Legislature(2005 - 2006)
2006-01-13 Senate Journal
Full Journal pdf2006-01-13 Senate Journal Page 1885 SENATE JOURNAL ALASKA STATE LEGISLATURE TWENTY-FOURTH LEGISLATURE SECOND SESSION Juneau, Alaska Friday January 13, 2006 Fifth Day Pursuant to adjournment the Senate was called to order by President Stevens at 10:05 a.m. The roll showed fifteen members present. Senators Huggins, Wagoner, Wilken were excused from a call of the Senate. Senators Stedman, Therriault were absent. The prayer was offered by the Chaplain, The Reverend George Silides of the Holy Trinity Episcopal Church. Senator Hoffman moved and asked unanimous consent that the prayer be spread. Without objection, it was so ordered. With the deepest respect for the religious beliefs of each person here, I invite you into a time of prayerful reflection. Our nation and our state has set aside a day of remembering the life and work of Martin Luther King, Jr. This day may we remember our privileges and responsibilities as public servants; elected to organize our astounding generosity, but also to temper our baser interests. We remember there can be a tyranny of the majority as well as by a few. What decisions made here affect so many; and many more deeply than they affect us here. May the poor rejoice to be remembered here. May the mentally ill, the homeless, the homemaker, the kings of commerce and industry; the shopkeeper and the unemployed; the immigrant and those who make their living upon the sea; the young and old alike: May all rejoice that their needs find voice within this house. 2006-01-13 Senate Journal Page 1886 Because these things are beyond the strength of mortal men and women; I ask, O Lord, upon Your servants here a special portion of thy grace and strength; that this day, begun with such beauty by thy hand, may be beautiful also in thought and word and deed. Amen. Senator Ellis led the Senate in the Pledge of Allegiance. Certification Senator Gary Stevens moved and asked unanimous consent that the journal for the fourth legislative day and House and Senate Joint Journal Supplement No. 10 be approved as certified by the Secretary. Without objection, it was so ordered. Introduction of Guests Senator Dyson introduced the following members from the Canadian Consulate and the Pacific NorthWest Economic Region (PNWR): Rob Renner, Immediate Past President, PNWR Representative Glenn Anderson, President, PNWR Marvin Schneider, Director of International and Intergovernmental Relations, Alberta, Canada Sukumar Periwal, Director of International and Intergovernmental Relations, British Columbia, Canada Rudy Bruggerman, Canadian Consulate Matt Morrison, Executive Director, PNWR Messages from the House Concur Messages SB 87 Message dated January 11 was read, stating the House passed and returned for consideration SENATE BILL NO. 87 "An Act relating to motor vehicle safety belt violations" with the following amendment: 2006-01-13 Senate Journal Page 1887 HOUSE CS FOR SENATE BILL NO. 87(JUD) President Stevens stated the message would be held on the Secretary's desk. Communications The following reports are on file in the Office of the Secretary of the Senate: Annual Review of Assets dated January 9, 2006 from Ron Miller, Executive Director, Alaska Industrial Development and Export Authority in accordance with AS 44.88.205 Certification of Capital Reserve Funds' Requirement dated December 5, 2005, from Mike Barry, Chairman, Alaska Industrial Development and Export Authority in accordance with AS 44.83.110(f) Certification of Capital Reserve Fund Requirement dated December 5, 2005, from Mike Barry, Chairman Alaska Industrial Development and Export Authority in accordance with AS 44.88.105(d) The following Budget and Audit Reports were received from Pat Davidson, Legislative Auditor, in accordance with AS 24.20.311 and are on file in the Office of the Secretary of the Senate: Department of Transportation and Public Facilities, Alaska Marine Highway System Vessel Maintenance and Repair Procurement, March 31, 2005 State of Alaska, Single Audit for the Fiscal Year ended June 30, 2004, dated May 5, 2005 Unabridged 2005 Annual Report from the Legislative Budget & Audit Committee, dated January 9, 2006 Condensed 2005 Annual Report from the Legislative Budget & Audit Committee, dated January 9, 2006 2006-01-13 Senate Journal Page 1888 Standing Committee Reports HB 149 The Finance Committee considered CS FOR HOUSE BILL NO. 149(FIN) am "An Act relating to controlled substances; relating to the crimes of manslaughter, endangering the welfare of a child, and misconduct involving a controlled substance; relating to the manufacture