Legislature(2001 - 2002)
2001-01-16 House Journal
Full Journal pdf2001-01-16 House Journal Page 0083 HOUSE JOURNAL ALASKA STATE LEGISLATURE TWENTY-SECOND LEGISLATURE -- FIRST SESSION Juneau, Alaska Tuesday January 16, 2001 Ninth Day Pursuant to adjournment the House was called to order by Speaker Porter at 11:02 a.m. Roll call showed 32 members present. Representatives Crawford, Croft, Halcro, Kapsner, and Williams were absent and their presence was noted later. Representative Dyson was excused from a call of the House today due to illness. Representative James moved and asked unanimous consent that the previous excused absences (page 56) for Representatives Cissna and Masek be extended to 9:30 p.m., plane time, today. There being no objection, it was so ordered. The invocation was offered by Pastor Patrick Brayton of the Valley Chapel. Representative Ogan moved and asked unanimous consent that the invocation be spread on the journal. There being no objection, it appears below: Heavenly Father, we know from Your word that You Yourself rule over the kingdoms of men. We acknowledge You as Lord of all and ask You to give us Your favor in this hour. You have stated that "those who rule over men must be just, ruling in the fear of God." Therefore, I ask You to bless these men and women who govern in the State of Alaska. Put Your wisdom and truth into their hearts and minds. Let them be cloaked with a godly humility that acknowledges Your sovereignty and yields to Your will. Place in each one of them a love for their fellow man that will allow them to govern with kindness and true justice for all. Where there has been strife, bring peace. Where there has been disagreement, impart Your wisdom and bring them to godly compromise that will serve the needs of every Alaskan. I pray that Your 2001-01-16 House Journal Page 0084 will and Your love will prevail throughout all of their deliberations and debate. May they treat one another with respect, and may they honor You in all they do. May they act upon Your principles of righteousness so that future generations will bless them for the legacy they have left. Please empower them as guardians of this state and, through them, provide a rich future for this great land. In Jesus' holy name I pray. Amen. The Pledge of Allegiance was led by Representative Coghill. CERTIFICATION OF THE JOURNAL Representative James moved and asked unanimous consent that the journal for the fifth, sixth, seventh, and eighth legislative days be approved as certified by the Chief Clerk. There being no objection, it was so ordered. MESSAGES FROM THE GOVERNOR HB 50 The following letter dated January 12, 2001, was received regarding: HOUSE BILL NO. 50 "An Act extending the termination date of the State Board of Registration for Architects, Engineers, and Land Surveyors to June 30, 2005; relating to the temporary member of that board; and providing for an effective date." "Dear Speaker Porter: This letter replaces my letter dated January 10, 2001 as shown in 2001 House Journal, pages 51-52, concerning HB 50. In keeping with Alaska's tradition of appropriate regulation of our occupations and professions, on January 10, 2001, I transmitted a bill extending the "sunset" of the State Board of Registration for 2001-01-16 House Journal Page 0085 Architects, Engineers, and Land Surveyors to June 30, 2005. The bill also extended the temporary landscape architect board member position to the same date. In 1998, I signed into law a bill establishing licensure of landscape architects and adding a landscape architect to this state board as a temporary, non-voting position. The landscape architect member's expertise was very valuable when the board wrote the first regulations governing this profession. Landscape architect licensing is still in its early stages. The status of the landscape architect seat can best be evaluated as part of board sunset review in 2005. I urge your prompt and favorable action on this bill. Sincerely, /s/ Tony Knowles Governor" HB 50 is in the Labor & Commerce Committee with a further referral to the Finance Committee. **The presence of Representative Williams was noted. HR 1 A message dated January 12, 2001, was read stating the Governor is transmitting the engrossed and enrolled copies of the following resolution to the Lieutenant Governor's office for permanent filing: HOUSE RESOLUTION NO. 1 Establishing a House Special Committee on Economic Development, Trade, and Tourism. House Resolve No. 1 HR 2 A message dated January 12, 2001, was read stating the Governor is transmitting the engrossed