Legislature(2007 - 2008)
2008-03-06 Senate Journal
Full Journal pdf2008-03-06 Senate Journal Page 2117 SENATE JOURNAL ALASKA STATE LEGISLATURE TWENTY-FIFTH LEGISLATURE SECOND SESSION Juneau, Alaska Thursday March 6, 2008 Fifty-second Day Pursuant to adjournment the Senate was called to order by President Green at 11:06 a.m. The roll showed fourteen members present. Senators Dyson, Huggins, McGuire, Stedman, Wagoner were excused from a call of the Senate. Senator Therriault was absent. The prayer was offered by the Chaplain, Pastor Jesse Perry of Northern Light United Church. Senator Hoffman moved and asked unanimous consent that the prayer be spread. Without objection, it was so ordered. Days lengthen fast as spring rushes upon us, O God. The sights and sounds around us Declare the changing seasons, And remind us that we are pilgrims all. As the light grows Give us the open minds of students, Eager to learn From the new light of each new day, Ready to be transformed By what we experience in the days, hours, And moments ahead. And finally, Give us the vision of prophets, Of those who find hope in dark and doubtful times. 2008-03-06 Senate Journal Page 2118 Make us women and men Who see the hungry, and know how to fill them; Who see the lost, and know how to find them; Who see our common hope, And know how to make it blossom. Amen. Senator Bunde led the Senate in the Pledge of Allegiance. Certification Senator Ellis moved and asked unanimous consent that the journal for the fifty-first legislative day be approved as certified by the Secretary. Without objection, it was so ordered. Communications Disclosure letters received in accordance with AS 24.60 will be published in Senate Journal Supplement No. 5 and House and Senate Joint Journal Supplement No. 14. Introduction and Reference of Senate Bills SB 300 SENATE BILL NO. 300 BY THE SENATE HEALTH, EDUCATION AND SOCIAL SERVICES COMMITTEE, entitled: "An Act establishing the Alaska Health Care Commission and the Alaska health care information office; relating to health care planning and information; and providing for an effective date." was read the first time and referred to the Health, Education and Social Services and Finance Committees. 2008-03-06 Senate Journal Page 2119 Consideration of the Calendar Second Reading of Senate Bills SB 216 SENATE BILL NO. 216 "An Act designating the Alaska Highway and portion of the Richardson Highway as the Purple Heart Trail" was read the second time. Senator Kookesh, Chair, moved and asked unanimous consent for the adoption of the Transportation Committee Substitute offered on page 1805. Without objection, CS FOR SENATE BILL NO. 216(TRA) was adopted. President Green stated CS FOR SENATE BILL NO. 216(TRA) will advance to third reading on the March 10 calendar. Second Reading of House Bills HB 176 CS FOR HOUSE BILL NO. 176(RES) "An Act creating the Fort Rousseau Causeway State Historical Park" was read the second time. President Green stated CS FOR HOUSE BILL NO. 176(RES) will advance to third reading on the March 10 calendar. Third Reading of House Bills HB 259 HOUSE BILL NO. 259(efd add) was read the third time. The question being: "Shall HOUSE BILL NO. 259(efd add) "An Act