Legislature(2007 - 2008)
2008-02-11 Senate Journal
Full Journal pdf2008-02-11 Senate Journal Page 1829 SENATE JOURNAL ALASKA STATE LEGISLATURE TWENTY-FIFTH LEGISLATURE SECOND SESSION Juneau, Alaska Monday February 11, 2008 Twenty-eighth Day Pursuant to adjournment the Senate was called to order by President Green at 11:06 a.m. The roll showed seventeen members present. Senator Cowdery was excused from a call of the Senate. Senators McGuire, Olson were absent. The prayer was offered by the Chaplain, Dr. Zimmerman of the Chapel by the Lake. Senator Hoffman moved and asked unanimous consent that the prayer be spread. Without objection, it was so ordered. Eternal and Gracious God, may we never take for granted the freedoms that are ours as citizens of the United States: freedom to choose those who will represent us, freedom to be governed by the vote of the majority, freedom for minorities to be represented and to speak. May the exercise of our heritage be honored and valued this day in this chamber. Grant wisdom and discernment to the members of this Senate as they do the people's work this day. May they speak with clarity, listen carefully, deliberate with integrity and discover solutions to the challenges now confronting the State of Alaska. May they never forget the concerns of all of our citizens: those in distant villages, those in the urban core, our children, our seniors, the hidden people. 2008-02-11 Senate Journal Page 1830 At the end of this day may they experience the satisfaction that comes when the docket has been completed and their work is done. Amen. Senator French led the Senate in the Pledge of Allegiance. Certification Senator Ellis moved and asked unanimous consent that the journals for the twenty-fifth through twenty-seventh legislative days be approved as certified by the Secretary. Without objection, it was so ordered. The presence of Senators Olson, McGuire was noted. Messages from the Governor Letter dated and received February 8 was read, stating the Governor has made the following change to appointments received January 30 (page 1736): Board of Game Teresa Sager-Albaugh is withdrawn Craig Fleener - Fort Yukon Term Begins: 3/1/2008 Term Expires: 3/1/2011 The appointment was referred to the Resources Committee. The resume for this appointment has been submitted to the Offices of the Senate Secretary and the Chief Clerk. Messages from the House HB 151 Message dated February 8 was read, stating the House concurred in the Senate amendment to CS FOR HOUSE BILL NO. 151(JUD), thus adopting: 2008-02-11 Senate Journal Page 1831 SENATE CS FOR CS FOR HOUSE BILL NO. 151(JUD) "An Act requiring an indemnification, defense, and hold harmless provision in construction- related professional services contracts of state agencies, quasi-public agencies, municipalities, and political subdivisions." Message dated February 8 was read, stating the House passed and transmitted for consideration: First Reading and Reference of House Bills HB 260 CS FOR HOUSE BILL NO. 260(STA) BY THE HOUSE STATE AFFAIRS COMMITTEE, entitled: "An Act relating to a State Officers Compensation Commission and establishing how legislators, the governor, the lieutenant governor, and executive department heads shall be compensated; providing for an effective date by repealing the effective dates of certain sections of ch. 124, SLA 1986; and providing for an effective date." was read the first time and referred to the State Affairs and Finance Committees. Standing Committee Reports SB 119 The Finance Committee considered SENATE BILL NO. 119 "An Act establishing a grant program to support public school libraries" and recommended it be replaced with CS FOR SENATE BILL NO. 119(FIN) "An Act relating to grant programs to support libraries." Signing do pass: Senators Hoffman, Stedman, Cochairs; Senators Elton, Thomas, Dyson, Olson. 