HB 12 would establish the Alaska Council on Invasive Species in the Department of Fish and Game.  The council would address threats posed to the state and its residents by invasive species, and would consist of 14 members, including an employee of the University of Alaska involved in agricultural research, extension, or outreach.  The council will submit an annual report of its activities to the governor and the presiding officer of each house of the legislature by December 15 of each year. 

HB 12 was introduced on 1/20/2009 and referred to the House Resources and Finance Committees.  The bill and all related action can be viewed at: http://www.legis.state.ak.us/basis/get_bill.asp?bill=HB%20%2012&session=26

2/18/2009: HB 12 was heard and held in the House Resources Committee.  Minutes and audio of that hearing are available through the link above.

HB 25 would establish the Alaska Health Reform Policy Commission in the Department of Health & Social Services. 

HB 25, HB 75, and SB 172 would all establish health care commissions. 

HB 25 was introduced on 1/20/2009 and referred to the House Health & Social Services and Finance Committees.  The bill and all related action can be viewed at: http://www.legis.state.ak.us/basis/get_bill.asp?session=26&bill=HB25

This bill would require notice by state agencies, including the University of Alaska, when positions in the classified, partially exempt, or exempt service are created, eliminated, or transferred.

HB 32 was introduced on 1/20/2009 and referred to the House State Affairs and Finance Committees.  The bill and all related action can be viewed at: http://www.legis.state.ak.us/basis/get_bill.asp?bill=HB%20%2032&session=26

HB 44 would allow the Permanent Fund Corporation to invest up to $1,000,000,000 in fund assets in in-state energy projects, to the extent that those investments are available and eligible for fund investment.  It would also allow AHFC, ANGDA, ARRC, and AEA to issue bonds for energy-related programs and projects.

HB 44 was introduced on 1/20/2009 and referred to the House Special Committee on Energy and the Finance Committee.  The bill and all related action can be viewed at: http://www.legis.state.ak.us/basis/get_bill.asp?session=26&bill=HB44

2/17/2009: HB 44 was heard in and moved from the House Special Committee on Energy with a committee substitute and a zero fiscal note.  The bill is now in the House Finance Committee.  Minutes, audio, and documents from the meeting are now available through the link above.

3/12/2009 & 4/9/2009: HB 44 was heard and held in the House Finance Committee.

4/11/2009: HB 44 was heard in and moved from the House Finance Committee with three zero fiscal notes. 

4/14/2009: HB 44 was on the House Calendar, was amended, and then was returned to the House Rules Committee without a vote on final passage. 

4/15/2009: HB 44 was placed on the House Calendar again.  The bill was amended to include a provision stating that if the Legislative Budget & Audit Committee does not approve of the issuance of ANGDA bonds, ANGDA would be able to submit the bonding proposal to the legislature within the first five days of the next legislative session.  HB 44 was passed and transmitted to the Senate for consideration.  It was referred to the Senate Resources and Finance Committees.  No further action was taken on HB 44 before adjournment on 4/19/2009.

This bill would forgive portions of a student loan, up to a maximum of 50% of the total loan plus interest, depending on the continued Alaska residency of the borrower.

HB 56 was introduced on 1/20/2009 and referred to the House Education and Finance Committees.  The bill and all related action can be viewed at: http://www.legis.state.ak.us/basis/get_bill.asp?bill=HB%20%2056&session=26

HB 58 would establish a student loan repayment program and account in order to provide financial incentives to help fill employee shortages in specific occupations and fields.  Occupations and fields specified in HB 58 include biologist, education, dentist, and registered or practical nurse.  In addition to establishment of the program and account, the legislature would have to appropriate money to the account in order for loan repayments to be made under this legislation. 

HB 58 was introduced on 1/20/2009 and referred to the House Education and Finance Committees.  The bill and all related action can be viewed at: http://www.legis.state.ak.us/basis/get_bill.asp?bill=HB%20%2058&session=26

3/2/2009: HB 58 was heard in the House Education Committee.  The committee adopted a committee substitute.  Sections 1-4 of the bill are unchanged, but the eligibility criteria contained in Section 5 has been changed.  The change removes the list of specific employment fields for eligibility.  New requirements for eligibility are: 1. Be a resident at the time of applying for the program; 2. Is working full time in a field determined by the Department of Labor to be in a shortage in the state; 3. Applicant began working in the designated field in Alaska within four years of attaining his/her degree; and 4. Student received a loan from the Alaska Student Loan Corporation.  The committee substitute also clarified that the loan repayment will only be for the outstanding loan amount at the time of application to the program.  Reimbursment will not be made for any loan amount which the student has already repaid. 

There is a good deal of background information posted under the bill in BASIS (the link above), including an 8-page list of vacant positions within the State of Alaska.  Some of the position classes with huge vacancy rates are Administrative Clerks, Public Health Nurses, Fish & Wildlife Technicians, Fishery Biologists, State Troopers, Environmental Program Specialists, Engineering Assistants, Engineer/Architects, Engineering Technicians, and Staff Psychiatrists.  According to a letter from DNR, other positions have smaller vacancy rates, but are critical positions that have been left unfilled due to a lack of qualified job candidates. 

The House Education Committee requested a new fiscal note for the committee substitute and is holding the bill for future hearings. 

3/30/2009: HB 58 was heard in and moved from the House Education Committee.  The bill is now in the House Finance Committee.

4/20/2009: The House Finance Committee did not hear HB 58 before adjournment of the first session of the Twenty-Sixth Alaska State Legislature. 

HB 66 would promote the use of alternative energy through a net metering policy for Alaskan utilities.  The policy would allow utility customers who install renewable energy equipment to receive a credit for excess energy generation. 

HB 66 was introduced on 1/20/2009 and referred to the House Special Committee on Energy and the  Finance Committee.  The bill and all related action can be viewed at: http://www.legis.state.ak.us/basis/get_bill.asp?session=26&bill=HB66

HB 66 was heard in the House Special Committee on Energy on 2/8/2009 and 3/31/2009, but was not moved from committee.  Minutes, audio, and documents related to the bill can be accessed through the link above. 

This bill would establish a program within the Department of Natural Resources to increase procurement and use in public schools of food grown in the state.  HB 70 directs DNR, the Department of Health & Social Services, the Department of Education and Early Development, the Department of Administration, and the University of Alaska Cooperative Extension Service to coordinate efforts to that effect. 

HB 70 was introduced on 1/20/2009 and referred to the House Resources and Finance Committees.  The bill and all related action can be viewed at: http://www.legis.state.ak.us/basis/get_bill.asp?bill=HB%20%2070&session=26

3/18/2009: HB 70 was heard and held in the House Resources Committee.

3/23/2009: HB 70 was moved from the House Resources Committee with a committee substitute, a zero fiscal note from DEED, and a fiscal note from DNR.  It was referred to the House Finance Committee, but did not receive any more hearings before adjournment on April 19, 2009. 

This bill would establish the Alaska Health Commission within the Department of Health & Social Services.  The commission would examine health care issues and formulate policy recommendations.  The commission would consist of 15 members, one of whom would be a representative of the University of Alaska's health education and training programs, and would be appointed by the university. 

HB 75, HB 25, and SB 172 would all establish health care commissions.

HB 75 was introduced on 1/20/2009 and referred to the House Health & Social Services and Finance Committees.  The bill and all related action can be viewed at: http://www.legis.state.ak.us/basis/get_bill.asp?bill=HB%20%2075&session=26

HB 77 would allow certain public employees, including University of Alaska employees, to take leave without pay to volunteer with the American Red Cross for an event that has been formally designated a disaster at level II or higher.  Leave would be subject to approval by the employee's supervisor.

HB 77 was introduced on 1/20/2009 and referred to the House State Affairs and Finance Committees.  The bill and all related action can be viewed at: http://www.legis.state.ak.us/basis/get_bill.asp?bill=HB%20%2077&session=26

3/31/2009: HB 77 was moved from the House Finance Committee with a committee substitute and a zero fiscal note.  The bill had previously (on 3/12/2009) been moved from the House State Affairs Committee.  Minutes, audio, and documents from the hearings can be accessed through the link above.  HB 77 is in the House Rules Committee.

