Legislature(2009 - 2010)
2009-02-04 Senate Journal
Full Journal pdf2009-02-04 Senate Journal Page 0139 SENATE JOURNAL ALASKA STATE LEGISLATURE TWENTY-SIXTH LEGISLATURE FIRST SESSION Juneau, Alaska Wednesday February 4, 2009 Sixteenth Day Pursuant to adjournment the Senate was called to order by President Stevens at 11:04 a.m. The roll showed eighteen members present. Senator Wagoner was excused from a call of the Senate. Senator McGuire was absent. The prayer was offered by the Chaplain, Pastor Tom Matthews of the Douglas Island Bible Church. Senator Hoffman moved and asked unanimous consent that the prayer be spread. Without objection, it was so ordered. Dear Lord: I would like to lift up this body of Senators before you today in prayer. I pray that you would give each one here today a new zeal for the responsibility you have given them. Help them to be men and women of integrity and honor, who represent their constituents well. Give them discernment and wisdom to evaluate and determine the right course of action on any legislation that might come before them. Thank you for this country that stands for freedom. May we never take for granted the freedoms we have or the sacrifices it took to secure and maintain that. Lord, today I want lift up any sons or daughters of Alaskans who might be in harm's way as they serve on foreign soil with our military. I ask for your protection, I ask for you to bring them home safely to 2009-02-04 Senate Journal Page 0140 those who love them. Lord, I pray that you would bring an end to any wars that would take the lives of those we love. Finally Lord, I want to bring before you Chaplain Chadwick and his family as they go through the pain of loss. Your word describes the Holy Spirit as a paraclete. As someone who "comes alongside someone to comfort them." I pray today that the Holy Spirit would come alongside this family and comfort them as they go through this deep valley. Thank you that I can confidently bring them before you, knowing your love and compassion will sustain them. I lift this prayer before you today in the power and authority of your Son, Jesus Christ. Amen. Senator Hoffman led the Senate in the Pledge of Allegiance. Certification Senator Ellis moved and asked unanimous consent that the journals for the fourteenth and fifteenth legislative days be approved as certified by the Secretary. Without objection, it was so ordered. The presence of Senator McGuire was noted. Messages from the Governor Letter dated and received February 3 was read, stating: Although this position does not require legislative confirmation, it is important that the individual have the confidence of legislators and, therefore, I am submitting the name of Ms. Terry Thurbon for Chief Administrative Law Judge under Alaska Statute 39.05.053: Chief Administrative Law Judge Appointed: 11/1/2004 Term Expires: 3/1/2009 Reappointed: 3/1/2009 Term Expires: 3/1/2014 2009-02-04 Senate Journal Page 0141 The appointment was referred to the Judiciary Committee. The resume for this appointment has been submitted to the offices of the Senate Secretary and the Chief Clerk. Letter dated and received February 3 was read, stating in accordance with AS 39.05.080 and Article III Sections 25 and 26 of the Alaska Constitution, I submit the following names for legislative confirmation of appointment to the positions noted: Commissioner - Department of Health and Social Services William H. Hogan Appointed: 7/24/2008 The appointment was referred to the Health and Social Services Committee. Commissioner - Department of Public Safety Joseph A. Masters Appointed: 9/12/2008 The appointment was referred to the State Affairs Committee. Alaska State Board of Public Accountancy Carla Bassler - Anchorage Appointed: 3/14/2005 Reappointed: 3/1/2009 Term Expires: 3/1/2013 John Floyd - Anchorage Appointed: 10/16/2008 Term Expires: 3/1/2012 Kathleen A. Reid - Fairbanks Appointed: 10/16/2008 Reappointed: 3/1/2009 Term Expires: 3/1/2013 Elaine Williamson - Fairbanks Appointed: 10/18/2005 Reappointed: 3/1/2009 Term Expires: 3/1/2013 Alcoholic Beverage Control Board Ethan Billings - Juneau Appointed: 3/1/2009 Term Expires: 3/1/2012 2009-02-04 Senate Journal Page 0142 Belen Cook - Cordova Appointed: 12/29/2008 Term Expires: 3/1/2010 Ellen Ganley - Fairbanks Appointed: 3/1/2009 Term Expires: 3/1/2012 State Board of Registration for Architects, Engineers, and Land Surveyors Boyd Brownfield - Anchorage Appointed: 