Legislature(2017 - 2018)
2017-01-17 Senate Journal
Full Journal pdf2017-01-17 Senate Journal Page 0001 SENATE JOURNAL ALASKA STATE LEGISLATURE THIRTIETH LEGISLATURE FIRST SESSION Juneau, Alaska Tuesday January 17, 2017 First Day Pursuant to provisions of the Constitution of the State of Alaska, the Uniform Rules of the Alaska State Legislature, and AS 24.05.160, the Senate of the State of Alaska assembled in the Senate chamber for the first regular session of the Thirtieth Legislature. The Senate was called to order at 2:04 p.m. by the Honorable Byron Mallott, Lieutenant Governor. Colors The following members of the United States Coast Guard, District Seventeen Color Guard presented the colors: National Ensign Petty Officer Terrence Cruz CG Standard Petty Officer Zachary Hubbell Right Shoulder Arms Petty Officer Elizabeth Cuellar Left Shoulder Arms Petty Officer Emily Sheppard Senator Wilson led the Senate in the Pledge of Allegiance. 2017-01-17 Senate Journal Page 0002 National Anthem Allison Holtkamp performed "The Star-Spangled Banner." Alaska Flag Song Jazmin Cherian and Linda Mattson performed "Alaska's Flag" accompanied by Stephen Mattson, guitarist. Invocation The prayer was offered by the Chaplain, Pastor Mike Rydman, Radiant Church Juneau. Senator Hoffman moved and asked unanimous consent that the prayer be spread. Without objection, it was so ordered. Oh Lord God, in 1 Chronicles 29 it says that King David blessed the LORD in the presence of all the assembly. And David said: "Blessed are you, O LORD, the God of Israel our father, forever and ever. Yours, O LORD, is the greatness and the power and the glory and the victory and the majesty, for all that is in the heavens and in the earth is yours. Yours is the kingdom, O LORD, and you are exalted as head above all. Both riches and honor come from you, and you rule over all. In your hand are power and might, and in your hand it is to make great and to give strength to all. And now I thank you, our God, and praise your glorious name. Father, I'm praying for our Governor, our Lieutenant Governor, our Senators and their staff people, our Representatives and their staff people, and the many other government and community leaders throughout our State. Lord, I know it is You who has placed these people in these positions of leadership and influence. I also believe, as it says in your Word, that "the king's heart is a stream of water in the hand of the Lord; He turns it wherever He will." 2017-01-17 Senate Journal Page 0003 In repeating these words from Scripture, Lord, I know I acknowledge You as the sovereign and ultimate authority over us. Therefore, Father, grant these our leaders, these men and women You have placed over us, wisdom and discernment so they'll be strong and effective leaders. Help them to lead and govern with integrity, and may that high commitment to integrity guide them in their decisions and actions. Help them, Lord, to know when to acquiesce for the sake of the greater good, and to know when the greater good demands they hold to their convictions. Father, everyone in this room knows their decisions have great and direct impact on the lives of everyone who calls Alaska home. Please give them your grace to not feel they have to assume this burden alone. Lord, please give our leaders both courage and grace to work toward the greater good for all Alaskans. And Father, I ask that you would give the citizens of our State a new and fresh willingness to support and follow our leaders in this next season. Lord God, You have called these people to a difficult and arduous task. The challenges are many. Some know through experience what they will face. Others are new to their roles. I ask that You protect their health, that You keep them safe, and that You grant them endurance for the role and task You have called them to. Father, please protect their hearts from bitterness or indifference. In this Lord, I ask for a supernatural unity, unity of purpose and even a unity of process that only You can make happen. Lord, I pray that these folks would execute justice when called for, and mercy when needed. Father, I pray that they would govern with what You called Your people to do centuries ago during the Prophet Jeremiah's time, that they would pray for and work for the "welfare of the city," and by extension now, this State. 