Legislature(2023 - 2024)
2024-03-06 House Journal
Full Journal pdf2024-03-06 House Journal Page 1723 HOUSE JOURNAL ALASKA STATE LEGISLATURE THIRTY-THIRD LEGISLATURE SECOND SESSION Juneau, Alaska Wednesday March 6, 2024 Fifty-first Day Pursuant to adjournment the House was called to order by Speaker Tilton at 11:01 a.m. Roll call showed 40 members present. The invocation was offered by the Chaplain, Pastor Nancy Campbell of White Fields 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 respect for the religious beliefs of each person here, I offer this prayer: Dear Heavenly Father, I pray that you fill this chamber with your peace and that you abide here with the representatives as they meet together this day. Give them understanding and a working unity to address the matters set before them. Let their ears be attuned to hear one another and consider the many ideas and listen for your wisdom. I pray for clarity for them and an excitement in this journey they are on in this session; companions marching together; moving our state forward towards the bright future you have for us. Thank you, Lord, for your great love and for the plans you have laid up in store for us, plans for a future and a hope. (Jeremiah 29:11) 2024-03-06 House Journal Page 1724 And now I pray the joy of the Lord be your strength and that he keep you in all your ways, in your comings and goings. I pray this in Jesus' name. Amen. The Pledge of Allegiance was led by Representative Vance. CERTIFICATION OF THE JOURNAL Representative Saddler moved and asked unanimous consent that the journal for the 49th and 50th legislative days be approved as certified by the Chief Clerk. There being no objection, it was so ordered. MESSAGES FROM THE SENATE A message dated March 4 was read stating the Senate accepted the House invitation to meet in joint session at 10:30 a.m., March 12 for the purpose of considering Senate Special Concurrent Resolutions regarding the Governor's Executive Orders. COMMUNICATIONS The following was received: Dept. of Administration Office of Administrative Hearings Twentieth Annual Report to the Governor and the Legislature January 31, 2024 (as required by AS 44.64.020) REPORTS OF STANDING COMMITTEES HB 67 The Judiciary Committee considered: HOUSE BILL NO. 67 "An Act relating to criminal law and procedure; relating to the crime of stalking; relating to consecutive sentencing for violation of conditions of release; relating to the duty to register as a sex offender; amending the definition of 'sex offense'; amending the 2024-03-06 House Journal Page 1725 definition of 'crime involving domestic violence'; relating to multidisciplinary child protection teams; amending Rule 6(r), Alaska Rules of Criminal Procedure; and providing for an effective date." and recommends it be replaced with: CS FOR HOUSE BILL NO. 67(JUD) "An Act relating to criminal law and procedure; relating to grand juries; relating to the crime of stalking; relating to consecutive sentencing for violation of conditions of release; relating to the duty to register as a sex offender; amending the definition of 'sex offense'; amending the definition of 'crime involving domestic violence'; relating to multidisciplinary child protection teams; amending Rules 5(e), 6, and 6.1, Alaska Rules of Criminal Procedure; repealing Rules 6.1(b)(2) and (3), Alaska Rules of Criminal Procedure; and providing for an effective date." The report was signed by Representative Vance, Chair, with the following individual recommendations: Do pass (4): C. Johnson, Carpenter, Allard, Vance Amend (2): Gray, Groh The following fiscal note(s) apply to CSHB 67(JUD): 6. Zero, Dept. of Corrections 7. Zero, Alaska Judiciary System 8. Zero, Dept. of Law 9. Zero, Dept. of Public Safety 10. Fiscal, Dept. of Administration 11. Fiscal, Dept. of Administration HB 67 was referred to the Finance Committee. HB 126 The Finance Committee considered: HOUSE BILL NO. 126 "An Act relating to the Board of Professional Counselors; and relating to licensing of associate counselors." 