Legislature(2021 - 2022)
2022-02-15 Senate Journal
Full Journal pdf2022-02-15 Senate Journal Page 1795 SENATE JOURNAL ALASKA STATE LEGISLATURE THIRTY-SECOND LEGISLATURE SECOND SESSION Juneau, Alaska Tuesday February 15, 2022 Twenty-ninth Day Pursuant to adjournment the Senate was called to order by President Micciche at 11:07 a.m. The roll showed twenty members present. The prayer was offered by the Chaplain, Pastor Mike Rose, Juneau Christian Center. Senator Hoffman moved and asked unanimous consent the prayer be spread. Without objection, it was so ordered. Heavenly Father, Thank you today that your mercies are everlasting, and that your truth endures to all generations. Thank you for the United States of America and to this great republic for which it stands, one nation under God, indivisible with liberty and justice for all. Lord, I thank you for the faith and trust that our founding Fathers had in you as they established this nation to be a beacon of hope to the entire world. In these difficult times I ask that you would help provide faith where there is fear, unity where there is division, truth where there is deception, clarity where there is confusion and hope where there is despair. Lord, I thank you for all those in the Senate and ask that your wisdom will guide them today in their service to the people of this great state of Alaska. I also ask you to bless and protect their families today. In Your name I pray, Amen. 2022-02-15 Senate Journal Page 1796 Senator Holland led the Senate in the Pledge of Allegiance. Certification Senator Hughes moved and asked unanimous consent the journals for the twenty-third through twenty-eighth legislative days and House and Senate Joint Journal Supplement No. 10 be approved as certified by the Secretary. Without objection, it was so ordered. Messages from the House Messages dated February 9, 11, and 14 were read stating the House passed and transmitted for consideration: First Reading and Reference of House Resolutions HCR 2 HOUSE CONCURRENT RESOLUTION NO. 2 BY REPRESENTATIVES STUTES, Kreiss-Tomkins, Ortiz, Snyder, Schrage, Story, Josephson, Tuck: Supporting the Alaska Ocean Cluster in its mission, efforts, and vision for a vibrant coastal economy in the state, its promotion of a diversified and resilient state economy that creates value from ocean resources, and its building of a statewide integrated ecosystem of innovation and entrepreneurship relating to the state's ocean economy. was read the first time and referred to the Resources Committee. 2022-02-15 Senate Journal Page 1797 First Reading and Reference of House Bills HB 198 HOUSE BILL NO. 198 BY REPRESENTATIVES ZULKOSKY, Kreiss-Tomkins, Foster, Patkotak, Cronk, Tuck, Ortiz, Story, Edgmon, Schrage, Tarr, Drummond, Hopkins, entitled: "An Act establishing September 10 as Alaska Community Health Aide Appreciation Day." was read the first time and referred to the State Affairs Committee. HB 268 HOUSE BILL NO. 268 am BY REPRESENTATIVES MERRICK, Kaufman, Schrage, Nelson, Tuck, Fields, Rasmussen, Josephson, McCarty, entitled: "An Act relating to driver's license renewal." was read the first time and referred to the State Affairs Committee. Communications The following reports are on file in the Office of the Secretary of the Senate: Department of Commerce, Community and Economic Development Division of Insurance 2021 Annual Report in accordance with AS 21.06.110 Department of Education and Early Development Annual Report February 15, 2022 in accordance with AS 14.03.078 2022-02-15 Senate Journal Page 1798 Standing Committee Reports SB 119 The Judiciary Committee considered SENATE BILL NO. 119 "An Act relating to oaths of office; and requiring public officers to read the state constitution, the Declaration of Independence, and the United States Constitution" and recommended it be replaced with CS FOR SENATE BILL NO. 119(JUD) "An Act relating to oaths of office; and requiring public officers to read the state constitution and the United States Constitution." Signing do pass: Senator Holland, Chair; Senators Hughes, Shower. Signing no recommendation: Senator Kiehl. The following fiscal information was published today: Fiscal Note No. 2, zero, Department of Revenue Fiscal Note No. 3, zero, Department of Public Safety Fiscal Note No. 4, zero, Department of Health and Social Services Fiscal Note No. 5, zero, Department of Education & Early Development The bill was referred to the State Affairs Committee. SB 129 The Judiciary Committee considered SENATE BILL NO. 129 "An Act relating to information on judicial officers provided in election pamphlets" and recommended it be replaced with CS FOR SENATE BILL NO. 129(JUD) "An Act relating to information on judicial officers seeking retention in office." Signing do pass: Senator Holland, Chair. Signing no recommendation: Senators Shower, Kiehl. Signing amend: Senator Hughes. The following fiscal information was published today: Fiscal Note No. 1, zero, Office of the Governor Fiscal Note No. 2, zero, Alaska Judiciary System The bill was referred to the State Affairs Committee. 