Legislature(2019 - 2020)
2019-02-22 Senate Journal
Full Journal pdf2019-02-22 Senate Journal Page 0373 SENATE JOURNAL ALASKA STATE LEGISLATURE THIRTY-FIRST LEGISLATURE FIRST SESSION Juneau, Alaska Friday February 22, 2019 Thirty-ninth Day Pursuant to adjournment the Senate was called to order by President Giessel at 10:35 a.m. The roll showed eighteen members present. Senators Coghill, Reinbold were excused from a call of the Senate. The prayer was offered by the Chaplain, Pastor Tom Matthews, Douglas Island Bible Church. Senator Hoffman moved and asked unanimous consent the prayer be spread. Without objection, it was so ordered. Lord, I just want to say thank you. You really are a personal God who has blessed us with so many blessings. Help us not to dwell on anything negative that would guide our perceptions of this place You have given us to live in. We really do have a wonderful state that you have given us. It is full of beauty and natural resources. Others dream of even visiting where we live. Help us not to take all this for granted, due to over exposure. Days like today are a reminder that you are an awesome Creator who has a flair for beauty and symmetry. Just looking at the mountains outlined against the blue skies with contrasting white clouds is enough to make me want to sing songs of praise to you. As a state, we have financial prosperity and opportunities abound for those who would reach out to grasp them. We have so much to be grateful for. 2019-02-22 Senate Journal Page 0374 We approach the end of the week and thank you for the business that was able to be accomplished by each of these legislators. I pray for those who might be traveling this weekend, that you would give them traveling mercies and bring them back safely for another week of serving the great State of Alaska. In the name of Jesus Christ, Amen. Senator Birch led the Senate in the Pledge of Allegiance. Certification Senator Costello moved and asked unanimous consent the journal for the thirty-eighth legislative day and Senate and House Joint Journal Supplement No. 5 be approved as certified by the Secretary. Without objection, it was so ordered. Communications The following reports are on file in the Office of the Secretary of the Senate: Department of Natural Resources 2018 Determination to Take Oil and Gas Royalty in Value in accordance with AS 38.05.182 University of Alaska Board of Regents Alaska's University for Alaska's Schools 2018 A Report to the Legislature on Teacher Preparation, Retention, and Recruitment (received February 14) in accordance with AS 14.40.190 2019-02-22 Senate Journal Page 0375 Introduction and Reference of Senate Bills SB 69 SENATE BILL NO. 69 BY THE SENATE RULES COMMITTEE BY REQUEST OF THE GOVERNOR, entitled: "An Act establishing an exception from permit and fee requirements for certain charitable gaming activities; relating to fees for applicants for a charitable gaming permit; amending the definition of 'permittee'; and providing for an effective date." 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 Revenue Governor's transmittal letter dated February 21: Dear President Giessel: Under the authority of Article III, Section 18, of the Alaska Constitution, I am transmitting a bill that would reduce unnecessary regulatory requirements for municipalities and qualified organizations operating small charitable gaming fundraisers. Per AS 05.15.690(39), a “qualified organization” means “a bona fide civic or service organization or a bona fide religious, charitable, fraternal, veterans, labor, political, or educational organization, police or fire department and company, dog mushers’ association, outboard motor association, or fishing derby or nonprofit trade association in the state, that operates without profits to its members and that has been in existence continually for a period of three years immediately before applying for the license or permit; the organization may be a firm, corporation, company, association, or partnership.” The bill would provide that a charitable gaming permit or fee is no longer required for a qualified organization that did not hold a permit during the preceding year or that had gross receipts of less than $20,000 from charitable gaming fundraisers during the preceding year. The bill would have a positive impact on about 400 permittees by 2019-02-22 Senate Journal Page 0376 reducing costs and regulatory burdens of reporting for small charitable gaming activities. The