Legislature(2019 - 2020)
2020-02-12 Senate Journal
Full Journal pdf2020-02-12 Senate Journal Page 1713 SENATE JOURNAL ALASKA STATE LEGISLATURE THIRTY-FIRST LEGISLATURE SECOND SESSION Juneau, Alaska Wednesday February 12, 2020 Twenty-third Day Pursuant to adjournment the Senate was called to order by President Giessel at 10:34 a.m. The roll showed nineteen members present. Senator Gray-Jackson was absent. Senator Begich moved and asked unanimous consent Senator Gray- Jackson be excused from a call of the Senate today. Without objection, Senator Gray-Jackson was excused. The prayer was offered by the Chaplain, Rabbi Yehoshua Mizrachi. Senator Coghill moved and asked unanimous consent the prayer be spread. Without objection, it was so ordered. “Sovereign of the universe, Who created all in love, Teach us to love all that is good and ennobling in this world. Teach us to honor the dignity of difference, recognizing that one who is not in our image is nonetheless in Your image; never forgetting that people not like us, are still people – like us. At this portentous moment in history, bless us that we may be a blessing to others. Guide these wise Senators and indeed, all Alaskans, to honor You by honoring one another, so that by reaching out in love, we may turn enemies into friends, and become your family on earth, as You are our parent in heaven. 2020-02-12 Senate Journal Page 1714 Beloved God, bless the members of this legislative body, the Senate of the Great State of Alaska, and guide their deliberations, that they may govern this great state with wisdom and justice, with grace and compassion, and in so doing bring honor to Your name, and Your blessing to Alaska and to all humankind. Now let us respond, Amen. Senator Costello led the Senate in the Pledge of Allegiance. Certification Senator Hoffman moved and asked unanimous consent the journals for the twenty-first and twenty-second legislative days be approved as certified by the Secretary. Without objection, it was so ordered. Messages from the Governor Letter dated February 10 was read stating on February 4, in accordance with Article III, Sections 26 and 27, of the Alaska Constitution and Alaska Statute 39.05.080, I submitted a list of appointees for confirmation. The following appointee has withdrawn her name from consideration, effective immediately: Board of Barbers and Hairdressers Jessica Steele – Wasilla The following appointee is resubmitted with corrections for typographical errors: Board of Veterinary Examiners Scott Flamme – Fairbanks Appointed: 3/1/2020 Term Expires: 3/1/2023 2020-02-12 Senate Journal Page 1715 Communications The following report is on file in the Office of the Secretary of the Senate: University of Alaska Fairbanks Kodiak Seafood and Marine Science Center College of Fisheries and Ocean Sciences Annual Report FY 2018 in accordance with AS 16.52.050 Standing Committee Reports SB 47 The Labor and Commerce Committee considered SENATE BILL NO. 47 "An Act relating to the State Physical Therapy and Occupational Therapy Board; relating to the practice of physical therapy; and relating to the practice of occupational therapy" and recommended it be replaced with CS FOR SENATE BILL NO. 47(L&C) Signing do pass: Senator Bishop, Chair; Senators Stevens, Revak. The following fiscal information was published today: Fiscal Note No. 1, Department of Commerce, Community, and Economic Development The bill was referred to the Finance Committee. SB 76 The Labor and Commerce Committee considered SENATE BILL NO. 76 "An Act repealing the Workers' Compensation Appeals Commission; relating to decisions and orders of the Workers' Compensation Appeals Commission; relating to superior court jurisdiction over appeals from Alaska Workers' Compensation Board decisions; repealing Rules 201.1, 401.1, and 501.1, Alaska Rules of Appellate Procedure, and amending Rules 202(a), 204(a) - (c), 210(e), 601(b), 602(c) and (h), and 603(a), Alaska Rules of Appellate Procedure; and providing for an effective date" and recommended it be replaced with 2020-02-12 Senate Journal Page 1716 CS FOR SENATE BILL NO. 76(L&C) Signing do pass: Senator Bishop, Chair; Senators Stevens, Revak. The following fiscal information was published today: Fiscal Note No. 1, Department of Labor and Workforce Development Fiscal Note No. 2, zero, Alaska Judiciary System The bill was referred to the Judiciary Committee. Introduction and Reference of Senate Resolutions SJR 17 SENATE JOINT RESOLUTION NO. 17 BY SENATOR SHOWER, Proposing an amendment to the Constitution of the State of Alaska relating to political caucuses in the legislature. was read the first time and referred to the State Affairs, Judiciary and Finance Committees. Introduction and Reference of Senate Bills SB 183 SENATE BILL NO. 183 BY SENATOR KIEHL, entitled: "An Act relating to vehicles abandoned on private property." was read the first time and referred to the State Affairs Committee. 