Legislature(2023 - 2024)
2023-02-01 Senate Journal
Full Journal pdf2023-02-01 Senate Journal Page 0139 SENATE JOURNAL ALASKA STATE LEGISLATURE THIRTY-THIRD LEGISLATURE FIRST SESSION Juneau, Alaska Wednesday February 1, 2023 Sixteenth Day Pursuant to adjournment the Senate was called to order by President Stevens at 10:33 a.m. The roll showed nineteen members present. Senator Stedman was absent. The prayer was offered by the Chaplain, Pastor Greg Weinert, Emmanuel Baptist Church. Senator Hoffman moved and asked unanimous consent the prayer be spread. Without objection, it was so ordered. In deepest reverence for the beliefs of all Alaskans, I invite you into a time of reflection on our solemn covenant as servants of the people. Father, almighty God, may Your grace cover each aspect of this session. I invoke your guidance on the people of this chamber. Impart on them Your divine discernment and vision. We pray that all voices will be heard, all concerns addressed, and that a mindset of inclusivity pervade. May this be a safe space for Alaskans to express their opinions, and a place where ideas matter more than titles, people more than regulations, and mercy more than vengeance. 2023-02-01 Senate Journal Page 0140 Faced with the daunting tasks before the people of this chamber, protect them from the false gods of petty arrogance, and hopeless; help them to persevere and to stand firm. This we petition, not to our glory, Lord, but to you and you alone. I pray in the name of the Father, the Son, and the Holy Spirit, Amen. Senator Hoffman led the Senate in the Pledge of Allegiance. Certification Senator Giessel moved and asked unanimous consent the journals for the fourteenth and fifteenth legislative days be approved as certified by the Secretary. Without objection, it was so ordered. The presence of Senator Stedman was noted. Messages from the Governor Letter dated January 31 was read stating in accordance with Article III, Section 25 of the Alaska Constitution and Alaska Statute 39.05.080, I submit the following nominations for department heads for confirmation: Commissioner, Department of Health Heidi Hedberg – Anchorage Appointed: 12/19/2022 Commissioner, Department of Family and Community Services Kim Kovol – Anchorage Appointed: 1/30/2023 The appointments were referred to the Health and Social Services Committee. Commissioner, Department of Natural Resources John Boyle – Anchorage Appointed: 12/16/2022 The appointment was referred to the Resources Committee. 2023-02-01 Senate Journal Page 0141 Commissioner, Department of Corrections Jen Winkelman – Juneau Appointed: 1/11/2023 The appointment was referred to the State Affairs and Judiciary Committees. Commissioner, Department of Revenue Adam Crum – Wasilla Appointed: 11/16/2022 The appointment was referred to the Finance Committee. In accordance with Article III, Sections 26 and 27 of the Alaska Constitution and Alaska Statute 39.05.080, I submit the following list of appointees for confirmation: Alaska Gasline Development Corporation Mike Chenault – Kenai Appointed: 4/11/2022 Term Expires: 12/1/2026 Alaska Oil and Gas Conservation Commission Brett Huber – Anchorage Appointed: 1/09/2023 Term Expires: 3/01/2027 Big Game Commercial Services Board Larry Kunder – Anchorage Appointed: 5/25/2022 Term Expires: 3/01/2026 Board of Fisheries Thomas Carpenter – Cordova Appointed: 7/1/2022 Term Expires: 7/1/2025 Stanley Zuray – Tanana Appointed: 12/29/2022 Term Expires: 7/01/2025 Board of Game Beatrice Cusack – Chugiak Appointed: 7/1/2022 Term Expires: 7/1/2025 Allen Barrette – Fairbanks Appointed: 7/1/2022 Term Expires: 7/1/2025 2023-02-01 Senate Journal Page 0142 Regulatory Commission of Alaska Robert Doyle – Wasilla Appointed: 5/23/2022 Term Expires: 3/1/2028 The appointments were referred to the Resources Committee. Alaska Police Standards Council Bryan Barlow – Anchorage Appointed: 10/6/2022 Term Expires: 3/1/2026 The appointment was referred to the State Affairs and Judiciary Committees. Alaska Workers’ Compensation Board Steven Heidemann – Anchorage Appointed: 12/29/2022 Term Expires: 3/1/2024 Marc Stemp – Anchorage Appointed: 12/29/2022 Term Expires: 3/1/2025 Board of Certified Direct Entry Midwives Darcy Lucey – Wasilla Appointed: 6/22/2022 Term Expires: 3/1/2025 Board of Dental Examiners