Legislature(2001 - 2002)

2002-02-01 House Journal

Full Journal pdf

2002-02-01                     House Journal                      Page 2107
                                                                                                    
                              HOUSE JOURNAL                                                      
                                                                                                    
                        ALASKA STATE LEGISLATURE                                                 
                                                                                                    
 TWENTY-SECOND LEGISLATURE -- SECOND SESSION                                                      
                                                                                                    
Juneau, Alaska                    Friday               February 1, 2002                           
                                                                                                    
                             Nineteenth Day                                                    
                                                                                                    
                                                                                                    
Pursuant to adjournment the House was called to order by Speaker                                    
Porter at 10:04 a.m.                                                                                
                                                                                                    
Roll call showed 30 members present.  Representatives Bunde,                                        
Chenault, Kott, and McGuire had been previously excused from a call                                 
of the House today.  Representatives Berkowitz, Croft, Joule,                                       
Kookesh, and Masek were absent and their presence was noted later.                                  
                                                                                                    
Representative James moved and asked unanimous consent that                                         
Representative Williams be excused from a call of the House from                                    
today to 9:45 p.m., plane time, February 3, 2002.  There being no                                   
objection, it was so ordered.                                                                       
                                                                                                    
The invocation was offered by Major Larry Fankhauser of The                                         
Salvation Army.  Representative Davies moved and asked unanimous                                    
consent that the invocation be spread on the journal.  There being no                               
objection, it appears below:                                                                        
                                                                                                    
    Dear God, we come before You this day with grateful hearts.                                     
    As one nation under God, I pray that each representative                                        
    gathered here would be strengthened to meet the tasks of this                                   
    day.  We know those tasks and responsibilities that lie before                                  
    them are great.  May decisions be sure, made courageously                                       
    with no floundering in indecision.                                                              
                                                                                                    
    Lord, I would pray that You would grant to each of us peace                                     
    in the assurance that Your leading is in it all.  Then we can go                                
    from here able to face whatever may come.                                                       
                                                                                                    
    Thank You, Lord.  Amen.                                                                         
                                                                                                    

2002-02-01                     House Journal                      Page 2108
The Pledge of Allegiance was led by Representative Hudson.                                          
                                                                                                    
                                                                                                    
                      CERTIFICATION OF THE JOURNAL                                               
                                                                                                    
Representative James moved and asked unanimous consent that the                                     
journal for the 17th and 18th legislative days, House Journal                                       
Supplement No. 6, and House & Senate Joint Journal Supplement                                       
No. 11 be approved as certified by the Chief Clerk.  There being no                                 
objection, it was so ordered.                                                                       
                                                                                                    
                                                                                                    
                        MESSAGES FROM THE SENATE                                                 
HCR 22                                                                                            
A message dated January 30, 2002, was read stating the Senate has                                   
passed:                                                                                             
                                                                                                    
    HOUSE CONCURRENT RESOLUTION NO. 22                                                              
    Authorizing a recess by the Senate and the House of                                             
    Representatives for a period of more than three days.                                           
                                                                                                    
HCR 22 was referred to the Chief Clerk for enrollment.                                              
                                                                                                    
                                                                                                    
                             COMMUNICATIONS                                                      
                                                                                                    
The following were received:                                                                        
                                                                                                    
Dept. of Revenue                                                                                    
Alaska Municipal Bond Bank Authority                                                                
 2001 Annual Report                                                                                 
 (as required by AS 44.85.100)                                                                      
                                                                                                    
 Certification of Reserves                                                                          
 (as required by AS 44.85.270)                                                                      
                                                                                                    
Dept. of Health & Social Services                                                                   
Division of Medical Assistance                                                                      
FY2001 Annual Report                                                                                
                                                                                                    

2002-02-01                     House Journal                      Page 2109
Dept. of Transportation & Public Facilities                                                         
Division of Statewide Planning                                                                      
Highway Safety Office                                                                               
2001 Annual Report                                                                                  
                                                                                                    
Alaska Court System                                                                                 
Travel and Compensation Report                                                                      
Calendar Year 2001                                                                                  
(as required by AS 22.20.037)                                                                       
                                                                                                    
SB 158                                                                                            
Pursuant to:                                                                                        
                                                                                                    
    HOUSE CS FOR CS FOR SENATE BILL NO. 158(FIN)                                                    
    "An Act directing the commissioner of revenue to prepare a report                               
    to the legislature relating to the state's participation in owning or                           
    financing a gas pipeline project; and providing for an effective                                
    date."                                                                                          
                                                                                                    
 Chapter No. 38, SLA 2001                                                                           
                                                                                                    
the following was received:                                                                         
                                                                                                    
Dept. of Revenue                                                                                    
State Financial Participation in                                                                    
 an Alaska Natural Gas Pipeline                                                                     
                                                                                                    
**The presence of Representatives Masek and Berkowitz was noted.                                    
                                                                                                    
                     REPORTS OF STANDING COMMITTEES                                              
                                                                                                    
HB 262                                                                                            
The Labor & Commerce Committee has considered:                                                      
                                                                                                    
    HOUSE BILL NO. 262                                                                              
    "An Act relating to accounting for and appropriations of receipts                               
    from fees collected by the Department of Labor and Workforce                                    
    Development for certain inspections and for certain plumbing and                                
    electrical worker certificates of fitness; establishing a building                              
    safety account; and providing for an effective date."                                           