of methamphetamine and to the sale, possession, and delivery of certain substances and precursors used in the manufacture of methamphetamine; relating to listing certain anabolic steroids as controlled substances; and providing for an effective date" and recommended it be replaced with SENATE CS FOR CS FOR HOUSE BILL NO. 149(FIN) "An Act relating to controlled substances; relating to the crimes of manslaughter, endangering the welfare of a child, and misconduct involving a controlled substance; relating to the manufacture of methamphetamine and to the sale, possession, and delivery of certain substances and precursors used in the manufacture of methamphetamine; relating to listing certain anabolic steroids as controlled substances; amending Rule 41, Alaska Rules of Criminal Procedure; and providing for an effective date." (technical title change) The following fiscal information was published today: Fiscal Note No. 8, zero, Department of Health and Social Services Fiscal Note No. 9, indeterminate, Department of Administration Fiscal Note No. 10, zero, Department of Public Safety Fiscal Note No. 11, indeterminate, Department of Administration Fiscal Note No. 12, zero, Department of Law Signing do pass: Senators Wilken, Green, Cochairs; Senators Bunde, Stedman, Dyson. Signing no recommendation: Senators Hoffman, Olson. The bill was referred to the Rules Committee. 2006-01-13 Senate Journal Page 1889 Introduction and Reference of Senate Resolutions SR 5 SENATE RESOLUTION NO. 5 BY THE SENATE RULES COMMITTEE, Establishing a Senate Special Committee on University Oversight. was read the first time and held on the Secretary's desk. Introduction and Reference of Senate Bills SB 228 SENATE BILL NO. 228 BY THE SENATE RULES COMMITTEE BY REQUEST OF THE GOVERNOR, entitled: "An Act making appropriations for the operating and loan program expenses of state government, for certain programs, and to capitalize funds; making appropriations under art. IX, sec. 17(c), Constitution of the State of Alaska, from the constitutional budget reserve fund; and providing for an effective date." was read the first time and referred to the Finance Committee. Governor's transmittal letter dated January 11, 2006: Dear President Stevens: The operating budget bill delivered today contains my proposal for the 2007 fiscal year. The proposed operating budget, combined with other spending proposals, reflect my administration's commitment to ensuring each Alaskan has the opportunity to fully participate in Alaska's bright future. At the same time, our proposals ensure that the state can continue to meet its obligations, especially to those most in need. 2006-01-13 Senate Journal Page 1890 Unlike the first two operating budgets of this administration in which we cut $150 million in general funds and 473 positions, the Fiscal Year 2007 budget proposals reflect increases in four primary program areas: K-12 support - $90 million The increase, which requires passage of a statute, will bring per student funding to $5,352 from the current $4,919. Increased funds will pay the $40 million in increased retirement system costs, provide funds to meet the increased cost of day-to-day operations, and enable further investment in helping students achieve. University of Alaska - $42 million The Alaska Scholars program is a success story in keeping Alaska's brightest at home. Over the last five years, 98 percent of Alaska Scholars that graduated from the University stayed in Alaska. My proposed budget includes $5 million to expand this program to the top 15 percent from the current top 10 percent of Alaska's high school graduates. Other increased investment in the University includes continuing programs that address high demand careers, such as in health and teaching, and establishing a competitive university research program that capitalizes on Alaska's geographic advantages. Medicaid - $104 million Additional funds will meet this formula-based program's requirements due to increased caseloads and costs. Another $45 million of the increase is due to the federal government's disapproval of the FairShare program that was put in place under the last administration. The program allowed Tribal hospitals to receive a higher reimbursement rate than non-Tribal hospitals for uncompensated care. Transportation - $42 million We again propose to increase funding for maintenance of the state's highways, airports, and harbors. Some of this is to cover increased costs of commodities and fuel. In addition, we are 2006-01-13 Senate Journal Page 1891 proposing additional funding for the Alaska Marine Highway System to cover increased fuel costs and