Legislature(2021 - 2022)
2021-02-24 Senate Journal
Full Journal pdf2021-02-24 Senate Journal Page 0311 SENATE JOURNAL ALASKA STATE LEGISLATURE THIRTY-SECOND LEGISLATURE FIRST SESSION Juneau, Alaska Wednesday February 24, 2021 Thirty-seventh Day Pursuant to adjournment the Senate was called to order by President Micciche at 11:06 a.m. The roll showed eighteen members present. Senator Bishop was excused from a call of the Senate. Senator Myers was absent. The prayer was offered by the Chaplain, Senator Holland. Senator Hoffman moved and asked unanimous consent the prayer be spread. Without objection, it was so ordered. Heavenly Father, today I stand before you with these men and women who have the heavy task of leading and directing the future of our state. Please provide wisdom and understanding and guide our hearts and minds as we strive to make a positive difference in the lives of the citizens of Alaska. Please bless our families as many of us have left our homes and traveled far to join others here to do the work we are elected to do. Lastly, I pray that your spirit would continue to abide in this place and let it lead us to the prosperity and dignity that the people of this state have come to expect and that future generations deserve. Grant that we be guided by your providence and dwell secure in your peace. Amen. Senator Stedman led the Senate in the Pledge of Allegiance. Senator Hughes moved and asked unanimous consent Senator Myers be excused from a call of the Senate today through March 1. Without objection, Senator Myers was excused. 2021-02-24 Senate Journal Page 0312 Certification Senator Hughes moved and asked unanimous consent the journals for the thirty-fifth and thirty-sixth legislative days be approved as certified by the Secretary. Without objection, it was so ordered. Standing Committee Reports Report dated February 22 was read stating: In accordance with AS 39.05.080, the Labor and Commerce Committee held a hearing on the following appointee(s). A signature on this report does not reflect an intent by any of the members to vote for or against the confirmation of the individual(s) during any further sessions. Alcoholic Beverage Control Board Dana Walukiewicz Diane Thompson John Cox Signing the report: Senator Costello, Chair; Senators Gray-Jackson, Stevens, Holland, Revak. Report dated February 24 was read stating: In accordance with AS 39.05.080, the Education Committee held a hearing on the following appointee(s). A signature on this report does not reflect an intent by any of the members to vote for or against the confirmation of the individual(s) during any further sessions. Professional Teaching Practices Commission Lem Wheeles Adam Reid Jamie Burgess University of Alaska Board of Regents Dale Anderson Ralph Seekins Signing the report: Senator Holland, Chair; Senators Hughes, Stevens, Micciche, Begich. 2021-02-24 Senate Journal Page 0313 SB 53 The State Affairs Committee considered SENATE BILL NO. 53 "An Act relating to use of income of the Alaska permanent fund; relating to the amount of the permanent fund dividend; relating to the duties of the commissioner of revenue; relating to an advisory vote on the permanent fund; providing for an effective date by repealing the effective date of sec. 8, ch. 16, SLA 2018; and providing for an effective date." Signing no recommendation: Senator Shower, Chair; Senators Holland, Costello. Signing amend: Senator Kawasaki. The following previously published fiscal information applies: Fiscal Note No. 1, Office of the Governor Fiscal Note No. 2, zero, Department of Revenue Fiscal Note No. 3, Department of Revenue The bill was referred to the Judiciary Committee. SJR 5 The State Affairs Committee considered SENATE JOINT RESOLUTION NO. 5 Proposing amendments to the Constitution of the State of Alaska relating to an appropriation limit; and relating to the budget reserve fund. Signing no recommendation: Senator Shower, Chair; Senator Costello. Signing do pass: Senator Holland. Signing amend: Senator Kawasaki. The following previously published fiscal information