Legislature(2009 - 2010)
2009-03-23 Senate Journal
Full Journal pdf2009-03-23 Senate Journal Page 0623 SENATE JOURNAL ALASKA STATE LEGISLATURE TWENTY-SIXTH LEGISLATURE FIRST SESSION Juneau, Alaska Monday March 23, 2009 Sixty-third Day Pursuant to adjournment the Senate was called to order by President Stevens at 11:11 a.m. The roll showed thirteen members present. Senators Bunde, Dyson, French, McGuire, Menard, Meyer were excused from a call of the Senate. The seat from District B was vacant. The prayer was offered by the Chaplain, The Reverend Dr. Douglas Dye of Chapel by the Lake. Senator Olson moved and asked unanimous consent that the prayer be spread. Without objection, it was so ordered. Dear God My Heavenly Father, I come to you this day thankful for the gift of life and the opportunity to serve the people of Alaska. I gladly recognize that you are our creator and that you have given us the gift of living in this great and beautiful land. And so I offer to you our deep, deep gratitude for placing us in a land of such magnificent splendor and abundant resources. I thank you for the gift of health - for the able bodies and the strong minds that you have given us to serve our fellow Alaskans. I thank you for the gift of friendship and camaraderie, which makes our work pleasant and rewarding. 2009-03-23 Senate Journal Page 0624 I admit, oh God, that we do not always demonstrate respect and care for others. Forgive us when we place ourselves before the service of others and the benefit of this state, which you have entrusted to our care. Bless Alaska with honest industry and justice for all. May all our citizens humbly and compassionately live in a manner that honors you and serves the people of this fair land. Protect us from harm and destructive forces, and bind us together as a people who love and respect each other. I pray you will bless these senators. May they do their work in a spirit of wisdom, and kindness, and justice. Grant them the ability - in the midst of the many competing claims they encounter - to discern the good and the right. Fill them with patience and courage to follow paths that will bless our people. Help them to use their authority to serve faithfully and to promote the well being of all Alaskans. And give to them joy and satisfaction in the work they do this day. All of this I pray in the strong and saving name of Jesus Christ, my Lord and Savior. Amen. Senator Olson led the Senate in the Pledge of Allegiance. Certification Senator Ellis moved and asked unanimous consent that the journals for the sixtieth through sixty-second legislative days be approved as certified by the Secretary. Without objection, it was so ordered. Messages from the Governor Letter dated March 23 was received, stating a correction to the appointment letter dated December 11, 2008. The corrected information is as follows: 2009-03-23 Senate Journal Page 0625 Board of Game Stanley "Stosh" Hoffman Jr. Appointed: 11/13/2008 Term Expires: 6/30/2011 The appointment had been referred to the Resources Committee (page 18). Standing Committee Reports SB 89 The Finance Committee considered SENATE BILL NO. 89 "An Act relating to retirement benefits for members of the Alaska Territorial Guard; and providing for an effective date" and recommended it be replaced with CS FOR SENATE BILL NO. 89(FIN) Signing do pass: Senator Stedman, Cochair; Senators Huggins, Thomas, Olson, Ellis. The following fiscal information