Legislature(2003 - 2004)

2003-02-19 Senate Journal

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2003-02-19                     Senate Journal                      Page 0213
                                                                                                    
                                SENATE JOURNAL                                                   
                                                                                                    
                           ALASKA STATE LEGISLATURE                                              
                                                                                                    
                  TWENTY-THIRD LEGISLATURE -- FIRST SESSION                                      
                                                                                                    
Juneau, Alaska                   Wednesday               February 19, 2003                        
                                                                                                    
                                Thirtieth Day                                                    
                                                                                                    
                                                                                                    
Pursuant to adjournment the Senate was called to order by President                                 
Therriault at 11:04 a.m.                                                                            
                                                                                                    
The roll showed nineteen members present. The seat from District R                                  
was vacant.                                                                                         
                                                                                                    
The prayer was offered by the Chaplain, Reverend Steve Olmstead of                                  
Chapel by the Lake. Senator Hoffman moved and asked unanimous                                       
consent that the prayer be spread. Without objection, it was so ordered.                            
                                                                                                    
          A Prayer by Thomas Merton:                                                                
                                                                                                    
          "My Lord God, I do not know where I am going. I do                                        
          not see the road ahead of me. I cannot know for                                           
          certain where it will end.                                                                
                                                                                                    
          Nor do I know myself, and the fact that I think that I                                    
          am following Your will does not mean that I am                                            
          actually doing so.                                                                        
                                                                                                    
          But I believe that the desire to please You does in                                       
          fact please You.                                                                          
                                                                                                    
          And I hope that I have that desire in all that I am                                       
          doing. I hope that I will never do anything apart from                                    
          that desire.                                                                              
                                                                                                    
          And I know that if I do this, You will lead me by the                                     
          right road though I may know nothing about it.                                            
                                                                                                    
                                                                                                    

2003-02-19                     Senate Journal                      Page 0214
           Therefore I will trust You always. I will not fear, for                                 
             You are ever with me and will never leave me to face                                  
          my perils alone."                                                                         
                                                                                                    
          Gracious Lord, may all who are in this place take this                                    
          prayer to heart, truly seeking to please You. May You                                     
          also give them courage to embrace the peace and                                           
          assurance of Your constant presence.                Amen.                                
                                                                                                    
Senator Seekins led the Senate in the Pledge of Allegiance.                                         
                                                                                                    
                                                                                                    
                                Certification                                                    
                                                                                                    
Senator Stevens moved and asked unanimous consent that the journal                                  
for the twenty-ninth legislative day be approved as certified by the                                
Secretary. Without objection, it was so ordered.                                                    
                                                                                                    
                                                                                                    
                          Messages from the Governor                                             
                                                                                                    
Letter dated and received February 19 was read, stating in accordance                               
with Article III Section 25 of the Alaska Constitution, I submit the                                
following names for legislative confirmation of appointment to the                                  
positions set out below:                                                                            
                                                                                                    
Commissioner - Department of Administration                                                       
 Mike Miller                                                                                        
  Appointed: 02/01/2003                                                                             
                                                                                                    
Commissioner - Department of Public Safety                                                        
 Bill Tandeske                                                                                      
  Appointed: 02/03/2003                                                                             
                                                                                                    
The appointments were referred to the State Affairs Committee.                                      
                                                                                                    
Commissioner - Department of Transportation                                                       
 Mike Barton                                                                                        
  Appointed: 02/18/2003                                                                             
                                                                                                    
The appointment was referred to the Transportation Committee.                                       

2003-02-19                     Senate Journal                      Page 0215
In addition, in accordance with Alaska Statute 39.05.080, I submit the                              
following names for legislative confirmation of appointment to the                                  
boards and commissions set out below:                                                               
                                                                                                    
Alaska State Board of Public Accountancy                                                          
 Dan F. Kennedy - Wasilla                                                                           
      Appointed: 04/25/2003  Term Expires: 04/25/2007                                               
                                                                                                    
 Laura Welles - Kenai                                                                               
      Appointed: 04/25/2003 Term Expires: 04/25/2007                                                
                                                                                                    
Alcoholic Beverage Control Board                                                                  
 Michael W. Gordon - Anchorage                                                                      
      Appointed: 02/19/2003 Term Expires: 03/01/2005                                                
                                                                                                    
State Board of Registration for Architects, Engineers, and Land                                   
Surveyors                                                                                         
 Robert E. Gilfilian - Anchorage                                                                    
  Appointed: 03/01/2003 Term Expires: 06/30/2006                                                    
                                                                                                    
 Kimberly Mills - Homer                                                                             
  Appointed: 02/12/2003 Term Expires: 06/30/2006                                                    
                                                                                                    
Board of Barbers and Hairdressers                                                                 
 Diana L. Straub - Wasilla                                                                          
  Appointed: 02/19/2003 Term Expires: 03/01/2006                                                    
                                                                                                    
