Legislature(2005 - 2006)
2005-03-02 Senate Journal
Full Journal pdf2005-03-02 Senate Journal Page 0431 SENATE JOURNAL ALASKA STATE LEGISLATURE TWENTY-FOURTH LEGISLATURE FIRST SESSION Juneau, Alaska Wednesday March 2, 2005 Fifty-second Day Pursuant to adjournment the Senate was called to order by President Stevens at 11:16 a.m. The roll showed eighteen members present. Senators Hoffman, Gary Stevens were excused from a call of the Senate. The prayer was offered by the Chaplain, Pastor Tim Frega of Auke Bay Bible Church. Senator Bunde moved and asked unanimous consent that the prayer be spread. Without objection, it was so ordered. Dear Heavenly Father, Thanks for the opportunity to be with these fine folks this week. I have thought a lot about their families and know how much they sacrifice to serve the people of Alaska. It was thrilling to see this Senator's new baby on Monday. We know that all these fine folks have family members that sacrifice to have them serving us Alaskans. May You protect, guide and honor their families. God, we know that Jesus Christ is the author of love and that You loved us first. With Christ being our example may we love our families unconditionally. May we take the time to show our appreciation to our families and may we model for them what true love is. Father, I know that I can't have a growing love relationship with my wife or children without a growing love relationship with Jesus Christ. So encourage us to seek that relationship with the one who is the author and example of what true love is. Amen. 2005-03-02 Senate Journal Page 0432 Senator Guess led the Senate in the Pledge of Allegiance. Certification Senator Green, Acting Majority Leader, moved and asked unanimous consent that the journals for the fiftieth and fifty-first legislative days be approved as certified by the Secretary. Without objection, it was so ordered. Messages from the House SB 56 Message dated February 28 was read stating, the House has failed to recede from its amendments to CS FOR SENATE BILL NO. 56(JUD), namely: HOUSE CS FOR CS FOR SENATE BILL NO. 56(FIN) am H "An Act relating to criminal law and procedure, criminal sentences, and probation and parole; and providing for an effective date." The Speaker has appointed the following members to a Conference Committee to meet with the like committee from the Senate to consider the bills: Representative Samuels, Chair Representative Coghill Representative Gruenberg Senate members appointed February 28 (page 410): Senator Therriault, Chair Senator Seekins Senator French Message dated March 2 was read, stating the Speaker granted limited powers of free conference to the House conferees considering HOUSE CS FOR CS FOR SENATE BILL NO. 56(FIN) am H and CS FOR SENATE BILL NO. 56(JUD) on the requested specific points. 2005-03-02 Senate Journal Page 0433 Message dated March 2 was read, stating the House has adopted the report of the Conference Committee with limited powers of free conference considering SENATE BILL NO. 56(JUD) and HOUSE CS FOR CS FOR SENATE BILL NO. 56(FIN) am H, thus adopting: CONFERENCE CS FOR SENATE BILL NO. 56 "An Act relating to criminal law and procedure, criminal sentences, and probation and parole; and providing for an effective date." Message dated March 1 was read, stating the House passed and transmitted for consideration: First Reading and Reference of House Bills HB 158 HOUSE BILL NO. 158 BY THE HOUSE FINANCE COMMITTEE, entitled: "An Act relating to the public school account and renaming the public school account as the public education fund; and providing for an effective date." was read the first time and referred to the Finance Committee. Standing Committee Reports Report dated February 28 was read, stating: In accordance with AS 39.05.080, the Senate Resources Committee reviewed the following and recommends the appointment be forwarded to a joint session for consideration: Alaska Oil and Gas Conservation Commission Daniel Seamount There were no stated objections to the confirmation of the named individual by committee members. This does not reflect an intent by any of the members to vote for or against the individual during any further sessions. 