Legislature(2023 - 2024)
2024-01-24 House Journal
Full Journal pdf2024-01-24 House Journal Page 1339 HOUSE JOURNAL ALASKA STATE LEGISLATURE THIRTY-THIRD LEGISLATURE SECOND SESSION Juneau, Alaska Wednesday January 24, 2024 Ninth Day Pursuant to adjournment the House was called to order by Speaker Tilton at 11:02 a.m. Roll call showed 39 members present. Representative Saddler moved and asked unanimous consent that Representative Allard be excused from a call of the House today. There being no objection, it was so ordered. The invocation was offered by the Chaplain, The Reverend Gordon Blue, of the Holy Trinity Episcopal Church. Representative Vance moved and asked unanimous consent that the invocation be spread on the journal. There being no objection, it was so ordered. With the deepest respect for the religious beliefs of all Alaskans, I offer the following prayers: Creator of life, redeemer of the afflicted and spirit of grace, In this season, the Epiphany, the northern infancy of light, we celebrate our homes and ask your blessing upon them. Make this building the home of blessings for all Alaskans. Let the mighty power of justice be present in this place to banish from it every unclean spirit, to cleanse it from every residue of evil, and to make it a secure habitation for the home of Alaskan blessings. 2024-01-24 House Journal Page 1340 Let us pray. Sovereign Lord, you are the alpha and omega, the beginning and the end. Send your servants out from this place on many errands, be their constant companion in the way, and welcome them upon their return, so that coming and going they may be sustained by your presence. Visit, O blessed Lord, this House with the gladness of your presence. Bless all who work here with the gift of your love, and grant that they may manifest your respect to each other and to all whose lives they touch. Let them make me a sanctuary, that I may dwell in their midst, says the Lord. Lift up your hands in the holy place and bless the Lord. Amen. The Pledge of Allegiance was led by Representative C. Johnson. CERTIFICATION OF THE JOURNAL Representative Saddler moved and asked unanimous consent that the journal for the seventh and eighth legislative days be approved as certified by the Chief Clerk. There being no objection, it was so ordered. COMMUNICATIONS A letter dated January 19 was received from Peter J. Maassen, Chief Justice of the Alaska Supreme Court, stating that he nominated the following public members to serve on the Select Committee on Legislative Ethics pursuant to AS 24.60.130 and 24.60.131: Dennis "Skip" Cook Joyce Anderson Rachel Kelly - alternate The Speaker referred the appointment to the Judiciary Committee. 2024-01-24 House Journal Page 1341 The following was received: Legislative Affairs Agency Division of Legal and Research Services 2023 Cumulative Table of Alaska Session Laws Amended, Added, Referenced, or Repealed Through the First Regular Session and the rd First Special Session of the 33 Alaska State Legislature REPORTS OF STANDING COMMITTEES HB 115 The Labor & Commerce Committee considered: HOUSE BILL NO. 115 "An Act relating to the practice of naturopathy; establishing the Naturopathy Advisory Board; relating to the licensure of naturopaths; relating to disciplinary sanctions for naturopaths; relating to the Department of Commerce, Community, and Economic Development; and providing for an effective date." and recommends it be replaced with: CS FOR HOUSE BILL NO. 115(L&C) "An Act relating to the practice of naturopathy; establishing the Naturopathy Board; relating to the licensure of naturopaths; relating to disciplinary sanctions for naturopaths; relating to the Department of Commerce, Community, and Economic Development; and providing for an effective date." The report was signed by Representative Sumner, Chair, with the following individual recommendations: Do pass (1): Prax Do not pass (2): Fields, Sumner No recommendation (2): Carrick, Ruffridge Amend (2): Saddler, Wright 2024-01-24 House Journal Page 1342 The following fiscal note(s) apply to CSHB 115(L&C): 3. Zero, Dept. of Public Safety 4. Fiscal, Dept. of Commerce, Community, & Economic Development HB 115 was referred to the Rules Committee. HB 143 The Labor & Commerce Committee considered: HOUSE BILL NO. 143 "An Act relating to the Department of Environmental Conservation; relating