2022-02-15 Senate Journal Page 1799 HB 123 President Micciche removed the Community and Regional Affairs Committee referral for HOUSE BILL NO. 123 "An Act providing for state recognition of federally recognized tribes; and providing for an effective date." The bill is in the State Affairs Committee. Introduction and Reference of Senate Resolutions SCR 9 SENATE CONCURRENT RESOLUTION NO. 9 BY SENATOR KAWASAKI, Proclaiming February 2022 as American Heart Month. was read the first time and referred to the Health and Social Services Committee. Introduction and Reference of Senate Bills SB 187 SENATE BILL NO. 187 BY THE SENATE RULES COMMITTEE BY REQUEST OF THE GOVERNOR, entitled: "An Act relating to criminal law and procedure; relating to the crime of harassment; relating to the duty to register as a sex offender; amending the definition of sex offense; relating to lifetime revocation of a teaching certificate for certain offenses; relating to the definition of 'domestic violence'; relating to multidisciplinary child protection teams; relating to arrest authority for pretrial services officers and probation officers; and providing for an effective date." was read the first time and referred to the Judiciary and Finance Committees. 2022-02-15 Senate Journal Page 1800 The following fiscal information was published today: Fiscal Note No. 1, Department of Administration Fiscal Note No. 2, Department of Administration Fiscal Note No. 3, zero, Department of Corrections Fiscal Note No. 4, Department of Education & Early Development Fiscal Note No. 5, zero, Department of Law Fiscal Note No. 6, zero, Department of Public Safety Fiscal Note No. 7, zero, Department of Public Safety Governor's transmittal letter dated February 10: Dear President Micciche: Under the authority of Article III, Section 18, of the Alaska Constitution, I am transmitting a bill relating to sex offenses. Under current law, the use of force, or the threat of force, is necessary for sexual contact to qualify as sexual assault. Unwanted sexual contact through clothing without the use of force, or threat of force, is an A misdemeanor, but only if the conduct is intended to annoy or harass. An A misdemeanor is inadequate to address the offensive and alarming nature of this criminal conduct and the law should not require the offender’s intent to be to annoy or harass for such unwanted conduct to be criminal. The bill would address this gap in the law by creating a class C felony level harassment offense for sexual contact without the use of force or the threat of force. A person convicted of this offense for the second time would also be required to register as a sex offender. This change better addresses the traumatizing behavior by calling the conduct what it is, a sex offense. In addition to the new harassment offense mentioned above, the bill closes several other loopholes in the law. The bill adds additional crimes to the list which requires registration as a sex offender. It also brings Alaska further in line with federal sex offender registration requirements that will assist in monitoring these offenders. 2022-02-15 Senate Journal Page 1801 Furthermore, current law requires permanent revocation of a person’s Alaska teaching certificate if the person has been convicted of certain sex offenses such as sexual assault and sexual abuse of a minor. The bill adds possession and distribution of child pornography to the category of offenses which will require the permanent revocation of a person’s teaching certificate. Alaska’s parents and children should never have to worry about a person who engages in this conduct teaching classes at their local schools. Adding conviction of possession and distribution of child pornography makes sense and further protects Alaska’s children. The bill also gives pretrial services officers more tools to better supervise those on pretrial release. Pretrial services officers are unable to arrest, file charges, or request warrants for the majority of offenses. Thus, when they become aware that a person on pretrial release has committed a new crime, they must notify law enforcement or a prosecutor who must then gather the information from the pretrial services officer in order to file charges or request a warrant. This