2005-03-02 Senate Journal Page 0434 Signing the report: Senator Wagoner, Chair; Senator Seekins, Vice Chair, Senators Dyson, Elton, Guess, Stedman, Ben Stevens. SB 51 The Finance Committee considered SENATE BILL NO. 51 "An Act relating to contracts for the provision of state public assistance to certain recipients in the state; providing for regional public assistance plans and programs in the state; relating to grants for Alaska Native family assistance programs; relating to assignment of child support by Alaska Native family assistance recipients; relating to paternity determinations and genetic testing involving recipients of assistance under Alaska Native family assistance programs; and providing for an effective date" and recommended it be replaced with CS FOR SENATE BILL NO. 51(FIN) Signing do pass: Senators Green, Wilken, Cochairs; Senators Olson, Dyson, Stedman. The following previously published fiscal information applies: Fiscal Note No. 1, Department of Health and Social Services Fiscal Note No. 2, Department of Health and Social Services Fiscal Note No. 3, Department of Health and Social Services Fiscal Note No. 4, Department of Health and Social Services The bill was referred to the Rules Committee. SB 67 The Labor and Commerce Committee considered SENATE BILL NO. 67 "An Act relating to claims for personal injury or wrongful death against health care providers; and providing for an effective date." Signing do pass: Senator Bunde, Chair; Senators Seekins, Ben Stevens. Signing do not pass: Senator Ellis. The following fiscal information was published today: Fiscal Note No. 1, zero, Department of Law Fiscal Note No. 2, zero, Department of Commerce, Community and Economic Development The bill was referred to the Judiciary Committee. 2005-03-02 Senate Journal Page 0435 SB 87 The Judiciary Committee considered SENATE BILL NO. 87 "An Act relating to motor vehicle safety belt violations." Signing do pass: Senator Seekins, Chair; Senators French, Guess. Signing no recommendation: Senators Therriault, Huggins. The following previously published fiscal information applies: Fiscal Note No. 1, zero, Department of Transportation and Public Facilities Fiscal Note No. 2, zero, Department of Law Fiscal Note No. 3, zero, Alaska Court System Fiscal Note No. 4, zero, Department of Public Safety The bill was referred to the Rules Committee. SB 95 The Judiciary Committee considered SENATE BILL NO. 95 "An Act relating to the collection of, and the use of reasonable force to collect, a deoxyribonucleic acid sample from persons convicted of or adjudicated delinquent for certain crimes" and recommended it be replaced with CS FOR SENATE BILL NO. 95(JUD) "An Act relating to the collection of, and the use of reasonable force to collect, a deoxyribonucleic acid sample from persons convicted of or adjudicated delinquent for certain crimes; and providing for an effective date." Signing do pass: Senator Seekins, Chair; Senators French, Guess, Huggins, Therriault. The following previously published fiscal information applies: Fiscal Note No. 1, zero, Department of Corrections Fiscal Note No. 2, zero, Department of Law Fiscal Note No. 3, zero, Department of Administration Fiscal Note No. 4, zero, Department of Public Safety The bill is on today's calendar. 2005-03-02 Senate Journal Page 0436 SB 104 The Judiciary Committee considered SENATE BILL NO. 104 "An Act relating to the crime of misrepresenting permanent fund dividend eligibility; requiring the establishment of a permanent fund dividend fraud investigation unit in the Department of Revenue; and providing for an effective date" and recommended it be replaced with CS FOR SENATE BILL NO. 104(JUD) "An Act relating to the crimes of unsworn falsification in the first and second degrees and false information or report; requiring the establishment of a permanent fund dividend fraud investigation unit in the Department of Revenue; and providing for an effective date." Signing do pass: Senator Seekins, Chair; Senators Therriault, Huggins. Signing no recommendation: Senators French, Guess. The following previously published fiscal information applies: Fiscal Note No. 1, zero, Department of Revenue Fiscal Note No. 2, zero, Department of Law The bill was referred to the Rules Committee. SB 105 The Labor and Commerce Committee considered SENATE BILL NO. 105 "An Act relating to the retrospective application and applicability of the overtime compensation exemption for flight crew members; and providing for an effective date" and recommended it be