establishing the first week of every March as Alaska History Week; and providing for an effective date" pass the Senate?" The roll was taken with the following result: 2008-03-06 Senate Journal Page 2120 HB 259(efd add) Third Reading - Final Passage Effective Date YEAS: 14 NAYS: 0 EXCUSED: 5 ABSENT: 1 Yeas: Bunde, Cowdery, Davis, Ellis, Elton, French, Green, Hoffman, Kookesh, Olson, Stevens, Thomas, Wielechowski, Wilken Excused: Dyson, Huggins, McGuire, Stedman, Wagoner Absent: Therriault and so, HOUSE BILL NO. 259(efd add) passed the Senate. Senator Ellis moved and asked unanimous consent that the vote on the passage of the bill be considered the vote on the effective date clause. Without objection, it was so ordered and the bill was signed by the President and Secretary and returned to the House. Citations Honoring - Anchorage Christian School 2007 1-2-3A State Wrestling Champions Representative(s) Meyer Senator(s) Cowdery, Green, Bunde, Davis, Dyson, Ellis, Elton, French, Hoffman, Huggins, Kookesh, McGuire, Olson, Stedman, Stevens, Therriault, Thomas, Wagoner, Wielechowski, Wilken Honoring - Anchorage Christian School 2007 Girls State Track and Field 1-2-3A Team Award Representative(s) Meyer Senator(s) Cowdery, Green, Bunde, Davis, Dyson, Ellis, Elton, French, Hoffman, Huggins, Kookesh, McGuire, Olson, Stedman, Stevens, Therriault, Thomas, Wagoner, Wielechowski, Wilken Commemorating Law Enforcement Memorial Day May 9, 2008 Representative(s) Harris Senator(s) Therriault, Green, Bunde, Cowdery, Davis, Dyson, Ellis, Elton, Hoffman, Huggins, Kookesh, McGuire, Olson, Stedman, Stevens, Thomas, Wagoner, Wielechowski, Wilken 2008-03-06 Senate Journal Page 2121 In Memoriam - Shirley LeDoux Representative(s) LeDoux Senator(s) Stevens, Green, Bunde, Cowdery, Davis, Dyson, Ellis, Elton, French, Hoffman, Huggins, Kookesh, McGuire, Olson, Stedman, Therriault, Thomas, Wagoner, Wielechowski, Wilken Senator Ellis moved and asked unanimous consent that the citations be adopted. Without objection, the citations were adopted and referred to the Secretary for transmittal. Senator Ellis moved and asked unanimous consent that the following citations be made a special order of business. Without objection, it was so ordered. Special Order of Business Honoring - James L. Grant, Sr. Senator(s) Kookesh, Green, Bunde, Cowdery, Davis, Dyson, Ellis, Elton, Hoffman, Huggins, McGuire, Olson, Stedman, Stevens, Therriault, Thomas, Wagoner, Wielechowski, Wilken Representative(s) Salmon In Memoriam - Chief David Salmon Senator(s) Kookesh, Green, Bunde, Cowdery, Davis, Dyson, Ellis, Elton, Hoffman, Huggins, McGuire, Olson, Stedman, Stevens, Therriault, Thomas, Wagoner, Wielechowski, Wilken Representative(s) Salmon Senator Ellis moved and asked unanimous consent that the citations be adopted. Without objection, the citations were adopted and referred to the Secretary for transmittal. Unfinished Business Senator Ellis moved and asked unanimous consent that Senator Therriault be excused from a call of the Senate today. Without objection, Senator Therriault was excused. 