process is inefficient and results in a delay in addressing the behavior. Therefore, the bill adds a number of offenses to the list for which a pretrial services officer may place someone under arrest. Defendants often violate their conditions of release by escaping, contacting the victim or a witness in the case, and tampering with evidence. Adding these acts to the list of offenses that a pretrial services officer can arrest, file charges, or request a warrant for will allow warrants to be issued, and charges to be filed more quickly, making the system more efficient. The bill gives arrest authority to probation officers for the crime of “violation by a sex offender of a condition of probation” (AS 11.56.759). Most offenders on probation can be sanctioned for violating a condition of probation by imposing suspended jail time, whereas a sex offender on probation can also be charged with a new crime for violating a condition of probation. This allows enforcement of probation conditions even when a sex offender has done so poorly on probation that there is no more suspended time left to impose. Allowing probation officers to arrest and file a complaint on a probationer for a “violation by a sex offender of a condition of probation” will allow probation officers to better respond when a sex offender violates a condition of probation. 2022-02-15 Senate Journal Page 1802 Finally, the bill allows multidisciplinary child protection teams to accept referrals of cases where there has been sexual contact or sexual penetration that occurs between children under the age of 13. Typically, when children who are under 13 engage in this type of behavior prosecution or adjudication is not considered appropriate or effective. Rather the mental and physical well-being of the children becomes the singular goal. Giving multidisciplinary child protection teams, who are the experts in this field, the statutory authority to accept referrals of these types of cases will make it easier to appropriately address this behavior in young children and link them up with any therapeutic assistance they may need. I urge your prompt and favorable action on this measure. Sincerely, /s/ Mike Dunleavy Governor SB 188 SENATE BILL NO. 188 BY THE SENATE RULES COMMITTEE BY REQUEST OF THE GOVERNOR, entitled: "An Act relating to criminal law and procedure; relating to a petition for a change of name for certain persons; relating to procedures for bail; relating to consecutive sentencing for violation of condition of release; relating to the duty to register as a sex offender; amending Rules 6(r) and 47, Alaska Rules of Criminal Procedure; amending Rule 12, Alaska Delinquency Rules; amending Rule 84, Alaska Rules of Civil Procedure; and providing for an effective date." was read the first time and referred to the State Affairs and Judiciary Committees. 2022-02-15 Senate Journal Page 1803 The following fiscal information was published today: Fiscal Note No. 1, zero, Department of Administration Fisc al Note No. 2, zero, Department of Administration Fiscal Note No. 3, zero, Department of Corrections Fiscal Note No. 4, zero, Department of Law Fiscal Note No. 5, zero, Department of Public Safety Governor's transmittal letter dated February 10: Dear President Micciche: Under the authority of Article III, Section 18, of the Alaska Constitution, I am transmitting a bill which makes several statutory changes that will better protect Alaska’s crime victims. Under current law, crime victims are entitled to participate in bail hearings. However, that right is diminished when adequate notice is not provided. To provide adequate notice of bail hearings to victims, the bill requires a defendant to provide a written bail request, including details of the requested modification to bail, to the prosecutor 48 hours in advance of a bail hearing. A similar provision is also included for detention hearings in juvenile cases. It is our duty to ensure that victims can participate in the criminal justice process and providing adequate notice of bail hearings is vital for meaningful participation. Defendants often disregard the bail and conditions imposed in a case. This conduct turns our jails into revolving doors and is a drain on Alaska’s entire justice system. To help address this growing problem, the bill makes numerous statutory changes designed to help the court enforce its bail orders which are intended to ensure the appearance of the defendant and the safety of the victim and the community at large. The bill: (1) requires judges to issue written findings that explain how their bail orders will protect the victim and community and reasonably ensure that the