
maintain the basic services of state government for many years                 
without significant contributions from the Alaskans who benefit from           
those services. We also have been able to return dividends from that           
wealth to Alaskans. But existing revenue sources simply will not               
sustain the basic services -- the schools, protection of our children,         
contributions to local communities, and other basic health and safety          
programs -- on which Alaskans rely.                                            
                                                                               
                                                                               

1999-02-10                     Senate Journal                      Page 0213
SB 67                                                                        
A state individual income tax is one way to address at least a part            
of the budget gap. Alaska is the only state that has neither a state           
personal income tax nor a statewide sales tax. I believe an income             
tax is one of the fairest ways to raise revenue. It taxes people on            
their ability to pay and taxes people who work in Alaska, whether              
they live here or not. Non-residents can begin to contribute to the            
state-provided services they receive.                                          
                                                                               
The tax set out in the attached bill begins with a simple percentage           
of the federal tax we pay. It then provides every Alaskan a credit,            
based on the Permanent Fund Dividend that person receives, as a                
way to compensate for the federal tax we pay on our dividends. This            
feature of the bill, because it provides a per-capita credit, protects         
families. Under the bill, a family of four earning $60,000 would pay           
no tax.                                                                        
                                                                               
I urge your prompt consideration of this bill. You may not agree that          
the structure of the proposed tax is the best, and I welcome your              
suggestions for alternatives. But we cannot afford to wait until all           
our reserves are expended. The Legislature must act this year to               
protect the future of all Alaskans.                                            
                                                                               
			Sincerely,                                                                
			/s/                                                                   
			Tony Knowles                                                              
			Governor                                                                  
                                                                               
SB 68                                                                        
SENATE BILL NO. 68 BY SENATORS HALFORD, Taylor, Pearce,                        
entitled:                                                                      
                                                                               
An Act relating to cooperation with federal                                   
programs relating to management of fish and game.                              
                                                                               
was read the first time and referred to the Resources Committee.               
                                                                               
SB 69                                                                        
SENATE BILL NO. 69 BY SENATORS WARD, Taylor, entitled:                         
                                                                               

1999-02-10                     Senate Journal                      Page 0214
SB 69                                                                        
An Act authorizing an advisory vote by the                                    
qualified voters of the state on the question of the                           
election of the attorney general; and providing for                            
an effective date.                                                             
                                                                               
was read the first time and referred to the State Affairs and Judiciary        
Committees.                                                                    
                                                                               
                                                                               
                        Consideration of the Calendar                        
                                                                               
                     Second Reading of Senate Resolutions                    
                                                                               
SJR 5                                                                        
SENATE JOINT RESOLUTION NO. 5 Opposing the closure of the                      
former Mount McKinley portions of Denali National Park and                     
Preserve to snowmachine use, was read the second time.                         
                                                                               
Senator Halford offered Amendment No. 1 :                                       
                                                                               
Page 1, line 4:                                                                
	Delete "proposed the closure of"                                              
	Insert "closed"                                                               
                                                                               
Page 1, lines 5 - 6:                                                           
	Delete	"up to three years"                                                    
	Insert "one year"                                                             
                                                                               
Page 1, line 15:                                                               
	Delete all material and insert:                                               
	"WHEREAS the findings issued by the National Park                           
Service do not document that snowmachine use would be detrimental              
to the resource values of Denali National Park and Preserve but                
instead only hypothesize that snow machine use is detrimental to the           
resource values of the park and preserve; and                                  
                                                                               
                                                                               

1999-02-10                     Senate Journal                      Page 0215
SJR 5                                                                        
	WHEREAS the National Park Service did not distribute its                    
findings for review by those who have experience with the former               
Mount McKinley portion of Denali National Park and Preserve, with              
snowmachines, and with the effects of snowmachine use on resource              
values before the findings were released to justify the closure; and"          
                                                                               
Page 2, lines 10 - 14:                                                         
	Delete all material and insert:                                               
	"BE IT RESOLVED that the Alaska State Legislature                           
opposes the closure of the former Mount McKinley portion of Denali             
National Park and Preserve to snowmachine use because the National             
Park Service has failed to comply with the full letter and spirit of           
the Alaska National Interest Lands Conservation Act and with the               
procedural and factual requirements of the National Park Service for           
adopting such closures; and be it                                              
	FURTHER RESOLVED that the Alaska State Legislature                          
respectfully requests the Governor to take all available administrative        
and legal measures to protect the right of access to public lands in           
Alaska for traditional activities that was guaranteed to Alaskans by           
the Alaska National Interest Lands Conservation Act."                          
                                                                               