6/9/2008 Term Expires: 3/1/2012 Eric Eriksen - Juneau Appointed: 3/1/2009 Term Expires: 3/1/2013 Craig Fredeen - Anchorage Appointed: 6/9/2008 Term Expires: 3/1/2012 Richard Heieren - Fairbanks Appointed: 3/9/2005 Reappointed: 3/1/2009 Term Expires: 3/1/2013 Harley Hightower - Anchorage Appointed: 3/9/2005 Reappointed: 3/1/2009 Term Expires: 3/1/2013 Richard Rearick - Eagle River Appointed: 2/3/2009 Term Expires: 3/1/2012 Don Shiesl - Wasilla Appointed: 10/16/2008 Term Expires: 3/1/2010 State Assessment Review Board Ronald Brown - Anchorage Appointed: 12/2/2008 Board of Barbers and Hairdressers Carol Hernley - Cordova Appointed: 5/7/2008 Term Expires: 3/1/2012 2009-02-04 Senate Journal Page 0143 Debra Long - Fairbanks Appointed: 5/7/2008 Term Expires: 3/1/2012 Board of Chiropractic Examiners Dr. Dan Holt - Juneau Appointed: 3/1/2009 Term Expires: 3/1/2013 Dr. Rosemary Zimmerman - Girdwood Appointed: 7/25/2005 Reappointed: 3/1/2009 Term Expires: 3/1/2013 Alaska Labor Relations Agency Tyler E. Andrews - Anchorage Appointed: 6/9/2008 Term Expires: 3/1/2009 Reappointed: 3/1/2009 Term Expires: 3/1/2012 Will Askren - Anchorage Appointed: 6/9/2008 Term Expires: 3/1/2011 Gary P. Bader - Anchorage Appointed: 3/24/2004 Reappointed: 6/17/2008 Term Expires: 3/1/2010 Aaron T. Isaacs, Jr. - Klawock Appointed: 1/18/2002 Reappointed: 3/9/2005 Reappointed: 6/9/2008 Term Expires: 3/1/2011 Matthew R. McSorley - Anchorage Appointed: 12/15/2005 Reappointed: 3/1/2006 Reappointed: 3/1/2009 Term Expires: 3/1/2012 Board of Marine Pilots Dale O. Collins - Ketchikan Appointed: 4/18/2005 Reappointed: 3/1/2009 Term Expires: 3/1/2013 Michael Heimbuch - Homer Appointed: 2/3/2009 Term Expires: 3/1/2012 2009-02-04 Senate Journal Page 0144 Occupational Safety and Health Review Board Thomas A. Trosvig - Kodiak Appointed: 1/23/2006 Reappointed: 3/1/2009 Term Expires: 3/1/2013 State Physical Therapy and Occupational Therapy Board Jay McDiarmid - Fairbanks Appointed: 4/14/2005 Reappointed: 3/1/2009 Term Expires: 3/1/2013 Dr. Marc Slonimski - Fairbanks Appointed: 3/1/2009 Term Expires: 3/1/2012 Board of Certified Real Estate Appraisers Richard "Butch" D. Olmstead - Ketchikan Appointed: 12/15/2005 Reappointed: 3/1/2009 Term Expires: 3/1/2013 Gene H. Shafer - Fairbanks Appointed: 3/1/2004 Reappointed: 10/16/2008 Term Expires: 3/1/2012 Real Estate Commission Nancy Davis - Sitka Appointed: 3/1/2009 Term Expires: 3/1/2013 Barbara A. Dickson - Anchorage Appointed: 2/3/2009 Term Expires: 3/1/2011 Gene DuVal - Fairbanks Appointed: 4/13/2005 Reappointed: 3/1/2009 Term Expires: 3/1/2013 Regulatory Commission of Alaska (RCA) Paul Lisankie - Anchorage Appointed: 3/1/2009 Term Expires: 3/1/2015 Board of Veterinary Examiners Margaret J. Eastman - North Pole Appointed: 10/16/2008 Term Expires: 3/1/2012 2009-02-04 Senate Journal Page 0145 Workers' Compensation Appeals Commission Philip E. Ulmer - Eagle River Appointed: 11/18/2005 Reappointed: 3/1/2009 Term Expires: 3/1/2014 Alaska Workers' Compensation Board Richard H. Behrends - Juneau Appointed: 11/21/2000 Reappointed: 3/25/2003 Reappointed: 3/10/2006 Reappointed: 3/1/2009 Term Expires: 3/1/2012 Mark A. Crutchfield - Anchorage Appointed: 10/11/2006 Reappointed: 3/1/2009 Term Expires: 3/1/2012 Howard A. Hansen - Wasilla Appointed: 12/26/2007 Reappointed: 3/1/2009 Term Expires: 3/1/2012 Linda F. Hutchings - Soldotna Appointed: 9/27/2005 Reappointed: 3/1/2006 Reappointed: 3/1/2009 Term Expires: 3/1/2012 Sarah Lefebvre - Fairbanks Appointed: 3/1/2009 Term Expires: 3/1/2010 Kiana Peacock - Anchorage Appointed: 1/8/2009 Term Expires: 3/1/2011 Daniel Repasky - Anchorage Appointed: 1/8/2009 Term Expires: 3/1/2010 Marc D. Stemp - Anchorage Appointed: 3/1/2007 Term Expires: 3/1/2010 2009-02-04 Senate Journal Page 0146 Patricia A. Vollendorf - Anchorage Appointed: 4/12/2004 Reappointed: 3/10/2006 Reappointed: 3/1/2009 Term Expires: 3/1/2012 Robert C. Weel - Anchorage Appointed: 1/23/2006 Reappointed: 3/1/2006 Reappointed: 3/1/2009 Term Expires: 3/1/2012 The appointments were referred to the Labor and Commerce Committee. Board of Governors of the Alaska Bar Dr. David L. Eichler - North Pole Appointed: 3/1/2009 Term Expires: 3/1/2012 Commission on Judicial Conduct Chris Brown - Anchorage Appointed: 3/1/2009 Term Expires: 3/1/2013 Jan S. Ostrovsky - Anchorage Appointed: 3/1/2009 Term Expires: 3/1/2013 Alaska Judicial Council William F. Clarke - Chugiak Appointed: 10/16/2008 Term Expires: 3/1/2013 Kathleen R. Tompkins-Miller - Fairbanks Appointed: 3/1/2009 Term Expires: 3/1/2015 Board of Parole Lonzo Henderson - Anchorage Appointed: 12/29/2008 Term Expires: 3/1/2014 Violent Crimes Compensation Board Dr. Regina C. Chennault - Soldotna Appointed: 10/18/2005 Reappointed: 3/1/2006 Reappointed: 3/1/2009 Term Expires: 3/1/2012 The appointments were referred to the Judiciary Committee. 