applies: Fiscal Note No. 1, zero, Office of the Governor The resolution was referred to the Judiciary Committee. SJR 6 The State Affairs Committee considered SENATE JOINT RESOLUTION NO. 6 Proposing amendments to the Constitution of the State of Alaska relating to the Alaska permanent fund, appropriations from the permanent fund, and the permanent fund dividend. Signing do pass: Senator Shower, Chair. Signing no recommendation: Senator Costello. Signing amend: Senators Holland, Kawasaki. The following previously published fiscal information applies: Fiscal Note No. 1, zero, Office of the Governor The resolution was referred to the Judiciary Committee. 2021-02-24 Senate Journal Page 0314 SJR 7 The State Affairs Committee considered SENATE JOINT RESOLUTION NO. 7 Proposing amendments to the Constitution of the State of Alaska relating to prohibiting the establishment of a state tax without the approval of the voters of the state; and relating to the initiative process. Signing do pass: Senator Shower, Chair. Signing no recommendation: Senators Holland, Kawasaki, Costello. The following previously published fiscal information applies: Fiscal Note No. 1, zero, Office of the Governor The resolution was referred to the Judiciary Committee. Introduction and Reference of Senate Bills SB 93 SENATE BILL NO. 93 BY THE SENATE RULES COMMITTEE BY REQUEST OF THE GOVERNOR, entitled: "An Act relating to the establishment of an all-payer health claims database; and providing for an effective date." was read the first time and referred to the Health and Social Services, Labor and Commerce and Finance Committees. The following fiscal information was published today: Fiscal Note No. 1, Department of Commerce, Community, and Economic Development Fiscal Note No. 2, Department of Health and Social Services Fiscal Note No. 3, zero, Department of Administration Governor's transmittal letter dated February 23: Dear President Micciche: Under the authority of Article III, Section 18 of the Alaska Constitution, I am transmitting a bill to establish an All-Payer Claims Database (APCD) for Alaska. An APCD is a state maintained database that provides for the systematic collection of health care payment data from insurers and providers to assist policymakers and industry professionals to analyze costs, quality, and utilization for improved decision-making and policy formulation. 2021-02-24 Senate Journal Page 0315 The Alaska Healthcare Transformation Project (AHTP) identified the establishment of an APCD as a critical first step in helping understand health spending trends, utilization, and pricing variation in Alaska in order to provide better transparency, inform policy and address health care costs. This bill makes changes to the Alaska Insurance Code to authorize the division of insurance to establish a statewide APCD to collect, aggregate, and report on claims data and to allow the division director to select a lead organization to coordinate and manage the database. Under this proposal, certain insurers and providers will be required to submit their health cost data. This data will be aggregated for policy analysis, cost trends and to potentially help inform consumers about their health care choices. I urge your prompt and favorable action on this important reform measure. Sincerely, /s/ Mike Dunleavy Governor SB 94 SENATE BILL NO. 94 BY THE SENATE RULES COMMITTEE BY REQUEST OF THE GOVERNOR, entitled: "An Act relating to the education loan program and Alaska supplemental education loan program; and providing for an effective date." was read the first time and referred to the Education and Finance Committees. The following fiscal information was published today: Fiscal Note No. 1, zero, Department of Education and Early Development Fiscal Note No. 2, zero, Department of Revenue 2021-02-24 Senate Journal Page 0316 Governor's transmittal letter dated February 23: Dear President Micciche: Under the authority of Article III, Section 18, of the Alaska Constitution, I am transmitting a bill relating to the education loan program for postsecondary students. The