Legislature(1999 - 2000)
2000-01-24 Senate Journal
Full Journal pdf2000-01-24 Senate Journal Page 2049 SENATE JOURNAL ALASKA STATE LEGISLATURE TWENTY-FIRST LEGISLATURE - SECOND SESSION Juneau, Alaska Fifteenth Day Pursuant to adjournment the Senate was called to order by President Pearce at 11:12 a.m. The roll showed seventeen members present. Senators Donley, Halford were excused from a call of the Senate. Senator Pete Kelly was absent. The prayer was offered by the Chaplain, Pastor Paul Beran, of the Resurrection Lutheran Church. Senator Hoffman moved and asked unanimous consent that the prayer be spread. Without objection, it was so ordered. Gracious Father, we humbly bow before You; for You alone are God: You carved the majestic towering mountains; You scooped out the depths of the uncharted seas; and You have bestowed on us the mysterious, fragile gift of life. We worship Thee. This is the day which You have made, help us rejoice and be glad in it. You have entrusted to us the weighty responsibility of legislating on behalf of the people and the State of Alaska. We confess the many temptations which confront us: subtly and silently. Save us from the arrogance of power and our own self-interests. Increase in us the humility to see, to hear, and to serve others. Give us a heart of compassion. Grant us wisdom in serving. In the Name of Him Who came not to be served but to serve, Jesus Christ. Amen. 2049 2000-01-24 Senate Journal Page 2050 Senator Ellis led the Senate in the Pledge of Allegiance. Certification Senator Mackie moved and asked unanimous consent that the journals for the twelfth through fourteenth legislative days, Senate Journal Supplement No. 7, Senate and House Joint Journal Supplement No. 9 and House and Senate Joint Journal Supplement No. 10 be approved as certified by the Secretary. Without objection, it was so ordered. Communications The following reports are on file in the Office of the Secretary of the Senate: Annual Examination and Evaluation of the Alaska Commercial Fishing and Agriculture Bank from Deborah B. Sedwick, Commissioner, Department of Community and Economic Development in accordance with AS 44.81.270(c) Report Examining Court Decisions and Opinions of the Attorney General Construing Alaska Statutes from Lynn Barnes, Special Assistant, Division of Legal and Research Services, Legislative Affairs Agency in accordance with AS 24.20.065(b) Standing Committee Reports SJR 27 The Judiciary Committee considered SENATE JOINT RESOLUTION NO. 27 Proposing amendments to the Constitution of the State of Alaska relating to revisions of the state constitution and providing that a court may not change language of a proposed constitutional amendment or revision. Signing do pass: Senator Taylor, Chair, Senators Torgerson, Donley. 2000-01-24 Senate Journal Page 2051 SJR 27 Fiscal note published today from Office of the Governor. The resolution was referred to the Finance Committee. SJR 28 The Judiciary Committee considered SENATE JOINT RESOLUTION NO. 28 Proposing an amendment to the Constitution of the State of Alaska relating to the appropriation limit. Signing do pass: Senator Taylor, Chair, Senators Torgerson, Donley. Fiscal note published today from Office of the Governor. The resolution was referred to the Finance Committee. SJR 29 The Judiciary Committee considered SENATE JOINT RESOLUTION NO. 29 Proposing amendments to the Constitution of the State of Alaska relating to terms of legislators and to the time of convening and length of regular sessions of the legislature, and recommended it be replaced with CS FOR SENATE JOINT RESOLUTION NO. 29(JUD) Signing do pass: Senator Taylor, Chair, Senators Torgerson, Donley. Fiscal notes published today from Office of the Governor, Legislative Affairs Agency. The resolution was referred to the Finance Committee. Introduction and Reference of Senate Bills SB 217 SENATE BILL NO. 217 BY THE SENATE FINANCE