Legislature(2009 - 2010)
2010-02-26 Senate Journal
Full Journal pdf2010-02-26 Senate Journal Page 1655 SENATE JOURNAL ALASKA STATE LEGISLATURE TWENTY-SIXTH LEGISLATURE SECOND SESSION Juneau, Alaska Friday February 26, 2010 Thirty-ninth Day Pursuant to adjournment the Senate was called to order by President Stevens at 11:02 a.m. The roll showed nineteen members present. Senator Wagoner was excused from a call of the Senate. The prayer was offered by the Chaplain, Pastor Sam Dalin of the River of Glory Church. Senator Hoffman moved and asked unanimous consent that the prayer be spread. Without objection, it was so ordered. Our Father who art in Heaven, hallowed be Thy Name. Your Kingdom come and be established here in this capitol today. May the Kingdom of Heaven come into this building right now as we pray. May your Name be exalted over this capitol building. May every decision made reflect your goodness and your greatness. You are the Creator of Heaven and Earth. So we ask for creative ideas for these men and women as they make decisions for the state of Alaska. May all of us realize how great are the decisions that face us each and every day. We need your help to guide us in the affairs of our great land Alaska. 2010-02-26 Senate Journal Page 1656 We thank you for your help by the power of Your Spirit who will guide us into all truth. Show us the things to come. We desire to make wise decisions as we govern Alaska. I pray this in the Name of the Father, Son, and Holy Spirit. Amen. Senator Paskvan led the Senate in the Pledge of Allegiance. Certification Senator Ellis moved and asked unanimous consent that the journals for the thirty-seventh and thirty-eighth legislative days be approved as certified by the Secretary. Without objection, it was so ordered. Messages from the House Message dated February 24 was read stating the House passed and transmitted for consideration: First Reading and Reference of House Resolutions HJR 46 HOUSE JOINT RESOLUTION NO. 46 BY THE HOUSE COMMUNITY AND REGIONAL AFFAIRS COMMITTEE, Urging Congressional support for the reauthorization of the Denali Commission. was read the first time and referred to the Community and Regional Affairs Committee. First Reading and Reference of House Bills HB 110 CS FOR HOUSE BILL NO. 110(HSS) BY THE HOUSE HEALTH AND SOCIAL SERVICES COMMITTEE, entitled: 2010-02-26 Senate Journal Page 1657 "An Act relating to the practice and licensing of psychologists." was read the first time and referred to the Education and Labor and Commerce Committees. HB 319 CS FOR HOUSE BILL NO. 319(FIN) BY THE HOUSE FINANCE COMMITTEE, entitled: "An Act relating to firearms; and providing for an effective date." was read the first time and referred to the Judiciary and Finance Committees. Communications The following reports are on file in the Office of the Secretary of the Senate: 2009 Annual Report for the Alaska Children's Trust from Panu Lucier, Executive Director in accordance with AS 37.14.230 Statewide Suicide Prevention Council Annual Report for FY 2010 from Brenda Moore, Chair in accordance with AS 44.29.360 Standing Committee Reports SB 234 The Labor and Commerce Committee considered SENATE BILL NO. 234 "An Act extending the termination date of the Alcoholic Beverage Control Board; and providing for an effective date." Signing do pass: Senator Paskvan, Chair; Senators Davis, Thomas, Meyer. Signing do not pass: Senator Bunde. 2010-02-26 Senate Journal Page 1658 The following fiscal information was published today: Fiscal Note No. 1, Department of Public Safety The bill was referred to the Finance Committee. SB 257 The Judiciary Committee considered SENATE BILL NO. 257 "An Act relating to funding for youth courts; and relating to accounting for criminal fines." Signing do pass: Senator French, Chair. Signing no recommendation: Senators Coghill, Wielechowski. The following fiscal information was published today: Fiscal Note No. 1, zero, Alaska Court System Fiscal Note No. 2, zero, Department of Health and Social Services Fiscal Note No. 3, zero, Department of Law The bill was referred to the Finance Committee. SB 265 The Judiciary Committee considered SENATE BILL NO. 265 "An Act making corrective amendments to the Alaska Statutes as recommended by the revisor of statutes; and providing for an effective date" and recommended it be replaced with CS FOR SENATE BILL NO. 265(JUD) Signing do pass: Senator French, Chair; Senators Coghill, McGuire. Signing no recommendation: Senator Wielechowski. The following previously published fiscal information applies: Fiscal Note No. 1, zero, Department of Law The bill was referred to the Rules Committee. SB 266 The State Affairs Committee considered SENATE BILL NO. 266 "An Act relating to emergency compensation from the Violent Crimes Compensation Board." Signing do pass: Senator Menard, Chair; Senators French, Meyer, Kookesh. 