bill would increase opportunities for borrowers to consolidate education loans by expanding options to show eligibility. Current statute requires that borrowers physically reside in the State. This bill adds additional eligibility options to include being a previous borrower, cosigner, or beneficiary of an education loan made under AS 14.43 or AS 14.44, or being a graduate of a high school or postsecondary institution physically located in the State. Specific loan limits would be removed from statute and instead the Alaska Student Loan Corporation would have the authority to set limits, as appropriate, to address evolving student needs. The bill would also clarify that a borrower’s obligation to commence repayment of the loan could begin immediately upon disbursement of the loan. This legislation will increase responsiveness to Alaska’s higher education community and will allow for responsible increases to annual loan limits and originations to meet the financial aid needs of Alaska’s student loan borrowers. I urge your prompt and favorable action on this measure. Sincerely, /s/ Mike Dunleavy Governor 2021-02-24 Senate Journal Page 0317 Consideration of the Calendar Second Reading of Senate Bills SB 70 SENATE BILL NO. 70 "An Act relating to opioid overdose drugs; and providing for an effective date" was read the second time. Senator Wilson, Chair, moved and asked unanimous consent for the adoption of the Health and Social Services Committee Substitute offered on page 267. Senator Begich objected, then withdrew his objection. There being no further objection, CS FOR SENATE BILL NO. 70(HSS) was adopted. Senator Hughes moved and asked unanimous consent the bill be considered engrossed, advanced to third reading and placed on final passage. Without objection, it was so ordered. CS FOR SENATE BILL NO. 70(HSS) was read the third time. The question being: "Shall CS FOR SENATE BILL NO. 70(HSS) "An Act relating to opioid overdose drugs; and providing for an effective date" pass the Senate?" The roll was taken with the following result: CSSB 70(HSS) Third Reading - Final Passage Effective Date(s) YEAS: 18 NAYS: 0 EXCUSED: 2 ABSENT: 0 Yeas: Begich, Costello, Gray-Jackson, Hoffman, Holland, Hughes, Kawasaki, Kiehl, Micciche, Olson, Reinbold, Revak, Shower, Stedman, Stevens, von Imhof, Wielechowski, Wilson Excused: Bishop, Myers and so, CS FOR SENATE BILL NO. 70(HSS) passed the Senate. Senator Hughes moved and asked unanimous consent the vote on the passage of the bill be considered the vote on the effective date clause(s). Without objection, it was so ordered and the bill was referred to the Secretary for engrossment. 2021-02-24 Senate Journal Page 0318 Citations Honoring - Dr. Karen Gaborik Senator(s) Kawasaki Representative(s) Hopkins Honoring - Fred Agree Representative(s) Vance Senator(s) Stevens In Memoriam - Glen Simpson Senator(s) Myers Representative(s) Prax In Memoriam - Mollie Anne Boyer Senator(s) Wilson Representative(s) Rauscher In Memoriam - Annie Duffy Senator(s) Kawasaki Representative(s) LeBon In Memoriam - Jonna Weed Senator(s) Kawasaki, Bishop Representative(s) Hopkins In Memoriam - Tom Chang Senator(s) Kawasaki Representative(s) Johnson In Memoriam - Father Tom Brundage Representative(s) McCarty, Merrick Senator Hughes moved and asked unanimous consent the citations be adopted. Without objection, the citations were adopted and referred to the Secretary for transmittal. 2021-02-24 Senate Journal Page 0319 Unfinished Business SB 70 Senators Hughes, Kiehl, Revak, Gray-Jackson, von Imhof, Stevens, Stedman, Micciche moved and asked unanimous consent to be shown as cosponsors on CS FOR SENATE BILL NO. 70(HSS) "An Act relating to opioid overdose drugs; and providing for an effective date." Without objection, it was so ordered. Senator Wilson moved and asked unanimous consent to be excused from a call of the Senate from afternoon plane time, February 26 through evening plane time, February 28; and from afternoon plane time, March 12 through evening plane time, March 14. Without objection, Senator Wilson was excused. Announcements