defendant will appear in court; (2) creates a rebuttable presumption that the defendant will not appear and poses a danger to the victim or the community if the person has already repeatedly violated conditions of release; and (3) requires some additional time to be imposed for each conviction of violation of conditions of release 2022-02-15 Senate Journal Page 1804 under AS 11.56.757. These changes in the law provide the criminal justice system more tools, both pre- and post-trial, to address those persons who have no desire to comply with their conditions of release and who, therefore, pose a risk to the community. Currently, except in certain limited circumstances, hearsay evidence is prohibited at the grand jury phase of a case. Therefore, to obtain an indictment, prosecutors are required to bring each witness before the grand jury. This is similar to presenting evidence at trial and makes the grand jury process cumbersome and inefficient. This process also causes a hardship on the victim and witnesses. These individuals have already provided statements to law enforcement and are asked mere days later to come before the grand jury and relive what, for many, may be the most traumatic experience of their lives. The bill relaxes the rules and allows key witnesses, typically the officer in the case, to summarize the testimony of other witnesses. More than 30 other jurisdictions allow hearsay evidence to be presented at grand jury. This change will permit prosecutors to call fewer witnesses at the grand jury phase of the case and reduce the need for the victim to relive their trauma so soon after the crime occurred. It will also make the process more efficient and assist in reducing the backlog that was created when grand juries were suspended due to COVID-19. Historically, a defendant could only raise an error on appeal if the error was objected to when the alleged error occurred. The exception to this rule was when the error was deemed “plain.” An error was typically deemed to be plain if it affected substantial rights, was obvious, had a prejudicial impact, and the decision not to object was not a tactical decision. However, beginning in 2011 with its decision in Adams v. State, 261 P.3d 758 (Alaska 2011), the Alaska Supreme Court eroded 40 years of jurisprudence by reinterpreting how this rule is applied. Adams, and several other cases since Adams, have altered the interpretation of this rule, reversing the burden of proof - from the defendant (to show prejudice) - to the State (to prove, beyond a reasonable doubt, that any error was harmless), redefined the term “obvious” to include instances that are debatable to practitioners, and made it next to impossible to establish that a failure to object was a tactical decision. This new interpretation disincentivizes contemporaneous objections at trial. In 1980, the Alaska Supreme 2022-02-15 Senate Journal Page 1805 Court articulated why such a disincentive is bad policy: “An accused may not withhold an objection . . . . during a trial until an adverse verdict has been returned. This procedure would permit him to take a gambler's risk and complain only if the cards fell the wrong way.” Owens v. State, 613 P2d 259, 261 (Alaska 1980). Such a practice jeopardizes the integrity and fairness of the system. It also results in a significant drain of resources by shifting the burden proof, expanding the scope of errors deemed “plain”, and effectively asking the State to prove what a defense attorney was thinking several years prior. Returning this rule to its previous interpretation continues to provide protection of the defendant’s rights on appeal while also appropriately preserving the integrity of the conviction and the finality of the case for victims. Finally, the bill gives the Department of Corrections and Department of Public Safety additional tools to assist in monitoring offenders. All too often, individuals in the custody of the Department of Corrections who must register as a sex offender change their name without notifying these Departments. This makes those individuals difficult to monitor and creates a risk to both the victim and the community. The bill requires those who are under the jurisdiction of the Department of Corrections, and who must register as a sex offender with the Department of Public Safety, to notify those Departments when they file a petition to change their name with the court. The Department of Corrections will then notify the victim, and all parties will have the opportunity to provide information to the court. In addition, a person who is charged with a crime, but not yet convicted, must disclose that they have an open case