Legislature(2017 - 2018)
2017-01-23 Senate Journal
Full Journal pdf2017-01-23 Senate Journal Page 0069 SENATE JOURNAL ALASKA STATE LEGISLATURE THIRTIETH LEGISLATURE FIRST SESSION Juneau, Alaska Monday January 23, 2017 Seventh Day Pursuant to adjournment the Senate was called to order by President Kelly at 11:03 a.m. The roll showed eighteen members present. Senator Coghill was excused from a call of the Senate. Senator Stevens was absent. Senator Micciche moved and asked unanimous consent that Senator Stevens be excused from a call of the Senate today. Without objection, Senator Stevens was excused. The prayer was offered by the Chaplain, Jacob Pennell, Senate page. Senator Hoffman moved and asked unanimous consent that the prayer be spread. Without objection, it was so ordered. Dear Lord, Please grant us gratitude - to appreciate all that we have; humility - to understand the things we lack; and hope - to continue to strive for a better future. Amen. Senator Costello led the Senate in the Pledge of Allegiance. Certification Senator Micciche moved and asked unanimous consent that the journals for the fourth through sixth legislative days and House and Senate Joint Journal Supplement No. 1 be approved as certified by the Secretary. Without objection, it was so ordered. 2017-01-23 Senate Journal Page 0070 Introduction and Reference of Senate Bills SB 32 SENATE BILL NO. 32 BY SENATOR HUGHES, entitled: "An Act relating to biological products; relating to the practice of pharmacy; relating to the Board of Pharmacy; and providing for an effective date." was read the first time and referred to the Health and Social Services and Labor and Commerce Committees. SB 33 SENATE BILL NO. 33 BY THE SENATE RULES COMMITTEE BY REQUEST OF THE GOVERNOR, entitled: "An Act naming the state ferries built in Ketchikan and entering Alaska marine highway system service on or after 2017; and providing for an effective date." was read the first time and referred to the Transportation Committee. The following fiscal information was published today: Fiscal Note No. 1, zero, Department of Transportation and Public Facilities Governor's transmittal letter dated January 20: Dear President Kelly: Under the authority of Article III, Section 18, of the Alaska Constitution, I am transmitting a bill to establish the authorized names for the State ferries built in Ketchikan and entering the Alaska Marine Highway System service on or after 2017. Currently, two Day Boat Alaska Class Ferries are under construction at Vigor Alaska in Ketchikan. As required by Alaska law, each vessel bears the name of an Alaska glacier. One ferry will be named the Motor Vessel Tazlina and the other the Motor Vessel Hubbard. 2017-01-23 Senate Journal Page 0071 Last year, I called on Alaska students to submit essays on potential names for the vessels. The Lieutenant Governor and I reviewed and selected two names from those suggested in the hundreds of essays submitted. One of the winning essays was by Tanalian School 7th grader, Malea Voran, who proposed the name "Tazlina." In her essay she explained that "Tazlina," an Ahtna Athabascan name meaning "swift river," is an appropriate name for a ferry, which should be named after something swift and agile. "This name would remind us that even small things are capable of doing big things. This small boat could be named after something big and inspiring," Malea wrote. The Tazlina Glacier begins 1.6 miles north of Mt. Cushman, flows north 25 miles to its terminus one mile south of Tazlina Lake and 43 miles north of Valdez. Tazlina Glacier was named in 1898 by W. C. Mendenhall of the U.S. Geological Survey for the Tazlina River. The other winning essay was by Eagle River High School 10th grader, Taylor Thompson, who suggested the name "Hubbard," which, unlike many glaciers, has been thickening and advancing into Disenchantment Bay for over a century. Taylor noted "this glorious slab of ice has defied its predisposition and proved to be a true wonder. An Alaskan ferry should be just as incredible," Taylor wrote. The Hubbard Glacier flows southeast and southwest 80 miles to its terminus at Disenchantment Bay, 34 miles north northeast of Yakutat in the St. Elias Mountains. Hubbard Glacier was named for Gardiner G. Hubbard, 1822-1897, a regent of the Smithsonian Institution and founder and president of the National Geographic Society. Hubbard was interested in the exploration of Alaska and helped instigate Israel Cook Russell's 1890 and 1891 expeditions, which were sponsored by the National Geographic Society and the U.S. Geological Survey. Like you, I look forward to seeing these beautiful vessels sail in Alaska waters for years to come. I urge your prompt and favorable action on this measure. Sincerely, /s/ Bill Walker Governor 2017-01-23 Senate Journal Page 0072 SB 34 