COMMITTEE, entitled: 2000-01-24 Senate Journal Page 2052 SB 217 An Act making and amending appropriations for the operating and loan program expenses of state government, for certain programs, and to capitalize funds; making appropriations under art. IX, sec. 17(c), Constitution of the State of Alaska, from the constitutional budget reserve fund; and providing for an effective date. was read the first time and referred to the Finance Committee. SB 218 SENATE BILL NO. 218 BY THE SENATE FINANCE COMMITTEE, entitled: An Act making appropriations for the operating and capital expenses of the states integrated comprehensive mental health program; and providing for an effective date. was read the first time and referred to the Finance Committee. SB 219 SENATE BILL NO. 219 BY THE SENATE RULES COMMITTEE BY REQUEST OF THE GOVERNOR, entitled: An Act relating to the granting authority of and extending the termination date of the Alaska regional economic assistance program; and providing for an effective date. was read the first time and referred to the Labor and Commerce and Finance Committees. Fiscal note published today from Department of Community and Economic Development. 2000-01-24 Senate Journal Page 2053 SB 219 Governors transmittal letter dated January 21: Dear President Pearce: As part of the state's continuing efforts to enhance Alaska's economy, I am transmitting this bill to reauthorize the program for Alaska regional development organizations (ARDORs). The ARDOR program provides state grants to nonprofit organizations formed to encourage economic development within a particular region of the state. Each ARDOR must demonstrate local commitment to the program through matching funds. This year, the ARDORs used the $620,000 received from the state to leverage an additional $3,500,000 in public and private contributions for economic development activities. This bill extends the ARDOR program for three years, to July 1, 2003, and permits an increase in the number of regional development organizations from 15 to 17 that may receive grants from the Department of Community and Economic Development. This will allow the state to extend the program benefits to two areas that have expressed interest in being recognized as ARDORs, providing sufficient funding is appropriated. Regional development organizations play an important role in Alaska's economic development efforts. I urge your prompt and favorable action on this measure. Sincerely, /s/ Tony Knowles Governor SB 220 SENATE BILL NO. 220 BY THE SENATE RULES COMMITTEE BY REQUEST OF THE GOVERNOR, entitled: 2000-01-24 Senate Journal Page 2054 SB 220 An Act clarifying the requirements for limited liability companies and partnerships to qualify for the Alaska bidders and disability preferences under the State Procurement Code; and providing for an effective date. was read the first time and referred to the Labor and Commerce and Finance Committees. Zero fiscal note published today from Department of Administration. Governors transmittal letter dated January 21: Dear President Pearce: I am transmitting a bill clarifying the statutory requirements for limited liability companies and limited liability partnerships to qualify for the Alaska bidder's and disability preferences under the State Procurement Code. Limited liability companies (LLCs) and limited liability partnerships (LLPs) were recently recognized in state law, well after the state procurement code established its Alaska bidder and disability preferences. Therefore, the procurement code preferences do not clearly prescribe qualification requirements for LLCs or LLPs. By providing needed clarification and recognizing LLCs and LLPs under the state procurement code, this bill furthers the legislative objective of ensuring that Alaska businesses receive a preference while safeguarding application of the preferences to bonafide resident businesses. Sincerely, /s/ Tony