Kenley Michaud – Anchorage Appointed: 5/25/2022 Term Expires: 3/1/2025 Board of Massage Therapists Annetta Atwell – North Pole Appointed: 5/25/2022 Term Expires: 3/1/2026 Board of Nursing Vianne Smith – North Pole Appointed: 8/3/2022 Term Expires: 3/1/2025 Board of Pharmacy Carla Hebert – Anchorage Appointed: 12/29/2022 Term Expires: 3/1/2024 2023-02-01 Senate Journal Page 0143 Board of Professional Counselors Teresa Cotton – Bethel Appointed: 5/25/2022 Term Expires: 3/1/2026 Rachel Buddin-Young – Eagle River Appointed: 8/3/2022 Term Expires: 3/1/2026 Board of Social Work Examiners Ann Applebee – Palmer Appointed: 5/25/2022 Term Expires: 3/01/2025 Amber Taylor – JBER Appointed: 8/3/2022 Term Expires: 3/1/2026 Real Estate Commission Devon Thomas – Wasilla Appointed: 10/22/2021 Term Expires: 3/1/2023 Reappointed: 3/1/2023 Term Expires: 3/1/2027 State Physical Therapy and Occupational Therapy Board Tina McLean – Seward Appointed: 6/22/2022 Term Expires: 3/1/2026 Lindsey Hill – Sterling Appointed: 8/3/2022 Term Expires: 3/1/2026 Valerie Phelps – Anchorage Appointed: 8/3/2022 Term Expires: 3/1/2025 Bryan Murphy – Anchorage Appointed: 12/29/2022 Term Expires: 3/1/2024 The appointments were referred to the Labor and Commerce Committee. State Medical Board David Paulson – Anchorage Appointed: 5/25/2022 Term Expires: 3/1/2024 The appointment was referred to the Health and Social Services Committee. 2023-02-01 Senate Journal Page 0144 Board of Marine Pilots James Cunningham – Homer Appointed: 5/25/2022 Term Expires: 3/1/2025 The appointment was referred to the Transportation Committee. Professional Teaching Practices Commission Mary Carlson – Fairbanks Appointed: 6/22/2022 Term Expires: 3/1/2024 The appointment was referred to the Education Committee. The resumes for these appointments have been submitted to the Office of the Senate Secretary. Communications The following reports are on file in the Office of the Secretary of the Senate: Department of Commerce, Community and Economic Development National Petroleum Reserve-Alaska Impact Mitigation Grant Program Report to the First Session of the Thirty-third Alaska Legislature January 2023 in accordance with AS 37.05.530 Department of Commerce, Community, and Economic Development Division of Investments Combined Annual State Loan, Reinstatements and Fisheries Enhancement Term Extension Report in accordance with AS 37.05.035 and AS 16.10.510 Department of Commerce, Community, and Economic Development Report of the Alaska Minerals Commission January 2023 in accordance with AS 44.33.431 2023-02-01 Senate Journal Page 0145 Department of Education and Early Development Annual Report to the Legislature January 2023 in accordance with AS 14.07.168 Department of Public Safety Statewide Drug Enforcement Unit (SDEU) 2022 Annual Drug Report January 2023 in accordance with AS 18.65.085 Department of Corrections Interstate Compact Commission Annual Report January 31, 2023 in accordance with AS 33.36.135 Department of Administration Compensation and Travel Report of Executive Positions for 2022 January 31, 2023 in accordance with AS 37.05.210 Standing Committee Reports SB 38 The Judiciary Committee considered SENATE BILL NO. 38 "An Act establishing the crime of interference with emergency communications." Signing do pass: Senator Claman, Chair; Senators Giessel, Kaufman. Signing no recommendation: Senators Tobin, Kiehl. 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 President Stevens added a Finance Committee referral to the bill. The bill was referred to the Finance Committee. 2023-02-01 Senate Journal Page 0146 Introduction and Reference of Senate Bills SB 50 SENATE BILL NO. 50 BY THE SENATE RESOURCES COMMITTEE, entitled: "An Act relating to the assessment of property for the purposes of the oil and gas exploration, production, and pipeline transportation property tax; and providing for an effective date." was read the first time and referred to the Resources and Finance Committees. SB 51 SENATE BILL NO. 51 BY SENATOR TOBIN, entitled: "An Act exempting veterinarians from the requirements of the controlled substance prescription database; and providing for an effective date." was read the first time and referred to the Health and Social Services and Labor and Commerce Committees. SB 52 SENATE BILL NO. 52 BY THE SENATE EDUCATION COMMITTEE, entitled: "An Act relating to education; increasing the base student allocation; and providing for an effective date." was read the first time and referred to the Education and Finance Committees. SB 53 SENATE BILL NO. 53 BY SENATOR CLAMAN, entitled: "An Act relating to involuntary civil commitments." was read the first time and referred to the Health and Social Services and Judiciary Committees. 