Senator Halford moved for the adoption of Amendment No. 1.                     
Senator Ellis objected, then withdrew his objection. There being no            
further objections, Amendment No. 1 was adopted.                               
                                                                               
Senator Mackie moved and asked unanimous consent that the                      
resolution be considered engrossed, advanced to third reading and              
placed on final passage. Without objection, it was so ordered.                 
                                                                               
SENATE JOINT RESOLUTION NO. 5 am was read the third time.                      
                                                                               
The question being: Shall SENATE JOINT RESOLUTION NO. 5                        
am  Opposing the closure of the former Mount McKinley portions                 
of Denali National Park and Preserve to snowmachine use, pass the              
Senate? The roll was taken with the following result:                          
                                                                               
                                                                               

1999-02-10                     Senate Journal                      Page 0216
SJR 5                                                                        
                                                                               
SJR 5 am                                                                       
Third Reading - Final Passage                                                  
                                                                               
YEAS:  18   NAYS:  2   EXCUSED:  0   ABSENT:  0                              
                                                                               
Yeas:  Adams, Donley, Green, Halford, Hoffman, Kelly Pete, Kelly Tim,          
Leman, Lincoln, Mackie, Miller, Parnell, Pearce, Phillips,                     
Taylor, Torgerson, Ward, Wilken                                                
                                                                               
Nays:  Ellis, Elton                                                            
                                                                               
and so, SENATE JOINT RESOLUTION NO. 5 am passed the                            
Senate and was referred to the Secretary for engrossment.                      
                                                                               
                                                                               
                                  Citations                                  
                                                                               
Honoring - Kaye Cory Baker                                                     
Representative(s) Therriault, James, Coghill                                   
Senator(s) Miller, Wilken, Hoffman, Lincoln, Mackie, Pearce, Tim               
Kelly, Taylor, Leman, Ward, Elton                                              
                                                                               
In Memoriam - Senator Yule Kilcher                                             
Senator(s) Torgerson, Adams, Hoffman, Phillips, Ellis, Lincoln,                
Mackie, Wilken, Donley, Pearce, Tim Kelly, Taylor, Leman, Ward,                
Miller, Elton                                                                  
Representative(s) G. Phillips                                                  
                                                                               
In Memoriam - Jack Jackson Dean Cousins                                        
Senator(s) Taylor, Hoffman, Lincoln, Mackie, Wilken, Pearce, Tim               
Kelly, Leman, Elton                                                            
                                                                               
In Memoriam - Katherine S. Fejes                                               
Representative(s) Bunde, Green                                                 
Senator(s) Hoffman, Lincoln, Mackie, Wilken, Donley, Pearce, Tim               
Kelly, Taylor, Leman, Elton                                                    
                                                                               
                                                                               

1999-02-10                     Senate Journal                      Page 0217
In Memoriam - Geraldine Jerry Feero Doogan                                     
Representative(s) Davies                                                       
Senator(s) Wilken, Miller, Adams, Hoffman, Ellis, Lincoln, Mackie,             
Pearce, Tim Kelly, Taylor, Leman, Ward, Elton                                  
                                                                               
Senator Mackie moved and asked unanimous consent that the                      
citations be adopted. Without objection, the citations were adopted            
and referred to the Secretary for transmittal.                                 
                                                                               
                                                                               
                             Unfinished Business                             
                                                                               
Senator Lincoln moved and asked unanimous consent that she be                  
excused from a call of the Senate on February 19. Without objection,           
Senator Lincoln was excused.                                                   
                                                                               
Senators Mackie, Tim Kelly, Halford moved and asked unanimous                  
consent that they be excused from a call of the Senate on February             
12. Without objection, Senators Mackie, Tim Kelly, Halford were                
excused.                                                                       
                                                                               
Senator Wilken moved and asked unanimous consent that he be                    
excused from a call of the Senate on February 25 and 26. Without               
objection, Senator Wilken was excused.                                         
                                                                               
Senator Hoffman moved and asked unanimous consent that he be                   
excused from a call of the Senate on April 1. Without objection,               
Senator Hoffman was excused.                                                   
                                                                               
