Legislature(2021 - 2022)
2021-03-24 Senate Journal
Full Journal pdf2021-03-24 Senate Journal Page 0531 SENATE JOURNAL ALASKA STATE LEGISLATURE THIRTY-SECOND LEGISLATURE FIRST SESSION Juneau, Alaska Wednesday March 24, 2021 Sixty-fifth Day Pursuant to adjournment the Senate was called to order by President Micciche at 11:02 a.m. The roll showed nineteen members present. Senator Shower was absent. The prayer was offered by the Chaplain, Senator Gray-Jackson. Senator Hoffman moved and asked unanimous consent the prayer be spread. Without objection, it was so ordered. As we work through the next 25 days of a 90-day session, help us to recognize the needs of our citizens and to focus on our most vulnerable by funding the services they so desperately need. If we need more time, let us welcome the opportunity to complete our work. Let us move forward with credibility while continuing to exhibit integrity, justice, and fairness. Once again, give us the strength to reach out to those across the aisle and work together. And lastly, please give us the opportunity to welcome Spring within our environment sooner than later. Amen. Senator Myers led the Senate in the Pledge of Allegiance. Certification Senator Hughes moved and asked unanimous consent the journals for the sixty-third and sixty-fourth legislative days be approved as certified by the Secretary. Without objection, it was so ordered. 2021-03-24 Senate Journal Page 0532 Messages from the Governor Message dated March 22 was read stating on January 19, 2021, in accordance with Article III, Sections 26 and 27 of the Alaska Constitution and Alaska Statute 39.05.080, I submitted a list of appointees for confirmation. The following appointee has been withdrawn from consideration, effective immediately: Board of Chiropractic Examiners Gabriel King Communications The following reports are on file in the Office of the Secretary of the Senate: Alaska Energy Authority 2020 Annual Report in accordance with AS 44.83.940 Alaska Commercial Fishing and Agriculture Bank 2020 Annual Report in accordance with AS 44.81.200 Standing Committee Reports Report dated March 22 was read stating: In accordance with AS 39.05.080, the Judiciary 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. Commission on Judicial Conduct Aldean Kilbourn Signing the report: Senator Reinbold, Chair; Senators Myers, Hughes, Kiehl. 2021-03-24 Senate Journal Page 0533 Report dated March 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. Alaska Workers’ Compensation Board Pamela Cline Board of Massage Therapists Julie Endle Board of Pharmacy James Henderson Justin Ruffridge Board of Nursing Michael Wilcher State Board of Registration for Architects, Engineers, and Land Surveyors Robert “Bob” Bell Signing the report: Senator Costello, Chair; Senators Revak, Holland, Stevens, Gray-Jackson. Report dated March 23 was read stating: In accordance with AS 39.05.080, the State Affairs 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. 2021-03-24 Senate Journal Page 0534 Personnel Board Craig Johnson Alaska Public Offices Commission Dan LaSota Alaska Police Standards Council Daniel Weatherly Signing the report: Senator Shower, Chair; Senators Costello, Holland, Kawasaki, Reinbold. Report dated March 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 Danette Peterson Signing the report: Senator Holland, Chair; Senators Hughes, Stevens, Micciche, Begich. SB 6 The Education Committee considered SENATE BILL NO. 6 "An Act relating to retirement incentives for members of the defined benefit retirement plan of the teachers' retirement system and the defined benefit retirement plan of the Public Employees' Retirement System of Alaska; and providing for an effective date" and recommended it be replaced with CS FOR SENATE BILL NO. 6(EDC) Signing no recommendation: Senator Holland, Chair; Senator Hughes. Signing do pass: Senator Begich. The following fiscal information was published today: Fiscal Note No. 1, indeterminate, Department of Administration Fiscal Note No. 2, Office of the Governor The bill was referred to the Labor and Commerce Committee. 