2009-02-04 Senate Journal Page 0147 Big Game Commercial Services Board Paul E. Johnson - Elfin Cove Appointed: 7/24/2005 Reappointed: 3/1/2009 Term Expires: 3/1/2013 Dirk Nickisch - Coldfoot Appointed: 11/19/2008 Term Expires: 3/1/2009 Reappointed: 3/1/2009 Term Expires: 3/1/2013 Betty Jo "BJ" Schmitz - North Pole Appointed: 7/24/2005 Reappointed: 3/1/2009 Term Expires: 3/1/2013 Board of Game Cliff Judkins - Wasilla Appointed: 1/21/2003 Reappointed: 3/3/2006 Reappointed: 3/1/2009 Term Expires: 6/30/2012 Teresa Sager-Albaugh - Mentasta Pass Appointed: 3/1/2009 Term Expires: 6/30/2012 Alaska Oil and Gas Conservation Commission John K. Norman - Anchorage Appointed: 1/23/2004 Reappointed: 3/1/2009 Term Expires: 3/1/2015 The appointments were referred to the Resources Committee. Alaska Commercial Fisheries Entry Commission (CFEC) Judge Peter Froehlich - Juneau Appointed: 8/2/2005 Reappointed: 3/1/2009 Term Expires: 3/1/2013 State Commission for Human Rights Faith Peters - Tanana Appointed: 3/1/2009 Term Expires: 3/1/2014 Alaska Public Offices Commission Kathleen "Kate" Ballenger - Kodiak Appointed: 5/7/2008 Term Expires: 3/1/2011 The appointments were referred to the State Affairs Committee. 2009-02-04 Senate Journal Page 0148 Board of Dental Examiners Robyn Chaney - Dillingham Appointed: 3/1/2009 Term Expires: 3/1/2013 Dr. Mary Anne Navitsky - Sitka Appointed: 3/1/2009 Term Expires: 3/1/2013 Deborah Stauffer - Anchorage Appointed: 3/1/2009 Term Expires: 3/1/2013 Dr. Clifford Douglas White - Dillingham Appointed: 3/1/2009 Term Expires: 3/1/2013 Board of Marital and Family Therapy Kimberly K. Horn - Juneau Appointed: 2/3/2009 Term Expires: 3/1/2010 Patricia A. White - Juneau Appointed: 8/22/2005 Reappointed: 3/1/2009 Term Expires: 3/1/2013 State Medical Board Edward A. Hall - Anchorage Appointed: 5/19/2005 Reappointed: 3/1/2009 Term Expires: 3/1/2013 Casey M. Millar - Anchorage Appointed: 3/1/2009 Term Expires: 3/1/2013 Dr. David A. Miller - Juneau Appointed: 3/1/2009 Term Expires: 3/1/2012 Dr. David J. Powers - Dillingham Appointed: 12/2/2008 Term Expires: 3/1/2012 Alaska Mental Health Trust Authority Board of Trustees Dr. William Doolittle - Fairbanks Appointed: 3/24/2004 Reappointed: 3/1/2009 Term Expires: 3/1/2014 2009-02-04 Senate Journal Page 0149 Chief Daniel Hoffman - Fairbanks Appointed: 3/1/2009 Term Expires: 3/1/2014 Mary Jane Michael - Anchorage Appointed: 3/1/2009 Term Expires: 3/1/2010 Board of Certified Direct-Entry Midwives Barbara Norton - Anchorage Appointed: 6/3/2005 Reappointed: 3/1/2009 Term Expires: 3/1/2013 Board of Nursing Thomas Hendrix - Eagle River Appointed: 3/1/2009 Term Expires: 3/1/2013 Janine L. McCready - Fairbanks Appointed: 12/3/2008 Term Expires: 3/1/2011 Board of Examiners in Optometry Dr. Dennis A. Swarner - Kenai Appointed: 10/18/2005 Reappointed: 3/1/2009 Term Expires: 3/1/2013 Board of Pharmacy Leah Handley - Homer Appointed: 3/1/2009 Term Expires: 3/1/2013 Steve R. Johnson - Palmer Appointed: 12/3/2008 Term Expires: 3/1/2012 Chris "CJ" Kim - Anchorage Appointed: 3/1/2009 Term Expires: 3/1/2012 Mary D. Mundell - Wasilla Appointed: 4/14/2005 Reappointed: 3/1/2009 Term Expires: 3/1/2013 Board of Professional Counselors Ray DePalatis - Anchorage Appointed: 8/8/2008 Term Expires: 3/1/2009 Reappointed: 3/1/2009 Term Expires: 3/1/2013 2009-02-04 Senate Journal Page 0150 Lillian Mitchell - Anchorage Appointed: 8/8/2008 Term Expires: 3/1/2012 Tashawna L. Olson - Homer Appointed: 4/14/2005 Reappointed: 3/1/2009 Term Expires: 3/1/2013 Board of Psychologist and Psychological Associate Examiners Dr. Kristi H. Fuller - Anchorage Appointed: 2/3/2009 Term Expires: 3/1/2013 Board of Social Work Examiners Darrell Allman - Anchorage Appointed: 4/22/2004 Reappointed: 10/16/2008 Term Expires: 3/1/2012 Gail La Rose-Henderson - Wasilla Appointed: 2/24/2006 Reappointed: 3/1/2009 Term Expires: 3/1/2013 Patty McMillin - Bethel Appointed: 3/1/2009 Term Expires: 3/1/2010 The appointments were referred to the Health and Social Services Committee. Board of Education and Early Development Janel