SENATE BILL NO. 34 BY THE SENATE RULES COMMITTEE BY REQUEST OF THE GOVERNOR, entitled: "An Act relating to the implementation of the federal REAL ID Act of 2005; and relating to issuance of identification cards and driver's licenses; and providing for an effective date." was read the first time and referred to the State Affairs and Finance Committees. The following fiscal information was published today: Fiscal Note No. 1, Department of Administration Fiscal Note No. 2, zero, Department of Military and Veterans Affairs Fiscal Note No. 3, zero, Department of Public Safety Governor's transmittal letter dated January 20: Dear President Kelly: Under the authority of Article III, Section 18, of the Alaska Constitution, I am transmitting a bill relating to the implementation of the federal REAL ID Act of 2005 for the issuance of identification cards and driver licenses. The bill intends to allow the Department of Administration (Department) to issue both REAL ID compliant and noncompliant identification cards and driver licenses. The bill will also remove the funding restriction that prevents the State from complying with the REAL ID Act. The REAL ID Act of 2005 (Act) is comprised of several sections that strengthen federal laws to protect against terrorist entry into the United States, improve security for driver licenses and identification cards, improve border infrastructure, and changes other aspects of immigration law. In order to prevent terrorists from obtaining state driver licenses and identification cards, the Act creates national standards for their issuance and manufacture, and mandates what source documents states can use to verify a person's identity. The Act does not usurp State authority to issue licenses or identification cards, but rather provides stronger oversight to ensure that all licenses and identification cards are less subject to tampering and fraud. 2017-01-23 Senate Journal Page 0073 Similar to our current driver license regime, the bill gives the Department the authority to adopt regulations to issue compliant licenses and identification cards. The regulations must conform to the Act and federal regulations to ensure that the U.S. Department of Homeland Security certifies the licenses and cards issued by the State. Once the regulations are adopted, the Department will begin to offer the compliant driver licenses and compliant identification cards to the public. The benefits of the State issuing compliant licenses and identification cards include allowing our residents to access military facilities, federal facilities, and pass through Transportation Security Administration checkpoints at airports with their State identification documents. Currently, Alaska driver licenses and identification cards cannot be used to enter military bases. It is expected that Alaskans will soon be unable to fly domestically or access federal buildings because our documents do not conform to the Act's requirements. This will require Alaskans to use their passport or other federally issued identification documents to fly to the lower forty-eight or go to a federal building. For those who do not have a passport, they will be required to obtain one at an additional personal expense to themselves. The bill also recognizes that some Alaskans may not want a REAL ID license or identification card. To accommodate those people, the State will continue to issue non-REAL ID compliant identification documents. If the Department is not sure which document a person wants, the default option will be a noncompliant one. Furthermore, a noncompliant document can never cost more than a compliant one, and the State must treat all driver licenses and identification cards the same. With these provisions in place, we strike the right balance between offering federally recognized and traditional identification documents. I urge your prompt and favorable action on this measure. Sincerely, /s/ Bill Walker Governor 2017-01-23 Senate Journal Page 0074 Consideration of the Calendar Citations Senator Micciche 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 - Gary Bader Senator(s) Egan, Kelly, Begich, Bishop, Coghill, Costello, Dunleavy, Gardner, Giessel, Hoffman, Hughes, MacKinnon, Meyer, Micciche, Olson, Stedman, Stevens, von Imhof, Wielechowski Representative(s) Kito, Parish Senator Micciche 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 Senator Wilson moved and asked unanimous consent to be excused from a call of the Senate from afternoon plane time, January 27 through evening plane time, January 29. Without objection, Senator Wilson was excused. Senator Bishop moved and asked unanimous consent to be excused from a call of the Senate from afternoon plane time, January 26 through evening plane time, January 29. Without objection, Senator Bishop was excused. Announcements Announcements are at the end of the journal. 