Legislature(2007 - 2008)
2008-01-18 Senate Journal
Full Journal pdf2008-01-18 Senate Journal Page 1611 SENATE JOURNAL ALASKA STATE LEGISLATURE TWENTY-FIFTH LEGISLATURE SECOND SESSION Juneau, Alaska Friday January 18, 2008 Fourth Day Pursuant to adjournment the Senate was called to order by President Green at 11:07 a.m. The roll showed sixteen members present. Senators Cowdery, Davis, Wilken were excused from a call of the Senate. Senator McGuire was absent. Senator Stevens moved and asked unanimous consent that Senator McGuire be excused from a call of the Senate from today through evening plane time, January 21. Without objection, Senator McGuire was excused. The prayer was offered by the Chaplain, The Reverend Hunter Silides, Associate Pastor of Holy Trinity Episcopal Church. Senator Hoffman moved and asked unanimous consent that the prayer be spread. Without objection, it was so ordered. Let us fall silent in the presence of the Lord. Grant, almighty God, that your holy and life-giving Spirit may so rule every human heart (and especially the hearts of the people of this state) that barriers which divide us may crumble, suspicions disappear and hatreds cease. Give us eyes to see and ears to hear and the will to follow the example of the Reverend Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr. whom we remember especially in the week to come. May justice rain down like water in this state, we pray. And may the spirit of wisdom, charity and justice fill the members of this body that they may steadfastly serve in their offices to promote the well-being of all people. Amen. 2008-01-18 Senate Journal Page 1612 Senator Olson led the Senate in the Pledge of Allegiance. Certification Senator Stevens moved and asked unanimous consent that the journals for the second and third legislative days be approved as certified by the Secretary. Without objection, it was so ordered. Committee on Committees President Green appointed Senator Huggins to replace Senator Cowdery on the Committee on Committees. Recess Senator Stevens moved and asked unanimous consent that the Senate stand in recess to a call of the Chair for a Committee on Committees meeting. Without objection, the Senate recessed at 11:10 a.m. After Recess The Senate reconvened at 11:17 a.m. Messages from the House Message dated January 16 was read, stating: The House of Representatives respectfully invites the Senate to a Joint Session of the Twenty-fifth Alaska Legislature at 11:00 a.m. on Wednesday, February 6 for the purpose of hearing the annual State of the Judiciary message by Chief Justice Dana Fabe. Senator Stevens moved and asked unanimous consent that the Senate accept the House invitation to meet in Joint Session. Without objection, it was so ordered. 2008-01-18 Senate Journal Page 1613 The Secretary was requested to notify the House. Communications The following report is on file in the Office of the Secretary of the Senate: Investment Earnings Report for Alaska Marine Highway System Fund from Patrick S. Galvin, Commissioner, Department of Revenue in accordance with AS 19.65.070(c) Special Committee Reports January 18, 2008 Dear Madam President: Your Committee on Committees has met and submits to the Senate for its consideration the following changes to the Committee on Committees Report dated January 16, 2007 and updated February 7, 2007: Rules Committee Senator Stevens, Chair Senator Green, Vice Chair Senator Ellis Senator Cowdery Senator Therriault The report was signed by Senator Green, Chair; Senator Stevens, Vice Chair; Senators, Ellis, Huggins, Therriault. Senator Stevens moved and asked unanimous consent that the Committee on Committees Report be adopted. Without objection, the Committee on Committees Report was adopted. 2008-01-18 Senate Journal Page 1614 President Green announced the following leadership change: Majority Leader Senator Ellis Introduction and Reference of Senate Resolutions SCR 14 SENATE CONCURRENT RESOLUTION NO. 14 BY SENATOR GREEN, Proclaiming February 4 - 10, 2008, as Perianesthesia Nurses Week. was read the first time and referred to the Health, Education and Social Services Committee. SCR 15 SENATE CONCURRENT RESOLUTION NO. 15 BY SENATOR STEVENS BY REQUEST OF THE JOINT LEGISLATIVE EDUCATION FUNDING TASK FORCE, Proposing an amendment to the Uniform Rules of the Alaska State Legislature relating to standing committees. was read the first time and referred to the Special Committee on Education and State Affairs Committee. SCR 16 SENATE CONCURRENT RESOLUTION NO. 16 BY SENATOR STEVENS BY REQUEST OF THE JOINT LEGISLATIVE EDUCATION FUNDING TASK FORCE, Establishing and relating to the Education Funding District Cost Factor Commission. was read the first time and referred to the Special Committee on Education. 