2002-02-01                     House Journal                      Page 2110
The report was signed by Representative Murkowski, Chair, with the                                  
following individual recommendations:                                                               
                                                                                                    
Do pass (4):  Hayes, Crawford, Kott, Murkowski                                                      
                                                                                                    
No recommendation (3):  Rokeberg, Meyer, Halcro                                                     
                                                                                                    
The following fiscal note(s) apply:                                                                 
                                                                                                    
1.  Fiscal, Dept. of Labor & Workforce Development                                                  
                                                                                                    
HB 262 was referred to the Finance Committee.                                                       
                                                                                                    
HB 298                                                                                            
The Transportation Committee has considered:                                                        
                                                                                                    
    HOUSE BILL NO. 298                                                                              
    "An Act relating to legislative approval of certain land leases by                              
    the Alaska Railroad Corporation."                                                               
                                                                                                    
and recommends it be replaced with:                                                                 
                                                                                                    
    CS FOR HOUSE BILL NO. 298(TRA)                                                                  
    "An Act relating to authorizing the Alaska Railroad Corporation                                 
    to lease land within certain terminal reserves for a period of up to                            
    55 years."                                                                                      
                                                                                                    
The report was signed by Representative Kohring, Chair, with the                                    
following individual recommendations:                                                               
                                                                                                    
Do pass (6):  Masek, Kookesh, Scalzi, Ogan, Wilson, Kohring                                         
                                                                                                    
The following fiscal note(s) apply to CSHB 298(TRA):                                                
                                                                                                    
1.  Zero, Department of Community & Economic Development                                            
                                                                                                    
HB 298 was referred to the Labor and Commerce Committee.                                            
                                                                                                    
**The presence of Representative Croft was noted.                                                   
                                                                                                    

2002-02-01                     House Journal                      Page 2111
HB 320                                                                                            
The State Affairs Committee has considered:                                                         
                                                                                                    
    HOUSE BILL NO. 320                                                                              
    "An Act relating to the use of electronic ballots."                                             
                                                                                                    
The report was signed by Representative Coghill, Chair, with the                                    
following individual recommendations:                                                               
                                                                                                    
Do pass (7):  Wilson, Crawford, Stevens, James, Fate, Hayes, Coghill                                
                                                                                                    
                                                                                                    
The following fiscal note(s) apply:                                                                 
                                                                                                    
1.  Zero, Office of the Governor                                                                    
                                                                                                    
HB 320 was referred to the Finance Committee.                                                       
                                                                                                    
                                                                                                    
HB 349                                                                                            
The Finance Committee has considered:                                                               
                                                                                                    
    HOUSE BILL NO. 349                                                                              
    "An Act relating to agency programs and financial plans."                                       
                                                                                                    
The report was signed by Representatives Mulder and Williams, Co-                                   
chairs, with the following individual recommendations:                                              
                                                                                                    
Do pass (7):  Bunde, Whitaker, Harris, Lancaster, Foster, Mulder,                                   
Williams                                                                                            
                                                                                                    
No recommendation (4):  Croft, Davies, Moses, Hudson                                                
                                                                                                    
                                                                                                    
The following fiscal note(s) apply:                                                                 
                                                                                                    
1.  Zero, Office of the Governor/All Depts.                                                         
                                                                                                    
HB 349 was referred to the Rules Committee for placement on the                                     
calendar.                                                                                           

2002-02-01                     House Journal                      Page 2112
HB 359                                                                                            
The Finance Committee has considered:                                                               
                                                                                                    
    HOUSE BILL NO. 359                                                                              
    "An Act making a supplemental appropriation for tourism                                         
    marketing efforts; and providing for an effective date."                                        
                                                                                                    
The report was signed by Representatives Mulder and Williams, Co-                                   
chairs, with the following individual recommendations:                                              
                                                                                                    
Do pass (6):  Whitaker, Davies, Foster, Croft, Mulder, Williams                                     
                                                                                                    
Do not pass (1):  Bunde                                                                             
                                                                                                    
No recommendation (4):  Harris, Lancaster, Hudson, Moses                                            
                                                                                                    
A House Finance Committee letter of intent for HB 359, signed by                                    
Representatives Williams and Mulder, Co-chairs, appears below:                                      
                                                                                                    
"The Legislature acknowledges that tourism bookings in Alaska are                                   
well below the forecasts prior to the terrorist attack on America                                   
September 11, 2001.  Surveys show that actual bookings are 30                                       
percent to 40 percent below normal.  It is the intent of the Legislature                            
that the appropriation made by House Bill 359 be focused at                                         
increasing tourism in Alaska in 2002.                                                               
                                                                                                    
The Legislature expects that the Alaska Tourism Industry Association                                
will report back to the Legislature during the FY 2003 and FY 2004                                  
budget deliberations.  That report should include measures that                                     
indicate the results of the advertising supported by this legislation."                             
                                                                                                    
HB 359 was referred to the Rules Committee for placement on the                                     
calendar.                                                                                           
                                                                                                    
                                                                                                    
                      REPORTS OF SPECIAL COMMITTEES                                              
                                                                                                    
HJR 31                                                                                            
The House Special Committee on Military & Veterans' Affairs has                                     
considered:                                                                                         