was published today: Fiscal Note No. 1, Department of Military and Veterans Affairs The bill was referred to the Rules Committee. SB 125 The Finance Committee considered SENATE BILL NO. 125 "An Act changing the name of the Alaska Aerospace Development Corporation to Alaska Aerospace Corporation." Signing do pass: Senator Stedman, Cochair; Senators Huggins, Thomas, Ellis. Signing no recommendation: Senator Olson. The following previously published fiscal information applies: Fiscal Note No. 1, Department of Commerce, Community and Economic Development The bill was referred to the Rules Committee. 2009-03-23 Senate Journal Page 0626 HB 109 The Education Committee considered HOUSE BILL NO. 109 "An Act relating to eligibility for the Alaska supplemental education loan program and to the interest rate for a loan made under the Alaska family education loan program; and providing for an effective date." Signing do pass: Senator Davis, Vice Chair. Signing no recommendation: Senators Olson, Huggins. The following previously published fiscal information applies: Fiscal Note No. 1, zero, Department of Education and Early Development The bill was referred to the Finance Committee. Consideration of the Calendar Second Reading of Senate Bills SB 116 SENATE BILL NO. 116 "An Act making a special appropriation for energy assistance for rural communities; and providing for an effective date" was read the second time. Senator Stedman, Cochair, moved and asked unanimous consent for the adoption of the Finance Committee Substitute offered on page 495. Without objection, CS FOR SENATE BILL NO. 116(FIN) "An Act making a special appropriation for energy assistance for Alaska residents; and providing for an effective date" was adopted. President Stevens stated CS FOR SENATE BILL NO. 116(FIN) will be on the March 25 calendar. Third Reading of Senate Bills SB 58 SENATE BILL NO. 58 "An Act establishing February 2 of each year as Marmot Day; and providing for an effective date" was read the third time. 2009-03-23 Senate Journal Page 0627 Senator Ellis moved and asked unanimous consent that SENATE BILL NO. 58 be held in third reading to the March 25 calendar. Without objection, it was so ordered. Second Reading of Senate Resolutions SCR 4 Senator Ellis moved and asked unanimous consent that SENATE CONCURRENT RESOLUTION NO. 4 Certifying that the State of Alaska requests and will use any funds provided to the state, a state agency, a municipality, or a political subdivision of the state under the American Recovery and Reinvestment Act of 2009, be held on the Secretary's desk. Without objection, it was so ordered. Citations Honoring - Juneau Ski Club Representative(s) Kerttula, Munoz Senator(s) Stevens, Bunde, Davis, Dyson, Ellis, Hoffman, Huggins, Kookesh, McGuire, Menard, Meyer, Olson, Paskvan, Stedman, Therriault, Thomas, Wagoner, Wielechowski Honoring - Jo Sanders Representative(s) Holmes Senator(s) French, Stevens, Bunde, Davis, Dyson, Ellis, Hoffman, Huggins, Kookesh, McGuire, Menard, Meyer, Olson, Paskvan, Stedman, Therriault, Thomas, Wagoner, Wielechowski Honoring - Andrew Eker Representative(s) Doogan Senator(s) French, Stevens, Bunde, Davis, Dyson, Ellis, Hoffman, Huggins, Kookesh, McGuire, Menard, Meyer, Olson, Paskvan, Stedman, Therriault, Thomas, Wagoner, Wielechowski In Memoriam - David L. Lacey Representative(s) Guttenberg Senator(s) Thomas, Stevens, Bunde, Davis, Dyson, Ellis, Hoffman, Huggins, Kookesh, McGuire, Menard, Meyer, Olson, Paskvan, Stedman, Therriault, Wagoner, Wielechowski 