to the court when applying to change their name. The court must then decide whether the name change meets multiple criteria, including that the change does not have a fraudulent purpose, or is not intended to hinder law enforcement. Requiring notification when an offender seeks to change their name will ensure that these Departments have appropriate oversight and can adequately monitor those offenders. I urge your prompt and favorable action on this measure. Sincerely, /s/ Mike Dunleavy Governor 2022-02-15 Senate Journal Page 1806 SB 189 SENATE BILL NO. 189 BY THE SENATE RULES COMMITTEE BY REQUEST OF THE GOVERNOR, entitled: "An Act relating to sex trafficking; establishing the crime of patron of a victim of sex trafficking; relating to the crime of human trafficking; relating to sentencing for sex trafficking and patron of a victim of sex trafficking; establishing the process for a vacatur of judgment for a conviction of prostitution; and providing for an effective date." was read the first time and referred to the Judiciary and Finance Committees. The following fiscal information was published today: Fiscal Note No. 1, Department of Administration Fiscal Note No. 2, Department of Administration Fiscal Note No. 3, zero, Department of Corrections Fiscal Note No. 4, zero, Department of Law Fiscal Note No. 5, zero, Department of Public Safety Fiscal Note No. 6, Department of Public Safety Governor's transmittal letter dated February 10: Dear President Micciche: Under the authority of Article III, Section 18, of the Alaska Constitution, I am transmitting a bill to clarify and improve Alaska’s sex trafficking and human trafficking laws; establish the crime of patron of a victim of sex trafficking; and create a process for a sex trafficking victim convicted of prostitution to have that conviction vacated. Alaska’s sex trafficking and human trafficking statutes do not adequately address the serious nature of these offenses or provide sufficient protections for underage victims. The current language in these statutes is archaic and fails to address the realities faced by individuals forced into the labor or sex trade, creating situations where victims are unaided, and perpetrators go undetected. 2022-02-15 Senate Journal Page 1807 The proposed legislation will restructure the human trafficking and sex trafficking statutes to address the realities of how these offenses are committed and to protect underage victims. It increases the penalties for all forms of trafficking placing the most serious classification on those crimes that use force to traffic an underage person. Sex trafficking in the first, second and third degrees are now treated as sex offenses for purposes of sentencing thereby enhancing the penalties. Sex trafficking in the first and second degrees would also require sex offender registration, while sex trafficking in the third would not require registration. The legislation also establishes the new crime of “patron of a victim of sex trafficking.” While it is crucial to target those who traffic individuals, it is equally important to address those who create a demand for victims of sex trafficking, specifically underage victims. The legislation also targets those who patronize those engaging in sex work. First, it increases the penalties for this conduct and establishes mandatory minimums based on the number of times a person is convicted. If a person is convicted three times within five years, the offense will become a felony. Sex trafficking would not exist without those who pay for sex. We cannot begin to address this scourge if we continue to look the other way as people continually fund the sex trafficking industry. Finally, the legislation establishes a mechanism by which a person convicted of prostitution can request the conviction be vacated if they were a victim of sex trafficking at the time of the prostitution offense. The threat of being charged with a crime is often something that traffickers will use to continue to control their victims. It is important for society to recognize that these victims often have no other choice, and they should not be treated as criminals when they are, in fact, victims themselves. Human trafficking and sex trafficking are insidious crimes that ruin lives. It is time that our statutes begin to adequately address the devastation this predatory conduct has on our society and protect those who need it most. 2022-02-15 Senate Journal Page 1808 I urge your prompt and favorable action on this measure. Sincerely, /s/ Mike Dunleavy Governor SB 190 SENATE BILL NO. 190 BY SENATOR MYERS, entitled: "An Act extending the termination date of the Regulatory Commission