SB 12                                                                        
Senator Lincoln moved and asked unanimous consent that she be                  
shown as a cosponsor on SENATE BILL NO. 12 An Act                              
classifying anadromous streams and tributaries; relating to the                
designation of riparian areas; establishing buffers on certain streams         
and relating to slope stability standards on certain streams; and              
requiring retention of low value timber along certain water bodies             
where prudent. Without objection, it was so ordered.                           
                                                                               
                                                                               

1999-02-10                     Senate Journal                      Page 0218
SJR 4                                                                        
Senator Donley moved and asked unanimous consent that he be                    
shown as a cosponsor on SENATE JOINT RESOLUTION NO. 4                          
Relating to a national ballistic missile defense system. Without               
objection, it was so ordered.                                                  
                                                                               
SB 49                                                                        
The reconsideration on CS FOR SENATE BILL NO. 49(FIN) An                       
Act relating to missions and measures to be applied to certain                 
expenditures by the executive branch of state government and the               
University of Alaska from the state operating budget for the fiscal            
year ending June 30, 1999; and providing for an effective date was             
not taken up this legislative day and the bill was referred to the             
Secretary for engrossment.                                                     
                                                                               
                                                                               
                                Announcements                                
                                                                               
Announcements are at the end of the journal.                                   
                                                                               
                                                                               
                                 Engrossment                                 
                                                                               
SJR 5                                                                        
SENATE JOINT RESOLUTION NO. 5 am Opposing the closure of                       
the former Mount McKinley portions of Denali National Park and                 
Preserve to snowmachine use, was engrossed, signed by the President            
and Secretary and transmitted to the House for consideration.                  
                                                                               
SB 49                                                                        
CS FOR SENATE BILL NO. 49(FIN) An Act relating to missions                     
and measures to be applied to certain expenditures by the executive            
branch of state government and the University of Alaska from the               
state operating budget for the fiscal year ending June 30, 1999; and           
providing for an effective date was engrossed, signed by the                   
President and Secretary and transmitted to the House for                       
consideration.                                                                 
                                                                               
                                                                               

1999-02-10                     Senate Journal                      Page 0219
                                 Adjournment                                 
                                                                               
Senator Mackie moved and asked unanimous consent that the Senate               
stand in adjournment until 11:00 a.m., February 11, 1999. Without              
objection, the Senate adjourned at 11:59 a.m.                                  
                                                                               
                                                          Nancy Quinto         
                                               Secretary of the Senate         
                                                                               
                                                         February 1999         

1999-02-10                     Senate Journal                      Page 0220
                                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                                                     
= indicates bill previously heard/scheduled                                    
                                                                               
                         COMMUNITY & REGIONAL AFFAIRS                        
                               FAHRENKAMP RM 203                               
Feb 17                         Wednesday 01:30 PM                              
	OVERVIEW: LOCAL BOUNDARY COMMISSION                                          
                    ----------------------------------------                   
                                                                               
                                   FINANCE                                   
                               SENATE FINANCE 532                              
Feb 10                         Wednesday 08:00 AM                              
	NOTE TIME CHANGE                                                             
	JOINT W/(H) FINANCE COMMITTEE                                                
	RESULTS BASED BUDGETING; MISSIONS AND                                        
	MEASURES TRAINING, CRAIG HOLT                                                
                                                                               
Feb 10                         Wednesday 02:00 PM                              
	FINANCE SUBCOMMITTEE WORK SESSION                                            
=	SB  44APPROPRIATIONS FOR Y2K FIX                                            
                                                                               
Feb 11                         Thursday 09:00 AM                               
	ALASKA RR OVERVIEW; GOVERNOR SHEFFIELD                                       
	SB  12FOREST PRACTICES: STREAMS/TRIBUTARIES                                  
	SJR  3REPEAL OF REGULATIONS BY LEGISLATURE                                   
                                                                               
Feb 11                         Thursday 02:00 PM                               
	FINANCE SUBCOMMITTEE WORK SESSION                                            
=	SB  44APPROPRIATIONS FOR Y2K FIX                                            
                                                                               
Feb 12                          Friday 09:00 AM                                
	BILLS PREVIOUSLY HEARD/SCHEDULED                                             
                    ----------------------------------------                   
                                                                               

1999-02-10                     Senate Journal                      Page 0221
                     HEALTH, EDUCATION & SOCIAL SERVICES                     
                               BUTROVICH ROOM 205                              
Feb 11                         Thursday 03:30 PM                               
	SB  31MENTAL HEALTH APPROPRIATIONS                                           
                    ----------------------------------------                   
                                                                               