staffing to meet increased ports of call. Another major increase is $65 million for state employee salary and benefit costs. Over half of the amount ($34 million) is to pay the increased retirement system contribution. Our administration's Fiscal Year 2007 operating budget and other proposals are investments in Alaska's future that will help create the kind of Alaska in which Alaskans can fulfill their tremendous potential and achieve their dreams. By our working together on what I believe to be a shared vision for the future, it will mean every Alaskan can have hope for what the future will bring, instead of simply hoping for a future. To these ends, I look forward to working with the Legislature. Sincerely yours, /s/ Frank H. Murkowski Governor SB 229 SENATE BILL NO. 229 BY THE SENATE RULES COMMITTEE BY REQUEST OF THE GOVERNOR, entitled: "An Act making appropriations for the operating and capital expenses of the state's integrated comprehensive mental health program; and providing for an effective date." was read the first time and referred to the Finance Committee. In accordance with AS 37.14.003(b) a report of the differences between the Governor's proposed budget and the recommendations of the Alaska Mental Health Trust Authority was transmitted. Governor's transmittal letter dated January 11, 2006: 2006-01-13 Senate Journal Page 1892 Dear President Stevens: I am today transmitting a separate FY 2007 appropriations bill for the state's comprehensive mental health program. As required by statute, it includes both operating and capital appropriations and is accompanied by a report outlining the differences between my budget and the recommendations of the Alaska Mental Health Trust Authority. The proposed mental health budget represents a cooperative effort between state agencies, the Trustees, and Trust Authority staff. Coupled with the resources that have been appropriated in recent years, these productive working relationships have made a positive difference for Alaska's mental health beneficiaries. I look forward to working with the Legislature this session. Sincerely yours, /s/ Frank H. Murkowski Governor SB 230 SENATE BILL NO. 230 BY THE SENATE RULES COMMITTEE BY REQUEST OF THE GOVERNOR, entitled: "An Act making appropriations for state aid to public schools, centralized correspondence study, and transportation of pupils; and providing for an effective date." was read the first time and referred to the Finance Committee. Governor's transmittal letter dated January 11: Dear President Stevens: Under the authority of art. III, sec. 18, of the Alaska Constitution, I am transmitting a bill making special appropriations for the support of K- 12 public education in the state for fiscal year 2007. 2006-01-13 Senate Journal Page 1893 This bill contains an increase of $90.2 million that is contingent upon passage of this legislation, which will increase the base student allocation by $433 from $4,919 to $5,352. Upon approval, this will mean a 33 percent increase in education funding during the four years of this administration. But even more important is that we are seeing results from this increased investment. The number of schools meeting the Adequate Yearly Progress requirement of the No Child Left Behind law has increased to 59 percent from 42 percent in 2003. We have seen the achievement gap narrow between Native and non-Native students. I urge early and favorable action on this measure. Sincerely yours, /s/ Frank H. Murkowski Governor SB 231 SENATE BILL NO. 231 BY THE SENATE RULES COMMITTEE BY REQUEST OF THE GOVERNOR, entitled: "An Act making appropriations, including capital appropriations and 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 January 11: Dear President Stevens: The capital budget bill delivered today contains my proposal for the 2007 fiscal year. Overall, the capital budget totals $1.7 billion of which $1.1 billion will be supported by federal funds. Of this, $873 million in federal transportation funds are proposed for road, highway, ferry, and airport 2006-01-13 Senate Journal Page 1894 projects throughout Alaska. Another $95 million is proposed for a variety of University of Alaska projects, including $57 million to complete the Integrated Science Facility in Anchorage. A major source of the funding for the University's projects is proceeds from refinancing bonds issued by the Northern Tobacco Securitization Corporation. Developing Alaska's natural resources continues to be my administration's major priority. This includes getting Alaska's transportation infrastructure ready for gas pipeline construction, doing further geologic work, and providing