Keplinger - Kodiak Appointed: 3/1/2009 Term Expires: 3/1/2014 Carol "Bunny" Schaeffer - Kotzebue Appointed: 3/24/2004 Reappointed: 3/1/2009 Term Expires: 3/1/2014 Professional Teaching Practices Commission Cindy Lou Aillaud - Delta Junction Appointed: 10/26/2006 Reappointed: 3/1/2008 Term Expires: 3/1/2011 Linda L. Black - Anchorage Appointed: 3/1/2006 Reappointed: 3/1/2009 Term Expires: 3/1/2012 2009-02-04 Senate Journal Page 0151 Jill Exe - Barrow Appointed: 3/1/2009 Term Expires: 3/1/2012 Louis Pondolfino - Anchorage Appointed: 3/1/2009 Term Expires: 3/1/2012 The appointments were referred to the Education Committee. The resumes for these appointments have been submitted to the Offices of the Senate Secretary and the Chief Clerk. Communications The following reports are on file in the Office of the Secretary of the Senate: Nonresidents Working in Alaska 2007 from Click Bishop, Commissioner Department of Labor and Workforce Development in accordance with AS 36.10.130 available at: http://almis.labor.state.ak.us Fifth Annual Report to the Governor of Alaska and the Alaska Legislature from Terry L. Thurbon, Chief Administrative Law Judge Office of Administrative Hearings, Department of Administration in accordance with AS 44.64.020(a)(7) Comprehensive Annual Financial Report of the Public Employees Retirement System Fiscal Year Ended June 30, 2008 from Kevin Worley, Chief Financial Officer Division of Retirement and Benefits, Department of Administration Comprehensive Annual Financial Report of the Teachers' Retirement System Fiscal Year Ended June 30, 2008 from Kevin Worley, Chief Financial Officer Division of Retirement and Benefits, Department of Administration 2009-02-04 Senate Journal Page 0152 2008 Annual Report from Stan Leaphart, Executive Director Citizens' Advisory Commission on Federal Areas Department of Natural Resources in accordance with AS 41.37.220(f) Notification of Availability: Annual Performance Plan, October 2008 through September 2009 from Clark Bishop, Commissioner Department of Labor and Workforce Development in accordance with AS 18.60.040 available at: www.labor.state.ak.us/lss/oshhome.htm Alaska Marine Highway Fund 2008 Annual Financial Report Fiscal Year Ended June 30, 2008 from Leo von Scheben, Commissioner Department of Transportation and Public Facilities in accordance with AS 19.65.070 Report to the State of Alaska dated January 2009 from Patrick K. Gamble, President and Chief Executive Officer Alaska Railroad Corporation in accordance with AS 42.40.290 2008 Annual Report from William Doolittle, M.D., Chair and Jeffrey L. Jessee, Chief Executive Officer The Alaska Mental Health Trust Authority in accordance with AS 47.30.036(5) Standing Committee Reports SB 24 The Transportation Committee considered SENATE BILL NO. 24 "An Act naming the bridge over Hammer Slough on Nordic Drive in Petersburg the Louis Miller Bridge." Signing do pass: Senator Kookesh, Chair; Senators Davis, Meyer, Paskvan. 2009-02-04 Senate Journal Page 0153 The following fiscal information was published today: Fiscal Note No. 1, Department of Transportation and Public Facilities The bill was referred to the Finance Committee. SB 82 The Health and Social Services Committee considered SENATE BILL NO. 82 "An Act providing for an effective date by delaying the effective date of the change of coverage of adult dental services under Medicaid; and providing for an effective date." Signing do pass: Senator Davis, Chair; Senators Thomas, Paskvan, Dyson. Signing amend: Senator Ellis. The following previously published fiscal information applies: Fiscal Note No. 1, Department of Health and Social Services The bill was referred to the Finance Committee. SJR 5 The Finance Committee considered SENATE JOINT RESOLUTION NO. 5 Urging the United States Department of Defense to pay veterans benefits retroactively and to continue to provide retirement benefits for members of the Alaska Territorial Guard who served during World War II, and recommended it be replaced with CS FOR SENATE JOINT RESOLUTION NO. 5(FIN) Urging the United States Department of Defense to continue to provide retirement benefits for members of the Alaska Territorial Guard who served during World War II. Signing do pass: Senators Hoffman, Stedman, Cochairs; Senators Elton, Huggins, Thomas, Olson, Ellis. The following fiscal information was published today: Fiscal Note No. 1, zero, Senate Finance Committee The resolution is on today's calendar. 