Announcements are at the end of the journal. Engrossment SB 70 CS FOR SENATE BILL NO. 70(HSS) "An Act relating to opioid overdose drugs; and providing for an effective date" was engrossed, signed by the President and Secretary and transmitted to the House for consideration. Adjournment Senator Hughes moved and asked unanimous consent the Senate stand in adjournment until 10:30 a.m., February 26, 2021. Without objection, the Senate adjourned at 11:18 a.m. Liz Clark Secretary of the Senate 2021-02-24 Senate Journal Page 0320 Announcements Americans with Disabilities Act Notice - Persons with disabilities who require special accommodation or alternative communication formats to access committee meetings may contact the appropriate committee office or the Legislative Information Office in their community. Reasonable advance notice is needed to accommodate the request. For further information, call the ADA Coordinator at 465-3854 Voice/465-4980 TDD. STANDING COMMITTEES + indicates teleconference = indicates bill previously heard/scheduled COMMUNITY & REGIONAL AFFAIRS Feb 25 Thursday Beltz 105 (tsbldg) 3:30 PM + SB 15 OPEN MEETINGS ACT; PENALTY -- Testimony <Invitation Only> -- + SB 13 OIL AND GAS PROPERTY TAX -- Testimony <Invitation Only> -- + SB 17 ENERGY EFFICIENCY & POLICY: PUB. BLDGS -- Testimony <Invitation Only> -- **Streamed live on AKL.tv** ---------------------------------------- EDUCATION Feb 24 Wednesday Butrovich 205 9:00 AM + Consideration of Governor's Appointees to the Professional Teaching Practices Commission: - Jennifer Stafford - Lem Wheeles - Adam Reid - Jamie Burgess + Consideration of Governor's Appointees to the University of Alaska Board of Regents: - Dale Anderson - Ralph Seekins + Bills Previously Heard/Scheduled **Streamed live on AKL.tv** 2021-02-24 Senate Journal Page 0321 EDUCATION (continued) Feb 26 Friday Davis 106 9:00 AM -- Location Change -- + Joint Senate-House Education Committee Meeting Presentation: Status Update from District and K-12 Building Leaders by Dr. Lisa Parady, Executive Director of Alaska Council of School Administrators -- Testimony <Invitation Only> -- + Bills Previously Heard/Scheduled **Streamed live on AKL.tv** ---------------------------------------- FINANCE Feb 24 Wednesday Senate Finance 532 9:00 AM + Alaska Mental Health Trust Authority - Update and FY22 Proposed Budget - Mike Abbott, Chief Executive Officer + Bills Previously Heard/Scheduled Feb 25 Thursday Senate Finance 532 9:00 AM + AIDEA - Update on Projects, Investments and Cash Flow Alaska Energy Authority - Update on Assets, Projects, Grants & Loans + Bills Previously Heard/Scheduled Feb 26 Friday Senate Finance 532 9:00 AM + Village Safe Water Program - Funding History, Projected Need, and FY22 Proposal + Bills Previously Heard/Scheduled ---------------------------------------- HEALTH & SOCIAL SERVICES Feb 25 Thursday Butrovich 205 1:30 PM += SB 67 NURSING: LICENSURE; MULTISTATE COMPACT -- Public Testimony -- + Bills Previously Heard/Scheduled ---------------------------------------- 2021-02-24 Senate Journal Page 0322 JUDICIARY Feb 24 Wednesday Butrovich 205 1:30 PM + "History of Pandemics" Dave Barton, Historian Wall Builders + "COVID-19 and Court Cases" Phil Kline, Thomas More Society + Bills Previously Heard/Scheduled Feb 26 Friday Butrovich 205 1:30 PM -- Testimony <Invitation Only> -- + Impacts of the Disaster + Bills Previously Heard/Scheduled ---------------------------------------- LABOR & COMMERCE Feb 24 Wednesday Beltz 105 (tsbldg) 1:30 PM + SB 54 AHFC WATER & SEWER BONDS/TRANSPORTATION -- Testimony <Invitation Only> -- + SB 86 TEMPORARY PERMITS & LICENSES -- Testimony <Invitation Only> -- + Bills Previously Heard/Scheduled **Streamed live on AKL.tv** Feb 26 Friday Beltz 105 (tsbldg) 1:30 PM + Bills Previously Heard/Scheduled **Streamed live on AKL.tv** ---------------------------------------- RESOURCES Feb 24 Wednesday Butrovich 205 3:30 PM -- Teleconference <Listen Only> -- Presentation of Department of Law-Federal Issues and Conflicts by: - Cori Mills, DOL CIV-Deputy Attorney General - Jessie Alloway, DOL CIV - Assistant Attorney General - Mary Gramling, DOL CIV - Attorney for Natural Resources - Ron Opsahl, DOL CIV - Attorney for Natural Resources + Bills Previously Heard/Scheduled Feb 26 Friday Butrovich 205 3:30 PM + Bills Previously Heard/Scheduled ---------------------------------------- 2021-02-24 Senate Journal Page 0323 STATE AFFAIRS Feb 25 Thursday Butrovich 205 3:30 PM += SB 25 STATE GOV'T FINANCES: WEBSITE -- Invited & Public Testimony -- Department of Administration - Kelly Tshibaka, Commissioner - Hans Zigman += SB 39 BALLOT CUSTODY/TAMPERING; VOTER REG; MAIL -- Testimony <Invitation Only><TBA> -- **Streamed live on AKL.tv** ---------------------------------------- TRANSPORTATION Feb 25 Thursday Beltz 105 (tsbldg) 1:30 PM -- MEETING CANCELED -- + SB 74 G.O. BONDS: STATE INFRASTRUCTURE PROJECTS -- Testimony <Invitation Only> -- **Streamed live on AKL.tv** ---------------------------------------- FINANCE SUBCOMMITTEES EDUCATION & EARLY DEVELOPMENT Feb 25 Thursday Senate Finance 532 1:00 PM -- MEETING CANCELED -- FY22 Department of Education & Early Development Budget Mar 02 Tuesday Senate Finance 532 1:00 PM + FY22 Department of Education and Early Development Budget **Streamed live on AKL.tv** Mar 04 Thursday Senate Finance 532 1:00 PM + FY22 Department of Education and Early Development Budget **Streamed live on AKL.tv** ---------------------------------------- 2021-02-24 Senate Journal Page 0324 ENVIRONMENTAL CONSERVATION Feb 25 Thursday Senate Finance 532 5:30 PM + Department of Environmental Conservation Budget Overview Continuation & Budget Amendments -- Testimony <Invitation Only> -- ---------------------------------------- FISH & GAME Feb 25 Thursday Senate Finance 532 12:30 PM + Senate Budget Subcommittee Overview ---------------------------------------- HEALTH & SOCIAL SERVICES Feb 26 Friday Senate Finance 532 7:45 AM -- Agenda to be Announced -- Mar 01 Monday Senate Finance 532 7:45 AM -- Agenda to be Announced -- Mar 05 Friday Senate Finance 532 7:45 AM -- Agenda to be Announced -- ---------------------------------------- LABOR & WORKFORCE DEVELOPMENT Mar 02 Tuesday Senate Finance 532 7:30 AM FY22 Agency Budget **Streamed live on AKL.tv** ---------------------------------------- LAW Feb 25 Thursday Butrovich 205 5:30 PM -- MEETING CANCELED -- + FY 2022 Budget- Civil Division; Criminal Division -- Testimony <Invitation Only> -- ---------------------------------------- 2021-02-24 Senate Journal Page 0325 NATURAL RESOURCES Feb 25 Thursday Senate Finance 532 7:30 AM -- MEETING CANCELED -- FY22 Agency Budget **Streamed live on AKL.tv** Mar 04 Thursday Senate Finance 532 7:30 AM FY22 Agency Budget **Streamed live on AKL.tv** ---------------------------------------- PUBLIC SAFETY Feb 24 Wednesday Beltz 105 (tsbldg) 4:00 PM -- MEETING CANCELED -- + FY 2022 Budget -- Testimony <Invitation Only> -- ---------------------------------------- REVENUE Feb 24 Wednesday Senate Finance 532 5:30 PM + Department of Revenue Budget Overview Continuation & Budget Amendments -- Testimony <Invitation Only> -- ---------------------------------------- TRANSPORTATION & PUBLIC FACILITIES Feb 24 Wednesday Senate Finance 532 7:30 AM + - Highways, Aviation & Rural Airports Mar 03 Wednesday Senate Finance 532 7:30 AM + - Alaska Marine Highway System + - State Equipment Fleet Mar 10 Wednesday Senate Finance 532 7:30 AM + - Subcommittee Budget Closeout ---------------------------------------- 2021-02-24 Senate Journal Page 0326 JOINT COMMITTEES LEGISLATIVE BUDGET & AUDIT Feb 24 Wednesday Senate Finance 532 12:00 PM -- Teleconference <Listen Only> -- + Committee Organization / Election of Chair and Vice-Chair Approval of Minutes (1/18/2021) Overview of Committee Process -Kris Curtis, Legislative Auditor -Alexei Painter, Legislative Fiscal Analyst ---------------------------------------- REDISTRICTING BOARD Feb 26 Friday By Teleconference 2:30 PM + Staff Public Outreach Directive + Response Protocol for Meeting Requests + Software Training Availability Executive Session: Interview with Legal Services RFI Respondents