Board of Chiropractic Examiners                                                                   
 Sean C. Siegel - Anchorage                                                                         
  Appointed: 11/16/1998 Reappointed: 08/12/2002                                                     
  Term Expires: 03/01/2006                                                                          
                                                                                                    
Board of Marine Pilots                                                                            
 Captain David A. Anderson - Ketchikan                                                              
  Appointed: 07/18/2002 Term Expires: 03/01/2005                                                    
                                                                                                    
 Robert J. Arts - Anchorage                                                                         
  Appointed: 10/31/2002  Term Expires: 03/01/2004                                                   
                                                                                                    
 Les Cronk - Ketchikan                                                                              
  Appointed: 10/31/2002 Term Expires: 03/01/2006                                                    

2003-02-19                     Senate Journal                      Page 0216
Personnel Board                                                                                   
 Paulette M. Simpson - Juneau                                                                       
  Appointed 02/11/2003 Term Expires: 03/20/2008                                                     
                                                                                                    
Board of Certified Real Estate Appraisers                                                         
 Steve MacSwain - Anchorage                                                                         
  Appointed: 02/19/2003 Term Expires: 06/30/2006                                                    
                                                                                                    
Board of Veterinary Examiners                                                                     
 Dr. Timothy L. Bowser - Soldotna                                                                   
  Appointed: 02/19/2003 Term Expires: 03/01/2004                                                    
                                                                                                    
 Dr. James L. Morris - Wasilla                                                                      
  Appointed: 01/02/1997 Reappointed: 11/26/2002                                                     
  Term Expires: 03/01/2004                                                                          
                                                                                                    
Workers Compensation Board                                                                        
 Sally Ann Carey - Anchorage                                                                        
  Appointed: 10/31/2002 Term Expires: 03/01/2005                                                    
                                                                                                    
 Curtis Hall - Anchorage                                                                            
  Appointed: 03/01/2003 Term Expires: 03/01/2005                                                    
                                                                                                    
 Royce R. Rock - Anchorage                                                                          
  Appointed: 02/19/2003 Term Expires: 03/01/2005                                                    
                                                                                                    
 Dale R. Walaszek - Kasilof                                                                         
  Appointed: 03/01/2003 Term Expires: 03/01/2006                                                    
                                                                                                    
The appointments were referred to the Labor and Commerce                                            
Committee.                                                                                          
                                                                                                    
Board of Dental Examiners                                                                         
 Dr. David L. Eichler - North Pole                                                                  
  Appointed: 03/01/2003 Term Expires: 03/01/2007                                                    
                                                                                                    
 Dr. Robert E. Warren - Anchorage                                                                   
  Appointed: 03/01/2003 Term Expires: 03/01/2007                                                    
                                                                                                    
                                                                                                    

2003-02-19                     Senate Journal                      Page 0217
Board of Dispensing Opticians                                                                     
 Roberta Rawcliffe - Wasilla                                                                        
  Appointed: 02/19/1999 Reappointed: 07/18/2002                                                     
  Term Expires: 06/14/2006                                                                          
                                                                                                    
State Board of Education and Early Development                                                    
 Patsy DeWitt - Juneau                                                                              
  Appointed: 02/13/2003  Term Expires: 03/01/2007                                                   
                                                                                                    
 Esther Cox - Anchorage                                                                             
  Appointed: 02/13/2003  Term Expires: 03/01/2005                                                   
                                                                                                    
State Medical Board                                                                               
 Dr. G. Bert Flaming - Glennallen                                                                   
  Appointed: 02/12/2003 Term Expires: 01/12/2004                                                    
                                                                                                    
 Debra I. Joslin - Delta Junction                                                                   
  Appointed: 02/12/2003 Term Expires: 03/01/2005                                                    
                                                                                                    
 Dr. John Troxel - Anchorage                                                                        
  Appointed: 02/12/2003 Term Expires: 04/21/2006                                                    
                                                                                                    
Alaska Mental Health Trust Authority Board of Trustees                                            
 John F. Malone - Bethel                                                                            
  Appointed: 03/3/1995 Reappointed: 07/18/2002                                                      
 Term Expires: 03/1/2007                                                                            
                                                                                                    
Board of Certified Direct-Entry Midwives                                                          
 Mila Cosgrove - Juneau                                                                             
  Appointed: 11/20/2002 Term Expires: 03/01/2006                                                    
                                                                                                    
Board of Examiners in Optometry                                                                   
 Thomas N. Carter - Fairbanks                                                                       
  Appointed: 12/11/1998  Reappointed: 07/18/2002                                                    
  Term Expires: 03/01/2006                                                                          
                                                                                                    
 Dr. John C. Cobbett - North Pole                                                                   
  Appointed: 09/11/1998 Reappointed: 07/18/2002                                                     
  Term Expires: 03/01/2006                                                                          
                                                                                                    

2003-02-19                     Senate Journal                      Page 0218
State Physical Therapy and Occupational Therapy Board                                             
 Mary Ann Paul - Eagle River                                                                        
  Appointed: 11/22/2002 Term Expires: 09/01/2006                                                    
                                                                                                    
