Legislature(2009 - 2010)
2010-03-02 Senate Journal
Full Journal pdf2010-03-02 Senate Journal Page 1701 SENATE JOURNAL ALASKA STATE LEGISLATURE TWENTY-SIXTH LEGISLATURE SECOND SESSION Juneau, Alaska Tuesday March 2, 2010 Forty-third Day Pursuant to adjournment the Senate was called to order by President Stevens at 11:00 a.m. The roll showed fourteen members present. Senators Bunde, Dyson, Stedman, Thomas, Wagoner were excused from a call of the Senate. Senator McGuire was absent. Senator Ellis moved and asked unanimous consent that Senator McGuire be excused from a call of the Senate today. Without objection, Senator McGuire was excused. The prayer was offered by the Chaplain, Pastor Tari Stage-Harvey of Shepherd of the Valley Lutheran Church. Senator Hoffman moved and asked unanimous consent that the prayer be spread. Without objection, it was so ordered. We give thanks for the beauty of this earth, and especially this land. May it give us strength to face the brokenness and darkness of this world with courage and compassion. We give thanks for the willingness of leaders to serve the people. May they maintain integrity and faithfulness in all that they do. We give thanks for conflict and disagreement. May it teach us to be people who listen and seek the common good together. 2010-03-02 Senate Journal Page 1702 We give thanks for the generous who share resources so freely. May we learn how to use those resources to care for those in prison, those struggling with abuse, those caught in cycles of poverty, and those burdened by mental illness Give us thankful hearts so we begin every day, every moment, every meeting knowing what a gift it is to be here. Amen. Senator Wielechowski led the Senate in the Pledge of Allegiance. Certification Senator Ellis moved and asked unanimous consent that the journal for the forty-second legislative day be approved as certified by the Secretary. Without objection, it was so ordered. Messages from the House Message dated March 1 was read stating the House passed and transmitted for consideration: First Reading and Reference of House Resolutions HJR 40 CS FOR HOUSE JOINT RESOLUTION NO. 40(RES) BY THE HOUSE RESOURCES COMMITTEE, Opposing the proposed designation by the National Marine Fisheries Service of 3,000 square miles of upper Cook Inlet, the mid-inlet, all of the inlet's western shores, and Kachemak Bay as critical habitat for beluga whales. was read the first time and referred to the Resources Committee. 2010-03-02 Senate Journal Page 1703 First Reading and Reference of House Bills HB 315 HOUSE BILL NO. 315 BY THE HOUSE LABOR AND COMMERCE COMMITTEE, entitled: "An Act relating to public accounting; and providing for an effective date." was read the first time and referred to the Finance Committee. HB 345 HOUSE BILL NO. 345 BY REPRESENTATIVE RAMRAS, entitled: "An Act designating the bridge to be built on the Dalton Highway at approximately mile post 308 as the Sam Schuyler Memorial Bridge." was read the first time and referred to the Finance Committee. Communications The following reports are on file in the Office of the Secretary of the Senate: Alaska Renewable Energy Legislative Task Force Report to the Legislature, dated February 28, 2010 from the Alaska Renewable Energy Legislative Task Force in accordance with Chapter 31, SLA 08 Alaska Commission on Aging FY 09 Annual Report from Sharon Howerton-Clark, Chair and Denise Daniello, Executive Director, Alaska Commission on Aging Department of Health and Social Services in accordance with AS 47.45.240 2010-03-02 Senate Journal Page 1704 Standing Committee Reports SB 203 The Resources Committee considered SENATE BILL NO. 203 "An Act relating to a tax credit for a facility to store Cook Inlet gas for sale and delivery in the state; relating to an exemption from the oil and gas exploration, production, and pipeline transportation property tax for a facility that stores Cook Inlet gas for sale and delivery in the state; and providing for an effective date" and recommended it be replaced with CS FOR SENATE BILL NO. 203(RES) "An Act relating to the regulation of a gas storage facility by the Regulatory Commission of Alaska; relating to a tax credit for a facility