access to resources around the state through the "Roads to Resources" program. The Fiscal Year 2007 capital budget also includes $132 million in state funds for a major transportation initiative, which includes Juneau Access funding of $45 million and $50 million to extend the Alaska Railroad from Delta to the Canadian border. In other legislation I will be proposing that $86 million of the current year's surplus also be used for transportation projects that meet local community transportation priorities, as well as $43 million to meet deferred maintenance needs of state facilities and programs. I look forward to working closely with this Legislature to jointly craft a capital budget that provides Alaska residents essential state services and creates good jobs for hard working Alaskans. Sincerely yours, /s/ Frank H. Murkowski Governor SB 232 SENATE BILL NO. 232 BY THE SENATE RULES COMMITTEE BY REQUEST OF THE GOVERNOR, entitled: "An Act making special, supplemental, capital, and other appropriations, amending appropriations, and making appropriations to capitalize funds; and providing for an effective date." 2006-01-13 Senate Journal Page 1895 was read the first time and referred to the Finance Committee. Governor's transmittal letter dated January 12: Dear President Stevens: I am today transmitting an FY 2006 supplemental appropriations bill for increased energy costs and for certain time-sensitive items. A spreadsheet summarizing the requests is enclosed, along with backup information for each. I encourage your early and favorable action on this measure. Sincerely yours, /s/ Frank H. Murkowski Governor SB 233 SENATE BILL NO. 233 BY THE SENATE RULES COMMITTEE BY REQUEST OF THE GOVERNOR, entitled: "An Act making appropriations for capital projects; and providing for an effective date." was read the first time and referred to the Finance Committee. Governor's transmittal letter dated January 12: Dear President Stevens: The supplemental capital budget bill introduced today reflects the third area of investment of the current year's revenue surplus. This $129 million proposal for roads and deferred maintenance is in addition to tapping 50 percent of the surplus to fund K-12 education next year and saving $400 million to invest in the gas pipeline. This legislation proposes to invest $86 million in transportation projects around the state. Providing state funds instead of relying only on federal funds will shorten the construction timeframe so that 2006-01-13 Senate Journal Page 1896 Alaskans will get the benefit from these improvements sooner rather than later. These projects build on my transportation initiative that the Legislature approved last session. In addition, the bill proposes to invest $43 million to start meeting the deferred maintenance needs of state facilities and programs. I look forward to working with the Legislature on meeting these and other priorities this session. Sincerely yours, /s/ Frank H. Murkowski Governor SB 234 SENATE BILL NO. 234 BY THE SENATE RULES COMMITTEE BY REQUEST OF THE GOVERNOR, entitled: "An Act relating to a community dividend program; and providing for an effective date." was read the first time and referred to the State Affairs and Finance Committees. The following fiscal information was published today: Fiscal Note No. 1, zero, Department of Revenue Fiscal Note No. 2, Department of Commerce, Community and Economic Development Governor's transmittal letter dated January 13: Dear President Stevens: Under the authority of art. III, sec. 18, of the Alaska Constitution, I am transmitting a bill relating to a community dividend program. This bill would establish the community dividend program, under which several types of grants would be awarded to municipalities for use for specified public services. The bill provides for appropriation for the program from amounts deposited into the Alaska capital 2006-01-13 Senate Journal Page 1897 income fund, established in AS 37.05.565 by ch. 49, SLA 2005. The Alaska capital income fund is financed by the earnings on Amerada Hess settlement deposits to the Alaska Permanent Fund. The bill provides first for a base grant to municipalities, then for an organizational grant to newly organized boroughs. Any amounts remaining from a fiscal year's appropriation would be distributed on a pro rata basis to municipalities as a supplemental grant. I urge your prompt and favorable action on this measure. Sincerely yours, /s/ Frank H. Murkowski Governor SB 235 SENATE BILL NO. 235 BY THE SENATE RULES COMMITTEE BY REQUEST OF THE GOVERNOR, entitled: "An Act relating to a public school performance incentive program; and providing for an effective date." was read the first time and referred to the Health, Education and Social Services and Finance Committees. The following fiscal information was published today: Fiscal Note No. 1, Department of Education and Early Development Governor's transmittal letter dated January 13: Dear President Stevens: Under the authority of art. III, sec. 18, of the Alaska Constitution, I am transmitting a bill that would provide for a public school performance incentive program. This program is an innovative approach to creating a learning environment in which students will improve more rapidly than would usually be expected. 