Legislature(1999 - 2000)
2000-01-26 Senate Journal
Full Journal pdf2000-01-26 Senate Journal Page 2077 SENATE JOURNAL ALASKA STATE LEGISLATURE TWENTY-FIRST LEGISLATURE - SECOND SESSION Juneau, Alaska Seventeenth Day Pursuant to adjournment the Senate was called to order by President Pearce at 11:08 a.m. The roll showed twenty members present. 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. Before the hills in order stood or earth received its frame, from everlasting Thou art God to endless years the same. Gracious Father, as much as we try to peer into the unseen future we confess that we only walk one step, one day at a time. But You know all things, even the future. Take us by the hand that we might lead the people and this great State of Alaska in the path of righteousness. Give us wisdom and humility to discern the leading of Your Spirit as we ponder various solutions to the issues confronting us. In the Name of Him Who came, not to be served, but to serve, Jesus the Christ. Amen. Senator Donley led the Senate in the Pledge of Allegiance. 2077 2000-01-26 Senate Journal Page 2078 Certification Senator Mackie moved and asked unanimous consent that the journals for the fifteenth and sixteenth legislative days be approved as certified by the Secretary. Without objection, it was so ordered. Communications The following Budget and Audit Report was received from Pat Davidson, Legislative Auditor, in accordance with AS 24.20.311 and is on file in the Office of the Secretary of the Senate: Department of Military and Veterans Affairs, Alaska National Guard, Review of Selected Board of Inquiry Issues, November 24, 1999 Standing Committee Reports SB 176 Labor and Commerce Committee considered SENATE BILL NO. 176 An Act permitting a physical fitness facility or gymnasium to limit public accommodation to only males or only females, and recommended it be replaced with CS FOR SENATE BILL NO. 176(L&C) An Act permitting a physical fitness facility to limit public accommodation to only males or only females. Signing do pass: Senator Mackie, Chair, Senators Leman, Donley, Tim Kelly. Zero fiscal note published today from Office of the Governor. The bill was referred to the Rules Committee. 2000-01-26 Senate Journal Page 2079 Introduction and Reference of Senate Bills SB 223 SENATE BILL NO. 223 BY THE SENATE RULES COMMITTEE BY REQUEST OF THE GOVERNOR, entitled: An Act providing for and relating to the issuance of state guaranteed transportation revenue anticipation bonds for the purpose of paying the cost of transportation projects that qualify for federal highway aid and the allocation of those bond proceeds; 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. Zero fiscal note published today from Department of Transportation and Public Facilities. Governors transmittal letter dated January 24: Dear President Pearce: Today I am transmitting a bill that would authorize the issuance of $350,000,000 in transportation revenue anticipation bonds to finance the accelerated construction of several transportation projects throughout the state. In recent years Alaskas allocation of federal highway funds has dramatically increased to approximately $350 million annually. Despite an aggressive six-year state transportation plan that addresses continued improvements to the states highways, marine transportation, local roads and trails throughout the state, many important transportation needs remain unaddressed. We must do all we can -- as soon as we can -- to keep up with those critical needs. Now, thanks to an innovative federal program, we have an opportunity to build our transportation infrastructure statewide in the near future, rather than the long-term. 2000-01-26 Senate Journal Page 2080 SB 223 The projects to be financed with bond proceeds would all qualify for federal highway aid. Because of this qualification, future federal highway aid can be used to pay most of the principal and interest that will be due on the bonds. It might also be possible to use interest earned on bond proceeds to satisfy federal requirements for state match money. The advantage of this method of financing is to allow the state to obtain enough money to begin construction of these vital projects now without having to wait for federal highway aid in the future. The projects set out in the bill -- from Southeast Alaska to Anchorage to Fairbanks to Kotzebue -- address pressing transportation needs that cannot be funded with federal dollars over the next 10 years or more. Using this approach can also save money by avoiding inflationary costs