replaced with CS FOR SENATE BILL NO. 105(L&C) Signing do pass: Senator Bunde, Chair; Senators Seekins, Ben Stevens. Signing amend: Senator Ellis. The following fiscal information was published today: Fiscal Note No. 1, zero, Department of Law Fiscal Note No. 2, zero, Department of Labor and Workforce Development 2005-03-02 Senate Journal Page 0437 The bill was referred to the Judiciary Committee. HB 47 The Finance Committee considered CS FOR HOUSE BILL NO. 47(FIN) "An Act extending the termination date of the Board of Certified Real Estate Appraisers; and relating to the requirements for membership on the Board of Certified Real Estate Appraisers." Signing do pass: Senators Wilken, Green, Cochairs; Senators Dyson, Stedman. Signing no recommendation: Senator Olson. The following fiscal information was published today: Fiscal Note No. 2, Department of Commerce, Community and Economic Development The bill was referred to the Rules Committee. HB 115 The Transportation Committee considered CS FOR HOUSE BILL NO. 115(TRA) "An Act relating to charges paid or collected by users or occupants of an airport facility owned or controlled by the state; and providing for an effective date" and recommended it be replaced with SENATE CS FOR CS FOR HOUSE BILL NO. 115(TRA) Signing no recommendation: Senator Huggins, Chair; Senator Therriault. Signing do pass: Senators French, Kookesh, Cowdery. The following previously published fiscal information applies: Fiscal Note No. 1, zero, Department of Transportation and Public Facilities The bill was referred to the Finance Committee. Special Committee Reports SB 56 March 2, 2005 Mr. President: Mr. Speaker: 2005-03-02 Senate Journal Page 0438 The Conference Committee considering HOUSE CS FOR CS FOR SENATE BILL NO. 56(FIN) am H and CS FOR SENATE BILL NO. 56(JUD) "An Act relating to criminal law and procedure, criminal sentences, and probation and parole; and providing for an effective date" respectfully requests limited powers of free conference on the following specific point: Except in the case of an offense defined under AS 11.41 or AS 11.46.400, the defendant committed the offense while suffering from a mental disorder or disability, including fetal alcohol spectrum disorder, that was insufficient to constitute a complete defense but that significantly affected the defendant's conduct. Signing the report: Senator Therriault, Chair, Senators Seekins, French; Representative Samuels, Chair, Representatives Coghill, Gruenberg. President Stevens granted the Senate members limited powers of free conference as requested. The Secretary was requested to notify the House. The following report was received and distributed at 9:20 a.m., March 2, 2005: March 1, 2005 Mr. President: Mr. Speaker: The CONFERENCE COMMITTEE with limited powers of free conference considered CS FOR SENATE BILL NO. 56(JUD) and HOUSE CS FOR CS FOR SENATE BILL NO. 56(FIN) am H and recommends 2005-03-02 Senate Journal Page 0439 CONFERENCE CS FOR SENATE BILL NO. 56 "An Act relating to criminal law and procedure, criminal sentences, and probation and parole; and providing for an effective date." be adopted. Signing the report: Senator Therriault, Chair, Senators Seekins, French; Representative Samuels, Chair, Representatives Coghill, Gruenberg. The following previously published fiscal information applies: Fiscal Note No. 1, zero, Department of Law Fiscal Note No. 4, zero, Department of Public Safety Fiscal Note No. 6, zero, Department of Corrections Fiscal Note No. 7, zero, Department of Corrections Fiscal Note No. 8, indeterminate, Department of Administration Fiscal Note No. 9, indeterminate, Department of Administration Fiscal Note No. 10, indeterminate, Alaska Court System Senator Green, Acting Majority Leader, moved that the Senate adopt the Conference Committee Report on CONFERENCE CS FOR SENATE BILL NO. 56. The question being: "Shall the Senate adopt the Conference Committee Report on CONFERENCE CS FOR SENATE BILL NO. 56 "An Act relating to criminal law and procedure, criminal sentences, and probation and parole; and providing for an effective date"?" The roll was taken with the following result: CCS SB 56 Adopt Conference Committee Report? Effective Date YEAS: 18 NAYS: 0 EXCUSED: 2 ABSENT: 0 Yeas: Bunde, Cowdery, Davis, Dyson, Ellis, Elton, French, Green, Guess, Huggins, Kookesh, Olson, Seekins, Stedman, Stevens B, Therriault, Wagoner, Wilken Excused: Hoffman, Stevens G and so, the report was adopted. 