2002-02-01                     House Journal                      Page 2113
    HOUSE JOINT RESOLUTION NO. 31                                                                   
    Relating to requesting the United States Congress to propose an                                 
    amendment to the Constitution of the United States that would                                   
    address emergency appointments to and powers of the United                                      
    States Senate.                                                                                  
                                                                                                    
and recommends it be replaced with:                                                                 
                                                                                                    
    CS FOR HOUSE JOINT RESOLUTION NO. 31(MLV)                                                       
    Relating to requesting the United States Congress to propose an                                 
    amendment to the Constitution of the United States that would                                   
    establish procedures to ensure that the United States Congress will                             
    continue to function after emergencies that cause many vacancies                                
    in the body.                                                                                    
                                                                                                    
                                                                                                    
The report was signed by Representative Chenault, Chair, with the                                   
following individual recommendations:                                                               
                                                                                                    
Do pass (4):  Kott, Cissna, Murkowski, Chenault                                                     
                                                                                                    
No recommendation (1):  Hayes                                                                       
                                                                                                    
Amend (1):  Green                                                                                   
                                                                                                    
The following fiscal note(s) apply to CSHJR 31(MLV):                                                
                                                                                                    
1.  Zero, House Special Committee on Military & Veterans' Affairs                                   
                                                                                                    
HJR 31 was referred to the State Affairs Committee.                                                 
                                                                                                    
HB 307                                                                                            
The House Special Committee on Oil & Gas has considered:                                            
                                                                                                    
    HOUSE BILL NO. 307                                                                              
    "An Act delaying to June 30, 2007, the last date by which                                       
    hydrocarbon exploration geophysical work must be performed or                                   
    drilling of a stratigraphic test well or exploratory well must be                               
    completed in order for a person to qualify for an exploration                                   
    incentive credit."                                                                              

2002-02-01                     House Journal                      Page 2114
The report was signed by Representative Ogan, Chair, with the                                       
following individual recommendations:                                                               
                                                                                                    
Do pass (6):  Chenault, Dyson, Kohring, Fate, Joule, Ogan                                           
                                                                                                    
No recommendation (1):  Guess                                                                       
                                                                                                    
The following fiscal note(s) apply:                                                                 
                                                                                                    
1.  Indeterminate, Dept. of Natural Resources                                                       
2.  Indeterminate, Dept. of Revenue                                                                 
                                                                                                    
HB 307 was referred to the Resources Committee.                                                     
                                                                                                    
                                                                                                    
HB 312                                                                                            
The House Special Committee on Education has considered:                                            
                                                                                                    
    HOUSE BILL NO. 312                                                                              
    "An Act relating to the delay of the reduction of supplementary                                 
    public school funding; and providing for an effective date."                                    
                                                                                                    
The report was signed by Representative Bunde, Chair, with the                                      
following individual recommendations:                                                               
                                                                                                    
Do pass (5):  Joule, Wilson, Stevens, Guess, Porter                                                 
                                                                                                    
Do not pass (2):  Green, Bunde                                                                      
                                                                                                    
The following fiscal note(s) apply:                                                                 
                                                                                                    
1.  Fiscal, Dept. of Education & Early Development                                                  
                                                                                                    
HB 312 was referred to the Finance Committee.                                                       
                                                                                                    
                                                                                                    
                        INTRODUCTION OF CITATIONS                                                
                                                                                                    
The following citations were introduced and referred to the Rules                                   
Committee for placement on the calendar:                                                            

2002-02-01                     House Journal                      Page 2115
Honoring - Jody Burcham, Olympic Torchbearer                                                        
By Senator Austerman; Representative Stevens                                                        
                                                                                                    
Honoring - Mary Alice Jones, 89th Birthday                                                          
By Senators Austerman, Ward; Representative Green                                                   
                                                                                                    
Honoring - Willard and Beverly Dunham, 50th Wedding Anniversary                                     
By Senator Torgerson                                                                                
                                                                                                    
In Memoriam - Trooper James A. Moen                                                                 
By Senator Halford                                                                                  
                                                                                                    
In Memoriam - Paul Shimakonis "Mr. Birchwood"                                                       
By Senators Halford, Phillips; Representative Dyson                                                 
                                                                                                    
In Memoriam - Carolyn F. Peter                                                                      
By Senator Leman                                                                                    
                                                                                                    
               INTRODUCTION, FIRST READING, AND REFERENCE                                        
                          OF HOUSE RESOLUTIONS                                                   
                                                                                                    
HJR 36                                                                                            
HOUSE JOINT RESOLUTION NO. 36 by Representatives Croft and                                          
Hayes:                                                                                              
                                                                                                    
    Proposing an amendment to the Constitution of the State of                                      
    Alaska relating to limiting the rate of state income and sales and                              
    use taxes.                                                                                      
                                                                                                    
was read the first time and referred to the Judiciary and Finance                                   
Committees.                                                                                         
                                                                                                    
**The presence of Representatives Joule and Kookesh was noted.                                      
                                                                                                    
               INTRODUCTION, FIRST READING, AND REFERENCE                                        
                             OF HOUSE BILLS                                                      
                                                                                                    
HB 292                                                                                            
SPONSOR SUBSTITUTE FOR HOUSE BILL NO. 292 by                                                        
Representatives Hayes and Guess, entitled:                                                          