that would accrue to each project if left for future construction. The bonds would be secured by a state guarantee to bondholders. The guarantee will afford the bonds the states favorable credit rating and will make them a readily marketable security to potential investors. The guarantee is provided by using the authorization process for general obligation bonds. This process requires approval of the bill by the legislature and ratification by the voters at the next general election. I urge your prompt and favorable action on this innovative approach to accelerate important transportation projects. Sincerely, /s/ Tony Knowles Governor SB 224 SENATE BILL NO. 224 BY THE SENATE RULES COMMITTEE BY REQUEST OF THE GOVERNOR, entitled: 2000-01-26 Senate Journal Page 2081 SB 224 An Act relating to the confidentiality of investigations, court hearings, and court and public agency information in child in need of aid matters; relating to immunity regarding disclosure of information in child in need of aid matters; amending Rules 3 and 22, Alaska Rules of Child in Need of Aid; and providing for an effective date. was read the first time and referred to the Health, Education and Social Services, Judiciary and Finance Committees. Fiscal notes published today from Department of Health, Education and Social Services (2), Department of Law. Zero fiscal notes published today from Department of Administration (2), Department of Public Safety. Governors transmittal letter dated January 25: Dear President Pearce: As part of my administration's continuing effort to improve Alaska's child protection system, I am transmitting a bill that will open to the public information that has generally been closed -- court hearings, court records and state agency records in child in need of aid (CINA) matters. The issues surrounding public disclosure in children's matters can quickly become complicated, but the goal of this bill is simple: Shed more light on the child protection system and the system will improve. I believe public support for the approach taken in this bill will grow when the tragic circumstances affecting so many young lives are more fully understood, along with the daily challenges faced by those who work so hard to protect children. Concerns have been raised during the past few years about the state's confidentiality laws. These laws were created to protect the privacy of children and their families. But they also have the practical effect of limiting public oversight and understanding of the goals and activities of our child protection agencies. 2000-01-26 Senate Journal Page 2082 SB 224 In response to growing concerns, I established the Governor's Task Force on Confidentiality of Children's Matters, consisting of state and media officials. I asked the task force to determine whether Alaska's confidentiality laws could be relaxed with minimal infringement on the privacy of children, and whether we could design a more open system without jeopardizing child protection programs and continued receipt of federal funding. This bill reflects the task force recommendations to allow greater public access to court hearings, court records and records of state agencies concerning child protection activities. Amending our CINA statutes and court rules requires thoughtful planning. Thus, the bill will not be effective until July 1, 2001 -- approximately one full year after it is signed into law. It also requires a report back to the public and legislature by December 2002 to assess these new procedures and make recommendations to address any problems that may arise. More specifically, the bill affects CINA cases in the following ways: Court hearings would be opened to the public with limited exceptions -- for example, if the court determines an open hearing would emotionally harm a child, or when other state or federal laws require closed hearings. Court records would be opened unless a federal or state law prohibits the release. State agency records would be made available to the public in some cases, such as responding to allegations surrounding harm to a child in state custody. We have launched many initiatives in the past years to make Alaska a healthier, safer place for our children. But we can and must do more. This bill is the next step in our continuing efforts to protect young Alaskans. Sincerely, /s/ Tony Knowles Governor 2000-01-26 Senate Journal Page 2083 SB 225 SENATE BILL NO. 225 BY SENATOR ELLIS, entitled: An Act relating to privacy, to private genetic information, to the rights of employees related to electronic