2008-02-11 Senate Journal Page 1832 The following fiscal information was published today: Fiscal Note No. 2, zero, Department of Education and Early Development The bill was referred to the Rules Committee. SB 120 The Labor and Commerce Committee considered SENATE BILL NO. 120 "An Act relating to the calculation and payment of unemployment compensation benefits; and providing for an effective date" and recommended it be replaced with CS FOR SENATE BILL NO. 120(L&C) "An Act relating to disclosure of certain information from the records of the Department of Labor and Workforce Development and limiting the use of the disclosed information, and to the calculation and payment of unemployment compensation benefits; and providing for an effective date." Signing do pass: Senator Ellis, Chair; Senator Davis. Signing amend: Senator Stevens. The following fiscal information was published today: Fiscal Note No. 1, Department of Labor and Workforce Development The bill was referred to the Finance Committee. Introduction and Reference of Senate Bills SB 264 SENATE BILL NO. 264 BY SENATORS OLSON, Green, Huggins, entitled: "An Act relating to partial-birth abortions." was read the first time and referred to the Judiciary Committee. 2008-02-11 Senate Journal Page 1833 Consideration of the Calendar Second Reading of Senate Resolutions SJR 11 SENATE JOINT RESOLUTION NO. 11 Supporting federal funding for veterans' health care and urging the United States Congress to ensure adequate funding for veterans' health care, was read the second time. Senator Ellis moved and asked unanimous consent that the resolution be considered engrossed, advanced to third reading and placed on final passage. Without objection, it was so ordered. SENATE JOINT RESOLUTION NO. 11 was read the third time. Senators Therriault, Kookesh, Dyson, Thomas, Wagoner, Stevens, Bunde, Olson, Elton, McGuire, Wilken, Huggins, Ellis, Stedman, Hoffman, Green, Davis moved and asked unanimous consent to be shown as cosponsors on the resolution. Without objection, it was so ordered. The question being: "Shall SENATE JOINT RESOLUTION NO. 11 Supporting federal funding for veterans' health care and urging the United States Congress to ensure adequate funding for veterans' health care, pass the Senate?" The roll was taken with the following result: SJR 11 Third Reading - Final Passage YEAS: 19 NAYS: 0 EXCUSED: 1 ABSENT: 0 Yeas: Bunde, Davis, Dyson, Ellis, Elton, French, Green, Hoffman, Huggins, Kookesh, McGuire, Olson, Stedman, Stevens, Therriault, Thomas, Wagoner, Wielechowski, Wilken Excused: Cowdery and so, SENATE JOINT RESOLUTION NO. 11 passed the Senate and was referred to the Secretary for engrossment. 2008-02-11 Senate Journal Page 1834 SCR 17 SENATE CONCURRENT RESOLUTION NO. 17 was read the second time and was before the Senate on final passage. The question being: "Shall SENATE CONCURRENT RESOLUTION NO. 17 Relating to establishing March 2008 as Brain Injury Awareness Month, pass the Senate?" The roll was taken with the following result: SCR 17 Final Passage YEAS: 19 NAYS: 0 EXCUSED: 1 ABSENT: 0 Yeas: Bunde, Davis, Dyson, Ellis, Elton, French, Green, Hoffman, Huggins, Kookesh, McGuire, Olson, Stedman, Stevens, Therriault, Thomas, Wagoner, Wielechowski, Wilken Excused: Cowdery and so, SENATE CONCURRENT RESOLUTION NO. 17 passed the Senate and was referred to the Secretary for engrossment. Announcements Announcements are at the end of the journal. Engrossment SJR 11 SENATE JOINT RESOLUTION NO. 11 Supporting federal funding for veterans' health care and urging the United States Congress to ensure adequate funding for veterans' health care, was engrossed, signed by the President and Secretary and transmitted to the House for consideration. SCR 17 SENATE CONCURRENT RESOLUTION NO. 17 Relating to establishing March 2008 as Brain Injury Awareness Month, was engrossed, signed by the President and Secretary and transmitted to the House for consideration. 