to advanced recycling and advanced recycling facilities; relating to waste; and providing for an effective date." and recommends it be replaced with: CS FOR HOUSE BILL NO. 143(RES) (same title) The report was signed by Representative Sumner, Chair, with the following individual recommendations: Do pass (5): Saddler, Prax, Wright, Ruffridge, Sumner Amend (2): Carrick, Fields The following fiscal note(s) apply to CSHB 143(RES): 2. Zero, Dept. of Environmental Conservation HB 143 was referred to the Rules Committee. HB 169 The Resources Committee considered: HOUSE BILL NO. 169 "An Act relating to certain fish; and establishing a fisheries rehabilitation permit." 2024-01-24 House Journal Page 1343 and recommends it be replaced with: CS FOR HOUSE BILL NO. 169(FSH) (same title) The report was signed by Representative McKay, Chair, with the following individual recommendations: Do pass (7): Dibert, McCabe, Saddler, Wright, Baker, Rauscher, McKay No recommendation (2): Mears, Armstrong The following fiscal note(s) apply to CSHB 169(FSH): 2. Fiscal, Dept. of Fish & Game HB 169 was referred to the Rules Committee. SB 140 The Rules Committee considered: CS FOR SENATE BILL NO. 140(FIN) "An Act relating to funding for Internet services for school districts; and providing for an effective date." and recommends it be replaced with: HOUSE CS FOR CS FOR SENATE BILL NO. 140(RLS) "An Act relating to education; providing for an effective date by repealing the effective date of secs. 1, 2, and 21, ch. 61, SLA 2014; and providing for an effective date." (HCR 4 – title change resolution) The report was signed by Representative C. Johnson, Chair, with the following individual recommendations: Do pass (1): C. Johnson 2024-01-24 House Journal Page 1344 Amend (5): Sumner, Tilton, Shaw, Schrage, Allard The following fiscal note(s) apply to HCS CSSB 140(RLS): 5. Zero, Dept. of Education & Early Development 6. Zero, Dept. of Education & Early Development 7. Fiscal, Dept. of Education & Early Development 8. Fiscal, Dept. of Education & Early Development 9. Fiscal, Dept. of Education & Early Development 10. Fiscal, Dept. of Education & Early Development 11. Fiscal, Dept. of Education & Early Development 12. Fiscal, Dept. of Education & Early Development/Fund Capitalization CSSB 140(FIN) was returned to the Rules Committee. INTRODUCTION, FIRST READING, AND REFERENCE OF HOUSE RESOLUTIONS HR 9 HOUSE RESOLUTION NO. 9 by Representative Josephson: Recognizing the rights of parents, teachers, and students in educational settings. was read the first time and referred to the Education Committee. INTRODUCTION, FIRST READING, AND REFERENCE OF HOUSE BILLS HB 286 HOUSE BILL NO. 286 by Representatives Coulombe and Gray, entitled: "An Act relating to victim restitution and compensation." was read the first time and referred to the State Affairs Committee. HB 287 HOUSE BILL NO. 287 by Representative Rauscher, entitled: 2024-01-24 House Journal Page 1345 "An Act relating to public notice for certain state actions and public hearings; and providing for an effective date." was read the first time and referred to the State Affairs Committee. HB 288 HOUSE BILL NO. 288 by the House Rules Committee by request of the Governor, entitled: "An Act renaming Fairbanks International Airport as Don Young Fairbanks International Airport; and providing for an effective date." was read the first time and referred to the Transportation and Finance Committees. The following fiscal note(s) apply: 1. Fiscal, Dept. of Transportation & Public Facilities The Governor's transmittal letter dated January 22 follows: "Dear Speaker Tilton: Under the authority of Article III, Section 18 of the Alaska Constitution, I am transmitting a bill renaming the Fairbanks International Airport to Don Young Fairbanks International Airport. This bill recognizes Donald Edwin "Don" Young for his lifetime of service to the State of Alaska and advocacy for the construction, maintenance, and safety of the State's transportation infrastructure. Don Young advanced transportation development while serving in both chambers of the Alaska State Legislature and throughout his tenure as the longest-serving Republican Congressman in the nation's history. As a state legislator, Young championed legislation to modernize Alaska's air commerce system and require that aircraft be outfitted with radio