2021-03-24 Senate Journal Page 0535 SB 10 The Education Committee considered SENATE BILL NO. 10 "An Act establishing a grant program to provide to essential workers the tuition and fees to attend a state-supported postsecondary educational institution" and recommended it be replaced with CS FOR SENATE BILL NO. 10(EDC) Signing amend: Senator Holland, Chair; Senator Hughes. Signing do pass: Senator Begich. The following previously published fiscal information applies: Fiscal Note No. 1, Department of Education and Early Development Fiscal Note No. 2, Department of Education and Early Development The bill was referred to the Finance Committee. SB 19 The Finance Committee considered SENATE BILL NO. 19 "An Act extending the special education service agency; and providing for an effective date" and recommended it be replaced with CS FOR SENATE BILL NO. 19(FIN) "An Act relating to allocations for the special education service agency; extending the special education service agency; and providing for an effective date." Signing do pass: Senator Bishop, Cochair; Senators Hoffman, Wielechowski, von Imhof. Signing no recommendation: Senator Stedman, Cochair; Senators Wilson, Olson. The following fiscal information was published today: Fiscal Note No. 2, Department of Education and Early Development The bill was referred to the Rules Committee. 2021-03-24 Senate Journal Page 0536 SB 45 The Labor and Commerce Committee considered SENATE BILL NO. 45 "An Act raising the minimum age to purchase, sell, exchange, or possess tobacco, a product containing nicotine, or an electronic smoking product; relating to transporting tobacco, a product containing nicotine, or an electronic smoking product; relating to the taxation of electronic smoking products; and providing for an effective date" and recommended it be replaced with CS FOR SENATE BILL NO. 45(L&C) "An Act raising the minimum age to purchase, sell, exchange, or possess tobacco, a product containing nicotine, or an electronic smoking product; relating to transporting tobacco, a product containing nicotine, or an electronic smoking product; relating to the taxation of electronic smoking products; relating to electronic smoking products; requiring electronic smoking product manufacturers to obtain a commercial general liability insurance policy; relating to the marketing of electronic smoking products; relating to tobacco products; and providing for an effective date." Signing do pass: Senator Costello, Chair; Senators Gray-Jackson, Stevens. Signing amend: Senator Holland. The following fiscal information was published today: Fiscal Note No. 1, zero, Department of Health and Social Services Fiscal Note No. 2, Department of Revenue Fiscal Note No. 3, zero, Department of Commerce, Community, and Economic Development The bill was referred to the Finance Committee. 2021-03-24 Senate Journal Page 0537 SB 71 The State Affairs Committee considered SENATE BILL NO. 71 "An Act relating to special request registration plates celebrating the arts; relating to artwork in public buildings and facilities; relating to the management of artwork under the art in public places fund; relating to the powers and duties of the Alaska State Council on the Arts; and providing for an effective date." Signing no recommendation: Senator Shower, Chair; Senators Costello, Kawasaki, Reinbold. Signing do pass: Senator Holland. The following fiscal information was published today: Fiscal Note No. 1, Department of Administration Fiscal Note No. 2, Department of Education and Early Development The bill was referred to the Finance Committee. SB 72 The Education Committee considered SENATE BILL NO. 72 "An Act relating to civics education, civics examinations, and secondary school graduation requirements; and providing for an effective date" and recommended it be replaced with CS FOR SENATE BILL NO. 72(EDC) "An Act relating to civics education, civics assessments, and secondary school graduation requirements; and providing for an effective date." Signing do pass: Senator Holland, Chair; Senators Hughes, Stevens, Micciche, Begich. The following fiscal information was published today: Fiscal Note No. 1, Department of Education and Early Development The bill was referred to the Community and Regional Affairs Committee. 