qualified organization will still need to certify to the State of Alaska each year that all charitable gaming activities were conducted by law. I urge your prompt and favorable action on this measure. Sincerely, /s/ Michael J. Dunleavy Governor SB 70 SENATE BILL NO. 70 BY THE SENATE RULES COMMITTEE BY REQUEST OF THE GOVERNOR, entitled: "An Act repealing the ocean rangers program; 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, Department of Environmental Conservation Fiscal Note No. 2, Department of Environmental Conservation Fiscal Note No. 3, Department of Environmental Conservation Fiscal Note No. 4, Department of Environmental Conservation Governor's transmittal letter dated February 21: Dear President Giessel: Under the authority of Article III, Section 18, of the Alaska Constitution, I am transmitting a bill repealing the Ocean Rangers Program. The Ocean Rangers Program, codified at AS 46.03.476, requires large commercial vessels operating in state waters to have independent observers, “ocean rangers,” on board to monitor compliance with marine discharge and pollution laws. To pay for the program, 2019-02-22 Senate Journal Page 0377 AS 46.03.480(d) imposes a $4 fee for each berth on commercial passenger vessels with 250 or more berths. The Department of Environmental Conservation (DEC) administers the program indirectly through a contractor that hires and supervises the rangers. This program provides limited benefit to residents of the state but imposes a $4 fee for each berth on large commercial passenger vessels. Repealing the program will reduce the state's budget by nearly $4,000,000.00 each year. Eliminating this program does not significantly affect the regulation of cruise ships in state waters. The program itself does not establish substantive environmental standards. Department permitting and compliance staff will still monitor cruise ships for compliance with state wastewater and air quality permits and regulations through records reviews, inspections in port, opacity monitoring, and vessel tracking. The existing Ocean Rangers contract expires on October 31, 2019. The effective date of January 1, 2020 would allow the program to run through the summer 2019 cruise ship season and complete any post- season work or fee reconciliation. I urge your prompt and favorable action on this measure. Sincerely, /s/ Michael J. Dunleavy Governor Consideration of the Calendar Citations Honoring - Jim Jansen Senators Birch, von Imhof Representative Kopp Honoring - National Engineers Week 2019 Senator Birch 2019-02-22 Senate Journal Page 0378 Senator Costello moved and asked unanimous consent the citations be adopted. Without objection, the citations were adopted and referred to the Secretary for transmittal. Unfinished Business Senator Costello moved and asked unanimous consent to be excused from a call of the Senate on the following dates: from afternoon plane time, March 1 through evening plane time, March 3 from afternoon plane time, March 8 through evening plane time, March 10 from afternoon plane time, March 15 through evening plane time, March 17 Without objection, Senator Costello was excused. Senator Shower moved and asked unanimous consent to be excused from a call of the Senate from afternoon plane time, February 22 through evening plane time, February 23. Without objection, Senator Shower was excused. Senator Wielechowski moved and asked unanimous consent to be excused from a call of the Senate on February 25, to morning plane time. Without objection, Senator Wielechowski was excused. Senator Hoffman moved and asked unanimous consent to be excused from a call of the Senate on March 1. Without objection, Senator Hoffman was excused. Senator Stedman moved and asked unanimous consent to be excused from a call of the Senate on February 24, to evening plane time. Without objection, Senator Stedman was excused. 