Knowles Governor 2000-01-24 Senate Journal Page 2055 SB 221 SENATE BILL NO. 221 BY THE SENATE RULES COMMITTEE BY REQUEST OF THE GOVERNOR, entitled: An Act relating to recruitment, selection, appointment, and promotion of state employees and the duties of the Department of Administration concerning those and other related functions; and providing for an effective date. was read the first time and referred to the Labor and Commerce and Finance Committees. Zero fiscal note published today from Department of Administration. Governors transmittal letter dated January 21: Dear President Pearce: Workplace Alaska, the state's new, highly successful system for hiring, has won national awards for outstanding innovation. It is time to put this pilot program into state law. This bill I transmit today amends various sections of the State Personnel Act to integrate Workplace Alaska as an on-line recruitment, application, and hiring process for positions in the classified service. Workplace Alaska replaces the time-consuming old system of eligibility lists and examinations, which could cause a single hire to take as much as several months to complete. Under this new program, an applicant maintains a single resume on-line that can be used for any vacancy advertised. The new hiring process follows these steps: Hiring manager completes an on-line vacancy announcement; Agency reviews and approves the job announcement; Division of Personnel posts the announcement on the Internet; Job seekers complete a one-time applicant profile (resume); 2000-01-24 Senate Journal Page 2056 SB 221 Job seekers access job postings over the Internet and view individual vacancies; Job seekers file a job qualification summary form for each vacancy of interest, attaching the applicant profile; Hiring manager reviews all submitted job qualification summaries and profiles, conducts interviews, reference checks, and selects an individual for the position; Agency approves the appointment. Workplace Alaska is an advantage to hiring managers as well as to applicants. It results in faster hires, a better-qualified pool of candidates who are interested in specific vacancies, and up-to-date applicant and vacancy information. The bill establishes a system to continue honoring preference for veterans, prisoners of war and members of the Alaska National Guard. It also provides authority for the personnel board to adopt necessary implementing regulation changes. Workplace Alaska has proven to be a vast improvement in the state's hiring process. I urge your prompt and favorable action on this measure. Sincerely, /s/ Tony Knowles Governor SB 222 SENATE BILL NO. 222 BY THE SENATE RULES COMMITTEE BY REQUEST OF THE GOVERNOR, entitled: An Act relating to standard industrial classification for, eligibility for benefits under, and the definition of benefit year for, the Alaska Employment Security Act; and providing for an effective date. was read the first time and referred to the Labor and Commerce Committee. 2000-01-24 Senate Journal Page 2057 SB 222 Zero fiscal note published today from Department of Labor. Governors transmittal letter dated January 21: Dear President Pearce: Recent amendments to federal law regarding job training and unemployment insurance require the state to update certain statutory references in these areas. This bill I transmit today accomplishes this requirement. Congress repealed the Job Training Partnership Act, replacing it with the Workforce Investment Act of 1998. This bill makes corresponding changes to state law. Similarly, the bill updates the classification system for employers determining their contribution rate to the unemployment compensation fund. The federal Office of Management and Budget decided in 1997 to replace the Standard Industrial Classification Code with the North American Industry Classification System. The updated coding system was developed jointly by the United