2008-01-18 Senate Journal Page 1615 SJR 13 SENATE JOINT RESOLUTION NO. 13 BY SENATOR STEVENS BY REQUEST OF THE JOINT LEGISLATIVE EDUCATION FUNDING TASK FORCE, Urging the President of the United States and the United States Congress to fulfill the federal obligation to provide adequate funding for special education in public schools. was read the first time and referred to the Health, Education and Social Services Committee. SJR 14 SENATE JOINT RESOLUTION NO. 14 BY SENATOR HOFFMAN, Proposing an amendment to the Constitution of the State of Alaska relating to appropriations from the budget reserve fund. was read the first time and referred to the Finance Committee. Introduction and Reference of Senate Bills SB 231 SENATE BILL NO. 231 BY THE SENATE RULES COMMITTEE BY REQUEST OF THE GOVERNOR, entitled: "An Act relating to the Alaska housing trust fund and to the Alaska Council on the Homeless; 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 Revenue Fiscal Note No. 2, zero, Department of Public Safety Fiscal Note No. 3, zero, Department of Health and Social Services Fiscal Note No. 4, zero, Department of Corrections 2008-01-18 Senate Journal Page 1616 Governor's transmittal letter dated January 15: Dear President Green: Under the authority of art. III, sec. 18, of the Alaska Constitution, I am transmitting a bill relating to the Alaska Housing Trust Fund and to the Alaska Council on the Homeless. Homelessness is one of the most challenging domestic issues facing the United States. Alaska is no exception. Alaska's Faith-Based and Community Initiatives Task Force found housing to be the most commonly identified challenge facing those in need. On any given night 3,500 Alaskans are homeless, including 1,600 people in families with children. Currently, 4,000 Alaska households are on the waiting list for public housing programs and most are families with children. Furthermore, 20,000 low-income Alaska households spend over half their income on housing, placing them at risk of homelessness. The Alaska Council on the Homeless was initially established by Administrative Order No. 214 in April 2004 to develop a statewide action plan addressing homelessness in Alaska. The plan, Keeping Alaskans Out of the Cold, was completed and submitted in October 2005. Included in its recommendations was the appointment of a permanent council to assist the Governor and Legislature to develop an affordable housing trust fund. The Alaska Council on the Homeless completed its work in 2006 and recommended that the Alaska Housing Trust Fund (fund) be created within the Alaska Housing Finance Corporation under AS 18.56. The bill would also provide for advice for governance of the fund by establishing the Alaska Council on the Homeless in permanent law. To date, the council has operated under the authority of administrative orders. The bill would create a fund to serve as a financial structure for receiving money to address the needs of Alaska's homeless. The bill would provide authority to provide financial assistance intended to promote the creation and retention of an adequate supply of affordable housing for eligible persons. The fund could also be expended to create capital improvements intended to alleviate homelessness, assist 2008-01-18 Senate Journal Page 1617 eligible persons in avoiding foreclosures and evictions, provide financial assistance to support housing retention services or to encourage transition from dependency on low-cost housing, and permit participation in demonstration housing projects that address the needs of the homeless. I urge your prompt and favorable consideration on this measure. Sincerely, /s/ Sarah Palin Governor SB 232 SENATE BILL NO. 232 BY THE SENATE RULES COMMITTEE BY REQUEST OF THE GOVERNOR, entitled: "An Act authorizing the governor to delegate to the adjutant general the authority to order the organized militia into active state service and authorizing the payment of Alaska National Guard called into active state service to fight wildfires at rates of pay established for certain emergency fire-fighting personnel; 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 Administration Fiscal Note No. 2, indeterminate, Department of Natural Resources Fiscal Note No. 3, indeterminate, Department of Military and Veterans Affairs Governor's transmittal letter dated January 15: Dear President Green: Under the authority of art. III, sec. 18, of the Alaska Constitution, I am transmitting a bill authorizing the Governor to delegate to the adjutant general the authority to order the organized militia into active state 2008-01-18 Senate Journal Page 1618 service and authorizing payment of Alaska National Guard called into active state service to fight wildfires at rates of pay established for certain emergency fire-fighting personnel. Section 1 of the bill would amend AS 26.05.070, which authorizes the Governor to order the organized militia into active state service in certain circumstances, to authorize the Governor to delegate to the adjutant general