2010-02-26 Senate Journal Page 1659 The following fiscal information was published today: Fiscal Note No. 1, zero, Department of Administration The bill was referred to the Finance Committee. SB 280 The Transportation Committee considered SENATE BILL NO. 280 "An Act designating the bridge to be built on the Dalton Highway at approximately mile post 308 as the Sam Schuyler Memorial Bridge." Signing do pass: Senator Kookesh, Chair; Senators Davis, Meyer, Paskvan, Menard. The following fiscal information was published today: Fiscal Note No. 1, zero, Department of Transportation and Public Facilities The bill was referred to the Finance Committee. HB 186 The Judiciary Committee considered CS FOR HOUSE BILL NO. 186(FIN) am "An Act declaring that certain firearms and accessories are exempt from federal regulation." Signing no recommendation: Senator French, Chair. Signing do pass: Senators Coghill, Wielechowski. The following fiscal information was published today: Fiscal Note No. 3, indeterminate, Department of Law The bill was referred to the Finance Committee. SJR 21 The Judiciary Committee considered SENATE JOINT RESOLUTION NO. 21 Proposing amendments to the Constitution of the State of Alaska relating to and increasing the number of members of the house of representatives to forty-eight and the number of members of the senate to twenty-four. Signing do pass: Senator French, Chair. Signing no recommendation: Senators Coghill, Wielechowski. 2010-02-26 Senate Journal Page 1660 The following previously published fiscal information applies: Fiscal Note No. 1, Legislative Agency Fiscal Note No. 2, Office of the Governor The resolution was referred to the Finance Committee. Introduction and Reference of Senate Resolutions SJR 29 SENATE JOINT RESOLUTION NO. 29 BY THE SENATE COMMUNITY AND REGIONAL AFFAIRS COMMITTEE, Requesting the Alaska Congressional delegation to introduce and seek passage of an amendment to the Magnuson-Stevens Fishery Conservation and Management Act to create four new voting seats on the North Pacific Fishery Management Council to be filled by appointment of members of federally recognized tribes or Alaska Native organizations who are not employed by a community development quota program or the pollock industry. was read the first time and referred to the Community and Regional Affairs and Resources Committees. Introduction and Reference of Senate Bills SB 299 SENATE BILL NO. 299 BY THE SENATE COMMUNITY AND REGIONAL AFFAIRS COMMITTEE, entitled: "An Act directing the Department of Transportation and Public Facilities to develop and implement standards and operating procedures allowing for the use in the construction and maintenance of transportation projects and public facilities and in the construction of projects by public and private entities 2010-02-26 Senate Journal Page 1661 of gravel or aggregate materials that contain naturally occurring asbestos, and authorizing use on an interim basis of those materials for certain transportation projects and public facilities; and relating to certain claims arising out of or in connection with the use of gravel or aggregate materials." was read the first time and referred to the Transportation and Finance Committees. SB 300 SENATE BILL NO. 300 BY THE SENATE RULES COMMITTEE BY REQUEST OF THE GOVERNOR, entitled: "An Act relating to loan participations and development finance projects of the Alaska Industrial Development and Export Authority; and relating to loans from the rural development initiative fund." was read the first time and referred to the Labor and Commerce and Finance Committees. The following fiscal information was published today: Fiscal Note No. 1, zero, Department of Commerce, Community and Economic Development Fiscal Note No. 2, zero, Department of Revenue Fiscal Note No. 3, zero, Department of Transportation and Public Facilities Governor's transmittal letter dated February 25: Dear President Stevens: Under the authority of Art. III, Sec. 18, of the Alaska Constitution, I am transmitting a bill relating to loan participations and development finance projects of the Alaska Industrial Development and Export Authority. The bill will also make changes to the loan