Legislature(2021 - 2022)
2021-03-01 House Journal
Full Journal pdf2021-03-01 House Journal Page 0241 HOUSE JOURNAL ALASKA STATE LEGISLATURE THIRTY-SECOND LEGISLATURE FIRST SESSION Juneau, Alaska Monday March 1, 2021 Forty-second Day Pursuant to adjournment the House was called to order by Speaker Stutes at 10:36 a.m. Roll call showed 32 members present. Representatives Carpenter and Gillham were absent. Representative Tuck moved and asked unanimous consent that the following members be excused from a call of the House. There being no objection, the members were excused as noted: Representative Cronk – from today to 5:00 p.m., March 10 Representative Fields – from today to 5:00 p.m., March 7 Representative Hannan – from today to 5:00 p.m., March 2 Representative Hopkins – from today to 11:59 p.m., March 3 Representative Patkotak – from today to 5:00 p.m., March 2 Representative Prax – today The invocation was offered by the Chaplain, Representative Drummond. Representative Tuck moved and asked unanimous consent that the invocation be spread on the journal. There being no objection, it was so ordered. 2021-03-01 House Journal Page 0242 With the deepest respect for the religious beliefs of all Alaskans, I offer the following prayer compiled from the teachings of Lao Tzu, the great Taoist sage from fifth century B.C. China: Simplicity, patience, compassion. These three are your greatest resources. Simple in actions and thoughts, you return to the source of being. Patient with both friends and enemies, you accord with the way things are. Compassionate toward yourself, you reconcile all beings in the world. Chase after money and security and your heart will never unclench. Care about people's approval and you will be their prisoner. Do your work, then step back. The only path to serenity. Giving birth and nourishing, having without possessing, acting with no expectations, leading and not trying to control: this is the supreme virtue. Prevent trouble before it arises. Put things in order before they exist. The giant pine tree grows from a tiny sprout. The journey of a thousand miles starts from beneath your feet. The Pledge of Allegiance was led by Representative Vance. CERTIFICATION OF THE JOURNAL Representative Tuck moved and asked unanimous consent that the journal for the 37th through 41st legislative days be approved as certified by the Chief Clerk. There being no objection, it was so ordered. MESSAGES FROM THE SENATE A message dated February 24 was read stating the Senate passed the following, and it is transmitted for consideration: 2021-03-01 House Journal Page 0243 FIRST READING AND REFERENCE OF SENATE BILLS SB 70 CS FOR SENATE BILL NO. 70(HSS) by the Senate Health & Social Services Committee, entitled: "An Act relating to opioid overdose drugs; and providing for an effective date." was read the first time and referred to the Health & Social Services Committee. INTRODUCTION OF CITATIONS The following citations were introduced and referred to the Rules Committee for placement on the calendar: Honoring - Homer High School Mariners Hockey By Representative Vance; Senator Stevens In Memoriam - Louis F. Gaudreau By Senator Kawasaki; Representative LeBon INTRODUCTION, FIRST READING, AND REFERENCE OF HOUSE RESOLUTIONS HJR 13 HOUSE JOINT RESOLUTION NO. 13 by Representatives Ortiz, Kreiss-Tomkins, Hannan, and Story: Urging the United States Congress to exempt cruise ships from certain provisions of the Passenger Vessel Services Act and other applicable provisions of federal law for the period during which Canadian ports are closed to cruise ships carrying more than 100 people; and urging the President of the United States not to fine or take actions against cruise ships sailing to the state. was read the first time and referred to the Transportation Committee. 2021-03-01 House Journal Page 0244 INTRODUCTION, FIRST READING, AND REFERENCE OF HOUSE BILLS HB 117 HOUSE BILL NO. 117 by Representatives Ortiz and Tuck, entitled: "An Act extending the termination date of the Board of Certified Direct-Entry Midwives; and providing for an effective date." was read the first time and referred to the Labor & Commerce and Finance Committees. HB 118 HOUSE BILL NO. 118 by Representatives Kreiss-Tomkins and Claman, entitled: "An Act relating to state identifications and driver's licenses for persons in the custody of the Department of Corrections; relating to the duties of the commissioner of corrections; relating to living conditions for prisoners; and providing for an effective date." was read the first time and referred to the State Affairs Committee. HB 119 HOUSE BILL NO. 119 by the House Rules Committee by request of the Governor, entitled: "An Act relating to medical assistance for recipients of adult foster care services; establishing an adult foster care home license and procedures; and providing for the transition of individuals from foster care to adult foster care homes." was read the first time and referred to the Health & Social Services and Finance Committees. The following fiscal note(s) apply: 1. Fiscal, Dept. of Health & Social Services 2. Fiscal, Dept. of Health & Social Services 3. Fiscal, Dept. of Health & Social Services 2021-03-01 House Journal Page 0245 The Governor's transmittal letter dated February 26 follows: "Dear Speaker Stutes: Under the authority of Article III, Section 18, of the Alaska Constitution, I am transmitting a bill relating to certain individuals transitioning from foster care services to adult foster care services. This proposal addresses