2008-03-06 Senate Journal Page 2122 Senators French, Ellis moved and asked unanimous consent to be excused from a call of the Senate on March 10 to morning plane time. Without objection, Senators French, Ellis were excused. SB 216 Senators Wielechowski, Stevens, Kookesh, Davis, French, Bunde, Hoffman, Elton, Green moved and asked unanimous consent to be shown as cosponsors on SENATE BILL NO. 216 "An Act designating the Alaska Highway and portion of the Richardson Highway as the Purple Heart Trail." Without objection, it was so ordered. SB 297 President Green added a Labor and Commerce Committee referral to SENATE BILL NO. 297 "An Act relating to the compensation for certain public officials, officers, and employees not covered by collective bargaining agreements; relating to pay increments for longevity in state service; and providing for an effective date." The bill was referred to the Labor and Commerce, then Finance Committees. Announcements Announcements are at the end of the journal. Adjournment Senator Ellis moved and asked unanimous consent that the Senate stand in adjournment until 11:00 a.m., March 10, 2008. Without objection, the Senate adjourned at 11:26 a.m. Kirsten Waid Secretary of the Senate 2008-03-06 Senate Journal Page 2123 Announcements Americans with Disabilities Act Notice - Persons with disabilities who require special accommodation or alternative communication formats to access committee meetings may contact the appropriate committee office or the Legislative Information Office in their community. Reasonable advance notice is needed to accommodate the request. For further information, call the ADA Coordinator at 465-3854 Voice/465-4980 TDD. STANDING COMMITTEES + indicates teleconference = indicates bill previously heard/scheduled COMMUNITY & REGIONAL AFFAIRS Mar 06 Thursday Beltz 211 3:30 PM No Meeting Scheduled Mar 11 Tuesday Beltz 211 3:30 PM No Meeting Scheduled Mar 13 Thursday Beltz 211 3:30 PM No Meeting Scheduled ---------------------------------------- FINANCE Mar 06 Thursday Senate Finance 532 9:00 AM -- MEETING CANCELED -- + Bills Previously Heard/Scheduled Mar 07 Friday Senate Finance 532 9:00 AM -- MEETING CANCELED -- + Bills Previously Heard/Scheduled Mar 10 Monday Senate Finance 532 9:00 AM + HB 310 APPROP: OPERATING BUDGET/LOANS/FUNDS + HB 312 APPROP: MENTAL HEALTH BUDGET + SB 221 BUDGET: CAPITAL, SUPP. & OTHER APPROPS + Department Presentations: Transportation & Public Facilities Environmental Conservation Natural Resources + Bills Previously Heard/Scheduled 2008-03-06 Senate Journal Page 2124 FINANCE (continued) Mar 10 Monday Senate Finance 532 1:30 PM SB 289 HOME ENERGY CONSERVATION <Pending Referral> SB 285 STATE INTERVENTION IN SCHOOL DISTRICT HB 260 STATE OFFICERS COMPENSATION COMMISSION Bills Previously Heard/Scheduled Mar 11 Tuesday Senate Finance 532 9:00 AM + SB 221 BUDGET: CAPITAL, SUPP. & OTHER APPROPS + Department Presentations: Departments to be Announced + Bills Previously Heard/Scheduled Mar 12 Wednesday Senate Finance 532 9:00 AM + SB 221 BUDGET: CAPITAL, SUPP. & OTHER APPROPS + Department Presentations: Departments to be Announced + Bills Previously Heard/Scheduled Mar 12 Wednesday Senate Finance 532 1:30 PM + SB 120 UNEMPLOYMENT COMPENSATION BENEFITS + SB 246 SUSITNA HYDRO WORKING GROUP; REPORT + Bills Previously Heard/Scheduled Mar 13 