Legislature(2009 - 2010)
2009-01-21 Senate Journal
Full Journal pdf2009-01-21 Senate Journal Page 0017 SENATE JOURNAL ALASKA STATE LEGISLATURE TWENTY-SIXTH LEGISLATURE FIRST SESSION Juneau, Alaska Wednesday January 21, 2009 Second Day Pursuant to adjournment the Senate was called to order by President Stevens at 11:03 a.m. The roll showed fifteen members present. Senators Dyson, Wagoner were excused from a call of the Senate. Senators Davis, Elton, Kookesh were absent. Senator Ellis moved and asked unanimous consent that Senators Davis, Elton, Kookesh be excused from a call of the Senate today. Without objection, Senators Davis, Elton, Kookesh were excused. The prayer was offered by the Chaplain, The Reverend George Silides of the Holy Trinity Episcopal Church. Senator Hoffman moved and asked unanimous consent that the prayer be spread. Without objection, it was so ordered. O God from whom every blessing flows, we give you thanks for this new day. We give you thanks for this Great Land; abundant with every wealth of Nature, abundant with a wealth of heritage and culture and promise. Keep us ever mindful we pray, of our sacred duty to preserve that wealth and heritage for every generation, and to invest our skills and wisdom in the children of this land, that they might grow in strength and stature with hope and imagination undiminished. We give you thanks for all who labor unnoticed by the public eye, who advise and counsel those seated here who seek best how to serve the common good. Give them a 2009-01-21 Senate Journal Page 0018 sense of their purpose, an appreciation of the importance of their tasks, and the respect due them from those whose work they support. Upon those newly seated here we pray an abundance of your Grace, that their fresh vision and enthusiasm will renew the zeal and mission of this Body. For those re-elected or returning to their continuing work, we give thanks for their experience and steadying hand in these trying times. May alliances renewed and those forged afresh bear every good fruit to the betterment of every citizen of every village and town and city, of every class and status and stature, of every color and every culture, young and old alike. Amen. Senator Bunde led the Senate in the Pledge of Allegiance. Certification Senator Ellis moved and asked unanimous consent that the journal for the first legislative day be approved as certified by the Secretary. Without objection, it was so ordered. Messages from the Governor Letter submitted in compliance with AS 39.05.080 and Art. III, sec. 26 of the Alaska Constitution, dated December 11 was read, stating in accordance with AS 16.05.221(c) and AS 16.05.221(d), I submit the following names for legislative confirmation of appointment to the positions noted: Board of Fisheries Judge Karl S. Johnstone (Retired) Appointed: 12/5/2008 Term Expires: 6/30/2009 Board of Game Stanley "Stosh" Hoffman, Jr. Appointed: 11/13/2008 Term Expires: 3/1/2011 2009-01-21 Senate Journal Page 0019 The appointments were referred to the Resources Committee. The resumes for these appointments have been submitted to the Offices of the Senate Secretary and the Chief Clerk. Messages from the House Message dated January 14 was read, stating: The House of Representatives respectfully invites the Senate to a Joint Session of the Twenty-sixth Alaska Legislature at 11:00 a.m. on Thursday, February 19 for the purpose of hearing Senator Murkowski's annual message to the Legislature. Senator Ellis moved and asked unanimous consent that the Senate accept the House invitation to meet in Joint Session. Without objection, it was so ordered. The Secretary was requested to notify the House. Communications The following reports are on file in the Office of the Secretary of the Senate: Alaska Annual Report on Activities of the National Conference of Commissioners on Uniform State Laws, dated September 25, 2008 from Deborah E. Behr, Alaska Uniform Law Commissioner Office of the Attorney General, Department of Law Public Decisions Volume XII, January 1, 2008 - December 31, 2008 from Herman G. Walker, Jr., Chair Select Committee on Legislative Ethics in accordance with AS 24.60.150 2009-01-21 Senate Journal Page 0020 2008 Report Listing Alaska Statutes with Delayed Repeals or Delayed Amendments and Examining Court Decisions and Opinions of the Attorney General Construing Alaska Statutes from Division of Legal and Research Services Legislative Affairs Agency in accordance with AS 24.20.065(b) Fourth Annual Report to the Legislature dated January 8, 2009 National Pollutant Discharge Elimination System Wastewater