the authority to order the organized militia into active state service if these circumstances exist. The organized militia includes the Alaska National Guard, the Alaska Naval Militia, and the Alaska State Defense Force. The circumstances under which the organized militia may be called into active state service include the occurrence or imminent danger of occurrence of a disaster or other catastrophe. Authorizing the Governor to delegate to the adjutant general the authority to order the organized militia into active state service is appropriate to allow a rapid response to such events, particularly if the Governor is not immediately available. Section 2 of the bill would amend AS 26.05.260(b), which establishes the pay for members of the Alaska National Guard and the Alaska Naval Militia called into active state service under AS 26.05.070, to authorize the payment of Alaska National Guard personnel called to active state service to fight wildfires at rates of pay established for emergency fire-fighting personnel under AS 41.15.030 if the adjutant general and the commissioner of natural resources so agree. Existing AS 41.15.030 provides that the commissioner of natural resources may hire emergency fire-fighting personnel and shall establish classifications and rates of pay for the emergency fire-fighting personnel consistent with the compensation paid by other fire-fighting agencies. The amendment to AS 26.05.260(b) will allow pay parity between national guard and civilian personnel of specified classifications fighting wildfires by agreement between the commissioner of natural resources and the adjutant general. Section 2 would also amend AS 26.05.260(b) to remove an outdated provision relating to payment of Alaska National Guard and Alaska Naval Militia members for active service performed during the fiscal year ending June 30, 2000. 2008-01-18 Senate Journal Page 1619 I urge your prompt and favorable action on this measure. Sincerely, /s/ Sarah Palin Governor SB 233 SENATE BILL NO. 233 BY THE SENATE RULES COMMITTEE BY REQUEST OF THE GOVERNOR, entitled: "An Act relating to the teachers' and nurses' housing loan program in the Alaska Housing Finance Corporation; 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, zero, Department of Revenue Governor's transmittal letter dated January 15: Dear President Green: Under the authority of art. III, sec. 18, of the Alaska Constitution, I am transmitting a bill that would expand the teachers' and nurses' housing loan program established within the Alaska Housing Finance Corporation. This bill expands the program to allow licensed or certified health care professionals, including registered nurses, in the state to take advantage of the housing loan program. This loan program is a crucial component in Alaska school districts' and communities' ability to recruit and retain qualified public school teachers, counselors, school administrators, and health care professionals. In 2003 Senate Bill 25 was signed into law establishing the loan program. Under this program, a qualified applicant is allowed to purchase an owner-occupied home, without paying a conventional 2008-01-18 Senate Journal Page 1620 down payment. As of October 31, 2007, 373 loans in 34 Alaska communities have been made to teachers and registered nurses, comprising over 72 million dollars in loans. This bill would make two significant changes to the existing program. First, the original legislation contained a five-year sunset provision that would repeal the program on July 1, 2008. This bill would repeal the sunset provision and would make the program permanent within the Alaska Housing Finance Corporation. Second, this bill would expand the program to allow qualified licensed or certified health care professionals, including registered nurses, in the state to take advantage of the housing loans. There is a serious shortage of health care professionals in Alaska. With this change, I hope to use this housing loan program to help reduce this shortage. I am committed to improving access to health care services and I believe expanding the housing loan program will help accomplish this goal. I urge your prompt and favorable action on this measure. Sincerely, /s/ Sarah Palin Governor SB 234 SENATE BILL NO. 234 BY THE SENATE RULES COMMITTEE BY REQUEST OF THE GOVERNOR, entitled: "An Act relating to the crimes of assault in the fourth degree and of resisting or interfering with arrest; relating to the determination of time of a conviction; relating to offenses concerning controlled substances; relating to issuance of search warrants; relating to persons found incompetent to stand trial concerning criminal conduct; relating to probation and to restitution for fish and game violations; relating to aggravating factors at sentencing; relating to criminal extradition authority of the governor; removing the statutory bar to prosecution