beacon devices for emergency rescue. In Congress, Young served as chair of the House Transportation and Infrastructure Committee and sponsored numerous bills to reshape 2024-01-24 House Journal Page 1346 infrastructure and safety requirements. His efforts with particular impact in Alaska include funding Alaskan ferry and ferry terminal projects, the Alaska highway program, Alaska Railroad passenger operations improvements, and the construction of roads and surface infrastructure in Alaska Native villages and rural communities. Young was also keenly aware of the vital role of air transportation in Alaska and sponsored bills to streamline airline communication to reduce flight delays, provide economic support for the continued operation of airlines affected by the terrorist attacks on September 11, 2001, protect pilots from in-flight dangers, and authorize improvement grants for small airport safety infrastructure. By renaming the Fairbanks International Airport to the Don Young Fairbanks International Airport, the State honors Don Young at a place that epitomizes the importance of Alaska's transportation infrastructure and where the immense benefits of his advocacy can be enjoyed by Alaskans and visitors every day. I urge your prompt and favorable action on this measure. Sincerely, /s/ Mike Dunleavy Governor" HB 289 HOUSE BILL NO. 289 by the House Rules Committee by request of the Governor, entitled: "An Act relating to business license fees; and providing for an effective date." was read the first time and referred to the Labor & Commerce and Finance Committees. The following fiscal note(s) apply: 1. Fiscal, Dept. of Commerce, Community, & Economic Development 2024-01-24 House Journal Page 1347 The Governor's transmittal letter dated January 22 follows: "Dear Speaker Tilton: Under the authority of Article III, Section 18 of the Alaska Constitution, I am transmitting a bill increasing business license fees. The Alaska Business License Act (Act) requires that a person obtain and pay for a business license from the Department of Commerce, Community, and Economic Development (DCCED), prior to engaging in business in the State. The Act sets the fees for business licenses and for license endorsements that permit a business to sell tobacco products. This bill would increase these statutory fees. The bill would increase the fee for a business license from $50 to $100 per year. The Act includes an exception for certain sole proprietorships owned by individuals 65 years or older and disabled veterans, which sets a lower fee of $25 for these businesses. The bill would increase those licenses to $50. Tobacco endorsements would be increased from $100 to $200 annually. The bill would have an effective date of October 1, 2024, to allow DCCED time to update its forms and public information in advance of license renewals at the start of the upcoming calendar year. I urge your prompt and favorable action on this measure. Sincerely, /s/ Mike Dunleavy Governor" HB 290 HOUSE BILL NO. 290 by the House Rules Committee by request of the Governor, entitled: "An Act relating to the issuance of certificates of fitness for plumbers and electricians; relating to fees for certificates of fitness for plumbers and electricians; and providing for an effective date." was read the first time and referred to the Labor & Commerce and Finance Committees. 2024-01-24 House Journal Page 1348 The following fiscal note(s) apply: 1. Fiscal, Dept. of Labor & Workforce Development The Governor's transmittal letter dated January 22 follows: "Dear Speaker Tilton: Under the authority of Article III, Section 18 of the Alaska Constitution, I am transmitting a bill to authorize the Department of Labor and Workforce Development to issue a six-year trainee certificate of fitness for plumbers and electricians as opposed to the current two-year certificate. The bill maintains the current two-year certification requirement for journeyman level plumbers and electricians. Passage of this bill will allow plumber and electrician trainees to complete their 8,000 hours of work experience without having to renew their license. Currently, apprentice hours completed under an expired two-year certificate of fitness do not count towards the 8,000 hour requirement. By expanding the duration of the trainee certificate, trainee plumbers and electricians will be