2002-02-01                     House Journal                      Page 2116
    "An Act relating to child care grants; and providing for an                                     
    effective date."                                                                                
                                                                                                    
was read the first time and referred to the Health, Education & Social                              
Services and Finance Committees.                                                                    
                                                                                                    
HB 368                                                                                            
HOUSE BILL NO. 368 by Representatives Harris, Dyson, Hudson,                                        
Kookesh, Masek, Williams, Scalzi, and Stevens, entitled:                                            
                                                                                                    
    "An Act authorizing the commissioner of community and                                           
    economic development to refinance and extend the term of a                                      
    fishery enhancement loan."                                                                      
                                                                                                    
was read the first time and referred to the House Special Committee on                              
Fisheries and the Resources Committee.                                                              
                                                                                                    
HB 369                                                                                            
HOUSE BILL NO. 369 by the House Rules Committee by request of                                       
the Governor, entitled:                                                                             
                                                                                                    
    "An Act naming bridge number 1121, across the Knik River, the                                   
    Sergeant James Bondsteel Bridge of Honor; and providing for an                                  
    effective date."                                                                                
                                                                                                    
was read the first time and referred to the Transportation Committee.                               
                                                                                                    
The following fiscal note(s) apply:                                                                 
                                                                                                    
1.  Zero, Dept. of Transportation & Public Facilities                                               
                                                                                                    
The Governor's transmittal letter dated January 29, 2002, appears                                   
below:                                                                                              
                                                                                                    
"Dear Speaker Porter:                                                                               
                                                                                                    
I am pleased to transmit this bill that recognizes James Leroy                                      
Bondsteel.  This veteran and Alaska Medal of Honor recipient lost his                               
life on a Glenn Highway bridge crossing the Knik River. Veterans join                               
me in supporting this proposal to rename this bridge the Sergeant                                   
James Bondsteel Bridge of Honor.                                                                    

2002-02-01                     House Journal                      Page 2117
James Leroy Bondsteel was born on July 18, 1947 in Jackson,                                         
Michigan.  He died in a traffic accident on April 9, 1987 on bridge                                 
number 1121 on the Glenn Highway while returning to his home in                                     
Houston.                                                                                            
                                                                                                    
Mr. Bondsteel contributed greatly to his country during three tours of                              
duty during the Vietnam War.  As a Staff Sergeant, he was awarded                                   
the Medal of Honor for his conspicuous gallantry for actions in battle                              
on May 24, 1969.  In that battle he destroyed 10 enemy bunkers and                                  
rallied his troops despite his own wounds.                                                          
                                                                                                    
Mr. Bondsteel remained in the Army after his Vietnam service.  He                                   
was an infantry training instructor and a mentor to younger troops.  He                             
retired from the Army in the mid-1980s and moved to Alaska to work,                                 
first as a counselor at the Wasilla Vet Center and later for the U.S.                               
Veteran's Administration in Anchorage.  At the time of his death, Mr.                               
Bondsteel left behind a wife and two young daughters.  He is buried at                              
the Ft. Richardson National Cemetery.                                                               
                                                                                                    
Fellow veterans on the Alaska Veterans Advisory Council asked that                                  
the state name bridge number 1121 in honor of Mr. Bondsteel.  This                                  
gesture would be a fitting tribute to the memory of this Alaska hero                                
while recognizing the sacrifices all veterans have made for our                                     
country.                                                                                            
                                                                                                    
                               Sincerely,                                                          
                               /s/                                                                  
                               Tony Knowles                                                         
                                Governor"                                                          
                                                                                                    
HB 370                                                                                            
HOUSE BILL NO. 370 by the House Rules Committee by request of                                       
the Governor, entitled:                                                                             
                                                                                                    
    "An Act relating to the issuance of state-guaranteed revenue bonds                              
    by the Alaska Housing Finance Corporation to finance mortgages                                  
    for qualifying veterans; and providing for an effective date."                                  
                                                                                                    
was read the first time and referred to the House Special Committee on                              
Military and Veterans' Affairs and the State Affairs and Finance                                    
Committees.                                                                                         

2002-02-01                     House Journal                      Page 2118
The following fiscal note(s) apply:                                                                 
                                                                                                    
1.  Zero, Dept. of Revenue                                                                          
2.  Fiscal, Office of the Governor                                                                  
                                                                                                    
                                                                                                    
The Governor's transmittal letter dated January 29, 2002, appears                                   
below:                                                                                              
                                                                                                    
"Dear Speaker Porter:                                                                               
                                                                                                    
Alaska has the highest per capita percentage of veterans of any state in                            
the nation.  We must send the clear message that our state recognizes                               
and appreciates those who have served.  This bill I am transmitting is                              
one in a package of legislation I am introducing this year to offer                                 
tribute to our veterans.  It continues the state's history of authorizing                           
bonds for guaranteed veteran housing loans.                                                         
                                                                                                    
                                                                                                    
The State of Alaska is one of only five states that receives favorable                              
treatment under the Internal Revenue Code for guaranteed veterans                                   
bonds.  This program is designed to provide the lowest possible                                     
interest rates to our veterans, without any income limitations.                                     
                                                                                                    
                                                                                                    
The accompanying bill is the first step in allowing the state to continue                           
to take advantage of this worthwhile program.  It would provide for a                               
statewide vote at the next general election on authorizing $500 million                             
in Alaska Housing Finance Corporation (AHFC) bonds for qualifying                                   
veterans.  This would be the fifth such bond approval; the voters                                   
authorized a total of $2.2 billion in state-guaranteed AHFC veterans                                
bonds in four separate elections between 1982 and 1986. The AHFC                                    
has issued nearly all of those bonds, requiring a new authorization.                                
                                                                                                    