2009-02-04 Senate Journal Page 0154 SR 4 The Finance Committee considered SENATE RESOLUTION NO. 4 Relating to the federal stimulus package and recommended it be replaced with CS FOR SENATE RESOLUTION NO. 4(FIN) Signing do pass: Senators Hoffman, Stedman, Cochairs; Senators Elton, Huggins, Thomas, Ellis. Signing no recommendation: Senator Olson. The following fiscal information was published today: Fiscal Note No. 1, zero, Senate Finance Committee The resolution was referred to the Rules Committee. Introduction and Reference of Senate Resolutions SCR 3 SENATE CONCURRENT RESOLUTION NO. 3 BY SENATORS BUNDE, Therriault, Urging the Governor to file an action to restrain the United States Department of the Interior, National Park Service, from intruding on the sovereign right of the state to exercise jurisdiction over navigable water and submerged land and urging the Governor to allocate sufficient resources to the Department of Law, the Department of Natural Resources, and the Department of Fish and Game to defend the state's right to manage the public use of its navigable water. was read the first time and referred to the Resources and Judiciary Committees. Introduction and Reference of Senate Bills SB 93 SENATE BILL NO. 93 BY SENATORS PASKVAN, Elton, entitled: 2009-02-04 Senate Journal Page 0155 "An Act relating to a municipal property tax credit for an improvement that aids in improving air quality." was read the first time and referred to the Community and Regional Affairs and Finance Committees. SB 94 SENATE BILL NO. 94 BY SENATOR ELTON, entitled: "An Act relating to employment in certain facilities maintained by the United States Antarctic Program as allowable absences from the state for purposes of eligibility for permanent fund dividends; and providing for an effective date." was read the first time and referred to the State Affairs and Finance Committees. SB 95 SENATE BILL NO. 95 BY THE SENATE RULES COMMITTEE BY REQUEST OF THE GOVERNOR, entitled: "An Act making supplemental appropriations, capital appropriations, and other appropriations; amending appropriations; making appropriations to capitalize funds; making appropriations under art. IX, sec. 17(c), Constitution of the State of Alaska, from the constitutional budget reserve fund; and providing for an effective date." was read the first time and referred to the Finance Committee. Governor's transmittal letter dated February 2: Dear President Stevens: I am transmitting to you today a supplemental appropriation bill for Fiscal Year 2009 that reduces demand on the general fund by $268.6 million and seeks your authorization to access the Constitutional Budget Reserve Fund at the end of the fiscal year to balance the FY2009 operating and capital budgets. 2009-02-04 Senate Journal Page 0156 FY2009 has been a year of unprecedented revenue volatility. Due to the dramatic decline in oil prices, the estimated revenue of $7.5 billion in the Spring 2008 forecast was lowered to $5.5 billion in the January 2009 interim forecast, making responsible reductions necessary. The FY2009 budget authorized expenditures of $5.99 billion plus the savings appropriation of $1.18 billion totaling $7.17 billion. The $268.6 million in reductions will bring the estimated revenue shortfall to $1.36 billion in FY2009. As you know, we have already taken steps to reduce general funding spending. Even when oil prices were near their highest last summer, I implemented a $20 million savings target for state agencies to manage their budgets for efficiencies and achieve lower levels of spending in the current year. We have also implemented a hiring freeze and instructed departments to restrict purchases - again, as a management tool to help achieve more savings in the current year. The more we reduce now, the less we will have to draw from savings at the end of the year. Because of these efforts, we have minimized the supplemental need by eliminating the $50 million proposed for supplemental requests, reducing other expenditures, and reappropriating balances to minimize current year funding needs. In addition, we are reducing the authorization for tax credits by $200 million - due only to the timing and payment of tax credits. We are seeing an increase in oil and gas exploration and this new tax credit program has served us well. We will continue to monitor the changing economic conditions and the impact on oil prices in the coming weeks as we continue