of certain crimes; amending Rule 37(b), Alaska Rules of Criminal Procedure, relating to execution of warrants; and providing for an effective date." 2008-01-18 Senate Journal Page 1621 was read the first time and referred to the 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 Fiscal Note No. 3, indeterminate, Department of Corrections Fiscal Note No. 4, indeterminate, Department of Administration Fiscal Note No. 5, indeterminate, Department of Administration Fiscal Note No. 6, zero, Department of Public Safety Governor's transmittal letter dated January 15: Dear President Green: Under the authority of art. III, sec. 18, of the Alaska Constitution, I am transmitting a bill making important changes to Alaska criminal law. These changes would continue the state's efforts to make Alaska a safer and healthier place to live and work. Domestic and other forms of violence are highly prevalent in Alaska. It is shocking that women are murdered by men in Alaska at one of the highest rates in the country. Domestic violence, and other forms of violence, often begin by a perpetrator committing less serious assaults, and then progressing to more harmful conduct. Most domestic violence assaults are prosecuted as assault in the fourth degree, which is a class A misdemeanor. The bill would address the progressive nature of violence by providing that a person convicted of assault in the fourth degree (except under the theory of recklessly placing another in fear) who has two or more convictions for serious crimes against a person in the past 10 years, would be guilty of a class C felony. The maximum term of incarceration for a class C felony is five years. The procedure for protecting the public from a person, who as a result of a mental disease or defect is incompetent to be tried for a crime, has some cracks that need to be filled. Two recent cases have highlighted the problem. For example, a person charged with a serious felony was found to be incompetent to be tried for the offense. After a period at Alaska Psychiatric Institute, the person was released, returned to the person's home community, and again committed the same serious felony. The bill would address this problem in several ways; first it 2008-01-18 Senate Journal Page 1622 requires a person found incompetent to be referred to the commissioner of health and social services for evaluation and treatment. It would also require ten days notice to the prosecuting authority by the professional in charge of the person's care before the person may be released. The bill would also clarify the intent of the Legislature when it provided, in the late 1980s, that a third conviction for theft within a five year period would increase the severity of the crime one level. At that time it was generally assumed, for purposes of subsequent enhancement, that a conviction occurs at the time the sentence was imposed. The bill would provide expressly in statute that, in looking back to the prior convictions for purposes of enhancing the current theft, the court should look back to the date the defendant was sentenced for the prior offenses. Since early statehood, Alaska has had a statutory prohibition on the state prosecuting and punishing a person, including a corporation, for an act that another jurisdiction has already prosecuted. This policy is not based on constitutional law; the state and federal constitutional prohibitions against being placed twice in jeopardy for the same act do not prohibit distinct government authorities from prosecuting the same act under different bodies of law. Recent events have suggested a reconsideration of this policy. The federal criminal prosecution of misconduct by public officials in Alaska is an example of crime that might also be pursued under state law. The state should be able to protect its unique interests, even when the federal government has acted to redress federal interests. Repeal of AS 11.71.310 (Bar to Prosecution) and AS 12.20.010 (Conviction or Acquittal Elsewhere as Bar) would assist in that endeavor. The bill would make other changes in criminal law. One would allow a court to issue a search warrant by telephone or other reliable means rather than an in person hearing. Telephonic communications today are sophisticated enough to allow for a fair hearing without requiring a personal appearance; most Alaskans rely on telephonic communications for many of their important affairs. The bill would also give judges more discretion to allow a later return of a search warrant inventory to allow for long-term investigations and protection of persons working with law enforcement. Another provision adds the substances commonly know as Soma and Ambien to Schedule IVA of 2008-01-18 Senate Journal Page 1623 Alaska's prohibited substances. Recent injuries from driving impaired by misuse of these substances support their addition to Alaska's drug schedules