HB 81 is the FY 10 Operating Budget, which covers annual appropriations for the ongoing operation of state programs. Operating budget appropriations are made for a fiscal year, and any unexpended and unobligated funds typically lapse at the end of the fiscal year. 

Although the capital budget and operating budget bills are introduced in both the house and the senate, only one version of each will move through the legislature.  Typically, the house version of the operating budget (HB 81) and the senate version of the capital budget (SB 75) are the versions that will pass the legislature.

The operating budget for the university begins on page 28 of the bill.  Total agency funding included in the operating budget is $819,815,500, with $321,174,100 coming from the state's general fund.

While the funding in HB 81 represents a 4.2% increase in state general funds over FY 09, HB 81 still falls short in meeting the university's fixed operating costs by $6,300,000.  In addition to a shortage of funding for fixed operating costs, HB 81 falls short in funding K-12 outreach; energy and health programs; and engineering, climate, and workforce/campus programs. 

Page 55, Sec. 21(b) specifies that appropriations to the university include amounts for salary and benefit adjustments for the fiscal year ending June 30, 2010 for university employees who are not members of a collective bargaining unit, and for implementing monetary terms of the collective bargaining agreements for the Alaska Higher Education Crafts and Trades Employees, the University of Alaska Federation of Teachers, United Academics, and United Academics-Adjuncts. 

Page 59, Sec. 23(q)(1) includes $1,412,615 in debt service for the Anchorge Community and Technical College Center and the Juneau Readiness Center/UAS Joint Facility. 

HB 81 was introduced on 1/22/2009 and referred to the House Finance Committee.  The bill and all related action can be viewed at: http://www.legis.state.ak.us/basis/get_bill.asp?session=26&bill=HB81

2/18/2009: The governor has released her proposed amendments for the FY 10 Operating Budget.

3/2/2009: A Finance Committee Substitute, Legislative Finance Division Subcommittee Reports, and Subcommittee Narratives have been posted under "documents" for the bill.  The committee substitute falls short by $6.3 million for funding the university's fixed costs, and contains no money for opening the UAA integrated sciences building.  The cs also falls far short in funding Board of Regents programmatic requests for K-12 outreach, health program priorities, and engineering, energy, and climate change programs.

3/9/2009: The House Finance Committee will be making amendments to HB 81 in committee.

3/13/2009:  HB 81 passed the House; CBR (Constitutional Budget Reserve) section failed.  The bill was transmitted to the Senate. 

3/16/2009: HB 81 was referred to the Senate Finance Committee.  The committee heard the bill on March 24, 25, and 27. 

3/27/2009: HB 81 was moved from Senate Finance with a senate committee substitute with a technical title change with individual recommendations. 

4/1/2009: HB 81 passed the Senate.

4/6/2009: The House failed to concur with the Senate amendments to HB 81, and appointed a conference committee.  House conference committee members are: Rep. Hawker (chair), Rep. Stoltze, and Rep. Crawford.  The bill will be returned to the Senate; it is expected the Senate will appoint senate conference committee members later this week. 

4/8/2009: The Senate has failed to recede from its amendments, and Senators Hoffman, Stedman, and Thomas have been appointed to the conference committee. 

4/14/2009: The conference committee has concluded its work.  The committee substitute should be posted on BASIS soon (select the "full text" button).

4/15/2009: The House and Senate passed the conference committee substitute for HB 81.  However, the constitutional budget reserve fund Section 27(d), (e), (f), and (g) failed to pass the House.  CCS HB 81 includes $313.1 million for University operating expenses.  Please see the bill for details.

HB 82 is the FY 10 capital budget, which makes appropriations for items that have an anticipated life that exceeds one year and that usually cost more than $25,000. Capital budget appropriations lapse only if funds remain after the project is completed. 

Although the capital budget and operating budget bills are introduced in both the house and the senate, only one version of each will move through the legislature.  Typically, the house version of the operating budget (HB 81) and the senate version of the capital budget (SB 75) are the versions that will pass the legislature.

The capital budget for the university begins on page 38 and includes general fund expenditures of  $10,000,000 for renewal and renovation of existing facilities and $2,200,000 for the Graduate Medical Education/Family Practice Residency Program.  However, HB 82 falls short of meeting the university's needs in several areas. 

HB 82 does not currently contain any state funding for UAF's Life Sciences Innovation and Learning Facility, UAS's Auke Lake Campus entry improvements, UAA's Sports Arena, the deferred maintenance backlog now estimated at $800,000,000, or sufficient funding for annual renewal and renovation requirements.  University facilities encompass over 400 buildings and 6,000,000 square feet across the state.  Fifty million dollars is required for renewal and renovation every year In order to maintain these facilities.  Shortfunding annual renewal and renovation requirements only adds to the $800,000,000 deferred maintenance backlog.  

HB 82 was introduced on 1/22/2009 and referred to the House Finance Committee.  The bill and all related action can be viewed at: http://www.legis.state.ak.us/basis/get_bill.asp?session=26&bill=HB82

2/18/2009: The governor has released her proposed amendments for the FY 10 Capital Budget.

4/19/2009:  SB 75 has passed the legislature. Go to SB 75 to view the FY10 capital budget.

HB 83 is the FY 10 mental health budget, containing operating and capital mental health appropriations.  University-related appropriations appear on pages 5, 6, and 11 of HB 83.

HB 83 was introduced on 1/22/2009 and referred to the House Finance Committee.  The bill and all related action can be viewed at: http://www.legis.state.ak.us/basis/get_bill.asp?session=26&bill=HB83

3/2/2009: A Finance Committee Substitute has been posted under "documents" for the bill. 

3/9/2009: The House Finance Committee made amendments to HB 83 in committee.

3/13/2009: The House passed HB 83.

4/1/2009: The Senate passed HB 83, with Senate amendments.

4/6/2009: The House failed to concur with the Senate amendments to HB 83, and appointed a conference committee.  House conference committee members are: Rep. Hawker (chair), Rep. Stoltze, and Rep. Crawford.  The bill will be returned to the Senate; it is expected the Senate will appoint senate conference committee members later this week. 

4/15/2009: HB 83 passed the legislature - view the bill.

This bill would establish a postsecondary scholarship program for Alaska residents based on high achievement and financial need for students admitted to a qualifying, in-state postsecondary institution.  Need will be determined through FAFSA, and students must have a minimum GPA of 3.0.  The minimum amount of an individual scholarship would be $1,000. 

HB 94 was introduced on 1/28/2009 and referred to the House Education and Finance Committees.  The bill and all related action can be viewed at: http://www.legis.state.ak.us/basis/get_bill.asp?session=26&bill=HB94

2/16/2009: HB 94 was heard and held in the House Education Committee.

3/25/2009: HB 94 was heard and held in the House Education Committee.  Audio, minutes, and documents from the hearings can be accessed through the link above. 

HB 105 makes changes to the State Training and Employment Program (STEP) as recommended by the STEP Task Force.  Changes recommended by the task force include reducing training of non-state residents, increasing opportunities for private businesses to provide training through the program, including the Alaska Workforce Investment Board in oversight of STEP regulations, limiting the amount of money spent on administrative program costs to 20 percent, implementing an appeal process for grant applicants, and making the program permanent with no sunset date. 

HB 105 was introduced on 1/30/2009 and referred to the House Labor & Commerce and Finance Committees.  The bill and all related action can be viewed at: http://www.legis.state.ak.us/basis/get_bill.asp?session=26&bill=HB105  

2/18/2009: The State Training and Employment Program Task Force reported to the legislature its recommendations for continuation of the program.  The report can be accessed here.

3/2/2009: A sponsor substitue for HB 105 was offered and referred to the House Labor & Commerce and Finance Committees. The sponsor substitute takes the recommendations of the February 18 STEP Task Force Report into account. 

4/3/2009: HB 105 was heard in the House Labor & Commerce Committee on 3/27.  On 4/3/2009 the committee moved a committee substitute for the bill and two fiscal notes.  HB 105 is now in the House Finance Committee.