2008-02-11 Senate Journal Page 1835 Adjournment Senator Ellis moved and asked unanimous consent that the Senate stand in adjournment until 11:00 a.m., February 13, 2008. Without objection, the Senate adjourned at 11:42 a.m. Kirsten Waid Secretary of the Senate February 2008 2008-02-11 Senate Journal Page 1836 Announcements Americans with Disabilities Act Notice - Persons with disabilities who require special accommodation or alternative communication formats to access committee meetings may contact the appropriate committee office or the Legislative Information Office in their community. Reasonable advance notice is needed to accommodate the request. For further information, call the ADA Coordinator at 465-3854 Voice/465-4980 TDD. STANDING COMMITTEES + indicates teleconference = indicates bill previously heard/scheduled COMMUNITY & REGIONAL AFFAIRS Feb 12 Tuesday Beltz 211 3:30 PM += SB 204 MUNI TAX EXEMPTION: COMBAT DEATHS += SB 235 ALCOHOL: LOCAL OPTION/LICENSING/MINORS + SJR 15 DISAPPROVING KETCHIKAN ANNEXATION Bills Previously Heard/Scheduled Feb 14 Thursday Beltz 211 3:30 PM No Meeting Scheduled ---------------------------------------- FINANCE Feb 11 Monday Senate Finance 532 9:00 AM -- Recessed to 9:00 am 2/12/08 -- + SB 256 SUPPLEMENTAL/CAPITAL APPROPRIATIONS + Bills Previously Heard/Scheduled Feb 12 Tuesday Senate Finance 532 9:00 AM -- Continued from 02/11/08 -- += SB 256 SUPPLEMENTAL/CAPITAL APPROPRIATIONS Feb 13 Wednesday Senate Finance 532 9:00 AM + Revenue Forecast by Commissioner Galvin, Dept of Revenue + Bills Previously Heard/Scheduled 2008-02-11 Senate Journal Page 1837 FINANCE (continued) Feb 14 Thursday Senate Finance 532 9:00 AM + SB 196 PRESCRIPTION DATABASE + SB 255 SNETTISHAM REFUNDING BONDS + Bills Previously Heard/Scheduled Feb 15 Friday Senate Finance 532 9:00 AM + SB 240 EDUCATION FUNDING + HB 273 EDUCATION FUNDING <Pending Referral> + Bills Previously Heard/Scheduled Feb 16 Saturday Senate Finance 532 10:00 AM -- Please Note Time Change -- + Presentation: Alaska Mental Health Trust Authority Housing Trust, Bring the Kids Home Initiative, Crime, and Recidivism ---------------------------------------- HEALTH, EDUCATION & SOCIAL SERVICES Feb 11 Monday Butrovich 205 1:30 PM + SB 170 INSURANCE COVERAGE FOR WELL-BABY EXAMS + SB 181 ANATOMICAL GIFTS Bills Previously Heard/Scheduled Feb 13 Wednesday Butrovich 205 1:30 PM + SB 241 UNIV. REPORT: TEACHER TRAINING/RETENTION + SB 107 NATUROPATHS + SB 239 DENTISTS & DENTAL ASSISTANTS Bills Previously Heard/Scheduled Feb 15 Friday Capitol 106 1:30 PM + Joint with House HES Presentation: Bring the Kids Home ---------------------------------------- 2008-02-11 Senate Journal Page 1838 JUDICIARY Feb 11 Monday Beltz 211 1:30 PM += SB 211 AGGRAVATING FACTOR: HOMELESSNESS + Bills Previously Heard/Scheduled += SB 226 VEXATIOUS LITIGANTS += SB 247 MISSING PERSONS + Other Bills Previously Heard/Scheduled Feb 13 Wednesday Beltz 211 1:30 PM + Presentation: Status of Point Thomson Alaska Department of Law + Bills Previously Heard/Scheduled Feb 15 Friday Beltz 211 1:30 PM + HB 197 TRUSTS + Bills Previously Heard/Scheduled ---------------------------------------- LABOR & COMMERCE Feb 12 Tuesday Beltz 211 1:30 PM + Bills Previously Heard/Scheduled Including But