2017-01-17 Senate Journal Page 0004 Lord God, I lay our petitions before You, because You alone are God; and we are not. I also know that it is You who places leaders over us, whether they acknowledge You or not. Our leaders need You. We all need You. Bless us all in these next days, O Lord. Be God in our midst. For Yours is the Kingdom and the power and the glory forever. Amen. Election Certification The Lieutenant Governor read the certificate of election: I, Josie Bahnke, Director of the Division of Elections for the State of Alaska, do hereby certify that in accordance with the provisions of AS 15.15.450, a General Election was held on the 8th day of November, 2016, in the State of Alaska pursuant to AS 15.15.020 and the following are the certified results for the office designated: Senate District B John B. Coghill Jr. 4 year term Senate District D David S. Wilson 4 year term Senate District F Shelley Hughes 4 year term Senate District H Bill Wielechowski 4 year term Senate District J Tom Begich 4 year term Senate District L Natasha A. von Imhof 4 year term Senate District N Catherine A. "Cathy" Giessel 4 year term Senate District P Gary Stevens 4 year term Senate District R Bert K. Stedman 4 year term Senate District T Donald C. "Donny" Olson 4 year term In Testimony Whereof, I have hereunto set my hand and affixed hereto the Seal of the State of Alaska, at Juneau, the Capital, this 1st day of December, A.D. 2016. /s/ Josie Bahnke, Director Division of Elections 2017-01-17 Senate Journal Page 0005 Lieutenant Governor Mallott requested the following Senators approach the rostrum to be administered the Oath of Office: Senate District B John B. Coghill Jr. Senate District D David S. Wilson Senate District F Shelley Hughes Senate District H Bill Wielechowski Senate District J Tom Begich The Lieutenant Governor administered the Oath of Office to the Senators. Lieutenant Governor Mallott requested the following Senators approach the rostrum to be administered the Oath of Office: Senate District L Natasha A. von Imhof Senate District N Catherine A. "Cathy" Giessel Senate District P Gary Stevens Senate District R Bert K. Stedman Senate District T Donald C. "Donny" Olson The Lieutenant Governor administered the Oath of Office to the Senators. President Pro Tempore Lieutenant Governor Mallott announced that nominations were in order for President pro tempore of the Senate. Senator Micciche moved and asked unanimous consent that Senator Meyer be nominated. Without objection, it was so ordered. Senator Micciche moved and asked unanimous consent that nominations for President pro tempore of the Senate be closed. Without objection, it was so ordered. Senator Micciche moved and asked unanimous consent that Senator Meyer be elected President pro tempore. There being no objection, Senator Meyer was elected President pro tempore of the Senate. 2017-01-17 Senate Journal Page 0006 Lieutenant Governor Mallott requested Senator Stevens and Senator Gardner escort the President pro tempore to the rostrum. President pro tempore Meyer requested Senator Stevens and Senator Gardner escort the Lieutenant Governor from the chamber. President pro tempore Meyer announced that under provisions of law, AS 24.05.120, the Uniform Rules of the Twelfth Legislature, First Session, as amended in 1985, 1988, 1989, 1991, 1998, 2001, 2003, 2004, 2008, 2011 and 2012 will serve as the temporary rules of the current legislature until permanent rules are adopted. President President pro tempore Meyer announced that nominations for Senate President were open. Senator Micciche moved and asked unanimous consent that Senator Kelly be nominated President of the Senate for the Thirtieth Legislature. Senator Micciche moved and asked unanimous consent that nominations be closed. Without objection, it was so ordered. Senator Micciche moved and asked unanimous consent that Senator Kelly be elected President of the Senate for the Thirtieth Legislature. Without objection, Senator Kelly was elected Senate President. President pro tempore Meyer requested Senator Coghill and Senator Giessel escort President Kelly to the podium. Representative Claman and Representative Wilson called on the Senate to inform the body that the House was organized and ready to do business. 