4/11/2009: HB 105 was heard in and moved from the House Finance Committee with two fiscal notes from the Dept. of Labor & Workforce Development.  Staff from the Dept. of Labor and Workforce Development and the bill sponsor's staff  testified that the program is funded through unemployment insurance  contributions.  The program has been fine-tuned to remove barriers between union and non-union participation, and rural and urban participation.  Since the program is funded through unemployment insurance contributions, participants must have an employment history and paid into the system.  There are other programs in place to accomodate the employment training needs of people with little or no work history.  The Finance Committee did not make any changes to the bill.  HB 105 goes to the House Rules Committee for placement on the House Calendar. 

4/15/2009: HB 105 passed the House and was transmitted to the Senate.  It was referred to the Senate Labor & Commerce and Finance Committees.  However, Labor & Commerce Committee referral was waived, and the bill was sent straight to Senate Finance. 

4/18/2009: HB 105 was heard in and moved from the Senate Finance Committee. 

4/19/2009: HB 105 passed the Senate.  No changes were made to the bill in the Senate, so HB 105 goes now to the Governor.  Audio, minutes, and documents related to HB 105 can be accessed through the link above. 

HB 107 establishes the Alaska Internet Access Authority and the Alaska Broadband Task Force.  The Alaska Internet Access Authority would be a nine-member board established within the Dept. of Commerce, Community, & Economic Development.  It would be tasked with managing, overseeing, promoting, and monitoring efforts to provide affordable, reliable high-speed broadband internet service throughout the state.  One of the tasks of the authority would be to consult and collaborate with the Center for Information Technology and the chief information technology officer of the University of Alaska. 

The Alaska Broadband Task Force would be a thirteen-member legislative task force.  All members would be appointed by the legislature, four of whom would be legislators.  The task force would determine current levels of broadband access in the state, how to increase access, and then make recommendations on their findings.  The task force would submit a final report on their findings to the legislature before February 1, 2010, and would terminate on March 1, 2010. 

HB 107 is identical to SB 175.

HB 107 was introduced on 2/2/2009 and referred to the House Labor & Commerce and Finance Committees.  The bill and all related action can be viewed at: http://www.legis.state.ak.us/basis/get_complete_bill.asp?session=26&bill=HB107

HB 109 would allow the Alaska Commission on Postsecondary Education to adopt emergency regulations specifying that, for Alaska Supplemental Education Loans (ASEL) borrowers must have “a credit history, at the time of application for a loan, that demonstrates an ability and willingness to pay an extension of credit or loan as it becomes due”   It also caps the annual interest rate at 8.25 percent.  Those provisions would become effective for loans made for a school year beginning on or after July 1, 2009.  The Alaska Student Loan Corporation requested this legislation so that it can continue to use ASEL loans as collateral in securing bonds.

HB 109 was introduced on 2/2/2009 and referred to the House Education and Finance Committees.  The bill and all related action can be viewed at: http://www.legis.state.ak.us/basis/get_bill.asp?session=26&bill=HB109

2/09/2009: HB 109 was heard in the House Education Committee.

2/11/2009: HB 109 was heard in and moved from the House Education Committee and is now in the House Finance committee.

3/13/2009: The house passed HB 109.  No changes were made to the original bill in the house.  HB 109 was transmitted to the senate and referred to the Senate Education and Finance Committees.

3/23/2009: HB 109 was heard in and moved from the Senate Education Committee.  The committee did not make any changes to the original bill, and it is now in the Senate Finance Committee.

4/1/2009: The Senate Finance Committee heard, but did not complete the hearing on HB 109 this morning.  Continuation of this hearing will be scheduled for sometime next week.  The committee also had scheduled, but did not have time to take up HB 172.  During both this hearing and the Senate Majority press availability on Tuesday, March 31, Senator Stedman announced that HB 109 would be moved from Senate Finance, but not before changes were made to the bill. 

During the hearing, committee members expressed concern that, since HB 109 requires borrowers to have a good credit history, passage of the bill would preclude some students from receiving student loans, thereby preventing them from pursuing higher education.  Co-chairman Stedman noted that most young adults just getting out of high school don't have a credit history.  He asked how HB 109 would affect students from low-income families or families with no or bad credit histories.  Katie Koester, aid to Representative Seaton, said that group may indeed be excluded from receiving Alaska Supplemental Education Loans, although only 20% of applicants for student loans are under 21.  However, those students would still be eligible for Stafford student loans (federally guaranteed student loans). 

According to Diane Barrans, executive director ACPE / executive officer ASLC, the situation addressed by HB 109 is urgent,  and other states are facing the same situation.  Some states are no longer making student loans, some are buying the bonds themselves, and one is creating a guaranteed fund.  However, Alaska, in not requiring any credit for securing a student loan, is an anomoly among states. 

Committee members expressed great concern that students not be precluded from attending college due to a lack of credit history or difficult family financial situations.  HB 109 will be taken up again by the Senate Finance Committee at a later date.

4/16/2009: Senate Finance moved HB 109 from committee with a zero fiscal note and individual recommendations.

4/17/2009: The Senate passed HB 109.  No changes were made to the bill in the Senate, so HB 109 now goes to the governor.

HB 113 is the governor's supplemental budget request for FY 09.  The bill contains an additional $717,600 for UA statewide services, $491,800 for UAA and its associated community campuses, $610,400 for UAF and its associated community campuses, and $16,800 for UAS. 

HB 113 was introduced on 2/4/2009 and referred to the Finance Committee.  The bill and all related action can be viewed at:

http://www.legis.state.ak.us/basis/get_complete_bill.asp?session=26&bill=HB113

4/19/2009: The House and Senate passed the conference committee substitute for HB 113.  However, the constitutional budget reserve fund Section 21 failed to pass the House.  Go to the bill for details.

HB 126 relates to education of homeless students, medical assistance and tuition waivers for a person who was in the custody of the state or out-of-home care, foster care, and juvenile programs and institutions. 

HB 126 is identical to SB 105. 

HB 126 was introduced on 2/11/2009 and referred to the House Education, Health & Social Services, and Finance Committees.  The bill and all related action can be viewed at: http://www.legis.state.ak.us/basis/get_bill.asp?session=26&bill=HB126

3/09/2009: HB 126 was heard in the House Education Committee.  The committee adopted three amendments, the first of which relates to university tuition, fees, room and board waivers for persons formerly in foster care.  The amendment states that waivers will only be provided if the legislature appropriates funds for the waivers.  The amendments and proposed committee substitute can be viewed through the link to the bill in BASIS, above.  The bill was held over to the House Education Committee meeting on Wednesday, March 11, 2009.

3/11/2009: HB 126 was moved from the House Education Committee with three fiscal notes and individual recommendations.  It was referred to the House Health & Social Services Committee.

4/14/2009: HB 126 was heard and held in the House Health & Social Services Committee.  Audio, minutes, and documents related to the hearing can be accessed through the link above.  The bill received no furthur action in the legislature before adjournment on 4/19/2009. 

HB 132 would allow appropriations and grants to be used for establishing and maintaining bicycle paths, and would establish a grant program within the Department of Commerce, Community & Economic Development for encouraging safe bicycle ridership.  The grant program would allow municipalities and nonprofit organizations to apply for financial assistance to establish programs for the purchase, maintenance, and repair of bicycles, bicycle helmets, and bicycle trailers.

HB 132 was introduced on 2/13/2009 and referred to the House Transportation and Finance Committees.  The bill and all related action can be viewed at: http://www.legis.state.ak.us/basis/get_bill.asp?session=26&bill=HB132

3/19/2009: HB 132 was heard in and moved from the House Transportation Committee with a committee substitute and a zero fiscal note, and is now in House Finance.   Audio, minutes, and documents from the hearing can be accessed through the link above.  The bill had no further action in the legislature before adjournment on 4/19/2009. 

HB 148 would establish a state energy use reduction plan, would provide for energy efficiency improvements and energy audits of public buildings, and would establish an energy efficiency grant fund within the Alaska Housing Finance Corporation.  AHFC may provide grants from the fund to various entities, including the University of Alaska, for energy efficiency improvement of buildings or to enhance the energy efficiency of new construction.