Discharge Program from Larry Hartig, Commissioner Department of Environmental Conservation in accordance with Chapter 95, SLA 2005 Cruise Ship Dilution Study, Preliminary Report from Lynn J. Tomich Kent, Director, Division of Water Department of Environmental Conservation in accordance with Chapter 29, SLA 2008 The following Budget and Audit Reports were received from Pat Davidson, Legislative Auditor, in accordance with AS 24.20.311 and are on file in the Office of the Secretary of the Senate: Condensed 2008 Annual Report from the Legislative Budget & Audit Committee Unabridged 2008 Annual Report from the Legislative Budget & Audit Committee Department of Commerce, Community and Economic Development Alaska Energy Authority Rural Power System Upgrade Program Procurement Issues, dated August 15, 2008 Department of Commerce, Community and Economic Development State Board of Registration for Architects, Engineers, and Land Surveyors, dated September 22, 2008 2009-01-21 Senate Journal Page 0021 Department of Commerce, Community and Economic Development Board of Veterinary Examiners, dated September 22, 2008 Department of Natural Resources, Division of Agriculture Agricultural Revolving Loan Fund Matanuska Maid Part 2, dated September 22, 2008 Department of Health and Social Services, Division of Public Health Training Policies and Practices Related to Reporting Suspected Statutory Rape, dated April 28, 2008 Summary of a Sunset Review of the Department of Commerce, Community and Economic Development Board of Public Accountancy, dated December 1, 2008 Report available at: http://www.legaudit.state.ak.us/ Introduction and Reference of Senate Resolutions SJR 1 SENATE JOINT RESOLUTION NO. 1 BY SENATOR MENARD, Proposing amendments to the Constitution of the State of Alaska relating to terms of legislators. (Prefile released January 9, 2009) was read the first time and referred to the Community and Regional Affairs, State Affairs and Judiciary Committees. SJR 2 SENATE JOINT RESOLUTION NO. 2 BY SENATOR DAVIS, Urging the United States Congress to establish a federal program to rebuild student access to public higher education in Alaska and elsewhere and to appropriate sufficient funding for that purpose. was read the first time and referred to the Education Committee. 2009-01-21 Senate Journal Page 0022 SCR 1 SENATE CONCURRENT RESOLUTION NO. 1 BY SENATOR MCGUIRE, Relating to establishing March 2009 as Brain Injury Awareness Month. was read the first time and referred to the Health and Social Services Committee. Introduction and Reference of Senate Bills SB 1 SENATE BILL NO. 1 BY SENATORS WIELECHOWSKI, ELLIS, THOMAS, DAVIS, AND FRENCH, entitled: "An Act increasing the minimum hourly wage, and creating an annual adjustment to the minimum hourly wage based on the rate of inflation; and providing for an effective date." (Prefile released January 9, 2009) was read the first time and referred to the Labor and Commerce and Finance Committees. SB 2 SENATE BILL NO. 2 BY SENATORS WIELECHOWSKI, Therriault, entitled: "An Act relating to the establishment and maintenance of an Internet website providing public finance information, and identifying the information to be available on the Internet website." (Prefile released January 9, 2009) was read the first time and referred to the State Affairs and Finance Committees. 2009-01-21 Senate Journal Page 0023 SB 3 SENATE BILL NO. 3 BY SENATOR OLSON, entitled: "An Act authorizing an Alaska regional development organization to use the Alaska Commercial Fisheries Entry Commission as an informational resource." (Prefile released January 9, 2009) was read the first time and referred to the Community and Regional Affairs and Resources Committees. SB 4 SENATE BILL NO. 4 BY SENATOR OLSON, entitled: "An Act relating to the Alaska coastal management program; and establishing the Alaska Coastal Policy Board." (Prefile released January 9, 2009) was read the first time and referred to the Community and Regional Affairs, Resources and Finance Committees. SB 5 SENATE BILL NO. 5 BY SENATORS DYSON AND THERRIAULT, entitled: "An Act relating to partial-birth abortions." (Prefile released January 9, 2009) was read the first time and referred to the Health and Social Services and Judiciary Committees. SB 6 SENATE BILL NO. 6 BY SENATORS DYSON AND THERRIAULT, entitled: "An Act relating to notice and consent for a minor's abortion; relating to penalties for performing an abortion; relating to a judicial bypass procedure for an abortion; relating to coercion of a minor to have 2009-01-21 Senate Journal Page 0024 an abortion; relating to reporting