2017-01-17 Senate Journal Page 0007 In accordance with Uniform Rule 1(e), President Kelly made the following appointments: Committee on Committees Senator Kelly, Chair Senator Micciche Senator Meyer Senator MacKinnon Senator Gardner President Kelly appointed Senator MacKinnon and Senator von Imhof to inform the Governor that the Senate was organized and ready to do business. President Kelly appointed Senator Bishop and Senator Wielechowski to inform the House that the Senate was organized and ready to do business. Recess Senator Micciche moved and asked unanimous consent that the Senate stand in recess. Without objection, the Senate recessed at 2:45 p.m. After Recess The Senate reconvened at 3:02 p.m. Senator MacKinnon reported the Governor was informed the Senate was organized and ready to do business. Senator Bishop reported the House was informed the Senate was organized and ready to do business. Senator Micciche moved and asked unanimous consent that the Senate move down the calendar to Reports of Special Committees. Without objection, the Senate advanced to: 2017-01-17 Senate Journal Page 0008 Special Committee Reports Committee on Committees Report January 17, 2017 Mr. President: Your Committee on Committees has met and submits to the Senate for its consideration chairs and members to the ten standing committees as approved by the Committee on Committees: Community and Regional Affairs Committee Senator Bishop, Chair Senator MacKinnon Senator Hoffman Senator Stedman Senator Gardner Education Committee Senator Hughes, Chair Senator Stevens Senator Giessel Senator Coghill Senator Begich Finance Committee Senator MacKinnon, Cochair Senator Hoffman, Cochair Senator Micciche Senator Bishop Senator Dunleavy Senator von Imhof Senator Olson Health and Social Services Committee Senator Wilson, Chair Senator von Imhof, Vice Chair Senator Giessel Senator Micciche Senator Begich 2017-01-17 Senate Journal Page 0009 Judiciary Committee Senator Coghill, Chair Senator Costello Senator Meyer Senator Kelly Senator Wielechowski Labor and Commerce Committee Senator Costello, Chair Senator Hughes, Vice Chair Senator Meyer Senator Stevens Senator Gardner Resources Committee Senator Giessel, Chair Senator Coghill, Vice Chair Senator von Imhof Senator Stedman Senator Hughes Senator Meyer Senator Wielechowski Rules Committee Senator Meyer, Chair Senator Kelly Senator Micciche Senator MacKinnon Senator Gardner State Affairs Committee Senator Dunleavy, Chair Senator Wilson Senator Giessel Senator Coghill Senator Egan 2017-01-17 Senate Journal Page 0010 Transportation Committee Senator Stedman, Chair Senator MacKinnon Senator Bishop Senator Wilson Senator Egan The report was signed by Senator Kelly, Chair; Senators Meyer, Micciche, MacKinnon, Gardner. Senator Micciche moved and asked unanimous consent that the Committee on Committees Report be adopted. Without objection, the Committee on Committees Report was adopted. President Kelly announced that Senator Micciche will serve as Majority Leader for the Thirtieth Legislature. President Kelly announced that the Minority has selected Senator Gardner to serve as Minority Leader for the Thirtieth Legislature. President Kelly stated the Senate would return to Messages from the House. There being no objection, the Senate returned to: Messages from the House Message dated January 17 was read stating: The House of Representatives invites the Senate to a Joint Session of the Thirtieth Alaska Legislature at 7:00 p.m. on Wednesday, January 18 for the purpose of hearing Governor Walker's State of the State Address. Senator Micciche moved and asked unanimous consent that the Senate accept the House invitation to meet in Joint Session. Without objection, it was so ordered. The Secretary was requested to notify the House. 2017-01-17 Senate Journal Page 0011 Introduction and Reference of Senate Resolutions SR 1 SENATE RESOLUTION NO. 1 BY THE SENATE RULES COMMITTEE, Establishing a Senate Special Committee on World Trade. was read the first time. The following fiscal information was published today: Fiscal Note No. 1, zero, Senate Rules Committee Senator Micciche moved and asked unanimous consent that SENATE RESOLUTION NO. 1 be taken up. Without objection, the resolution was before the Senate on final passage. The question being: "Shall SENATE RESOLUTION NO. 1 Establishing a Senate Special Committee on World Trade, pass the Senate?" The roll was taken with the following result: SR 1 Final Passage YEAS: 20 NAYS: 0 EXCUSED: 0 ABSENT: 0 Yeas: Begich, Bishop, Coghill, Costello, Dunleavy, Egan, Gardner, Giessel, Hoffman, Hughes, Kelly, MacKinnon, Meyer, Micciche, Olson, Stedman, Stevens, von Imhof, Wielechowski, Wilson and so, SENATE RESOLUTION NO. 1 passed the Senate and was referred to the Secretary for engrossment and enrollment. SR 2 SENATE RESOLUTION NO. 2 BY THE SENATE RULES COMMITTEE, Establishing a Senate Special Committee on the Arctic. was read the first time. 