HB 148 is identical to SB 119.

HB 148 was introduced on 2/23/2009 and referred to the House Special Committee on Energy, the State Affairs, and the Finance Committees.  The bill and all related action can be viewed at: http://www.legis.state.ak.us/basis/get_bill.asp?session=26&bill=HB148

4/9/2009: HB 148 was heard in the House Special Committee on Energy.  Audio, minutes, and documents related to the hearing can be accessed through the link above.  The bill had no further action before the legislature adjourned on 4/19/2009.

HB 172 would allow the commissioner of the Department of Revenue to invest money in the education loan fund during times the Alaska Student Loan Corporation is unable to finance student loan demand through the issuance of bonds. 

HB 172 and SB 140 are identical.

HB 172 was introduced on 3/9/2009 and referred to the House Education and the Finance Committees.  The bill and all related action can be viewed at: http://www.legis.state.ak.us/basis/get_bill.asp?bill=HB%20172&session=26

3/12/2009: The speaker waived referral of HB 172 from the House Education Committee at the request of House Education Committee Chairman Seaton.  HB 172 was referred to the House Finance Committee.

3/17/2009: HB 172 was heard in and moved from the House Finance Committee.  A committee substitute and two indeterminate fiscal notes were adopted.  The committee substitute directs the commissioner of the Department of Revenue to require the Alaska Student Loan Corporate to secure the investment of state money. 

3/23/2009: HB 172 passed the House and was transmitted to the Senate.

3/25/2009: HB 172 was referred to the Senate Finance Committee. 

4/8/2009: HB 172 was heard in the Senate Finance Committee.  During the hearing Jerry Burnett, Dept. of Revenue, and Diane Barrans, Alaska Commission on Postsecondary Education, said they looked at different options for financing future student loans, including a direct appropriation.  Other states have used different mechanisms for solving this problem, but all the mechanisms require some sort of financial commitment from the state.  In looking at the issue, they determined that the one contained in HB 172 would be the most beneficial to the state, and at the same time solve the problem of being able to continue funding student loans.  The Senate Finance Committee held the bill for future consideration. 

4/16/2009: The Senate Finance Committee adopted a committee substitute for HB 172 which made two changes.  The changes were, one, the Department of Revenue would have four years, instead of five for investing in the education loan fund; and two, that the Alaska Commission on Postsecondary Education “shall develop a proposal for a state program under which the state would repay all or part of loans to students for costs of postsecondary education.  The corporation shall submit its proposal to the legislature on January 19, 2010.”  The committee moved the bill with two indeterminate fiscal notes and individual recommendations.

4/17/2009: HB 172 passed the Senate.  It will now be sent back to the House for a vote on the changes made to the bill in the Senate. 

4/19/2009: The House concurred with the changes made to HB 172 in the Senate by passing SCS CSHB 172(FIN).  HB 172 has passed the legislature and will be sent to the Governor. 

HB 184 increases the bond debt service cap for the university from $1,000,000 to $2,500,000 before legislative reporting is required.  The cap of $1,000,000 was set back in 1990.  Since that time, inflation has eroded the value of the cap, and it would be helpful to the university to have the cap increased.  revenue bonds and the debt service resulting from the bonds are critical components in securing funding for capital projects.  Increasing the cap reduces the administrative burden for both the university and the legislature.

HB 184 was introduced on 3/12/2009 and referred to the House Education and the Finance Committees.  The bill and all related action can be viewed at: http://www.legis.state.ak.us/basis/get_bill.asp?session=26&bill=HB184

3/23/2009: HB 184 was heard in the House Education Committee at 8:00 a.m. 

3/25/2009: HB 184 was reported from the House Education Committee with a zero fiscal note and individual recommendations.  HB 184 was referred to the House Finance Committee.

3/31/2009: HB 184 was heard in the House Finance Committee.  During the hearing, Co-chairman Hawker asked the sponsor to clarify that HB 184 would not change the requirement that the University receive approval from the Legislature for projects.  Representative Kelly, sponsor of HB 184, replied that was correct.  The University would still have to get approval from the Legislature for receipt authority for projects.  Representative Fairclough noted that the provisions in HB 184 would cover leases also.

The House Finance Committee moved the bill with individual recommendations and a zero fiscal note.  No changes have been made so far to HB 184.  It goes now to the Rules Committee for placement on the House Calendar.

4/10/2009: HB 184 passed the House and was transmitted to the Senate.

4/11/2009: HB 184 was referred to the Senate Education and Finance Committees.

4/13/2009: The Senate Education Committee referral was waived.  HB 184 is now in the Senate Finance Committee. HB 184 received no further action before legislative adjournment on 4/19/2009.

HB 199 is the governor's request for funds under the American Recovery & Reinvestment Act (ARRA).  Among other things, this bill authorizes the University to receive ARRA funding from the National Science Foundation for a new research vessel.  It also contains language allowing the University to apply for other research-related ARRA funds.

HB 199 was introduced on 3/23/2009 and referred to the House Finance Committee.  The bill and all related action can be viewed at: http://www.legis.state.ak.us/basis/get_complete_bill.asp?session=26&bill=HB199

4/19/2009: Version SCS CSHB 199(FIN) passed the legislature and will be transmitted to the Governor.  The version that passed the legislature still contains authorization for the University to receive ARRA funding from the National Science Foundation for the new resarch vessel, and also a placeholder authorization of $1,000,000 so the University can apply for other ARRA grants.  Audio, minutes, documents, and  SCS CSHB 199(FIN) can be accessed through the link above. 

This bill would allow WWAMI to accommodate up to 24 new program participants each year in the program (four students more than the current number of new program participants each year).  HB 204 is identical to SB 18.

HB 204 was introduced on 3/23/2009 and referred to the House Education and Finance Committees.  The bill and all related action can be viewed at: http://www.legis.state.ak.us/basis/get_complete_bill.asp?session=26&bill=HB204

3/30/2009: HB 204 was heard in the House Education Committee.  A  link to documents and audio related to the hearing can be found through the bill link above. 

4/1/2009: HB 204 was heard and held in the House Education Committee.

4/3/2009: HB 204 was heard in and moved, with a fiscal note, from the House Education Committee.

4/14/2009: HB 204 was heard and held in the House Finance Committee.  The committee discussed the cost of the current WWAMI program, additional costs that would be incurred by passage of HB 204, and how much state general funds support each student.  The current cost of the program is just over two million dollars per fiscal year.  Additional costs incurred by passage of HB 204 are contained in the fiscal note from ACPE.  The additional costs would be $210,300 in FY 2012, $425,200 in FY 2013, $550,300 in FY 2014, and $557,400 in FY 2015.  The state general fund cost per WWAMI student is $90,000 total for the four years of the program.  Alaska WWAMI students return to practice in the state at a rate of 50 percent.  If WWAMI students from other states are counted, the return rate is 88 percent.  The bill had no further action in the legislature before adjournment on 4/19/2009. 

HB 206 has two parts.  The first would require WorkKeys retesting for high school seniors, with the score placed on students' transcripts (WorkKeys testing is already required for high school juniors, beginning in the 2009-2010 school year).  The purpose of the section relating to WorkKeys testing, is so students have time to improve their job-readiness skills, and therefore their WorkKeys scores before graduation, and have those improved scores listed in their transcript. 

The second part would allow students who pass the High School Graduation Qualifying Exam to take college and vocational classes at the expense of the school district.  The intent of the House Education Committee in sponsoring HB 206 is to provide an incentive for students to stay in high school, in order to reduce the high school drop-out rate.

