Legislature(1999 - 2000)
1999-03-31 Senate Journal
Full Journal pdf1999-03-31 Senate Journal Page 0747 SENATE JOURNAL ALASKA STATE LEGISLATURE TWENTY-FIRST LEGISLATURE - FIRST SESSION Juneau, Alaska Seventy-second Day Pursuant to adjournment the Senate was called to order by President Pearce at 11:22 a.m. The roll showed nineteen members present. Senator Taylor was excused from a call of the Senate. Senator Phillips was excused from a call of the Senate from 11:30 a.m. The prayer was offered by the Chaplain, Pastor Leon Thompson of Chapel by the Lake Church. Senator Hoffman moved and asked unanimous consent that the prayer be spread. Without objection, it was so ordered. Creator God, Help each of us in this moment to remember the words of the psalmist when he prayed: Be still, and know that I am God. I am exalted among the nations, I am exalted in the earth! The Lord of hosts is with us... May each of us, in our own way, take a moment to be still and remember our world and the troubled spots especially Kosovo and Iraq. Thank You for hearing our prayers oh God. May each of us take a moment to remember our nation and pray for our leaders in government. Thank You for hearing our prayers oh God. Let us take a moment to remember our state and the tasks to which this body has been elected. Thank You for hearing our prayers oh God. Let us take a moment to remember family and friends around us in need of help. Thank You for hearing our prayers oh God. 747 1999-03-31 Senate Journal Page 0748 Throughout this day may each of us take moments from the day amongst the noise that surrounds us and be still to call upon the presence and strength of God in our lives. We offer these prayers to the One who gives life. Amen. Senator Pete Kelly led the Senate in the Pledge of Allegiance. Certification Senator Mackie moved and asked unanimous consent that the journal for the seventy-first legislative day be approved as certified by the Secretary. Without objection, it was so ordered. Standing Committee Reports SB 9 The Finance Committee considered SENATE BILL NO. 9 An Act relating to the calculation of employee contributions and credited service in the public employees retirement system for noncertificated employees of school districts, regional educational attendance areas, the Alaska Vocational Technical Center, and the state boarding schools; and providing for an effective date and recommended the adoption of the Health, Education and Social Services Committee Substitute offered on page 646. Signing do pass: Senators Torgerson, Parnell, Cochairs, Senators Phillips, Green, Pete Kelly, Adams, Wilken. Signing no recommendation: Senators Leman, Donley. Previous fiscal note. The bill was referred to the Rules Committee. SB 52 The Labor and Commerce Committee considered SENATE BILL NO. 52 An Act relating to competition in the provision of local exchange telephone service; and providing for an effective date and recommended it be replaced with 1999-03-31 Senate Journal Page 0749 SB 52 CS FOR SENATE BILL NO. 52(L&C) Signing no recommendation: Senator Mackie, Chair, Senators Hoffman, Tim Kelly. Signing do pass: Senators Leman, Donley. Fiscal note published today from Department of Commerce and Economic Development. President Pearce added a Finance Committee referral to the bill. The bill was referred to the Finance Committee. HB 2 The Transportation Committee considered HOUSE BILL NO. 2 An Act relating to issuance of a motor vehicle registration plate to or parking permit for a person who is disabled. Signing do pass: Senator Ward, Chair, Senators Halford, Pearce. Previous House zero fiscal note. The bill was referred to the Rules Committee. HB 12 The Transportation Committee considered CS FOR SPONSOR SUBSTITUTE FOR HOUSE BILL NO. 12(FIN) am An Act relating to a utility corridor and railroad right-of-way between the Alaska Railroad and the Alaska-Canada border. Signing do pass: Senator Ward, Chair, Senators Halford, Pearce. Signing no recommendation: Senator Lincoln. Previous House zero fiscal notes. The bill was referred to the Finance Committee. 