to work on this, and other appropriation bills this session. When oil prices and state revenue were on the rise, we worked together to build our reserves. Working together we can keep our economy on a steady, confident course - with discipline - to protect our reserves and promote economic growth. Thank you for your consideration of this legislation. Sincerely, /s/ Sarah Palin Governor 2009-02-04 Senate Journal Page 0157 A spreadsheet entitled "FY2009 Supplemental Requests" accompanied the governor's transmittal letter and is on file in the Office of the Secretary of the Senate. SB 96 SENATE BILL NO. 96 BY THE SENATE HEALTH AND SOCIAL SERVICES COMMITTEE, entitled: "An Act relating to nonpayment of child support; relating to certain judicial and administrative orders for medical support of a child; relating to periodic review and adjustment of child support orders; relating to relief from administrative child support orders; relating to child support arrearages; relating to medical support of a child and the Alaska Native family assistance program; amending Rule 90.3, Alaska Rules of Civil Procedure; and providing for an effective date." was read the first time and referred to the Health and Social Services, Judiciary and Finance Committees. SB 97 SENATE BILL NO. 97 BY THE SENATE LABOR AND COMMERCE COMMITTEE, entitled: "An Act relating to the licensing of crane operators; and providing for an effective date." was read the first time and referred to the Labor and Commerce and Finance Committees. SB 98 SENATE BILL NO. 98 BY SENATOR DYSON, entitled: "An Act requiring certain hospitals to make certain disclosures on patient billings." was read the first time and referred to the Health and Social Services and Finance Committees. 2009-02-04 Senate Journal Page 0158 SB 99 SENATE BILL NO. 99 BY SENATOR THOMAS, entitled: "An Act relating to voluntary deduction of dues for membership in certain retiree organizations; and providing for an effective date." was read the first time and referred to the State Affairs and Finance Committees. SB 100 SENATE BILL NO. 100 BY SENATOR ELTON, entitled: "An Act authorizing psychological counseling for jurors serving in criminal trials who are traumatized by graphic evidence or testimony." was read the first time and referred to the Judiciary and Finance Committees. Consideration of the Calendar Second Reading of Senate Resolutions SJR 5 SENATE JOINT RESOLUTION NO. 5 Urging the United States Department of Defense to pay veterans benefits retroactively and to continue to provide retirement benefits for members of the Alaska Territorial Guard who served during World War II, was read the second time. Senator Stedman, Cochair, moved and asked unanimous consent for the adoption of the Finance Committee Substitute offered on page 153. Without objection, CS FOR SENATE JOINT RESOLUTION NO. 5(FIN) Urging the United States Department of Defense to continue to provide retirement benefits for members of the Alaska Territorial Guard who served during World War II, was adopted. 2009-02-04 Senate Journal Page 0159 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. CS FOR SENATE JOINT RESOLUTION NO. 5(FIN) was read the third time. The question being: "Shall CS FOR SENATE JOINT RESOLUTION NO. 5(FIN) Urging the United States Department of Defense to continue to provide retirement benefits for members of the Alaska Territorial Guard who served during World War II, pass the Senate?" The roll was taken with the following result: CSSJR 5(FIN) Third Reading - Final Passage YEAS: 19 NAYS: 0 EXCUSED: 1 ABSENT: 0 Yeas: Bunde, Davis, Dyson, Ellis, Elton, French, Hoffman, Huggins, Kookesh, McGuire, Menard, Meyer, Olson, Paskvan, Stedman, Stevens, Therriault, Thomas, Wielechowski Excused: Wagoner and so, CS FOR SENATE JOINT RESOLUTION NO. 5(FIN) passed the Senate and was referred to the Secretary for engrossment. Citations Honoring - Chapman School of Anchor Point Representative(s) Seaton Senator(s) Stevens, Bunde, Davis, Dyson, Ellis, Elton, Hoffman, Huggins, Kookesh, McGuire, Menard, Meyer, Olson, Paskvan, Stedman, Therriault, Thomas, Wagoner, Wielechowski In Memoriam - Janet Sorensen Senator(s) Thomas, Paskvan, Stevens, Bunde, Davis, Dyson, Ellis, Elton, Hoffman, Huggins, Kookesh, McGuire, Menard, Meyer, Olson, Stedman, Therriault, Wagoner, Wielechowski Representative(s) Coghill, Guttenberg, Kawasaki, Kelly, Ramras 2009-02-04 Senate Journal Page 0160 In Memoriam - Jean Keene "The