                                                                                                    
The need for continuing this guaranteed housing loan program for                                    
veterans may well increase.  Congress is considering expanding the                                  
current Internal Revenue Service Code definition of "qualified                                      
veterans," which now limits participants to those who served in the                                 
military before January 1, 1977 and were honorably discharged within                                
the last 30 years.  I support extending the program to veterans who                                 
have served in more recent years.  If this effort succeeds, the veteran's                           

2002-02-01                     House Journal                      Page 2119
mortgage program in this state would see a dramatic increase in home                                
loans to qualifying individuals -- all the more reason to allow this                                
question to be placed on the statewide ballot.                                                      
                                                                                                    
                               Sincerely,                                                          
                               /s/                                                                  
                               Tony Knowles                                                         
                                Governor"                                                          
                                                                                                    
HB 371                                                                                            
HOUSE BILL NO. 371 by the House Rules Committee by request of                                       
the Governor, entitled:                                                                             
                                                                                                    
    "An Act establishing the Alaska veterans' memorial endowment                                    
    fund and providing for credits against certain taxes for                                        
    contributions to that fund; relating to other tax credits for certain                           
    contributions; and providing for an effective date."                                            
                                                                                                    
was read the first time and referred to the House Special Committee on                              
Military and Veterans' Affairs and the State Affairs and Finance                                    
Committees.                                                                                         
                                                                                                    
The following fiscal note(s) apply:                                                                 
                                                                                                    
1.  Indeterminate, Dept. of Community & Economic Development                                        
2.  Indeterminate, Dept. of Revenue                                                                 
3.  Fiscal, Dept. of Military & Veterans' Affairs                                                   
                                                                                                    
The Governor's transmittal letter dated January 29, 2002, appears                                   
below:                                                                                              
                                                                                                    
"Dear Speaker Porter:                                                                               
                                                                                                    
There are scores of memorials to veterans and monuments to the                                      
military throughout the state, owned by various entities.  These                                    
memorials and monuments should be in excellent condition at all                                     
times to convey proper respect and to honor our former and present                                  
members of the military who served our nation and state and yet, these                              
tributes to our military are in varying stages of upkeep.                                           
                                                                                                    

2002-02-01                     House Journal                      Page 2120
This bill I am transmitting establishes the Alaska Veterans' Memorial                               
Endowment Fund to help fund efforts to maintain our current                                         
memorials and provide a possible source of funding for new                                          
memorials.  It is part of a package of legislation I am introducing this                            
year, and introduced last year, to offer proper acknowledgment and                                  
appreciation of our veterans.                                                                       
                                                                                                    
The bill proposes to finance the fund partly through contributions that                             
will be eligible for certain state corporate tax credits.  Primary use of                           
the funds will be for maintaining veterans' memorials.  Once this                                   
purpose is substantially satisfied in a fiscal year, the fund may be used                           
to establish new memorials and to finance similar projects to recognize                             
efforts of the military.                                                                            
                                                                                                    
The Veterans' Memorial Endowment Fund would be administered by                                      
the commissioner of revenue with a portion of the fund earnings                                     
available for appropriation for maintenance and establishment of                                    
memorials.  A contributing taxpayer would receive a credit that could                               
be applied against certain Alaska taxes, such as insurance premium                                  
taxes, income taxes, oil and gas exploration and production taxes,                                  
pipeline transportation property taxes, mining license taxes, and                                   
fisheries taxes.  Tax credits would be limited in the same manner as                                
they are for existing tax credit programs.                                                          
                                                                                                    
Many Alaskans agree the state and its citizens should exhibit due                                   
respect to our veterans and military by maintaining these memorials                                 
and monuments. Dozens of Alaska corporations, businesses, and                                       
individuals have readily pledged contributions to this worthwhile                                   
endeavor, with the expectation of a matching state appropriation.  The                              
state is not obliged to maintain all memorials and monuments, yet it is                             
appropriate for the state to share in the cost by providing modest                                  
matching grants.  Therefore, I am proposing with this bill a one-time                               
state contribution to the fund of $125,000.                                                         
                                                                                                    
I urge you to take favorable action on this measure and my entire                                   
package of veterans' legislation.                                                                   
                                                                                                    
                               Sincerely,                                                          
                               /s/                                                                  
                               Tony Knowles                                                         
                                Governor"                                                          

2002-02-01                     House Journal                      Page 2121
HB 372                                                                                            
HOUSE BILL NO. 372 by Representative Ogan by request, entitled:                                     
                                                                                                    
    "An Act amending the definition of 'practice of veterinary                                      
    medicine.'"                                                                                     
                                                                                                    
was read the first time and referred to the Labor & Commerce                                        
Committee.                                                                                          
                                                                                                    
HB 373                                                                                            
HOUSE BILL NO. 373 by Representative Murkowski, entitled:                                           
                                                                                                    
    "An Act relating to marijuana and controlled substances and                                     
    forfeitures related to controlled substances."                                                  
                                                                                                    
was read the first time and referred to the Judiciary Committee.                                    
                                                                                                    