program financed by the rural development initiative fund. 2010-02-26 Senate Journal Page 1662 This bill is designed to modernize lending practices of the Alaska Industrial Development and Export Authority (Authority) so that Authority loan programs can benefit the economy, and the Authority can more easily be a participant in large scale economic development projects with other partners. First, the bill will change how the Authority determines minimum interest rates for certain loan participations. Second, the bill will permit the Authority to pay incentive rate rebates on certain loan participations that satisfy economic development criteria, such as job creation or investment in rural areas. Third, the bill will clarify that the Authority has statutory authority to finance, own, and operate a percentage of a development finance project. Finally, the bill will permit the rural development initiative fund to finance more than one loan to one or more borrowers, and with larger cumulative loan amounts. Section 1 of this bill will amend the method by which the Authority determines the minimum interest rate that may be charged on loan participations the Authority finances with Authority assets, rather than with bond proceeds. AS 44.88.159(e) currently requires the Authority to establish the minimum interest rate, in part, by the Authority estimating the bond interest rate the Authority would have obtained had the Authority issued bonds to finance the loan participation. The proposed amendments would enable the Authority to establish minimum interest rates based upon the greater of either (1) the rates achieved by a type or category of financial security in a published, nationally recognized market index; or (2) the five year rate of return the Authority achieved on investment funds of the Authority. The Authority believes it appropriate to move to a market-based methodology for determining interest rates. The Authority has not issued bonds to finance loan participations in more than 10 years. Thus, the accuracy of how the Authority estimates bond based rates has not been tested against actual rates from bonds issued to finance loan participations. Further, the current bond based methodology can result in unusually high interest rates when bond markets fail to function efficiently, such as happened during recent national and global economic market distresses. Section 2 of the bill will permit the Authority to establish in regulations a new program to pay certain loan participation borrowers incentive rate rebates. Under the new program, the Authority will be 2010-02-26 Senate Journal Page 1663 able to rebate up to one percent of interest charged on a loan participation to a borrower that creates jobs, promotes rural development, or fosters other economic development criteria. An incentive rate rebate may reduce the interest rate to a rate below what would otherwise be the statutory minimum rate. The Authority may not commit to pay incentive rate rebates on a loan participation for more than five years, and the balance of loans subject to rebates would be limited to no more than five percent of the outstanding balance of all loan participations of the Authority. Finally, the Authority may establish a separate account for the incentive rate rebate program. The separate account will enable the Authority to more easily account for, and pay, rebates owed to loan participation borrowers. Section 3 of the bill will clarify that the Authority may finance, own, and operate a percentage of a development finance project, and may provide for operation of a project by agreement with other owners. Existing statutes of the Authority do not clearly establish that the Authority may finance and own an indivisible percentage of a project. Clarifying this power will enable the Authority to jointly finance development finance projects with partners and other lenders or financiers more easily, and better promote economic development and spread project risks. Finally, Sections 4 and 5 of the bill will revise the rural development initiative fund owned by the Alaska Industrial Development and Export Authority and administered by the Alaska Division of Investments. The purpose of the revisions is to foster the utilization of the program in the state by increasing the amount that may be borrowed from the fund. The sections will remove the restriction that a borrower may only have one loan but limits a borrower's participation in the loan program to an allowable dollar amount. The sections will