States, Canada, and Mexico to provide new comparability in data about business activity across North America. The bill also clarifies that an unemployment insurance claimant is not entitled to benefits for the first six weeks of unemployment if termination was for misconduct connected with the claimants last work. Finally, the bill provides definite beginning and ending dates for a claimants benefit year. In order to keep Alaska's labor and unemployment statutes current with federal law, I urge your prompt and favorable action on this measure. Sincerely, /s/ Tony Knowles Governor 2000-01-24 Senate Journal Page 2058 Consideration of the Calendar Citations Honoring - Shirley Horn Senator(s) Ward, Leman, Wilken, Donley, Pearce, Hoffman, Tim Kelly, Lincoln, Taylor, Elton, Green, Mackie, Pete Kelly, Halford Honoring - Atsuo Tsunoda Representative(s) Grussendorf Senator(s) Taylor, Leman, Wilken, Donley, Pearce, Hoffman, Tim Kelly, Lincoln, Elton, Green, Mackie, Pete Kelly In Memoriam - Emil Otto Herman Wegner Representative(s) Harris Senator(s) Lincoln, Leman, Wilken, Donley, Pearce, Hoffman, Tim Kelly, Taylor, Elton, Parnell, Green, Mackie, Pete Kelly In Memoriam - Helen L. Fisher Representative(s) Smalley, Hudson, Davis, Phillips Senator(s) Torgerson, Elton, Pearce, Ward, Leman, Wilken, Donley, Hoffman, Tim Kelly, Adams, Lincoln, Taylor, Parnell, Green, Mackie, Pete Kelly, Halford, Ellis, Miller, Phillips 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. Announcements Announcements are at the end of the journal. 2000-01-24 Senate Journal Page 2059 Adjournment Senator Mackie moved and asked unanimous consent that the Senate stand in adjournment until 11:00 a.m., January 25, 2000. Without objection, the Senate adjourned at 11:24 a.m. Heidi Vogel Secretary of the Senate January 2000 2000-01-24 Senate Journal Page 2060 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 203 Jan 24 Monday 1:30 PM No Meeting Scheduled Jan 26 Wednesday 1:30 PM No Meeting Scheduled Jan 28 Friday 1:30 PM No Meeting Scheduled ---------------------------------------- FINANCE SENATE FINANCE 532 Jan 24 Monday 9:00 AM Overview by Division of Leg Audit Pat Davidson, Legislative Auditor Jan 25 Tuesday 9:00 AM Dept of Health & Soc Svcs, Div of Public Asst - Review of FY99 and FY00 Programs and Results Jan 26 Wednesday 9:00 AM Review of Depts Accomplishments for FY99 and FY00 - Dept of Public Safety, Dept of Corrections Jan 27 Thursday 9:00 AM Review of Depts Accomplishments for FY99 and FY00 - Dept of Health & Soc Services 2000-01-24 Senate Journal Page 2061 FINANCE Jan 28 Friday 9:00 AM Review of Depts Accomplishments for FY99 and FY00 - Dept of Fish & Game, Dept of Transportation & Public Facilities Feb 03 Thursday 9:00 AM Joint w/(H) Finance Presentation by President Mark Hamilton on the State of the University ---------------------------------------- HEALTH, EDUCATION & SOCIAL SERVICES BUTROVICH 205 Jan 24 Monday 1:30 PM + HB 226CREDITED SERVICE FOR ON-THE-JOB INJURIES + SB 186COLLEGE TUITION SAVINGS PLAN Jan 26 Wednesday 1:30 PM = HB 37SMOKING CESSATION AND EDUCATION PROGRAMS Bills Previously Heard/Scheduled Jan 31 Monday 1:30 PM = SB 61TEACHERSLICENSES, DISCIPLINE & ETHICS Bills Previously Heard/Scheduled Feb 02 Wednesday 1:30 PM AK Indep Living Council Presentation SB 204EXTEND ALASKA COMMISSION ON AGING ---------------------------------------- JUDICIARY BELTZ 211 Jan 24 Monday 1:30 PM + HJR 7CONST AM: INITIATIVE/REFERENDUM PETITIONS + HB 45INITIATIVE/REFERENDUM PETITIONS + HB 3DRUGS: POSSESSION OF LISTED CHEMICALS + Bills Previously Heard/Scheduled Jan 26 Wednesday 1:30 PM -- Rescheduled to 1/31/00 -- + SJR 32CONST. AM: ELECTED ATTORNEY GENERAL += SJR 14ELECTION OF ATTORNEY GENERAL + Bills Previously Heard/Scheduled 2000-01-24 Senate Journal Page 2062 JUDICIARY Jan 28 Friday 1:30 PM No Meeting Scheduled Jan 31 Monday 1:30 PM -- Rescheduled from 1/26/00 -- += SJR 32CONST. AM: ELECTED ATTORNEY