of Alaska; and providing for an effective date." was read the first time and referred to the Labor and Commerce and Finance Committees. SB 191 SENATE BILL NO. 191 BY SENATOR REINBOLD, entitled: "An Act repealing emergency powers of the commissioner of health and social services and certain provisions related to the response to the novel coronavirus disease; and providing for an effective date." was read the first time and referred to the Health and Social Services and Finance Committees. SB 192 SENATE BILL NO. 192 BY SENATOR KAWASAKI, entitled: "An Act relating to midwives and the practice of midwifery; relating to apprentice midwives; relating to the licensing of midwives; relating to insurance requirements for the practice of midwifery; 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. 2022-02-15 Senate Journal Page 1809 SB 193 SENATE BILL NO. 193 BY SENATOR MICCICHE, entitled: "An Act extending the termination date of the Board of Chiropractic Examiners; and providing for an effective date." was read the first time and referred to the Labor and Commerce and Finance Committees. SB 194 SENATE BILL NO. 194 BY SENATOR KAWASAKI, entitled: "An Act relating to electronic identification cards; relating to electronic drivers' licenses and permits; relating to motor vehicle liability insurance; and providing for an effective date." was read the first time and referred to the State Affairs and Finance Committees. SB 195 SENATE BILL NO. 195 BY SENATOR KIEHL, entitled: "An Act relating to the compensation of certain public officials, officers, and employees not covered by collective bargaining agreements; and providing for an effective date." was read the first time and referred to the State Affairs and Finance Committees. SB 196 SENATE BILL NO. 196 BY SENATOR REINBOLD, entitled: "An Act relating to transparency and compelled speech in public education." was read the first time and referred to the Education and Judiciary Committees. 2022-02-15 Senate Journal Page 1810 Consideration of the Calendar Second Reading of Senate Bills SB 72 SENATE BILL NO. 72 "An Act relating to civics education, civics examinations, and secondary school graduation requirements; and providing for an effective date" was read the second time. Senator Bishop, Cochair, moved and asked unanimous consent for the adoption of the Finance Committee Substitute offered on page 1763. Senator Begich objected, then withdrew his objection. There being no further objection, CS FOR SENATE BILL NO. 72(FIN) "An Act relating to civics education, civics assessments, and secondary school graduation requirements; and providing for an effective date" was adopted. President Micciche stated CS FOR SENATE BILL NO. 72(FIN) will advance to third reading on the February 16 calendar. SB 143 SENATE BILL NO. 143 "An Act relating to horizontal property regimes and common interest communities; and relating to mortgages, deeds of trust, and other property liens" was read the second time. President Micciche stated SENATE BILL NO. 143 will advance to third reading on the February 16 calendar. Third Reading of Senate Bills SB 33 CS FOR SENATE BILL NO.33(FIN) "An Act relating to a fisheries product development tax credit; and providing for an effective date" was read the third time. Senator Wilson moved and asked unanimous consent to abstain from voting due to a conflict of interest. Objections were heard and Senator Wilson was required to vote. 2022-02-15 Senate Journal Page 1811 The question being: "Shall CS FOR SENATE BILL NO. 33(FIN) "An Act relating to a fisheries product development tax credit; and providing for an effective date" pass the Senate?" The roll was taken with the following result: CSSB 33(FIN) Third Reading - Final Passage Effective Date(s) YEAS: 20 NAYS: 0 EXCUSED: 0 ABSENT: 0 Yeas: Begich, Bishop, Costello, Gray-Jackson, Hoffman, Holland, Hughes, Kawasaki, Kiehl, Micciche, Myers, Olson, Reinbold, Revak, Shower, Stedman, Stevens, von Imhof, Wielechowski, Wilson and so, CS FOR SENATE BILL NO. 33(FIN) 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. Citations In Memoriam - Frank Wilton Sharp Senator(s) Stedman Representative(s) Kreiss-Tomkins Senator Hughes moved and asked unanimous consent the citation be adopted. Without objection, the citation was adopted and referred to the Secretary for transmittal. Senator Hughes moved and asked unanimous consent the following citation be made a special order of business. Without objection, it was so ordered. 