2005-03-02 Senate Journal Page 0440 Senator Green, Acting Majority Leader, moved and asked unanimous consent that the vote on the adoption of the conference committee report be considered the vote on the effective date clause. Without objection, it was so ordered. The Secretary was requested to notify the House. The bill was referred to the Secretary for engrossment and enrollment. Introduction and Reference of Senate Bills SB 123 SENATE BILL NO. 123 BY SENATOR DYSON, entitled: "An Act relating to labor and sex trafficking." was read the first time and referred to the Judiciary and Finance Committees. SB 124 SENATE BILL NO. 124 BY THE SENATE RULES COMMITTEE BY REQUEST OF THE GOVERNOR, entitled: "An Act relating to requirements to obtain and maintain a fisheries business license; relating to security required of fish processors and primary fish buyers; 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, Department of Revenue Fiscal Note No. 2, zero, Department of Commerce, Community and Economic Development Fiscal Note No. 3, zero, Department of Fish and Game Fiscal Note No. 4, zero, Department of Labor and Workforce Development Fiscal Note No. 5, zero, Department of Labor and Workforce Development 2005-03-02 Senate Journal Page 0441 Governor's transmittal letter dated March 1: Dear President Stevens: Under the authority of art. III, sec. 18, of the Alaska Constitution, I am transmitting a bill recommending changes to the requirements to obtain and maintain a fisheries business license and to the bonding requirements for fish processors and primary fish buyers. This bill proposes to require, as a condition of obtaining and maintaining a fisheries business license under AS 43.75.020, an acknowledgment of the obligation to pay the taxes levied under AS 43, Alaska Seafood Marketing Institute (ASMI) assessments under AS 16.51, employment security contributions under AS 23.20, and Alaska Occupational, Safety, and Health Administration (OSHA) fines under AS 18.60. The bill proposes denying an applicant a fisheries business license until the applicant has paid in full all of those same taxes, assessments, contributions, and fines that are outstanding. The bill also would repeal and reenact AS 44.25.040, which requires the filing of a performance bond by fish processors and primary fish buyers. Under the bill, the performance bond would be more accessible for collection of claims by the Department of Labor and Workforce Development (DLWD) for unpaid employment security contributions. The bill would achieve this by providing a process for the DLWD to file directly with the commissioner of revenue a claim against the bond instead of obtaining a court judgment against the bond. However, this bill would preserve the existing statutory priority for use of the bond to pay fishermen and employees first. To achieve this, the DLWD would be obligated to return money collected from the bond if the processor or buyer does not replenish the bond and a fisherman or employee has obtained a final judgment against the bond. Additionally, the bill would provide that if a bond is depleted by the DLWD's claim, the fish processor or fish buyer would be subjected to an increased bonding requirement (the bill would preserve the existing increased bonding requirement in the case of a final court judgment against the bond). 2005-03-02 Senate Journal Page 0442 Last, the bill proposes to prevent the use of real property as a bond substitute if the fish processor or fish buyer has been subjected to an increased bonding requirement or if a final judgment has been obtained against the bond in the preceding five years. My purpose in introducing changes to the licensing requirements is to prevent the licensure of a fisheries business that has demonstrated that it is, and remains, unwilling to pay its taxes, ASMI assessments, employment security contributions, or OSHA fines. My purpose in introducing changes to the bonding requirements is to expedite the collection of unpaid unemployment insurance contributions by the DLWD and to make the bonding amount more representative of the risk of nonpayment posed to fishermen and employees who work for these bonded fish processors and buyers. I urge your prompt and favorable action on this measure. Sincerely