an urgent need to establish safe residential living environments for certain foster children who must transition out of the foster care system upon turning 18 years of age. This bill provides a means for current foster parents to transition their existing foster care license, to a new adult foster care home license in order to allow their foster child to remain in the same home, and with the same family, when the child is released from state custody. The foster child must meet certain requirements, have been in state custody prior to turning 18, have been residing in the foster home, and must be eligible to receive home- and community-based waiver services. This new license will provide structured services and family continuity by allowing eligible foster children to continue living with their current foster family after aging out of the traditional foster care system. By providing this transitional assistance, we can assure that vulnerable citizens receive continued and responsible care into adulthood. I urge your prompt and favorable action on this measure. Sincerely, /s/ Mike Dunleavy Governor" HB 120 HOUSE BILL NO. 120 by the House Rules Committee by request of the Governor, entitled: "An Act relating to state land; relating to the authority of the Department of Education and Early Development to dispose of state land; relating to the authority of the Department of 2021-03-01 House Journal Page 0246 Transportation and Public Facilities to dispose of state land; relating to the authority of the Department of Natural Resources over certain state land; relating to the state land disposal income fund; relating to the leasing and sale of state land for commercial development; repealing establishment of recreation rivers and recreation river corridors; and providing for an effective date." was read the first time and referred to the Resources and Finance Committees. The following fiscal note(s) apply: 1. Fiscal, Dept. of Education & Early Development 2. Fiscal, Dept. of Natural Resources 3. Fiscal, Dept. of Revenue The Governor's transmittal letter dated February 26 follows: "Dear Speaker Stutes: Under the authority of Article III, Section 18, of the Alaska Constitution, I am transmitting a bill clarifying the role of the Department of Natural Resources (DNR) in managing state lands regardless of the location, allowing for leases of state lands for economic or industrial development, and repealing the recreation rivers and corridors statutes to allow for greater access to, and use of, lands by Alaskans. Alaska is blessed with an abundance of land, with the Statehood Act promising 105 million acres held in common for the benefit of the people. However, a lack of access to their land deprives the Alaskan people of the full benefit of their state's birthright. This bill affects a number of changes to encourage the use of state land for the public benefit. The bill creates a new statute supporting commercial or industrial development of state land situated within federally designated Qualified Opportunity Zones or land nominated and assessed by the state as appropriate for commercial development. The statute includes a process for requesting proposals from prospective lessees, accepting 2021-03-01 House Journal Page 0247 bids, and then entering a contract to lease. This statute allows the lessee to apply to purchase the leased land at any time during the term of the lease if the department determines the lessee has used the land for commercial development consistent with their proposal. The bill further clarifies the process of selling state land by requiring bidders to submit an earnest money deposit and by increasing the maximum term of a land sales contract to 30 years. The bill expands Department of Education and Early Development (DEED)'s authority to transfer its real property to broader group of entities, beyond just the federal agencies, state agencies or state political subdivisions allowed under current law. It also amends the Department of Transportation and Public Facilities' (DOTPF) land disposal authority, by allowing it to dispose of surplus land no longer needed for public works to the Department of Natural Resources, or according to terms, standards, and conditions established by the DOTPF Commissioner. This bill repeals statutes establishing recreation rivers and corridors, statutes that have not achieved their intended goal of increasing recreational use of Alaska's waterways and proximal lands. It will resolve ongoing challenges in managing these resources; while maintaining and enhancing the public's ability to access and use them and allowing the state to consider disposal of some of them for more beneficial uses consistent with the public interest. Without state laws providing Alaska residents with reasonable opportunities to access, use, or purchase state land for uses consistent with our constitution's mandate for settlement and development, the promise of statehood and sovereignty rings hollow. This bill is an important step forward in a broad effort to allow Alaskans greater access to their lands and to help the state meet its responsibility to connect Alaskans more fully with the blessings of their land. I urge your prompt and favorable action on this measure. Sincerely, /s/ Mike Dunleavy Governor" 2021-03-01 House Journal Page 0248 CONSIDERATION OF THE DAILY CALENDAR LEGISLATIVE CITATIONS Representative Tuck moved and asked unanimous consent that the House approve the citations on the calendar. There being no objection, the following