HB 374                                                                                            
HOUSE BILL NO. 374 by Representative Lancaster, entitled:                                           
                                                                                                    
    "An Act naming the David Douthit Veterans' Memorial Bridge."                                    
                                                                                                    
was read the first time and referred to the Transportation Committee.                               
                                                                                                    
HB 375                                                                                            
HOUSE BILL NO. 375 by the House Rules Committee by request of                                       
the Legislative Council, entitled:                                                                  
                                                                                                    
    "An Act making corrective amendments to the Alaska Statutes as                                  
    recommended by the revisor of statutes; and providing for an                                    
    effective date."                                                                                
                                                                                                    
was read the first time and referred to the Judiciary Committee.                                    
                                                                                                    
HB 376                                                                                            
HOUSE BILL NO. 376 by Representatives Ogan, Coghill, Masek,                                         
Green, Kohring, James, Fate, and Dyson, entitled:                                                   
                                                                                                    
    "An Act relating to management of fish and game in and on the                                   
    navigable waters and submerged lands of Alaska."                                                

2002-02-01                     House Journal                      Page 2122
was read the first time and referred to the Resources and Judiciary                                 
Committees.                                                                                         
                                                                                                    
HB 377                                                                                            
HOUSE BILL NO. 377 by Representative Harris, entitled:                                              
                                                                                                    
    "An Act relating to the establishment of an additional southcentral                             
    panel to the Alaska Workers' Compensation Board and to                                          
    appointments to that panel; and providing for an effective date."                              
                                                                                                    
was read the first time and referred to the Labor & Commerce and                                    
Finance Committees.                                                                                 
                                                                                                    
                                                                                                    
                   CONSIDERATION OF THE DAILY CALENDAR                                           
                                                                                                    
                      SECOND READING OF HOUSE BILLS                                              
                                                                                                    
HB 263                                                                                            
The following was read the second time:                                                             
                                                                                                    
    HOUSE BILL NO. 263                                                                              
    "An Act relating to water quality standards applicable to flow-                                 
    through hot springs pools."                                                                     
                                                                                                    
with the:                                                   Journal Page                            
                                                                                                    
 RES RPT CS(RES) NT 5DP                                             2093                            
 FN1: ZERO(DEC)                                                     2094                            
                                                                                                    
Representative James moved and asked unanimous consent that the                                     
following committee substitute be adopted in lieu of the original bill:                             
                                                                                                    
    CS FOR HOUSE BILL NO. 263(RES)                                                                  
    "An Act relating to water quality standards applicable to flow-                                 
    through hot springs."                                                                           
                                                                                                    
There being no objection, it was so ordered.                                                        
                                                                                                    
                                                                                                    

2002-02-01                     House Journal                      Page 2123
Representative James moved and asked unanimous consent that CSHB
263(RES) be considered engrossed, advanced to third reading, and                                    
placed on final passage.  There being no objection, it was so ordered.                              
                                                                                                    
CSHB 263(RES) was read the third time.                                                              
                                                                                                    
The question being:  "Shall CSHB 263(RES) pass the House?"  The                                     
roll was taken with the following result:                                                           
                                                                                                    
CSHB 263(RES)                                                                                       
Third Reading                                                                                       
Final Passage                                                                                       
                                                                                                    
YEAS:  34   NAYS:  0   EXCUSED:  5   ABSENT:  1                                                   
                                                                                                    
Yeas:  Berkowitz, Cissna, Coghill, Crawford, Croft, Davies, Dyson,                                  
Fate, Green, Guess, Halcro, Harris, Hayes, Hudson, James, Joule,                                    
Kapsner, Kerttula, Kohring, Kookesh, Lancaster, Masek, Meyer,                                       
Morgan, Moses, Mulder, Murkowski, Ogan, Porter, Rokeberg, Scalzi,                                   
Stevens, Whitaker, Wilson                                                                           
                                                                                                    
Excused:  Bunde, Chenault, Kott, McGuire, Williams                                                  
                                                                                                    
Absent:  Foster                                                                                     
                                                                                                    
And so, CSHB 263(RES) passed the House and was referred to the                                      
Chief Clerk for engrossment.                                                                        
                                                                                                    
                                                                                                    
                   SECOND READING OF HOUSE RESOLUTIONS                                           
                                                                                                    
HJR 35                                                                                            
The following was read the second time:                                                             
                                                                                                    
    HOUSE JOINT RESOLUTION NO. 35                                                                   
    Relating to urging the United States Congress to amend the tax                                  
    code to permanently repeal the death tax.                                                       
                                                                                                    
with the:                                                   Journal Page                            
                                                                                                    
 STA RPT 6DP 1DNP                                                   2093                            
 FN1: ZERO(H.STA/LAA)                                               2093                            
                                                                                                    

2002-02-01                     House Journal                      Page 2124
Amendment No. 1 was offered  by Representative Berkowitz:                                            
                                                                                                    
Page 2, line 3:                                                                                     
 Delete "and"                                                                                       
                                                                                                    
Page 2, line 4, following "support;"                                                                
 Insert "and"                                                                                       
                                                                                                    
Page 2, following line 4, insert:                                                                   
 "WHEREAS recognizing that receipts to Alaska from estate taxes                                   
totaled $2,683,080 in FY '01, $2,455,527 in FY '00, $1,726,985 in FY                                
'99, and that elimination of the death tax would exacerbate the state's                             
fiscal gap;"                                                                                        
                                                                                                    