2017-01-23 Senate Journal Page 0075 Adjournment Senator Micciche moved and asked unanimous consent that the Senate stand in adjournment until 11:00 a.m., January 25, 2017. Without objection, the Senate adjourned at 11:11 a.m. Liz Clark Secretary of the Senate 2017-01-23 Senate Journal Page 0076 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 Jan 24 Tuesday Beltz 105 (tsbldg) 3:30 PM No Meeting Scheduled Jan 26 Thursday Beltz 105 (tsbldg) 3:30 PM No Meeting Scheduled ---------------------------------------- EDUCATION Jan 23 Monday Butrovich 205 8:00 AM No Meeting Scheduled Jan 25 Wednesday Butrovich 205 8:00 AM -- Testimony <Invitation Only> -- + Overview of the K-12 Foundation Formula Jan 27 Friday Butrovich 205 8:00 AM -- Testimony <Invitation Only> -- + Increasing Broadband Access and Capacity for Rural Schools ---------------------------------------- FINANCE Jan 23 Monday Senate Finance 532 9:00 AM + Presentation: Intent Language Report David Teal, Director, Legislative Finance Division Megan Wallace, Attorney, Legislative Legal Division 2017-01-23 Senate Journal Page 0077 FINANCE (continued) Jan 24 Tuesday Senate Finance 532 9:00 AM + Presentation: Intent Language Funding Plan Alaska Travel Industry Association Jan 25 Wednesday Senate Finance 532 9:00 AM + Presentation: Intent Language Status Update Alaska Seafood Marketing Institute Jan 26 Thursday Senate Finance 532 9:00 AM + Presentation: Overview FY18 Budget Alaska Mental Health Trust Jan 27 Friday Senate Finance 532 9:00 AM No Meeting Scheduled ---------------------------------------- HEALTH & SOCIAL SERVICES Jan 25 Wednesday Butrovich 205 1:30 PM -- Testimony <Invitation Only> -- + Department Overview Commissioner Valerie Davidson Acting Assistant Commissioner Shawnda O'Brien **Streamed live on AKL.tv** Jan 27 Friday Butrovich 205 1:30 PM -- Testimony <Invitation Only> -- + Presentation: Update on Medicaid Reform Monique Martin, DHSS Health Care Policy Advisor **Streamed live on AKL.tv** ---------------------------------------- JUDICIARY Jan 23 Monday Beltz 105 (tsbldg) 1:30 PM No Meeting Scheduled Jan 25 Wednesday Beltz 105 (tsbldg) 1:30 PM -- Testimony <Invitation Only> -- + Presentation by the Alaska Criminal Justice Commission 2017-01-23 Senate Journal Page 0078 JUDICIARY (continued) Jan 27 Friday Beltz 105 (tsbldg) 1:30 PM + Implementation Overview of Senate Bill 91 (29th Legislature) ---------------------------------------- LABOR & COMMERCE 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> -- 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 2017-01-23 Senate Journal Page 0079 RESOURCES (continued) 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 ---------------------------------------- STATE AFFAIRS Jan 24 Tuesday Butrovich 205 3:30 PM 3:30 pm - 4:30 pm Dr. Ralph Townsend, Institute of Social and Economic Research (ISER) + Presentation on Alaska's Economy 4:30 pm + SB 1 APPROP: 2016 PFD SUPPLEMENTAL PAYMENT -- No Public Testimony <Introduction Only> -- + SB 2 2016 PFD SUPPLEMENTAL PAYMENT -- No Public Testimony <Introduction Only> -- Jan 26 Thursday Butrovich 205 3:30 PM Jared Walczak, Tax Foundation + Presentation on the Effects of Various Taxes on Alaska's Economy Bob Bartholomew, City & Borough of Juneau Finance Director Clinton Singletary, City & Borough of Juneau Sales Tax Administrator + Discussion on the Mechanics of Collecting Sales Tax Jan 28 Saturday Butrovich 205 10:00 AM += SB 1 APPROP: 2016 PFD SUPPLEMENTAL PAYMENT -- Public Testimony <Time Limit 3 Minutes> -- += SB 2 2016 PFD SUPPLEMENTAL PAYMENT -- Public Testimony <Time Limit 3 Minutes> -- Invited Testimony on SB 1 and SB 2 From: Former Alaska State Senator, Rick Halford Dr. Jack Hickel Former Alaska State Senator & Representative Clem Tillion 2017-01-23 Senate Journal Page 0080 TRANSPORTATION Jan 24 Tuesday Butrovich 205 1:30 PM No Meeting Scheduled Jan 26 Thursday Butrovich 205 1:30 PM + Aviation Improvement Program Deputy Commissioner John Binder ---------------------------------------- JOINT COMMITTEES LEGISLATIVE BUDGET & AUDIT Jan 27 Friday Senate Finance 532 Time TBA -- Teleconference <Listen Only> -- Time: Immediately Following House Floor Session Election of Chairman and Vice Chairman Approval of January 13, 2017 Minutes David Teal, Legislative Finance Director - Interaction with LB&A - RPLs Kris Curtis, Legislative Auditor - Handbook and Duties - Procedure and Confidentiality - Status of Audits - Travel Consultant Contracts - Executive Session - enalytica, Inc. - Hart Energy Publishing LLLP - Roger Marks ---------------------------------------- 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 (Continued on Next Page) 2017-01-23 Senate Journal Page 0081 (Continued from Previous Page) 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