of abortions performed on minors; and amending Rule 220, Alaska Rules of Appellate Procedure, and Rule 20, Alaska Probate Rules, relating to judicial bypass for an abortion." (Prefile released January 9, 2009) was read the first time and referred to the Health and Social Services and Judiciary Committees. SB 7 SENATE BILL NO. 7 BY SENATOR DYSON, entitled: "An Act relating to and permitting certain uses and occupancies of real property that do not comply with changes made to municipal land use ordinances." (Prefile released January 9, 2009) was read the first time and referred to the Community and Regional Affairs and State Affairs Committees. SB 8 SENATE BILL NO. 8 BY SENATOR HOFFMAN, entitled: "An Act relating to the practice and licensing of psychologists." (Prefile released January 9, 2009) was read the first time and referred to the Education and Labor and Commerce Committees. SB 9 SENATE BILL NO. 9 BY SENATORS DYSON, Therriault, entitled: "An Act relating to state budget planning and priorities." (Prefile released January 9, 2009) was read the first time and referred to the State Affairs and Finance Committees. 2009-01-21 Senate Journal Page 0025 SB 10 SENATE BILL NO. 10 BY SENATOR DAVIS, entitled: "An Act requiring health care insurers to provide insurance coverage for medical care received by a patient during certain approved clinical trials designed to test and improve prevention, diagnosis, treatment, or palliation of cancer; directing the Department of Health and Social Services to provide Medicaid services to persons who participate in those clinical trials; relating to experimental procedures under a state plan offered by the Comprehensive Health Insurance Association; and providing for an effective date." (Prefile released January 9, 2009) was read the first time and referred to the Health and Social Services, Labor and Commerce and Finance Committees. SB 11 SENATE BILL NO. 11 BY SENATOR DAVIS, entitled: "An Act relating to health care insurance coverage of a dependent child who is less than 26 years of age and making a conforming age amendment in the statute describing health insurance policies that may be delivered or issued in this state." (Prefile released January 9, 2009) was read the first time and referred to the Health and Social Services, Labor and Commerce and Finance Committees. SB 12 SENATE BILL NO. 12 BY SENATOR DAVIS, entitled: "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." (Prefile released January 9, 2009) was read the first time and referred to the Health and Social Services, Labor and Commerce and Finance Committees. 2009-01-21 Senate Journal Page 0026 SB 13 SENATE BILL NO. 13 BY SENATORS DAVIS, Ellis, entitled: "An Act relating to eligibility requirements for medical assistance for certain children and pregnant women; and providing for an effective date." (Prefile released January 9, 2009) was read the first time and referred to the Health and Social Services and Finance Committees. SB 14 SENATE BILL NO. 14 BY SENATOR DAVIS, entitled: "An Act expanding the motor fuel tax suspension period." (Prefile released January 9, 2009) was read the first time and referred to the Labor and Commerce, Transportation and Finance Committees. SB 15 SENATE BILL NO. 15 BY SENATOR DYSON, entitled: "An Act relating to abortion, fetal pain, anesthesia, and informed consent; and providing for an effective date." (Prefile released January 9, 2009) was read the first time and referred to the Health and Social Services and Judiciary Committees. SB 16 SENATE BILL NO. 16 BY SENATOR DYSON, entitled: "An Act defining 'natural person,' 'human being,' 'child,' 'individual,' and 'born alive.'" (Prefile released January 9, 2009) 2009-01-21 Senate Journal Page 0027 was read the first time and referred to the Health and Social Services and Judiciary Committees. SB 17 SENATE BILL NO. 17 BY SENATOR THERRIAULT, entitled: "An Act relating to the Revised Uniform Limited Liability Company Act and to limited liability companies; amending Rules 8, 19, 22, 26, 79, and 82, Alaska Rules of Civil Procedure, and Rule 602, Alaska Rules of Appellate Procedure; and providing for an effective date." (Prefile released January 9, 2009) was read the first time and referred to the Labor and Commerce and Judiciary Committees. SB 18 SENATE BILL NO. 18 BY SENATORS WIELECHOWSKI, Thomas, Ellis, entitled: "An Act increasing the number of students pursuing a medical education who are provided postsecondary educational services and programs; and providing for an effective date." (Prefile released January 9, 2009) was read the first time and referred to the