2017-01-17 Senate Journal Page 0012 The following fiscal information was published today: Fiscal Note No. 1, zero, Senate Rules Committee Senator Micciche moved and asked unanimous consent that SENATE RESOLUTION NO. 2 be taken up. Without objection, the resolution was before the Senate on final passage. The question being: "Shall SENATE RESOLUTION NO. 2 Establishing a Senate Special Committee on the Arctic, pass the Senate?" The roll was taken with the following result: SR 2 Final Passage YEAS: 20 NAYS: 0 EXCUSED: 0 ABSENT: 0 Yeas: Begich, Bishop, Coghill, Costello, Dunleavy, Egan, Gardner, Giessel, Hoffman, Hughes, Kelly, MacKinnon, Meyer, Micciche, Olson, Stedman, Stevens, von Imhof, Wielechowski, Wilson and so, SENATE RESOLUTION NO. 2 passed the Senate and was referred to the Secretary for engrossment and enrollment. Senator Micciche moved and asked unanimous consent that further introduction and reference of senate resolutions be held one legislative day. Without objection, it was so ordered. Introduction and Reference of Senate Bills Senator Micciche moved and asked unanimous consent that the introduction and reference of senate bills be held one legislative day. Without objection, it was so ordered. Unfinished Business Election of Senate Secretary In accordance with AS 24.10.030 and Uniform Rule 3(a), Senator Meyer, Rules Committee Chair, nominated Liz Clark to serve as Senate Secretary for the Thirtieth Legislature and moved and asked unanimous consent that the nominations be closed. Without objection, it was so ordered. 2017-01-17 Senate Journal Page 0013 Senator Meyer moved and asked unanimous consent that Liz Clark be elected Senate Secretary for the Thirtieth Legislature. Without objection, Liz Clark was elected Senate Secretary for the Thirtieth Legislature. Introduction of Floor Staff Senator Meyer, Rules Committee Chair, introduced the 2017 Chamber Staff as follows: Sergeant-at-Arms Grace Ellsworth, Juneau Assistant Sergeant-at-Arms Romorenzo Marasigan, Juneau Senate Pages Jacob Almeida, Palmer Michaella Anderson, Fairbanks Sarah Bertram, Juneau Sydney Krebsbach, Juneau River Maketa, Palmer Jacob Pennell, Wasilla President Kelly made the following appointments: Select Committee on Legislative Ethics Senator Coghill Senator Egan Senator Stevens, Alternate to Senator Coghill Senator Gardner, Alternate to Senator Egan Senator Micciche moved that Senator Coghill and Senator Egan be ratified as members to the Select Committee on Legislative Ethics. 2017-01-17 Senate Journal Page 0014 The question being: "Shall Senator Coghill and Senator Egan be ratified as members to the Select Committee on Legislative Ethics?" The roll was taken with the following result: Shall Senator Coghill and Senator Egan be ratified as members to the Select Committee on Legislative Ethics? YEAS: 20 NAYS: 0 EXCUSED: 0 ABSENT: 0 Yeas: Begich, Bishop, Coghill, Costello, Dunleavy, Egan, Gardner, Giessel, Hoffman, Hughes, Kelly, MacKinnon, Meyer, Micciche, Olson, Stedman, Stevens, von Imhof, Wielechowski, Wilson and so, Senator Coghill and Senator Egan were ratified as members to the Select Committee on Legislative Ethics. Senator Micciche moved that Senator Stevens and Senator Gardner be ratified as alternate members to the Select Committee on Legislative Ethics. The question being: "Shall Senator Stevens and Senator Gardner be ratified as alternate members to the Select Committee on Legislative Ethics?" The roll was taken with the following result: Shall Senator Stevens and Senator Gardner be ratified as alternate members to the Select Committee on Legislative Ethics? YEAS: 20 NAYS: 0 EXCUSED: 0 ABSENT: 0 Yeas: Begich, Bishop, Coghill, Costello, Dunleavy, Egan, Gardner, Giessel, Hoffman, Hughes, Kelly, MacKinnon, Meyer, Micciche, Olson, Stedman, Stevens, von Imhof, Wielechowski, Wilson and so, Senator Stevens and Senator Gardner were ratified as alternate members to the Select Committee on Legislative Ethics. The Secretary was requested to notify the House. 