Legislature(2015 - 2016)
2015-02-04 Senate Journal
Full Journal pdf2015-02-04 Senate Journal Page 0137 SENATE JOURNAL ALASKA STATE LEGISLATURE TWENTY-NINTH LEGISLATURE FIRST SESSION Juneau, Alaska Wednesday February 4, 2015 Sixteenth Day Pursuant to adjournment the Senate was called to order by President Meyer at 11:01 a.m. The roll showed twenty members present. The prayer was offered by the Chaplain, Doug Mertz of the Juneau Friends Meeting. Senator Hoffman moved and asked unanimous consent that the prayer be spread. Without objection, it was so ordered. Lord, we ask you to look down on this body and help us to make the right decisions this day; Help us to do all that we can for the betterment of our great land and its people, this day; Help us to seek justice for all, this day; Help us to lift our voices for those who cannot speak for themselves, this day; Help us to see the light of God in every person we encounter, this day and all days. Amen. Senator Gardner led the Senate in the Pledge of Allegiance. Certification Senator Coghill 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. 2015-02-04 Senate Journal Page 0138 Messages from the Governor Letter dated and received February 3 was read stating in accordance with Article III, Section 13 of the Alaska Constitution and AS 44.19.040, I submit the following name for legislative confirmation of appointment to the position noted: Lieutenant Governor Successor Craig Fleener The appointment was referred to the State Affairs and Judiciary Committees. Letter dated and received February 3 was read stating in accordance with Article III, Section 25 of the Alaska Constitution, I submit the following department heads for legislative confirmation: Attorney General - Department of Law Craig Richards Appointed: 12/1/2014 The appointment was referred to the Resources and Judiciary Committees. Commissioner - Department of Health and Social Services Valerie Davidson Appointed: 12/1/2014 The appointment was referred to the Health and Social Services Committee. Commissioner - Department of Natural Resources Mark Myers Appointed: 12/1/2014 Commissioner - Department of Fish and Game Sam Cotten Appointed: 1/20/2015 The appointments were referred to the Resources Committee. 2015-02-04 Senate Journal Page 0139 Commissioner - Department of Revenue Randall Hoffbeck Appointed: 12/16/2014 The appointment was referred to the Finance Committee. Commissioner - Department of Labor and Workforce Development Heidi Drygas Appointed: 12/19/2014 The appointment was referred to the Labor and Commerce Committee. Commissioner - Department of Administration Sheldon Fisher Appointed: 12/29/2014 Commissioner - Department of Corrections Ronald Taylor Appointed: 1/20/2015 Commissioner - Department of Military and Veteran's Affairs/Adjutant General of the Alaska National Guard Laurel Hummel Appointed: 1/30/2015 The appointments were referred to the State Affairs Committee. Commissioner - Department of Commerce, Community and Economic Development Chris Hladick Appointed: 1/20/2015 The appointment was referred to the Labor and Commerce and Community and Regional Affairs Committees. Commissioner - Department of Transportation Marc Luiken Appointed: 1/23/2015 The appointment was referred to the Transportation and State Affairs Committees. 2015-02-04 Senate Journal Page 0140 Letter dated and received February 3 was read stating in accordance with Article III, Section 26 of the Alaska Constitution [and AS 39.05.080], I submit the following appointees for confirmation by a majority of the members of the Legislature in joint session as set out below: Alaska Commercial Fisheries Entry Commission Benjamin Brown - Juneau Appointed: 3/1/2011 Reappointed: 3/1/2015 Term Expires: 3/1/2019 Board of Game Kip Fanning - Yakutat Appointed: 3/1/2015 Term Expires: 6/30/2018 Teresa Sager Albaugh - Tok Appointed: 7/1/2012 Reappointed: 3/1/2015 Term Expires: 6/30/2018 The appointments were referred to the State Affairs and Resources Committees. Alaska Judicial Council Allen