2021-03-24 Senate Journal Page 0538 SB 74 The Transportation Committee considered SENATE BILL NO. 74 "An Act providing for and relating to the issuance of general obligation bonds for the purpose of paying the cost of state infrastructure projects, including construction, communications, major maintenance, public safety, and transportation projects; and providing for an effective date" and recommended it be replaced with CS FOR SENATE BILL NO. 74(TRA) Signing no recommendation: Senator Myers, Chair; Senator Micciche. Signing do not pass: Senator Shower. The following previously published fiscal information applies: Fiscal Note No. 1, Office of the Governor Fiscal Note No. 2, Department of Revenue The bill was referred to the Finance Committee. SB 80 The Education Committee considered SENATE BILL NO. 80 "An Act relating to mental health education" and recommended it be replaced with CS FOR SENATE BILL NO. 80(EDC) Signing no recommendation: Senator Holland, Chair; Senator Hughes. Signing do pass: Senator Begich. The following fiscal information was published today: Fiscal Note No. 1, zero, Office of the Governor Fiscal Note No. 2, Department of Education and Early Development The bill was referred to the Health and Social Services Committee. 2021-03-24 Senate Journal Page 0539 SB 84 The State Affairs Committee considered SENATE BILL NO. 84 "An Act relating to the veterans' land purchase discount; establishing state land vouchers; relating to the permanent fund dividend; relating to the duties of the Department of Revenue; authorizing the Department of Natural Resources to accept state land vouchers; relating to eligibility for public assistance; and providing for an effective date." Signing no recommendation: Senator Shower, Chair; Senator Costello. Signing amend: Senators Kawasaki, Holland, Reinbold. The following previously published fiscal information applies: Fiscal Note No. 1, Department of Health and Social Services Fiscal Note No. 2, indeterminate, Department of Natural Resources Fiscal Note No. 3, Department of Revenue The bill was referred to the Resources Committee. SB 88 The Labor and Commerce Committee considered SENATE BILL NO. 88 "An Act relating to the state insurance catastrophe reserve account; and providing for an effective date." Signing no recommendation: Senator Costello, Chair. Signing do pass: Senators Gray-Jackson, Stevens, Revak, Holland. The following previously published fiscal information applies: Fiscal Note No. 1, Department of Administration The bill was referred to the Finance Committee. SJR 4 The Health and Social Services Committee considered SENATE JOINT RESOLUTION NO. 4 Proposing an amendment to the Constitution of the State of Alaska relating to abortion. Signing do pass: Senator Wilson, Chair; Senators Costello, Hughes. Signing do not pass: Senator Begich. Signing no recommendation: Senator Reinbold. The following fiscal information was published today: Fiscal Note No. 1, zero, Office of the Governor The resolution was referred to the Judiciary Committee. 