2017-01-17 Senate Journal Page 0015 President Kelly made the following appointments: Legislative Council Senator Stedman, Vice Chair Senator Kelly Senator Meyer Senator Stevens Senator Hoffman Senator MacKinnon Senator Micciche Senator Giessel, Alternate Legislative Budget & Audit Senator Stevens, Chair Senator MacKinnon Senator Giessel Senator Bishop Senator Hoffman Senator Costello, Alternate Joint Armed Services Committee Senator Costello, Cochair Senator Coghill Senator Kelly Senator Hughes Senator Wielechowski SR 1 Senate Special Committee on World Trade Senator Stevens, Chair Senator Meyer Senator Bishop Senator Hoffman Senator Micciche Senator Stedman Senator Gardner 2017-01-17 Senate Journal Page 0016 SR 2 Senate Special Committee on the Arctic Senator Giessel, Chair Senator Kelly Senator Dunleavy Senator Hoffman Senator Olson Announcements Announcements are at the end of the journal. Adjournment Senator Micciche moved and asked unanimous consent that the Senate stand in adjournment until 11:00 a.m., January 18, 2017. Without objection, the Senate adjourned at 3:37 p.m. Liz Clark Secretary of the Senate 2017-01-17 Senate Journal Page 0017 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 EDUCATION Jan 18 Wednesday Butrovich 205 8:00 AM No Meeting Scheduled Jan 20 Friday Capitol 106 8:00 AM -- Testimony <Invitation Only> -- -- Joint with House Education Committee -- + Overview: Department of Education and Early Development ---------------------------------------- FINANCE Jan 17 Tuesday Senate Finance 532 9:00 AM No Meeting Scheduled Jan 18 Wednesday Senate Finance 532 9:00 AM + Presentation: Overview FY18 Operating Budget Pat Pitney, Director, Office of Management and Budget Jan 19 Thursday Senate Finance 532 9:00 AM + Presentation: 2016 Fall Revenue Forecast Randall Hoffbeck, Commissioner, Department of Revenue 2017-01-17 Senate Journal Page 0018 FINANCE (continued) Jan 20 Friday Senate Finance 532 9:00 AM + Presentation: Overview FY18 Operating Budget David Teal, Director, Legislative Finance Division ---------------------------------------- LABOR & COMMERCE Jan 18 Wednesday Beltz 105 (tsbldg) 9:00 AM + 2017 ECONOMIC FORECAST Department of Labor & Workforce Development Presentation: Current Trends in Alaska's Economy -- Testimony <Invitation Only> -- Jan 18 Wednesday Beltz 105 (tsbldg) 1:30 PM + STATE OF ALASKA'S ECONOMY Institute of Social & Economic Research Presentation: What Do We Know About the Alaska Economy and Where is it Heading? Northern Economics Presentation: Forecasting Alaska's Economy 2016 - 2027 -- Testimony <Invitation Only> -- Jan 19 Thursday Beltz 105 (tsbldg) 1:30 PM + MOVING ALASKA'S ECONOMY FORWARD Panel of Experts: Institute of Social & Economic Research Northern Economics Alaska Housing Finance Corporation Northrim Bank Department of Labor and Workforce Development -- Testimony <Invitation Only> -- Jan 24 Tuesday Beltz 105 (tsbldg) 1:30 PM + ECONOMIC INDICATORS & TRENDS Alaska Travel Industry Association Presentation: Alaska Tourism Industry and Trends Department of Transportation & Public Facilities Presentation: Alaska International Airport System - An Economic Engine Division of Insurance Presentation: Alaska's Health Care Insurance Market -- Testimony <Invitation Only> -- 2017-01-17 Senate Journal Page 0019 LABOR & COMMERCE (continued) Jan 26 Thursday Beltz 105 (tsbldg) 1:30 PM STRATEGY FOR ALASKA'S ECONOMY Alaska Regional Development Organizations Anchorage Economic Development Corporation Fairbanks Economic Development Corporation Southeast Conference Department of Commerce, Community, & Economic Development Presentation: Northern Opportunity: Alaska's Economic Strategy -- Testimony <Invitation Only> -- ---------------------------------------- RESOURCES Jan 23 Monday Butrovich 205 3:30 PM -- Testimony <Invitation Only> -- + Update: Alaska LNG Project Jan 25 Wednesday Butrovich 205 3:30 PM -- Testimony <Invitation Only> -- + Alaska Energy Authority: Presentation on Alaska Affordable Energy Strategy Jan 27 Friday Butrovich 205 3:30 PM No Meeting Scheduled ---------------------------------------- RULES Jan 18 Wednesday Butrovich 205 1:30 PM -- Teleconference <Listen Only> -- Organizational Meeting ---------------------------------------- 2017-01-17 Senate Journal Page 0020 JOINT COMMITTEES SELECT COMMITTEE ON LEGISLATIVE ETHICS Jan 24 Tuesday Location TBA 8:30 AM -- MEETING CANCELED -- + Call to Order Welcome New Legislators & Public Members Approval of Minutes a. August 18, 2016 Full Committee b. August 18, 2016 Senate Committee c. August 18, 2016 House Committee -- Public Comment -- Election of Committee Chairs for 2017-18 Chair / Staff Report a. Comments from Administrator b. Informal Advice Staff Report c. Ethics Training - 2016 Final Numbers - 2017 Training Update d. Ethics Disclosures e. COGEL Conference Report - Comments from Conner Thomas, Skip Cook, and Jerry D. Anderson f. Publications - Advisory Opinions & Public Decisions - 2017 Standards of Conduct Handbook Annual Benefit and Loan Review Executive Session Public Session Other Business