2006-01-13 Senate Journal Page 1898 This program would inspire and empower Alaska's outstanding educators to use their expertise and innovative instructional practices to improve student growth and achievement. A performance incentive program would enhance Alaska's teacher recruitment efforts, raise accountability by linking the incentive payments directly to increased levels of student achievement, and promote effective instruction, staff collaboration, and shared responsibility. The program would encourage public schools to adjust schedules to maximize instructional time and align teacher skills to student needs. This bill would authorize a substantial performance incentive payment, subject to appropriation, to school personnel -- up to $5,500 for certificated personnel such as teachers, counselors, and administrators, and up to $2,500 for noncertificated personnel such as instructional aides, school nurses, and school secretaries. Public school personnel would be eligible for a performance incentive payment if the students in their school achieved substantial improvement on the statewide assessments. The program provided for in this bill is unique in two ways. First, it is intended that a performance incentive payment would be made when students achieve more than one year's academic growth. We expect learning growth in students each year, and public school personnel are paid to teach students a normal year's worth of information. This program, however, would reward public school personnel if students acquire more than one year's worth of growth. When students gain more than one year's worth of growth, they will advance one or more levels on the state's statewide achievement assessments, triggering a performance incentive payment. If students are already at the most advanced level, keeping them advanced would trigger a payment. Tying the performance incentive payment to growth would mean that all public schools would have an opportunity to earn the payment. Because the performance incentive payment would not be pegged at a set level of achievement, public schools that have high-achieving students would not have an advantage over schools with low- achieving students. All children can learn, and all can improve their achievement level. Schools would not be in competition with each other -- a school would be eligible for the performance incentive payment if its students achieve sufficient growth, even if some other schools show more growth or faster growth. 2006-01-13 Senate Journal Page 1899 The second unique aspect of this proposed program is that it is intended to apply to all public school employees. Even noninstructional personnel would be eligible for the performance incentive payment if the students at the public school achieved the requisite growth. This would create within the public school building a community in which all employees have a stake in the success of the students. Teachers who teach subjects that are not tested, administrators, paraprofessionals, and support staff all would have an incentive to encourage students to excel at all scholastic pursuits, and to keep students interested and engaged. The school community would have an incentive to work together for the greater good. The details of the performance incentive program would require mathematical formulae and the setting of eligibility requirements that are best left to regulation. The Department of Education and Early Development (department) would have to determine what level of growth is appropriate for the performance incentive payment -- if it is too easy or too difficult to obtain, it would not provide an incentive. The department also would provide in regulation for a mechanism to reward school district central office personnel -- such as a curriculum or special education director -- who have a significant influence on the achievement of the students in the eligible schools in that district. The bill provides that a payment under the program is not