Education and Finance Committees. SB 19 SENATE BILL NO. 19 BY SENATORS FRENCH, Ellis, Therriault, entitled: "An Act relating to complaints concerning peace officers and village public safety officers and to notification to persons filing complaints concerning peace officers and village public safety officers." (Prefile released January 9, 2009) 2009-01-21 Senate Journal Page 0028 was read the first time and referred to the Community and Regional Affairs, State Affairs and Judiciary Committees. SB 20 SENATE BILL NO. 20 BY SENATORS FRENCH, Thomas, entitled: "An Act limiting the release of employee medical and rehabilitation records held or maintained by the state for purposes of the Alaska Workers' Compensation Act." (Prefile released January 9, 2009) was read the first time and referred to the Labor and Commerce and Judiciary Committees. SB 21 SENATE BILL NO. 21 BY SENATORS DAVIS, Ellis, entitled: "An Act requiring health care insurers to provide coverage for treatment of mental health, alcoholism, and substance abuse conditions, and requiring parity between health care insurance coverage for mental health, alcoholism, and substance abuse benefits and other medical care benefits; eliminating different treatment for mental health conditions from the minimum benefits of the state health insurance plan; removing an exclusion for mental health services or alcohol or drug abuse from the definition of basic health care services in the law relating to health maintenance organizations; repealing a provision that allows optional insurance coverage for treatment of alcoholism and drug abuse based on the number of employees and the duration of employment; repealing a definition of costs applicable solely to treatment for alcoholism and drug abuse, including a provision that allows the cost for treatment of alcoholism and drug abuse to be determined by the insurance contract or by a contract between the treatment provider and the health care insurer; repealing a definition of mental health benefits that excludes treatment of substance abuse or chemical dependency; and providing for an effective date." (Prefile released January 9, 2009) 2009-01-21 Senate Journal Page 0029 was read the first time and referred to the Health and Social Services, Labor and Commerce and Finance Committees. SB 22 SENATE BILL NO. 22 BY SENATOR ELTON, entitled: "An Act establishing a fee for disposable plastic bags distributed by retail sellers of goods or services to purchasers to carry away or protect goods; establishing the Alaska litter and marine debris reduction and recycling fund; and providing for an effective date." (Prefile released January 9, 2009) was read the first time and referred to the Resources and Finance Committees. SB 23 SENATE BILL NO. 23 BY SENATORS ELTON, Ellis, French, Wielechowski, Menard, entitled: "An Act repealing the defined contribution retirement plans for teachers and for public employees; providing a defined benefit retirement plan for teachers and public employees; making conforming amendments; and providing for an effective date." (Prefile released January 9, 2009) was read the first time and referred to the Labor and Commerce, State Affairs and Finance Committees. SB 24 SENATE BILL NO. 24 BY SENATOR STEDMAN, entitled: "An Act naming the bridge over Hammer Slough on Nordic Drive in Petersburg the Louis Miller Bridge." (Prefile released January 9, 2009) was read the first time and referred to the Transportation and Finance Committees. 2009-01-21 Senate Journal Page 0030 SB 25 SENATE BILL NO. 25 BY SENATOR STEDMAN, entitled: "An Act naming the South Mitkof Island ferry terminal the Richard 'Dewey' Duvall Ferry Terminal." (Prefile released January 9, 2009) was read the first time and referred to the Transportation and Finance Committees. SB 26 SENATE BILL NO. 26 BY SENATOR WAGONER, entitled: "An Act relating to the power cost reduction program and to the Alaska Energy Council; and providing for an effective date." (Prefile released January 9, 2009) was read the first time and referred to the Senate Special Committee on Energy, Resources and Finance Committees. SB 27 SENATE BILL NO. 27 BY SENATORS DAVIS, Ellis, entitled: "An Act relating to tuition waivers for a child who was in foster care; relating to eligibility for foster care and subsidy payments for a hard-to-place child; and amending the definition of 'child' in certain statutes." (Prefile released January 9, 2009) was read the first time and referred to the Health and Social Services, Labor and Commerce and Finance Committees. SB 28 SENATE BILL NO. 28 BY SENATOR DAVIS, entitled: "An Act