reduce the minimum interest rate that may be charged from six percent to four percent. I urge your prompt and favorable action on this measure. Sincerely, /s/ Sean Parnell Governor 2010-02-26 Senate Journal Page 1664 SB 301 SENATE BILL NO. 301 BY THE SENATE RULES COMMITTEE BY REQUEST OF THE GOVERNOR, entitled: "An Act relating to the power project fund; authorizing the Alaska Energy Authority to charge and collect fees relating to the power project fund; authorizing the Alaska Energy Authority to sell and authorizing the Alaska Industrial Development and Export Authority to purchase loans of the power project fund; providing legislative approval for the sale and purchase of loans of the power project fund under the memorandum of understanding dated February 17, 2010; and providing for an effective date." was read the first time and referred to the Resources and Finance Committees. The following fiscal information was published today: Fiscal Note No. 1, zero, Department of Transportation and Public Facilities Fiscal Note No. 2, zero, Department of Revenue Fiscal Note No. 3, zero, Department of Commerce, Community and Economic Development Fiscal Note No. 4, Department of Commerce, Community and Economic Development Governor's transmittal letter dated February 25: Dear President Stevens: Under the authority of Art. III, Sec. 18, of the Alaska Constitution, I am transmitting a bill relating to the power project fund; authorizing the Alaska Energy Authority (AEA) to charge and collect fees relating to the power project fund; authorizing AEA to sell and authorizing the Alaska Industrial Development and Export Authority (AIDEA) to purchase loans of the power project fund; and providing legislative approval for the sale and purchase of loans of the power project fund under the memorandum of understanding dated February 17, 2010. 2010-02-26 Senate Journal Page 1665 This bill deals with the power project fund (AS 42.45.010) and would accomplish two things. First, the bill would authorize the sale of power project fund loans from AEA to AIDEA as an investment of AIDEA's revolving fund. The sale of loans will recapitalize the power project fund and be accomplished under a memorandum of understanding. Second, the bill would authorize AEA to charge fees related to administration of the power project fund. AEA can make loans out of the power project fund to help finance energy generation and transmission projects, or to fund the bulk fuel revolving loan fund under AS 42.45.250(l). Borrowers currently use loans from the power project fund as a financing tool to help finance match requirements of renewable energy projects funded by the renewable energy grant fund (AS 42.45.045). The power project fund currently holds less than $4.2 million, an amount inadequate to fund all reasonable loan needs arising out of the renewable energy grant fund and recommendation program and other purposes of the power project fund. The proposed sale of existing loans in the power project fund will recapitalize the fund with an additional sum, estimated to be approximately $21 million. To maximize the price paid to AEA for the sale of loans of the power project fund, the bill and memorandum of understanding include provisions for AEA to repurchase from AIDEA loans which later default. This repurchase provision substantially reduces financial risk to AIDEA from default, and enables AIDEA to purchase the loans without significant discount for such risk. The result is that AEA will obtain more from the sale to capitalize the power project fund. Several sections of the bill authorize the sale of power project fund loans from AEA to AIDEA. Section 1 of the bill would amend AS 42.45.010(a) and allow proceeds from the sale of power project loans to be deposited into the power project fund. Section 3 of the bill would add a new subsection (l) to AS 42.45.010, and authorize AEA to sell power project fund loans with legislative approval, allow AEA to repurchase defaulted loans, and direct that sale proceeds be deposited into the power project fund. Section 4 of the bill would add a new paragraph (30) to AS 44.88.080 and authorize AIDEA to purchase loans of the power project fund with legislative approval. And, sec. 5 of the bill would provide necessary legislative approval for 2010-02-26 Senate Journal Page 1666 AEA to sell and AIDEA to purchase the loans under the memorandum of understanding dated February 17, 2010. A copy of this memorandum of understanding is available on both AEA and AIDEA internet websites. The