Legislature(2001 - 2002)
2001-01-23 Senate Journal
Full Journal pdf2001-01-23 Senate Journal Page 0143 SENATE JOURNAL ALASKA STATE LEGISLATURE TWENTY-SECOND LEGISLATURE -- FIRST SESSION Juneau, Alaska Tuesday January 23, 2001 Sixteenth Day Pursuant to adjournment the Senate was called to order by President Halford at 11:12 a.m. The roll showed nineteen members present. Senator Kelly was absent. The prayer was offered by the Chaplain, Father Rob Bruschi of the Holy Trinity Episcopal Church. Senator Hoffman moved and asked unanimous consent that the prayer be spread. Without objection, it was so ordered. Let us place ourselves in God's presence. Let us pray. Creator of all, we lift up before You today those in need of Your healing embrace; those who have lost a loved one or heard disappointing news from a doctor. Often we feel alone in a sea of company. But we know, as a mother cares for her children, You will never forget us. Send forth the spirit of life and renewal and transform us by the knowledge that You are always there. Heal the brokenhearted, lift up the fallen, and grant us Your gracious care. Give us the power to care for each other, allowing us to share Your life within us to all we meet. Amen. Senator Ward led the Senate in the Pledge of Allegiance. Certification Senator Leman moved and asked unanimous consent that the journal for the fifteenth legislative day be approved as certified by the Secretary. Without objection, it was so ordered. 2001-01-23 Senate Journal Page 0144 Standing Committee Reports SB 16 The Resources Committee considered SENATE BILL NO. 16 "An Act regarding oil discharge prevention and cleanup involving self- propelled nontank vessels exceeding 400 gross registered tonnage and railroad tank cars and related facilities and operations and requiring preparation and implementation of oil discharge contingency plans for those nontank vessels and railroad tank cars; amending the definition of 'response action' that relates to releases or threatened releases of oil and thereby amending the duties and liabilities of response action contractors; and authorizing compliance verification for nontank vessels and for trains and related facilities and operations; and providing for an effective date." Signing do pass: Senator Torgerson, Chair, Senators Elton, Pearce, Kelly. Signing no recommendation: Senators Lincoln, Taylor. The following fiscal information was published today: Fiscal Note No. 1, Department of Transportation and Public Facilities Fiscal Note No. 2, Department of Environmental Conservation The bill was referred to the Finance Committee. SB 21 The Judiciary Committee considered SENATE BILL NO. 21 "An Act increasing the maximum civil fine that may be imposed by the State Medical Board as a disciplinary sanction." Signing do pass: Senator Taylor, Chair, Senators Ellis, Cowdery, Therriault. The following fiscal information was published today: Fiscal Note No. 1, zero, Department of Community and Economic Development The bill was referred to the Finance Committee. 2001-01-23 Senate Journal Page 0145 SCR 1 The Resources Committee considered SENATE CONCURRENT RESOLUTION NO. 1 Relating to Avalanche Awareness Month. Signing do pass: Senator Torgerson, Chair, Senators Taylor, Pearce, Lincoln, Elton. The following fiscal information was published today: Fiscal Note No. 1, zero, Senate Resources Committee The resolution was referred to the Rules Committee. The presence of Senator Kelly was noted. Recess Senator Leman moved and asked unanimous consent that the Senate stand in recess to a call of the Chair for a Committee on Committees meeting. Without objection, the Senate recessed at 11:16 a.m. After Recess The Senate reconvened at 11:23 a.m. Special Committee Reports Committee on Committees Report January 23, 2001 Dear Mr. President: Your Committee on Committees has met and submits to the Senate for its consideration the following changes to the original Committee on Committees report dated January 8, 2001: Health, Education & Social Services Committee Senator Wilken replaces Senator Kelly Community and Regional Affairs Committee Senator Kelly replaces Senator Wilken 2001-01-23 Senate Journal Page 0146 The report was signed by Senator Halford, Chair, Senators Kelly, Pearce, Ward, Ellis. Senator Leman moved that the Committee on Committees report be adopted. Without objection, it was so ordered. Introduction and Reference of Senate Resolutions SCR 2 SENATE CONCURRENT RESOLUTION NO. 2 BY SENATOR WARD, Relating to declaring March 2001 as Sobriety Awareness Month. was read the first time and referred to the Health, Education and Social Services Committee. Introduction and Reference of Senate Bills SB 52 SENATE BILL NO. 52 BY THE SENATE RULES COMMITTEE BY REQUEST OF THE LEGISLATIVE BUDGET AND AUDIT COMMITTEE, entitled: "An Act extending the termination date of the State Physical Therapy and Occupational Therapy Board." was read the first time and referred to the Labor and Commerce and Finance Committees. 