as controlled substances. Enactment of this bill into law would protect Alaskans and help the criminal justice system function fairly and at the same time more efficiently. I urge your prompt and favorable consideration of it. Sincerely, /s/ Sarah Palin Governor SB 235 SENATE BILL NO. 235 BY THE SENATE RULES COMMITTEE BY REQUEST OF THE GOVERNOR, entitled: "An Act relating to shipping, sending, transporting, or bringing alcohol to a local option area and providing alcohol to others in the local option area, including penalties for violations; relating to furnishing alcohol to a minor and to civil penalties for licensees whose agents or employees furnish alcohol to a minor; relating to manslaughter as a direct result of ingestion of alcoholic beverages brought in violation of a local option prohibition; relating to reports of the court concerning certain alcohol violations by minors; making conforming amendments; and providing for an effective date." was read the first time and referred to the Community and Regional Affairs, Judiciary and Finance Committees. The following fiscal information was published today: Fiscal Note No. 1, Department of Public Safety Fiscal Note No. 2, indeterminate, Department of Administration Fiscal Note No. 3, indeterminate, Department of Corrections Fiscal Note No. 4, zero, Department of Administration Fiscal Note No. 5, zero, Department of Law Fiscal Note No. 6, zero, Department of Health and Social Services Fiscal Note No. 7, indeterminate, Department of Administration Fiscal Note No. 8, zero, Department of Public Safety 2008-01-18 Senate Journal Page 1624 Governor's transmittal letter dated January 15: Dear President Green: Under the authority of art. III, sec. 18, of the Alaska Constitution, I am transmitting a bill that would build on the significant efforts made in the last several years to curb the catastrophic health, economic, and social problems that arise from alcohol abuse in Alaska. The bill addresses problems arising both in larger urban areas and in communities that have adopted local options limiting possession, sale, or importation of alcohol. A liquor licensee's agents or employees, such as bartenders or package store clerks, may be charged with a class A misdemeanor, or a class C felony under certain circumstances, if they sell or serve alcohol to a person under 21 years of age. Under current law, there is no adverse consequence to the licensee if the person's agent or employee has furnished alcohol to a minor. The bill would adopt civil penalties -- a civil fine for the first time an agent or employee is convicted, and a civil fine and a license suspension for a second and subsequent conviction of an agent or employee within a five-year period. These consequences would increase the incentive for licensees to train and supervise agents and employees in a way that would emphasize service only to persons 21 years of age and older. Persons who illegally bring alcohol into a community in violation of a local option, commonly called bootleggers, cause serious harm to their communities. The prosecution of bootleggers requires significant effort by both law enforcement and prosecutors. When the prosecution of a bootlegger is successful, penalties that would deter future violations are important. The bill would impose mandatory minimum terms of imprisonment and fines for bootleggers that are identical to the mandatory minimum terms and fines for drunk drivers and persons who refuse to take a breath test. Bootleggers often repeat their illegal conduct. The bill would provide that a person who illegally brings alcohol into a local option area, and has been convicted twice in the past ten years, may be prosecuted for a class C felony. This is similar to the penalties for drunk driving and refusal, except that the proposed look-back period is ten years, as compared to the look-back period of 15 years for drunk driving and refusal. The bill 2008-01-18 Senate Journal Page 1625 would also allow persons convicted of bootlegging offenses to be eligible for referral to the therapeutic court, as are persons convicted of drunk driving and refusal. Persons who bring alcohol into a community in violation of local option laws can cause serious harm and even death to members of their community. The bill would amend the manslaughter statute to apply to a person who brings alcohol into a community in violation of a local option, if a person dies as a direct result of ingesting the alcohol. This change is similar to the amendment to the manslaughter statute adopted last year, that prohibited causing death by delivery of certain illegal drugs, if death is the direct result of ingestion of the drug. The Rural Justice Commission made several recommendations for alcohol enforcement that have already been enacted into law. One recommendation not yet adopted but strongly supported by law enforcement is included