2021-03-24 Senate Journal Page 0540 Introduction and Reference of Senate Bills SB 111 SENATE BILL NO. 111 BY THE SENATE EDUCATION COMMITTEE, entitled: "An Act relating to the duties of the Department of Education and Early Development; relating to public schools; relating to early education programs; relating to funding for early education programs; relating to school age eligibility; relating to reports by the Department of Education and Early Development; relating to reports by school districts; relating to certification and competency of teachers; relating to assessing reading deficiencies and providing reading intervention services to public school students enrolled in grades kindergarten through three; relating to textbooks and materials for reading intervention services; establishing a reading program in the Department of Education and Early Development; relating to school operating funds; relating to a virtual education consortium; and providing for an effective date." was read the first time and referred to the Education and Finance Committees. Consideration of the Calendar Citations Honoring - Service High School Women's Ski Team Representative(s) Schrage, Shaw Senator(s) Revak Honoring - Service High School Men's Ski Team Representative(s) Schrage, Shaw Senator(s) Revak Senator Hughes moved and asked unanimous consent the citations be adopted. Without objection, the citations were adopted and referred to the Secretary for transmittal. 2021-03-24 Senate Journal Page 0541 Unfinished Business SB 72 Senators Hughes, Micciche moved and asked unanimous consent to be shown as cosponsors on SENATE BILL NO. 72 "An Act relating to civics education, civics examinations, and secondary school graduation requirements; and providing for an effective date." Without objection, it was so ordered. Senator von Imhof moved and asked unanimous consent to be excused from a call of the Senate from afternoon plane time, March 26 through evening plane time, April 5. Without objection, Senator von Imhof was excused. Senator Olson moved and asked unanimous consent to be excused from a call of the Senate from March 29 through March 31. Without objection, Senator Olson was excused. Senator Wilson moved and asked unanimous consent to be excused from a call of the Senate from afternoon plane time, April 2 through evening plane time, April 5, and from April 16 through evening plane time, April 18. Without objection, Senator Wilson was excused. Senator Reinbold moved and asked unanimous consent to be excused from a call of the Senate from April 2 through morning plane time, April 5. Without objection, Senator Reinbold was excused. Announcements Announcements are at the end of the journal. Adjournment Senator Hughes moved and asked unanimous consent the Senate stand in adjournment until 10:30 a.m., March 26, 2021. Without objection, the Senate adjourned at 11:26 a.m. Liz Clark Secretary of the Senate 2021-03-24 Senate Journal Page 0542 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 Mar 25 Thursday Beltz 105 (tsbldg) 3:30 PM No Meeting Scheduled ---------------------------------------- EDUCATION Mar 24 Wednesday Butrovich 205 9:00 AM + Consideration of Danette Peterson, Governor's Appointee to the Professional Teaching Practices Commission += SB 6 RIP FOR PUBLIC EMPLOYEES/TEACHERS <Bill Hearing Canceled> <Bill Hearing Rescheduled to 3/22/2021> -- Invited & Public Testimony -- Bills Previously Heard/Scheduled **Streamed live on AKL.tv** += SB 72 SEC. SCHOOL CIVICS EDUCATION <Bill Hearing Rescheduled from 3/22/2021> Mar 26 Friday Butrovich 205 9:00 AM + Consideration of Jennifer Stafford, Governor's Appointee to the Professional Teaching Practices Commission + SB 111 EARLY EDUCATION; READING INTERVENTION -- Testimony <Invitation Only> -- + Bills Previously Heard/Scheduled **Streamed live on AKL.tv** ---------------------------------------- 2021-03-24 Senate Journal Page 0543 FINANCE Mar 24 Wednesday Senate Finance 532 9:00 AM + Alaska Railroad, Update & COVID Funding Synopsis + SB 56 EXTENDING COVID 19 DISASTER EMERGENCY -- Testimony <Invitation Only> -- += SB 19 EXTEND SPECIAL EDUCATION SERVICE AGENCY Bills Previously Heard/Scheduled Mar 25 Thursday Senate Finance 532 9:00 AM + Department of Transportation - Program Development/STIP/Capital Budget - Ben White, Director of Program Development - Rob Carpenter, Deputy Commissioner Bills Previously Heard/Scheduled Mar 26 Friday Senate Finance 532 9:00 AM + COVID 19 - Federal Funding