1999-03-31 Senate Journal Page 0750 SB 51 The Rules Committee considered SENATE BILL NO. 51 An Act relating to barbers, hairdressers, manicurists, and cosmetologists; and providing for an effective date. Signing to calendar: Senator Tim Kelly, Chair, Senators Miller, Leman, Pearce. Signing under other recommendations: Senator Ellis. The bill is on todays calendar. SB 87 The Rules Committee considered SENATE BILL NO. 87 An Act requiring a license to sell rental car insurance. Signing to calendar: Senator Tim Kelly, Chair, Senators Miller, Leman, Pearce. Signing under other recommendations: Senator Ellis. The bill is on todays calendar. HJR 28 The Rules Committee considered CS FOR HOUSE JOINT RESOLUTION NO. 28(RES) Requesting that the National Marine Fisheries Service and the United States Congress act immediately to reverse the decline of the Cook Inlet beluga whale population and to regulate the harvest of the beluga whales in Cook Inlet until the beluga whale population has recovered. Signing to calendar and do pass: Senator Tim Kelly, Chair, Senators Miller, Leman, Pearce. Signing under other recommendations: Senator Ellis. Previous House zero fiscal note. The resolution is on todays calendar. Introduction and Reference of Senate Bills SB 126 SENATE BILL NO. 126 BY THE SENATE FINANCE COMMITTEE, entitled: An Act relating to reduction in payments to individuals under certain benefit programs; and providing for an effective date. 1999-03-31 Senate Journal Page 0751 SB 126 was read the first time and referred to the Finance Committee. SB 127 SENATE BILL NO. 127 BY THE SENATE RULES COMMITTEE BY REQUEST OF THE GOVERNOR, entitled: An Act relating to scholarships to attend the University of Alaska; and providing for an effective date. was read the first time and referred to the Health, Education and Social Services, State Affairs and Finance Committees. Fiscal note published today from University of Alaska. Governors transmittal letter dated March 29: Dear President Pearce: Last year we put into place my Quality Schools initiative which will improve Alaska's public school system through required standards and testing and enhanced funding. This year it is fitting we take the next step toward quality education by establishing the Alaska Scholars Program. I first proposed this program last year as an incentive for Alaska high school students to achieve academic excellence and to choose to remain in Alaska in pursuit of higher education. Today, I am re-introducing this measure with the same hopes it will offer our kids a great education and help build the state's future. Under the Alaska Scholars Program, scholarships would be awarded to the top 10 percent of high school students to attend the University of Alaska. A recipient could receive the scholarship for up to four years, provided he or she is successfully completing a full-time certificate or degree program. This program is also designed to provide maximum flexibility for students who may have additional financial aide and to allow recipients to benefit from the available federal tax credits. 