2001-01-23 Senate Journal Page 0147 SB 53 SENATE BILL NO. 53 BY THE SENATE RULES COMMITTEE BY REQUEST OF THE LEGISLATIVE BUDGET AND AUDIT COMMITTEE, entitled: "An Act extending the termination date of the Board of Barbers and Hairdressers." was read the first time and referred to the Labor and Commerce and Finance Committees. SB 54 SENATE BILL NO. 54 BY THE SENATE RULES COMMITTEE BY REQUEST OF THE GOVERNOR, entitled: "An Act establishing the Alaska Veterans Advisory Council; and providing for an effective date." was read the first time and referred to the State Affairs and Finance Committees. The following fiscal information was published today: Fiscal Note No. 1, Department of Military and Veterans Affairs Governor's transmittal letter dated January 22: Dear President Halford: In 1996 I issued Administrative Order No. 164 to establish the Alaska Veterans Advisory Council. The council advises the state on ways to better address the needs and concerns of Alaska's veterans, their dependents and their survivors. Its work is vital and deserves a permanent status. I am therefore transmitting this bill to establish the Alaska Veterans Advisory Council in statute within the Department of Military and Veterans Affairs (DMVA). 2001-01-23 Senate Journal Page 0148 The work of the council will remain the same. Its duties will continue to include making recommendations concerning veterans' priority service needs, developing public and private partnerships to meet those needs, and providing coordination of information regarding veterans' benefits and services around the state. The chair of the council would also serve on the Alaska Pioneers' and Veterans' Home Advisory Board as proposed under separate legislation. This bill would maintain the present 20-member structure of the council to include one or more persons affiliated with a veterans organization, one or more persons from a state agency that manages programs affecting veterans, and one or more members of the general public familiar with veterans' issues. Council members would continue to serve without compensation other than per diem and travel expenses. I urge your prompt and favorable action on this measure. Sincerely, /s/ Tony Knowles Governor SB 55 SENATE BILL NO. 55 BY THE SENATE RULES COMMITTEE BY REQUEST OF THE GOVERNOR, entitled: "An Act changing the name of the Alaska Pioneers' Home to the Alaska Pioneers' and Veterans' Home and of the Alaska Pioneers' Homes Advisory Board to the Alaska Pioneers' and Veterans' Home Advisory Board; relating to services for veterans in the home; relating to the advisory board for the home; making other amendments to the statutes relating to the home; making conforming amendments to other statutes; and providing for an effective date." was read the first time and referred to the State Affairs, Health, Education and Social Services and Finance Committees. 2001-01-23 Senate Journal Page 0149 The following fiscal information was published today: Fiscal Note No. 1, zero, Department of Administration Governor's transmittal letter dated January 22: Dear President Halford: Alaska has more veterans per capita than any other state except one. Yet, this is the only state in the nation without a veterans' home in service or development. At the same time, no other state operates a care program for seniors comparable to the Pioneers' Home system. We have a unique opportunity to enhance our Pioneers' Home system and serve our veterans at the same time. The bill I transmit today establishes the Alaska Pioneers' and Veterans' Home system as an efficient means to fully use our existing resources and serve our older veterans. This bill would allow use of some 100 Pioneers' Home beds statewide that are empty today because cost of care has increased faster than the operating budget. A certain number of