2022-02-15 Senate Journal Page 1812 Special Order of Business Honoring - Toras J. Fisk Representative(s) Vance Senator Hughes moved and asked unanimous consent the citation be adopted. Without objection, the citation was adopted and referred to the Secretary for transmittal. Unfinished Business SB 157 Senator Begich moved and asked unanimous consent to be shown as a cosponsor on SENATE BILL NO. 157 "An Act relating to health and personal safety education; and providing for an effective date." Without objection, it was so ordered. SB 156 Senators Costello, Hughes moved and asked unanimous consent to be shown as cosponsors on SENATE BILL NO. 156 "An Act relating to COVID-19 immunization rights; and relating to objection to the administration of a COVID-19 vaccine." Without objection, it was so ordered. Senator Holland moved and asked unanimous consent to be excused from a call of the Senate from afternoon plane time, February 17 through morning plane time, February 22. Without objection, Senator Holland was excused. HCR 2 Senator Kawasaki moved and asked unanimous consent to be shown as a cross sponsor on HOUSE CONCURRENT RESOLUTION NO. 2, Supporting the Alaska Ocean Cluster in its mission, efforts, and vision for a vibrant coastal economy in the state, its promotion of a diversified and resilient state economy that creates value from ocean resources, and its building of a statewide integrated ecosystem of innovation and entrepreneurship relating to the state's ocean economy. Without objection, it was so ordered. 2022-02-15 Senate Journal Page 1813 HB 198 Senators Kawasaki, Gray-Jackson moved and asked unanimous consent to be shown as cross sponsors on HOUSE BILL NO. 198 "An Act establishing September 10 as Alaska Community Health Aide Appreciation Day." Without objection, it was so ordered. SB 72 Senators Myers, Revak, Stedman, Kawasaki, Costello, von Imhof, moved and asked unanimous consent to be shown as cosponsors on CS FOR SENATE BILL NO. 72(FIN) "An Act relating to civics education, civics assessments, and secondary school graduation requirements; and providing for an effective date." Without objection, it was so ordered. HB 123 Senator Hoffman moved and asked unanimous consent to be shown as a cross sponsor on HOUSE BILL NO. 123 "An Act providing for state recognition of federally recognized tribes; and providing for an effective date." Without objection, it was so ordered. SCR 9 Senators Gray-Jackson, Costello moved and asked unanimous consent to be shown as cosponsors on SENATE CONCURRENT RESOLUTION NO. 9, Proclaiming February 2022 as American Heart Month. Without objection, it was so ordered. Announcements Announcements are at the end of the journal. Special Orders Senator Olson moved and asked unanimous consent the Senate observe a moment of silence in memory of the Honorable Johnny Ellis, who served as a member of the Alaska Senate (1993-2016). Without objection, the Senate observed a moment of silence. 2022-02-15 Senate Journal Page 1814 Engrossment SB 33 CS FOR SENATE BILL NO. 33(FIN) "An Act relating to a fisheries product development tax credit; 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 11:00 a.m., February 16, 2022. Without objection, the Senate adjourned at 12:10 p.m. Liz Clark Secretary of the Senate 2022-02-15 Senate Journal Page 1815 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 15 Tuesday Beltz 105 (tsbldg) 3:30 PM + SB 181 IDENTIFICATION OF CONTRACTOR IN ADS -- Public Testimony -- + SB 177 MICROREACTORS Presentation: Small Scale Nuclear Power: An Option for Alaska? by Gwen Holdmann, Alaska Center for Energy and Power, University of Alaska Fairbanks + Bills Previously Heard/Scheduled **Streamed live on AKL.tv** Feb 17 Thursday Beltz 105 (tsbldg) 3:30 PM + SB 177 MICROREACTORS -- Testimony <Invitation Only> -- Presentation: An Overview of Microreactor Concepts & Safety by Dr. Ashley Finan, Director, National Reactor Innovation Center + SB 172 PROPERTY TAX EXEMPTION Presentation: Sen. Bill Wielechowski & Nick Moe, Staff for Sen. Wielechowski + Bills Previously Heard/Scheduled **Streamed live on AKL.tv** 2022-02-15 Senate Journal Page 1816 EDUCATION Feb 16 Wednesday Butrovich 205 9:00 AM + Consideration of Governor’s Appointees: Kim Bergey, Professional Teaching Practices Commission += SB 34 STATE-TRIBAL EDUCATION COMPACT SCHOOLS + SB 174 ALLOW NATURAL HAIRSTYLES + SB 112 STUDENT TRANSPORTATION PLANNING <Bill Hearing Canceled> + Bills Previously Heard/Scheduled Feb 18 Friday Butrovich 205 9:00 AM No Meeting Scheduled ---------------------------------------- FINANCE Feb 15 Tuesday Senate Finance 532 9:00 AM += SB 111 EARLY EDUCATION; READING INTERVENTION Invited Testimony - Department of Education & Early Development + Bills Previously Heard/Scheduled Feb 15 Tuesday Senate Finance 532 1:00 PM -- MEETING CANCELED -- + Bills Previously Heard/Scheduled Feb 16 