Legislature(2007 - 2008)
2008-01-23 Senate Journal
Full Journal pdf2008-01-23 Senate Journal Page 1659 SENATE JOURNAL ALASKA STATE LEGISLATURE TWENTY-FIFTH LEGISLATURE SECOND SESSION Juneau, Alaska Wednesday January 23, 2008 Ninth Day Pursuant to adjournment the Senate was called to order by President Green at 11:05 a.m. The roll showed nineteen members present. Senator Cowdery was excused from a call of the Senate. The prayer was offered by the Chaplain, Reverend Kenneth Torquil MacLean, Consulting Minister for the Juneau Unitarian Universalist Fellowship. Senator Hoffman moved and asked unanimous consent that the prayer be spread. Without objection, it was so ordered. Eternal God, May our prayers begin and end with gratitude: thanksgiving for the gift of life itself, for the beauty and abundance of our nation, and for the human bonds which enrich our lives. We give thanks for the power to make a difference in the human situation: to pursue equality and justice, to protect and preserve the earth upon which we live, to enhance human dignity, and to build stronger community here and to the outer limits of our influence. For all our blessings, we give thanks. Amen. 2008-01-23 Senate Journal Page 1660 Senator Therriault led the Senate in the Pledge of Allegiance. Certification Senator Ellis moved and asked unanimous consent that the journals for the fifth through eighth legislative days be approved as certified by the Secretary. Without objection, it was so ordered. Communications The following reports are on file in the Office of the Secretary of the Senate: Report from the Commissioner of the Department of Administration dated October 23, 2007 was received, stating the monetary terms for the collective bargaining agreement reached with the Alaska State Employees Association representing the General Government bargaining unit, in accordance with AS 23.40.215. President Green referred the monetary terms of agreement to the Finance Committee. Report from the Commissioner of the Department of Administration dated November 8, 2007 was received, stating the monetary terms of the arbitration awarded as a result of a dispute between the State and the International Organization of Masters, Mates and Pilots Association, in accordance with AS 23.40.215. President Green referred the monetary terms of agreement to the Finance Committee. National Petroleum Reserve-Alaska (NPR-A) Impact Mitigation Grant Program Report to the Second Session of the Twenty-Fifth Legislature from Tara Jollie, Director Division of Community and Regional Affairs Department of Commerce, Community and Economic Development in accordance with AS 37.05.530(c) 2008-01-23 Senate Journal Page 1661 Third Annual Report to the Legislature dated January 15, 2008 National Pollutant Discharge Elimination System Wastewater Discharge Program from Larry Hartig, Commissioner Department of Environmental Conservation in accordance with Chapter 95 SLA 2005 Report to the State of Alaska dated January 2008 from Patrick K. Gamble, President and Chief Executive Officer Alaska Railroad Corporation in accordance with AS 42.40.290 Standing Committee Reports SB 28 The Labor and Commerce Committee considered SENATE BILL NO. 28 "An Act relating to limitations on mandatory overtime for registered nurses and licensed practical nurses in health care facilities; and providing for an effective date" and recommended it be replaced with CS FOR SENATE BILL NO. 28(L&C) Signing do pass: Senator Ellis, Chair; Senator Davis. Signing no recommendation: Senators Bunde, Stevens, Hoffman. The following fiscal information was published today: Fiscal Note No. 4, zero, Department of Administration Fiscal Note No. 5, Department of Labor and Workforce Development Fiscal Note No. 6, zero, Department of Health and Social Services Fiscal Note No. 7, zero, Department of Health and Social Services Fiscal Note No. 8, zero, Department of Health and Social Services The bill was referred to the Finance Committee. HB 176 The Resources Committee considered CS FOR HOUSE BILL NO. 176(RES) "An Act creating the Fort Rousseau Causeway State Historical Park." Signing do pass: Senator Huggins, Chair; Senators Stevens, Stedman, Wielechowski, Green. 