2024-03-06 House Journal Page 1726 The report was signed by Representatives D. Johnson and Foster, Co- chairs, with the following individual recommendations: Do pass (6): Coulombe, Hannan, Galvin, Stapp, D. Johnson, Foster No recommendation (3): Cronk, Ortiz, Josephson The following fiscal note(s) apply: 4. Zero, Dept. of Health 5. Zero, Dept. of Health 6. Zero, Dept. of Health 7. Fiscal, Dept. of Commerce, Community, & Economic Development HB 126 was referred to the Rules Committee. HB 196 The Health & Social Services Committee considered: HOUSE BILL NO. 196 "An Act relating to the supplemental nutrition assistance program; and providing for an effective date." The report was signed by Representative Prax, Chair, with the following individual recommendations: Do pass (7): Fields, Sumner, Ruffridge, McCormick, Saddler, Mina, Prax The following fiscal note(s) apply: 1. Fiscal, Dept. of Health 2. Fiscal, Dept. of Health HB 196 was referred to the Finance Committee. HB 316 The State Affairs Committee considered: 2024-03-06 House Journal Page 1727 HOUSE BILL NO. 316 "An Act relating to law enforcement requests for wireless telephone location information in emergencies." and recommends it be replaced with: CS FOR HOUSE BILL NO. 316(STA) "An Act relating to law enforcement requests for wireless device location information in emergencies; and providing for an effective date." The report was signed by Representative Shaw, Chair, with the following individual recommendations: Do pass (7): Wright, Carpenter, C. Johnson, Allard, Carrick, Story, Shaw The following fiscal note(s) apply to CSHB 316(STA): 1. Zero, Dept. of Public Safety HB 316 was referred to the Rules Committee. HB 341 The Transportation Committee considered: HOUSE BILL NO. 341 "An Act naming the Marvin Thurmond Galena Maintenance and Operation Station." The report was signed by Representative McCabe, Chair, with the following individual recommendations: Do pass (7): Mina, Stutes, McKay, Vance, Sumner, C. Johnson, McCabe The following fiscal note(s) apply: 1. Zero, Dept. of Transportation & Public Facilities HB 341 was referred to the Rules Committee. 2024-03-06 House Journal Page 1728 HB 343 The Health & Social Services Committee considered: HOUSE BILL NO. 343 "An Act relating to medical assistance coverage for rehabilitative, mandatory, and optional services furnished or paid for by a school district on behalf of certain children." The report was signed by Representative Prax, Chair, with the following individual recommendations: Do pass (6): Fields, Sumner, Ruffridge, McCormick, Mina, Prax No recommendation (1): Saddler The following fiscal note(s) apply: 1. Zero, Dept. of Education & Early Development 2. Zero, Dept. of Health 3. Zero, Dept. of Health HB 343 was referred to the Rules Committee. HB 344 The Health & Social Services Committee considered: HOUSE BILL NO. 344 "An Act relating to medical assistance demonstration projects established by the Department of Health." The report was signed by Representative Prax, Chair, with the following individual recommendations: Do pass (7): Fields, Sumner, Ruffridge, McCormick, Saddler, Mina, Prax The following fiscal note(s) apply: 1. Zero, Dept. of Health HB 344 was referred to the Rules Committee. 2024-03-06 House Journal Page 1729 HB 371 The Health & Social Services Committee considered: HOUSE BILL NO. 371 "An Act relating to medical review organizations; relating to the definitions of 'health care provider' and 'review organization'; and relating to the duties of the chief medical officer in the Department of Health." The report was signed by Representative Prax, Chair, with the following individual recommendations: Do pass (4): Fields, Ruffridge, Mina, Prax Do not pass (1): Sumner No recommendation (2): McCormick, Saddler The following fiscal note(s) apply: 1. Zero, Dept. of Health HB 371 was referred to the Rules Committee. REPORTS OF SPECIAL COMMITTEES HB 228 The House Special Committee on Military & Veterans' Affairs considered: HOUSE BILL NO. 228 "An Act establishing the Alaska mental health and psychedelic medicine task force; and providing for an effective date." and recommends it be replaced with: CS FOR HOUSE BILL NO. 228(MLV) (same title) The report was signed by Representative Wright, Chair, with the following individual recommendations: 2024-03-06 House Journal Page 1730 Do not pass (1): Saddler No recommendation (4): Groh, Carpenter, Shaw, Wright Amend (1): Gray The following fiscal note(s) apply to CSHB 228(MLV): 1. Zero, Dept. of Commerce, Community, & Economic Development HB 228 was referred to the State Affairs Committee. HB 312 The House Special Committee on Military & Veterans' Affairs considered: HOUSE BILL NO. 312 "An Act relating to the appointment of an assistant adjutant general; and