1999-03-31 Senate Journal Page 0752 SB 127 After I proposed this program last year, the University of Alaska decided to establish it administratively as a pilot project using the Natural Resources Fund. In order for the program to continue, it is essential it be established in law. This would remedy confidentiality requirements that now make it difficult for schools to release the names of the scholarship recipients and for the University to contact them. While the Alaska Scholars Program fiscal note is showing no general fund expenditure, it may well be that the Legislature decides to appropriate general funds in the future. Meanwhile, the University is prepared to use earnings from the Natural Resource Endowment, but this does mean that funds are being diverted from other projects and programs that are also of great value to the University and to the State. I urge your prompt and favorable action on this measure as a means to continue our efforts in improving the quality of education in our state and expand access to higher levels of learning. Sincerely, /s/ Tony Knowles Governor SB 128 SENATE BILL NO. 128 BY THE SENATE FINANCE COMMITTEE, entitled: An Act relating to the storage tank assistance fund; eliminating the grant portion of a program relating to risk assessment, containment, corrective action, and cleanup of underground petroleum storage tank systems and replacing the grant portion with a loan program; relating to discharges from underground petroleum storage tank systems; and providing for an effective date. 1999-03-31 Senate Journal Page 0753 SB 128 was read the first time and referred to the Resources and Finance Committees. SB 129 SENATE BILL NO. 129 BY THE SENATE FINANCE COMMITTEE, entitled: An Act relating to the Alaska marine highway system vessel, M/V Malaspina; and providing for an effective date. was read the first time and referred to the Transportation and Finance Committees. Consideration of the Calendar Second Reading of Senate Bills SB 51 SENATE BILL NO. 51 An Act relating to barbers, hairdressers, manicurists, and cosmetologists; and providing for an effective date was read the second time. Senator Mackie, Chair, moved and asked unanimous consent for the adoption of the Labor and Commerce Committee Substitute offered on page 285. Without objection, CS FOR SENATE BILL NO. 51(L&C) An Act relating to barbers, hairdressers, manicurists, and cosmetologists; providing that the only qualification necessary for licensure as a manicurist, other than payment of fees, is completion of a class that is 12 hours in duration, addresses relevant health, safety, and hygiene concerns, and is offered through a school approved by the Board of Barbers and Hairdressers; and providing for an effective date was adopted and read the second time. Senator Mackie moved and asked unanimous consent that the bill be considered engrossed, advanced to third reading and placed on final passage. Without objection, it was so ordered. 1999-03-31 Senate Journal Page 0754 SB 51 CS FOR SENATE BILL NO. 51(L&C) was read the third time. The question being: Shall CS FOR SENATE BILL NO. 51(L&C) An Act relating to barbers, hairdressers, manicurists, and cosmetologists; providing that the only qualification necessary for licensure as a manicurist, other than payment of fees, is completion of a class that is 12 hours in duration, addresses relevant health, safety, and hygiene concerns, and is offered through a school approved by the Board of Barbers and Hairdressers; and providing for an effective date pass the Senate? The roll was taken with the following result: CSSB 51(L&C) Third Reading - Final Passage Effective Dates YEAS: 17 NAYS: 1 EXCUSED: 2 ABSENT: 0 Yeas: Adams, Donley, Ellis, Elton, Green, Hoffman, Kelly Pete, Kelly Tim, Leman, Lincoln, Mackie, Miller, Parnell, Pearce, Torgerson, Ward, Wilken Nays: Halford Excused: Phillips, Taylor and so, CS FOR SENATE BILL NO. 51(L&C) passed the Senate. Senator Mackie moved and asked unanimous consent that the vote on the passage of the bill be considered the vote on the effective date clauses. Without objection, it was so ordered and