2008-01-23 Senate Journal Page 1662 The following fiscal information was published today: Fiscal Note No. 2, Department of Natural Resources The bill was referred to the Finance Committee. Introduction and Reference of Senate Resolutions SCR 17 SENATE CONCURRENT RESOLUTION NO. 17 BY SENATORS MCGUIRE, Ellis, Relating to establishing March 2008 as Brain Injury Awareness Month. was read the first time and referred to the Health, Education and Social Services Committee. Introduction and Reference of Senate Bills SB 247 SENATE BILL NO. 247 BY SENATOR GREEN, entitled: "An Act relating to missing persons and unidentified human remains." was read the first time and referred to the Judiciary and Finance Committees. Unfinished Business HB 37 Senator Huggins, Chair, moved and asked unanimous consent that the Resources Committee referral be waived on HOUSE BILL NO. 37(efd add) "An Act establishing the first Saturday of every March as Susan Butcher Day; and providing for an effective date." Without objection, it was so ordered. 2008-01-23 Senate Journal Page 1663 President Green added a State Affairs Committee referral to the bill. The bill was referred to the State Affairs Committee. SB 246 Senator Wilken moved and asked unanimous consent to be shown as a cosponsor on SENATE BILL NO. 246 "An Act establishing a working group to analyze the potential of a hydroelectric power project on the Susitna River; and providing for an effective date." Without objection, it was so ordered. SB 183 Senator Wielechowski moved and asked unanimous consent to be shown as a cosponsor on SENATE BILL NO. 183 "An Act repealing the defined contribution retirement plans for teachers and for public employees; making conforming amendments; and providing for an effective date." Without objection, it was so ordered. SB 147 Senators Ellis, Davis moved and asked unanimous consent to be shown as cosponsors on SENATE BILL NO. 147 "An Act clarifying when a project owner or general contractor is considered an employer for purposes of workers' compensation exclusive liability." Without objection, it was so ordered. Senator Bunde moved and asked unanimous consent to amend a prior excusal (page 1630) in order to be excused from a call of the Senate from February 8 through plane time, February 11. Without objection, Senator Bunde was excused. Senator Davis moved and asked unanimous consent to be excused from a call of the Senate from February 15 through plane time, February 17; and from March 21 through plane time, March 23. Without objection, Senator Davis was excused. Senator Olson moved and asked unanimous consent to be excused from a call of the Senate from evening plane time, January 25 through evening plane time, January 28. Without objection, Senator Olson was excused. 2008-01-23 Senate Journal Page 1664 Senator Wagoner moved and asked unanimous consent to amend a prior excusal (page 1602) in order to be excused from a call of the Senate from afternoon plane time, January 29 through plane time, February 4. Without objection, Senator Wagoner was excused. Senator Dyson moved and asked unanimous consent to be excused from a call of the Senate from afternoon plane time, January 25 through evening plane time, January 28. Without objection, Senator Dyson was excused. Senator Hoffman moved and asked unanimous consent to be excused from a call of the Senate from February 1 through morning plane time, February 4. Without objection, Senator Hoffman was excused. Senator Thomas moved and asked unanimous consent to be excused from a call of the Senate from evening plane time, February 8 through evening plane time, February 10. Without objection, Senator Thomas was excused. Announcements Announcements are at the end of the journal. Adjournment Senator Ellis moved that the Senate stand in adjournment until 11:00 a.m., January 25, 2008. Without objection, the Senate adjourned at 11:38 a.m. Kirsten Waid Secretary of the Senate 2008-01-23 Senate Journal Page 1665 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 24 Thursday Beltz 211 3:30 PM -- MEETING CANCELED -- Bills Previously Heard/Scheduled Jan 29 Tuesday Beltz 211 3:30 PM -- Meeting Postponed from 1/22/08 -- += SB 161 COASTAL MANAGEMENT PROGRAM Bills Previously Heard/Scheduled ---------------------------------------- FINANCE 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 Jan 25 Friday Senate Finance 532 9:00 AM + Commercial Passenger Vessel Tax Program Update Presentations by the Dept of Revenue and Department of Environmental Conservation 2008-01-23 Senate Journal Page 1666 HEALTH, EDUCATION & SOCIAL SERVICES Jan 23 Wednesday Butrovich 205 1:30 PM + SB 212 MEDICAL ASSISTANCE ELIGIBILITY Jan 25 Friday Butrovich 205 1:30 PM SB 245 HEALTH CARE: PLAN/COMMISSION/FACILITIES ---------------------------------------- JUDICIARY 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 24 Thursday Beltz 211 1:30 PM += SB 101 GUARDIANSHIP AND CONSERVATORS Bills Previously Heard/Scheduled ---------------------------------------- RESOURCES 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> -- 2008-01-23 Senate Journal Page 1667 RESOURCES (continued) Jan 25 Friday Butrovich 