2019-02-22 Senate Journal Page 0379 Announcements Announcements are at the end of the journal. Adjournment Senator Costello moved and asked unanimous consent the Senate stand in adjournment until 11:00 a.m., February 25, 2019. Without objection, the Senate adjourned at 10:43 a.m. Liz Clark Secretary of the Senate 2019-02-22 Senate Journal Page 0380 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 26 Tuesday Beltz 105 (tsbldg) 3:30 PM + Presentation: 2020 Census by Laurie Wolf, President/CEO of The Foraker Group; Eddie Hunsinger, State Demographer, Department of Labor & Katie Scovic, Cook Inlet Housing Authority Feb 28 Thursday Beltz 105 (tsbldg) 3:30 PM No Meeting Scheduled ---------------------------------------- EDUCATION Feb 26 Tuesday Butrovich 205 9:00 AM -- Teleconference <Listen Only> -- += SB 53 UNIV. REPORTING REQS FOR ACCREDITATION -- Public Testimony -- + SB 56 MAND. PHYS. ACTIVITY SCHOOLS; PLAAY DAY -- Public Testimony -- **Streamed live on AKL.tv** + Bills Previously Heard/Scheduled Feb 28 Thursday Butrovich 205 9:00 AM No Meeting Scheduled ---------------------------------------- 2019-02-22 Senate Journal Page 0381 FINANCE Feb 22 Friday Senate Finance 532 9:00 AM += SB 20 APPROP: OPERATING BUDGET/LOANS/FUNDS + Departmental Review Continued: - Health & Social Services - Rescheduled from 2/18/19 - Item Below Removed from Agenda - + Legislative Finance Overview & Analysis by David Teal, Director of Legislative Finance + Bills Previously Heard/Scheduled Feb 25 Monday Senate Finance 532 9:00 AM += SB 20 APPROP: OPERATING BUDGET/LOANS/FUNDS + Departmental Review Continued: - Labor & Workforce Development - Administration - Commerce, Community & Economic Development - Governor - Revenue Feb 26 Tuesday Senate Finance 532 9:00 AM += SB 20 APPROP: OPERATING BUDGET/LOANS/FUNDS + Legislative Finance Division Overview by David Teal, Director Feb 27 Wednesday Senate Finance 532 9:00 AM + Consideration of Governor's Appointees: Commissioner-Designee Kelly Tshibaka, Department of Administration + Bills Previously Heard/Scheduled Feb 28 Thursday Senate Finance 532 9:00 AM + Investment Funds Update & Cash Flow Deficiency Plan by Bruce Tangeman, Commissioner of Revenue + Bills Previously Heard/Scheduled Mar 01 Friday Senate Finance 532 9:00 AM + SB 25 EXTEND BOARD OF DENTAL EXAMINERS + SB 29 EXTEND BOARD OF MARINE PILOTS + SB 36 EXTEND BOARD OF NURSING + Bills Previously Heard/Scheduled ---------------------------------------- 2019-02-22 Senate Journal Page 0382 HEALTH & SOCIAL SERVICES Feb 22 Friday Butrovich 205 1:30 PM No Meeting Scheduled Feb 25 Monday Butrovich 205 1:30 PM + Consideration of Governor's Appointees: Mental Health Trust Authority Board of Trustees - John Sturgeon - Joe Riggs - Ken McCarty -Invited Testimony Followed by Public Testimony- Feb 27 Wednesday Butrovich 205 1:30 PM + Overview: Department of Health & Social Services -- Testimony <Invitation Only> -- Mar 01 Friday Butrovich 205 1:30 PM += SB 7 MED. ASSISTANCE WORK REQUIREMENT + Bills Previously Heard/Scheduled ---------------------------------------- JUDICIARY Feb 22 Friday Beltz 105 (tsbldg) 1:30 PM -- MEETING CANCELED -- += SB 12 ASSAULT; SEX OFFENSES; SENTENCING CREDIT += SB 35 CRIMES;SEX CRIMES;SENTENCING; PAROLE + Bills Previously Heard/Scheduled Feb 25 Monday Beltz 105 (tsbldg) 1:30 PM + Consideration of Governor's Appointees: Alaska Police Standards Council + Bills Previously Heard/Scheduled Feb 27 Wednesday Beltz 105 (tsbldg) 1:30 PM + Presentation: Alaska Criminal Justice Commission - Criminal Justice Data by Susanne DiPietro, Executive Director, Alaska Judicial Council + Bills Previously Heard/Scheduled 2019-02-22 Senate Journal Page 0383 JUDICIARY (continued) Mar 01 Friday Beltz 105 (tsbldg) 1:30 PM SB 34 PROBATION; PAROLE; SENTENCES; CREDITS <Pending Referral> + Bills Previously Heard/Scheduled ---------------------------------------- LABOR & COMMERCE Feb 26 Tuesday Beltz 105 (tsbldg) 1:30 PM + Consideration of Governor's Appointees: - Public Accountancy - Karen Smith - Barbers & Hairdressers - Jessica Shields - Board of Massage Therapists - Julie Endle Feb 28 Thursday Beltz 105 (tsbldg) 1:30 PM + Consideration of Governor's Appointees: Board of Marital & Family Therapy - Noah Shields ---------------------------------------- RESOURCES Feb 22 Friday Butrovich 205 3:30 PM No Meeting Scheduled Feb 25 Monday Butrovich 205 3:30 PM + SJR 7 ENDORSING ANWR LEASING; RELATED ISSUES -- Public Testimony -- + Bills Previously Heard/Scheduled Feb 27 Wednesday Butrovich 205 3:30 PM += SB 43 EXTEND BIG GAME COMMERCIAL SERVICES BOARD + Bills Previously Heard/Scheduled Mar 01 Friday Butrovich 205 3:30 PM + Bills Previously Heard/Scheduled ---------------------------------------- 2019-02-22 Senate Journal Page 0384 STATE AFFAIRS Feb 26 Tuesday Butrovich 205 3:30 PM += SB 34 PROBATION; PAROLE; SENTENCES; CREDITS + Bills Previously Heard/Scheduled Feb 28 Thursday Butrovich 205 3:30 PM + Consideration of Governor's Appointees: Commissioner-Designee Tshibaka, Department of Administration -- Teleconference Invitation Only -- -- Public Testimony <Time Limit May Be Set> -- += SB 34 PROBATION; PAROLE; SENTENCES; CREDITS += SB 23 APPROP:SUPP. PAYMENTS OF PRIOR YEARS' PFD -Public Testimony on SB23/24 at Approx. 