beds in the Pioneers Homes would be reserved for veterans who meet eligibility requirements for admission, including being at least 65 years old, being an Alaska resident for at least one year, and needing the services the homes provide. The number of beds to be reserved for veterans would be determined by the department by regulation. Certainly the homes already serve a number of veterans. Some 78 current residents are veterans. Another 44 veterans are on the active waiting list. Because of operating budget inadequacies, I have requested, in addition to this legislation, nearly $2.5 million in General Funds and another $2.6 million in receipts for staff and ancillary services at the Pioneers Homes as part of my Fiscal Year 2002 operating budget. Fully staffed, a Pioneers' and Veterans' Home system can begin filling vacant beds and serving the needs of all Alaska seniors. At the same time, it provides an opportunity to recognize the service of Alaska's veterans, particularly those in need of long term care. To help guide us in future planning for services to meet the needs of veterans, I have also requested a $200,000 capital appropriation to conduct a veterans housing and health needs survey. 2001-01-23 Senate Journal Page 0150 The bill also modifies the membership of the Pioneers' Homes Advisory Board to include at least two veterans on the seven-member panel, with one seat reserved for the chair of the Alaska Veterans Advisory Council. I am introducing separate legislation today to establish that council in statute. Finally, the bill also places in statute the current practice of requiring a one-year residency for admission to the homes. This is in response to a court decision years ago that found the 15-year residency requirement unconstitutional. For years, building a veterans' home in Alaska has been an important goal of the state's veteran organizations. We can finally provide this service for our veterans and, at the same time, improve services for all Alaska senior citizens. I encourage your prompt and favorable action on this measure. Sincerely, /s/ Tony Knowles Governor Consideration of the Calendar Citations Honoring - Chief Jason A. Elson Representative(s) Chenault Senator(s) Ward, Lincoln, Austerman, Taylor, Kelly, Green, Pearce, Hoffman, Leman, Elton, Wilken, Davis , Halford In Memoriam - James (Jim) Sutherland Watson Senator(s) Taylor, Lincoln, Austerman, Kelly, Green, Pearce, Hoffman, Leman, Elton, Wilken, Davis, Halford In Memoriam - John D. Schandelmeier, 1917-2001 Representative(s) Davies Senator(s) Wilken, Halford, Lincoln, Austerman, Taylor, Kelly, Green, Pearce, Hoffman, Leman, Elton, Davis, Phillips 2001-01-23 Senate Journal Page 0151 In Memoriam - Don H. Delk Representative(s) Bunde Senator(s) Cowdery, Ward, Lincoln, Austerman, Taylor, Kelly, Green, Pearce, Hoffman, Leman, Elton, Wilken, Donley, Davis, Phillips, Halford Senator Leman moved and asked unanimous consent that the citations be adopted. Without objection, the citations were adopted and referred to the Secretary for transmittal. Senator Leman moved and asked unanimous consent that the following citation be made a special order of business. Without objection, it was so ordered. Special Order of Business In Memoriam - Admiral John Briggs Hayes Representative(s) Halcro Senator(s) Pearce, Halford, Wilken, Hoffman, Elton, Phillips, Davis, Donley, Leman, Green, Kelly, Taylor, Austerman, Lincoln Senator Leman moved and asked unanimous consent that the citation be adopted. Without objection, the citation was adopted and referred to the Secretary for transmittal. Unfinished Business SB 49 Senator Ward moved and asked unanimous consent to be shown as a cosponsor on SENATE BILL NO. 49 "An Act eliminating a requirement that a social security number be provided by an applicant for a hunting or sport fishing license or tag and for certain hunting permits; and providing for an effective date." Without objection, it was so ordered. Senator Ellis moved and asked unanimous consent to be excused from a call of the Senate on January 26 and through morning plane time on January 29. Without objection, Senator Ellis was excused. 