and enrolled copies of the following resolution to the Lieutenant Governor's office for permanent filing: 2001-01-16 House Journal Page 0086 HOUSE RESOLUTION NO. 2 Establishing a House Special Committee on Fisheries. House Resolve No. 2 HR 3 A message dated January 12, 2001, was read stating the Governor is transmitting the engrossed and enrolled copies of the following resolution to the Lieutenant Governor's office for permanent filing: HOUSE RESOLUTION NO. 3 Establishing a House Special Committee on Military and Veterans' Affairs. House Resolve No. 3 HR 4 A message dated January 12, 2001, was read stating the Governor is transmitting the engrossed and enrolled copies of the following resolution to the Lieutenant Governor's office for permanent filing: HOUSE RESOLUTION NO. 4 Establishing a House Special Committee on Oil and Gas. House Resolve No. 4 HR 5 A message dated January 12, 2001, was read stating the Governor is transmitting the engrossed and enrolled copies of the following resolution to the Lieutenant Governor's office for permanent filing: HOUSE RESOLUTION NO. 5 Establishing a House Special Committee on Education. House Resolve No. 5 2001-01-16 House Journal Page 0087 COMMUNICATIONS The following reports were received: Dept. of Administration Division of Retirement and Benefits Comprehensive Annual Financial Reports For Fiscal Year Ended June 30, 2000 Public Employees' Retirement System Teachers' Retirement System Dept. of Community & Economic Development Alaska Science and Technology Foundation Annual Report 2000 (as required by AS 37.17.090) Dept. of Education & Early Development Alaska's Public School Funding Formula A Report to the Alaska State Legislature January 15, 2001 Report Card to the Public Available on CD Rom and at www.eed.state.ak.us (as required by Chapter 83, SLA 1998) Dept. of Fish & Game Alaska Board of Game Spring 2001 Proposal Book REPORTS OF STANDING COMMITTEES The Judiciary Committee has reviewed the qualifications of the following and recommends the reappointment be forwarded to the House for consideration: Dennis E. "Skip" Cook as a member of the Select Committee on Legislative Ethics. 2001-01-16 House Journal Page 0088 The Judiciary Committee has reviewed the qualifications of the following and recommends the appointment be forwarded to the House for consideration: Thomas P. Owens, Jr. as a member of the Select Committee on Legislative Ethics. The reports were signed by Representative Rokeberg, Chair; and Representatives James, Ogan, Coghill, Meyer, and Berkowitz. INTRODUCTION OF CITATIONS The following citations were introduced and referred to the Rules Committee for placement on the calendar: Honoring - Karma Darani and Rhonda Hanks By Representative James In Memoriam - Alfred Nakak By Representative Foster In Memoriam - Dr. Milo H. Fritz By Senator Torgerson INTRODUCTION, FIRST READING, AND REFERENCE OF HOUSE RESOLUTIONS HCR 2 HOUSE CONCURRENT RESOLUTION NO. 2 by the House Rules Committee: Authorizing two recesses by the Senate and House of Representatives, each for a period of more than three days. was read the first time and referred to the Rules Committee for placement on the calendar. 2001-01-16 House Journal Page 0089 HJR 7 HOUSE JOINT RESOLUTION NO.7 by Representatives Masek, Ogan, James, and Wilson: Urging the United States Congress to pass legislation to open the coastal plain of the Arctic National Wildlife Refuge, Alaska, to oil and gas exploration, development, and production. was read the first time and referred to the House Special Committee on Oil & Gas and the Resources Committee. **The presence of Representatives Kapsner and Crawford was noted. INTRODUCTION, FIRST READING, AND REFERENCE OF HOUSE BILLS HB 58 HOUSE BILL NO. 58 by the House Rules Committee by request of the Governor, entitled: "An Act relating to the calculation and payment of unemployment compensation benefits; and providing for an effective date." was read the first time and referred to the Labor & Commerce and Finance Committees. The following fiscal note(s) apply: 1. Zero, Dept. of Labor & Workforce Development 2. Fiscal, Dept. of Administration/Various Depts. The Governor's transmittal letter dated January 12, 2001, appears below: "Dear Speaker Porter: Alaska's economy includes many seasonal industries with employees who rely on their unemployment benefits to fill the gaps between times of work. The current rate of unemployment insurance payments 2001-01-16 House Journal Page 0090 falls woefully short in helping families cover living expenses. Alaska's unemployment insurance provides