Update - Neil Steininger, Director of OMB - Alexei Painter, Director of Legislative Finance Division Bills Previously Heard/Scheduled ---------------------------------------- HEALTH & SOCIAL SERVICES Mar 25 Thursday Butrovich 205 1:30 PM + SB 26 REPEAL CERTIFICATE OF NEED PROGRAM -- Invited & Public Testimony -- + SB 99 JUVENILES: JUSTICE,FACILITES,TREATMENT -- Invited & Public Testimony -- Bills Previously Heard/Scheduled ---------------------------------------- JUDICIARY Mar 24 Wednesday Butrovich 205 1:30 PM + Consideration of Governor's Appointees: Treg Taylor, Attorney General -- Public Testimony -- + SB 9 ALCOHOLIC BEVERAGE CONTROL; ALCOHOL REG + SJR 1 CONST AM: GUARANTEE PERM FUND DIVIDEND Bills Previously Heard/Scheduled **Streamed live on AKL.tv** 2021-03-24 Senate Journal Page 0544 JUDICIARY (continued) Mar 26 Friday Butrovich 205 1:30 PM -- MEETING CANCELED -- + Consideration of Governor's Appointees + Bills Previously Heard/Scheduled **Streamed live on AKL.tv** ---------------------------------------- LABOR & COMMERCE Mar 24 Wednesday Beltz 105 (tsbldg) 1:30 PM -- Invited & Public Testimony -- + Consideration of Governor's Appointees: Board of Psychologists & Psychological Associate Examiners - Bernard Gatewood Board of Professional Counselors - Sammie O'Neal Alaska Workers' Compensation Board - Nancy Shaw Alaska Labor Relations Board - Patty Burley Alaska State Board of Public Accountancy - Donald Vieira + Bills Previously Heard/Scheduled **Streamed live on AKL.tv** Mar 26 Friday Beltz 105 (tsbldg) 1:30 PM + Consideration of Governor's Appointees: + Alaska State Board of Public Accountancy - Rachel Hanks, Steven Jordan State Board of Registration for Architects, Engineers, and Land Surveyors - Edward "Ed" Leonetti, Jake Maxwell Board of Chiropractic Examiners - Tim Kanady, Brian Larson -- Invited & Public Testimony -- += SB 86 TEMPORARY PERMITS & LICENSES -- Invited & Public Testimony -- + Bills Previously Heard/Scheduled **Streamed live on AKL.tv** ---------------------------------------- 2021-03-24 Senate Journal Page 0545 RESOURCES Mar 24 Wednesday Butrovich 205 3:30 PM -- Teleconference Listen Only -- Presentation 101 by Curtis Thayer - Executive Director Alaska Energy Authority + HJR 12 ENDORSING ANWR LEASING; RELATED ISSUES -- Invited & Public Testimony -- + Bills Previously Heard/Scheduled **Streamed live on AKL.tv** Mar 26 Friday Butrovich 205 3:30 PM No Meeting Scheduled ---------------------------------------- STATE AFFAIRS Mar 25 Thursday Butrovich 205 3:30 PM Governor Appointees + -- Public Testimony -- + SB 102 AMEND COMPACT FOR A BALANCED BUDGET -- Invited & Public Testimony -- + SB 2 PEACE OFFICERS: DE-ESCALATION, MISCONDUCT -- Invited & Public Testimony -- + SB 3 POLICE OFFICERS: ORAL WARNING/DE-ESCALATE -- Invited & Public Testimony -- + SB 28 EST. APRIL 24 ALASKA CONSTITUTION DAY -- Invited & Public Testimony -- Bills Previously Heard/Scheduled **Streamed live on AKL.tv** Mar 30 Tuesday Butrovich 205 3:30 PM + Governor's Appointees -- Public Testimony -- Bills Previously Heard/Scheduled: += SB 39 BALLOT CUSTODY/TAMPERING; VOTER REG; MAIL -- Testimony <Invitation Only> -- **Streamed live on AKL.tv** Apr 01 Thursday Butrovich 205 3:30 PM + Governor Appointees -- Public Testimony -- Bills Previously Heard/Scheduled: += SB 39 BALLOT CUSTODY/TAMPERING; VOTER REG; MAIL -- Testimony <Invitation Only> -- **Streamed live on AKL.tv** ---------------------------------------- 2021-03-24 Senate Journal Page 0546 TRANSPORTATION Mar 25 Thursday Beltz 105 (tsbldg) 1:30 PM + SB 103 AMHS OPERATION & PLANNING BOARD -- Testimony <Invitation Only> -- + SB 105 ROAD SERVICE AREA CONSOLIDATION -- Testimony <Invitation Only> -- + Bills Previously Heard/Scheduled **Streamed live on AKL.tv** ---------------------------------------- FINANCE SUBCOMMITTEES NATURAL RESOURCES Mar 25 Thursday Senate Finance 532 7:30 AM + Elodea Overview - By Dave Schade, Director, Division of Agriculture **Streamed live on AKL.tv**