the bill was referred to the Secretary for engrossment. SB 87 SENATE BILL NO. 87 An Act requiring a license to sell rental car insurance was read the second time. Senator Mackie, Chair, moved and asked unanimous consent for the adoption of the Labor and Commerce Committee Substitute offered on page 661. Without objection, CS FOR SENATE BILL NO. 87(L&C) was adopted and read the second time. 1999-03-31 Senate Journal Page 0755 SB 87 Senator Mackie moved and asked unanimous consent that the bill be considered engrossed, advanced to third reading and placed on final passage. Without objection, it was so ordered. CS FOR SENATE BILL NO. 87(L&C) was read the third time. The question being: Shall CS FOR SENATE BILL NO. 87(L&C) An Act requiring a license to sell rental car insurance pass the Senate? The roll was taken with the following result: CSSB 87(L&C) Third Reading - Final Passage YEAS: 18 NAYS: 0 EXCUSED: 2 ABSENT: 0 Yeas: Adams, Donley, Ellis, Elton, Green, Halford, Hoffman, Kelly Pete, Kelly Tim, Leman, Lincoln, Mackie, Miller, Parnell, Pearce, Torgerson, Ward, Wilken Excused: Phillips, Taylor and so, CS FOR SENATE BILL NO. 87(L&C) passed the Senate and was referred to the Secretary for engrossment. Second Reading of House Resolutions HJR 28 CS FOR HOUSE JOINT RESOLUTION NO. 28(RES) Requesting that the National Marine Fisheries Service and the United States Congress act immediately to reverse the decline of the Cook Inlet beluga whale population and to regulate the harvest of the beluga whales in Cook Inlet until the beluga whale population has recovered, was read the second time. Senator Mackie moved and asked unanimous consent that the resolution be held in second reading to the April 1 calendar. Without objection, it was so ordered. 1999-03-31 Senate Journal Page 0756 Citations Honoring - The Blue Devils, Mustang Hockey Associations Midget Tier II Team Senator(s) Phillips, Halford, Hoffman, Wilken, Pearce, Lincoln, Elton, Tim Kelly, Taylor, Mackie, Parnell, Leman, Pete Kelly In Memoriam - Claire Fejes, Alaskan Artist and Author Representative(s) Brice Senator(s) Adams, Hoffman, Wilken, Pearce, Lincoln, Elton, Tim Kelly, Taylor, Mackie, Parnell, Leman, Pete Kelly 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 Green moved and asked unanimous consent that she be excused from a call of the Senate on April 6. Without objection, Senator Green was excused. Announcements Announcements are at the end of the journal. Engrossment SB 51 CS FOR SENATE BILL NO. 51(L&C) An Act relating to barbers, hairdressers, manicurists, and cosmetologists; providing that the only qualification necessary for licensure as a manicurist, other than payment of fees, is completion of a class that is 12 hours in duration, addresses relevant health, safety, and hygiene concerns, and is offered through a school approved by the Board of Barbers and Hairdressers; and providing for an effective date was engrossed, signed by the President and Secretary and transmitted to the House for consideration. 1999-03-31 Senate Journal Page 0757 SB 87 CS FOR SENATE BILL NO. 87(L&C) An Act requiring a license to sell rental car insurance was engrossed, signed by the President and Secretary and transmitted to the House for consideration. Engrossment and Enrollment SR 2 SENATE RESOLUTION NO. 2 Dedicating the Terry Miller Gallery of the Chamber of the Alaska Senate to Cliff Groh, was engrossed and enrolled, signed by the President and Secretary, and the engrossed and enrolled copies transmitted to the Office of the Governor at 12:55 p.m., March 31, 1999. Adjournment Senator Mackie moved and asked unanimous consent that the Senate stand in adjournment until 11:00 a.m., April 1, 1999. Without objection, the Senate adjourned at 11:48 a.m. Nancy Quinto Secretary