Board of Professional Counselors                                                                  
 Anne L. Henry - Juneau                                                                             
  Appointed: 11/16/1998 Reappointed: 08/28/2002                                                     
  Term Expires: 03/01/2006                                                                          
                                                                                                    
 Stephanie I. Friese - Anchorage                                                                    
  Appointed: 02/19/2003 Term Expires: 03/01/2006                                                    
                                                                                                    
Professional Teaching Practices Commission                                                        
 Craig Baker - Kodiak                                                                               
  Appointed: 02/19/2003 Term Expires: 03/01/2005                                                    
                                                                                                    
 Vivian L. Dailey - Fairbanks                                                                       
  Appointed: 02/19/2003 Term Expires: 03/01/2005                                                    
                                                                                                    
 Kimberly Jockusch - Anchorage                                                                      
  Appointed: 02/19/2003 Term Expires: 03/01/2004                                                    
                                                                                                    
 Lawrence Lee Oldaker - Auke Bay                                                                    
  Appointed: 01/28/2000  Reappointed: 11/26/2002                                                    
  Term Expires: 03/01/2005                                                                          
                                                                                                    
The appointments were referred to the Health, Education and Social                                  
Services Committee.                                                                                 
                                                                                                    
State Commission on Human Rights                                                                  
 Grace Merkes - Sterling                                                                            
  Appointed: 02/19/2003  Reappointed: 03/01/2003                                                    
  Term Expires: 03/01/2008                                                                          
                                                                                                    
 Lester Lunceford - Whittier                                                                        
  Appointed: 02/19/2003   Term Expires: 03/01/2005                                                  
                                                                                                    
 Robert B. Sawyer, Jr. - Fairbanks                                                                  
  Appointed: 02/19/2003   Term Expires: 01/31/2008                                                  
                                                                                                    

2003-02-19                     Senate Journal                      Page 0219
Alaska Public Offices Commission                                                                  
 Larry D. Wood - Anchorage                                                                          
  Appointed:  08/20/2002  Reappointed: 03/01/2003                                                   
  Term Expires: 03/01/2008                                                                          
                                                                                                    
The appointments were referred to the State Affairs Committee.                                      
                                                                                                    
Alaska Judicial Council                                                                           
 Bill Gordon - Fairbanks                                                                            
  Appointed: 05/18/2003 Term Expires: 05/18/2009                                                    
                                                                                                    
Violent Crimes Compensation Board                                                                 
 LeRoy Barker - Anchorage                                                                           
  Appointed: 02/19/2003 Term Expires: 03/01/2005                                                    
                                                                                                    
 Gerad G. Godfrey - Valdez                                                                          
  Appointed: 02/19/2003 Term Expires: 03/01/2004                                                    
                                                                                                    
The appointments were referred to the Judiciary Committee.                                          
                                                                                                    
Oil and Gas Conservation Commission                                                               
 Randy Ruedrich - Anchorage                                                                         
  Appointed: 02/19/2003 Term Expires: 12/31/2006                                                    
                                                                                                    
 Sarah H. Palin - Wasilla                                                                           
  Appointed: 02/19/2003 Term Expires: 12/31/2008                                                    
                                                                                                    
The appointments were referred to the Resources Committee.                                          
                                                                                                    
The resumes for these appointments have been submitted to the offices                               
of the Senate Secretary and the Chief Clerk.                                                        
                                                                                                    
                                                                                                    
                                Communications                                                   
                                                                                                    
The following report is on file in the Office of the Secretary of the                               
Senate:                                                                                             
                                                                                                    
                                                                                                    
                                                                                                    

2003-02-19                     Senate Journal                      Page 0220
Unorganized Areas of Alaska that Meet Borough Incorporation                                         
Standards, A Report by the Alaska Local Boundary Commission to the                                  
Alaska Legislature                                                                                  
from Kevin Waring, Chair, Local Boundary Commission                                                 
in accordance with Chapter 53, SLA 2002                                                             
                                                                                                    
                                                                                                    
                          Standing Committee Reports                                             
                                                                                                    
SB 53                                                                                             
The Transportation Committee considered SENATE BILL NO. 53                                          
"An Act relating to disposition of a traffic offense involving the death                            
of a person; providing for the revocation of driving privileges by a                                
court for a driver convicted of a violation of traffic laws in connection                           
with a fatal motor vehicle or commercial motor vehicle accident;                                    
amending Rules 43 and 43.1, Alaska Rules of Administration; and                                     
providing for an effective date." Signing do pass: Senator Cowdery,                                 
Chair; Senator Lincoln. Signing no recommendation: Senators                                         
Wagoner, Therriault, Olson.                                                                         
                                                                                                    
The following fiscal information was published today:                                               
 Fiscal Note No. 1, Department of Administration                                                    
 Fiscal Note No. 2, indeterminate, Department of Administration                                     
 Fiscal Note No. 3, zero, Department of Law                                                         
                                                                                                    