Wednesday Senate Finance 532 9:00 AM += SB 164 APPROP: CAP; REAPPROP; SUPP Department of Education & Early Development FY23 Capital Request + Bills Previously Heard/Scheduled Feb 16 Wednesday Senate Finance 532 1:00 PM + Bills Previously Heard/Scheduled Feb 17 Thursday Senate Finance 532 9:00 AM + Governor's FY23 Budget Amendments Neil Steininger, Director of OMB + Bills Previously Heard/Scheduled Feb 17 Thursday Senate Finance 532 1:00 PM + Bills Previously Heard/Scheduled 2022-02-15 Senate Journal Page 1817 FINANCE (continued) Feb 18 Friday Senate Finance 532 9:00 AM + PRS / TRS Update Ajay Desai, Director of Division of Retirement & Benefits Kevin Worley, Chief Finance Officer, Division of Retirement & Benefits Emily Ricci, Health Care Policy Administrator Jim Puckett, Chief Pension Officer + Bills Previously Heard/Scheduled ---------------------------------------- HEALTH & SOCIAL SERVICES Feb 15 Tuesday Butrovich 205 1:30 PM += HB 133 AK ED SAVINGS PROGRAMS/ELIGIBILITY + Bills Previously Heard/Scheduled Feb 17 Thursday Butrovich 205 1:30 PM + Consideration of Governor's Appointees: State Medical Board - Dr. Matt Heilala, David Wilson -- Public Testimony on Appointees -- + SB 184 SETTLEMENT TRUSTS & BENEFITS ELIGIBILITY -- Invited & Public Testimony -- + Bills Previously Heard/Scheduled ---------------------------------------- JUDICIARY Feb 16 Wednesday Butrovich 205 1:30 PM + SB 182 INTERFERENCE WITH EMERGENCY SERVICES -- Public Testimony -- += SB 7 STATE TROOPER POLICIES: PUBLIC ACCESS -- Public Testimony -- += SB 31 PROHIBITING BINDING CAUCUSES + Bills Previously Heard/Scheduled Feb 18 Friday Butrovich 205 1:30 PM No Meeting Scheduled 2022-02-15 Senate Journal Page 1818 LABOR & COMMERCE Feb 16 Wednesday Beltz 105 (tsbldg) 1:30 PM + Consideration of Governor’s Appointees: Alaska Labor Relations Agency -- Paula Harrison Board of Examiners in Optometry -- Kathleen Rice Board of Pharmacy -- Ramsey Bell Alcoholic Beverage Control Board -- Douglas Moore Board of Veterinary Examiners -- Ciara Vollaro Workers Compensation Appeals Commission -- Stephen Hagedorn -- Public Testimony on all appointees -- + Bills Previously Heard/Scheduled **Streamed live on AKL.tv** Feb 18 Friday Beltz 105 (tsbldg) 1:30 PM No Meeting Scheduled ---------------------------------------- RESOURCES Feb 16 Wednesday Butrovich 205 3:30 PM += SB 121 PFAS USE & REMEDIATION; FIRE/WATER SAFETY -- Invited & Public Testimony -- + Bills Previously Heard/Scheduled **Streamed live on AKL.tv** Feb 18 Friday Butrovich 205 3:30 PM + Bills Previously Heard/Scheduled **Streamed live on AKL.tv** 2022-02-15 Senate Journal Page 1819 STATE AFFAIRS Feb 15 Tuesday Butrovich 205 3:30 PM += SB 136 LIMITATIONS ON FIREARMS RESTRICTIONS -- Public Testimony -- + SB 152 LEGISLATIVE SESSIONS IN ANCHORAGE -- Public Testimony -- += HB 148 ALASKA COORDINATE SYSTEM OF 2022 += SB 145 LEGISLATOR RETROACTIVE PER DIEM += SB 147 ORGAN DONATION; ADL RENEWAL <Bill Hearing Canceled> += SB 92 MISSING PERSONS UNDER 21 YEARS OLD += HB 123 STATE RECOGNITION OF TRIBES -- Public Testimony <Time Limit May Be Set> -- + Bills Previously Heard/Scheduled Feb 17 Thursday Butrovich 205 3:30 PM + SB 161 POLITICAL PARTY DEFINITION + HB 157 APOC; REPORT REFERENDA/RECALL CONTRIBUTOR += SB 115 ADDRESS CONFIDENTIALITY PROGRAM + SJR 20 URGE PASSAGE OF HEARING PROTECTION ACT -- Public Testimony -- + Bills Previously Heard/Scheduled: += SB 66 MEMBERS LEG COUNCIL; LEG BUDGET & AUDIT **Streamed live on AKL.tv** ---------------------------------------- TRANSPORTATION Feb 15 Tuesday Beltz 105 (tsbldg) 1:30 PM + SB 150 TRUCK DRIVER APPRECIATION DAY -- Invited & Public Testimony -- += SB 166 G.O. BONDS FOR INFRASTRUCTURE PROJECTS -- Invited & Public Testimony -- + Bills Previously Heard/Scheduled Feb 17 Thursday Beltz 105 (tsbldg) 1:30 PM + SB 170 MARINE HIGHWAY CORPORATION + Bills Previously Heard/Scheduled 2022-02-15 Senate Journal Page 1820 JOINT COMMITTEES REDISTRICTING BOARD Feb 16 Wednesday By Teleconference 11:00 AM Adoption of December 15 meeting minutes Review of Superior Court Decision, Matt Singer, Schwabe Executive Session if appropriate to discuss litigation strategy Possible board action re: litigation matters https://zoom.us/j/92867665317?pwd=NmlCVG50aDNudC9 DVjNJcElVbGp2QT09 ---------------------------------------- OTHER MEETINGS JOINT SESSION Feb 22 Tuesday House Chamber 11:00 AM Annual Address by Lisa Murkowski, U.S. Senator ---------------------------------------- MISCELLANEOUS MEETINGS Feb 22 Tuesday Butrovich 205 12:00 PM Lunch & Learn Presentation: Affordable, Sustainable Housing by Mindy O'Neall, Executive Director of the Cold Climate Research Center Sponsored by Senator Kawasaki