2020-02-12 Senate Journal Page 1717 SB 184 SENATE BILL NO. 184 BY SENATOR OLSON, entitled: "An Act extending the fishery resource landing tax credit for certain taxpayers that harvest fishery resources under the provisions of a community development quota; providing for an effective date by amending the effective date of sec. 36, ch. 61, SLA 2014; and providing for an effective date." was read the first time and referred to the Resources and Finance Committees. SB 185 SENATE BILL NO. 185 BY SENATOR MICCICHE, entitled: "An Act relating to rental vehicles; relating to vehicle rental networks; relating to liability for vehicle rental taxes; and providing for an effective date." was read the first time and referred to the Labor and Commerce and Finance Committees. SB 186 SENATE BILL NO. 186 BY SENATOR WIELECHOWSKI, entitled: "An Act establishing a tax on certain entities producing or transporting oil or gas in the state; and providing for an effective date." was read the first time and referred to the Resources and Finance Committees. SB 187 SENATE BILL NO. 187 BY SENATOR SHOWER, entitled: "An Act relating to binding votes by or for a legislator under the Legislative Ethics Act." was read the first time and referred to the State Affairs and Judiciary Committees. 2020-02-12 Senate Journal Page 1718 SB 188 SENATE BILL NO. 188 BY THE SENATE RULES COMMITTEE BY REQUEST OF THE GOVERNOR, entitled: "An Act establishing the Alaska Lottery Corporation; relating to the powers, duties, and laws applicable to the Alaska Lottery Corporation; establishing a lottery profits fund as an account of the general fund; establishing the crime of unlawful sale of a lottery ticket; 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, indeterminate, Department of Revenue Fiscal Note No. 2, zero, Department of Public Safety Fiscal Note No. 3, Department of Education and Early Development Governor's transmittal letter dated February 11: Dear President Giessel: Under the authority of Article III, Section 18, of the Alaska Constitution, I am transmitting a bill creating the Alaska Lottery Corporation as a new public corporation of the state. The bill creates the Alaska Lottery Corporation to establish and operate lottery games in the state and to participate in multi-state lotteries operated in conjunction with other lottery authorities. Forty- five states, plus the District of Columbia, currently have some form of state lottery. State lotteries have evolved significantly since the earliest states began to create state-owned organizations to operate and regulate the sale of traditional lottery and raffle tickets. More recently, state-owned organizations have begun to regulate electronic and video lottery terminals. Currently, Alaska allows charitable and certain gaming activities and collects taxes on cruise ship gaming, activities regulated by the Department of Revenue. The establishment of the Alaska Lottery Corporation will not change or further regulate these gaming activities. 2020-02-12 Senate Journal Page 1719 Aside from creating a pathway that could lead to new business opportunities, the purpose of the bill is to generate new revenues for the State. The bill proposes to allow the net profits generated from lottery activities in the state to be made available for appropriation for Kindergarten through Grade 12 education and to support public health and welfare programs, including those for domestic violence prevention, drug abuse prevention, foster care, and homelessness. In an era of declining state revenues, it is imperative for Alaska to consider new ways of funding government services that satisfy the public health and welfare needs of our citizens. Establishing the Alaska Lottery Corporation as a means to generate new revenues for the state will be one step in this direction. I urge your prompt