President Therriault added a referral to the Finance Committee.                                     
                                                                                                    
The bill was referred to the Judiciary, then Finance Committees.                                    
                                                                                                    
SB 54                                                                                             
The Transportation Committee considered SENATE BILL NO. 54                                          
"An Act exempting flight crew members of certain air carriers from                                  
overtime pay requirements." Signing do pass: Senator Cowdery,                                       
Chair; Senators Olson, Therriault, Wagoner, Lincoln.                                                
                                                                                                    
The following fiscal information was published today:                                               
 Fiscal Note No. 1, zero, Department of Labor and Workforce                                         
 Development                                                                                        
                                                                                                    
The bill was referred to the Labor and Commerce Committee.                                          

2003-02-19                     Senate Journal                      Page 0221
SCR 1                                                                                             
The Transportation Committee considered SENATE CONCURRENT                                           
RESOLUTION NO. 1 Relating to economic development generated                                         
by new road construction and to the design and construction of the Hot                              
Springs Loop Road to connect Chena Hot Springs and Circle Hot                                       
Springs, and recommended the adoption of the State Affairs                                          
Committee Substitute offered on page 169. Signing do pass: Senator                                  
Cowdery; Chair, Senator Therriault. Signing no recommendation:                                      
Senators Wagoner, Olson, Lincoln.                                                                   
                                                                                                    
The following previously published fiscal information applies:                                      
 Fiscal Note No. 1, zero, Department of Transportation and Public                                   
 Facilities                                                                                         
                                                                                                    
The resolution was referred to the Finance Committee.                                               
                                                                                                    
                                                                                                    
                        Introduction and Reference of                                            
                              Senate Resolutions                                                 
                                                                                                    
SCR 4                                                                                             
SENATE CONCURRENT RESOLUTION NO. 4 BY SENATOR                                                       
GREEN,                                                                                              
                                                                                                    
          Relating to Avalanche Awareness Month.                                                    
                                                                                                    
was read the first time and referred to the State Affairs Committee.                                
                                                                                                    
Senators Wilken, Ogan, Cowdery, Guess, Stevens, Taylor, Bunde,                                      
French, Dyson, Lincoln, Wagoner, Seekins, Elton, Olson, Therriault,                                 
moved and asked unanimous consent to be shown as  cosponsors on                                     
the resolution. Without objection, it was so ordered.                                               
                                                                                                    
                                                                                                    
                  Introduction and Reference of Senate Bills                                     
                                                                                                    
SB 72                                                                                             
SENATE BILL NO. 72 BY THE SENATE RULES COMMITTEE                                                    
BY REQUEST OF THE GOVERNOR, entitled:                                                               
                                                                                                    
                "An Act extending the termination date of the                                      
              Regulatory Commission of Alaska; and providing for                                   
          an effective date."                                                                       

2003-02-19                     Senate Journal                      Page 0222
was read the first time and referred to the Labor and Commerce and                                  
Finance Committees.                                                                                 
                                                                                                    
The following fiscal information was published today:                                               
 Fiscal Note No. 1, Department of Community and Economic                                            
 Development                                                                                        
                                                                                                    
Governor's transmittal letter dated February 18:                                                    
                                                                                                    
Dear President Therriault:                                                                          
                                                                                                    
Under the authority of art. III, sec. 18, of the Alaska Constitution, I am                          
transmitting a bill that would extend the life of the Regulatory                                    
Commission of Alaska (RCA) to avoid its termination on June 30,                                     
2003. The bill also includes a provision for an immediate effective                                 
date.                                                                                               
                                                                                                    
It is important to pass this bill before the Regulatory Commission of                               
Alaska's termination date. The RCA regulates utilities statewide and                                
intrastate pipelines. The continued operation of the RCA is essential to                            
ensure that Alaskan consumers have reliable and affordable utility                                  
services and to assure a stable business environment for utilities and                              
pipelines.                                                                                          
                                                                                                    
Failure to extend the commission this session would significantly                                   
interfere with its work. Though the sunset Act provides for a "wind                                 
down" year, the commission would have to redirect its time and                                      
energy to plan for closing its operations. Failure to extend the RCA                                
would leave the regulated utilities as well as consumers in a state of                              
confusion and uncertainty.                                                                          
                                                                                                    
I urge your prompt and favorable action on this measure.                                            
                                                                                                    
Sincerely yours,                                                                                    
/s/                                                                                                 
Frank H. Murkowski                                                                                  
Governor                                                                                            
                                                                                                    
                                                                                                    
                                                                                                    

2003-02-19                     Senate Journal                      Page 0223
SB 73                                                                                             
SENATE BILL NO. 73 BY THE SENATE RULES COMMITTEE                                                    
BY REQUEST OF THE GOVERNOR, entitled:                                                               
                                                                                                    
               "An Act relating to the authority of the Alaska                                     
             Industrial Development and Export Authority to issue                                  
          bonds; and providing for an effective date."                                              
                                                                                                    
was read the first time and referred to the Labor and Commerce and                                  
Finance Committees.                                                                                 
                                                                                                    