the lowest percentage of the state's average weekly wage of any state. Our maximum weekly benefit amount of $248 ranks 50th of the 50 states. To correct this inadequacy, I am transmitting this bill to increase unemployment insurance benefits and then index the benefits to the state's average weekly wage, so that future adjustments would be automatic and synchronized to the state's economy. Under this bill, the maximum weekly benefit amount would increase January 1, 2002, to $284. Those earning $31,250 or more per year would be eligible for this maximum benefit. A year later, the maximum weekly benefit amount would be indexed to the average weekly wage in the state for the preceding fiscal year, set at fifty percent of that wage. Based on current projections, the maximum weekly benefit amount in 2003 would be $320 for those claimants who earned $35,500 or more. I urge your prompt and favorable action on this measure. Sincerely, /s/ Tony Knowles Governor" HB 59 HOUSE BILL NO. 59 by the House Rules Committee by request of the Governor, entitled: "An Act related to minimum civil penalties for the death of employees due to violations of certain occupational health and safety requirements; and providing for an effective date." was read the first time and referred to the Labor & Commerce and Judiciary Committees. The following fiscal note(s) apply: 2001-01-16 House Journal Page 0091 1. Zero, Dept. of Administration 2. Zero, Dept. of Labor & Workforce Development The Governor's transmittal letter dated January 12, 2001, appears below: "Dear Speaker Porter: In many worker fatality situations, death is the result of serious violations of health and safety laws. Yet due to mandatory penalty reductions for employer size or prior record, fines for these violations may be as little as $1,500. In these tragedies, the penalty clearly does not fit the offense. This bill I transmit today establishes a minimum civil penalty of $25,000 for a serious violation that contributed to the death of an employee, and a $50,000 fine when an employer's willful or repeat violation contributes to or causes death. These penalties could not be reduced without express written approval of the commissioner of the Department of Labor and Workforce Development and the attorney general. This bill is modeled after Minnesota's law for penalties for violation of occupational safety and health standards and makes a clear statement that worker fatalities due to violations of workplace safety laws are intolerable. I urge your prompt and favorable action on this measure. Sincerely, /s/ Tony Knowles Governor" HB 60 HOUSE BILL NO. 60 by the House Rules Committee by request of the Governor, entitled: "An Act relating to the Right-of-Way Leasing Act; and providing for an effective date." 2001-01-16 House Journal Page 0092 was read the first time and referred to the House Special Committee on Oil & Gas and the Resources Committee. The following fiscal note(s) apply: 1. Zero, Dept. of Natural Resources The Governor's transmittal letter dated January 12, 2001, appears below: "Dear Speaker Porter: The Right-of-Way Leasing Act, enacted in 1972, provides the authority to the Department of Natural Resources to lease state land for oil and gas pipelines. Leases for the several pipelines, the Trans- Alaska Pipeline System (TAPS), Endicott, Kuparuk, Oliktok and Milne Point, are all due to expire in May 2004. In anticipation of these expirations, now is the time to make needed changes to the Leasing Act as proposed in this bill I transmit today. This bill increases the maximum term of right-of-way lease renewals from the current 10 years to 30 years, making the renewal term consistent with that of federal grants of right-of-way for oil and gas pipelines. Longer renewal periods will result in significant savings of time and money to industry and the state. The current broad definition of "state land" in the Leasing Act could require the state to issue a pipeline right-of-way lease over land in which the state does not have fee ownership, such as a state highway right-of-way over private land. Additionally, some land that is technically within the definition of "state land" is owned or managed by authorities other than the Department of Natural Resources, such as the University of Alaska, the Alaska Railroad Corporation, or the Department of Transportation and Public Facilities. This bill removes the potential for conflicts by specifying that land owned or administered by a state authority other than the Department of Natural Resources is not subject to the Right-of-Way Leasing Act. Rights-of- ways in those areas would be handled by the respective owners or managers. 