and favorable action on this measure. Sincerely, /s/ Mike Dunleavy Governor SB 189 SENATE BILL NO. 189 BY THE SENATE RULES COMMITTEE BY REQUEST OF THE GOVERNOR, entitled: "An Act relating to the fish and game fund; establishing the sport fishing enhancement surcharge; relating to the repeal of the sport fishing facility surcharge; providing for an effective date by amending the effective date of sec. 21, ch. 18, SLA 2016; 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 Fish and Game Governor's transmittal letter dated February 11: 2020-02-12 Senate Journal Page 1720 Dear President Giessel: Under the authority of Article III, Section 18, of the Alaska Constitution, I am transmitting a bill relating to sportfish hatchery bond surcharges. This bill would allow the Department of Fish and Game to continue collecting a reduced sportfishing license surcharge beyond the date it is set to expire. Currently, the sportfishing facility surcharge is collected in order to pay off bonds issued to construct the Ruth Burnett hatchery in Fairbanks and the William Jack Hernandez hatchery in Anchorage. The surcharge also funds Chinook and Coho salmon production for southeast Alaska, which will be lost when the surcharge sunsets. The statutes authorizing the bonds and the surcharge will sunset on January 1 of the calendar year following the repayment of the bond obligations, which is anticipated to be later in 2020. This bill would retain the statute authorizing the department to collect the surcharge but at a reduced rate. The surcharge revenue would be used for ongoing maintenance and repairs at state sport fish hatchery facilities as well as enhancement of sport fisheries in southeast Alaska, directly benefiting sport anglers. This is an effective way to support economic development with only a small remaining surcharge for Alaskan residents, accordingly, I urge your prompt and favorable action on this measure. Sincerely, /s/ Mike Dunleavy Governor Consideration of the Calendar Third Reading of House Bills HB 44 HOUSE BILL NO. 44 "An Act relating to fees for using an automated teller machine; and providing for an effective date" was read the third time. 2020-02-12 Senate Journal Page 1721 Senator Hoffman moved and asked unanimous consent the bill be held to the February 14 calendar. Without objection, it was so ordered. Unfinished Business Senator Kawasaki moved and asked unanimous consent to be excused from a call of the Senate from afternoon plane time, February 14 through morning plane time, February 17. Without objection, Senator Kawasaki was excused. Senator Reinbold moved and asked unanimous consent to be excused from a call of the Senate from February 14 through morning plane time, February 18. Without objection, Senator Reinbold was excused. Senator Hughes moved and asked unanimous consent to be excused from a call of the Senate from evening plane time, February 14 through evening plane time, February 16. Without objection, Senator Hughes was excused. Senator Wilson moved and asked unanimous consent to be excused from a call of the Senate from afternoon plane time, February 14 through morning plane time, February 17. Without objection, Senator Wilson was excused. Announcements Announcements are at the end of the journal. Recess Senator Hoffman moved and asked unanimous consent the Senate stand in recess to the Joint Session. Without objection, the Senate recessed at 10:54 a.m. 2020-02-12 Senate Journal Page 1722 After Recess Joint Session in the House Speaker Edgmon called the House to order and in accordance with Uniform Rule 51 turned the gavel over to President Giessel, who called the Joint Session to order at 11:07 a.m. The purpose of the Joint Session was to hear Chief Justice Joel Bolger's State of the Judiciary Address. Senator Hoffman moved and asked unanimous consent the roll call of the Senate be waived and all members be shown as present. Without objection, it was so ordered. Representative Thompson moved and asked unanimous consent the roll call of the House be waived and all members be shown as present. Without objection, it was so ordered. President Giessel appointed Representative Stutes and Senator Coghill to escort Justice Bolger to the Joint Session. The Senate Sergeant-at-Arms, Grace Ellsworth, announced Chief Justice Joel Bolger's entrance to the House Chamber. Justice Bolger was escorted to the rostrum