The following fiscal information was published today:                                               
 Fiscal Note No. 1, zero, Department of Community and Economic                                      
 Development                                                                                        
                                                                                                    
Governor's transmittal letter dated February 18:                                                    
                                                                                                    
Dear President Therriault:                                                                          
                                                                                                    
Under the authority of art. III, sec. 18, of the Alaska Constitution, I am                          
transmitting a bill that would extend the sunset on the Alaska                                      
Industrial Development and Export Authority's (Authority) bonding                                   
authorization until July 1, 2007.                                                                   
                                                                                                    
The bill would extend the Authority's bonding authorization for                                     
development projects of $10,000,000 or less. The Authority's general                                
bonding authorization will expire June 30, 2003, unless extended.                                   
Allowing that authorization to expire would severely restrict the                                   
Authority's ability to assist in key development projects.                                          
                                                                                                    
In a time of dwindling state resources, this bill would further the                                 
Authority's mission to forge public-private partnerships that can                                   
strengthen the state's economic base.                                                               
                                                                                                    
I urge your prompt and favorable action on this measure.                                            
                                                                                                    
Sincerely,                                                                                          
/s/                                                                                                 
Frank H. Murkowski                                                                                  
Governor                                                                                            
                                                                                                    

2003-02-19                     Senate Journal                      Page 0224
SB 74                                                                                             
SENATE BILL NO. 74 BY THE SENATE RULES COMMITTEE                                                    
BY REQUEST OF THE GOVERNOR, entitled:                                                               
                                                                                                    
                 "An Act extending the renewal period for oil                                      
               discharge prevention and contingency plans; and                                     
          providing for an effective date."                                                         
                                                                                                    
was read the first time and referred to the Resources Committee.                                    
                                                                                                    
The following fiscal information was published today:                                               
 Fiscal Note No. 1, zero, Department of Environmental                                               
 Conservation                                                                                       
                                                                                                    
Governor's transmittal letter dated February 18:                                                    
                                                                                                    
Dear President Therriault:                                                                          
                                                                                                    
Under the authority of art. III, sec. 18, of the Alaska Constitution, I am                          
transmitting a bill extending the renewal period for oil discharge                                  
prevention and contingency plans under AS 46.04.030 and 46.04.055                                   
from three years to five years.                                                                     
                                                                                                    
AS 46.04.030 requires that all operators of oil terminals, pipelines,                               
exploration or production facilities, tank vessels, and oil barges have                             
an approved oil discharge prevention and contingency plan in order to                               
operate. AS 46.04.055 requires that operators of nontank vessels over                               
400 gross tons and railroad tank cars transporting oil also have an                                 
approved oil discharge prevention and contingency plan. Current law                                 
requires that these contingency plans be renewed every three years.                                 
                                                                                                    
In contrast, federal oil spill response plans are reviewed and renewed                              
every five years. However, there is no requirement that state                                       
contingency plans match the federal renewal cycle.                                                  
                                                                                                    
A five-year renewal period will streamline the review for both the                                  
state and industry, while maintaining Alaska's strong oil spill                                     
prevention and response standards. Focusing on the actual testing of                                
oil spill prevention and response readiness through in-the-field                                    
inspections, drills, and exercises is our most effective means of                                   
ensuring spill prevention and response readiness.                                                   

2003-02-19                     Senate Journal                      Page 0225
I urge your prompt and favorable action on this measure.                                            
                                                                                                    
Sincerely,                                                                                          
/s/                                                                                                 
Frank H. Murkowski                                                                                  
Governor                                                                                            
                                                                                                    
SB 75                                                                                             
SENATE BILL NO. 75 BY THE SENATE RULES COMMITTEE                                                    
BY REQUEST OF THE GOVERNOR, entitled:                                                               
                                                                                                    
                    "An Act making supplemental and other                                          
                 appropriations; amending appropriations; and                                      
          providing for an effective date."                                                         
                                                                                                    
was read the first time and referred to the Finance Committee.                                      
                                                                                                    
Governor's transmittal letter dated February 18:                                                    
                                                                                                    
Dear President Therriault:                                                                          
                                                                                                    
Today I am transmitting two supplemental appropriation bills for                                    
Fiscal Year 2003. This bill is sometimes referred to as the "fast track"                            
supplemental bill because it includes items that have particularly tight                            
time requirements that are not accommodated by the usual passage of                                 
supplemental appropriations later in the spring.                                                    
                                                                                                    
As you know, the Legislature's staff estimated the expected                                         
supplemental would total $140 million. The two bills we are                                         
submitting total $63.3 million. Our goal was to include general fund                                
supported requests for circumstances that were not within                                           
management's control, such as disasters, caseload growth in formula-                                
driven programs, and increased fuel costs.                                                          
                                                                                                    