included in an employee's compensation for retirement purposes. Also, under the bill, whether an employee does or does not receive a performance incentive payment would have no bearing on the employee's evaluation, and a school district could not diminish or supplant an employee's regular salary because the employee received a payment. This program is not intended to have any effect on the current or future levels of foundation or other funding for public education. This program is intended to reward excellence by providing incentives for a public school community to work collaboratively to exceed the expected level of learning for all students in a single year. Foundation funding and this program are entirely separate and each stands on its own. 2006-01-13 Senate Journal Page 1900 This bill is good for children and good for Alaska. I urge your prompt and favorable action on it. Sincerely yours, /s/ Frank H. Murkowski Governor SB 236 SENATE BILL NO. 236 BY THE SENATE RULES COMMITTEE BY REQUEST OF THE GOVERNOR, entitled: "An Act relating to the dividend paid to the state by the Alaska Housing Finance Corporation; and providing for an effective date." was read the first time and referred to the Finance Committee. The following fiscal information was published today: Fiscal Note No. 1, zero, Department of Revenue Governor's transmittal letter dated January 13: Dear President Stevens: Under the authority of art. III, sec. 18, of the Alaska Constitution, I am transmitting a bill relating to the dividend paid to the state by the Alaska Housing Finance Corporation. As a result of the Governmental Accounting Standards Board Statement No. 34 ("GASB 34"), governmental entities no longer are allowed to report contributed capital and retained earnings on their balance sheets. In addition, the balance sheet itself has now been renamed to "Statement of Net Assets." Under the rules of pre-GASB 34 generally accepted accounting principles, capital grants and other transfers to or on behalf of the state were considered a return of capital to the state and were shown as a reduction of contributed capital -- thus, not affecting net income. The GASB 34 requires these same amounts to be included in net income (now called "Change in Net Assets"). 2006-01-13 Senate Journal Page 1901 The bill would permit the Alaska Housing Finance Corporation to remove those expenditures from "Change in Net Assets" before the dividend is calculated. It further would allow the Alaska Housing Finance Corporation to remove prior years' capital appropriations from "Change in Net Assets" before the dividend is calculated. The primary objective of these changes is to bring the corporation's reconciliation and calculation of the dividend into compliance with GASB 34 rules. I urge your prompt and favorable action on this measure. Sincerely, /s/ Frank H. Murkowski Governor SB 237 SENATE BILL NO. 237 BY THE SENATE RULES COMMITTEE BY REQUEST OF THE GOVERNOR, entitled: "An Act increasing the number of superior court judges designated for the third judicial district, to provide additional superior court judges at Anchorage, Palmer, and Kenai; and providing for an effective date." was read the first time and referred to the Judiciary and Finance Committees. The following fiscal information was published today: Fiscal Note No. 1, Alaska Court System Governor's transmittal letter dated January 13: Dear President Stevens: Under the authority of art. III, sec. 18, of the Alaska Constitution, I am transmitting a bill that would add a total of four superior court judge positions to the third judicial district in the state court system. 2006-01-13 Senate Journal Page 1902 As Alaska's population grows, the demand on the court system from both civil and criminal cases increases. The population growth does not occur uniformly throughout the state. The Matanuska-Susitna Borough had a 77 percent increase in population from 1990 to 2004 and a 39 percent increase in felony case filings for fiscal year 2004. The Palmer court is perhaps the most overcrowded court in the system. The impact on the court system of felony criminal cases is very burdensome. Criminal cases, particularly violent felony criminal cases, are often the most complex and time-sensitive types of cases handled by the court system. They are also the most likely type of case to proceed to a time-consuming trial. Time is of the essence to both the victims of crimes waiting for justice to be served and the accused seeking resolution to the criminal charges. The additional superior court judge positions provided for under this bill are essential to the efficient operation of the court