2009-03-23 Senate Journal Page 0628 In Memoriam - George Sundborg, Sr. Representative(s) Coghill Senator(s) Paskvan, Therriault, Stevens, Bunde, Davis, Dyson, Ellis, Hoffman, Huggins, Kookesh, McGuire, Menard, Meyer, Olson, Stedman, Thomas, Wagoner, Wielechowski In Memoriam - Billy B. Patkotak Representative(s) Gardner, Joule Senator(s) Ellis, Olson, Stevens, Bunde, Davis, Dyson, Hoffman, Huggins, Kookesh, McGuire, Menard, Meyer, 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 HJR 19 President Stevens removed the Resources Committee referral from HOUSE JOINT RESOLUTION NO. 19 Recognizing the 20th anniversary of the Exxon Valdez oil spill and supporting the continued practice of accompanying each oil tanker through Prince William Sound with at least a two vessel escort (page 606). The resolution is in the State Affairs Committee. SCR 4 Senators Ellis, Davis, Thomas, Kookesh, Paskvan moved and asked unanimous consent to be shown as cosponsors on SENATE CONCURRENT RESOLUTION NO. 4 Certifying that the State of Alaska requests and will use any funds provided to the state, a state agency, a municipality, or a political subdivision of the state under the American Recovery and Reinvestment Act of 2009. Without objection, it was so ordered. Senator Kookesh moved and asked unanimous consent to be excused from a call of the Senate from morning plane time, March 26 through evening plane time, March 28. Without objection, Senator Kookesh was excused. 2009-03-23 Senate Journal Page 0629 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 25, 2009. Without objection, the Senate adjourned at 11:46 a.m. Kirsten Waid Secretary of the Senate 2009-03-23 Senate Journal Page 0630 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 24 Tuesday Beltz 211 3:30 PM No Meeting Scheduled Mar 26 Thursday Beltz 211 3:30 PM -- MEETING CANCELED -- + SB 137 REPORT ON MEETINGS OF BOARD OF FISHERIES Bills Previously Heard/Scheduled ---------------------------------------- EDUCATION Mar 23 Monday Beltz 211 8:00 AM + HB 109 EDUC. LOANS: SUPPLEMENTAL & FAMILY Bills Previously Heard/Scheduled Mar 25 Wednesday Beltz 211 8:00 AM + SB 105 FOSTER CARE/CINA/EDUCATION OF HOMELESS Bills Previously Heard/Scheduled Mar 27 Friday Beltz 211 8:00 AM Bills Previously Heard/Scheduled ---------------------------------------- FINANCE Mar 23 Monday Senate Finance 532 9:00 AM + SB 161 APPROPS: NON-TRANSPORTATION STIMULUS += SB 89 RETIREMENT BENEFITS: TERRITORIAL GUARD + SB 125 AK AEROSPACE CORPORATION + Bills Previously Heard/Scheduled 2009-03-23 Senate Journal Page 0631 FINANCE (continued) Mar 23 Monday Senate Finance 532 1:30 PM + Aviation Industry Presentation by Christine Klein, Deputy Commissioner, Aviation and Airports + Bills Previously Heard/Scheduled Mar 24 Tuesday Senate Finance 532 9:00 AM + HB 81 APPROP: OPERATING BUDGET/LOANS/FUNDS + HB 83 APPROP: MENTAL HEALTH BUDGET Close-out Reports + Bills Previously Heard/Scheduled Mar 24 Tuesday Senate Finance 532 1:30 PM + Presentation on the EPA Cruise Ship Dilution Study + Bills Previously Heard/Scheduled Mar 25 Wednesday Senate Finance 532 9:00 AM += HB 81 APPROP: OPERATING BUDGET/LOANS/FUNDS += HB 83 APPROP: MENTAL HEALTH BUDGET Public Testimony 2 minute limit 9-10 am - Juneau 10-10:45 am - Kenai, Valdez, Ketchikan, Kodiak, Seward, Matsu, Glennallen, Tok 1:30 - 2:30 pm - Fairbanks 2:30 - 3:45 pm - Anchorage 4-5 pm - Sitka, Wrangell, Petersburg, Homer, Dillingham, Cordova 5-6 pm - Bethel, Kotzebue, Barrow, Nome, Delta Junction, Offnets + Bills Previously Heard/Scheduled Mar 26 Thursday Senate Finance 532 9:00 AM += HB 81 APPROP: OPERATING BUDGET/LOANS/FUNDS = HB 83 APPROP: MENTAL HEALTH BUDGET + Bills Previously Heard/Scheduled Mar 26 Thursday Senate Finance 532 2:30 PM + Joint w/ Senate Resources Presentations on Natural Gas Fiscal Designs by Dr. David Wood and Dan Dickinson, CPA. + Bills Previously Heard/Scheduled 2009-03-23 Senate Journal Page 0632 FINANCE (continued) Mar 27 Friday Senate Finance 532 9:00 AM + SB 1 ALASKA MINIMUM WAGE += SB 24 LOUIS MILLER BRIDGE += SB 25 RICHARD DEWEY DUVALL FERRY TERMINAL + Bills Previously Heard/Scheduled ---------------------------------------- HEALTH & SOCIAL SERVICES Mar 23 Monday Butrovich 205 1:30 PM + Joint w/ Senate Judiciary Presentation: Alaska Internet Crimes Against Children Task Force Detective Sgt. Ron Tidler, Anchorage Police Department -- Testimony <Invitation Only> -- Mar 25 Wednesday Butrovich 205 1:30 PM + SB 101 STUDENT QUESTIONNAIRES AND SURVEYS + SB 139 INCENTIVES FOR CERTAIN MEDICAL PROVIDERS Bills Previously Heard/Scheduled += SB 12 LIMIT OVERTIME FOR REGISTERED NURSES Mar 27 Friday Butrovich 205 1:15 PM + Bills Previously Heard/Scheduled += SB 27 FOSTER CARE AGE LIMIT/TUITION WAIVER += SB 133 ELECTRONIC HEALTH INFO EXCHANGE SYSTEM ---------------------------------------- JUDICIARY Mar 23 Monday Butrovich 205 1:30 PM + Joint w/ Senate Health & Social Services Presentation: Alaska Internet Crimes Against Children Task Force Detective Sgt. Ron Tidler, Anchorage Police Department -- Testimony <Invitation Only> -- Mar 25 Wednesday Beltz 211 1:30 PM + Presentation: UAA Research on Violence Against Women Dr. Andre B. Rosay -- Testimony <Invitation Only> -- + Bills Previously Heard/Scheduled 2009-03-23 Senate Journal Page 0633 JUDICIARY (continued) Mar 27 Friday Beltz 211 1:30 PM + SB 47 STATUTE OF LIMITATION FOR SEXUAL OFFENSES + SB 102 RAISE COMP. SCHOOL ATTENDANCE AGE/TRUANCY + Bills Previously Heard/Scheduled ---------------------------------------- LABOR & COMMERCE Mar 24 Tuesday Capitol 120 8:00 AM -- Please Note Time & Location Change -- + Joint w/ (H) Labor and Commerce Overview: Regulatory Commission of Alaska <Teleconference Listen Only> Mar 24 Tuesday Beltz 211 1:30 PM += SB 86 PAID SICK LEAVE += SB 14 EXTEND MOTOR FUEL TAX SUSPENSION + SB 60 UNIFORM PROBATE CODE; TRUSTS, WILLS + Bills Previously Heard/Scheduled Mar 26 Thursday Beltz 211 1:30 PM + Confirmation of Governor's Appointments + SB 42 NURSING MOTHERS IN WORKPLACE + SB 142 TRANSFER RAILROAD LAND TO DOTPF:FAIRBANKS + Bills Previously Heard/Scheduled ---------------------------------------- RESOURCES Mar 23 Monday Butrovich 205 3:30 PM -- MEETING CANCELED -- + Overview: Oil and Gas Development in Federal Waters Off Alaska's Coast Presenters: John Goll, Alaska Regional Dir., U.S. Minerals Management Service Cam Toohey, External Affairs, Shell Alaska Edward Itta, Mayor, North Slope Borough Layla Hughes, World Wildlife Fund + Bills Previously Heard/Scheduled <Meeting Will Run to 5:30> 2009-03-23 Senate Journal Page 0634 RESOURCES (continued) Mar 25 Wednesday Butrovich 205 3:30 PM + SJR 16 OFFSHORE OIL & GAS REVENUE + Overview: Status of North Slope Pipelines & Other Facilities Presenters: Dennis Hinnah, Alaska Coord., U.S. Pipeline & Hazardous Materials Safety Administration Allison