relating to continuing the public education of a homeless student and to the purpose of certain laws as they relate to children." (Prefile released January 9, 2009) 2009-01-21 Senate Journal Page 0031 was read the first time and referred to the Education and Finance Committees. SB 29 SENATE BILL NO. 29 BY SENATORS ELTON, Ellis, Therriault, entitled: "An Act naming the Capitol Annex the Thomas B. Stewart Legislative Office Building." (Prefile released January 9, 2009) was read the first time and referred to the State Affairs Committee. SB 30 SENATE BILL NO. 30 BY SENATORS DYSON, Therriault, entitled: "An Act relating to the state budget, to performance of state agencies, including the judicial branch, and to missions and desired results to be applied to certain expenditures by state agencies; and providing for an effective date." (Prefile released January 9, 2009) was read the first time and referred to the State Affairs, Judiciary and Finance Committees. SB 31 SENATE BILL NO. 31 BY SENATORS MCGUIRE, Ellis, entitled: "An Act relating to a geothermal electricity production tax credit under the Alaska Net Income Tax Act." (Prefile released January 9, 2009) was read the first time and referred to the Senate Special Committee on Energy, Resources and Finance Committees. 2009-01-21 Senate Journal Page 0032 SB 32 SENATE BILL NO. 32 BY SENATOR ELLIS, entitled: "An Act relating to medical assistance payments for home and community-based services." (Prefile released January 9, 2009) was read the first time and referred to the Health and Social Services and Finance Committees. SB 33 SENATE BILL NO. 33 BY SENATOR ELLIS, entitled: "An Act creating a postsecondary scholarship grant program for Alaska residents based on high achievement and financial need." (Prefile released January 9, 2009) was read the first time and referred to the Education and Finance Committees. SB 34 SENATE BILL NO. 34 BY SENATOR DYSON, entitled: "An Act directing the Department of Transportation and Public Facilities to prepare a report on the feasibility of using compressed natural gas to power vehicles in the state, including vehicles owned or operated by the state, and including in that study, if warranted, a pilot program proposal for powering some vehicles owned or operated by the state with compressed natural gas." (Prefile released January 9, 2009) was read the first time and referred to the Transportation Committee, Senate Special Committee on Energy and Finance Committee. SB 35 SENATE BILL NO. 35 BY SENATORS DAVIS, Ellis, Therriault, entitled: 2009-01-21 Senate Journal Page 0033 "An Act extending the termination date of the Statewide Suicide Prevention Council; and providing for an effective date." (Prefile released January 9, 2009) was read the first time and referred to the Health and Social Services and Finance Committees. SB 36 SENATE BILL NO. 36 BY SENATOR THERRIAULT, entitled: "An Act relating to the security of certain data processing records of the executive branch and making the Department of Administration responsible for the security of those records." (Prefile released January 9, 2009) was read the first time and referred to the State Affairs and Finance Committees. SB 37 SENATE BILL NO. 37 BY SENATORS FRENCH, Ellis, entitled: "An Act relating to certain investments of the Alaska permanent fund, the state's retirement systems, the State of Alaska Supplemental Annuity Plan, and the deferred compensation program for state employees in companies that do business in Sudan, and restricting those investments." (Prefile released January 9, 2009) was read the first time and referred to the Senate Special Committee on World Trade, Technology, and Innovations, State Affairs and Finance Committees. 2009-01-21 Senate Journal Page 0034 SB 38 SENATE BILL NO. 38 BY SENATOR ELTON, entitled: "An Act relating to insurance; removing references, definitions, and confidentiality of information provisions relating to managed care entities, substituting health care insurers in the former role of managed care entities, and amending the definitions of 'covered person,' 'managed care plan,' and 'utilization review,' as those terms relate to the administration of managed care insurance plans; authorizing persons to act as pharmacy benefits managers subject to oversight by the division of insurance; and amending the definition of 'health care insurer' as it relates to health care insurance." (Prefile released January 9, 2009) was read the first time and referred to the Health and Social Services, Labor and Commerce and Finance Committees. SB 39 SENATE BILL NO. 39 BY SENATOR THERRIAULT, entitled: "An Act extending the termination date of the Board of Public Accountancy; and providing for an effective date." (Prefile released January 9, 2009) was read the first time and referred to the Labor and Commerce and Finance Committees. SB 40 SENATE BILL NO. 40 BY SENATOR THERRIAULT, entitled: "An Act extending the termination date of the Statewide Suicide Prevention Council; and providing for an effective date." (Prefile released January 9, 2009) was read the first time and referred to the Health and Social Services and Finance Committees. 