yours, /s/ Frank H. Murkowski Governor SB 125 SENATE BILL NO. 125 BY THE SENATE RULES COMMITTEE BY REQUEST OF THE GOVERNOR, entitled: "An Act relating to the licensing, regulation, enforcement, and appeal rights of ambulatory surgical centers, assisted living homes, child care facilities, child placement agencies, foster homes, free-standing birth centers, home health agencies, hospices or agencies providing hospice services, hospitals, intermediate care facilities for the mentally retarded, maternity homes, nursing facilities, residential child care facilities, residential psychiatric treatment centers, and rural health clinics; relating to criminal history requirements, and a registry, regarding certain licenses, certifications, approvals, and authorizations by the Department of Health and Social Services; making conforming amendments; and providing for an effective date." 2005-03-02 Senate Journal Page 0443 was read the first time and referred to the Health, Education and Social Services, Judiciary and Finance Committees. The following fiscal information was published today: Fiscal Note No. 1, Department of Law Fiscal Note No. 2, zero, Department of Health and Social Services Governor's transmittal letter dated March 1: Dear President Stevens: Under the authority of art. III, sec. 18, of the Alaska Constitution, I am transmitting a bill relating to consolidating the licensing functions of the Department of Health and Social Services (DHSS). Executive Order No. 108, which took effect in 2003, reorganized the DHSS in an effort to streamline functions and make services more efficient and cost effective. As part of that reorganization, DHSS is consolidating all of its licensing functions. Currently, there are at least 12 different statutory schemes for the licensure of different entities by the DHSS. The complexity of the existing statutes and regulations and the absence of any clear rationale for the wide variation in standards for licensing, enforcement, and appeals has resulted in a very burdensome and bureaucratic system. The proposed bill will streamline the licensing process so that the functions are administered in a much more efficient and cost-effective manner by consolidating virtually all of the licensing functions related to standards, enforcement, and appeal rights into a single chapter of the Alaska Statutes. In addition, the bill requires the DHSS to implement a single, consolidated background check process across all of its programs with the goal of reducing the risk of abuse and neglect of vulnerable clients. In December 2004, the DHSS was awarded a $4.9 million federal grant to conduct background checks for any new worker with direct patient care duties in nursing homes and other long-term care facilities, and to establish a comprehensive training program that will meet the unique needs of workers in Alaska's long-term care system. This grant, in conjunction with the provisions of the legislation I am proposing today will: 2005-03-02 Senate Journal Page 0444 · Improve monitoring and enforcement of life, health, and safety regulations for all DHSS long term-care programs. · Extend background checks and fitness determinations to all staff serving vulnerable populations. · Improve the overall safety and security of vulnerable individuals in state licensed and certified long-term care programs. Finally, this bill contemplates that at the same time that the statutory changes would take effect, DHSS would have adopted regulations to implement these statutory changes. It is anticipated that the resulting regulations would further achieve the goal of efficiency and cost effectiveness. I urge your prompt and favorable action on this measure. Sincerely yours, /s/ Frank H. Murkowski Governor SB 126 SENATE BILL NO. 126 BY SENATOR STEDMAN, entitled: "An Act relating to aquatic farming; and providing for an effective date." was read the first time and referred to the Judiciary and Resources Committees. Consideration of the Calendar Second Reading of Senate Bills SB 95 SENATE BILL NO. 95 "An Act relating to the collection of, and the use of reasonable force to collect, a deoxyribonucleic acid sample from persons convicted of or adjudicated delinquent for certain crimes" was read the second time. 2005-03-02 Senate Journal Page 0445 Senator Seekins, Chair, moved and asked unanimous consent