We are also requesting Federal funds of $19.8 million to begin three                                
urgently needed highway projects sooner than waiting for the Fiscal                                 
Year 2004 capital budget. Two of the fast track supplemental requests                               
are due to programs that were short-funded in last year's budget:                                   
subsidized adoptions and foster care special needs. The subsidized                                  
adoption program was funded $2 million less than the department's                                   

2003-02-19                     Senate Journal                      Page 0226
projection. It now appears that a total of $2.8 million more will be                                
needed this year to meet state obligations to parents who have adopted                              
children with special needs. The foster care special needs program was                              
short-funded $445,300, while now, due to additional caseload growth,                                
a total of $615,300 is required.                                                                    
                                                                                                    
I request that you put this bill on a "fast track" for final action in early                        
March.                                                                                              
                                                                                                    
Sincerely yours,                                                                                    
/s/                                                                                                 
Frank H. Murkowski                                                                                  
Governor                                                                                            
                                                                                                    
SB 76                                                                                             
SENATE BILL NO. 76 BY THE SENATE RULES COMMITTEE                                                    
BY REQUEST OF THE GOVERNOR, entitled:                                                               
                                                                                                    
          "An Act making supplemental and other                                                     
          appropriations; amending appropriations; making                                           
          appropriations to capitalize funds; and providing for                                     
          an effective date."                                                                       
                                                                                                    
was read the first time and referred to the Finance Committee.                                      
                                                                                                    
Governor's transmittal letter dated February 18:                                                    
                                                                                                    
Dear President Therriault:                                                                          
                                                                                                    
I am transmitting to you today two supplemental appropriation bills                                 
for Fiscal Year 2003. Issues requiring attention on an expedited basis                              
are in a separate "fast track" bill. This bill includes supplemental needs                          
with less immediate timing requirements.                                                            
                                                                                                    
Initial projections by the Legislature were that the Administration                                 
would be requesting a $140 million general fund supplemental                                        
package. In contrast, we are submitting a combined package (both                                    
"fast track" and regular) that totals $63.3 million in general funds. This                          
is a result of our Administration's commitment to doing all we can to                               
manage programs within the budget approved by the Legislature.                                      

2003-02-19                     Senate Journal                      Page 0227
As you may recall, some of the supplemental requests are the result of                              
legislative decisions made last session in which low case formula                                   
projections were reduced and some programs, such as the Office of                                   
Public Advocacy and Public Defender Agency were not funded for a                                    
full-year.                                                                                          
                                                                                                    
In some instances, we have been able to cover shortfalls in one area by                             
excess appropriations in another. For instance, based on current                                    
estimates of general funds needed for the foundation formula, $6.7                                  
million can be transferred to cover other supplemental needs. The                                   
general fund capitalization of the debt retirement fund may also be                                 
reduced for two reasons: 1) the amount available for school debt                                    
reimbursement from the public school fund is higher than anticipated,                               
and 2) the actual amount of school debt reimbursement is lower than                                 
anticipated.                                                                                        
                                                                                                    
The Administration's goal is to limit future supplemental requests to                               
circumstances that were unanticipated and not within management's                                   
control. To that end, we look forward to working with you on the                                    
funding levels for the Fiscal Year 2004 operating budget.                                           
                                                                                                    
Sincerely,                                                                                          
/s/                                                                                                 
Frank H. Murkowski                                                                                  
Governor                                                                                            
                                                                                                    
SB 77                                                                                             
SENATE BILL NO. 77 BY SENATOR WILKEN, entitled:                                                     
                                                                                                    
                    "An Act naming the William Ransom Wood                                         
          Centennial Bridge in Fairbanks."                                                          
                                                                                                    
was read the first time and referred to the State Affairs Committee.                                
                                                                                                    
                                                                                                    
                                                                                                    
                                                                                                    
                                                                                                    
                                                                                                    
                                                                                                    

2003-02-19                     Senate Journal                      Page 0228
                        Consideration of the Calendar                                            
                                                                                                    
                                  Citations                                                      
                                                                                                    
In Memoriam - Ruth Alison Lister                                                                    
Representative(s) Guttenberg                                                                        
Senator(s) Davis, Elton, Hoffman, Lincoln, Stevens, Taylor,                                         
Therriault, Wilken, Cowdery, Ellis, Seekins, Ogan                                                   
                                                                                                    
Senator Stevens 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 53                                                                                             
Senator Dyson moved and asked unanimous consent to be shown as a                                    
cosponsor on SENATE BILL NO. 53 "An Act relating to disposition                                     
of a traffic offense involving the death of a person; providing for the                             
revocation of driving privileges by a court for a driver convicted of a                             
violation of traffic laws in connection with a fatal motor vehicle or                               
commercial motor vehicle accident; amending Rules 43 and 43.1,                                      
Alaska Rules of Administration; and providing for an effective date."                               
Without objection, it was so ordered.                                                               
                                                                                                    
SB 64                                                                                             
Senator Davis moved and asked unanimous consent to be shown as a                                    
cosponsor on SENATE BILL NO. 64 "An Act requiring certain                                           
consumer reporting agencies to provide individuals with certain                                     
information without charge." Without objection, it was so ordered.                                  
                                                                                                    