HB 206 was introduced on 3/25/2009 and referred to the House Education and Finance Committees.  The bill and all related action can be viewed at: http://www.legis.state.ak.us/basis/get_bill.asp?bill=HB%20206&session=26

3/27/2009 & 4/3/2009: HB 206 was heard and held in the House Education Committee.  A  link to documents and audio related to the hearing can be found through the bill link above.  During the 4/3/2009 hearing, Chairman Seaton noted that the committee had heard from school districts concerned with the cost districts may incur from the provisions requiring the districts to pay for college and vocational classes.  An amendment will be drafted so that costs to districts will be limited.  It was also noted that there was no uniform standard across districts as to who paid for college classes for high school students.  One committee member suggested deleting the section of HB 206 that refers to school districts paying for college classes.  The chairman objected to that suggestion, since that deletion would mean that some students still would not have access to college classes if the student is required to pay all of the tuition and fees.  Chairman Seaton asked people to submit suggestions to the committee so that they could reach the goal of access to college classes.  The bill had no further action before legislative adjournment on 4/19/2009.

HB 218 would establish a State of Alaska Department of Energy.

HB 218 is identical to SB 185. 

HB 218 was introduced on 4/6/2009 and referred to the House Special Committee on Energy and the Finance Committee.  The bill and all related action can be viewed at: http://www.legis.state.ak.us/basis/get_bill.asp?bill=HB%20218&session=26

HB 219 relates to requirements for renewable energy grants.

HB 219 and SB 186 are identical. 

HB 219 was introduced on 4/6/2009 and referred to the House Special Committee on Energy, the Resources Committee, and the Finance Committee.  The bill and all related action can be viewed at: http://www.legis.state.ak.us/basis/get_bill.asp?bill=HB%20219&session=26

HB 225 was introduced on 4/14/2009 and referred to the House State Affairs and Finance Committees.  The bill and all related action can be viewed at: http://www.legis.state.ak.us/basis/get_complete_bill.asp?session=26&bill=HB225

4/14/2009: HB 225 was heard in and moved from the House State Affairs Committee with a committee substitute and two zero fiscal notes.  The committee substitute added a section on page 20 that requires two successive biennial reports.  HB 225 is now in the House Finance Committee. 

HB 230 would ban hazing for any act that recklessly subjects a student or another person to the risk of physical injury for the purpose of initiation into an organization connected with a middle school, junior high, high school, college, or university.  Under this bill, hazing would be a class A misdemeanor.

HB 230 was introduced on 4/14/2009 and referred to the House Judiciary and Finance Committees.  The bill and all related action can be viewed at: http://www.legis.state.ak.us/basis/get_bill.asp?session=26&bill=HB230

HB 234 was introduced on 4/16/2009 and referred to the House Resources and Finance Committees.  The bill and all related action can be viewed at:

HB 235 would require ACPE to provide funding for a minimum of five students in each of the following programs: dentistry, optometry, and pharmacy.  HB 235 also contains loan forgiveness provisions for loan recipients practicing in the state in certain professions. 

HB 235 is identical to SB 174. 

HB 235 was introduced on 4/16/2009 and referred to the House Education and Finance Committees.  The bill and all related action can be viewed at: http://www.legis.state.ak.us/basis/get_bill.asp?session=26&bill=HB235

HCR 13 certifies to the federal government that the State of Alaska requests and will use any funds provided to the state or any of its agencies, municipalities, or political subdivisions to create jobs and promote economic growth; and that the legislature requests all funds available to the state and will accept any funds not accepted by the governor. 

HCR 13 and SCR 4 are identical.

HCR 13 was introduced on 3/23/2009 and referred to the House Finance Committee.  The resolution and all related action can be viewed at: http://www.legis.state.ak.us/basis/get_bill.asp?bill=HCR%2013&session=26

3/27/2009: HCR 13 passed the House and is being held on the Senate Secretary's desk (which means the Senate can take it up at any time and vote on it).

4/1/2009: The Senate passed HCR 13 and returned the resolution to the House.

4/6/2009: HCR 13 was transmitted to the Governor.

HJR 22 urges the United States Senate to ratify the United Nations Convention on the Law of the Sea (the Law of the Sea Treaty).  The treaty permits member nations to claim an exclusive economic zone out to 200 nautical miles from shore, with an exclusive sovereign right to explore, manage, and develop all living and nonliving resources, including deep sea mining, within that exclusive economic zone.  These issues may be of increasing importance to Alaska as the Arctic Ocean opens up due to melting of the polar ice cap.  157 nations, including all nations bordering the Arctic Ocean, with the exception of the United States, have ratified the treaty.  Without passage of the treaty by the U.S. Senate, the United States will be unable to participate fully in negotiations, deliberations, and ratification of key documents related to the treaty.

HJR 22 and SJR 13 are identical.

HJR 22 was introduced on 3/2/2009 and referred to the House State Affairs Committee.  The resolution and all related action, audio, and committee minutes can be viewed at:

http://www.legis.state.ak.us/basis/get_bill.asp?bill=HJR%2022&session=26

4/16/2009: HJR 22 passed the Legislature and will be transmitted to the Governor.  

HJR 23 proposes and amendment to the Constitution of the State of Alaska establishing a separate fund in the State Treasury.  Appropriations from income of the fund may be made "for maintenance and upgrades of buildings, roads, and other facilities of the State, its agencies, public corporations, school districts, or other entities, including the University of Alaska, or of a city or borough of the state, its agencies, public corporations, or other entities.  Appropriations of income may not be made for construction of new facilities." 

HJR 23 was introduced on 3/12/2009 and referred to the House State Affairs, Judiciary, and Finance Committees.  The resolution and all related action can be viewed at: http://www.legis.state.ak.us/basis/get_bill.asp?bill=HJR%2023&session=26

This bill directs the Department of Administration to develop, operate, and maintain a searchable internet website accessible to the public that will provide financial information.  Information will be provided from the central accounting system or the annual financial report.

SB 2 was introduced on 1/21/2009 and referred to the Senate State Affairs and Finance Committees.  The bill and all related action can be viewed at: http://www.legis.state.ak.us/basis/get_bill.asp?bill=SB%20%20%202&session=26

4/7/2009: SB 2 was heard in and moved from the Senate State Affairs Committee with a zero fiscal note.  The bill was referred to the Senate Finance Committee, but had no further action before adjournment on 4/19/2009. 

SB 10 was introduced on 1/21/2009 and referred to the Senate Health & Social Services, Labor & Commerce, and Finance Committees.  The bill and all related action can be viewed at: http://www.legis.state.ak.us/basis/get_complete_bill.asp?session=26&bill=SB10

SB 10 was heard in and moved from the Senate Health & Social Services, Labor & Commerce, and Finance Committees during the first session of the Twenty-Sixth Alaska State Legislature.  The Health & Social Services Committee offered a committee substitute.  SB 10 has two zero fiscal notes.  Audio, minutes, and documents associated with the hearings can be accessed through the link above.  SB 10 is in the Senate Rules Committee. 

This bill would increase the minimum number of medical students to 24 new program participants each year in 2010 and 2011, and would increase the number of medical students to a minimum of 30 new program participants each year beginning in 2012. 

SB 18 was introduced on 1/21/2009 and referred to the Senate Education and Finance Committees.  The bill and all related action can be viewed at: http://www.legis.state.ak.us/basis/get_bill.asp?bill=SB%20%2018&session=26

2/27/2009: SB 18 was heard and held in the Senate Education Committee.

3/13/2009: SB 18 was heard in the Senate Education Committee.  Here are documents related to the hearing on February 27 and this hearing.  The committee adopted a committee substitute and moved the bill from committee. 

The committee substitute makes several changes.  First, the committee substitute specifies that the program "accommodate up to and including 24 new program participants each year."  The committee substitute also removes Section 2 (d), which would have expanded the program to at least 30 new program participants every year beginning July 1, 2012.  The change was made because any more than 24 new participants per year would greatly increase the costs of the program.  SB 18 was referred to the Senate Finance Committee.  No further action was taken on the bill before adjournment on 4/19/2009.

This bill would establish a power cost reduction fund and establish the Alaska Energy Council.  The council would be tasked with developing an Alaska energy plan.

SB 26 was introduced on 1/21/2009 and referred to the Senate Special Committee on Energy, the Resources, and the Finance Committees.  The bill and all related action can be viewed at: http://www.legis.state.ak.us/basis/get_bill.asp?session=26&bill=SB26

SB 27 was introduced on 1/21/2009 and referred to the Senate Health & Social Services, Labor & Commerce, and Finance Committees.  This bill would allow the waiver of undergraduate tuition and fees for a person who was in foster care, if they are enrolled as a student in good standing in a state-supported, in-state educational institution. 