for the adoption of the Judiciary Committee Substitute offered on page 435. Senator Seekins moved and asked unanimous consent to withdraw his motion. Without objection, it was so ordered. Senator Green, Acting Majority Leader, moved and asked unanimous consent that SENATE BILL NO. 95 be returned to the Rules Committee. Without objection, the bill was returned to the Rules Committee. Second Reading of Senate Resolutions SJR 6 SENATE JOINT RESOLUTION NO. 6 Relating to a reduction in the Federal Medical Assistance Percentage for Alaskans, and urging the United States Congress to take action to prevent the reduction, was read the second time. Senator Green, Acting Majority Leader, moved and asked unanimous consent that the resolution be considered engrossed, advanced to third reading and placed on final passage. Without objection, it was so ordered. SENATE JOINT RESOLUTION NO. 6 was read the third time. The question being: "Shall SENATE JOINT RESOLUTION NO. 6 Relating to a reduction in the Federal Medical Assistance Percentage for Alaskans, and urging the United States Congress to take action to prevent the reduction, pass the Senate?" The roll was taken with the following result: SJR 6 Third Reading - Final Passage YEAS: 18 NAYS: 0 EXCUSED: 2 ABSENT: 0 Yeas: Bunde, Cowdery, Davis, Dyson, Ellis, Elton, French, Green, Guess, Huggins, Kookesh, Olson, Seekins, Stedman, Stevens B, Therriault, Wagoner, Wilken Excused: Hoffman, Stevens G 2005-03-02 Senate Journal Page 0446 and so, SENATE JOINT RESOLUTION NO. 6 passed the Senate and was referred to the Secretary for engrossment. Citations Honoring - Alaska Broadcasters Association Senator(s) Ben Stevens, Bunde, Cowdery, Davis, Dyson, Ellis, Elton, Green, Guess, Hoffman, Huggins, Kookesh, Olson, Seekins, Stedman, Gary Stevens, Therriault, Wagoner, Wilken Honoring - Life Achievements of Robert C. "Bob" Reeve Representative(s) Hawker, Samuels Senator(s) Bunde, Cowdery, Ben Stevens, Davis, Dyson, Ellis, Elton, French, Green, Guess, Hoffman, Huggins, Kookesh, Olson, Seekins, Stedman, Gary Stevens, Therriault, Wagoner, Wilken Honoring - Specialist Lennin Castellon, Fort Wainwright's Soldier of the Year Representative(s) Ramras, Coghill, Guttenberg, Harris, Holm, Kelly, Salmon Senator(s) Seekins, Therriault, Wilken, Ben Stevens, Bunde, Cowdery, Davis, Dyson, Ellis, Elton, Green, Guess, Hoffman, Huggins, Kookesh, Olson, Stedman, Gary Stevens, Wagoner In Memoriam - Anthony "Tony" Arthur Morrison Senator(s) Gary Stevens, Ben Stevens, Bunde, Cowdery, Davis, Dyson, Ellis, Elton, Green, Guess, Hoffman, Huggins, Kookesh, Olson, Seekins, Stedman, Therriault, Wagoner, Wilken Representative(s) LeDoux Senator Green, Acting Majority Leader, moved and asked unanimous consent that the citations be adopted. Without objection, the citations were adopted and referred to the Secretary for transmittal. Unfinished Business SB 36 The reconsideration on CS FOR SENATE BILL NO. 36(JUD) "An Act relating to absentee ballots" was not taken up this legislative day and the bill was referred to the Secretary for engrossment. 2005-03-02 Senate Journal Page 0447 SB 118 Senators Bunde, Dyson, Elton, Ellis, Guess, Cowdery, Therriault, Olson, Stedman, Ben Stevens, Seekins, Wagoner, Davis, Green, Huggins moved and asked unanimous consent to be shown as cosponsors on SENATE BILL NO. 118 "An Act relating to online enticement of minors." Without objection, it was so ordered. SB 119 Senators Bunde, Dyson, Huggins, Seekins, Wilken, Davis, Elton, Ellis, Green, Olson, Stedman, Cowdery, Guess, Therriault moved and asked unanimous consent to be shown as cosponsors on SENATE BILL NO. 119 "An Act relating to dissemination of indecent material to minors." Without objection, it was so ordered. SB 117 Senators Bunde, Dyson, Huggins, Wagoner, Elton, Ellis, Davis, Guess, Stedman, Olson moved and asked unanimous consent to be shown as cosponsors on SENATE BILL NO. 117 "An Act relating to the admissibility into evidence of the prior recorded statement of a crime victim less than 16 years of age; and adding Rule 413, Alaska Rules of Evidence, and amending Rules 402 and 403, Alaska Rules of Evidence." Without objection, it was so ordered. SB 120 Senators Wagoner, Dyson, Stedman moved and asked unanimous consent to be shown as cosponsors on SENATE BILL NO. 120 "An Act exempting the state and its political subdivisions