and welcomed by President Giessel. Chief Justice Joel Bolger delivered his address. This address appears in House and Senate Joint Journal Supplement No. 13. Justice Bolger received a standing ovation and was escorted from the chamber by Senator Coghill and Representative Stutes. Senator Hoffman moved and asked unanimous consent the Joint Session stand in adjournment. Without objection, President Giessel adjourned the Joint Session at 11:30 a.m. After Recess In the Senate The Senate reconvened at 11:33 a.m. 2020-02-12 Senate Journal Page 1723 Adjournment Senator Hoffman moved and asked unanimous consent the Senate stand in adjournment until 10:30 a.m. February 14, 2020. Without objection, the Senate adjourned at 11:33 a.m. Liz Clark Secretary of the Senate 2020-02-12 Senate Journal Page 1724 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 13 Thursday Beltz 105 (tsbldg) 3:30 PM No Meeting Scheduled ---------------------------------------- EDUCATION Feb 12 Wednesday Butrovich 205 9:00 AM += SB 6 PRE-K/ELEM ED PROGRAMS/FUNDING; READING -- Public Testimony <Time Limit May Be Set> -- **Streamed live on AKL.tv** + Bills Previously Heard/Scheduled Feb 13 Thursday Butrovich 205 9:00 AM -- Teleconference <Listen Only> -- += SB 6 PRE-K/ELEM ED PROGRAMS/FUNDING; READING -- Testimony <Invitation Only> -- += SB 169 LICENSE PLATES: COUNCIL ON ARTS -- Public Testimony -- **Streamed live on AKL.tv** + Bills Previously Heard/Scheduled Feb 14 Friday Butrovich 205 9:00 AM -- Teleconference <Listen Only> -- + Bills Previously Heard/Scheduled -- Testimony <Invitation Only> -- **Streamed live on AKL.tv** ---------------------------------------- 2020-02-12 Senate Journal Page 1725 FINANCE Feb 12 Wednesday Senate Finance 532 9:00 AM + Order of Operations - Oil Tax Regime by Dan Stickel, Director of Economic Research Group, Department of Revenue + Bills Previously Heard/Scheduled Feb 13 Thursday Senate Finance 532 9:00 AM + PRS/TRS Update by Ajay Desai, Director of Division of Retirement & Benefits + Bills Previously Heard/Scheduled Feb 14 Friday Senate Finance 532 9:00 AM + School Construction Funding Overview += HB 106 SCHOOL BOND DEBT REIMBURSEMENT + Bills Previously Heard/Scheduled ---------------------------------------- HEALTH & SOCIAL SERVICES Feb 12 Wednesday Butrovich 205 1:30 PM + Presentation: "Coronavirus: Alaska's Response & Preparedness" by Dr. Anne Zink, Department of Health & Social Services, Chief Medical Officer += HB 96 PIONEERS' HOME AND VETERANS' HOME RATES -Invited Testimony Followed by Public Testimony- <Time Limit May Be Set> + Bills Previously Heard/Scheduled Feb 14 Friday Butrovich 205 1:30 PM + HB 29 INSURANCE COVERAGE FOR TELEHEALTH -Invited Testimony Followed by Public Testimony- + Bills Previously Heard/Scheduled ---------------------------------------- 2020-02-12 Senate Journal Page 1726 JUDICIARY Feb 12 Wednesday Beltz 105 (tsbldg) 1:30 PM + Presentation by the Alaska Children's Justice Act Task Force Feb 14 Friday Beltz 105 (tsbldg) 1:30 PM No Meeting Scheduled LABOR & COMMERCE Feb 13 Thursday Beltz 105 (tsbldg) 1:30 PM + Presentation: "Alaska Hire Legal History" by Dan Wayne, Legislative Legal + Bills Previously Heard/Scheduled ---------------------------------------- RESOURCES Feb 12 Wednesday Butrovich 205 3:30 PM + Presentation: Regarding Pending Cases Affecting Alaska Resources by the Department of Law -- Testimony <Invitation Only> -- += HB 122 FUNTER BAY MARINE PARK: UNANGAN CEMETERY -- Public Testimony -- **Streamed live on AKL.tv** + Bills Previously Heard/Scheduled Feb 14 Friday Butrovich 205 3:30 PM += SB 155 EXPLORATION & MINING RIGHTS; ANNUAL LABOR -- Public Testimony -- + SB 145 REGISTRATION OF BOATS: EXEMPTION -- Public Testimony -- **Streamed live on AKL.tv** + Bills Previously Heard/Scheduled ---------------------------------------- 2020-02-12 Senate Journal Page 1727 STATE AFFAIRS Feb 13 Thursday Butrovich 205 3:30 PM + SB 170 NAMING VIETNAM HELI. PILOTS' MEM. BRIDGE -- Public Testimony -- + SB 168 SEX OFFENDER REGISTRY; NOTICE TO VICTIMS -- Testimony <Invitation Only> -- + Bills Previously Heard/Scheduled **Streamed live on AKL.tv** TRANSPORTATION Feb 13 Thursday Butrovich 205 1:30 PM No Meeting Scheduled ---------------------------------------- FINANCE SUBCOMMITTEES CORRECTIONS Feb 17 Monday Senate Finance 532 7:45 AM + Department Overview -- Testimony <Invitation