2023-02-01 Senate Journal Page 0147 SB 54 SENATE BILL NO. 54 BY THE SENATE RULES COMMITTEE BY REQUEST OF THE GOVERNOR, entitled: "An Act making supplemental appropriations, reappropriations, and other appropriations; amending appropriations; capitalizing funds; and providing for an effective date." was read the first time and referred to the Finance Committee. Governor's transmittal letter dated January 31: Dear President Stevens: Under the authority of Article III, Section 18 of the Alaska Constitution, I am transmitting a bill relating to supplemental appropriations for the State’s operating and capital expenses for fiscal year 2023. This appropriation bill includes $105.1 million in unrestricted general funds, $32.2 million in designated general funds, $51.9 million in other state funds, and $203.8 million in federal funds. The items in this supplemental appropriation bill are necessary for continued operations for the current fiscal year, and I urge quick action on this bill by the Legislature. I look forward to working with the Legislature on the timely passage and implementation of the supplemental items in this bill. Sincerely, /s/ Mike Dunleavy Governor 2023-02-01 Senate Journal Page 0148 SB 55 SENATE BILL NO. 55 BY SENATOR WIELECHOWSKI, entitled: "An Act extending the termination date of the State Medical Board; and providing for an effective date." was read the first time and referred to the Labor and Commerce and Finance Committees. Consideration of the Calendar Citations In Memoriam - Anthony Lawrence Radford Representative(s) Rauscher Senator(s) Shower Senator Giessel 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 51 Senators Gray-Jackson, Myers, Wilson, Dunbar moved and asked unanimous consent to be shown as cosponsors on SENATE BILL NO. 51 "An Act exempting veterinarians from the requirements of the controlled substance prescription database; and providing for an effective date." Without objection, it was so ordered. Senator Merrick moved and asked unanimous consent to be excused from a call of the Senate from afternoon plane time, February 2 through evening plane time, February 5. Without objection, Senator Merrick was excused. 2023-02-01 Senate Journal Page 0149 Recess Senator Giessel moved and asked unanimous consent the Senate stand in recess to the Joint Session. Without objection, the Senate recessed at 10:53 a.m. After Recess Joint Session in the House Speaker Tilton called the House to order and in accordance with Uniform Rule 51 turned the gavel over to President Stevens, who called the Joint Session to order at 11:03 a.m. The purpose of the Joint Session was to hear Chief Justice Daniel E. Winfree's State of the Judiciary address. Senator Giessel moved and asked unanimous consent the roll call of the Senate be waived and all members be shown as present. Without objection, it was so ordered. Representative Saddler moved and asked unanimous consent the roll call of the House be waived and all members be shown as present. Without objection, it was so ordered. President Stevens appointed Senator Claman and Representative Vance to escort Chief Justice Daniel E. Winfree to the Joint Session. The Senate Sergeant-at-Arms, Matt Simpson, announced Chief Justice Winfree's entrance to the House Chamber. Chief Justice Winfree was escorted to the rostrum and welcomed by President Stevens and Speaker Tilton. The Honorable Daniel E. Winfree delivered his address. This address appears in House and Senate Joint Journal Supplement No. 3. Senator Giessel moved and asked unanimous consent the Joint Session stand in adjournment. Without objection, President Stevens adjourned the Joint Session at 11:43 a.m. 2023-02-01 Senate Journal Page 0150 After Recess In the Senate The Senate reconvened at 11:47 a.m. Announcements Announcements are at the end of the journal. Adjournment Senator Giessel moved and