2001-01-16 House Journal Page 0093 Finally, this bill would require lessees under new and renewed right- of-way leases to reimburse the state for costs associated with monitoring the operation, maintenance, and termination of pipelines on state right-of-way leases. The public demands that the state and federal governments thoroughly oversee Alaska pipelines. Though state law does not now require such reimbursement, the pipeline owners in the state have voluntarily reimbursed the state for such costs for TAPS and the newer pipelines for the last several years. This change also makes the state involvement with lessees consistent with our federal counterparts who already have the authority to require lessee reimbursement for monitoring operations, maintenance and termination activities. It is timely that we make these changes to our Right-Of-Way Leasing Act as soon as possible. Sincerely, /s/ Tony Knowles Governor" HB 61 HOUSE BILL NO. 61 by the House Rules Committee by request of the Governor, entitled: "An Act authorizing the commissioner of fish and game to award grants for habitat restoration or enhancement projects; and providing for an effective date." was read the first time and referred to the House Special Committee on Fisheries and the Resources and Finance Committees. The following fiscal note(s) apply: 1. Zero, Dept. of Fish & Game The Governor's transmittal letter dated January 12, 2001, appears below: 2001-01-16 House Journal Page 0094 "Dear Speaker Porter: To continue our efforts to protect and enhance Alaska's natural resources, I am transmitting this bill authorizing the commissioner of the Department of Fish and Game to award grants for habitat restoration activities. Under this bill, the commissioner would have express authority to directly award grants to restore and improve fish and wildlife habitats in Alaska. Current law necessitates the department to channel money through other agencies which causes delay and adds considerable administrative cost. An increasing amount of federal funding is available to restore fish habitat and passage. We have many opportunities to use these funds, particularly in the more developed areas of the state. Many of these opportunities are found on private land on some of Alaska's most productive fish streams, such as the Kenai River. Since the inception of the Kenai River 50/50 Cost Share project in 1995, the department has approved 160 projects to rehabilitate some 9,600 feet of riverbank and protect more than 15,700 feet of the Kenai River. But more money could have been directly targeted to these projects if we did not have to pay the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service its 11 percent administrative cost for channeling these funds to the state. Direct grant authority for the department will eliminate the need to use the federal agency in this way. This legislation provides a more cost-effective way to continue efforts on private and public land to rehabilitate, improve, and protect Alaska's valuable fish and wildlife habitats. I urge your prompt and favorable action on this measure. Sincerely, /s/ Tony Knowles Governor" 2001-01-16 House Journal Page 0095 HB 62 HOUSE BILL NO. 62 by the House Rules Committee by request of the Governor, entitled: "An Act relating to the monthly salary for heads of principal executive departments; and providing for an effective date." was read the first time and referred to the State Affairs and Finance Committees. The following fiscal note(s) apply: 1. Zero, Office of the Governor/All Depts. The Governor's transmittal letter dated January 12, 2001, appears below: "Dear Speaker Porter: Present and past administrations have been fortunate to find capable men and women willing to leave far more lucrative jobs to serve the public in demanding positions as heads of principal state departments. In fact, over the years many candidates have declined offers and commissioners have left after a short tenure because they could earn so much more in other public and private jobs. While public service can be personally fulfilling, the state cannot expect to continue to attract and retain talented people unless there is a fair salary commensurate with the responsibilities of the job. I am transmitting to you a bill that would permit some flexibility in setting the salary of a principal department head. Under existing law enacted over 20 years ago, commissioner salaries are set at Range 28, Step E with no opportunity for step or range increases regardless of how long the person remains in the job. This bill allows setting a commissioner's salary at a higher step and range -- no more than Range 30, Step F -- to recognize special skill or experience. This approach is identical to the method under existing law for setting the salary of deputy department heads. 