2009-01-21 Senate Journal Page 0035 SB 41 SENATE BILL NO. 41 BY SENATOR ELLIS BY REQUEST, entitled: "An Act relating to cardiopulmonary resuscitation and first aid training for initial applicants for driver's licenses and instruction permits; and providing for an effective date." (Prefile released January 9, 2009) was read the first time and referred to the Health and Social Services and State Affairs Committees. SB 42 SENATE BILL NO. 42 BY SENATORS ELLIS, Wielechowski, entitled: "An Act relating to break times for employees who nurse a child." (Prefile released January 9, 2009) was read the first time and referred to the Labor and Commerce and Health and Social Services Committees. SB 43 SENATE BILL NO. 43 BY SENATOR MENARD, entitled: "An Act adding a second verse to the official Alaska state song." (Prefile released January 9, 2009) was read the first time and referred to the Community and Regional Affairs and State Affairs Committees. SB 44 SENATE BILL NO. 44 BY SENATOR MENARD, entitled: "An Act relating to the safe abandonment of infants." (Prefile released January 9, 2009) 2009-01-21 Senate Journal Page 0036 was read the first time and referred to the Health and Social Services and Judiciary Committees. SB 45 SENATE BILL NO. 45 BY SENATORS HUGGINS AND THERRIAULT, entitled: "An Act relating to state employment preferences for veterans, former prisoners of war, and members of the Alaska National Guard; authorizing the Department of Military and Veterans' Affairs to establish and maintain Alaska veterans' cemeteries; establishing the Alaska veterans' cemetery fund in the general fund; and authorizing the legislature to appropriate income from fees collected for commemorative veterans' plates to the Alaska veterans' cemetery fund." (Prefile released January 9, 2009) was read the first time and referred to the State Affairs, Labor and Commerce and Finance Committees. SB 46 SENATE BILL NO. 46 BY SENATOR KOOKESH, entitled: "An Act relating to child support awards made by a court; and repealing Rule 90.3, Alaska Rules of Civil Procedure." (Prefile released January 9, 2009) was read the first time and referred to the Health and Social Services, Judiciary and Finance Committees. SB 47 SENATE BILL NO. 47 BY SENATOR FRENCH, entitled: "An Act relating to the statute of limitations for certain sexual offenses and permitting causes of action for certain sexual offenses that would 2009-01-21 Senate Journal Page 0037 otherwise be barred by the statute of limitations to be brought during a certain one-year period." (Prefile released January 9, 2009) was read the first time and referred to the Health and Social Services and Judiciary Committees. SB 48 SENATE BILL NO. 48 BY SENATOR THERRIAULT, entitled: "An Act exempting municipal service area boards from the requirements of conducting meetings open to the public when meeting about road conditions affected by harsh weather." (Prefile released January 9, 2009) was read the first time and referred to the Community and Regional Affairs, Transportation and Judiciary Committees. SB 49 SENATE BILL NO. 49 BY SENATOR MCGUIRE, entitled: "An Act relating to an awareness fund and monetary donation program for blood donations." (Prefile released January 9, 2009) was read the first time and referred to the State Affairs and Finance Committees. SB 50 SENATE BILL NO. 50 BY SENATOR HUGGINS, entitled: "An Act relating to Iditarod finisher special request license plates." (Prefile released January 9, 2009) was read the first time and referred to the State Affairs and Finance Committees. 