The bill and all related action can be viewed at: http://www.legis.state.ak.us/basis/get_bill.asp?bill=SB%20%2027&session=26

4/6/2009: SB 27 was moved from the Senate Health & Social Services Committee with a committee substitute and three fiscal notes.  The committee substitute includes a waiver of room and board at the University of Alaska.  Additionally, language was added specifying that all University of Alaska waivers (undergraduate tuition, fees, room, and board) are only applicable if the Legislature appropriates funding to cover the waivers.  There was no further action on SB 27 before adjournment on 4/19/2009. 

This bill would allow tax credits for commercial geothermal energy systems that generate at least 400 kilowatts of electricity.

SB 31 was introduced on 1/21/2009 and referred to the Senate Special Committee on Energy, Resources, and Finance Committees.  The bill and all related action can be viewed at: http://www.legis.state.ak.us/basis/get_bill.asp?bill=SB%20%2031&session=26

2/12/2009: SB 31 was heard in the Senate Special Committee on Energy. 

2/27/2009: SB 31 was heard in and moved from the Senate Special Committee on Energy.  A committee substitute was adopted and the bill is now in the Senate Resources Committee. 

3/9/2009: SB 31 was heard in the Senate Resources Committee.

3/13/2009: SB 31 was heard in and moved from the Senate Resources Committee.  A committee substitute was adopted.  The main change in the committee substitute is language limiting the tax credit to projects or expansions that come on line after January 1, 2010.  Also, in order to qualify, independent producers must have RCA certification.  SB 31 was referred to the Senate Finance Committee.  No further action was taken on the bill before adjournment on 4/19/2009.

This bill would establish a scholarship program and endowment fund that will award scholarships based on both financial need and achievement. 

SB 33 was introduced on 1/21/2009 and referred to the Senate Education and Finance Committees.  The bill and all related action can be viewed at: http://www.legis.state.ak.us/basis/get_bill.asp?bill=SB%20%2033&session=26

2/9/2009: SB 33 was heard in the Senate Education Committee.

2/11/2009: SB 33 was heard in the Senate Education Committee.

2/23/2009: SB 33 was heard in and moved from the Senate Education Committee.  A committee substitute was adopted.  Changes in the committee substitute include changing the allowable cumulative GPA from 3.0 to 2.5, and adding the United States Department of Education as an allowable accrediting institution.  SB 33 is now in the Senate Finance Committee.  No further action was taken on SB 33 before adjournment on 4/19/2009.

This bill would appropriate $60,000,000 from the general fund to the University of Alaska  for the design and construction of, and utilities and equipment for, a life sciences innovation and learning facility at the University of Alaska Fairbanks. 

SB 56 was introduced on 01/21/2009 and referred to the Senate Education and Finance Committees.  The bill and all related action can be viewed at: http://www.legis.state.ak.us/basis/get_bill.asp?bill=SB%20%2056&session=26

2/9/2009: Senator Thomas offered a Sponsor Substitute for SB 56.  The sponsor substitute raises the General Fund appropriation from $60,000,000 to $82,200,000.  There was no further action on SB 56 before adjournment on 4/19/2009.

SB 74 is the FY 10 Operating Budget, which covers annual appropriations for the ongoing operation of state programs. Operating budget appropriations are made for a fiscal year, and any unexpended and unobligated funds typically lapse at the end of the fiscal year.  Although the capital budget and operating budget bills are introduced in both the house and the senate, only one version of each will move through the legislature.  Typically, the house version of the operating budget (HB 81) and the senate version of the capital budget (SB 75) are the versions that will pass the legislature.

The operating budget for the university begins on page 28 of the bill.  Total agency funding included in the operating budget is $819,815,500, with $321,174,100 coming from the state's general fund.

While the funding in SB 74 represents a 4.2% increase in state general funds over FY 09, SB 74 still falls short in meeting the university's fixed operating costs by $6,300,000.  In addition to a shortage of funding for fixed operating costs, SB 74 falls short in funding K-12 outreach; energy and health programs; and engineering, climate, and workforce/campus programs.

Page 55, Sec. 21(b) specifies that appropriations to the university include amounts for salary and benefit adjustments for the fiscal year ending June 30, 2010 for university employees who are not members of a collective bargaining unit, and for implementing monetary terms of the collective bargaining agreements for the Alaska Higher Education Crafts and Trades Employees, the University of Alaska Federation of Teachers, United Academics, and United Academics-Adjuncts. 

Page 59, Sec. 23(q)(1) includes $1,412,615 in debt service for the Anchorge Community and Technical College Center and the Juneau Readiness Center/UAS Joint Facility. 

SB 74 was introduced on 1/22/2009 and referred to the Senate Finance Committee.  The bill and all related action can be viewed at: http: http://www.legis.state.ak.us/basis/get_bill.asp?session=26&bill=SB74

2/18/2009: The governor has released her proposed amendments for the FY 10 Operating Budget.

4/15/2009: The House and Senate passed the conference committee substitute for HB 81.  However, the constitutional budget reserve fund Section 27(d), (e), (f), and (g) failed to pass the House.  Please see the bill for details.

SB 75 is the FY 10 capital budget, which makes appropriations for items that have an anticipated life that exceeds one year and that usually cost more than $25,000. Capital budget appropriations lapse only if funds remain after the project is completed.  Although the capital budget and operating budget bills are introduced in both the house and the senate, only one version of each will move through the legislature.  Typically, the house version of the operating budget (HB 81) and the senate version of the capital budget (SB 75) are the versions that will pass the legislature.

The capital budget for the university begins on page 38 and includes general fund expenditures of  $10,000,000 for renewal and renovation of existing facilities and $2,200,000 for the Graduate Medical Education/Family Practice Residency Program.  However, SB 75 falls short of meeting the university's needs in several areas. 

SB 75 does not currently contain any general fund expenditures for UAF's Life Sciences Innovation and Learning Facility, UAS's Auke Lake Campus entry improvements, UAA's Sports Arena, the deferred maintenance backlog now estimated at $800,000,000, or sufficent funding for annual renewal and renovation.  University facilities encompass over 400 buildings and 6,000,000 square feet across the state.  Fifty million dollars is required for renewal and renovation every year In order to maintain these facilities.  Shortfunding annual renewal and renovation requirements only adds to the $800,000,000 deferred maintenance backlog.  

SB 75 was introduced on 1/22/2009 and referred to the Senate Finance Committee.  The bill and all related action can be viewed at: http://www.legis.state.ak.us/basis/get_bill.asp?session=26&bill=SB75

2/18/2009: The governor has released her proposed amendments for the FY 10 Capital Budget.

4/19/2009: Both the House and the Senate passed version HCS CSSB 75(FIN).  The bill includes $3.2 million for annual renewal and renovation (R&R) and authorized federal receipt authority for $30 million in capital projects (including $5 million for energy projects and $10 million for climate projects). The legislature also re-appropriated $2.5 million (originally an FY08 appropriation to purchase Homer City Hall) for Kenai Peninsula College to pursue property acquisition and improvements to the Kachemak Bay Campus.

SB 76 is the FY 10 mental health budget, containing operating and capital mental health appropriations.  University-related appropriations appear on pages 5, 6, and 11 of SB 76.  SB 76 is identical to HB 83.

SB 76 was introduced on 1/22/2009 and referred to the Senate Finance Committee.  The bill and all related action can be viewed at: http://www.legis.state.ak.us/basis/get_bill.asp?session=26&bill=SB76

4/15/2009: HB 83 passed the legislature - view the bill.

SB 105 relates to education of homeless students, medical assistance, and tuition waivers for a person who was in the custody of the state or out-of-home care, foster care, and juvenile programs and institutions. 

SB 105 is identical to HB 126.

SB 105 was introduced on 2/11/2009 and referred to the Senate Education, Health & Social Services, and Finance Committees.  The bill and all related action can be viewed at: http://www.legis.state.ak.us/basis/get_bill.asp?bill=SB%20105&session=26

3/25/2009: SB 105 was heard and held in the Senate Education Committee.