2001-01-16 House Journal Page 0096 The current salary of commissioners is not in line with positions of similar authority and responsibility in the private sector or even larger municipalities within the state. Ironically, deputies and other managers often make more than their commissioners because they are permitted salary increases over time. Salaries of the directors of the state's quasi-independent agencies such as Alaska Housing Finance Corporation, Alaska Industrial Development and Export Authority, and the Alaska Permanent Fund Corporation, which compete most closely with the private sector, substantially exceed those of commissioners. Despite lower costs of living, the salaries of department heads in many other states, including those on the West Coast, exceed those of Alaska commissioners. While this proposal would permit only a modest salary increase for department heads, the flexibility afforded could help attract candidates from the private sector and could encourage qualified appointees to remain in service to the public. Recognizing that there is never a good time to raise salaries for our public officials, this action is long overdue. I urge your favorable action this session. Sincerely, /s/ Tony Knowles Governor" **The presence of Representative Halcro was noted. HB 63 HOUSE BILL NO. 63 by the House Rules Committee by request of the Governor, entitled: "An Act relating to electronic application for and issuance of licenses, permits, and tags issued by the Department of Fish and Game; relating to violations regarding a license, permit, or tag applied for or issued electronically; and providing for an effective date." was read the first time and referred to the House Special Committee on Fisheries and the Resources and Finance Committees. 2001-01-16 House Journal Page 0097 The following fiscal note(s) apply: 1. Zero, Dept. of Fish & Game The Governor's transmittal letter dated January 12, 2001, appears below: "Dear Speaker Porter: Since the beginning of my Administration, state agencies have increasingly moved into the high technology age. It is now common for agencies to use electronic means to interact with the public, whether it be to renew a driver's license, check the status of a permanent fund dividend application, or offer up-to-the-minute election results. The bill I transmit today is yet another effort by the state to make it easier for the public to conduct business with state government through electronic media. Building upon the Internet application process currently in place for applying for a fishing or hunting license, it will lay the groundwork for the state to eventually issue paperless licenses. A process allowing fishers and hunters to apply for and receive licenses, permits, or tags electronically should reduce paperwork for the public and the state while building a better, more efficient system for license management. This expedited process will improve fish and wildlife law enforcement efforts by making the online license data file available immediately. I urge your prompt and favorable action on this measure. Sincerely, /s/ Tony Knowles Governor" HB 64 HOUSE BILL NO. 64 by the House Rules Committee by request of the Governor, entitled: 2001-01-16 House Journal Page 0098 "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. The following fiscal note(s) apply: 1. Fiscal, Dept. of Revenue The Governor's transmittal letter dated January 12, 2001, appears below: "Dear Speaker Porter: The Alaska International Airports System (AIAS), comprised of the Ted Stevens Anchorage International Airport and the Fairbanks International Airport, is a vital and growing part of our economy. The AIAS and the state's major air carriers are now finalizing a new operating agreement aimed at continued system development. Included in the agreement are plans for capital improvements to the system using revenue bonds, which this bill I transmit today would authorize. This bill increases the current cumulative authorization for revenue bonds for international airport capital improvements by $147,900,000 -- from $305 million to $452,900,000. This is intended to support capital improvement programs for fiscal years 2002 and 2003. Funding for operations and capital