Thursday Senate Finance 532 9:00 AM + SB 221 BUDGET: CAPITAL, SUPP. & OTHER APPROPS + Department Presentations: Departments to be Announced + Bills Previously Heard/Scheduled Mar 13 Thursday Senate Finance 532 5:00 PM += SB 221 BUDGET: CAPITAL, SUPP. & OTHER APPROPS Statewide Public Testimony + Bills Previously Heard/Scheduled Mar 14 Friday Senate Finance 532 9:00 AM + SB 221 BUDGET: CAPITAL, SUPP. & OTHER APPROPS + Department Presentations: Departments to be Announced + SB 209 EXTEND ALASKA COMMISSION ON AGING + SB 243 COMMISSION ON AGING + SB 254 AK REGIONAL ECONOMIC ASSISTANCE PROGRAM + Bills Previously Heard/Scheduled 2008-03-06 Senate Journal Page 2125 FINANCE (continued) Mar 14 Friday Senate Finance 532 1:30 PM + Bills Previously Heard/Scheduled Mar 15 Saturday Senate Finance 532 10:00 AM + Bills Previously Heard/Scheduled ---------------------------------------- HEALTH, EDUCATION & SOCIAL SERVICES Mar 07 Friday Butrovich 205 1:30 PM + HESS Confirmation Hearing + Best Beginnings Report & Presentation by Abbe Hensley + Bills Previously Heard/Scheduled Mar 10 Monday Butrovich 205 1:30 PM + SB 149 REDISTRIBUTION OF USED EYEGLASSES + SCR 19 GOVERNOR'S SUMMIT ON EARLY LEARNING Bills Previously Heard/Scheduled += SB 107 NATUROPATHS Mar 12 Wednesday Butrovich 205 1:30 PM + SB 300 HEALTH CARE: PLAN/COMMISSION/FACILITIES Bills Previously Heard/Scheduled += SB 245 HEALTH CARE: PLAN/COMMISSION/FACILITIES Mar 14 Friday Butrovich 205 1:30 PM + SB 280 MEDICAID/ INS FOR CANCER CLINICAL TRIALS + SB 288 PESTICIDES/BROADCAST CHEMICALS IN SCHOOLS + SJR 18 CHILD PRODUCT SAFETY + Bills Previously Heard/Scheduled ---------------------------------------- JUDICIARY Mar 07 Friday Beltz 211 1:30 PM -- MEETING CANCELED -- + Bills Previously Heard/Scheduled Mar 10 Monday Beltz 211 1:30 PM += HB 165 BIG GAME GUIDES AND TRANSPORTERS += SB 273 CRUELTY TO ANIMALS + Bills Previously Heard/Scheduled 2008-03-06 Senate Journal Page 2126 JUDICIARY (continued) Mar 12 Wednesday Beltz 211 1:30 PM + SB 264 PARTIAL-BIRTH ABORTION + HB 268 MOTOR VEHICLE ARSON ON PUBLIC LAND + Bills Previously Heard/Scheduled Mar 14 Friday Beltz 211 1:30 PM + Confirmation Hearing: Alaska Public Offices Commission += SB 235 ALCOHOL: LOCAL OPTION/LICENSING/MINORS + Bills Previously Heard/Scheduled ---------------------------------------- LABOR & COMMERCE Mar 06 Thursday Beltz 211 1:30 PM -- Meeting Postponed to 2:30 p.m.-- Bills Previously Heard/Scheduled += HB 233 UNCLAIMED PHONE/ELEC COOP DISTRIBUTIONS += HJR 16 OPPOSING MILK TAX Mar 08 Saturday Beltz 211 10:00 AM -- MEETING CANCELED -- -- Time Change -- Bills Previously Heard/Scheduled Mar 11 Tuesday Beltz 211 1:30 PM + SB 294 RCA POSITIONS AND SALARIES + SB 297 NONUNION PUBLIC EMPLOYEE SALARY & BENEFIT Bills Previously Heard/Scheduled Including But Not Limited to: += SB 160 MANDATORY UNIVERSAL HEALTH CARE += SB 289 HOME ENERGY CONSERVATION += HJR 25 SUPPORTING RIGHT TO FORM LABOR UNIONS Mar 13 Thursday Beltz 211 1:30 PM Bills Previously Heard/Scheduled Including But Not Limited to: += HB 65 PERSONAL INFORMATION & CONSUMER CREDIT Mar 15 Saturday Beltz 211 1:30 PM Bills Previously Heard/Scheduled ---------------------------------------- 2008-03-06 Senate Journal Page 