4/6/2009: SB 105 was heard in and moved from the Senate Education Committee.  A committee substitute, five fiscal notes, and one zero fiscal notes were adopted.  The committee substitute changes the term "foster care" in the original bill to "out-of-home care."

4/13/2009: The Senate Health & Social Services Committee heard and moved SB 105.  A committee substitute was adopted.  On page 3, line 5 a technical change was made substituting "commission" for "institution," reflecting that it is ACPE which determines a student's unmet financial need, and not the university.  SB 105 was referred to the Senate Finance Committee and no further action was taken on the bill before adjournment on 4/19/2009. 

SB 119 would establish a state energy use reduction plan, would provide for energy efficiency improvements and energy audits of public buildings, and would establish an energy efficiency grant fund within the Alaska Housing Finance Corporation.  AHFC may provide grants from the fund to various entities, including the University of Alaska, for energy efficiency improvement of buildings or to enhance the energy efficiency of new construction.

SB 119 is identical to HB 148.

SB 119 was introduced on 2/20/2009 and referred to the Senate Resources and Finance Committees.  The bill and all related action can be viewed at: http://www.legis.state.ak.us/basis/get_bill.asp?session=26&bill=SB119

SB 121 provides for retrofitting of public facilities in order to increase energy efficiency, and allows performance contracting for retrofits, if no other funding is available.

SB 121 was introduced on 2/20/2009 and referred to the Senate Resources and Finance Committees.  The bill and all related action can be viewed at: http://www.legis.state.ak.us/basis/get_complete_bill.asp?session=26&bill=SB121

3/9/2009: The Senate Resources Committee heard and held SB 121.

3/13/2009: The Senate Resources Committee heard and moved SB 121.  The committee adopted a committee substitute which adds language to the bill relating to energy audits and allows a little longer payoff period for performance contracting.  SB 121 is now in the Senate Finance Committee.  No further action was taken on the bill before adjournment on 4/19/2009.

SB 130 establishes a task force that would prepare an assessment of money appropriated for Alaska under the American Recovery and Reinvestment Act of 2009, identifies potential recipients of the money, and recommends how the money can best be used to stimulate Alaska's economy and minimize the effect of the national recession on Alaska's economy.

SB 130 was introduced on 2/27/2009 and referred to the Senate State Affairs and Finance Committees.  The bill and all related action can be viewed at: http://www.legis.state.ak.us/basis/get_bill.asp?bill=SB%20130&session=26

3/12/2009: The Senate State Affairs Committee heard and moved SB 130 from committee.  A committee substitute and a zero fiscal note were adopted.  The cs extends the termination date for the task force, and asks for a preliminary report.  SB 130 was referred to the Senate Finance Committee.  There was no further action on SB 130 before adjournment on 4/19/2009.  Due to the time-sensitive nature of ARRA, there may or may not be a reason to take any action on SB 130 when the legislature resumes in January 2010.

SB 133 provides for development of a secure electronic Health Information Exchange (HIE) system to improve the safety, cost effectiveness, and quality of healthcare in Alaska.  The network will support telemedicine services, the transfer of high-resolution images for patient care, video conferencing, and voice over internet applications for providers.  The Alaska eHealth Network was established to set up a secure network for electronic health records in Alaska.  The University of Alaska is an Alaska eHealth Network partner. 

SB 133 was introduced on 3/2/2009 and referred to the Senate Health & Social Services and Finance Committees.  The bill and all related action can be viewed at: http://www.legis.state.ak.us/basis/get_complete_bill.asp?session=26&bill=SB133

3/16/2009: SB 133 was heard and held in the Senate Health & Social Services Committee.

3/27/2009: SB 133 was heard in and moved from the Senate Health & Social Services Committee with a committee substitute and a fiscal note.  The committee substitute incorporates three changes: the Dept. of Health & Social Services (DHSS) will have the option to designate entities to establish the Electronic Health Information Exchange System; it clarifies DHSS' responsibilities in regards to SB 133; and it clarifies board member requirements.  SB 133 is now in Senate Finance.

4/7/2009: The Senate Finance Committee heard and held SB 133.

4/13/2009: The Senate Finance Committee heard and moved SB 133 from committee with a fiscal note and a committee substitute.  The committee substitute deletes "state" as an option for implementing and operating the Health Information Exchange (HIE) system, since there are private sector options available for implementation and operation.  The state would just be responsible for oversight.  The committee substitute also spells out the expectation that the HIE would be self-sustaining through a combination of user fees and other private and public funding sources. 

Background information submitted by the sponsor states that without passage of SB 133, the HIE will not have the state matching grants needed to apply for ARRA funds available for developing an electronic medical records network, and the project will be impacted.  It is estimated by ISER and other research that a statewide HIE would save $9.171 - $14.167 million annually in medicaid state general funds, and $195.348 - $301.758 million in Alaska health care spending annually.  SB 133 is now in the Senate Rules Committee.

4/15/2009: CSSB 133(FIN) passed the Senate and was transmitted to the House.  It was referred to the House Finance Committee.

4/17/2009: SB 133 was heard in and moved from the House Finance Committee with a committee substitute.  The committee substitute adds two nonvoting liaison members to the governing/advisory body of the Health Information Exchange - one to be designated by the University of Alaska Board of Regents and one from the Health Care Policy Review Commission established in the Governor's Office. 

4/18/2009: The House passed HCS CSSB 133(FIN).

4/19/2009: The Senate passed HCS CSSB 133(FIN).  The bill will be transmitted to the Governor.

SB 134 would institute the Uniform Prudent Management of Institutional Funds Act in Alaska.  UPMIFA replaces obscure and obsolete rules for the investment and management of endowments and charitable funds with current industry best practices.  SB 134 would also direct the University of Alaska Board of Regents to follow UPMIFA guidelines in accounting for and managing the university's investments, instead of following the guidelines used by the Alaska Retirement Management Board (ARM Board).  

SB 134 was introduced on 3/2/2009 and referred to the Senate Education and Finance Committees.  The bill and all related action can be viewed at: http://www.legis.state.ak.us/basis/get_bill.asp?bill=SB%20134&session=26

3/20/2009: SB 134 was heard in the Senate Education Committee.

3/25/2009: SB 134 was heard in and moved from the Senate Education Committee with a committee substitute and a zero fiscal note.  The committee substitute changes the term "endowment funds" to "institutional funds" to allow university funds that aren't technically endowment funds to be covered by UPMIFA.  SB 134 was referred to the Senate Finance Committee.  There was no further action on SB 134 before adjournment on 4/19/2009. 

SB 139 establishes a loan repayment program and employment incentive for eligible tier I (dentist, pharmacist, or physician) and tier II (dental hygienist, registered nurse, certified nurse practitioner, physician assistant, physical therapist, clinical psychologist, or clinical social worker with at least an MSW) health care professionals.  Loan repayments of up to 33.3 percent plus interest may be paid through the repayment program established by SB 139.  Incentives of up to a maximum of $47,000 for tier I and $27,000 for tier II may be paid annually to individials. 

SB 134 was introduced on 3/9/2009 and referred to the Senate Health & Social Services and Finance Committees.  The bill and all related action can be viewed at: http://www.legis.state.ak.us/basis/get_bill.asp?bill=SB%20139&session=26

3/25/2009: The Senate Health & Social Services Committee heard SB 139.

4/6/2009: SB 139 was heard in and moved from the Senate Health & Social Services Committee with a committee substitute, a fiscal note, and a zero fiscal note.  The cs adds sites that cover persons with VA benefits as eligible sites for the purposes of SB 139.  The bill was referred to the Senate Finance Committee.  No further action was taken on the bill before adjournment on 4/19/2009.

SB 140 would allow the commissioner of the Department of Revenue to invest money in the education loan fund during times the Alaska Student Loan Corporation is unable to finance student loan demand through the issuance of bonds. 

SB 140 and HB 172 are identical.