from daylight saving time." Without objection, it was so ordered. SB 104 Senators Therriault, Bunde, Wilken, Stedman, Cowdery, Guess, Elton, Kookesh, Wagoner moved and asked unanimous consent to be shown as cosponsors on SENATE BILL NO. 104 "An Act relating to the crime of misrepresenting permanent fund dividend eligibility; requiring the establishment of a permanent fund dividend fraud investigation unit in the Department of Revenue; and providing for an effective date." Without objection, it was so ordered. Senator Wagoner moved and asked unanimous consent to be excused from a call of the Senate from morning plane time, March 9 through afternoon plane time, March 14. Without objection, Senator Wagoner was excused. 2005-03-02 Senate Journal Page 0448 Senator Seekins moved and asked unanimous consent to be excused from a call of the Senate from afternoon plane time, March 4 through morning plane time, March 7 and from morning plane time, March 11 through afternoon plane time, March 15. Without objection, Senator Seekins was excused. Senator Kookesh moved and asked unanimous consent to be excused from a call of the Senate from morning plane time, March 15 through evening plane time, March 20. Without objection, Senator Kookesh was excused. Senator Therriault moved and asked unanimous consent to be excused from a call of the Senate to morning plane time on March 7 and from plane time, March 8 through plane time, March 13. Without objection, Senator Therriault was excused. Memorandum dated February 28 was received, stating President Stevens made the following appointments: Energy Council Senator Dyson, Executive Committee Member Senator Therriault, Executive Committee Member Senator Davis, At-Large Member Senator Wagoner, At-Large Member Memorandum dated March 1 was received, stating President Stevens made the following appointments: Suicide Prevention Council Senator Ben Stevens Senator Elton Memorandum dated March 1 was received, stating President Stevens made the following appointments: Homeland Security and Emergency Management Subcommittee Senator Ben Stevens Senator Dyson Senator Huggins Senator Gary Stevens 2005-03-02 Senate Journal Page 0449 Memorandum dated March 1 was received, stating President Stevens made the following appointments in accordance with AS 24.20.650: Joint Armed Services Committee (public members) Tom Case Jake Lestenkof Frank Love Announcements Announcements are at the end of the journal. Engrossment SB 36 CS FOR SENATE BILL NO. 36(JUD) "An Act relating to absentee ballots" was engrossed, signed by the President and Secretary and transmitted to the House for consideration. SJR 6 SENATE JOINT RESOLUTION NO. 6 Relating to a reduction in the Federal Medical Assistance Percentage for Alaskans, and urging the United States Congress to take action to prevent the reduction, was engrossed, signed by the President and Secretary and transmitted to the House for consideration. Adjournment Senator Green, Acting Majority Leader, moved and asked unanimous consent that the Senate stand in adjournment until 11:00 a.m., March 3, 2005. Without objection, the Senate adjourned at 11:48 a.m. Kirsten Waid Secretary of the Senate March 2005 2005-03-02 Senate Journal Page 0450 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 Mar 02 Wednesday Beltz 211 1:30 PM No Meeting Scheduled Mar 04 Friday Beltz 211 1:30 PM No Meeting Scheduled ---------------------------------------- FINANCE Mar 02 Wednesday Senate Finance 532 8:00 AM + Key Campaign Presentation by Key Coalition of Alaska - Televised in House Speaker's Chambers - Mar 02 Wednesday Senate Finance 532 9:00 AM No Meeting Scheduled Mar 03 Thursday Senate Finance 532 9:00 AM += SB 97 SUPPLEMENTAL APPROPRIATIONS/CBR += SB 98 SUPPLEMENTAL APPROPRIATIONS: FAST TRACK -- Testimony <Invitation Only> -- + Bills Previously Heard/Scheduled Mar 04 Friday Senate Finance 532 9:00 AM No Meeting Scheduled ---------------------------------------- 2005-03-02 Senate Journal Page 0451 HEALTH, EDUCATION & SOCIAL SERVICES Mar 02 Wednesday Butrovich 205 1:30 PM -- Meeting Canceled -- + Bills Previously Heard/Scheduled Mar 04 Friday Butrovich 205 1:30 PM -- Meeting Canceled -- + Bills Previously Heard/Scheduled ---------------------------------------- JUDICIARY Mar 02 Wednesday Butrovich 205 8:30 AM + Bills Previously Heard/Scheduled Mar 03 Thursday Butrovich 