                                  JUDICIARY                                  
                                 BELTZ ROOM 211                                
Feb 10                         Wednesday 01:30 PM                              
	SJR  6DESTROY BRADY BILL RECORDS                                             
+=	SB  24REGULATIONS: ADOPTION & JUDICIAL REVIEW                              
	BILLS PREVIOUSLY HEARD/SCHEDULED                                             
                                                                               
Feb 12                          Friday 01:30 PM                                
	-- MEETING CANCELLED --                                                      
	BILLS PREVIOUSLY HEARD/SCHEDULED                                             
                    ----------------------------------------                   
                                                                               
                               LABOR & COMMERCE                              
                               FAHRENKAMP RM 203                               
Feb 11                         Thursday 01:30 PM                               
+=	SB  29REQUIREMENTS FOR PHYSICIAN'S LICENSE                                 
+=	SB  54MUNICIPAL TAXES ON DETERIORATED PROPERTY                             
                    ----------------------------------------                   
                                                                               
                                  RESOURCES                                  
                               BUTROVICH ROOM 205                              
Feb 10                         Wednesday 03:00 PM                              
                              FAHRENKAMP ROOM 203                              
	-- LOCATION CHANGE --                                                        
+	SB  13DISCRETE SALMON STOCK MGMT AND ASSESSMENT                             
	BILLS PREVIOUSLY HEARD/SCHEDULED                                             
                                                                               
Feb 12                          Friday 03:00 PM                                
	BILLS PREVIOUSLY HEARD/SCHEDULED                                             
                    ----------------------------------------                   
                                                                               
                                STATE AFFAIRS                                
                                 BELTZ ROOM 211                                
Feb 11                         Thursday 03:30 PM                               
		--MEETING CANCELLED--                                                        
=	SB  46NAMING THE ALEX MILLER BUILDING                                       
	BILLS PREVIOUSLY HEARD/SCHEDULED                                            
                                                                               
                                                                               

1999-02-10                     Senate Journal                      Page 0222
                                TRANSPORTATION                               
                               BUTROVICH ROOM 205                              
Feb 11                         Thursday 01:30 PM                               
	NO MEETING SCHEDULED                                                         
                                                                               
                                                                               
                            FINANCE SUBCOMMITTEES                            
                                                                               
                                    LABOR                                    
                                CAPITOL ROOM 124                               
Feb 12                          Friday 08:00 AM                                
	JOINT W/(H) LABOR SUBCOMMITTEE                                               
	OVERVIEW                                                                     
                    ----------------------------------------                   
                                                                               
                      TRANSPORTATION & PUBLIC FACILITIES                     
                               SENATE FINANCE 532                              
Feb 16                          Tuesday 02:30 PM                               
	DEPARTMENT OVERVIEW                                                          
                                                                               
                                                                               
                               JOINT COMMITTEES                              
                                                                               
                       ADMINISTRATIVE REGULATION REVIEW                      
                              FAHRENKAMP ROOM 203                              
Feb 11                         Thursday 03:30 PM                               
	ORGANIZATIONAL MEETING                                                       
                    ----------------------------------------                   
                                                                               
                          LEGISLATIVE BUDGET & AUDIT                         
                               HOUSE FINANCE 519                               
Feb 12                          Friday 12:00 PM                                
                    ----------------------------------------                   
                                                                               
                      SELECT CMTE ON LEGISLATIVE ETHICS                      
                                 BELTZ ROOM 211                                
Feb 10                         Wednesday 08:00 AM                              
	OPEN SESSION OF FULL COMMITTEE                                               
                                                                               
                                                                               
                                OTHER MEETINGS                               
                                                                               
                               ANCHORAGE CAUCUS                              
                               SENATE FINANCE 532                              
Feb 10                         Wednesday 11:45 AM                              
	--MEETING CANCELLED--                                                        

1999-02-10                     Senate Journal                      Page 0223
                           COMMITTEE ON COMMITTEES                           
                                BUTROVICH RM 205                               
Feb 10                         Wednesday 11:25 AM                              
                    ----------------------------------------                   
                                                                               
                               MAJORITY CAUCUS                               
                               BUTROVICH ROOM 205                              
Feb 10                         Wednesday 04:30 PM