providing for an effective date." The report was signed by Representative Wright, Chair, with the following individual recommendations: Do pass (5): Rauscher, Saddler, Carpenter, Shaw, Wright No recommendation (2): Gray, Groh The following fiscal note(s) apply: 1. Zero, Dept. of Military & Veterans' Affairs HB 312 was referred to the Rules Committee. INTRODUCTION OF CITATIONS The following citations were introduced and taken up as a Special Order of Business: Donald E. Young, Congressman for All Alaska By Representative C. Johnson 2024-03-06 House Journal Page 1731 Honoring - Brian Van Kirk By Representatives Story, Hannan; Senator Kiehl The following citations were introduced and referred to the Rules Committee for placement on the calendar: Honoring - Keegan Messing By Representative D. Johnson; Senator Giessel Honoring - Richard Douglas Seifert By Representative Carrick; Senator Kawasaki In Memoriam - George Reifenstein Jr. By Senator Kiehl; Representatives Story, Hannan SPECIAL ORDER OF BUSINESS Representative Saddler moved and asked unanimous consent that the notice and publication requirements be waived and the citations, Donald E. Young, Congressman for All Alaska and Honoring - Brian Van Kirk, be taken up as a Special Order of Business. There being no objection, it was so ordered. Representative Saddler moved and asked unanimous consent that the House approve the citations. There being no objection, the following citations were approved and sent to enrolling: Donald E. Young, Congressman for All Alaska By Representative C. Johnson Honoring - Brian Van Kirk By Representatives Story, Hannan; Senator Kiehl INTRODUCTION, FIRST READING, AND REFERENCE OF HOUSE BILLS HB 390 HOUSE BILL NO. 390 by the House Resources Committee, entitled: "An Act authorizing the Alaska Energy Authority and the Alaska Industrial Development and Export Authority to enter into certain 2024-03-06 House Journal Page 1732 gas offtake agreements and power purchase agreements; and providing for an effective date." was read the first time and referred to the House Special Committee on Energy and the Resources Committee. CONSIDERATION OF THE DAILY CALENDAR SECOND READING OF HOUSE BILLS HB 279 The following was read the second time: HOUSE BILL NO. 279 "An Act relating to the Local Boundary Commission; and providing for an effective date." with the: Journal Page CRA RPT CS(CRA) 3DP 3NR 1622 FN1: ZERO(CED) 1622 Representative Saddler moved and asked unanimous consent that the following committee substitute be adopted in lieu of the original bill: CS FOR HOUSE BILL NO. 279(CRA) (same title) Representative Eastman objected and withdrew the objection. There being no further objection, CSHB 279(CRA) was adopted. Amendment No. 1 was offered by Representative Himschoot: Page 1, line 12, following "district.": Insert "The member from the unorganized borough must maintain a principal place of abode and be registered to vote in a precinct in the unorganized borough." Representative Himschoot moved and asked unanimous consent that Amendment No. 1 be adopted. There being no objection, Amendment No. 1 was adopted. 2024-03-06 House Journal Page 1733 Amendment No. 2 was offered by Representative Eastman: Page 1, line 9: Delete "one member" Insert "two members [ONE MEMBER]" Page 1, line 12, following "district.": Insert "One member from the unorganized borough must have a principal place of abode and be registered to vote in a location that is not within the boundaries of a municipality at the time of appointment or reappointment." Representative Eastman moved and asked unanimous consent that Amendment No. 2 be adopted. Representative Cronk objected. The question being: "Shall Amendment No. 2 be adopted?" The roll was taken with the following result: CSHB 279(CRA) am Second Reading Amendment No. 2 YEAS: 10 NAYS: 30 EXCUSED: 0 ABSENT: 0 Yeas: Armstrong, Carrick, Eastman, Edgmon, Gray, Himschoot, Mina, Ortiz, Schrage, Story Nays: Allard, Baker, Carpenter, Coulombe, Cronk, Dibert, Fields, Foster, Galvin, Groh, Hannan, C.Johnson, D.Johnson, Josephson, McCabe, McCormick, McKay, Mears, Prax, Rauscher, Ruffridge, Saddler, Shaw, Stapp, Stutes, Sumner, Tilton, Tomaszewski, Vance, Wright And so, Amendment No. 2 was not adopted. Amendment No. 3 was offered by Representative Eastman: Page 1, line 12, following "members": Insert ". A member may not be employed by or contract with a municipality. A member