monitoring by employers, and to certain consumer information; and amending Rule 26, Alaska Rules of Civil Procedure. was read the first time and referred to the Judiciary Committee. Consideration of the Calendar Citations Honoring - Alaska Raven Americorps Member Graduates Representative(s) Kapsner Senator(s) Hoffman, Lincoln, Taylor, Tim Kelly, Pearce, Green, Mackie, Pete Kelly, Donley, Wilken, Elton, Adams, Ellis, Parnell In Memoriam - Donald James Brown Senator(s) Taylor, Tim Kelly, Pearce, Green, Mackie, Pete Kelly, Donley, Wilken, Elton, Lincoln, Hoffman, Leman, Parnell 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 SB 221 President Pearce made the following committee referral change to SENATE BILL NO. 221 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 (page 2055). 2000-01-26 Senate Journal Page 2084 SB 221 The bill was referred to the State Affairs Committee, then the Finance Committee. Senator Mackie moved and asked unanimous consent that President Pearce be excused from a call of the Senate from noon, January 27 through morning plane time, January 28. Without objection, Senator Pearce was excused. Senator Pete Kelly moved and asked unanimous consent that he be excused from a call of the Senate on January 31 and February 1. Without objection, Senator Pete Kelly was excused. Senator Donley moved and asked unanimous consent that he be excused from a call of the Senate on January 31. Without objection, Senator Donley was excused. Adjournment Senator Mackie moved and asked unanimous consent that the Senate stand in adjournment until 11:00 a.m., January 27, 2000. Without objection, the Senate adjourned at 11:29 a.m. Heidi Vogel Secretary of the Senate January 2000 2000-01-26 Senate Journal Page 2085 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 26 Wednesday 1:30 PM No Meeting Scheduled Jan 28 Friday 1:30 PM No Meeting Scheduled ---------------------------------------- FINANCE SENATE FINANCE 532 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 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 Committee Presentation by President Mark Hamilton on the State of the University 2000-01-26 Senate Journal Page 2086 FINANCE Feb 08 Tuesday 9:00 AM Joint w/(H) Finance Committee Presentation by Public Members of the Commission on Privatization & Delivery of Government Services ---------------------------------------- HEALTH, EDUCATION & SOCIAL SERVICES BUTROVICH 205 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 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 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 27 Thursday 1:30 PM No Meeting Scheduled 2000-01-26 Senate Journal Page 2087 RESOURCES BUTROVICH 205 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 Presentation by AK Gasline Port Authority Jan 28 Friday 3:00 PM -- Meeting Canceled -- Agenda to be Announced ---------------------------------------- STATE AFFAIRS BELTZ 211 Jan 27 Thursday 3:30 PM + SB 196MUNICIPAL PLANNING COMMISSION + SJR 26CONST. AM: EDUCATION FUND ---------------------------------------- TRANSPORTATION BUTROVICH 205 Jan 27 Thursday 1:30 PM + SB 189INTERNATIONAL AIRPORT AUTHORITY + SB 203METROPOLITAN PLANNING ORGANIZATIONS + SB 208RAILROAD AND FERRY AUTHORITY FINANCE SUBCOMMITTEES COMMUNITY & ECONOMIC DEVELOPMENT FAHRENKAMP 203 Jan 28 Friday 8:30 AM Joint w/(H) Subcommittee ---------------------------------------- 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 ---------------------------------------- 2000-01-26 Senate Journal Page 2088 FINANCE SUBCOMMITTEES 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) Subcommittee Agenda to be Announced Feb 23 Wednesday 4:00 PM Joint w/(H) Subcommittee Agenda to be Announced Mar 01 Wednesday 4:00 PM Joint w/(H) Subcommittee Closeout ---------------------------------------- NATURAL RESOURCES SENATE FINANCE 532 Jan 27 Thursday 8:00 AM + Joint w/(H) Subcommittee Missions and Measures ---------------------------------------- REVENUE SENATE FINANCE 532 Jan 26 Wednesday 1:00 PM + Missions and Measures JOINT COMMITTEES ARMED SERVICES COMMITTEE SENATE FINANCE 532 Jan 31 Monday 12:00 PM Agenda to be Announced ---------------------------------------- 2000-01-26 Senate Journal Page 2089 LEGISLATIVE BUDGET & AUDIT HOUSE FINANCE 519 Jan 28 Friday 8:00 AM SENATE FINANCE 532 Exec Session, Audit Rpts, Other Business OTHER MEETINGS CHILDRENS CAUCUS BUTROVICH 205 Feb 08 Tuesday 12:00 PM Child Protection Services Overview ---------------------------------------- JOINT SESSION HOUSE CHAMBER Jan 28 Friday 11:00 AM Address by U.S. Senator Frank Murkowski