improvements of the two airports is covered by charges for the use of airport facilities, primarily paid by commercial airlines, plus some federal capital grants. The new operating agreement under negotiation with the participating airlines includes a five-year capital improvement program. The airlines have requested, and the airport system has agreed, to shift to revenue bond funding rather than the historic method of financing capital improvements through annual capital charges paid by the airlines. While repayment of the bonded debt and debt service would still be covered with charges paid by the airlines, revenue bonds would allow payments to be spread over the useful life of airport projects. 2001-01-16 House Journal Page 0099 The current bonding authority cap of $305 million has been exhausted. The authority sought in this bill would increase the revenue bond authorization limit to permit two years of capital improvements to be addressed in a single revenue bond issue, reducing costs related to the debt issuance. In order to assure timely project development, I urge your prompt and favorable action on this measure. Sincerely, /s/ Tony Knowles Governor" HB 65 HOUSE BILL NO. 65 by the House Rules Committee by request of the Governor, entitled: "An Act relating to a new optional group of persons eligible for medical assistance who require treatment for breast or cervical cancer; and providing for an effective date." was read the first time and referred to the Health, Education & Social Services and Finance Committees. The following fiscal note(s) apply: 1. Fiscal, Dept. of Health & Social Services The Governor's transmittal letter dated January 12, 2001, appears below: "Dear Speaker Porter: This past year, Congress passed legislation to improve health care for women by extending Medicaid coverage for treatment of breast and cervical cancer. In the interest of improving Alaskans' health care, I am pleased to present this bill that allows the state to take advantage of this worthwhile program. 2001-01-16 House Journal Page 0100 By opting into this new Medicaid program, uninsured women who have been diagnosed with breast or cervical cancer under a federally financed screening program will be eligible for treatment. In Alaska that could mean some 70 women or so per year who could not otherwise afford cancer treatment may be able to receive care. The federal program began in 1990 when Congress passed the Breast and Cervical Cancer Mortality Prevention Act establishing the Center for Disease Control's (CDC) national breast and cervical cancer early detection program. The CDC program provides grants for screening exams to millions of people who meet eligibility guidelines throughout the country each year, including Alaska. The grantees provide clinical breast exams, pelvic exams, and mammograms. Unfortunately, federal money did not provide for follow-up treatment to any of the uninsured persons diagnosed with cancer -- until now. With last year's Breast and Cervical Cancer Prevention and Treatment Act signed into law, states may select a new Medicaid option to cover cancer treatments of uninsured women diagnosed under the CDC early detection program. According to the American Cancer Society, an estimated 182,800 new cases of invasive breast cancer and 12,800 new cases of invasive cervical cancer are expected to occur among women in the United States during 2000, resulting in an estimated 45,400 deaths. As a result of the recent congressional action, diagnosed, uninsured, low- income persons can receive the treatment needed to save their lives. In order to extend this program to Alaska women, I urge your prompt and favorable action on this legislation. Sincerely, /s/ Tony Knowles Governor" HB 66 HOUSE BILL NO. 66 by Representative Cissna, entitled: "An Act relating to pesticide use; and providing for an effective date." 2001-01-16 House Journal Page 0101 was read the first time and referred to the Labor & Commerce, Resources, and Finance Committees. CONSIDERATION OF THE DAILY CALENDAR LEGISLATIVE CITATIONS Representative James moved and asked unanimous consent that the House approve the citation on the calendar. There being no objection, the following citation was approved and sent to enrolling: Honoring - The Nikiski Middle/High School Football Team, Coaches and Managers By Senator Ward; Representatives Porter, Berkowitz, Bunde, Chenault, Cissna, Coghill, Croft, Davies, Dyson, Green, Halcro, Harris, Hayes, Hudson, James, Kapsner, Kerttula, Kohring, Kott, Lancaster, Masek, Meyer, Morgan, Mulder, Murkowski, Ogan, Rokeberg, Scalzi, Stevens, Williams, Wilson