in the bill. It would prohibit sending alcohol in plastic containers to a local option area, unless it is sent to a community delivery site. Plastic bottles are much more difficult to detect, because they weigh less and result in less detectible shipping noise during transportation as compared to glass bottles. Finally, the bill would clarify that the court is required under AS 28.15.191(a) to make certain reports to the Department of Administration concerning certain violations of alcohol laws by minors for insertion on the central driver's license database. This bill would help local communities address many of the problems of alcohol abuse. I urge your prompt and favorable consideration of this proposal. Sincerely, /s/ Sarah Palin Governor SB 236 SENATE BILL NO. 236 BY THE SENATE RULES COMMITTEE BY REQUEST OF THE GOVERNOR, entitled: 2008-01-18 Senate Journal Page 1626 "An Act establishing the Alaska transportation fund and relating to the fund; and providing for an effective date." was read the first time and referred to the Transportation and Finance Committees. The following fiscal information was published today: Fiscal Note No. 1, Department of Revenue Fiscal Note No. 2, zero, Department of Transportation and Public Facilities Governor's transmittal letter dated January 15: Dear President Green: Under the authority of art. III, sec. 18, of the Alaska Constitution, I am transmitting a bill establishing a state transportation fund. An efficient and functional transportation system is vital to Alaska's economy. For the first time in Alaska's history, a reliable source of state financing would be in place. The bill would result in a predictable yearly amount that would be available to supplement state transportation financing. With growth over time through investment and future contributions, the fund could help ensure Alaska's transportation infrastructure is adequately maintained and improved. Declining federal funding and the need for transportation infrastructure to grow our economy make establishing a transportation fund a smart and fiscally responsible decision. In addition, high oil prices resulting in budget surpluses, uniquely position Alaska to utilize our non-renewable natural resource wealth to generate renewable dollars for years to come. A stable source of transportation funding would benefit current and future generations of Alaskans alike, and would reduce Alaska's dependence on federal aid dollars. Furthermore, the use of state funds would allow critical projects to be completed much sooner than through the traditional federal highways program. This is because the state funded projects are not subject to the time consuming scrutiny the federal funding process entails. 2008-01-18 Senate Journal Page 1627 The need for this new, permanent source of funding for transportation could not be more evident. Rutted pavements, delayed projects, and urban congestion are common problems in this state. Federal transportation dollars, though adequate in past decades, no longer meet all the basic needs of the state. Like education, transportation is a basic government service and one that affects the daily lives of all citizens. Other states are enacting their second and third tier of non- federal financing mechanisms. It is time for Alaska to enact its first. I urge your prompt and favorable action on this measure. Sincerely, /s/ Sarah Palin Governor SB 237 SENATE BILL NO. 237 BY THE SENATE RESOURCES COMMITTEE, entitled: "An Act relating to the policy for management of sustainable salmon fisheries." was read the first time and referred to the Resources and Finance Committees. SB 238 SENATE BILL NO. 238 BY SENATOR STEVENS, entitled: "An Act prohibiting mixing zones in freshwater spawning waters." was read the first time and referred to the Resources and Finance Committees. SB 239 SENATE BILL NO. 239 BY SENATOR THOMAS, entitled: "An Act relating to the practice of dentistry and to dental assistants." 2008-01-18 Senate Journal Page 1628 was read the first time and referred to the Health, Education and Social Services and Finance Committees. SB 240 SENATE BILL NO. 240 BY SENATOR STEVENS BY REQUEST OF THE JOINT LEGISLATIVE EDUCATION FUNDING TASK FORCE, entitled: "An Act relating to school funding, the base student allocation, district cost factors, and the adjustments for intensive services and average daily membership calculations; and providing for an effective date." was read the first time and referred to the Special Committee on Education and Finance Committee. SB 241 SENATE BILL NO. 241 BY SENATOR STEVENS BY REQUEST OF THE JOINT LEGISLATIVE EDUCATION FUNDING TASK FORCE, entitled: "An Act relating to a report to the legislature on teacher preparation, retention, and recruitment by the Board of Regents of the University of Alaska." was read the first time and referred to the Special Committee on Education and Health, Education and Social Services Committee. SB 242 SENATE BILL NO. 242 BY THE SENATE RESOURCES COMMITTEE, entitled: "An Act relating to lease expenditures that may be deducted for purposes of the production tax on oil and gas; relating to the retroactivity provisions of changes to the production tax on oil and gas enacted in ch. 1, SSSLA 2007; and providing for an effective date." was read the first time and referred to the Finance Committee. 