205 8:30 AM + Bills Previously Heard/Scheduled ---------------------------------------- LABOR & COMMERCE Mar 03 Thursday Beltz 211 1:30 PM Confirmation Hearings: Alaska State Board of Public Accountancy- Max E. Mertz - Juneau Catherine L. Wilson - Tok Regulatory Commission of Alaska - Anthony A. Price - Anchorage + HB 15 LIQUOR LICENSES: OUTDOOR REC. LODGE/BARS + HB 90 STATE TREASURY WARRANTS ---------------------------------------- RESOURCES Mar 02 Wednesday Butrovich 205 3:30 PM + SB 53 AK PENINSULA OIL & GAS LEASE SALE; TAXES + SB 110 POLLUTION DISCHARGE & WASTE TRMT/DISPOSAL Mar 04 Friday Butrovich 205 3:30 PM No Meeting Scheduled ---------------------------------------- 2005-03-02 Senate Journal Page 0452 STATE AFFAIRS Mar 03 Thursday Beltz 211 3:30 PM No Meeting Scheduled ---------------------------------------- TRANSPORTATION Mar 03 Thursday Butrovich 205 1:30 PM += SB 40 KUSKOKWIM PORT AUTHORITY + Bills Previously Heard/Scheduled ---------------------------------------- FINANCE SUBCOMMITTEES ADMINISTRATION Mar 03 Thursday Fahrenkamp 203 5:30 PM FY 06 Budget Review ---------------------------------------- COMMERCE, COMMUNITY & ECONOMIC DEV Mar 08 Tuesday Senate Finance 532 8:00 AM Budget Closeout ---------------------------------------- CORRECTIONS Mar 10 Thursday Senate Finance 532 4:00 PM Budget Closeout ---------------------------------------- COURT SYSTEM Mar 10 Thursday Senate Finance 532 3:00 PM Budget Closeout ---------------------------------------- EDUCATION & EARLY DEVELOPMENT Mar 02 Wednesday Senate Finance 532 2:00 PM -- Rescheduled from 03/01/05 -- Missions & Measures ---------------------------------------- 2005-03-02 Senate Journal Page 0453 FINANCE SUBCOMMITTEES (continued) ENVIRONMENTAL CONSERVATION Mar 03 Thursday Fahrenkamp 203 3:00 PM Missions and Measures Overview Follow-up to 2/17/05 Meeting ---------------------------------------- FISH & GAME Mar 07 Monday Fahrenkamp 203 1:30 PM Missions and Measures ---------------------------------------- HEALTH & SOCIAL SERVICES Mar 03 Thursday Senate Finance 532 4:00 PM Department's Budget Overview Mar 08 Tuesday Senate Finance 532 4:00 PM Tentative Meeting Mar 10 Thursday Senate Finance 532 5:00 PM Budget Closeout ---------------------------------------- LABOR & WORKFORCE DEVELOPMENT Mar 03 Thursday Fahrenkamp 203 8:15 AM Missions and Measures Discussion ---------------------------------------- LAW Mar 03 Thursday Butrovich 205 4:00 PM -- Agenda Change -- Budget Detail & Questions Missions & Measures Mar 10 Thursday Butrovich 205 4:00 PM Budget Closeout ---------------------------------------- 2005-03-02 Senate Journal Page 0454 FINANCE SUBCOMMITTEES (continued) MILITARY AND VETERANS AFFAIRS Mar 04 Friday Beltz 211 7:30 AM -- Rescheduled to 03/07/05 -- FY 06 Budget Review Mar 07 Monday Beltz 211 5:30 PM -- Rescheduled from 03/04/05 -- FY 06 Budget Review ---------------------------------------- PUBLIC SAFETY Mar 03 Thursday Fahrenkamp 203 12:00 PM FY 06 Budget Review ---------------------------------------- REVENUE Mar 03 Thursday Senate Finance 532 1:30 PM -- Meeting Postponed to 03/10/05 -- Budget Closeout Mar 10 Thursday Senate Finance 532 1:30 PM Budget Closeout ---------------------------------------- TRANSPORTATION & PUBLIC FACILITIES Mar 10 Thursday Senate Finance 532 4:30 PM Budget Closeout ---------------------------------------- JOINT COMMITTEES ADMINISTRATIVE REGULATION REVIEW Mar 03 Thursday Capitol 106 3:00 PM Hearing on Assisted Living Regulations That Were Adopted June 2004 ---------------------------------------- 2005-03-02 Senate Journal Page 0455 JOINT COMMITTEES (continued) ARMED SERVICES COMMITTEE Mar 15 Tuesday Senate Finance 532 1:00 PM Presentations by General Holly and Boeing ---------------------------------------- LEGISLATIVE COUNCIL Mar 02 Wednesday Senate Finance 532 12:00 PM Legislative Council Meeting ---------------------------------------- OTHER MEETINGS CHILDREN'S CAUCUS Mar 07 Monday Butrovich 205 12:00 PM -- Note Date Change -- + Presentation: Family Wellness Warriors with the Southcentral Foundation, an Alaska Native Healthcare Organization ---------------------------------------- FISH CAUCUS Mar 03 Thursday Butrovich 205 12:00 PM Harbor Maintenance Funding Issues ---------------------------------------- JOINT SESSION Mar 30 Wednesday House Chamber 11:00 AM Address by U.S. Senator Lisa Murkowski