UNFINISHED BUSINESS Representative James moved that the House confirm the appointment of Thomas P. Owens, Jr. to the Select Committee on Legislative Ethics. The question being: "Shall the House confirm the appointment of Thomas P. Owens, Jr. to the Select Committee on Legislative Ethics?" The roll was taken with the following result: Select Committee on Legislative Ethics Confirm Appointment of Thomas P. Owens, Jr. YEAS: 35 NAYS: 0 EXCUSED: 3 ABSENT: 2 Yeas: Berkowitz, Bunde, Chenault, Coghill, Crawford, Davies, Fate, Foster, Green, Guess, Halcro, Harris, Hayes, Hudson, James, Joule, Kapsner, Kerttula, Kohring, Kookesh, Kott, Lancaster, McGuire, Meyer, Morgan, Moses, Mulder, Murkowski, Porter, Rokeberg, Scalzi, Stevens, Whitaker, Williams, Wilson Excused: Cissna, Dyson, Masek 2001-01-16 House Journal Page 0102 Absent: Croft, Ogan And so, the appointment was confirmed. Representative James moved that the House confirm the reappointment of Dennis E. "Skip" Cook to the Select Committee on Legislative Ethics. The question being: "Shall the House confirm the reappointment of Dennis E. "Skip" Cook to the Select Committee on Legislative Ethics?" The roll was taken with the following result: Select Committee on Legislative Ethics Confirm Reappointment of Dennis E. "Skip" Cook YEAS: 35 NAYS: 0 EXCUSED: 3 ABSENT: 2 Yeas: Berkowitz, Bunde, Chenault, Coghill, Crawford, Davies, Fate, Foster, Green, Guess, Halcro, Harris, Hayes, Hudson, James, Joule, Kapsner, Kerttula, Kohring, Kookesh, Kott, Lancaster, McGuire, Meyer, Morgan, Moses, Mulder, Murkowski, Porter, Rokeberg, Scalzi, Stevens, Whitaker, Williams, Wilson Excused: Cissna, Dyson, Masek Absent: Croft, Ogan And so, the reappointment was confirmed. Representative James moved that the House confirm the appointment of Representatives Green and Kerttula, and Representatives Porter and Berkowitz (Alternates) to the Select Committee on Legislative Ethics. Representatives Berkowitz and Porter declared a conflict of interest and requested that they be allowed to abstain from voting. Objection was heard, and the members were required to vote. The question being: "Shall the House confirm the appointment of Representatives Green and Kerttula, and Representatives Porter and Berkowitz (Alternates) to the Select Committee on Legislative Ethics?" The roll was taken with the following result: 2001-01-16 House Journal Page 0103 Select Committee on Legislative Ethics - Confirm Representatives Green, Kerttula Representatives Porter, Berkowitz (Alternates) YEAS: 35 NAYS: 0 EXCUSED: 3 ABSENT: 2 Yeas: Berkowitz, Bunde, Chenault, Coghill, Crawford, Davies, Fate, Foster, Green, Guess, Halcro, Harris, Hayes, Hudson, James, Joule, Kapsner, Kerttula, Kohring, Kookesh, Kott, Lancaster, McGuire, Meyer, Morgan, Moses, Mulder, Murkowski, Porter, Rokeberg, Scalzi, Stevens, Whitaker, Williams, Wilson Excused: Cissna, Dyson, Masek Absent: Croft, Ogan And so, the appointments were confirmed. The Chief Clerk will notify the Senate. **The presence of Representative Croft was noted. Representative James moved and asked unanimous consent that the following members be excused from a call of the House. There being no objection, the members were excused as noted: Representative Lancaster - from 7:21 p.m., plane time, February 2 to 9:35 p.m., plane time, February 4, 2001 Representative Whitaker - from 7:15 a.m., plane time, January 17 to 7:00 p.m., plane time, January 19, 2001 Representative Porter - from 1:35 p.m., plane time, January 25 to 1:50 p.m., plane time, January 26, 2001 (amended from page 72) * * * * * Representative Kerttula requested that the House members stand to observe a moment of silence in memory of Juneau resident Federico Perez who lost his life in the earthquake in El Salvador. 2001-01-16 House Journal Page 0104 HJR 6 Representative James added her name as cosponsor to: HOUSE JOINT RESOLUTION NO. 6 Relating to opposition to the inclusion of national forests in Alaska within President Clinton's Roadless Area Conservation rule and supporting the overturning of this inclusion by litigation, by congressional action, or by action of President-elect Bush. HB 56 Representative Harris added his name as cosponsor to: HOUSE BILL NO. 56 "An Act relating to minimum wages." ANNOUNCEMENTS House committee schedules are published daily under separate cover. ADJOURNMENT Representative James moved and asked unanimous consent that the House adjourn until 10:00 a.m., January 17, 2001. There being no objection, the House adjourned at 11:29 a.m. Suzi Lowell Chief Clerk