who becomes employed by or contracts 2024-03-06 House Journal Page 1734 with a municipality is immediately ineligible to continue serving as a member. In this section, "contract with" means entering into a contract in which a municipality pays the member for goods or services" Representative Eastman moved and asked unanimous consent that Amendment No. 3 be adopted. Representative Cronk objected. The question being: "Shall Amendment No. 3 be adopted?" The roll was taken with the following result: CSHB 279(CRA) am Second Reading Amendment No. 3 YEAS: 5 NAYS: 35 EXCUSED: 0 ABSENT: 0 Yeas: Armstrong, Eastman, Hannan, Stapp, Stutes Nays: Allard, Baker, Carpenter, Carrick, Coulombe, Cronk, Dibert, Edgmon, Fields, Foster, Galvin, Gray, Groh, Himschoot, C.Johnson, D.Johnson, Josephson, McCabe, McCormick, McKay, Mears, Mina, Ortiz, Prax, Rauscher, Ruffridge, Saddler, Schrage, Shaw, Story, Sumner, Tilton, Tomaszewski, Vance, Wright And so, Amendment No. 3 was not adopted. Representative Saddler moved and asked unanimous consent that CSHB 279(CRA) am be considered engrossed, advanced to third reading, and placed on final passage. There was objection. CSHB 279(CRA) am will advance to third reading on the March 8 calendar. THIRD READING OF HOUSE BILLS HB 81 The following, which was advanced to third reading from the March 4 calendar (page 1713), was read the third time: 2024-03-06 House Journal Page 1735 HOUSE BILL NO. 81 "An Act relating to the transfer of a title on the death of the owner; and providing for an effective date." The question being: "Shall HB 81 pass the House?" The roll was taken with the following result: HB 81 Third Reading Final Passage YEAS: 40 NAYS: 0 EXCUSED: 0 ABSENT: 0 Yeas: Allard, Armstrong, Baker, Carpenter, Carrick, Coulombe, Cronk, Dibert, Eastman, Edgmon, Fields, Foster, Galvin, Gray, Groh, Hannan, Himschoot, C.Johnson, D.Johnson, Josephson, McCabe, McCormick, McKay, Mears, Mina, Ortiz, Prax, Rauscher, Ruffridge, Saddler, Schrage, Shaw, Stapp, Story, Stutes, Sumner, Tilton, Tomaszewski, Vance, Wright And so, HB 81 passed the House. Representative Saddler moved and asked unanimous consent that the roll call on the passage of the bill be considered the roll call on the effective date clause. There being no objection, it was so ordered. HB 81 was referred to the Chief Clerk for engrossment. HB 273 The following, which was advanced to third reading from the March 4 calendar (page 1714), was read the third time: CS FOR HOUSE BILL NO. 273(L&C) "An Act relating to the power of the Alaska Housing Finance Corporation to make or purchase mortgage loans; and providing for an effective date." The question being: "Shall CSHB 273(L&C) pass the House?" The roll was taken with the following result: CSHB 273(L&C) Third Reading Final Passage 2024-03-06 House Journal Page 1736 YEAS: 39 NAYS: 1 EXCUSED: 0 ABSENT: 0 Yeas: Allard, Armstrong, Baker, Carpenter, Carrick, Coulombe, Cronk, Dibert, Edgmon, Fields, Foster, Galvin, Gray, Groh, Hannan, Himschoot, C.Johnson, D.Johnson, Josephson, McCabe, McCormick, McKay, Mears, Mina, Ortiz, Prax, Rauscher, Ruffridge, Saddler, Schrage, Shaw, Stapp, Story, Stutes, Sumner, Tilton, Tomaszewski, Vance, Wright Nays: Eastman And so, CSHB 273(L&C) passed the House. Representative Saddler moved and asked unanimous consent that the roll call on the passage of the bill be considered the roll call on the effective date clause. There being no objection, it was so ordered. CSHB 273(L&C) was referred to the Chief Clerk for engrossment. THIRD READING OF HOUSE RESOLUTIONS HJR 7 The Speaker stated that, without objection, the following, which was held from the March 4 calendar (page 1715), would be held to the March 8 calendar: CS FOR HOUSE JOINT RESOLUTION NO. 7(W&M) Proposing amendments to the Constitution of the State of Alaska relating to the permanent fund, relating to transfers out of the permanent fund, and requiring payment of a dividend to eligible state residents. HJR 19 The following, which was held from the March 4 calendar (page 1715), was read the third time: HOUSE JOINT RESOLUTION NO. 19 am Supporting the completion of the Port MacKenzie Rail Extension and the Northern Rail Extension; supporting the increase in defensive capabilities at Fort Greely, Alaska; encouraging a renewed commitment by the Alaska Railroad to a community- 2024-03-06 House Journal Page 1737 minded approach to future rail expansion; and