bill would also authorize AEA to charge and collect fees in administering the power project fund, similar to authority that AEA has under AS 42.45.250(j) and (k) for the bulk fuel revolving loan fund. Section 2 of the bill would amend AS 42.45.010(d) which currently provides statutory authority for AEA to adopt regulations regarding the power project fund, and specifically authorize AEA to establish reasonable fees for applications and loan origination, and charges for reimbursement of the costs of analyzing the feasibility of a project. Section 3 of the bill would add subsection (k) to AS 42.45.010, and authorize AEA to collect the power project fund fees and charges established in the regulations, and direct deposit of those fees and charges into the general fund. Currently, AEA only requires an applicant to pay the costs of analyzing the feasibility of a project. Finally, Sec. 6 of the bill would make the bill immediately effective, if it is enacted into law. I urge your prompt and favorable action on this bill. Sincerely, /s/ Sean Parnell Governor SB 302 SENATE BILL NO. 302 BY THE SENATE RULES COMMITTEE BY REQUEST OF THE GOVERNOR, entitled: "An Act establishing the Alaska microloan revolving fund; making loans for commercial purposes from the fund; and relating to the fund and loans; and providing for an effective date." 2010-02-26 Senate Journal Page 1667 was read the first time and referred to the Labor and Commerce and Finance Committees. The following fiscal information was published today: Fiscal Note No. 1, Department of Commerce, Community and Economic Development Governor's transmittal letter dated February 25: Dear President Stevens: Under the authority of Art. III, Sec. 18, of the Alaska Constitution, I am transmitting a bill establishing the Alaska micro loan revolving fund; making loans for commercial purposes from the fund; and relating to the fund and loans. In an effort to promote economic development in the state by helping small businesses access critically needed capital, a new loan program has been developed that is modeled after a program currently operated through the federal Small Business Administration (SBA). The SBA program, known as the micro loan program, provides small, short-term loans to small businesses. This federal program, however, is not currently available in the state because an intermediary lender is required and to date no lenders meeting the SBA's qualifications have been identified in the state. This bill will create the Alaska micro loan revolving program in the Department of Commerce, Community, and Economic Development. The program will be set up as a revolving loan fund so that all earnings and loan payments will be retained by the fund for future loans. All operating expenses will also be paid from earnings of the fund. An applicant for the loan must be a resident of the state and provide a reasonable amount of money from other non-state sources for use on projects for which money from a loan will be used. Loans under this program may not exceed $35,000 to one person, or $70,000 to two or more persons. A loan under the program bears interest at the rate of prime plus one percentage point, but may not be less than six percent per year and not more than eight percent per year. The maximum term 2010-02-26 Senate Journal Page 1668 for a loan under this program will be six years, however extensions may be granted. Finally, a loan must be secured by collateral acceptable to the commissioner of the Department of Commerce, Community, and Economic Development. I urge your prompt and favorable action on this measure. Sincerely, /s/ Sean Parnell Governor Consideration of the Calendar Second Reading of Senate Bills SB 199 SENATE BILL NO. 199 "An Act providing for a two-year funding cycle for medical assistance coverage for dentures" was read the second time. Senator Ellis moved and asked unanimous consent that the bill be considered engrossed, advanced to third reading and placed on final passage. Without objection, it was so ordered. SENATE BILL NO. 199 was read the third time. The question being: "Shall SENATE BILL NO. 199 "An Act providing for a two-year funding cycle for medical assistance coverage for dentures" pass the Senate?" The roll was taken with the following result: SB 199 Third Reading - Final Passage YEAS: 19 NAYS: 0 EXCUSED: 1 ABSENT: 0 Yeas: Bunde, Coghill, Davis, Dyson, Egan, Ellis, French, Hoffman, Huggins, Kookesh, McGuire, Menard, Meyer, Olson, Paskvan, Stedman, Stevens, Thomas, Wielechowski Excused: Wagoner 2010-02-26 Senate Journal Page 1669 and so, SENATE BILL NO. 199 passed the Senate and was referred to the Secretary for engrossment. Citations Honoring - 35 Years of the North Star Volunteer Fire Department Senator(s) Coghill, Stevens, Bunde, Davis, Dyson, Egan, Ellis, Hoffman, Huggins, Kookesh, McGuire, Menard, Meyer, Olson, Paskvan, Stedman, Thomas, Wagoner, Wielechowski Honoring - Victor Joseph and Staff, Tanana Chiefs Conference, Department of Health Services Senator(s) Kookesh, Stevens, Bunde, Coghill, Davis, Dyson, Egan, Ellis, French, Hoffman, Huggins, McGuire, Menard, Meyer, Olson, Paskvan, Stedman, Thomas, Wagoner, Wielechowski Representative(s) Salmon Honoring - Dr. Dana H. Hanselman Senator(s) Egan, Stevens, Bunde, Coghill, Davis, Dyson, Ellis, Hoffman, Huggins, Kookesh, McGuire, Menard, Meyer, Olson, Paskvan, Stedman, Thomas, Wagoner, Wielechowski Representative(s) Kerttula, Munoz Honoring - North Pacific Erectors Representative(s) Munoz, Kerttula Senator(s) Egan, Stevens, Bunde, Coghill, Davis, Dyson, Ellis, Hoffman, Huggins, Kookesh, McGuire, Menard, Meyer, Olson, Paskvan, Stedman, Thomas, Wagoner, Wielechowski In Memoriam - Dr. Gerald Mohatt Senator(s) Thomas, Stevens, Bunde, Coghill, Davis, Dyson, Egan, Ellis, Hoffman, Huggins, Kookesh, McGuire, Menard, Meyer, Olson, Paskvan, Stedman, Wagoner, Wielechowski Representative(s) Guttenberg In Memoriam - Herman Hermansen Senator(s) Wagoner, Stevens, Bunde, Coghill, Davis, Dyson, Egan, Ellis, Hoffman, Huggins, Kookesh, McGuire, Menard, Meyer, Olson, Paskvan, Stedman, Thomas, Wielechowski Representative(s) Chenault 2010-02-26 Senate Journal Page 1670 In Memoriam - Diana Rutzebeck Tillion Senator(s) Wagoner, Stevens, Bunde, Coghill, Davis, Dyson, Egan, Ellis, French, Hoffman, Huggins, Kookesh, McGuire, Menard, Meyer, Olson, Paskvan, Stedman, Thomas, Wielechowski Representative(s) Seaton In Memoriam - Lisa Marie (Madrid) Taylor Senator(s) Egan, Stevens, Bunde, Coghill, Davis, Dyson, Ellis, Hoffman, Huggins, Kookesh, McGuire, Menard, Meyer, Olson, Paskvan, Stedman, Thomas, Wagoner, Wielechowski Representative(s) Kerttula, Munoz In Memoriam - Robert L. Tucker Senator(s) Huggins, Coghill, Stevens, Bunde, Davis, Dyson, Egan, Ellis, Hoffman, Kookesh, McGuire, Menard, Meyer, Olson, Paskvan, Stedman, Thomas, Wagoner, Wielechowski In Memoriam - Harry William Brunnhoelzl Jr. Senator(s) Huggins, Stevens, Bunde, Coghill, Davis, Dyson, Egan, Ellis, Hoffman, Kookesh, McGuire, Menard, Meyer, Olson, Paskvan, Stedman, 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. Senator Ellis moved and asked unanimous consent that the following citation be made a special order of business. Without objection, it was so ordered. Special Order of Business Honoring - Robert L. Garrison Senator(s) Egan, Stevens, Bunde, Coghill, Davis, Dyson, Ellis, Hoffman, Huggins, Kookesh, McGuire, Menard, Meyer, Olson, Paskvan, Stedman, Thomas, Wagoner, Wielechowski Representative(s) Kerttula, Munoz 2010-02-26 Senate Journal Page 1671 Senator Ellis moved and asked unanimous consent that the citation be adopted. Without objection, the citation was adopted and referred to the Secretary for transmittal. Unfinished Business Senators French, Ellis moved and asked unanimous consent to be excused from a call of the Senate on March 1, to morning plane time. Without objection, Senators French, Ellis were excused. Senator Bunde moved and asked unanimous consent to be excused from a call of the Senate on March 1 and March 2. Without objection, Senator Bunde was excused. Senator Hoffman moved and asked unanimous consent to be excused from a call of the Senate on March 3. Without objection, Senator Hoffman was excused. Senator McGuire moved and asked unanimous consent to be excused from a call of the Senate from March 3 through March 5. Without objection, Senator McGuire was excused. SB 266 Senators Menard, Paskvan, Egan, Meyer, McGuire, French, Dyson, Davis moved and asked unanimous consent to be shown as cosponsors on SENATE BILL NO. 266 "An Act relating to emergency compensation from the Violent Crimes Compensation Board." Without objection, it was so ordered. SB 257 Senator McGuire moved and asked unanimous consent to be shown as a cosponsor on the SENATE BILL NO. 257 "An Act relating to funding for youth courts; and relating to accounting for criminal fines." Without objection, it was so ordered. SJR 25 Senators McGuire, Huggins, Davis moved and asked unanimous consent to be shown as cosponsors on SENATE JOINT RESOLUTION NO. 25 Urging the United States