Senator Ogan moved and asked unanimous consent to be excused                                        
from a call of the Senate on February 28. Without objection, Senator                                
Ogan was excused.                                                                                   
                                                                                                    
Senator Seekins moved and asked unanimous consent to be excused                                     
from a call of the Senate from February 28, noon plane time, through                                
March 3, evening plane time; and from March 7, afternoon plane time                                 
through March 10, evening plane time. Without objection, Senator                                    
Seekins was excused.                                                                                

2003-02-19                     Senate Journal                      Page 0229
                                Announcements                                                    
                                                                                                    
Announcements are at the end of the journal.                                                        
                                                                                                    
                                                                                                    
                                 Adjournment                                                     
                                                                                                    
Senator Stevens moved and asked unanimous consent that the Senate                                   
stand in adjournment until 10:00 a.m., June 21, 2003. Without                                       
objection, the Senate adjourned at 11:42 a.m.                                                       
                                                                                                    
                                                                Kirsten Waid                        
                                                     Secretary of the Senate                        
                                                                                                    
                                                                    June 2003                       

2003-02-19                     Senate Journal                      Page 0230
                                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.                                                     
                                                                                                    
                                                                                                    
                             STANDING COMMITTEES                                                 
+ indicates teleconference                                                                          
= indicates bill previously heard/scheduled                                                         
                                                                                                    
                         COMMUNITY & REGIONAL AFFAIRS                                            
                                                                                                    
Feb 19        Wednesday                    Fahrenkamp 203             1:30 PM                     
              No Meeting Scheduled                                                                  
                                                                                                    
Feb 21        Friday                       Fahrenkamp 203             1:30 PM                     
              No Meeting Scheduled                                                                  
                   ----------------------------------------                                        
                                                                                                    
                                   FINANCE                                                       
                                                                                                    
Feb 19        Wednesday                 Senate Finance 532            9:00 AM                     
              Fiscal Problems Facing Many States:                                                   
              Corina Eckl, Group Director                                                           
              National Conference State Legislators                                                 
                                                                                                    
Feb 20        Thursday                  Senate Finance 532            9:00 AM                     
+ SB  20 EXTEND BOARD OF MARINE PILOTS                                                              
                                                                                                    
Feb 21        Friday                    Senate Finance 532            9:00 AM                     
     SB  75 SUPPLEMENTAL APPROPRIATIONS: FAST TRACK                                                 
     SB  76 SUPPLEMENTAL APPROPRIATIONS                                                             
                   ----------------------------------------                                        
                                                                                                    
                                                                                                    
                                                                                                    
                                                                                                    
                                                                                                    

2003-02-19                     Senate Journal                      Page 0231
                     HEALTH, EDUCATION & SOCIAL SERVICES                                         
                                                                                                    
Feb 19        Wednesday                  House Finance 519            1:30 PM                     
              -- Location Change --                                                                 
+             Joint w/(H) Health, Education and Social Services and (H)                             
              Special Committee on Education                                                        
              Alaska School District Cost Study                                                     
              Jay Chambers, American Institute for Research                                         
                   ----------------------------------------                                        
                                                                                                    
                                  JUDICIARY                                                      
                                                                                                    
Feb 19        Wednesday                             Beltz 211         1:30 PM                     
+ SB  58 PFD INELIGIBILITY/MOTOR VEHICLE INSURANCE                                                  
+ SB  59 PERMANENT FUND INELIGIBILITY FOR DUI                                                       
                                                                                                    
Feb 21        Friday                                Beltz 211         1:30 PM                     
              No Meeting Scheduled                                                                  
                   ----------------------------------------                                        
                                                                                                    
                               LABOR & COMMERCE                                                  
                                                                                                    
Feb 20        Thursday                              Beltz 211         1:30 PM                     
+ SB  64 CREDIT INFORMATION                                                                         
              Bills Previously Heard/Scheduled                                                      
                                                                                                    
Feb 25        Tuesday                               Beltz 211         1:30 PM                     
     SB  47 EXTEND BOARD OF NURSING                                                                 
     SB  48 EXTEND BOARD OF MIDWIVES                                                                
              Bills Previously Heard/Scheduled                                                      
                                                                                                    
Feb 26        Wednesday                 Senate Finance 532            3:15 PM                     
              -- Time and Location Change --                                                        
              Joint w/(H) Labor and Commerce                                                        
              Confirmation Hearings:                                                                
              Regulatory Commission of Alaska-                                                      
              Dave Harbour                                                                          
              Mark Johnson                                                                          
                                                                                                    
Feb 27        Thursday                              Beltz 211         1:30 PM                     
     SB  43 EXTEND STATE MEDICAL BOARD                                                              
+ SB  54 OVERTIME PAY FOR AIRLINE EMPLOYEES                                                         
              Bills Previously Heard/Scheduled                                                      