2008-01-18 Senate Journal Page 1629 Consideration of the Calendar Citations Honoring - 25 Years of the Tesoro Iron Dog -The World's Longest, Toughest Snowmobile Race Senator(s) Green, Bunde, Cowdery, Davis, Dyson, Ellis, Elton, Hoffman, Huggins, Kookesh, Olson, McGuire, Stedman, Stevens, Therriault, Thomas, Wagoner, Wielechowski, Wilken Honoring - Arthur G. Woodley Representative(s) Hawker, Samuels Senator(s) Bunde, Cowdery, Green, Davis, Dyson, Ellis, Elton, Hoffman, Huggins, Kookesh, Olson, McGuire, Stedman, Stevens, Therriault, Thomas, Wagoner, Wielechowski, Wilken Honoring - Janet Clarke Representative(s) Hawker Senator(s) Bunde, Green, Cowdery, Davis, Dyson, Ellis, Elton, Hoffman, Huggins, Kookesh, Olson, McGuire, Stedman, Stevens, Therriault, Thomas, Wagoner, Wielechowski, Wilken In Memoriam - Gilbert Dementi Sr. Representative(s) Guttenberg Senator(s) Thomas, Green, Bunde, Cowdery, Davis, Dyson, Ellis, Elton, Hoffman, Huggins, Kookesh, Olson, McGuire, Stedman, Stevens, Therriault, Wagoner, Wielechowski, Wilken Senator Stevens moved and asked unanimous consent that the citations be adopted. Without objection, the citations were adopted and referred to the Secretary for transmittal. Senator Stevens moved and asked unanimous consent that the following citation be made a special order of business. Without objection, it was so ordered. Special Order of Business Honoring - Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. Day Senator(s) Davis, Green, Bunde, Cowdery, Dyson, Ellis, Elton, French, Hoffman, Huggins, Kookesh, McGuire, Olson, Stedman, Stevens, Therriault, Thomas, Wagoner, Wielechowski, Wilken 2008-01-18 Senate Journal Page 1630 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 207 Senators Bunde, Dyson, Wagoner moved and asked unanimous consent to be shown as cosponsors on SENATE BILL NO. 207 "An Act relating to appropriations to the budget reserve fund." Without objection, it was so ordered. Senator Bunde moved and asked unanimous consent to be excused from a call of the Senate from plane time, February 8 through plane time, February 10; and from plane time, February 15 through plane time, February 18. Without objection, Senator Bunde was excused. Senator Stedman moved and asked unanimous consent to be excused from a call of the Senate on January 19. Without objection, Senator Stedman was excused. Senator Wielechowski moved and asked unanimous consent to be excused from a call of the Senate on January 21, to morning plane time; and on January 28, to morning plane time. Without objection, Senator Wielechowski was excused. Senator Kookesh moved and asked unanimous consent to be excused from a call of the Senate from plane time, January 24 through evening plane time, January 26. Without objection, Senator Kookesh was excused. Announcements Announcements are at the end of the journal. 2008-01-18 Senate Journal Page 1631 Adjournment Senator Stevens moved and asked unanimous consent that the Senate stand in adjournment until 10:00 a.m., January 19, 2008. Without objection, the Senate adjourned at 11:33 a.m. Kirsten Waid Secretary of the Senate 2008-01-18 Senate Journal Page 1632 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 22 Tuesday Beltz 211 3:30 PM -- Meeting Postponed from 1/17/08 -- += SB 161 COASTAL MANAGEMENT PROGRAM Bills Previously Heard/Scheduled Jan 24 Thursday Beltz 211 3:30 PM Bills Previously Heard/Scheduled ---------------------------------------- FINANCE Jan 18 Friday Senate Finance 532 9:00 AM No Meeting Scheduled Jan 21 Monday Senate Finance 532 9:00 AM No Meeting Scheduled Jan 22 Tuesday Senate Finance 532 9:00 AM No Meeting Scheduled Jan 23 Wednesday Senate Finance 532 9:00 AM + HB 125 BUDGET PLANNING & LONG-RANGE FISCAL PLAN Jan 24 Thursday House Finance 519 1:00 PM -- Please Note Time Change -- + Joint with House Finance Dir. Karen Rehfeld, Office of Management and Budget Dir. David Teal, Div. of Legislative Finance FY09 Budget Discussion and Follow-up 2008-01-18 Senate Journal Page 1633 FINANCE (continued) Jan 25 Friday Senate Finance 532 9:00 AM + Commercial Passenger Vessel Tax Program Update Presentations by the Dept of Revenue and DEC ---------------------------------------- HEALTH, EDUCATION & SOCIAL SERVICES Jan 21 Monday Butrovich 205 1:30 PM No Meeting Scheduled In Observance of Martin Luther King Day Jan 23 Wednesday Butrovich 205 1:30 PM + SB 212 MEDICAL ASSISTANCE ELIGIBILITY Jan 25 Friday Butrovich 205 1:30 PM Senate Bill: HEALTHCARE TRANSPARENCY <Pending Introduction & Referral> ---------------------------------------- JUDICIARY Jan 21 Monday Beltz 211 1:30 PM + HB 151 INDEMNITY CLAUSE IN PUBLIC CONTRACTS Jan 23 Wednesday Beltz 211 1:30 PM -- MEETING CANCELED -- + HB 7 FALSE CALLER IDENTIFICATION + HB 149 POLLUTANT DISCHARGE PERMITS + Bills Previously Heard/Scheduled Jan 25 Friday Beltz 211 1:30 PM + Bills Previously Heard/Scheduled += HB 149 POLLUTANT DISCHARGE PERMITS += HB 7 FALSE CALLER IDENTIFICATION ---------------------------------------- LABOR & COMMERCE Jan 22 Tuesday Beltz 211 1:30 PM += SB 147 WORKERS' COMP EMPLOYER LIABILITY Bills Previously Heard/Scheduled Including But Not Limited to: += SB 120 UNEMPLOYMENT COMPENSATION BENEFITS += SB 28 LIMIT OVERTIME FOR REGISTERED NURSES += SB 107 NATUROPATHS 2008-01-18 Senate Journal Page 1634 LABOR & COMMERCE (continued) Jan 24 Thursday Beltz 211 1:30 PM += SB 101 GUARDIANSHIP AND CONSERVATORS Bills Previously Heard/Scheduled ---------------------------------------- RESOURCES Jan 18 Friday Butrovich 205 3:30 PM -- Teleconference -- Gas Offtake, Resource Considerations in the 'Maximum Benefit' Equation Alaska Oil & Gas Conservation Commission -- Testimony <Invitation Only> -- Jan 19 Saturday Butrovich 205 11:00 AM -- Teleconference -- -- Note Time Change -- Alaska's Gas: How Our Current Fiscal Policies Stack Up; North American and International Regimes Administration: Departments of Revenue and Natural Resources -- Testimony <Invitation Only> -- Jan 21 Monday Butrovich 205 3:30 PM + Bills Previously Heard/Scheduled Jan 23 Wednesday Barnes 124 1:00 PM -- Please Note Time & Location Change -- + Joint with House Resources Presentation by Ray Beamesderfer, Kenai Sports Fishing Association -- Testimony <Invitation Only> -- Jan 23 Wednesday Butrovich 205 3:30 PM + Presentation: ConocoPhillips Gas Pipeline Proposal by Brian Wenzel, VP ANS Gas Development -- Testimony <Invitation Only> -- Jan 25 Friday Butrovich 205 3:30 PM No Meeting Scheduled ---------------------------------------- 2008-01-18 Senate Journal Page 1635 STATE AFFAIRS Jan 22 Tuesday Beltz 211 9:00 AM No Meeting Scheduled Jan 24 Thursday Beltz 211 9:00 AM + SB 223 G.O. BONDS FOR CRIME LAB + HB 101 UNIFORM TRAFFIC LAWS ---------------------------------------- TRANSPORTATION Jan 22 Tuesday Fahrenkamp 203 1:00 PM -- Please Note Location Change -- Aviation Overview: Department of Transportation & Public Facilities Jan 24 Thursday Butrovich 205 1:00 PM Bills Previously Heard/Scheduled ---------------------------------------- FINANCE SUBCOMMITTEES ADMINISTRATION Jan 23 Wednesday Senate Finance 532 3:30 PM + Joint with House Administration Budget Overview - Commissioner Kreitzer ---------------------------------------- CORRECTIONS Jan 24 Thursday Fahrenkamp 203 8:00 AM + Corrections Budget FY 08 Update ---------------------------------------- COURT SYSTEM Jan 22 Tuesday Fahrenkamp 203 8:00 AM + Court System Budget FY 08 Update ---------------------------------------- 2008-01-18 Senate Journal Page 1636 ENVIRONMENTAL CONSERVATION Jan 24 Thursday House Finance 519 3:30 PM -- Please Note Time & Location Change -- Joint with House DEC DEC Budget ---------------------------------------- FISH & GAME Jan 24 Thursday Senate Finance 532 3:30 PM + Joint with House Fish & Game Budget Overview - Commissioner Lloyd ---------------------------------------- MILITARY AND VETERANS AFFAIRS Feb 07 Thursday House Finance 519 12:00 PM + Joint with House Finance Subcommittee Military & Veterans Affairs Budget Overview Presentation by General Campbell -- Testimony <Invitation Only> -- ---------------------------------------- JOINT COMMITTEES LEGISLATIVE BUDGET & AUDIT Jan 29 Tuesday House Finance 519 9:00 AM Denali Commission Presentation Consider Final & Preliminary Audits Audit Software Other Committee Business ---------------------------------------- TASK FORCE ON THE REGULATORY COM OF AK Jan 21 Monday Butrovich 205 9:00 AM + Legislative Resolve 11 - RCA TASK FORCE RCA Presentation and Q&A Jan 22 Tuesday Butrovich 205 1:00 PM + Legislative Resolve 11 - RCA TASK FORCE Public Testimony Task Force Work Session ---------------------------------------- 2008-01-18 Senate Journal Page 1637 OTHER MEETINGS CHILDREN'S CAUCUS Jan 29 Tuesday Butrovich 205 12:00 PM + Presentation by Children's Justice Act Task Force: - Sexual Exploitation of Children via the Internet - Report on Children's Advocacy Centers (CAC) ---------------------------------------- JOINT SESSION Feb 06 Wednesday House Chamber 11:00 AM State of the Judiciary Address by Chief Justice Dana Fabe Feb 19 Tuesday House Chamber 11:00 AM Annual Address by the Honorable Ted Stevens, U.S. Senator ---------------------------------------- VPSO TASK FORCE Jan 18 Friday Beltz 211 8:00 AM -- Rescheduled from 01/04/08 -- Findings & Recommendations for Report to Legislature (due in February) -- Testimony <Invitation Only> --