2001-01-23 Senate Journal Page 0152 Senator Kelly moved and asked unanimous consent to be excused from a call of the Senate on January 26. Without objection, Senator Kelly was excused. Senator Austerman moved and asked unanimous consent to be excused from a call of the Senate on February 1 and 2. Without objection, Senator Austerman was excused. Senator Lincoln moved and asked unanimous consent to withdraw her excused absence on January 25. Without objection, it was so ordered. Announcements Announcements are at the end of the journal. Adjournment Senator Leman moved and asked unanimous consent that the Senate stand in adjournment until 11:00 a.m., January 24, 2001. Without objection, the Senate adjourned at 11:30 a.m. Heidi Vogel Secretary of the Senate January 2001 2001-01-23 Senate Journal Page 0153 Announcements Americans with Disabilities Act Notice - Persons with disabilities who require special accommodation or alternative communication formats to access committee meetings may contact the appropriate committee office or the Legislative Information Office in their community. Reasonable advance notice is needed to accommodate the request. For further information, call the ADA Coordinator at 465-3854 Voice/465-4980 TDD. SENATE STANDING COMMITTEES + indicates teleconference = indicates bill previously heard/scheduled COMMUNITY & REGIONAL AFFAIRS FAHRENKAMP 203 Jan 24 Wednesday 1:30 PM No Meeting Scheduled Jan 26 Friday 1:30 PM No Meeting Scheduled ---------------------------------------- FINANCE SENATE FINANCE 532 Jan 23 Tuesday 9:00 AM Presentation by Alaska Travel Industry Association ---------------------------------------- HEALTH, EDUCATION & SOCIAL SERVICES BUTROVICH 205 Jan 24 Wednesday 1:30 PM Overview: Department of Health & Social Services HOUSE FINANCE 519 Jan 27 Saturday 10:00 AM -- Teleconference -- -- Time and Location Change -- Joint w/(H) Special Committee on Education High School Competency Test ---------------------------------------- 2001-01-23 Senate Journal Page 0154 JUDICIARY BELTZ 211 Jan 24 Wednesday 1:30 PM -- Teleconference -- Confirmation Hearing- Select Committee on Legislative Ethics: Thomas P. Owens, Jr., Dennis "Skip" Cook Jan 26 Friday 1:30 PM No Meeting Scheduled ---------------------------------------- LABOR & COMMERCE BELTZ 211 Jan 23 Tuesday 1:30 PM +SB 9 EXTENDED BOARD OF ARCHITECTS ETC SB 10 EXTENDED BOARD OF PUBLIC ACCOUNTANCY Jan 25 Thursday 1:30 PM Walking Tour: Dept. Community & Economic Development ---------------------------------------- RESOURCES BUTROVICH 205 Jan 24 Wednesday 3:30 PM +SB 49 NO SOC SEC. # REQ'D ON HUNT/FISH LICENSE +SB 19 CHILD SUPPORT ENFORCEMENT/SOC SEC. # Jan 26 Friday 3:30 PM No Meeting Scheduled Jan 29 Monday 3:30 PM Status of Statehood Defense Cases: Department of Law Jan 31 Wednesday 3:30 PM Alaska Soil and Water Conservation District Briefing Department overviews on Natural Gas Pipeline: Department of Revenue, Department of Natural Resources Feb 02 Friday 3:30 PM -- Agenda to be Announced -- 2001-01-23 Senate Journal Page 0155 RESOURCES (continued) Feb 05 Monday 3:30 PM Natural Gas Pipeline Briefing: Foothills Pipelines Co. SENATE FINANCE 532 Feb 06 Tuesday 12:15 PM -- Time and Location Change -- Joint w/(H) Resources Mining Industry Briefing ---------------------------------------- RULES FAHRENKAMP 203 Jan 24 Wednesday 10:45 AM SCR 1 AVALANCHE AWARENESS MONTH ---------------------------------------- STATE AFFAIRS BELTZ 211 Jan 23 Tuesday 3:30 PM No Meeting Scheduled Jan 25 Thursday 3:30 PM + SJR 3 F-22 RAPTOR AIRCRAFT AT ELMENDORF AFB + SJR 5 NCAA BASKETBALL PRESEASON TOURNAMENTS ---------------------------------------- TRANSPORTATION BUTROVICH 205 Jan 23 Tuesday 1:30 PM SB 36 INTERNATIONAL AIRPORTS REVENUE BONDS Jan 30 Tuesday 1:30 PM Joint w/(H) Transportation Report by the Commissioner of Transportation, Joseph L. Perkins 2001-01-23 Senate Journal Page 0156 JOINT COMMITTEES ADMINISTRATIVE REGULATION REVIEW BUTROVICH 205 Jan 30 Tuesday 9:30 AM + Overview of Committee Review of Committee Powers Law's Review of Regulations Board of Pharmacy Review Feb 01 Thursday 9:30 AM + Review of Public Hearing on Shellfish Regulations LEGISLATIVE BUDGET & AUDIT HOUSE FINANCE 519 Jan 24 Wednesday 12:30 PM -- Time Change -- OTHER MEETINGS CHILDREN'S CAUCUS FAHRENKAMP 203 Jan 24 Wednesday 12:00 PM -- Teleconference -- Alaska Association of Homes for Children Jan 30 Tuesday 12:00 PM -- Teleconference -- Balloon Project Report ---------------------------------------- FISH CAUCUS BUTROVICH 205 Jan 26 Friday 12:00 PM Organizational meeting ---------------------------------------- MINORITY CAUCUS GOVERNOR'S CONF. RM - 3RD FLOOR Jan 23 Tuesday 4:00 PM