CS FOR HOUSE BILL NO. 310(FIN) am "An Act making appropriations for the operating and loan program expenses of state government, for certain programs, and to capitalize funds; making appropriations under art. IX, sec. 17(c), Constitution of the State of Alaska; and providing for an effective date." CS FOR HOUSE BILL NO. 312(FIN) "An Act making appropriations for the operating and capital expenses of the state's integrated comprehensive mental health program; and providing for an effective date." And SENATE CS FOR CS FOR HOUSE BILL NO. 310(FIN) am S(brf sup maj fld S) "An Act making appropriations for the operating and loan program expenses of state government, for certain programs, and to capitalize funds; and providing for an effective date." SENATE CS FOR CS FOR HOUSE BILL NO. 312(FIN) "An Act making appropriations for the operating and capital expenses of the state's integrated comprehensive mental health program; and providing for an effective date." HB 310 and HB 312 were heard and HELD in Committee for further consideration after adoption of identical items and letters requesting powers of free conference. 4:09:12 PM Representative Chenault MOVED that Senator Hoffman serve as the presiding chair of the Conference Committee on HB 310 and HB 312. There being NO OBJECTION, it was so ordered. 4:09:36 PM Chair Senator Hoffman MOVED that Representative Chenault serve as Vice-chair of the Conference Committee on HB 310 and HB 312. There being NO OBJECTION, it was so ordered. Chair Hoffman noted that both the House and Senate budget process allowed for public testimony. That portion of the process is now concluded; the Conference Committee would not accept further public testimony. Unless invited by the Chair, only members of the Conference Committee may take part in discussion or sit at the table. Chair Hoffman observed that the Legislative Finance Division had been directed to prepare the "motion sheets" for use by the Conference Committee. These sheets summarize the differences between the two versions of the bills before the Conference Committee and were located on the Legislative Finance Division's website. Chair Hoffman explained that the Conference Committee would operate under Uniform Rule 42. All action requires a majority vote from each body for adoption. A copy of Uniform Rule 42 and related legal opinions were provided in each member's packet. 4:11:11 PM Vice Chair Chenault MOVED that all appropriations and language in the FY08 Operating Budget that are identical in House and Senate versions of the bills be adopted. Senator Dyson Objected for purpose of discussion. He questioned the location of the Independent Travel Grant. David Teal, Director, Legislative Finance Division explained that the list before the Committee summarized the identical items and observed that all other items would be in the motion sheets. He explained that the item in question was moved to the capital budget. 4:13:37 PM Mr. Teal observed that the list erroneously included the item as a zero 4:14:22 PM Senator Dyson asked regarding the Coin Collection. Mr. Teal explained that these items were zero and should not have been contained on the list. Senator Dyson questioned correction to the list. Mr. Teal pointed out that the motion would adopt all identical items and that the list is not necessary. He acknowledged that there would be a problem if an item were not included in a motion. Salary adjustments made in the House do not show in the Senate, but affect a large portion of the allocation. Salary adjustments will affect a large number of appropriatins. 4:17:29 PM There being NO OBJECTION, it was so ordered. Vice Chair Chenault MOVED to ADOPT a letter requesting limited powers of free conference for the items that are not identical. There being NO OBJECTION, it was so ordered. 4:18:17 PM Chair Hoffman explained that under Limited Powers the Conference Committee can adopt any amount between zero and the higher of the House or Senate version of each item subject to conference. Chair Hoffman observed that the Committee meetings would be posted on BASIS under the 24 hour rule. He noted that the Chair would make recommendations regarding items for conference. 4:20:44 PM Senator Dyson questioned voting procedures. HB 310 and HB 312 were heard and HELD in Committee for further consideration. ADJOURNMENT The meeting was adjourned at 4:21:25 PM