205 3:30 PM No Meeting Scheduled ---------------------------------------- STATE AFFAIRS Jan 24 Thursday Beltz 211 9:00 AM + SB 223 G.O. BONDS FOR CRIME LAB + HB 101 UNIFORM TRAFFIC LAWS <Bill Hearing Postponed> ---------------------------------------- TRANSPORTATION Jan 24 Thursday Butrovich 205 1:00 PM -- MEETING CANCELED -- Bills Previously Heard/Scheduled ---------------------------------------- FINANCE SUBCOMMITTEES ADMINISTRATION Jan 23 Wednesday Senate Finance 532 3:30 PM + Joint with House Administration Budget Overview - Commissioner Kreitzer ---------------------------------------- COMMERCE, COMMUNITY & ECONOMIC DEV Jan 28 Monday House Finance 519 12:15 PM Joint with House Commerce, Community & Economic Development Department Overview FY09 Budget Request Feb 01 Friday House Finance 519 12:15 PM Joint with House Commerce, Community & Economic Development FY09 Budget Request 2008-01-23 Senate Journal Page 1668 FINANCE SUBCOMMITTEES (continued) COMMERCE, COMMUNITY & ECONOMIC DEV (continued) Feb 08 Friday House Finance 519 12:15 PM Joint with House Commerce, Community & Economic Development FY09 Budget Request Feb 15 Friday House Finance 519 12:15 PM Joint with House Commerce, Community & Economic Development FY09 Budget Request ---------------------------------------- CORRECTIONS Jan 24 Thursday Fahrenkamp 203 8:00 AM + Corrections Budget FY08 Update Jan 28 Monday House Finance 519 12:00 PM Joint with House Corrections FY09 Dept of Corrections Budget ---------------------------------------- EDUCATION & EARLY DEVELOPMENT Jan 24 Thursday House Finance 519 5:00 PM Joint Meeting with House Subcommittee FY09 Budget Overview ---------------------------------------- ENVIRONMENTAL CONSERVATION Jan 24 Thursday House Finance 519 3:30 PM -- Please Note Time & Location Change -- Joint with House DEC DEC Budget Jan 29 Tuesday House Finance 519 3:30 PM Joint with House DEC Review of FY08 Initiatives, Programs & Supplemental Spending 2008-01-23 Senate Journal Page 1669 FINANCE SUBCOMMITTEES (continued) FISH & GAME Jan 24 Thursday Senate Finance 532 3:30 PM + Joint with House Fish & Game Budget Overview - Commissioner Lloyd ---------------------------------------- LABOR & WORKFORCE DEVELOPMENT Jan 23 Wednesday House Finance 519 5:15 PM Joint with House Labor & Workforce Development Workers' Compensation Division Labor Standards & Safety Division Employment Security Division Jan 28 Monday House Finance 519 5:15 PM Joint with House Labor & Workforce Development FY09 Budget Request Jan 30 Wednesday House Finance 519 5:15 PM Joint with House Labor & Workforce Development FY09 Budget Request Feb 04 Monday House Finance 519 5:15 PM Joint with House Labor & Workforce Development FY09 Budget Request Feb 06 Wednesday House Finance 519 5:15 PM Joint with House Labor & Workforce Development FY09 Budget Request Feb 11 Monday House Finance 519 5:15 PM Joint with House Labor & Workforce Development FY09 Budget Request 2008-01-23 Senate Journal Page 1670 FINANCE SUBCOMMITTEES (continued) LABOR & WORKFORCE DEVELOPMENT (continued) Feb 13 Wednesday House Finance 519 5:15 PM Joint with House Labor & Workforce Development FY09 Budget Request ---------------------------------------- MILITARY AND VETERANS AFFAIRS Feb 07 Thursday House Finance 519 12:00 PM + Joint with House Military & Veterans Affairs Budget Overview Presentation by General Campbell -- Testimony <Invitation Only> -- ---------------------------------------- NATURAL RESOURCES Jan 29 Tuesday Fahrenkamp 203 4:00 PM FY09 Budget Overview Feb 05 Tuesday Fahrenkamp 203 4:00 PM FY09 Budget Overview Feb 12 Tuesday Fahrenkamp 203 4:00 PM FY09 Budget Overview Feb 19 Tuesday Fahrenkamp 203 4:00 PM FY09 Budget Overview Mar 04 Tuesday Fahrenkamp 203 4:00 PM FY09 Budget Closeout ---------------------------------------- TRANSPORTATION & PUBLIC FACILITIES Jan 31 Thursday Senate Finance 532 4:00 PM Department Budget Overview ---------------------------------------- 2008-01-23 Senate Journal Page 1671 SPECIAL COMMITTEES SPECIAL COMMITTEE ON EDUCATION Jan 30 Wednesday Butrovich 205 8:00 AM + SCR 15 AMEND UNIFORM RULES: STANDING COMMITTEES + SB 240 EDUCATION FUNDING Feb 01 Friday Butrovich 205 8:00 AM + SCR 16 EDUCATION FUNDING/COST FACTOR COMMISSION + SB 241 UNIV. REPORT: TEACHER TRAINING/RETENTION Feb 02 Saturday Butrovich 205 10:00 AM + Bills Previously Heard/Scheduled ---------------------------------------- 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 ---------------------------------------- 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) ---------------------------------------- 2008-01-23 Senate Journal Page 1672 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