2003-02-19                     Senate Journal                      Page 0232
                                  RESOURCES                                                      
                                                                                                    
Feb 19        Wednesday                 Senate Finance 532            1:00 PM                     
              -- Time and Location Change --                                                        
              Joint w/(H) Resources: Mining Industry Overview                                       
                                                                                                    
Feb 21        Friday                          Butrovich 205           3:30 PM                     
              No Meeting Scheduled                                                                  
                   ----------------------------------------                                        
                                                                                                    
                                STATE AFFAIRS                                                    
                                                                                                    
Feb 20        Thursday                              Beltz 211         3:30 PM                     
+ SB  49 2003 REVISOR'S BILL                                                                        
+ SB  65 CORRECTIONAL FACILITY EXPANSION                                                            
                   ----------------------------------------                                        
                                                                                                    
                                TRANSPORTATION                                                   
                                                                                                    
Feb 20        Thursday                        Butrovich 205           1:30 PM                     
              No Meeting Scheduled                                                                  
                                                                                                    
Feb 25        Tuesday                         Butrovich 205           1:30 PM                     
+= SB  31 RAILROAD UTILITY CORRIDOR TO & IN CANADA                                                  
                                                                                                    
Feb 27        Thursday                        Butrovich 205           1:30 PM                     
     SB  71 TRANSPORTATION ENHANCEMENT PROJECTS                                                     
              Bills Previously Heard/Scheduled                                                      
                                                                                                    
Mar 13        Thursday                     Terry Miller 104           1:15 PM                     
              -- Time and Location Change --                                                        
+             Joint w/(H) Transportation                                                            
              Anchorage International Airport Bonding                                               
                   ----------------------------------------                                        
                                                                                                    
                            FINANCE SUBCOMMITTEES                                                
                                                                                                    
                              NATURAL RESOURCES                                                  
                                                                                                    
Feb 20        Thursday                              Beltz 211         8:00 AM                     
              -- Rescheduled from 2/12/03 --                                                        
+             Budget Overview: Dept of Natural Resources                                            

2003-02-19                     Senate Journal                      Page 0233
                      FINANCE SUBCOMMITTEES (continued)                                          
                                                                                                    
                                   REVENUE                                                       
                                                                                                    
Feb 19        Wednesday                 Senate Finance 532            4:00 PM                     
              -- Meeting Canceled --                                                                
              -- Rescheduled from 2/10/03 --                                                        
              Budget Overview: Dept of Revenue                                                      
                   ----------------------------------------                                        
                                                                                                    
                               JOINT COMMITTEES                                                  
                                                                                                    
                       ADMINISTRATIVE REGULATION REVIEW                                          
                                                                                                    
Feb 19        Wednesday                    Fahrenkamp 203             8:30 AM                     
              Discussion of Central Panels to create independent hearing                            
              office functions                                                                      
              Committee administrative function re: continuous service                              
                   ----------------------------------------                                        
                                                                                                    
                          LEGISLATIVE BUDGET & AUDIT                                             
                                                                                                    
Feb 19        Wednesday                  House Finance 519           12:00 PM                     
              Executive Session - Preliminary Audits                                                
              Audits and Other Committee Business                                                   
                   ----------------------------------------                                        
                                                                                                    
                             LEGISLATIVE COUNCIL                                                 
                                                                                                    
Feb 20        Thursday                  Senate Finance 532          11:30 AM                      
                   ----------------------------------------                                        
                                                                                                    
                                OTHER MEETINGS                                                   
                                                                                                    
                                 FISH CAUCUS                                                     
                                                                                                    
Feb 19        Wednesday                       Butrovich 205          12:00 PM                     
              -- Meeting Postponed to 2/20/03 --                                                    
              Impacts of the Seafood Industry                                                       
              on Alaska's Economy                                                                   
              Patrick Burden, Northern Economics                                                    
                                                                                                    

2003-02-19                     Senate Journal                      Page 0234
                          OTHER MEETINGS (continued)                                             
                                                                                                    
                           FISH CAUCUS (continued)                                               
                                                                                                    
Feb 20        Thursday                        Butrovich 205          12:00 PM                     
              -- Meeting Rescheduled from 2/19/03 --                                                
              Impacts of the Seafood Industry                                                       
              on Alaska's Economy                                                                   
              Patrick Burden, Northern Economics                                                    
                   ----------------------------------------                                        
                                                                                                    
                                JOINT SESSION                                                    
                                                                                                    
Mar 05        Wednesday                    House Chamber            11:00 AM                      
              State of the Judiciary                                                                
              Chief Justice Dana Fabe                                                               
                                                                                                    
Mar 31        Monday                       House Chamber            11:00 AM                      
              Address by U.S. Senator Ted Stevens                                                   
                   ----------------------------------------                                        
                                                                                                    
                               MINORITY CAUCUS                                                   
                                                                                                    
Feb 20        Thursday                     Fahrenkamp 203             4:30 PM                     
              Joint w(H) Minority