Joseph - Bethel Appointed: 3/1/2015 Term Expires: 3/1/2021 Commission on Judicial Conduct Jeffrey Landfield - Anchorage Appointed: 3/1/2015 Term Expires: 3/1/2019 Board of Governors of the Alaska Bar William Gordon - Fairbanks Appointed: 8/15/2012 Reappointed: 3/1/2015 Term Expires: 3/1/2018 State Board of Parole Richard Larson - Palmer Appointed: 3/10/2010 Reappointed: 3/1/2015 Term Expires: 3/1/2020 2015-02-04 Senate Journal Page 0141 State Commission for Human Rights Kathryn Dodge - Fairbanks Appointed: 3/1/2015 Term Expires: 3/1/2020 Lester Lunceford - Anchorage Appointed: 3/10/2010 Reappointed: 3/1/2015 Term Expires: 3/1/2020 The appointments were referred to the Judiciary Committee. Alaska Labor Relations Agency Tyler Andrews - Anchorage Appointed: 6/9/2008 Reappointed: 3/10/2009 Reappointed: 3/1/2012 Reappointed: 3/1/2015 Term Expires: 3/1/2018 Lon Needles - Valdez Appointed: 3/1/2015 Term Expires: 3/1/2018 Alaska State Board of Public Accountancy Andre Horton - Anchorage Appointed 3/1/2011 Reappointed: 3/1/2015 Term Expires: 3/1/2019 Jeffrey Johnson - Fairbanks Appointed: 3/1/2011 Reappointed: 3/1/2015 Term Expires: 3/1/2019 Alcoholic Beverage Control Board Ellen Ganley - Fairbanks Appointed: 3/1/2012 Reappointed: 3/1/2015 Term Expires: 3/1/2018 Tom Manning - Juneau Appointed: 3/1/2015 Term Expires: 3/1/2018 Board of Marital and Family Therapy Leon T. Webber - Anchorage Appointed: 3/10/2011 Reappointed: 3/1/2015 Term Expires: 3/1/2019 2015-02-04 Senate Journal Page 0142 Board of Psychologists and Psychological Associate Examiners Jon DeRuyter - Fairbanks Appointed: 3/1/2011 Reappointed: 3/1/2015 Term Expires: 3/1/2019 Board of Veterinary Examiners Tamara Rose - Fairbanks Appointed: 3/1/2011 Reappointed: 3/1/2015 Term Expires: 3/1/2019 Occupational Safety and Health Review Board Shawn Michael Waldron - Anchorage Appointed: 3/1/2015 Term Expires: 3/1/2019 Real Estate Commission Traci Barickman - Wasilla Appointed: 3/1/2015 Term Expires: 3/1/2019 Marianne Burke - Anchorage Appointed: 3/1/2011 Reappointed: 3/1/2015 Term Expires: 3/1/2019 Cynthia Cartledge - Anchorage Appointed: 11/20/2013 Reappointed: 3/1/2015 Term Expires: 3/1/2019 PeggyAnn McConnochie - Juneau Appointed: 3/1/2015 Term Expires: 3/1/2019 Regulatory Commission of Alaska Stephen McAlpine - Anchorage Appointed: 3/1/2015 Term Expires: 3/1/2021 Workers' Compensation Appeals Commission Andrew Hemenway - Juneau Appointed: 3/1/2010 Reappointed: 3/1/2015 Term Expires: 3/1/2019 The appointments were referred to the Labor and Commerce Committee. 2015-02-04 Senate Journal Page 0143 Alaska Mental Health Trust Authority Board of Trustees Christopher Cooke - Anchorage Appointed: 3/1/2015 Term Expires: 3/1/2020 Shirley Holloway - Anchorage Appointed: 3/1/2015 Term Expires: 3/1/2020 The appointments were referred to the Health and Social Services and Finance Committees. Alaska Police Standards Council Rebecca Hamon - King Salmon Appointed: 3/10/2011 Reappointed: 3/1/2015 Term Expires: 3/1/2019 Gustaf Sandahl - Kenai Appointed: 6/20/2011 Reappointed: 3/1/2015 Term Expires: 3/1/2019 Alaska Public Offices Commission Mark Fish - Big Lake Appointed: 3/1/2015 Term Expires: 3/1/2020 William McCord - Haines Appointed: 3/1/2015 Term Expires: 3/1/2020 The appointments were referred to the State Affairs and Judiciary Committees. Alaska Workers' Compensation Board Stacy A. Allen - Palmer Appointed: 6/30/2012 Reappointed: 3/1/2015 Term Expires: 3/1/2018 Pamela J. Cline - Anchorage Appointed: 9/1/2012 Reappointed: 3/1/2015 Term Expires: 3/1/2018 Chuck Collins, Jr. - Juneau Appointed: 6/1/2012 Reappointed: 3/1/2015 Term Expires: 3/1/2018 2015-02-04 Senate Journal Page 0144 Jacob Howdeshell - North Pole Appointed: 3/1/2015 Term Expires: 3/1/2018 Linda F. Hutchings - Soldotna Appointed: 9/27/2005 Reappointed: 3/1/2006 Reappointed: 3/1/2009 Reappointed: 3/1/2012 Reappointed: 3/1/2015 Term Expires: 3/1/2018 Rick Traini - Anchorage Appointed: 8/15/2011 Reappointed: 3/1/2012 Reappointed: 3/1/2015 Term Expires: 3/1/2018 Patricia