system. I urge your prompt and favorable action on this measure. Sincerely yours, /s/ Frank H. Murkowski Governor SB 238 SENATE BILL NO. 238 BY THE SENATE RULES COMMITTEE BY REQUEST OF THE GOVERNOR, entitled: "An Act increasing the base student allocation used in the formula for state financing of public education; and providing for an effective date." was read the first time and referred to the Finance Committee. The following fiscal information was published today: Fiscal Note No. 1, Department of Education and Early Development Fiscal Note No. 2, Department of Education and Early Development 2006-01-13 Senate Journal Page 1903 Governor's transmittal letter dated January 13: Dear President Stevens: Under the authority of art. III, sec. 18, of the Alaska Constitution, I am transmitting a bill that would raise the base student allocation for students attending public school grade levels kindergarten through 12 (K-12) beginning in fiscal year 2007. Under the bill, the base student allocation would increase from $4,919 to $5,352 on July 1, 2006, an approximately 8.8 percent increase over last year. This is the fourth increase in the base student allocation since 2003, when the allocation was $4,010. These four increases amount to a 33 percent increase during this Administration. This bill is an important element of my continuing effort to finance K- 12 public education at a level that meets the increased costs our school districts have experienced over the last several years. This increase in the base student allocation will add approximately $90 million to the state financing of public education, bringing the total state contribution to $928,087,440. I urge your prompt and favorable action on this measure, for the sake of Alaska's public schools and our children. Sincerely yours, /s/ Frank H. Murkowski Governor Consideration of the Calendar Citations Honoring - Leanne Tomson-Flickinger Senator(s) Bunde, Ben Stevens, Cowdery, Davis, Dyson, Ellis, Elton, Green, Guess, Hoffman, Huggins, Kookesh, Olson, Seekins, Stedman, Gary Stevens, Therriault, Wagoner, Wilken 2006-01-13 Senate Journal Page 1904 Honoring - Orin Seybert, Alaska Business Junior Achievement Hall of Fame Laureate Senator(s) Ben Stevens, Bunde, Cowdery, Davis, Dyson, Ellis, Elton, Green, Guess, Hoffman, Huggins, Kookesh, Olson, Seekins, Stedman, Gary Stevens, Therriault, Wagoner, Wilken In Memoriam - Fern Angela Kubley Representative(s) Weyhrauch, Kerttula Senator(s) Elton, Ben Stevens, Bunde, Cowdery, Davis, Dyson, Ellis, Green, Guess, Hoffman, Huggins, Kookesh, Olson, Seekins, Stedman, Gary Stevens, Therriault, Wagoner, Wilken In Memoriam - Nicholas Kokotovich Representative(s) Weyhrauch, Kerttula Senator(s) Elton, Ben Stevens, Bunde, Cowdery, Davis, Dyson, Ellis, Green, Guess, Hoffman, Huggins, Kookesh, Olson, Seekins, Stedman, Gary Stevens, Therriault, Wagoner, Wilken In Memoriam - William Harley "Bill" Stalnaker Representative(s) Weyhrauch, Kerttula Senator(s) Elton, Ben Stevens, Bunde, Cowdery, Davis, Dyson, Ellis, Green, Guess, Hoffman, Huggins, Kookesh, Olson, Seekins, Stedman, Gary Stevens, Therriault, Wagoner, Wilken In Memoriam - Genevieve "Gen" F. Harmon Representative(s) Weyhrauch, Kerttula Senator(s) Elton, Ben Stevens, Bunde, Cowdery, Davis, Dyson, Ellis, Green, Guess, Hoffman, Huggins, Kookesh, Olson, Seekins, Stedman, Gary Stevens, Therriault, Wagoner, Wilken In Memoriam - Elisabeth Sheldon Hakkinen Representative(s) Thomas Senator(s) Kookesh, Ben Stevens, Bunde, Cowdery, Davis, Dyson, Ellis, Elton, Green, Guess, Hoffman, Huggins, Olson, Seekins, Stedman, Gary Stevens, Therriault, Wagoner, Wilken Senator Gary Stevens moved and asked unanimous consent that the citations be adopted. Without objection, the citations were adopted and referred to the Secretary for transmittal. 2006-01-13 Senate Journal Page 1905 Unfinished Business HJR 5 Senator Bunde, Chair, moved and asked unanimous consent that the Labor and Commerce Committee referral be waived on CS FOR HOUSE JOINT RESOLUTION NO. 5(RES) Opposing imposition of a milk tax on Alaskans. Senator Ellis objected, then withdrew his objection. There being no further objection, the bill was referred to the Rules Committee. SB 8 Senator Elton moved and asked unanimous consent to be shown as a cosponsor on the SENATE BILL NO. 8 "An Act relating to a student loan repayment program for nurses, and amending the duties of the Board of Nursing that relate to this program; and providing for an effective date." Without objection, it was so ordered. SB 218 Senators Guess, Dyson, Elton, Kookesh, Green, Olson, Hoffman moved and asked unanimous consent to be shown as