to store Cook Inlet gas for sale and delivery in the state; and providing for an effective date." Signing do pass: Senators Wielechowski, McGuire, Cochairs; Senator French. Signing no recommendation: Senator Stevens. The following fiscal information was published today: Fiscal Note No. 1, indeterminate, Department of Natural Resources The bill was referred to the Finance Committee. SB 277 The Resources Committee considered SENATE BILL NO. 277 "An Act exempting from regulation by the Regulatory Commission of Alaska and by municipalities generators of electricity from renewable energy resources that sell electricity to regulated utilities" and recommended it be replaced with CS FOR SENATE BILL NO. 277(RES) "An Act exempting from regulation by the Regulatory Commission of Alaska and by municipalities certain generators of electricity from renewable energy resources that sell electricity to regulated utilities." 2010-03-02 Senate Journal Page 1705 Signing do pass: Senator McGuire, Cochair. Signing no recommendation: Senator Wielechowski, Cochair; Senators Stevens, French. The following fiscal information was published today: Fiscal Note No. 1, zero, Department of Commerce, Community and Economic Development The bill was referred to the Judiciary Committee. SB 284 The State Affairs Committee considered SENATE BILL NO. 284 "An Act relating to state election campaigns, the duties of the Alaska Public Offices Commission, the reporting and disclosure of expenditures and independent expenditures, the filing of reports, and the identification of certain communications in state election campaigns; and providing for an effective date." Signing do pass: Senator Menard, Chair; Senators French, Meyer, Paskvan, Kookesh. The following fiscal information was published today: Fiscal Note No. 1, zero, Office of the Governor Fiscal Note No. 2, Department of Administration President Stevens added a Finance Committee referral to the bill. The bill was referred to the Judiciary, then Finance Committees. HB 114 The Transportation Committee considered CS FOR HOUSE BILL NO. 114(TRA) am "An Act relating to availability of state transportation facilities and state-owned or state-operated transportation modes for delivering compassionate aid" and recommended it be replaced with SENATE CS FOR CS FOR HOUSE BILL NO. 114(TRA) Signing do pass: Senator Kookesh, Chair; Senators Davis, Meyer, Paskvan, Menard. 2010-03-02 Senate Journal Page 1706 The following fiscal information was published today: Fiscal Note No. 5, zero, Department of Military and Veterans Affairs Fiscal Note No. 6, zero, Department of Fish and Game Fiscal Note No. 7, zero, Department of Transportation and Public Facilities The bill was referred to the Finance Committee. HJR 16 The State Affairs Committee considered CS FOR HOUSE JOINT RESOLUTION NO. 16(L&C) Relating to federal procurement preferences for small businesses in the state that are owned and controlled by service-disabled veterans. Signing do pass: Senator Menard, Chair; Senators French, Meyer, Paskvan, Kookesh. The following previously published fiscal information applies: Fiscal Note No. 2, zero, House Rules Committee The resolution was referred to the Rules Committee. Consideration of the Calendar Citations Honoring - Jim Hickerson Senator(s) Olson, Stevens, Bunde, Coghill, Davis, Dyson, Egan, Ellis, Hoffman, Huggins, Kookesh, McGuire, Menard, Meyer, Paskvan, Stedman, Thomas, Wagoner, Wielechowski Honoring - Alaska Office of Boating Safety, Raising Boater Awareness Senator(s) Huggins, Stevens, Bunde, Coghill, Davis, Dyson, Egan, Ellis, Hoffman, Kookesh, McGuire, Menard, Meyer, Olson, Paskvan, Stedman, Thomas, Wagoner, Wielechowski Representative(s) Neuman 2010-03-02 Senate Journal Page 1707 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 In accordance with AS 24.20.650 and in conjunction with Speaker Chenault, President Stevens made the following appointment: Joint Armed Services Committee William S. (Bill) Brophy Senators French, Ellis moved and asked unanimous consent to be excused from a call of the Senate on March 8, to morning plane time. Without objection, Senators French, Ellis were excused. Senator Paskvan moved and asked unanimous