citations were approved and sent to enrolling: Honoring - Dave Miller By Representative Kreiss-Tomkins Honoring - Fred G. Hamilton, Sr. By Representative Kreiss-Tomkins Honoring - Marcia Aceveda By Representative Kreiss-Tomkins In Memoriam - Jane Eidler By Representative Kreiss-Tomkins In Memoriam - Richard Nelson By Representative Kreiss-Tomkins In Memoriam - Eric Benson By Representative Johnson; Senator Wilson In Memoriam - Betty Jane Pederson By Representative Kreiss-Tomkins In Memoriam - Bob Allen By Representative Kreiss-Tomkins; Senator Stedman In Memoriam - Conrad Peterson By Senator Stevens In Memoriam - George Bradford Lee By Senator Stevens 2021-03-01 House Journal Page 0249 UNFINISHED BUSINESS The Speaker made the following appointments: HR 5 House Special Committee on Tribal Affairs: removed Drummond HR 4 House Special Committee on Military and Veterans' Affairs: removed Stutes; added Shaw Joint Armed Services Committee: removed Stutes; added Tuck Legislative Council: removed McCabe; added Foster HB 76 The Speaker added a Health & Social Services Committee referral for the following: HOUSE BILL NO. 76 "An Act extending the January 15, 2021, governor's declaration of a public health disaster emergency in response to the novel coronavirus disease (COVID-19) pandemic; providing for a financing plan; making temporary changes to state law in response to the COVID-19 outbreak in the following areas: occupational and professional licensing, practice, and billing; telehealth; fingerprinting requirements for health care providers; charitable gaming and online ticket sales; access to federal stabilization funds; wills; unfair or deceptive trade practices; and meetings of shareholders; and providing for an effective date." HB 76 was referred to the Health & Social Services Committee with further referral to the Finance Committee. HB 82 The Speaker reversed the committee referrals for the following: HOUSE BILL NO. 82 "An Act relating to surface use restrictions for oil and gas leases; 2021-03-01 House Journal Page 0250 relating to gas leases in Kachemak Bay; relating to the renewable energy grant fund; and providing for an effective date." HB 82 was referred to the House Special Committee on Fisheries with further referral to the Resources Committee. Representative Tuck moved and asked unanimous consent that the following members be excused from a call of the House. There being no objection, the members were excused as noted: Representative Nelson – from 11:30 a.m., March 5 to 6:00 p.m., March 7 Representative Thompson – from 1:30 p.m., March 4 to 1:30 p.m., March 8 HJR 4 Representative McCabe added as a cosponsor to: HOUSE JOINT RESOLUTION NO. 4 Encouraging Congress to pass the Concealed Carry Reciprocity Act of 2019 or a similar bill. HJR 5 Representative McCabe added as a cosponsor to: HOUSE JOINT RESOLUTION NO. 5 Encouraging Congress to enact legislation allowing people over 18 years of age to purchase handguns. HJR 11 Representatives McCabe and Story added as cosponsors to: HOUSE JOINT RESOLUTION NO. 11 Requesting the United States Congress to pass legislation that provides a temporary waiver of the Passenger Vessel Services Act to allow cruise ships to sail directly to the state from other United States ports. 2021-03-01 House Journal Page 0251 HB 1 Representative McCabe added as a cosponsor to: HOUSE BILL NO. 1 "An Act providing for audits of CARES Act funds expended for the community assistance program and direct grants to municipalities and communities." HB 3 Representative McCabe added as a cosponsor to: HOUSE BILL NO. 3 "An Act relating to the definition of 'disaster.'" HB 14 Representative McCabe added as a cosponsor to: HOUSE BILL NO. 14 "An Act relating to licensure of nursing professionals; relating to a multistate nurse licensure compact; and providing for an effective date." HB 15 Representative McCabe added as a cosponsor to: HOUSE BILL NO. 15 "An Act relating to occupational licensing; relating to temporary licenses and permits; relating to certification of teachers; and providing for an effective date." HB 23 Representative McCabe added as a cosponsor to: HOUSE BILL NO. 23 "An Act relating to elections and voter registration; relating to ballot custody, retention, and destruction; prohibiting possession of another voter's ballot; requiring signature verification; establishing an election offense hotline; and providing for an effective date." 2021-03-01 House Journal Page 0252 HB 32 Representative McCabe added as a cosponsor to: HOUSE BILL NO. 32 "An Act providing civil immunity to recreational vehicle park owners for certain damages; and providing civil immunity from liability related to the inherent risks of camping." HB 34 Representative McCabe added as a cosponsor to: HOUSE BILL NO. 34 "An Act naming the Vietnam Helicopter Pilots' Memorial Bridge." HB 35 Representative McCabe added as a cosponsor to: HOUSE BILL NO. 35 "An Act relating to mobile intensive care paramedics; relating to duties of the State Medical Board and the Department of Health and Social Services; and providing for an effective date." ANNOUNCEMENTS House committee schedules are published under separate cover. SPECIAL ORDER OF BUSINESS Representative Drummond requested that members observe a moment of silence to honor the life of former Speaker of the House Mike Bradner. ADJOURNMENT Representative Tuck moved and asked unanimous consent that the House adjourn until 10:30 a.m., March 3. There being no objection, the House adjourned at 11:08 a.m. Crystaline Jones Chief Clerk