Iversen, Coordinator, Petroleum Systems Integrity Office Larry Dietrick, Dir., Division of Spill Prevention & Response, DEC + Overview: Effect of Shale Gas Development on Prospects for an Alaska Natural Gas Pipeline Presenter: Mark Meyers, State AGIA Coord. + Bills Previously Heard/Scheduled <Meeting Will Run to 5:30> Mar 26 Thursday Senate Finance 532 2:30 PM + Joint w/ Senate Finance Presentations on Natural Gas Fiscal Designs by Dr. David Wood and Dan Dickinson, CPA. Mar 27 Friday Butrovich 205 3:30 PM += SB 108 STAMPEDE STATE RECREATION AREA + SJR 13 URGING US TO RATIFY LAW OF THE SEA TREATY += HCR 2 IN-STATE GAS PIPELINE += HCR 3 IN-STATE GAS PIPELINE += HCR 4 IN-STATE GAS PIPELINE += HCR 5 IN-STATE GAS PIPELINE + SB 71 ALTERNATIVE ENERGY FOR PUBLIC WORKS + Bills Previously Heard/Scheduled <Meeting Will Run to 5:30> ---------------------------------------- STATE AFFAIRS Mar 24 Tuesday Beltz 211 9:00 AM + SB 126 REEMPLOYMENT OF RETIREES; EXEMPT SERVICE + SB 129 RESIDENTIAL SPRINKLER SYSTEMS HJR 19 OIL TANKER ESCORT VESSELS/OIL SPILL ANNIV Bills Previously Heard/Scheduled = SB 23 REPEAL DEFINED CONTRIB RETIREMENT PLANS Mar 26 Thursday Beltz 211 9:00 AM + Bills Previously Heard/Scheduled 2009-03-23 Senate Journal Page 0635 TRANSPORTATION Mar 24 Tuesday Butrovich 205 1:00 PM + SB 148 LIABILITY FOR TRIBAL ROAD CONSTRUCTION Mar 26 Thursday Butrovich 205 1:00 PM No Meeting Scheduled ---------------------------------------- FINANCE SUBCOMMITTEES COMMERCE, COMMUNITY & ECONOMIC DEV Mar 23 Monday Fahrenkamp 203 1:15 PM -- Note Time and Location Change -- FY10 Budget Close-out ---------------------------------------- NATURAL RESOURCES Mar 23 Monday Beltz 211 1:15 PM Budget Close-out ---------------------------------------- SPECIAL COMMITTEES ENERGY Mar 24 Tuesday Barnes 124 3:00 PM + Joint w/ (H) Energy Overview: The Alaska Coal Industry Steve Denton, Usibelli Coal Mines, Inc Mar 26 Thursday Butrovich 205 11:00 AM + SB 150 EMERGING ENERGY TECHNOLOGY FUND += SB 135 ALASKA NATURAL GAS DEVELOPMENT AUTHORITY += SB 136 IN-STATE PIPELINES: LEASES; CERTIFICATION + Bills Previously Heard/Scheduled Mar 27 Friday Butrovich 205 11:00 AM + Bills Previously Heard/Scheduled ---------------------------------------- 2009-03-23 Senate Journal Page 0636 WORLD TRADE, TECH, INNOVATIONS Mar 24 Tuesday Fahrenkamp 203 2:00 PM + Overview: Making the 2010 Olympics a Regional Success - Regional Tourism Initiative - Pavilion Opportunities Presenter: Ian Burkheimer, Program Manager, 2010 Tourism, Pacific Northwest Economic Region (PNWER) ---------------------------------------- OTHER MEETINGS CHILDREN'S CAUCUS Mar 24 Tuesday Butrovich 205 12:00 PM + Joint w/ Legislative Health Caucus Sudden Infant Death Syndrome (SIDS) in AK Mar 31 Tuesday Butrovich 205 12:00 PM + Topic: Exposure to Violence and a Child's Developing Brain ---------------------------------------- JOINT LEGISLATIVE HEALTH CAUCUS Mar 24 Tuesday Butrovich 205 12:00 PM Joint w/Children's Caucus + Sudden Infant Death Syndrome (SIDS) in AK Mar 27 Friday Location Tba 12:00 PM -- Meeting Postponed -- Week of the Uninsured Apr 03 Friday Capitol 106 1:00 PM Galena School Energy Conference: Rural Student and Community Leaders on the Connection between Health and Energy May 13 Wednesday Anch Lio Conf Rm 12:30 PM Week of the Uninsured ---------------------------------------- JOINT SESSION Apr 07 Tuesday House Chamber 11:00 AM Annual Address by the Honorable Mark Begich, U.S. Senator