Congress to reject 2010-02-26 Senate Journal Page 1672 S. 1535 and H.R. 3381, the Protect America's Wildlife Act of 2009, which seek to limit aerial hunting of wildlife. Without objection, it was so ordered. SB 152 Senator Davis moved and asked unanimous consent to be shown as a cosponsor on SENATE BILL NO. 152 "An Act relating to municipal transportation systems and to regional transit authorities." Without objection, it was so ordered. Announcements Announcements are at the end of the journal. Engrossment SB 199 SENATE BILL NO. 199 "An Act providing for a two-year funding cycle for medical assistance coverage for dentures" 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 11:00 a.m., March 1, 2010. Without objection, the Senate adjourned at 11:41 a.m. Kirsten Waid Secretary of the Senate 2010-02-26 Senate Journal Page 1673 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 02 Tuesday Beltz 105 (tsbldg) 3:30 PM + Bills Previously Heard/Scheduled Mar 04 Thursday Beltz 105 (tsbldg) 3:30 PM No Meeting Scheduled ---------------------------------------- EDUCATION Feb 26 Friday Beltz 105 (tsbldg) 8:00 AM + SB 283 LEGAL AGE FOR SCHOOL ATTENDANCE <Bill Hearing Postponed> += SB 224 POSTSECONDARY SCHOLARSHIPS + Bills Previously Heard/Scheduled Mar 01 Monday Beltz 105 (tsbldg) 8:00 AM -- Agenda Change -- += SB 283 LEGAL AGE FOR SCHOOL ATTENDANCE <Bill Hearing Postponed> Bills Previously Heard/Scheduled += SB 224 POSTSECONDARY SCHOLARSHIPS Mar 03 Wednesday Beltz 105 (tsbldg) 8:00 AM No Meeting Scheduled Mar 05 Friday Beltz 105 (tsbldg) 8:00 AM No Meeting Scheduled ---------------------------------------- 2010-02-26 Senate Journal Page 1674 FINANCE Feb 26 Friday Senate Finance 532 9:00 AM -- MEETING CANCELED -- + Gas Tax + Bills Previously Heard/Scheduled Feb 26 Friday Senate Finance 532 1:30 PM -- MEETING CANCELED -- + Gas Tax + Bills Previously Heard/Scheduled Mar 01 Monday Senate Finance 532 9:00 AM No Meeting Scheduled Mar 02 Tuesday Senate Finance 532 9:00 AM No Meeting Scheduled Mar 03 Wednesday Senate Finance 532 9:00 AM No Meeting Scheduled Mar 04 Thursday Senate Finance 532 9:00 AM No Meeting Scheduled Mar 05 Friday Senate Finance 532 9:00 AM No Meeting Scheduled ---------------------------------------- HEALTH & SOCIAL SERVICES Feb 26 Friday Butrovich 205 1:30 PM No Meeting Scheduled Mar 01 Monday Butrovich 205 1:30 PM + SB 46 CHILD SUPPORT AWARDS Presentations: + Anchorage Urban League - Seeds of Change + Division of Alaska Pioneer Homes Bills Previously Heard/Scheduled Mar 03 Wednesday Butrovich 205 1:30 PM No Meeting Scheduled 2010-02-26 Senate Journal Page 1675 HEALTH & SOCIAL SERVICES (continued) Mar 05 Friday Butrovich 205 1:30 PM No Meeting Scheduled ---------------------------------------- JUDICIARY Feb 26 Friday Beltz 105 (tsbldg) 1:30 PM No Meeting Scheduled Mar 01 Monday Beltz 105 (tsbldg) 1:30 PM += SB 209 STATE COUNCIL ON THE ARTS; REGULATIONS += SB 244 GOVERNOR'S DUTY STATION/TRAVEL ALLOWANCES + SB 260 ELECTRIC & TELEPHONE COOPERATIVES' VOTING += SB 239 IGNITION INTERLOCK DEVICES/DUI/CHEM. TEST += SB 92 U.S. PRESIDENTIAL ELECTION COMPACT <Bill Hearing Postponed> + Bills Previously Heard/Scheduled Mar 03 Wednesday Beltz 105 (tsbldg) 1:30 PM No Meeting Scheduled Mar 05 Friday Beltz 105 (tsbldg) 1:30 PM No Meeting Scheduled ---------------------------------------- LABOR & COMMERCE Mar 02 Tuesday Beltz 105 (tsbldg) 1:30 PM += SB 279 MORTGAGE LENDING + SB 258 DENTAL CARE INSURANCE + SB 129 RESIDENTIAL SPRINKLER SYSTEMS + Bills Previously Heard/Scheduled Mar 04 Thursday Beltz 105 (tsbldg) 2:00 PM No Meeting Scheduled ---------------------------------------- 2010-02-26 Senate Journal Page 1676 RESOURCES Mar 01 Monday Butrovich 205 3:30 PM + SB 274 WILLIAM JACK HERNANDEZ FISH HATCHERY + SJR 27 FED. FUNDING: DOMESTIC SEAFOOD MARKETING Mar 03 Wednesday Butrovich 205 10:00 AM -- Time Change -- + Overview: AHFC Weatherization Program Mar 04 Thursday Butrovich 205 3:30 PM No Meeting Scheduled Mar 05 Friday Butrovich 205 3:30 PM No Meeting Scheduled ---------------------------------------- STATE AFFAIRS Mar 02 Tuesday Beltz 105 (tsbldg) 9:00 AM + SB 190 BIOMETRIC INFORMATION FOR ID + SB 284 CAMPAIGN EXPENDITURES + HJR 16 DISABLED VETERANS PROCUREMENT PREFERENCE + Bills Previously Heard/Scheduled Mar 04 Thursday Beltz 105 (tsbldg) 9:00 AM No Meeting Scheduled ---------------------------------------- TRANSPORTATION Mar 02 Tuesday Butrovich 205 1:00 PM No Meeting Scheduled Mar 04 Thursday Butrovich 205 1:00 PM No Meeting Scheduled ---------------------------------------- FINANCE