A. Vollendorf - Anchorage Appointed: 4/12/2004 Reappointed: 3/10/2006 Reappointed: 3/1/2009 Reappointed: 3/1/2012 Reappointed: 3/1/2015 Term Expires: 3/1/2018 Robert C. Weel - Anchorage Appointed: 1/23/2006 Reappointed: 3/1/2009 Reappointed: 3/1/2012 Reappointed: 3/1/2015 Term Expires: 3/1/2018 Fishermen's Fund Advisory and Appeals Council Donald L. Stiles - Nome Appointed: 8/12/2012 Reappointed: 3/1/2015 Term Expires: 3/1/2020 The appointments were referred to the Labor and Commerce and Finance Committees. Big Game Commercial Services Board James (David) Jones - Kodiak Appointed: 3/1/2013 Reappointed: 3/1/2015 Term Expires: 3/1/2019 Kelly Vrem - Palmer Appointed: 3/1/2011 Reappointed: 3/1/2015 Term Expires: 3/1/2019 The appointments were referred to the Labor and Commerce and Resources Committees. 2015-02-04 Senate Journal Page 0145 Board of Dental Examiners Dr. Thomas Kovaleski - Chugiak Appointed: 3/1/2011 Reappointed: 3/1/2015 Term Expires: 3/1/2019 Dr. David Nielson - Anchorage Appointed: 3/1/2011 Reappointed: 3/1/2015 Term Expires: 3/1/2019 Paula Emswiler Ross - Anchorage Appointed: 3/1/2015 Term Expires: 3/1/2019 Dr. Paul Silveira - Valdez Appointed: 3/1/2011 Reappointed: 3/1/2015 Term Expires: 3/1/2019 Board of Nursing Julie Gillette - Fairbanks Appointed: 3/10/2011 Reappointed: 3/1/2015 Term Expires: 3/1/2019 Sharyl Toscano - Anchorage Appointed: 3/1/2015 Term Expires: 3/1/2019 Board of Pharmacy Leif Holm - North Pole Appointed: 3/1/2015 Term Expires: 3/1/2019 The appointments were referred to the Health and Social Services Committee. Board of Education and Early Development Esther Cox - Anchorage Appointed: 3/1/2010 Reappointed: 3/1/2015 Term Expires: 3/1/2020 Dr. Keith Hamilton - Palmer Appointed: 3/1/2015 Term Expires: 3/1/2020 2015-02-04 Senate Journal Page 0146 Professional Teaching Practices Commission Rebecca Himschoot - Sitka Appointed: 3/1/2015 Term Expires: 3/1/2018 Martin Laster - Juneau Appointed: 8/15/2012 Reappointed: 3/1/2015 Term Expires: 3/1/2018 David Legg - Chugiak Appointed: 3/1/2015 Term Expires: 3/1/2018 The appointments were referred to the Education Committee. Board of Examiners in Optometry Michael Connors - Homer Appointed: 3/10/2015 Term Expires: 3/1/2019 The appointment was referred to the Labor and Commerce and Health and Social Services Committees. Board of Marine Pilots David Arzt - Anchorage Appointed: 3/10/2011 Reappointed: 3/1/2015 Term Expires: 3/1/2018 Shirley Marquardt - Unalaska Appointed: 3/1/2015 Term Expires: 3/1/2018 The appointments were referred to the Transportation Committee. Communications The following reports are on file in the Office of the Secretary of the Senate: Schedule of Compensation and Schedule of Travel Alaska Court System Supreme Court Justices, Appellate Court Judges and Administrative Director, Calendar Year 2014 from Christine E. Johnson, Administrative Director Alaska Court System in accordance with AS 22.20.037(d) 2015-02-04 Senate Journal Page 0147 Eleventh Annual Report to the Governor of Alaska and the Alaska Legislature from Kathleen A. Frederick, Chief Administrative Law Judge Office of Administrative Hearings, Department of Administration in accordance with AS 44.64.020(a)(7) Annual Report FY 2014 from Lauree Morton, Executive Director Council on Domestic Violence and Sexual Assault Department of Public Safety in accordance with AS 18.66.050 Introduction and Reference of Senate Bills SB 15 SPONSOR SUBSTITUTE FOR SENATE BILL NO. 15 BY SENATOR COGHILL, entitled: "An Act relating to the tax on policy year premiums for life insurance policies." was read the first time and referred to the Labor and Commerce and Finance Committees. SB 37 SENATE BILL NO. 37 BY SENATOR MCGUIRE, entitled: "An Act relating to sexual abuse and sexual assault awareness and prevention efforts in public schools." was read the first time and referred to the Education and Finance Committees. SB 38 SENATE BILL NO. 38 BY SENATOR GARDNER, entitled: "An Act relating to a warrant requirement for searches of electronic devices." was read the first time and referred to the State Affairs and Judiciary Committees. 