able to complete the apprenticeship programs with minimal expense and delay. Plumbing and electrical services are lagging behind capacity in Alaska. This professional trade gap significantly impacts the ability of public and private sectors to fully-staff development and infrastructure projects that are needed to maintain and advance Alaska's economy. This bill addresses this bottleneck by encouraging people to enter into the plumbing and electrical trades by lowering costs and bureaucratic barriers while simultaneously maintaining the high standards for professional development that Alaskans expect. Under the bill, currently certificated plumbing and electrical trainees are eligible for the new six-year certificate without the need to re-apply. I urge your prompt and favorable action on this measure. Sincerely, /s/ Mike Dunleavy Governor" 2024-01-24 House Journal Page 1349 HB 291 HOUSE BILL NO. 291 by Representative Wright, entitled: "An Act relating to reports of Alaska Native Claims Settlement Act corporations." was read the first time and referred to the House Special Committee on Arctic Policy, Economic Development, & Tourism. HB 292 HOUSE BILL NO. 292 by Representative Wright, entitled: "An Act authorizing the Alaska Housing Finance Corporation to acquire or purchase a building that it occupies for an amount that does not exceed $9,000,000; and providing for an effective date." was read the first time and referred to the Finance Committee. CONSIDERATION OF THE DAILY CALENDAR LEGISLATIVE CITATIONS Representative Saddler moved and asked unanimous consent that the House approve the citations on the calendar. Representative McKay objected to the citation, Honoring – Bill and Barbara Webb, offered remarks, and withdrew the objection. Representative Eastman objected to the citation, In Memoriam – Victor Fischer, offered remarks, and withdrew the objection. There being no further objection, the following citations were approved and sent to enrolling: Honoring – Bill and Barbara Webb By Representative McKay In Memoriam – Victor Fischer By Representatives Josephson, Fields; Senator Gray-Jackson 2024-01-24 House Journal Page 1350 In Memoriam – Joseph Emil Usibelli, Senior By Senators Bishop, Kawasaki UNFINISHED BUSINESS Representative Saddler 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 Shaw – from noon, February 22 to 9:00 p.m., February 25 Representative Stapp – from 6:00 p.m., February 15 to 1:00 p.m., February 18 HB 115 The Speaker added a House Finance Committee referral for the following: HOUSE BILL NO. 115 "An Act relating to the practice of naturopathy; establishing the Naturopathy Advisory Board; relating to the licensure of naturopaths; relating to disciplinary sanctions for naturopaths; relating to the Department of Commerce, Community, and Economic Development; and providing for an effective date." HB 115 was referred to the Finance Committee. HB 147 Representative Himschoot added as a cosponsor to: HOUSE BILL NO. 147 "An Act relating to teacher certificates for retired teachers." HB 229 Representatives Gray and Armstrong added as cosponsors to: HOUSE BILL NO. 229 "An Act establishing Alaska Veterans' Poppy Day; and providing for an effective date." 2024-01-24 House Journal Page 1351 HB 234 Representative Armstrong added as a cosponsor to: HOUSE BILL NO. 234 "An Act relating to police officer training; establishing the Missing and Murdered Indigenous Persons Review Commission; relating to missing and murdered indigenous persons; relating to the duties of the Department of Public Safety; and providing for an effective date." HB 235 Representative Armstrong added as a cosponsor to: HOUSE BILL NO. 235 "An Act relating to the duty of law enforcement agencies to report missing persons; and relating to missing persons." HB 237 Representative Himschoot added as a cosponsor to: HOUSE BILL NO. 237 "An Act relating to temporary permits for nurses with lapsed licenses." HB 247 Representative Himschoot added as a cosponsor to: HOUSE BILL NO. 247 "An Act relating to funding for reading improvement plans." ANNOUNCEMENTS House committee schedules are published under separate cover. ADJOURNMENT Representative Saddler moved and asked unanimous consent that the House adjourn until 11:00 a.m., January 26. There being no objection, the House adjourned at 11:50 a.m. Crystaline Jones Chief Clerk