Eagle Lady" Representative(s) Seaton Senator(s) Stevens, Bunde, Davis, Dyson, Ellis, Elton, Hoffman, Huggins, Kookesh, McGuire, Menard, Meyer, Olson, Paskvan, Stedman, Therriault, Thomas, Wagoner, Wielechowski 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 Dyson moved and asked unanimous consent to be excused from a call of the Senate from morning plane time, February 6 through morning plane time, February 16; and from evening plane time, February 19 through morning plane time, February 23. Without objection, Senator Dyson was excused. Senators Hoffman, Davis moved and asked unanimous consent to be excused from a call of the Senate on February 13. Without objection, Senators Hoffman, Davis were excused. Senator Therriault moved and asked unanimous consent to be excused from a call of the Senate on February 6. Without objection, Senator Therriault was excused. SB 18 Senator Paskvan moved and asked unanimous consent to be shown as a cosponsor on SENATE BILL NO. 18 "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." Without objection, it was so ordered. SB 23 Senator Paskvan moved and asked unanimous consent to be shown as a cosponsor on SENATE BILL NO. 23 "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." Without objection, it was so ordered. 2009-02-04 Senate Journal Page 0161 SB 29 Senator Paskvan moved and asked unanimous consent to be shown as a cosponsor on SENATE BILL NO. 29 "An Act naming the Capitol Annex the Thomas B. Stewart Legislative Office Building." Without objection, it was so ordered. SB 32 Senator Paskvan moved and asked unanimous consent to be shown as a cosponsor on SENATE BILL NO. 32 "An Act relating to medical assistance payments for home and community-based services." Without objection, it was so ordered. SB 33 Senator Paskvan moved and asked unanimous consent to be shown as a cosponsor on SENATE BILL NO. 33 "An Act creating a postsecondary scholarship grant program for Alaska residents based on high achievement and financial need." Without objection, it was so ordered. SB 55 Senator Paskvan moved and asked unanimous consent to be shown as a cosponsor on SENATE BILL NO. 55 "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." Without objection, it was so ordered. SB 79 Senator Paskvan moved and asked unanimous consent to be shown as a cosponsor on SENATE BILL NO. 79 "An Act waiving payment of premiums for major medical insurance under the defined benefit retirement plan for public employees for disabled peace officers who have at least 20 years of credited service as peace officers." Without objection, it was so ordered. Announcements Announcements are at the end of the journal. 2009-02-04 Senate Journal Page 0162 Engrossment SJR 5 CS FOR SENATE JOINT RESOLUTION NO. 5(FIN) Urging the United States Department of Defense to continue to provide retirement benefits for members of the Alaska Territorial Guard who served during World War II, was engrossed, signed by the President and Secretary and transmitted to the House for consideration. Adjournment Senator Ellis moved and asked unanimous consent that the Senate stand in adjournment until 10:00 a.m., February 6, 2009. Without objection, the Senate adjourned at 11:50 a.m. Kirsten Waid Secretary of the Senate 2009-02-04 Senate Journal Page 0163 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 05 Thursday Beltz 211 3:30 PM + SB 3 CFEC AS INFORMATION RESOURCE + SB 4 COASTAL MANAGEMENT PROGRAM Bills Previously Heard/Scheduled ---------------------------------------- EDUCATION Feb 04 Wednesday Beltz 211 8:00 AM -- MEETING CANCELED -- += SB 57 CHARTER SCHOOL FUNDING If Necessary Feb 06 Friday Beltz 211 8:00 AM -- MEETING CANCELED -- += SB 57 CHARTER SCHOOL FUNDING If Necessary ---------------------------------------- FINANCE Feb 04 Wednesday Senate Finance 532 9:00 AM + FY10 Budget Overviews & FY09 Supplemental Karen Rehfeld, Dir. Office of Management and Budget Bills Previously Heard/Scheduled 2009-02-04 Senate Journal Page 0164 FINANCE (continued) Feb 05 Thursday Senate Finance 532 9:00 AM + Revenue Forecast: Pat Galvin, Commissioner, Dept of Revenue Bills Previously Heard/Scheduled Feb 06 Friday Senate Finance 532 9:00 AM + Presentation: State Budget Reserves/Savings Accounts and Sweep Mechanics Bills Previously Heard/Scheduled ---------------------------------------- HEALTH & SOCIAL SERVICES Feb 04 Wednesday Butrovich 205 1:30 PM + SB 32 MEDICAID:HOME/COMMUNITY BASED SERVICES + Bills Previously