2015-02-04 Senate Journal Page 0148 SB 39 SENATE BILL NO. 39 BY SENATOR STOLTZE, entitled: "An Act repealing the film production tax credit; providing for an effective date by repealing the effective dates of secs. 31 - 33, ch. 51, SLA 2012; and providing for an effective date." was read the first time and referred to the Labor and Commerce and Finance Committees. SB 40 SENATE BILL NO. 40 BY THE SENATE RULES COMMITTEE BY REQUEST OF THE GOVERNOR, entitled: "An Act making supplemental appropriations, capital appropriations, and other appropriations; making reappropriations; amending appropriations; repealing appropriations; making appropriations to capitalize funds; 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 Meyer: Under the authority of Article III, Section 18 of the Alaska Constitution, I am transmitting a bill relating to supplemental appropriations for the State's operating and capital budgets for Fiscal Year 2015 (FY2015). A limited number of requests that were not anticipated when the FY2015 budget was considered during the 2014 legislative session are being submitted for your consideration. The largest supplemental request is due to the new Medicaid Enterprise System defects that resulted in FY2014 expenditures being recorded in FY2015, as directed by Legislative Audit's review. This resulted in a large general fund lapse in FY2014 and shortfall in 2015-02-04 Senate Journal Page 0149 FY2015. The second significant supplemental request is the repeal of one-time education funding for FY2016 and FY2017. Although education is among my highest priorities, all areas of the budget, including priority areas, must be reduced. Thank you for your consideration of this bill. Sincerely, /s/ Bill Walker Governor SB 41 SENATE BILL NO. 41 BY SENATOR GIESSEL, entitled: "An Act relating to criminal history record checks for psychologists and psychological associates; and providing for an effective date." was read the first time and referred to the Labor and Commerce and Judiciary Committees. SB 42 SENATE BILL NO. 42 BY SENATOR STOLTZE, entitled: "An Act providing priority to personal use fisheries when fishing restrictions are implemented to achieve a management goal." was read the first time and referred to the State Affairs and Resources Committees. Unfinished Business Senator Stedman moved and asked unanimous consent to be excused from a call of the Senate from February 6 through February 8, February 12 through February 15, and February 27 through March 9. Without objection, Senator Stedman was excused. 2015-02-04 Senate Journal Page 0150 Senator Kelly moved and asked unanimous consent to be excused from a call of the Senate from afternoon plane time, February 21 through morning plane time, February 22. Without objection, Senator Kelly was excused. Senator Gardner moved and asked unanimous consent to be excused from a call of the Senate from evening plane time, February 27 through evening plane time, March 1. Without objection, Senator Gardner was excused. Senator Stoltze moved and asked unanimous consent to be excused from a call of the Senate from plane time, February 6 through evening plane time, February 8. Without objection, Senator Stoltze was excused. Senator Huggins moved and asked unanimous consent to be excused from a call of the Senate from afternoon plane time, February 13 through evening plane time, February 18. Without objection, Senator Huggins was excused. Announcements Announcements are at the end of the journal. Adjournment Senator Coghill moved and asked unanimous consent that the Senate stand in adjournment until 10:00 a.m., February 6, 2015. Without objection, the Senate adjourned at 11:49 a.m. Liz Clark Secretary of the Senate 2015-02-04 Senate Journal Page 0151 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 105 (tsbldg) 3:30 PM No Meeting Scheduled ---------------------------------------- EDUCATION Feb 05 Thursday Butrovich 205 3:30 PM + SCR 3 AK SCHOOL