2009-01-21 Senate Journal Page 0038 SB 51 SENATE BILL NO. 51 BY SENATOR FRENCH, entitled: "An Act relating to the installation of window tinting in automobiles." (Prefile released January 9, 2009) was read the first time and referred to the Transportation and Judiciary Committees. SB 52 SENATE BILL NO. 52 BY SENATOR THERRIAULT, entitled: "An Act relating to scheduling Salvia divinorum and Salvinorin A as controlled substances." (Prefile released January 9, 2009) was read the first time and referred to the Health and Social Services, Judiciary and Finance Committees. SB 53 SENATE BILL NO. 53 BY SENATOR THERRIAULT, entitled: "An Act making special appropriations for bridge repairs and construction and road construction; and providing for an effective date." (Prefile released January 9, 2009) was read the first time and referred to the Transportation and Finance Committees. SB 54 SENATE BILL NO. 54 BY SENATORS WIELECHOWSKI, ELLIS, AND FRENCH, Thomas, entitled: "An Act making sales of and offers to sell certain energy resources by a refiner at prices that are exorbitant or excessive an unlawful act or practice under the Alaska Unfair Trade Practices and Consumer Protection Act." (Prefile released January 16, 2009) 2009-01-21 Senate Journal Page 0039 was read the first time and referred to the Senate Special Committee on Energy, Resources and Judiciary Committees. SB 55 SENATE BILL NO. 55 BY SENATORS THOMAS, Ellis, Therriault, entitled: "An Act authorizing the Department of Military and Veterans' Affairs to establish and maintain Alaska veterans' cemeteries, establishing the Alaska veterans' cemetery fund in the general fund, and authorizing appropriation of income from fees for special request plates commemorating Alaska veterans to that cemetery fund." (Prefile released January 16, 2009) was read the first time and referred to the State Affairs and Finance Committees. SB 56 SENATE BILL NO. 56 BY SENATOR THOMAS, entitled: "An Act making a special appropriation for a life sciences innovation and learning facility at the University of Alaska Fairbanks; and providing for an effective date." (Prefile released January 16, 2009) was read the first time and referred to the Education and Finance Committees. SB 57 SENATE BILL NO. 57 BY SENATORS THOMAS, Elton, entitled: "An Act relating to charter school funding." (Prefile released January 16, 2009) was read the first time and referred to the Education and Finance Committees. 2009-01-21 Senate Journal Page 0040 SB 58 SENATE BILL NO. 58 BY SENATOR MENARD, entitled: "An Act establishing February 2 of each year as Marmot Day; and providing for an effective date." (Prefile released January 16, 2009) was read the first time and referred to the State Affairs and Resources Committees. SB 59 SENATE BILL NO. 59 BY SENATOR STEDMAN, entitled: "An Act relating to the operation of low-speed vehicles." (Prefile released January 16, 2009) was read the first time and referred to the Transportation and Judiciary Committees. SB 60 SENATE BILL NO. 60 BY SENATOR MCGUIRE, entitled: "An Act relating to the Uniform Probate Code, including wills, trusts, nonprobate transfers, augmented estates, personal representatives, and trustees; and amending Rules 3 and 8, Alaska Rules of Civil Procedure, Rule 1, Alaska Rules of Probate Procedure, and Rule 37.5, Alaska Rules of Administration." (Prefile released January 16, 2009) was read the first time and referred to the Labor and Commerce and Judiciary Committees. SB 61 SENATE BILL NO. 61 BY SENATORS FRENCH, Ellis, entitled: "An Act establishing an Alaska health care program to ensure insurance coverage for essential health services for residents of the state, the Alaska Health 2009-01-21 Senate Journal Page 0041 Care Board to administer the Alaska health care program and the Alaska health care fund, the Alaska health care clearinghouse to administer the Alaska health care program under the direction of the Alaska Health Care Board, and eligibility standards and premium assistance for health care coverage of persons with low incomes; creating the Alaska health care fund; providing for review of actions and reporting requirements related to the health care program; and providing for an effective date." (Prefile released January 16, 2009) was read the first time and referred to the Health and Social Services, Labor and Commerce and Finance Committees. SB 62 SENATE BILL NO. 62 BY SENATOR MCGUIRE, entitled: "An Act relating to the community property of married persons." (Prefile released January 16, 2009) was read the first time and referred to the State Affairs and Judiciary Committees. SB 63 SENATE BILL NO. 63 BY SENATOR MCGUIRE, entitled: "An Act relating to transfer restrictions on trust interests." (Prefile released January 16, 2009) was read the first time and referred to the State Affairs, Judiciary and Finance Committees. SB 64 SENATE BILL NO. 64 BY SENATOR DAVIS, entitled: "An Act relating to the operation of vending facilities on public property." 