Heard/Scheduled Feb 06 Friday Butrovich 205 1:30 PM No Meeting Scheduled ---------------------------------------- JUDICIARY Feb 04 Wednesday Beltz 211 1:30 PM + Confirmation Hearings: Select Committee on Legislative Ethics Herman G. Walker, Jr. Dennis "Skip" Cook Feb 06 Friday Beltz 211 1:30 PM No Meeting Scheduled ---------------------------------------- LABOR & COMMERCE Feb 05 Thursday Beltz 211 1:30 PM + SB 83 VOCATIONAL REHABILITATION COMMITTEE + SB 1 ALASKA MINIMUM WAGE ---------------------------------------- 2009-02-04 Senate Journal Page 0165 RESOURCES Feb 04 Wednesday Butrovich 205 3:30 PM Overview: Anadarko-Gubik Update <Flint Hills Update Canceled> Feb 06 Friday Butrovich 205 3:30 PM No Meeting Scheduled ---------------------------------------- STATE AFFAIRS Feb 05 Thursday Beltz 211 9:00 AM No Meeting Scheduled Feb 10 Tuesday Beltz 211 9:00 AM + SB 45 VETERANS' CEMETERIES/FUND/LICENSE PLATES Feb 12 Thursday Beltz 211 9:00 AM + Confirmation Hearing: Commissioner Joseph A. Masters - Dept of Public Safety + SB 79 MED BENEFITS OF DISABLED PEACE OFFICERS ---------------------------------------- TRANSPORTATION Feb 05 Thursday Butrovich 205 1:00 PM -- MEETING CANCELED -- Bills Previously Heard/Scheduled ---------------------------------------- FINANCE SUBCOMMITTEES COMMERCE, COMMUNITY & ECONOMIC DEV Feb 04 Wednesday Senate Finance 532 5:00 PM Joint w/(H) CCED Commissioner Department Overview & FY10 Budget Request ---------------------------------------- 2009-02-04 Senate Journal Page 0166 FINANCE SUBCOMMITTEES (continued) CORRECTIONS Feb 10 Tuesday Fahrenkamp 203 3:00 PM Committee Meeting ---------------------------------------- ENVIRONMENTAL CONSERVATION Feb 06 Friday Butrovich 205 4:00 PM Joint w/(H) DEC Committee Meeting ---------------------------------------- HEALTH & SOCIAL SERVICES Feb 05 Thursday Fahrenkamp 203 8:00 AM + Department Budget Overview -- Testimony <Invitation Only> -- Feb 10 Tuesday Fahrenkamp 203 8:00 AM + Department Budget Overview continuation -- Testimony <Invitation Only> -- Feb 12 Thursday Fahrenkamp 203 8:00 AM + Medicaid, FMAP, Provider Rates -- Testimony <Invitation Only> -- Feb 17 Tuesday Fahrenkamp 203 8:00 AM + Office of Children's Services, Bring the Kids Home -- Testimony <Invitation Only> -- Feb 19 Thursday Fahrenkamp 203 8:00 AM + Division of Public Assistance, including Heating Assistance -- Testimony <Invitation Only> -- Mar 03 Tuesday Fahrenkamp 203 8:00 AM + Public Health Initiatives -- Testimony <Invitation Only> -- Mar 05 Thursday Fahrenkamp 203 8:00 AM + Governor's Amendments, Q & A -- Testimony <Invitation Only> -- ---------------------------------------- 2009-02-04 Senate Journal Page 0167 FINANCE SUBCOMMITTEES (continued) PUBLIC SAFETY Feb 12 Thursday Fahrenkamp 203 1:30 PM + Department Budget Overview -- Testimony <Invitation Only> -- Feb 17 Tuesday Fahrenkamp 203 1:30 PM + Status of VPSO Program & Recruitment Efforts for Them and the State Troopers -- Testimony <Invitation Only> -- Mar 03 Tuesday Fahrenkamp 203 1:30 PM + Governor's Amendments - Q & A Session -- Testimony <Invitation Only> -- ---------------------------------------- SPECIAL COMMITTEES ENERGY Feb 05 Thursday Butrovich 205 10:30 AM + Overview: Biomass Energy in Alaska ---------------------------------------- JOINT COMMITTEES LEGISLATIVE BUDGET & AUDIT Feb 04 Wednesday House Finance 519 6:00 PM -- Time Change -- Introductions: Pat Davidson, Legislative Audit; David Teal, Legislative Finance; Bob Pawlowski, Denali Commission Executive Session: Staff Pay RPL Consideration: National Forests Receipts Program (Commerce) Discussion of Alaska Renewable Energy Fund (AEA) Other Committee Business -- Teleconferenced <Invitation Only> -- ---------------------------------------- 2009-02-04 Senate Journal Page 0168 OTHER MEETINGS FISH CAUCUS Feb 05 Thursday Barnes 124 12:00 PM + Presentation: The Seafood Industry: Broad Benefits for the Alaskan Economy By Chris McDowell, McDowell Group Brown Bag Lunch ---------------------------------------- JOINT LEGISLATIVE HEALTH CAUCUS Feb 04 Wednesday Fahrenkamp 203 12:30 PM Health(y) Education ---------------------------------------- JOINT SESSION Feb 11 Wednesday House Chamber 11:00 AM State of the Judiciary Address by Chief Justice Dana Fabe Feb 19 Thursday House Chamber 11:00 AM Annual Address by the Honorable Lisa Murkowski U.S. Senator Apr 07 Tuesday House Chamber 11:00 AM Annual Address by the Honorable Mark Begich, U.S. Senator