CHOICE WEEK Presentation: ANSWERS (Alaska Navigator: Statewide Workforce and Education-Related Statistics) Stephanie Butler, Director of Operations Alaska Postsecondary Education Commission ---------------------------------------- FINANCE Feb 04 Wednesday Senate Finance 532 9:00 AM + SB 26 BUDGET: CAPITAL + SB 27 APPROP: OPERATING BUDGET/LOANS/FUNDS + SB 28 APPROP: MENTAL HEALTH BUDGET Feb 05 Thursday Senate Finance 532 9:00 AM + Overview Governor's FY15 Supplemental Request Pat Pitney, Director, OMB + SB 30 MARIJUANA REG;CONT. SUBST;CRIMES;DEFENSES <Pending Referral> Bills Previously Heard/Scheduled 2015-02-04 Senate Journal Page 0152 FINANCE (continued) Feb 06 Friday Senate Finance 532 9:00 AM + Presentation: Alaska Permanent Fund Corporation Michael Burns, Executive Director Bills Previously Heard/Scheduled ---------------------------------------- HEALTH & SOCIAL SERVICES Feb 04 Wednesday Butrovich 205 1:30 PM No Meeting Scheduled Feb 06 Friday Butrovich 205 1:30 PM No Meeting Scheduled ---------------------------------------- JUDICIARY Feb 04 Wednesday Butrovich 205 1:30 PM -- Location Change -- + Presentation: Medication Assisted Treatment (MAT) -- Testimony <Invitation Only> -- Feb 06 Friday Butrovich 205 1:30 PM -- MEETING CANCELED -- -- Location Change -- += SB 30 MARIJUANA REG;CONT. SUBST;CRIMES;DEFENSES -- Testimony <Invitation Only> -- ---------------------------------------- LABOR & COMMERCE Feb 05 Thursday Beltz 105 (tsbldg) 1:30 PM No Meeting Scheduled ---------------------------------------- RESOURCES Feb 04 Wednesday Butrovich 205 3:30 PM + Overview of ANILCA and Statehood Compact Citizens Advisory Commission on Federal Areas Topics/Bills Previously Heard/Scheduled -- Testimony <Invitation Only> -- 2015-02-04 Senate Journal Page 0153 RESOURCES (continued) Feb 06 Friday Butrovich 205 3:30 PM + Overview: Department of Natural Resources Commissioner Mark Myers Topics/Bills Previously Heard/Scheduled -- Testimony <Invitation Only> -- ---------------------------------------- STATE AFFAIRS Feb 05 Thursday Butrovich 205 9:00 AM + Alaska Department of Military and Veterans Affairs - Discussion of National Guard Issues BG Leon M. "Mike" Bridges, Commissioner (DMVA) & Adjutant General (AKNG) Craig Richards, Attorney General (Department of Law) "Continuing Discussion of the Implementation of Ballot Measure No. 2 (13PSUM) - An Act to Tax and Regulate the Production, Sale, and Use of Marijuana" - Ballot Measure Sponsors Dr. Tim Hinterberger, Primary Sponsor, Petition 13PSUM / Ballot Measure No. 2 Mr. Bruce Schulte, Coalition for Responsible Cannabis Legislation Topics Previously Heard/Scheduled ---------------------------------------- TRANSPORTATION Feb 05 Thursday Butrovich 205 1:00 PM No Meeting Scheduled ---------------------------------------- SPECIAL COMMITTEES SPECIAL CMTE ON ENERGY Feb 05 Thursday Butrovich 205 1:00 PM + Alaska Industrial Development and Export Authority (AIDEA): Overview of Their Gas Utility Purchase ---------------------------------------- 2015-02-04 Senate Journal Page 0154 SPECIAL CMTE ON THE ARCTIC Feb 05 Thursday Butrovich 205 11:15 AM + Overview of the Alaska Arctic Policy Commission's Final Report and Implementation Plan -- Testimony <Invitation Only> -- Feb 12 Thursday Butrovich 205 11:15 AM + SB 16 STATE ARCTIC POLICY AND REPORTS ---------------------------------------- JOINT COMMITTEES ARMED SERVICES COMMITTEE Feb 17 Tuesday Senate Finance 532 2:00 PM -- Agenda to be Announced -- + -- Testimony <Invitation Only> -- ---------------------------------------- OTHER MEETINGS JOINT SESSION Feb 11 Wednesday House Chamber 11:00 AM State of the Judiciary Address by the Honorable Dana Fabe, Chief Justice Feb 18 Wednesday House Chamber 11:00 AM Annual Address by the Honorable Lisa Murkowski, U.S. Senator ---------------------------------------- MISCELLANEOUS MEETING Feb 09 Monday Capitol 106 1:00 PM School District Legislative Fly-In Informal Q & A Session Regarding Alaska's Public School System All Legislators are Invited to Participate