SB 140 was introduced on 3/9/2009 and referred to the Senate Education and Finance Committees.  The bill and all related action can be viewed at: http://www.legis.state.ak.us/basis/get_complete_bill.asp?session=26&bill=SB140

4/19/2009: The House concurred with the changes made to HB 172 in the Senate by passing SCS CSHB 172(FIN).  HB 172 has passed the legislature and will be sent to the Governor.

SB 150 establishes an emerging energy technology fund, to be administered by the Alaska Center for Energy and Power (ACEP) within the University of Alaska College of Engineering and Mines.  ACEP may make grants or loans from the fund for eligible applicants for research, development, or demonstration projects. 

SB 150 was introduced on 3/13/2009 and referred to the Senate Energy, Resources, and Finance Committees.  The bill and all related action can be viewed at: http://www.legis.state.ak.us/basis/get_complete_bill.asp?session=26&bill=SB150

3/26/2009: SB 150 was heard in the Senate Energy Committee. 

3/27/2009: SB 150 was heard in the Senate Energy Committee.  The committee moved the bill with individual recommendations and a zero fiscal note.  SB 150 is now in the Senate Resources Committee.

4/1/2009: SB 150 was heard in the Senate Resources Committee.

4/3/2009: SB 150 was heard in and moved from the Senate Resources Committee with a committee substitute and zero fiscal note.  The committee substitute adds a five-member advisory committee to solicit, review, and approve grant applications.  It also expands eligible applicants to include both public and private sector entities, including businesses, non-profit organizations, government, and quasi-government organizations.  SB 150 was referred to the Senate Finance Committee.  No further action was taken on the bill before adjournment on 4/19/2009. 

SB 161 is the governor's request for funds under the American Recovery & Reinvestment Act (ARRA).  Among other things, this bill authorizes the University to receive ARRA funding from the National Science Foundation for a new research vessel.  It also contains language allowing the University to apply for other research-related ARRA funds.

SB 161 and HB 199 are identical. 

SB 161 was introduced on 3/23/2009 and referred to the Senate Finance Committee.  The bill and all related action can be viewed at: http://www.legis.state.ak.us/basis/get_complete_bill.asp?session=26&bill=SB161

4/19/2009: Version SCS CSHB 199(FIN) passed the legislature and will be transmitted to the Governor.  The version that passed the legislature still contains authorization for the University to receive ARRA funding from the National Science Foundation for the new resarch vessel, and also a placeholder authorization of $1,000,000 so the University can apply for other ARRA grants.  Audio, minutes, documents, and  SCS CSHB 199(FIN) can be accessed through the link above.

SB 172 establishes a health care commission consisting of 10 members who will serve for staggered, three-year terms.  One of the duties of the commission will be to develop, adopt, and implement a statewide health plan.  SB 172 provides for a sunset date for the commission of June 30, 2014. 

SB 172, HB 25, and HB 75 all establish health care commissions. 

SB 172 was introduced on 3/27/2009 and referred to the Senate Health & Social Services and Finance Committees.  The bill and all related action can be viewed at: http://www.legis.state.ak.us/basis/get_complete_bill.asp?session=26&bill=SB172

SB 174 establishes a student loan forgiveness program for dentistry, occupational therapy, optometry, physician's assistant, podiatry, and pharmacy. 

SB 174 is identical to HB 235. 

SB 174 was introduced on 4/1/2009 and referred to the Senate Education and Finance Committees.  The bill and all related action can be viewed at: http://www.legis.state.ak.us/basis/get_complete_bill.asp?session=26&bill=SB174

4/8/2009: SB 174 was heard in and moved from the Senate Education Committee with a committee substitute and a fiscal note.  The committee substitute removes funding for programs for occupational therapists, physician's assistants, and podiatrists.  SB 174 was referred to the Senate Finance Committee.  There was no further action on the bill before adjournment on 4/19/2009. 

SB 175 establishes the Alaska Internet Access Authority and the Alaska Broadband Task Force.  The Alaska Internet Access Authority would be a nine-member board established within the Dept. of Commerce, Community, & Economic Development.  It would be tasked with managing, overseeing, promoting, and monitoring efforts to provide affordable, reliable high-speed broadband internet service throughout the state.  One of the tasks of the authority would be to consult and collaborate with the Center for Information Technology and the chief information technology officer of the University of Alaska. 

The Alaska Broadband Task Force would be a thirteen-member legislative task force.  All members would be appointed by the legislature, four of whom would be legislators.  The task force would determine current levels of broadband access in the state, how to increase access, and then make recommendations on their findings.  The task force would submit a final report on their findings to the legislature before February 1, 2010, and would terminate on March 1, 2010. 

SB 175 is identical to HB 107.

SB 175 was introduced on 4/1/2009 and referred to the Senate Labor & Commerce and Finance Committees.  The bill and all related action can be viewed at: http://www.legis.state.ak.us/basis/get_bill.asp?bill=SB%20175&session=26

SB 185 would establish a State of Alaska Department of Energy. 

SB 185 is identical to HB 218. 

SB 185 was introduced on 4/8/2009 and referred to the Senate Special Committee on Energy, the Resources Committee, and the Finance Committee.  The bill and all related action can be viewed at: http://www.legis.state.ak.us/basis/get_bill.asp?session=26&bill=SB185

SB 186 relates to requirements for renewable energy grants.

SB 186 and HB 219 are identical. 

SB 186 was introduced on 4/8/2009 and referred to the Senate Special Committee on Energy, the Resources Committee, and the Finance Committee.  The bill and all related action can be viewed at: http://www.legis.state.ak.us/basis/get_bill.asp?session=26&bill=SB186

SCR 4 certifies to the federal government that the State of Alaska requests and will use any funds provided to the state or any of its agencies, municipalities, or political subdivisions to create jobs and promote economic growth; and that the legislature requests all funds available to the state and will accept any funds not accepted by the governor. 

SCR 4 and HCR 13 are identical.

SCR 4 was introduced on 3/20/2009 and referred to the Senate Rules Committee.  The resolution and all related action can be viewed at: http://www.legis.state.ak.us/basis/get_bill.asp?bill=HCR%2013&session=26

3/23/2009: SCR 4 is being held on the Senate Secretary's desk (the Senate can take the bill up at any time and vote on it). 

4/1/2009: HCR 13 passed the legislature.

This resolution urges Congress to establish a federal program to rebuild student access to public higher education, including funding of $70,000,000,000, college grants similar to the WWII G.I. Bill, increased funding for Pell grants, and student loan debt forgiveness.  

SJR 2 was introduced on 01/21/2009 and referred to the Senate Education Committee.  The resolution and all related action can be viewed at: http://www.legis.state.ak.us/basis/get_bill.asp?bill=SJR%20%202&session=26

4/10/2009: SJR 2 was heard in and moved from the Senate Education Committee.  Committee members expressed concern at how higher education costs have been increasing and support for increasing student financial aid.  SJR 2 is now in the Senate Rules Committee.

4/15/2009: SJR 2 passed the Senate and was transmitted to the House.  It was referred to the House Education Committee.  SJR 2 received no further action before adjournment on 4/19/2009. 

SJR 13 urges the United States Senate to ratify the United Nations Convention on the Law of the Sea (the Law of the Sea Treaty).  The treaty permits member nations to claim an exclusive economic zone out to 200 nautical miles from shore, with an exclusive sovereign right to explore, manage, and develop all living and nonliving resources, including deep sea mining, within that exclusive economic zone.  These issues may be of increasing importance to Alaska as the Arctic Ocean opens up due to melting of the polar ice cap.  157 nations, including all nations bordering the Arctic Ocean, with the exception of the United States, have ratified the treaty.  Without passage of the treaty by the U.S. Senate, the United States will be unable to participate fully in negotiations, deliberations, and ratification of key documents related to the treaty.

SJR 13 and HJR 22 are identical.

SJR 13 was introduced on 3/13/2009 and referred to the Senate Resources Committee.  The resolution and all related action can be viewed at: http://www.legis.state.ak.us/basis/get_bill.asp?bill=SJR%2013&session=26

3/30/2009: SJR 13 was heard and held in the Senate Resources Committee. 

4/16/2009: HJR 22 passed the Legislature and will be transmitted to the Governor.