of the Senate March 1999 1999-03-31 Senate Journal Page 0758 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 FINANCE SENATE FINANCE 532 Mar 31 Wednesday 8:00 AM += SB 9PERS CREDIT FOR NONCERTIFICATED EMPLOYEES += SB 85CREDITED SERVICE FOR TEMP EMPLOYEES:PERS += SB 33TASK FORCE ON PRIVATIZATION BALANCED BUDGET PLAN PRESENTATIONS: -PERMANENT FUND CORPORATION, JIM KELLY BILLS PREVIOUSLY HEARD/SCHEDULED Mar 31 Wednesday 6:00 PM = SB 101DEFINITION OF DISASTER += SB 24REGULATIONS: ADOPTION & JUDICIAL REVIEW + SB 113FINANCES OF ALASKA HOUSING FINANCE CORP + SB 421999 REVISOR'S BILL + SB 84CIGARETTE SALES: AGREEMENT/ESCROW BILLS PREVIOUSLY HEARD/SCHEDULED Apr 01 Thursday 8:00 AM = SB 101 DEFINITION OF DISASTER = SB 6 DISPOSALS OF STATE LAND BILLS PREVIOUSLY HEARD/SCHEDULED + BALANCED BUDGET PLAN PRESENTATIONS: -PUBLIC TESTIMONY -LEGISLATIVE FINANCE Apr 02 Friday 9:00 AM NO MEETING SCHEDULED ---------------------------------------- 1999-03-31 Senate Journal Page 0759 HEALTH, EDUCATION & SOCIAL SERVICES BUTROVICH 205 Mar 31 Wednesday 1:30 PM += SB 105PUBLIC SCHOOL FUNDING BILLS PREVIOUSLY HEARD/SCHEDULED Apr 05 Monday 1:30 PM NO MEETING SCHEDULED Apr 07 Wednesday 1:30 PM + SB 71PHYSICIAN LICENSURE CHANGES + SB 97MENTAL HEALTH; RECORDS; TREATMENT BILLS PREVIOUSLY HEARD/SCHEDULED ---------------------------------------- JUDICIARY BELTZ 211 Mar 31 Wednesday 1:30 PM NO MEETING SCHEDULED Apr 02 Friday 1:30 PM NO MEETING SCHEDULED ---------------------------------------- LABOR & COMMERCE FAHRENKAMP 203 Apr 01 Thursday 1:30 PM NO MEETING SCHEDULED Apr 06 Tuesday 1:30 PM NO MEETING SCHEDULED Apr 08 Thursday 1:30 PM SB 56HOME HEALTH AGENCIES/HOSPITALS/HOSPICES SB 59CERTIFICATES OF NEED FOR HEALTH FACILITY SB 82INSURANCE COVERAGE FOR CONTRACEPTIVES Apr 13 Tuesday 1:30 PM HB 68BOARD OF PHARMACY HB 94ABC BD EMPLOYEES NOT EXEMPT EMPLOYEES HB 123MINIMUM WAGE & OVERTIME EXEMPTIONS 1999-03-31 Senate Journal Page 0760 LABOR & COMMERCE Apr 14 Wednesday 8:00 AM BUTROVICH 205 JOINT WITH (H) SPECIAL COMMITTEE ON UTILITIES RESTRUCTURING --PRESENTATION BY CH2M HILL FAHRENKAMP 203 Apr 15 Thursday 1:30 PM SB 121EXCISE TAXES ON TRANSIENT LODGING SB 122TOURISM DEVELOPMENT AND MARKETING COUNCIL ---------------------------------------- RESOURCES BUTROVICH 205 Mar 31 Wednesday 3:00 PM + HJR 11ENDORSING ANWR LEASING + HJR 13UNIVERSITY ENDOWMENT FOR RESEARCH BILLS PREVIOUSLY HEARD/SCHEDULED Apr 02 Friday 3:00 PM NO MEETING SCHEDULED ---------------------------------------- STATE AFFAIRS BELTZ 211 Apr 01 Thursday 3:30 PM SB 102TROOPER HECK MEMORIAL CORRIDOR SCR 6UNIVERSITY OF ALASKA ANNUAL REPORT BILLS PREVIOUSLY HEARD/SCHEDULED Apr 06 Tuesday 3:30 PM NO MEETING SCHEDULED Apr 08 Thursday 3:30 PM = SB 102TROOPER HECK MEMORIAL CORRIDOR SB 104KUSKOKWIM ICE CLASSIC = SCR 6UNIVERSITY OF ALASKA ANNUAL REPORT BILLS PREVIOUSLY HEARD/SCHEDULED ---------------------------------------- TRANSPORTATION BUTROVICH 205 Apr 01 Thursday 1:30 PM NO MEETING SCHEDULED 1999-03-31 Senate Journal Page 0761 TRANSPORTATION Apr 06 Tuesday 1:30 PM NO MEETING SCHEDULED Apr 08 Thursday 1:30 PM SB 129M/V MALASPINA ACCOUNT FINANCE SUBCOMMITTEES ADMINISTRATION BUTROVICH 205 Mar 31 Wednesday 12:30 PM + ALASKA PROFESSIONAL DEVELOPMENT INSTITUTE OTHER RELATED TOPICS ---------------------------------------- CORRECTIONS BELTZ 211 Apr 01 Thursday 11:30 AM DOC BUDGET DISCUSSION ---------------------------------------- FISH & GAME SENATE FINANCE 532 Mar 31 Wednesday 12:15 PM ---------------------------------------- NATURAL RESOURCES SENATE FINANCE 532 Apr 01 Thursday 4:00 PM CLOSEOUT OTHER MEETINGS CHILDREN'S CAUCUS BUTROVICH 205 Apr 06 Tuesday 12:00 PM CHILD ABUSE AWARENESS CAMPAIGN Apr 20 Tuesday 12:00 PM EARLY BRAIN DEVELOPMENT Apr 27 Tuesday 12:00 PM SAFE SCHOOLS PRESENTATION