GENERAL += SJR 14ELECTION OF ATTORNEY GENERAL + Bills Previously Heard/Scheduled ---------------------------------------- LABOR & COMMERCE BELTZ 211 Jan 25 Tuesday 1:30 PM += SB 176SEX DISCRIMINATION IN HEALTH CLUBS Jan 27 Thursday 1:30 PM No Meeting Scheduled ---------------------------------------- RESOURCES BUTROVICH 205 Jan 24 Monday 3:00 PM -- Meeting Canceled -- Agenda to be Announced Jan 26 Wednesday 2:00 PM SENATE FINANCE 532 -- Location and Time Change -- Joint w/(H) Resources Status Report: Katie John Case/Fed Res Water Rights (Rescheduled from 1/21/00) Bills Previously Heard/Scheduled Jan 28 Friday 3:00 PM Agenda to be Announced ---------------------------------------- STATE AFFAIRS BELTZ 211 Jan 25 Tuesday 3:30 PM No Meeting Scheduled 2000-01-24 Senate Journal Page 2063 STATE AFFAIRS Jan 27 Thursday 3:30 PM SB 196MUNICIPAL PLANNING COMMISSION SJR 26CONST. AM: EDUCATION FUND ---------------------------------------- TRANSPORTATION BUTROVICH 205 Jan 25 Tuesday 1:30 PM No Meeting Scheduled Jan 27 Thursday 1:30 PM + SB 189INTERNATIONAL AIRPORT AUTHORITY + SB 203METROPOLITAN PLANNING ORGANIZATIONS + SB 208RAILROAD AND FERRY AUTHORITY FINANCE SUBCOMMITTEES ADMINISTRATION SENATE FINANCE 532 Jan 25 Tuesday 1:00 PM -- Rescheduled from 1/20/00 at 1:30 pm -- Department of Administration FY00 Budget Missions and Measures ---------------------------------------- COMMUNITY & ECONOMIC DEVELOPMENT FAHRENKAMP 203 Jan 28 Friday 8:30 AM Joint w/(H) Subcommittee ---------------------------------------- EDUCATION & EARLY DEVELOPMENT SENATE FINANCE 532 Jan 24 Monday 3:30 PM Department of Education FY00 Budget Department Missions and Measures ---------------------------------------- ENVIRONMENTAL CONSERVATION SENATE FINANCE 532 Jan 24 Monday 1:00 PM Missions and Measures ---------------------------------------- 2000-01-24 Senate Journal Page 2064 FINANCE SUBCOMMITTEES HEALTH & SOCIAL SERVICES SENATE FINANCE 532 Jan 27 Thursday 1:00 PM Missions and Measures, Dept of Health and Social Svcs; Divs of Admin Svcs, Public Asst, Public Health, and Alcoholism and Drug Abuse ---------------------------------------- LABOR & WORKFORCE DEVELOPMENT SENATE FINANCE 532 Jan 27 Thursday 12:00 PM Joint w/(H) Subcommittee Missions/Measures & FY00 Budget Feb 03 Thursday 12:00 PM Joint w/(H) Subcommittee FY00 Budget ---------------------------------------- MILITARY AND VETERANS AFFAIRS SENATE FINANCE 532 Feb 09 Wednesday 4:00 PM Joint w/(H) Military & Veterans Affairs Agenda to be Announced Feb 23 Wednesday 4:00 PM Joint w/(H) Military & Veterans Affairs Agenda to be Announced Mar 01 Wednesday 4:00 PM Joint w/(H) Military & Veterans Affairs Closeout ---------------------------------------- NATURAL RESOURCES SENATE FINANCE 532 Jan 27 Thursday 8:00 AM Joint w/(H) Subcommittee Missions and Measures ---------------------------------------- 2000-01-24 Senate Journal Page 2065 FINANCE SUBCOMMITTEES REVENUE SENATE FINANCE 532 Jan 26 Wednesday 1:00 PM Missions and Measures JOINT COMMITTEES ADMINISTRATIVE REGULATION REVIEW BUTROVICH 205 Jan 25 Tuesday 1:30 PM + Department of Natural Resources Repeal of RS 2477 Rights-of-way Easement Certifications, Easement Regulations ---------------------------------------- ARMED SERVICES COMMITTEE SENATE FINANCE 532 Jan 31 Monday 12:00 PM Agenda to be Announced ---------------------------------------- LEGISLATIVE BUDGET & AUDIT HOUSE FINANCE 519 Jan 24 Monday 8:00 AM Exec Session, Audit Rpts, Other Business Jan 28 Friday 8:00 AM SENATE FINANCE 532 Exec Session, Audit Rpts, Other Business ---------------------------------------- SPECIAL COMMITTEE ON MERGERS SENATE FINANCE 532 Jan 24 Monday 4:00 PM -- Rescheduled to 1/25/99 -- Proposed BP/Arco Merger Jan 25 Tuesday 2:30 PM -- Rescheduled from 1/24/00 -- Proposed BP/Arco Merger 2000-01-24 Senate Journal Page 2066 OTHER MEETINGS CHILDRENS CAUCUS BUTROVICH 205 Jan 25 Tuesday 12:00 PM Alaska Association of Homes for Children