SUBCOMMITTEES ADMINISTRATION Mar 19 Friday Beltz 105 (tsbldg) 3:30 PM Dept Closeout ---------------------------------------- 2010-02-26 Senate Journal Page 1677 FINANCE SUBCOMMITTEES (continued) CORRECTIONS Mar 02 Tuesday Fahrenkamp 203 5:00 PM Population Management (if necessary) Mar 09 Tuesday Fahrenkamp 203 5:00 PM Inmate Health Care Mar 16 Tuesday Fahrenkamp 203 5:00 PM Closeout ---------------------------------------- COURT SYSTEM Mar 02 Tuesday Sen Conf Rm 103 Tsb 4:00 PM + FY11 Budget Request Mar 11 Thursday Sen Conf Rm 103 Tsb 4:00 PM + FY11 Budget Request Mar 18 Thursday Sen Conf Rm 103 Tsb 4:00 PM + Closeout ---------------------------------------- EDUCATION & EARLY DEVELOPMENT Feb 26 Friday Sen Conf Rm 103 Tsb 3:00 PM + FY11 Budget Request Mar 10 Wednesday Sen Conf Rm 103 Tsb 12:00 PM + FY11 Budget Request Mar 17 Wednesday Sen Conf Rm 103 Tsb 12:00 PM + Closeout ---------------------------------------- ENVIRONMENTAL CONSERVATION Mar 02 Tuesday Fahrenkamp 203 3:30 PM Division of Water (if necessary) 2010-02-26 Senate Journal Page 1678 FINANCE SUBCOMMITTEES (continued) ENVIRONMENTAL CONSERVATION (continued) Mar 09 Tuesday Fahrenkamp 203 3:30 PM Spill Prevention & Response Mar 16 Tuesday Fahrenkamp 203 3:30 PM Closeout ---------------------------------------- FISH & GAME Mar 15 Monday Senate Finance 532 3:00 PM Closeout ---------------------------------------- GOVERNOR Mar 17 Wednesday Senate Finance 532 3:00 PM Closeout ---------------------------------------- HEALTH & SOCIAL SERVICES Mar 12 Friday Beltz 105 (tsbldg) 3:30 PM + Pre-Closeout and Question/Answer Session -- Testimony <Invitation Only> -- Mar 17 Wednesday Beltz 105 (tsbldg) 3:00 PM + Budget Closeout -- Testimony <Invitation Only> -- ---------------------------------------- LAW Mar 09 Tuesday Sen Conf Rm 103 Tsb 1:30 PM Budget Detail Mar 16 Tuesday Fahrenkamp 203 1:30 PM Closeout ---------------------------------------- 2010-02-26 Senate Journal Page 1679 FINANCE SUBCOMMITTEES (continued) LEGISLATURE Mar 17 Wednesday Senate Finance 532 3:15 PM Closeout ---------------------------------------- MILITARY & VETERANS' AFFAIRS Mar 08 Monday Sen Conf Rm 103 Tsb 12:15 PM Committee Discussion and Close Out -- Testimony <Invitation Only> -- ---------------------------------------- NATURAL RESOURCES Mar 02 Tuesday Sen Conf Rm 103 Tsb 1:30 PM Division of Mining, Land and Water Division of Geological and Geophysical Services -- Testimony <Invitation Only> -- Mar 09 Tuesday Fahrenkamp 203 1:00 PM Discussion -- Testimony <Invitation Only> -- Mar 16 Tuesday Fahrenkamp 203 3:00 PM + CLOSE OUT -- Testimony <Invitation Only> -- ---------------------------------------- PUBLIC SAFETY Mar 11 Thursday Fahrenkamp 203 1:00 PM + Pre-Closeout & Question/Answer Session -- Testimony <Invitation Only> -- Mar 18 Thursday Fahrenkamp 203 1:00 PM + Budget Closeout -- Testimony <Invitation Only> -- ---------------------------------------- 2010-02-26 Senate Journal Page 1680 FINANCE SUBCOMMITTEES (continued) REVENUE Mar 11 Thursday Sen Conf Rm 103 Tsb 1:30 PM Budget Detail Mar 18 Thursday Sen Conf Rm 103 Tsb 1:30 PM Subcommittee closeout ---------------------------------------- TRANSPORTATION & PUBLIC FACILITIES Mar 09 Tuesday Fahrenkamp 203 8:00 AM Budget Details Mar 16 Tuesday Fahrenkamp 203 8:00 AM Closeout ---------------------------------------- UNIVERSITY OF ALASKA Mar 16 Tuesday Senate Finance 532 3:00 PM Closeout ---------------------------------------- JOINT COMMITTEES ADMINISTRATIVE REGULATION REVIEW Mar 08 Monday Capitol 17 3:00 PM + (18 AAC 32) Proposed Regulations Relating to Cheese Production -- Public Testimony -- + (11 AAC 65.010 - 11 AAC 65.900, particularly 11 AAC 65.010) Regulations Relating to Personal Use Cabin Permits -- Public Testimony -- Executive Session ---------------------------------------- 2010-02-26 Senate Journal Page 1681 OTHER MEETINGS BUSH CAUCUS Mar 03 Wednesday Capitol 106 4:00 PM -- MEETING CANCELED -- + Presentation to Full Legislature: Native Education Issues ---------------------------------------- JOINT LEGISLATIVE HEALTH CAUCUS Mar 24 Wednesday Butrovich 205 12:00 PM + The State of the Uninsured: Let's Ensure Their Health ---------------------------------------- JOINT SESSION Mar 31 Wednesday House Chamber 11:00 AM Annual Address by the Honorable Mark Begich, U.S. Senator ---------------------------------------- MISCELLANEOUS MEETINGS Mar 29 Monday Senate Finance 532 1:00 PM School District Legislative Fly-In Informal Q&A Session Regarding Alaska's Public School System