consent to be excused from a call of the Senate from evening plane time, March 2 through morning plane time, March 8. Without objection, Senator Paskvan was excused. Senator Olson moved and asked unanimous consent to be excused from a call of the Senate from March 7 through plane time, March 8. Without objection, Senator Olson was excused. Announcements Announcements are at the end of the journal. Adjournment Senator Ellis moved and asked unanimous consent that the Senate stand in adjournment until 11:00 a.m., March 4, 2010. Without objection, the Senate adjourned at 11:22 a.m. Kirsten Waid Secretary of the Senate 2010-03-02 Senate Journal Page 1708 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 -- MEETING CANCELED -- + Bills Previously Heard/Scheduled Mar 04 Thursday Beltz 105 (tsbldg) 3:30 PM No Meeting Scheduled Mar 09 Tuesday Beltz 105 (tsbldg) 3:30 PM + HJR 46 SUPPORTING DENALI COMMISSION + SJR 29 TRIBAL SEATS ON N. PAC. FISHERIES COUNCIL + Bills Previously Heard/Scheduled Mar 11 Thursday Beltz 105 (tsbldg) 3:30 PM + Bills Previously Heard/Scheduled ---------------------------------------- EDUCATION Mar 03 Wednesday Beltz 105 (tsbldg) 8:00 AM No Meeting Scheduled Mar 05 Friday Beltz 105 (tsbldg) 8:00 AM No Meeting Scheduled ---------------------------------------- 2010-03-02 Senate Journal Page 1709 FINANCE 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 Mar 03 Wednesday Butrovich 205 1:30 PM No Meeting Scheduled Mar 05 Friday Butrovich 205 1:30 PM No Meeting Scheduled Mar 08 Monday Butrovich 205 1:30 PM No Meeting Scheduled Mar 10 Wednesday Beltz 105 (tsbldg) 1:30 PM -- Location Change -- Confirmation of Governor's Appointments + SB 46 CHILD SUPPORT AWARDS + SB 172 ALASKA HEALTH CARE COMMISSION Bills Previously Heard/Scheduled Mar 12 Friday Butrovich 205 1:30 PM No Meeting Scheduled ---------------------------------------- JUDICIARY Mar 03 Wednesday Beltz 105 (tsbldg) 1:30 PM No Meeting Scheduled 2010-03-02 Senate Journal Page 1710 JUDICIARY (continued) Mar 05 Friday Beltz 105 (tsbldg) 1:30 PM No Meeting Scheduled Mar 08 Monday Beltz 105 (tsbldg) 1:30 PM += SB 209 STATE COUNCIL ON THE ARTS; REGULATIONS += SB 260 ELECTRIC & TELEPHONE COOPERATIVES' VOTING + SB 202 HATE CRIMES + SB 284 CAMPAIGN EXPENDITURES + Bills Previously Heard/Scheduled Mar 10 Wednesday Butrovich 205 1:30 PM -- Location Change -- + Confirmation Hearing: Attorney General Daniel S. Sullivan Mar 12 Friday Beltz 105 (tsbldg) 1:30 PM += SB 239 IGNITION INTERLOCK DEVICES/DUI/CHEM. TEST += SB 92 U.S. PRESIDENTIAL ELECTION COMPACT + Bills Previously Heard/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 ---------------------------------------- RESOURCES 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 2010-03-02 Senate Journal Page 1711 RESOURCES (continued) 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 ---------------------------------------- CORRECTIONS Mar 02 Tuesday Fahrenkamp 203 5:00 PM -- MEETING CANCELED -- Population Management (if necessary) 2010-03-02 Senate Journal Page 1712 FINANCE SUBCOMMITTEES (continued) CORRECTIONS (continued) 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 -- MEETING CANCELED -- + 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 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 -- MEETING CANCELED -- Division of Water (if necessary) Mar 09 Tuesday Fahrenkamp 203 3:30 PM Spill Prevention & Response 2010-03-02 Senate Journal Page 1713 FINANCE SUBCOMMITTEES (continued) ENVIRONMENTAL CONSERVATION (continued) 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 ---------------------------------------- 2010-03-02 Senate Journal Page 1714 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> -- ---------------------------------------- 2010-03-02 Senate Journal Page 1715 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 ---------------------------------------- 2010-03-02 Senate Journal Page 1716 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 ---------------------------------------- UNIVERSITY BOOSTERS CAUCUS Mar 08 Monday House Finance 519 4:00 PM Q & A with UA Regents Mar 17 Wednesday House Finance 519 4:00 PM Business Leaders to Legislature: We need to Grow Our Own Alaska Workforce