2127 RESOURCES Mar 07 Friday Butrovich 205 3:30 PM No Meeting Scheduled Mar 10 Monday Butrovich 205 3:30 PM += SB 214 HUNTING BY MEMBERS OF THE MILITARY + HB 267 WILDLIFE VIOLATOR COMPACT + Bills Previously Heard/Scheduled -- Testimony <Time Limit May Be Set> -- Mar 11 Tuesday Butrovich 205 5:30 PM -- Note Meeting Date & Time -- + SB 284 BOARD OF FISHERIES: MEMBERSHIP Bills Previously Heard/Scheduled -- Testimony <Time Limit May Be Set> -- Mar 12 Wednesday Butrovich 205 3:30 PM + Presentation: Cook Inlet Gas: Contracts & Storage; Bullet Line Discussion Enstar -- Testimony <Invitation Only> -- + Bills Previously Heard/Scheduled Mar 14 Friday Butrovich 205 3:30 PM + Presentation: AGIA/Gasline Update Steve Porter, LB&A Consultant -- Testimony <Invitation Only> -- += SJR 17 OFFSHORE OIL & GAS REVENUE + Bills Previously Heard/Scheduled Mar 15 Saturday Butrovich 205 11:00 AM = SJR 17 OFFSHORE OIL & GAS REVENUE -- Testimony <Time Limit May Be Set> -- Bills Previously Heard/Scheduled ---------------------------------------- STATE AFFAIRS Mar 06 Thursday Beltz 211 9:00 AM No Meeting Scheduled Mar 11 Tuesday Beltz 211 9:00 AM += HB 15 BOARD OF FISHERIES CONFLICTS OF INTEREST += SB 296 CRIME VICTIM COMPENSATION FUND + SB 278 VETERAN INFO ON PFD APPLICATIONS + HB 284 PFD ALLOWABLE ABSENCE: FELLOWSHIPS + Bills Previously Heard/Scheduled 2008-03-06 Senate Journal Page 2128 STATE AFFAIRS (continued) Mar 13 Thursday Beltz 211 9:00 AM + SB 153 PEACE OFFICERS/FIRE FIGHTER RETIREMENT + HB 296 EXTENDING BOARD OF PAROLE + HB 286 IMPERSONATING A PUBLIC SERVANT + HB 88 TVS AND MONITORS IN MOTOR VEHICLES + Bills Previously Heard/Scheduled ---------------------------------------- TRANSPORTATION Mar 06 Thursday Butrovich 205 1:00 PM No Meeting Scheduled Mar 11 Tuesday Butrovich 205 1:00 PM No Meeting Scheduled Mar 13 Thursday Butrovich 205 1:00 PM No Meeting Scheduled ---------------------------------------- FINANCE SUBCOMMITTEES ADMINISTRATION Mar 10 Monday Senate Finance 532 4:00 PM -- MEETING CANCELED -- + Budget Close-out Mar 11 Tuesday Senate Finance 532 3:30 PM + Budget Close-out ---------------------------------------- CORRECTIONS Mar 11 Tuesday Fahrenkamp 203 8:00 AM + FY09 Budget Close-out ---------------------------------------- COURT SYSTEM Mar 11 Tuesday Beltz 211 5:00 PM + FY09 Budget Close-out ---------------------------------------- 2008-03-06 Senate Journal Page 2129 FINANCE SUBCOMMITTEES (continued) EDUCATION & EARLY DEVELOPMENT Mar 07 Friday Butrovich 205 8:00 AM -- MEETING CANCELED -- FY09 Budget Overview Mar 12 Wednesday Butrovich 205 12:00 PM Close-out ---------------------------------------- ENVIRONMENTAL CONSERVATION Mar 10 Monday Beltz 211 4:30 PM + FY09 Budget Close-out ---------------------------------------- FISH & GAME Mar 10 Monday Senate Finance 532 3:00 PM Close-out ---------------------------------------- GOVERNOR Mar 12 Wednesday Senate Finance 532 3:00 PM Close-out Meeting ---------------------------------------- HEALTH & SOCIAL SERVICES Mar 06 Thursday Senate Finance 532 1:00 PM -- Time Change -- + Department Budget Close-out -- Testimony <Invitation Only> -- ---------------------------------------- LAW Mar 11 Tuesday Fahrenkamp 203 1:30 PM Close-out ---------------------------------------- 2008-03-06 Senate Journal Page 2130 FINANCE SUBCOMMITTEES (continued) LEGISLATURE Mar 12 Wednesday Senate Finance 532 3:30 PM Close-out Meeting ---------------------------------------- NATURAL RESOURCES Mar 11 Tuesday Fahrenkamp 203 4:00 PM Close-out ---------------------------------------- REVENUE Mar 06 Thursday Fahrenkamp 203 1:30 PM -- MEETING CANCELED -- Budget Detail Mar 13 Thursday Fahrenkamp 203 1:30 PM Close-out ---------------------------------------- TRANSPORTATION & PUBLIC FACILITIES Mar 11 Tuesday Beltz 211 3:30 PM Close-out Mar 13 Thursday Beltz 211 3:30 PM Close-out ---------------------------------------- UNIVERSITY OF ALASKA Mar 13 Thursday Senate Finance 532 7:30 AM Budget Close-out ---------------------------------------- SPECIAL COMMITTEES SPECIAL COMMITTEE ON EDUCATION Mar 07 Friday Butrovich 205 8:00 AM -- MEETING CANCELED -- + Bills Previously Heard/Scheduled 2008-03-06 Senate Journal Page 2131 SPECIAL COMMITTEES (continued) SPECIAL COMMITTEE ON EDUCATION (continued) Mar 08 Saturday Butrovich 205 1:30 PM -- Meeting Postponed to 3/15/08 -- + Bills Previously Heard/Scheduled + Overview & Workshop on Charter Schools Mar 12 Wednesday Butrovich 205 8:00 AM + Presentation by the Yukon-Koyukuk School District: "School Success Project - A Success Plan for Alaska Schools" + Bills Previously Heard/Scheduled Mar 14 Friday Butrovich 205 8:00 AM + SB 290 SCHOOL CONSTRUCTION FUNDING + Bills Previously Heard/Scheduled Mar 15 Saturday Senate Finance 532 1:30 PM -- Location and Time Change -- -- Rescheduled from 03/08/08 -- + Bills Previously Heard/Scheduled + Overview & Workshop on Charter Schools ---------------------------------------- JOINT COMMITTEES LEGISLATIVE BUDGET & AUDIT Mar 11 Tuesday House Finance 519 8:30 AM Contracts Mar 25 Tuesday House Finance 519 8:30 AM Final Audits - FY08 Statewide Single Audit Dept. of Admin., AK Data Enterprise Reporting System Preliminary Audits - Dept. of Natural Resources, Matanuska Maid Dept. Environmental Conservation, Div. of Spill Prevention & Response ---------------------------------------- 2008-03-06 Senate Journal Page 2132 JOINT COMMITTEES (continued) LEGISLATIVE COUNCIL Mar 20 Thursday Senate Finance 532 5:00 PM FY07 Legislature Audit Cutting Edge Development, Inc. Contract Amendment Coldfoot Environmental Services, Inc. Contract Approval Goldstein Improvement Co. Lease Renewal Approval 90 Day Session Subcommittee Charitable Event Approval - Alaska Youth Choir Touring Dinner/Fundraiser ---------------------------------------- OTHER MEETINGS JOINT LEGISLATIVE HEALTH CAUCUS Mar 19 Wednesday Butrovich 205 12:00 PM -- MEETING CANCELED -- Measuring Success: Improving Health Indicators Apr 02 Wednesday Butrovich 205 12:00 PM High Quality, Low Cost ---------------------------------------- JOINT SESSION Mar 18 Tuesday House Chamber 11:00 AM -- Date Change -- Annual Address by the Honorable Lisa Murkowski, U.S. Senator ---------------------------------------- SENATE BIPARTISAN WORKING GROUP Mar 06 Thursday Senate Finance 532 11:00 AM -- Rescheduled to 03/13/08 -- Open Caucus on Affordable Housing Mar 13 Thursday Senate Finance 532 11:00 AM Open Caucus on Affordable Housing