Not Limited to: += SB 230 FILM OFFICE/ FILM PRODUCTION TAX CREDIT += HB 226 REPEAL TERMINATION OF STEP PROGRAM += HJR 25 SUPPORTING RIGHT TO FORM LABOR UNIONS += SB 187 ALASKA MINIMUM WAGE -- Rescheduled to 02/14/08 Feb 14 Thursday Beltz 211 1:30 PM + HB 233 UNCLAIMED PHONE/ELEC COOP DISTRIBUTIONS + Bills Previously Heard/Scheduled Including But Not Limited to: += SB 230 FILM OFFICE/ FILM PRODUCTION TAX CREDIT += SB 187 ALASKA MINIMUM WAGE Feb 16 Saturday Beltz 211 1:30 PM += HJR 25 SUPPORTING RIGHT TO FORM LABOR UNIONS <Above Item Removed from Agenda> Bills Previously Heard/Scheduled += HB 226 REPEAL TERMINATION OF STEP PROGRAM ---------------------------------------- 2008-02-11 Senate Journal Page 1839 RESOURCES Feb 11 Monday Butrovich 205 3:30 PM + Presentation: AGIA Applicant Alaska Gasline Port Authority -- Testimony <Invitation Only> -- + Bills Previously Heard/Scheduled Feb 13 Wednesday Butrovich 205 3:30 PM + SB 251 VESSEL PERMIT SYSTEM + SB 246 SUSITNA HYDRO WORKING GROUP; REPORT + SB 248 SALMON PRODUCT DEVELOPMENT TAX CREDIT + Bills Previously Heard/Scheduled Feb 15 Friday Butrovich 205 3:30 PM + Presentation: AGIA Applicant AENERGIA -- Testimony <Invitation Only> -- + Bills Previously Heard/Scheduled Feb 16 Saturday Butrovich 205 11:00 AM + SB 253 BOARD OF GAME + SB 229 TANANA VALLEY FOREST/MINTO FLATS REFUGE + SB 237 MGMT OF SUSTAINABLE SALMON FISHERIES + Bills Previously Heard/Scheduled ---------------------------------------- STATE AFFAIRS Feb 12 Tuesday Beltz 211 9:00 AM += SB 185 SEX OFFENDER/CHILD KIDNAPPER REGISTRATION += SB 201 PUBLIC FINANCE WEBSITE + SB 257 ADMINISTRATIVE CODE/REGISTER DISTRIBUTION += HB 101 UNIFORM TRAFFIC LAWS + Bills Previously Heard/Scheduled Feb 14 Thursday Beltz 211 9:00 AM + SCR 15 AMEND UNIFORM RULES: STANDING COMMITTEES += SB 215 REQUIREMENTS FOR DRIVER'S LICENSE/I.D. + SB 202 PROHIBIT STATE SPENDING FOR REAL ID ACT + Bills Previously Heard/Scheduled ---------------------------------------- 2008-02-11 Senate Journal Page 1840 TRANSPORTATION Feb 12 Tuesday Butrovich 205 1:00 PM SB 164 USED MOTOR VEHICLE SALES SB 249 CAPSTONE AVIONICS FUND/LOANS Bills Previously Heard/Scheduled Feb 14 Thursday Butrovich 205 1:00 PM Bills Previously Heard/Scheduled ---------------------------------------- FINANCE SUBCOMMITTEES ADMINISTRATION Feb 19 Tuesday Senate Finance 532 3:00 PM + Overview: Governor's Amendments Q & A Mar 10 Monday Senate Finance 532 4:00 PM + Budget Close-out ---------------------------------------- COMMERCE, COMMUNITY & ECONOMIC DEV Feb 15 Friday House Finance 519 12:15 PM Joint with House FY09 Budget Request ---------------------------------------- COURT SYSTEM Feb 14 Thursday Fahrenkamp 203 3:00 PM + FY09 Budget Mental Health Trust Funds ---------------------------------------- EDUCATION & EARLY DEVELOPMENT Feb 11 Monday Fahrenkamp 203 12:00 PM FY09 Budget Overview 2008-02-11 Senate Journal Page 1841 FINANCE SUBCOMMITTEES (continued) EDUCATION & EARLY DEVELOPMENT (continued) Feb 15 Friday Butrovich 205 8:00 AM FY09 Budget Overview Feb 29 Friday Butrovich 205 8:00 AM FY09 Budget Overview Mar 07 Friday Butrovich 205 8:00 AM FY09 Budget Overview Mar 12 Wednesday Butrovich 205 12:00 PM FY09 Budget Overview ---------------------------------------- GOVERNOR Feb 12 Tuesday Senate Finance 532 4:00 PM Budget Subcommittee Meeting Mar 12 Wednesday Senate Finance 532 3:00 PM Close-out Meeting ---------------------------------------- HEALTH & SOCIAL SERVICES Feb 14 Thursday Fahrenkamp 203 8:00 AM + Department Budget - Explanation of Changes from Last Year's Budget -- Testimony <Invitation Only> -- Feb 28 Thursday Fahrenkamp 203 8:00 AM + Department Budget - Questions & Answers -- Testimony <Invitation Only> -- Mar 06 Thursday Senate Finance 532 12:30 PM + Department Budget Close-Out -- Testimony <Invitation Only> -- ---------------------------------------- 2008-02-11 Senate Journal Page 1842 FINANCE SUBCOMMITTEES (continued) LABOR & WORKFORCE DEVELOPMENT Feb 11 Monday House Finance 519 5:15 PM -- MEETING CANCELED -- Joint with House FY09 Budget Request Feb 13 Wednesday House Finance 519 5:15 PM -- MEETING CANCELED -- Joint with House FY09 Budget Request ---------------------------------------- LAW Feb 19 Tuesday Fahrenkamp 203 1:30 PM Budget Overview Feb 26 Tuesday Fahrenkamp 203 1:30 PM Budget Detail Mar 04 Tuesday Fahrenkamp 203 1:30 PM Budget Detail Mar 11 Tuesday Fahrenkamp 203 1:30 PM Close-out ---------------------------------------- LEGISLATURE Feb 12 Tuesday Senate Finance 532 4:30 PM Budget Subcommittee Meeting Mar 12 Wednesday Senate Finance 532 3:30 PM Close-out Meeting ---------------------------------------- MILITARY AND VETERANS AFFAIRS Mar 05 Wednesday Fahrenkamp 203 1:00 PM FY09 DMVA Budget Closeout 2008-02-11 Senate Journal Page 1843 FINANCE SUBCOMMITTEES (continued) NATURAL RESOURCES Feb 12 Tuesday Butrovich 205 4:00 PM -- Location Change -- FY09 Budget Overview Feb 19 Tuesday Fahrenkamp 203 4:00 PM FY09 Budget Overview Feb 26 Tuesday Fahrenkamp 203 4:00 PM FY09 Budget Overview Mar 04 Tuesday Fahrenkamp 203 4:00 PM FY09 Budget Closeout Mar 11 Tuesday Fahrenkamp 203 4:00 PM FY09 Budget Overview ---------------------------------------- PUBLIC SAFETY Feb 19 Tuesday Fahrenkamp 203 8:00 AM + Department Budget - Questions & Answers -- Testimony <Invitation Only> -- Mar 04 Tuesday Fahrenkamp 203 8:00 AM + Department Budget Close-Out -- Testimony <Invitation Only> -- ---------------------------------------- REVENUE Feb 21 Thursday Fahrenkamp 203 1:30 PM Budget Overview: Department of Revenue Feb 28 Thursday Fahrenkamp 203 1:30 PM Budget Detail Mar 06 Thursday Fahrenkamp 203 1:30 PM Budget Detail 2008-02-11 Senate Journal Page 1844 FINANCE SUBCOMMITTEES (continued) REVENUE (continued) Mar 13 Thursday Fahrenkamp 203 1:30 PM Close-out ---------------------------------------- TRANSPORTATION & PUBLIC FACILITIES Feb 14 Thursday Senate Finance 532 3:30 PM Finish FY09 Budget Overview Marine Highway System ---------------------------------------- UNIVERSITY OF ALASKA Feb 21 Thursday Senate Finance 532 7:30 AM Budget Overview: University of Alaska ---------------------------------------- SPECIAL COMMITTEES SPECIAL COMMITTEE ON EDUCATION Feb 13 Wednesday Butrovich 205 8:00 AM HB 192 LAYOFF/NONRETENTION OF TEACHERS Bills Previously Heard/Scheduled Including But Not Limited to: = SB 14 RAISE COMP. SCHOOL ATTENDANCE AGE Feb 15 Friday Butrovich 205 8:00 AM No Meeting Scheduled Feb 16 Saturday Butrovich 205 10:00 AM Bills Previously Heard/Scheduled ---------------------------------------- 2008-02-11 Senate Journal Page 1845 JOINT COMMITTEES ARMED SERVICES COMMITTEE Feb 12 Tuesday Senate Finance 532 1:00 PM Presentations by: Lt. General Douglas M. Frasier Alaska Army National Guard Alaska Air National Guard ---------------------------------------- OTHER MEETINGS JOINT LEGISLATIVE HEALTH CAUCUS Mar 19 Wednesday Butrovich 205 12:00 PM Measuring Success: Improving Health Indicators ---------------------------------------- JOINT SESSION Feb 19 Tuesday House Chamber 11:00 AM Annual Address by the Honorable Ted Stevens, U.S. Senator Mar 17 Monday House Chamber 11:00 AM Annual Address by the Honorable Lisa Murkowski, U.S. Senator ---------------------------------------- MISCELLANEOUS MEETINGS Feb 11 Monday Senate Finance 532 2:00 PM SCHOOL DISTRICT LEGISLATIVE FLY-IN Informal Q & A Session Regarding Alaska's Public School System