Only> -- ---------------------------------------- JUDICIARY Feb 13 Thursday Beltz 105 (tsbldg) 5:00 PM -- Testimony <Invitation Only> -- + Alaska Judiciary Overview: - Fiscal Situation - Program Requirements - Agency History, Mission & Outcomes - Introduction of Anticipated Alaska Judiciary Budget Request ---------------------------------------- 2020-02-12 Senate Journal Page 1728 LAW Feb 13 Thursday Butrovich 205 7:45 AM + Department Overview & Explanation of Subcommittee Book -- Testimony <Invitation Only> -- ---------------------------------------- PUBLIC SAFETY Feb 12 Wednesday Beltz 105 (tsbldg) 3:30 PM + Department Overview & Explanation of Subcommittee Book -- Testimony <Invitation Only> -- TRANSPORTATION & PUBLIC FACILITIES Feb 12 Wednesday Senate Finance 532 7:30 AM + - Subcommittee Binders Synopsis by Staff - FY 21 Budget Highlights - Challenges & Successes Feb 19 Wednesday Senate Finance 532 7:30 AM + Roads/Highways/Bridges Feb 26 Wednesday Senate Finance 532 7:30 AM + Aviation - International & Rural Airports ---------------------------------------- SPECIAL COMMITTEES RAILBELT ELECTRIC SYSTEM Feb 12 Wednesday Fahrenkamp 203 9:00 AM -- Please Note Location Change -- += SB 123 ELECTRIC RELIABILITY ORGANIZATIONS -- Public Testimony -- Feb 14 Friday Beltz 105 (tsbldg) 9:00 AM += SB 123 ELECTRIC RELIABILITY ORGANIZATIONS -- Public Testimony -- ---------------------------------------- 2020-02-12 Senate Journal Page 1729 JOINT COMMITTEES LEGISLATIVE COUNCIL Feb 12 Wednesday Senate Finance 532 5:00 PM -- Teleconference <Listen Only> -- + Ratification of Charity Events - 2020 Girl Scouts of Alaska Annual Auction - 28th Fahrenkamp-Kelly Classic Charity Putting Tournament - 57th Annual Legislative Skits - 5th Annual Juneau's Got Talent - Juneau Co-op Reschool Winter Feast - Juneau Animal Rescue 7th Annual Silent Auction - 2020 Kenai River Sportfishing Association Events + Committee Business - FY19 Legislature Audit - FY21 Legislature Budget + Contract Approvals - Ketchikan Office Space Lease Renewal **Streamed live on AKL.tv** ---------------------------------------- OTHER MEETINGS JOINT SESSION Feb 12 Wednesday House Chamber 11:00 AM State of the Judiciary Address by the Honorable Joel H. Bolger, Chief Justice, Alaska Supreme Court Feb 18 Tuesday House Chamber 11:00 AM Annual Address by the Honorable Lisa Murkowski, U.S. Senator ---------------------------------------- 2020-02-12 Senate Journal Page 1730 MISCELLANEOUS MEETINGS Feb 12 Wednesday Butrovich 205 12:00 PM Lunch & Learn: Alaska Food Policy Council - Innovative Efforts to Reduce Food Waste by: - Suzanna Caldwell, Anchorage Solid Waste Services, Will Discuss Pilot Programs to Reduce the Amount of Organic Material Going into Anchorage Landfills - Andrew Mergens, Anchorage School District, Will Discuss Pilot Programs to Reduce Waste in School Lunch Programs, Including the Use of Alaska Grown Food in Anchorage Schools Sponsored by Senator Giessel & Senator Bishop Feb 18 Tuesday Butrovich 205 12:00 PM Lunch & Learn: "The Current Cybersecurity Landscape in the State & Local Government, The Recent Breach at the State of Colorado & the Nation State Bad Actors - Iran & China" by Brian Sams, Regional State, Local Government & Education (SLED) Account Director at Tanium The Presentation Will Be Followed by a Q&A Session Sponsored by Senator Hughes & Representative Tuck Feb 19 Wednesday Butrovich 205 12:00 PM Lunch & Learn: Discussion on How the Partners for Progress Reentry Center Assists People Leaving Prison, Starting on the Day they Return to the Community & Including Prison In-reach to Prepare for Reentry While they are Still Incarcerated by Ciesta Williams, Job Lab Manager for Partners Reentry Followed by Question & Answer Period Sponsored by Senator Hughes & Representative Fields 2020-02-12 Senate Journal Page 1731 Mar 04 Wednesday Capitol 106 12:00 PM Lunch & Learn: Alaska Outdoor Alliance - Presenters & Subjects: - Lee Hart, Statewide Outdoor Recreation Priorities - Chris Beck, Statewide Trails Initiative - Natalie Dawson, New Tourism Products & Regenerative Tourism - Dan Blanchard, Adventure Tourism Business - Michele Stevens, Snowmachine Community Priorities Sponsored by Representative Kreiss-Tomkins Mar 11 Wednesday Capitol 106 12:00 PM Lunch & Learn: "Maritime Operations: Present & Future Impact on Alaska's Economy & Welfare" by Captain Ed Page Sponsored by Representative Hannan