                                                                                                    
Representative Berkowitz moved and asked unanimous consent that                                     
Amendment No. 1 be adopted.                                                                         
                                                                                                    
                                                                                                    
Representative James objected.                                                                      
                                                                                                    
                                                                                                    
The question being:  "Shall Amendment No. 1 be adopted?"  The roll                                  
was taken with the following result:                                                                
                                                                                                    
HJR 35                                                                                              
Second Reading                                                                                      
Amendment No. 1                                                                                     
                                                                                                    
YEAS:  14   NAYS:  21   EXCUSED:  5   ABSENT:  0                                                  
                                                                                                    
Yeas:  Berkowitz, Cissna, Crawford, Croft, Davies, Guess, Halcro,                                   
Hayes, Hudson, Joule, Kapsner, Kerttula, Kookesh, Moses                                             
                                                                                                    
Nays:  Coghill, Dyson, Fate, Foster, Green, Harris, James, Kohring,                                 
Lancaster, Masek, Meyer, Morgan, Mulder, Murkowski, Ogan, Porter,                                   
Rokeberg, Scalzi, Stevens, Whitaker, Wilson                                                         
                                                                                                    
Excused:  Bunde, Chenault, Kott, McGuire, Williams                                                  
                                                                                                    
And so, Amendment No. 1 was not adopted.                                                            
                                                                                                    
                                                                                                    

2002-02-01                     House Journal                      Page 2125
Amendment No. 2 was offered  by Representative Davies:                                               
                                                                                                    
Page 1, line 2 (title amendment):                                                                   
 Delete "death"                                                                                   
 Insert "estate"                                                                                  
                                                                                                    
Page 1, lines 5, 9, 13; and Page 2, lines 4, 7:                                                     
 Delete "death"                                                                                     
 Insert "estate"                                                                                    
                                                                                                    
                                                                                                    
Representative Davies moved and asked unanimous consent that                                        
Amendment No. 2 be adopted.  There being no objection, it was so                                    
ordered, and the new title appears below:                                                           
                                                                                                    
    HOUSE JOINT RESOLUTION NO. 35 am                                                                
    Relating to urging the United States Congress to amend the tax                                  
    code to permanently repeal the estate tax.                                                      
                                                                                                    
                                                                                                    
Representative James moved and asked unanimous consent that                                         
HJR 35 am be considered engrossed, advanced to third reading, and                                   
placed on final passage.  There being no objection, it was so ordered.                              
                                                                                                    
HJR 35 am was read the third time.                                                                  
                                                                                                    
The question being:  "Shall HJR 35 am pass the House?"  The roll was                                
taken with the following result:                                                                    
                                                                                                    
HJR 35 am                                                                                           
Third Reading                                                                                       
Final Passage                                                                                       
                                                                                                    
YEAS:  24   NAYS:  10   EXCUSED:  5   ABSENT:  1                                                  
                                                                                                    
Yeas:  Coghill, Dyson, Fate, Foster, Green, Halcro, Harris, Hayes,                                  
Hudson, James, Kohring, Lancaster, Masek, Meyer, Morgan, Mulder,                                    
Murkowski, Ogan, Porter, Rokeberg, Scalzi, Stevens, Whitaker,                                       
Wilson                                                                                              
                                                                                                    
Nays:  Berkowitz, Cissna, Crawford, Croft, Davies, Guess, Joule,                                    
Kapsner, Kerttula, Kookesh                                                                          
                                                                                                    

2002-02-01                     House Journal                      Page 2126
Excused:  Bunde, Chenault, Kott, McGuire, Williams                                                  
                                                                                                    
Absent:  Moses                                                                                      
                                                                                                    
And so, HJR 35 am passed the House and was referred to the Chief                                    
Clerk for engrossment.                                                                              
                                                                                                    
                                                                                                    
                          LEGISLATIVE CITATIONS                                                  
                                                                                                    
Representative James moved and asked unanimous consent that the                                     
House approve the citations on the calendar.  There being no                                        
objection, the following citations were approved and sent to enrolling:                             
                                                                                                    
Honoring - Suzanne "Sue" Linford                                                                    
By Representatives Croft, Porter, Berkowitz, Bunde, Chenault, Cissna,                               
Crawford, Davies, Dyson, Halcro, Harris, Hayes, Hudson, James,                                      
Joule, Kapsner, Kerttula, Kookesh, Kott, Lancaster, Masek, McGuire,                                 
Meyer, Mulder, Murkowski, Rokeberg, Stevens, Williams, Wilson;                                      
Senator Ellis                                                                                       
                                                                                                    
Honoring - Loren Lounsbury                                                                          
By Representatives Croft, Porter, Berkowitz, Bunde, Chenault, Cissna,                               
Crawford, Davies, Dyson, Fate, Foster, Green, Halcro, Harris, Hayes,                                
Hudson, James, Joule, Kapsner, Kerttula, Kookesh, Kott, Lancaster,                                  
Masek, McGuire, Meyer, Mulder, Murkowski, Rokeberg, Stevens,                                        
Williams, Wilson; Senator Ellis                                                                     
                                                                                                    