2009-01-21 Senate Journal Page 0042 was read the first time and referred to the Labor and Commerce and Finance Committees. SB 65 SENATE BILL NO. 65 BY SENATORS DAVIS, Ellis, entitled: "An Act repealing the repeal of preventative and restorative adult dental services reimbursement under Medicaid; providing for an effective date by repealing the effective date of sec. 3, ch. 52, SLA 2006; and providing for an effective date." was read the first time and referred to the Health and Social Services and Finance Committees. SB 66 SENATE BILL NO. 66 BY SENATOR DAVIS, entitled: "An Act relating to a mental health patient grievance procedure." was read the first time and referred to the Health and Social Services and Finance Committees. SB 67 SENATE BILL NO. 67 BY SENATOR DAVIS, entitled: "An Act relating to the licensing of clinical laboratory science professionals; and providing for an effective date." was read the first time and referred to the Labor and Commerce and Finance Committees. SB 68 SENATE BILL NO. 68 BY SENATOR DAVIS, entitled: "An Act relating to the voting rights of felons." 2009-01-21 Senate Journal Page 0043 was read the first time and referred to the State Affairs, Judiciary and Finance Committees. SB 69 SENATE BILL NO. 69 BY SENATORS DAVIS, Ellis, entitled: "An Act reestablishing the Alaska Commission on the Status of Women; and relating to the purpose and powers of the Alaska Human Relations Commission." was read the first time and referred to the State Affairs and Finance Committees. SB 70 SENATE BILL NO. 70 BY SENATOR DAVIS, entitled: "An Act relating to naturopaths and to the practice of naturopathy; establishing an Alaska Naturopathic Medical Board; authorizing medical assistance program coverage of naturopathic services; and providing for an effective date." was read the first time and referred to the Health and Social Services, Labor and Commerce and Finance Committees. SB 71 SENATE BILL NO. 71 BY SENATOR THERRIAULT, entitled: "An Act relating to alternative energy systems for public works." was read the first time and referred to the Senate Special Committee on Energy, Resources and Finance Committees. SB 72 SENATE BILL NO. 72 BY SENATOR FRENCH, entitled: "An Act relating to use of child safety seats and seat belts." 2009-01-21 Senate Journal Page 0044 was read the first time and referred to the Transportation and State Affairs Committees. Unfinished Business Senator Huggins moved and asked unanimous consent to be excused from a call of the Senate from noon plane time, January 22 through evening plane time, January 25. Without objection, Senator Huggins was excused. Senator Stedman moved and asked unanimous consent to be excused from a call of the Senate from afternoon plane time, January 22 through evening plane time, January 25. Without objection, Senator Stedman was excused. Senator Wielechowski moved and asked unanimous consent to be excused from a call of the Senate on January 26, to morning plane time and on February 2, to morning plane time. Without objection, Senator Wielechowski was excused. Announcements Announcements are at the end of the journal. Adjournment Senator Ellis moved and asked unanimous consent that the Senate stand in adjournment until 6:45 p.m., January 22, 2009. Without objection, the Senate adjourned at 11:38 a.m. Kirsten Waid Secretary of the Senate 2009-01-21 Senate Journal Page 0045 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 EDUCATION Jan 27 Tuesday Butrovich 205 9:00 AM + Presentation by The Patrick Taylor Foundation Jan 29 Thursday Butrovich 205 9:00 AM + SB 57 CHARTER SCHOOL FUNDING ---------------------------------------- RESOURCES Jan 21 Wednesday Butrovich 205 3:30 PM + Overview: Natural Gas for Instate Use Presentations by: Alaska Gasline Port Authority Alaska Natural Gas Development Authority Enstar ---------------------------------------- 2009-01-21 Senate Journal Page 0046 JOINT COMMITTEES JOINT COOK INLET SALMON TASK FORCE Jan 27 Tuesday Barnes 124 12:00 PM + Initial Close Out Meeting ---------------------------------------- LEGISLATIVE COUNCIL Jan 27 Tuesday Senate Finance 532 4:00 PM Election of Chair & Vice Chair Sanctioning and Ratification of Charitable Events Late Per Diem Request Legislature FY 08 Audit Flag and Map Pins Approval Fosler Contract Amendment Birch, Horton, Bittner & Cherot Contract Amendment Anchorage Office Space Parking Amendment 2009 Legislative Drafting Manual Westlaw Contract Other Business ---------------------------------------- OTHER MEETINGS JOINT SESSION Jan 22 Thursday House Chamber 7:00 PM Annual State of the State by the Honorable Sarah Palin, Governor of Alaska Feb 19 Thursday House Chamber 11:00 AM Annual Address by the Honorable Lisa Murkowski, U.S. Senator