6:00 pm- <Time Limit May Be Set> += SB 24 PFD SUPPLEMENTAL PAYMENTS -Public Testimony on SB24/23 at Approx. 6:00 pm- <Time Limit May Be Set> + Bills Previously Heard/Scheduled ---------------------------------------- TRANSPORTATION Feb 26 Tuesday Butrovich 205 1:30 PM + SB 4 NAMING SCOTT JOHNSON MEMORIAL BRIDGE -- Public Testimony -- Feb 28 Thursday Butrovich 205 1:30 PM + Presentation: Alberta to Alaska Railway by Sean McCoshen, Mead Treadwell & Jon Ketchen + Bills Previously Heard/Scheduled ---------------------------------------- 2019-02-22 Senate Journal Page 0385 FINANCE SUBCOMMITTEES COMMERCE, COMMUNITY & ECONOMIC DEV Feb 25 Monday Butrovich 205 5:30 PM + FY2020 Budget Presentations by: - Department & Divisions - Alcohol & Marijuana Control Office - Alaska Seafood Marketing Institute - Alaska Gasline Development Corporation -- Testimony <Invitation Only> -- Feb 27 Wednesday Senate Finance 532 5:30 PM + Continuation of FY2020 Budget Overviews by: - Alaska Industrial Development & Export Authority - Alaska Energy Authority - Regulatory Commission of Alaska -- Testimony <Invitation Only> -- ---------------------------------------- EDUCATION & EARLY DEVELOPMENT Feb 26 Tuesday Senate Finance 532 1:00 PM + FY20 DEED Budget ---------------------------------------- ENVIRONMENTAL CONSERVATION Feb 28 Thursday Beltz 105 (tsbldg) 4:00 PM -- MEETING CANCELED -- Agenda to be Announced Mar 07 Thursday Beltz 105 (tsbldg) 4:00 PM Agenda to be Announced ---------------------------------------- 2019-02-22 Senate Journal Page 0386 HEALTH & SOCIAL SERVICES Feb 25 Monday Senate Finance 532 7:45 AM -- Meeting Rescheduled from 2/18/19 -- + FY20 Budget Proposal Overview -- Testimony <Invitation Only> -- Mar 01 Friday Senate Finance 532 7:45 AM + Alaska's Medicaid Program -- Testimony <Invitation Only> -- ---------------------------------------- LABOR & WORKFORCE DEVELOPMENT Feb 28 Thursday Beltz 105 (tsbldg) 3:30 PM -- MEETING CANCELED -- Agenda to be Announced Mar 07 Thursday Beltz 105 (tsbldg) 3:30 PM Agenda to be Announced ---------------------------------------- LAW Mar 06 Wednesday Butrovich 205 8:00 AM + Continuation of FY 2020 Budget -- Testimony <Invitation Only> -- Mar 13 Wednesday Butrovich 205 8:00 AM + Continuation of FY 2020 Budget -- Testimony <Invitation Only> -- ---------------------------------------- NATURAL RESOURCES Feb 28 Thursday Beltz 105 (tsbldg) 4:30 PM -- MEETING CANCELED -- Agenda to be Announced Mar 07 Thursday Beltz 105 (tsbldg) 4:30 PM Agenda to be Announced ---------------------------------------- 2019-02-22 Senate Journal Page 0387 REVENUE Feb 26 Tuesday Senate Finance 532 5:30 PM + FY2020 Budget Presentations & Divisional Overviews by: - Colleen Glover, Tax Division - Pam Leary, Treasury Division - Deven Mitchell, Executive Director, Alaska Municipal Bond Bank - Anne Weske, Permanent Fund Dividend Division - Carol Beecher, Child Support Services -- Testimony <Invitation Only> -- Feb 28 Thursday Senate Finance 532 5:30 PM + Continuation of FY2020 Budget Overviews by: - Angela Rodell, Chief Executive Officer, Alaska Permanent Fund Corporation - Bryan Butcher, Executive Director, Alaska Housing Finance Corporation - Mike Abbott, Chief Executive Officer, Alaska Mental Health Trust Authority -- Testimony <Invitation Only> -- ---------------------------------------- TRANSPORTATION & PUBLIC FACILITIES Feb 28 Thursday Senate Finance 532 7:30 AM + Department of Transportation & Public Facilities Earthquake Response by Dave Kemp, Central Region Director + Public Facilities Energy Program by Chris Hodgin, Energy Program Manager Feb 28 Thursday Senate Finance 532 7:45 AM -- MEETING CANCELED -- Agenda TBA Mar 07 Thursday Senate Finance 532 7:30 AM Agenda TBA Mar 07 Thursday Senate Finance 532 7:45 AM -- MEETING CANCELED -- Agenda TBA ---------------------------------------- 2019-02-22 Senate Journal Page 0388 UNIVERSITY OF ALASKA Feb 26 Tuesday Senate Finance 532 2:00 PM + FY20 University Budget ---------------------------------------- JOINT COMMITTEES LEGISLATIVE COUNCIL Feb 25 Monday Senate Finance 532 5:00 PM + - Committee Organization - Committee Policies - Ratification of Charity Events - Committee Business - Contract Approvals -- Teleconference Listen Only -- **Streamed live on AKL.tv**