Honoring - Billy W. Harris                                                                          
By Representatives Chenault, Porter, Berkowitz, Bunde, Cissna,                                      
Crawford, Croft, Davies, Dyson, Halcro, Harris, Hayes, Hudson,                                      
James, Joule, Kapsner, Kerttula, Kookesh, Kott, Lancaster, Masek,                                   
McGuire, Meyer, Morgan, Mulder, Murkowski, Ogan, Rokeberg,                                          
Stevens, Williams, Wilson; Senator Ward                                                             
                                                                                                    
                           UNFINISHED BUSINESS                                                   
                                                                                                    
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:                                                    
                                                                                                    

2002-02-01                     House Journal                      Page 2127
Representative Davies - from 7:00 p.m. today to 10:00 p.m., plane                                   
time, February 4, 2002                                                                              
                                                                                                    
Representative Fate - from 7:00 a.m., March 8 to 10:00 p.m., plane                                  
time, March 13, 2002                                                                                
                                                                                                    
Representative Kerttula - from 12:30 p.m. to 6:00 p.m., February 12,                                
2002                                                                                                
                                                                                                    
Representative Moses - from 7:09 a.m., February 14 to 9:35 p.m.,                                    
plane time, February 19, 2002                                                                       
                                                                                                    
Representative Murkowski - from 7:09 a.m., February 14 to 9:35 p.m.,                                
plane time, February 18, 2002                                                                       
                                                                                                    
Representative Porter - from 2:00 p.m., February 22 to 9:30 a.m.,                                   
plane time, February 25, 2002                                                                       
                                                                                                    
Representative Rokeberg - from 6:00 a.m., February 14 to 10:04 a.m.,                                
plane time, February 19, 2002                                                                       
                                                                                                    
Representative Wilson - from 8:00 a.m. to 11:00 a.m., March 25, 2002                                
                                                                                                    
Representative McGuire - from 7:00 a.m., January 31 to 6:33 p.m.,                                   
plane time, February 3, 2002 (amended from page 2099)                                               
                                                                                                    
Representative Chenault - from 9:00 a.m., February 1 to 9:00 a.m.,                                  
plane time, February 5, 2002 (amended from page 1959)                                               
                                                                                                    
HJR 35                                                                                            
Representatives Lancaster and Fate added their names as cosponsors                                  
to:                                                                                                 
                                                                                                    
    HOUSE JOINT RESOLUTION NO. 35 am                                                                
    Relating to urging the United States Congress to amend the tax                                  
    code to permanently repeal the estate tax.                                                      
                                                                                                    
HB 284                                                                                            
Representative Lancaster added his name as cosponsor to:                                            
                                                                                                    

2002-02-01                     House Journal                      Page 2128
    HOUSE BILL NO. 284                                                                              
    "An Act relating to participation in matters before the Board of                                
    Fisheries by members of the board; and providing for an effective                               
    date."                                                                                          
                                                                                                    
HB 288                                                                                            
Representative Dyson added his name as cosponsor to:                                                
                                                                                                    
    HOUSE BILL NO. 288                                                                              
    "An Act relating to commercial fisheries limited entry permit buy-                              
    back programs."                                                                                 
                                                                                                    
HB 307                                                                                            
Representatives Dyson and Green added their names as cosponsors to:                                 
                                                                                                    
    HOUSE BILL NO. 307                                                                              
    "An Act delaying to June 30, 2007, the last date by which                                       
    hydrocarbon exploration geophysical work must be performed or                                   
    drilling of a stratigraphic test well or exploratory well must be                               
    completed in order for a person to qualify for an exploration                                   
    incentive credit."                                                                              
                                                                                                    
                                                                                                    
HB 320                                                                                            
Representatives Coghill, Hayes, Wilson, Stevens, James, Crawford,                                   
Lancaster, and Kookesh added their names as cosponsors to:                                          
                                                                                                    
    HOUSE BILL NO. 320                                                                              
    "An Act relating to the use of electronic ballots."                                             
                                                                                                    
                               ENGROSSMENT                                                       
                                                                                                    
HJR 35                                                                                            
HJR 35 am was engrossed, signed by the Speaker and Chief Clerk and                                  
transmitted to the Senate for consideration.                                                        
                                                                                                    
HB 263                                                                                            
CSHB 263(RES) was engrossed, signed by the Speaker and Chief                                        
Clerk and transmitted to the Senate for consideration.                                              
                                                                                                    

2002-02-01                     House Journal                      Page 2129
                               ENROLLMENT                                                        
                                                                                                    
HCR 4                                                                                             
The following was engrossed and enrolled, signed by the Speaker and                                 
Chief Clerk, President and Secretary of the Senate, and the engrossed                               
and enrolled copies were transmitted to the Office of the Governor at                               
1:12 p.m., January 31, 2002:                                                                        
                                                                                                    
    CS FOR HOUSE CONCURRENT RESOLUTION NO. 4(STA)                                                   
    am                                                                                              
    Declaring February 2002 to be African-American Citizen                                          
    Recognition Month.                                                                              
                                                                                                    
                              ANNOUNCEMENTS                                                      
                                                                                                    
House committee schedules are published daily under separate cover.                                 
                                                                                                    
                               ADJOURNMENT                                                       
                                                                                                    
Representative James moved and asked unanimous consent that the                                     
House adjourn until 11:00 a.m., February 4, 2002.  There being no                                   
objection, the House adjourned at 11:37 a.m.                                                        
                                                                                                    
                                             Suzi Lowell                                            
                                             Chief Clerk