cosponsors on SENATE BILL NO. 218 "An Act relating to periodic polygraph examinations for sex offenders released on probation or parole and to sentencing for sex offenders and habitual criminals." Without objection, it was so ordered. Senator Cowdery moved and asked unanimous consent to be excused from a call of the Senate from January 23 to plane time, January 24. Without objection, Senator Cowdery was excused. Senators French, Olson moved and asked unanimous consent to be excused from a call of the Senate on January 17 to morning plane time. Without objection, Senators French, Olson were excused. Senator Dyson moved and asked unanimous consent to be excused from a call of the Senate from 8:00 p.m., January 27 to evening plane time, January 30. Without objection, Senator Dyson was excused. Senator Bunde moved and asked unanimous consent to be excused from a call of the Senate from afternoon plane time, January 20 to morning plane time, January 23. Without objection, Senator Bunde was excused. 2006-01-13 Senate Journal Page 1906 Senator Seekins moved and asked unanimous consent to be excused from a call of the Senate from morning plane time, January 17 to morning plane time, January 18. Without objection, Senator Seekins was excused. Announcements Announcements are at the end of the journal. Adjournment Senator Gary Stevens moved and asked unanimous consent that the Senate stand in adjournment until 11:00 a.m., January 17, 2006. Without objection, the Senate adjourned at 10:21 a.m. Kirsten Waid Secretary of the Senate January 2006 2006-01-13 Senate Journal Page 1907 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 Jan 16 Monday Beltz 211 1:30 PM No Meeting Scheduled Jan 18 Wednesday Beltz 211 1:30 PM + SB 219 COMMUNITY DIVIDEND PROGRAM Jan 20 Friday Beltz 211 1:30 PM No Meeting Scheduled ---------------------------------------- FINANCE Jan 16 Monday Senate Finance 532 9:00 AM No Meeting Scheduled Jan 17 Tuesday Senate Finance 532 9:00 AM SB 55 AGRICULTURAL LAND HB 217 FULL & TRUE VALUE OF TAXABLE MUNI PROP. Bills Previously Heard/Scheduled Jan 18 Wednesday Senate Finance 532 9:00 AM No Meeting Scheduled Jan 19 Thursday Senate Finance 532 9:00 AM = SB 54 PROTECTIVE ORDERS FOR SEXUAL ASSAULT HB 283 AK HOUSING FINANCE CORP BOARD COMP. Bills Previously Heard/Scheduled Jan 20 Friday Senate Finance 532 9:00 AM No Meeting Scheduled 2006-01-13 Senate Journal Page 1908 HEALTH, EDUCATION & SOCIAL SERVICES Jan 16 Monday Butrovich 205 1:30 PM No Meeting Scheduled Jan 18 Wednesday Butrovich 205 1:30 PM + Overview: No Child Left Behind Act Update U.S. Department of Education Jan 20 Friday Butrovich 205 1:30 PM No Meeting Scheduled ---------------------------------------- JUDICIARY Jan 17 Tuesday Butrovich 205 8:30 AM No Meeting Scheduled Jan 18 Wednesday Butrovich 205 8:30 AM No Meeting Scheduled Jan 19 Thursday Butrovich 205 8:30 AM + SB 200 USE OF FORCE TO PROTECT SELF/HOME + SB 218 CRIMINAL SENTENCING AND POLYGRAPHS + SB 10 PARENTAL LIABILITY FOR CHILD'S DAMAGE ---------------------------------------- LABOR & COMMERCE Jan 17 Tuesday Beltz 211 1:30 PM No Meeting Scheduled Jan 19 Thursday Beltz 211 1:30 PM + SB 136 UNEMPLOYMENT COMPENSATION BENEFITS + HB 108 WATER & SEWER UTILITIES OF POLIT. SUBDIV. <Bill Hearing Postponed> ---------------------------------------- RESOURCES Jan 16 Monday Butrovich 205 3:30 PM No Meeting Scheduled 2006-01-13 Senate Journal Page 1909 RESOURCES (continued) Jan 18 Wednesday Senate Finance 532 1:00 PM -- Time and Location Change -- + Joint w/(H) Resources Overview: Department of Natural Resources Jan 18 Wednesday Senate Finance 532 3:00 PM -- Time and Location Change -- Joint w/(H) Resources + Overview: Petroleum Profit Sharing Production Tax Systems Jan 20 Friday Butrovich 205 3:30 PM No Meeting Scheduled ---------------------------------------- STATE AFFAIRS Jan 17 Tuesday Beltz 211 3:30 PM No Meeting Scheduled Jan 19 Thursday Beltz 211 3:30 PM No Meeting Scheduled ---------------------------------------- TRANSPORTATION Jan 17 Tuesday Butrovich 205 1:30 PM No Meeting Scheduled Jan 19 Thursday Butrovich 205 1:30 PM No Meeting Scheduled ---------------------------------------- JOINT COMMITTEES LEGISLATIVE COUNCIL Jan 18 Wednesday House Finance 519 12:00 PM Legislative Council Meeting ---------------------------------------- 2006-01-13 Senate Journal Page 1910 OTHER MEETINGS JOINT LEGISLATIVE HEALTH CAUCUS Jan 18 Wednesday Butrovich 205 12:00 PM "Alcohol, the Great Destroyer" Light Lunch will be served ---------------------------------------- JOINT SESSION Feb 08 Wednesday House Chamber 11:00 AM Chief Justice Bryner's Annual State of the Judiciary Message