encouraging the development of critical Arctic infrastructure. Representative Eastman rose to a point of order regarding impugning the motives of members of the body. The Speaker cautioned the member to confine remarks to the bill before the body and refrain from impugning the motives of other members. The question being: "Shall HJR 19 am pass the House?" The roll was taken with the following result: HJR 19 am Third Reading Final Passage YEAS: 32 NAYS: 8 EXCUSED: 0 ABSENT: 0 Yeas: Allard, Armstrong, Baker, Carpenter, Carrick, Coulombe, Cronk, Dibert, Eastman, Edgmon, Foster, C.Johnson, D.Johnson, McCabe, McCormick, McKay, Mears, Mina, Ortiz, Prax, Rauscher, Ruffridge, Saddler, Shaw, Stapp, Story, Stutes, Sumner, Tilton, Tomaszewski, Vance, Wright Nays: Fields, Galvin, Gray, Groh, Hannan, Himschoot, Josephson, Schrage And so, HJR 19 am passed the House and was referred to the Chief Clerk for engrossment. 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 Ruffridge – from 2:30 p.m., March 7 to 9:30 p.m., March 9 Representative Carrick – from 6:00 a.m., March 8 to 10:00 p.m., March 10 2024-03-06 House Journal Page 1738 Representative Galvin – from 1:00 p.m., March 8 to 11:00 p.m., March 10 Representative Ortiz – from 9:00 a.m., March 8 to 7:00 a.m., March 9 Representative Baker – from 2:00 p.m. today to 1:00 p.m., March 10 Representative Foster – from 6:00 p.m., March 6 to 10:00 p.m., March 8 Representative Saddler – from 7:00 p.m., March 8 to 10:00 p.m., March 10 Representative Shaw – from 2:00 p.m., March 8 to 10:00 p.m., March 10 (amended from page 1410) HCR 8 Representative McCormick added as a cosponsor to: HOUSE CONCURRENT RESOLUTION NO. 8 Honoring United States military veterans exposed to Agent Orange during the Vietnam War; and expressing gratitude for the courageous service of those veterans to the United States. HJR 18 Representative C. Johnson added as a cosponsor to: HOUSE JOINT RESOLUTION NO. 18 Urging the United States Congress to repeal the Windfall Elimination Provision and Government Pension Offset of the Social Security Act. HB 81 Representatives Allard, Mina, Stutes, Story, and Tilton added as cosponsors to: HOUSE BILL NO. 81 "An Act relating to the transfer of a title on the death of the owner; and providing for an effective date." 2024-03-06 House Journal Page 1739 HB 126 Representative Hannan added as a cosponsor to: HOUSE BILL NO. 126 "An Act relating to the Board of Professional Counselors; and relating to licensing of associate counselors." HB 173 Representative C. Johnson added as a cosponsor to: HOUSE BILL NO. 173 "An Act relating to public construction contracts; and providing for an effective date." HB 223 Representative Allard added as a cosponsor to: HOUSE BILL NO. 223 "An Act relating to the production tax and royalty rates on certain gas; and providing for an effective date." HB 233 Representative Shaw added as a cosponsor to: HOUSE BILL NO. 233 "An Act relating to rates and time allowances for motor vehicle warranty work." HB 238 Representative C. Johnson added as a cosponsor to: HOUSE BILL NO. 238 "An Act relating to criminal mischief in the third degree; and providing for an effective date." HB 279 Representative Allard added as a cosponsor to: CS FOR HOUSE BILL NO. 279(CRA) am "An Act relating to the Local Boundary Commission; and providing for an effective date." 2024-03-06 House Journal Page 1740 SJR 14 Representative Himschoot added as a cross sponsor to: SENATE JOINT RESOLUTION NO. 14 Calling on the United States Congress and all federal agencies to adopt policies and engage in certain efforts to improve the competitiveness and resiliency of the state's seafood industry. ENGROSSMENT HJR 19 HJR 19 am was engrossed, signed by the Speaker and Chief Clerk, and transmitted to the Senate for consideration. HB 81 HB 81 was engrossed, signed by the Speaker and Chief Clerk, and transmitted to the Senate for consideration. HB 273 CSHB 273(L&C) was engrossed, signed by the Speaker and Chief Clerk, and transmitted to the Senate for consideration. ANNOUNCEMENTS House committee schedules are published under separate cover. The following meeting today was changed: Finance Committee CHANGED TO: Call of the Chair ADJOURNMENT Representative Saddler moved and asked unanimous consent that the House adjourn until 10:00 a.m., March 8. There being no objection, the House adjourned at 1:02 p.m. Crystaline Jones Chief Clerk