asked unanimous consent the Senate stand in adjournment until 10:30 a.m., February 3, 2023. Without objection, the Senate adjourned at 11:56 a.m. Liz Clark Secretary of the Senate 2023-02-01 Senate Journal Page 0151 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 02 Thursday Beltz 105 (tsbldg) 1:30 PM Overview: Department of Public Safety by Commissioner Jim Cockrell Overview: Department of Corrections by Commissioner-Designee Jen Winkelman **Streamed live on AKL.tv** ---------------------------------------- EDUCATION Feb 01 Wednesday Beltz 105 (tsbldg) 3:30 PM Presentation: Cost Estimates for a Base Student Allocation Increase by Alexei Painter, Director of the Legislative Finance Division -- Public Testimony -- Public testimony on the issue of education funding in Alaska. + SB 52 INCREASE BASE STUDENT ALLOCATION Bills Previously Heard/Scheduled **Streamed live on AKL.tv** 2023-02-01 Senate Journal Page 0152 EDUCATION (continued) Feb 03 Friday Beltz 105 (tsbldg) 3:30 PM -- MEETING CANCELED -- + SB 14 RIP FOR PUBLIC EMPLOYEES/TEACHERS -- Testimony <Invitation Only> -- + SB 52 INCREASE BASE STUDENT ALLOCATION Bills Previously Heard/Scheduled **Streamed live on AKL.tv** ---------------------------------------- FINANCE Feb 01 Wednesday Senate Finance 532 9:00 AM State Debt Summary & Credit Review - Ryan Williams, State Debt Manager Bills Previously Heard/Scheduled Feb 02 Thursday Senate Finance 532 9:00 AM Order of Operations - Alaska's Oil Tax Regime - Dan Stickel, Chief Economist - Dept. of Revenue Bills Previously Heard/Scheduled Feb 03 Friday Senate Finance 532 9:00 AM No Meeting Scheduled ---------------------------------------- HEALTH & SOCIAL SERVICES Feb 02 Thursday Butrovich 205 3:30 PM No Meeting Scheduled ---------------------------------------- JUDICIARY Feb 01 Wednesday Butrovich 205 1:30 PM -- MEETING CANCELED -- Bills Previously Heard/Scheduled Feb 03 Friday Butrovich 205 1:30 PM No Meeting Scheduled 2023-02-01 Senate Journal Page 0153 LABOR & COMMERCE Feb 01 Wednesday Beltz 105 (tsbldg) 1:30 PM No Meeting Scheduled Feb 03 Friday Beltz 105 (tsbldg) 1:30 PM No Meeting Scheduled ---------------------------------------- RESOURCES Feb 01 Wednesday Butrovich 205 3:30 PM Presentation: Alaska Utilities Panel by Brad Janorschke, General Manager of Homer Electric Association Arthur Miller, Chief Executive Officer of Chugach Electric Association Tony Izzo, Chief Executive Officer of Matanuska Electric Association John Burns, President and Chief Executive Officer of Golden Valley Electric Association <Below Items Removed from Agenda> Overview: Tax Structure in Cook Inlet by Department of Revenue, Tax Division Alaska Gasline Development Corporation Overview by Frank Richards, President of Alaska Gasline Development Corporation -- Testimony <Invitation Only> -- Bills Previously Heard/Scheduled **Streamed live on AKL.tv** Feb 03 Friday Butrovich 205 3:30 PM No Meeting Scheduled ---------------------------------------- STATE AFFAIRS Feb 02 Thursday Beltz 105 (tsbldg) 3:30 PM + SB 12 ADDRESS CONFIDENTIALITY PROGRAM -- Invited & Public Testimony -- Bills Previously Heard/Scheduled 2023-02-01 Senate Journal Page 0154 TRANSPORTATION Feb 02 Thursday Butrovich 205 1:30 PM -- Teleconference <Listen Only> -- Presentation: Overview of Alaska Marine Highway by Department of Transportation and Public Facilities & Alaska Marine Highway Operations Board -- Testimony <Invitation Only> -- **Streamed live on AKL.tv** ---------------------------------------- OTHER MEETINGS JOINT SESSION Feb 01 Wednesday House Chamber 11:00 AM State of the Judiciary Address by Chief Justice Daniel E. Winfree Feb 07 Tuesday House Chamber 11:00 AM U.S. Senator Dan Sullivan's Annual Address Feb 22 Wednesday House Chamber 11:00 AM Annual Address by Lisa Murkowski, U.S. Senator ---------------------------------------- MISCELLANEOUS MEETINGS Feb 01 Wednesday Butrovich 205 12:00 PM Lunch & Learn Presentation: Learn about the impact, needs and services for seniors in Alaska by Marge Stoneking, Associate Director - AARP Alaska Feb 03 Friday Butrovich 205 12:00 PM -- Rescheduled to 02/06/2023 -- Lunch & Learn Presentation: University of Alaska Ted Stevens Internship Program Sponsored by Senator Kiehl 2023-02-01 Senate Journal Page 0155 MISCELLANEOUS MEETINGS (continued) Feb 06 Monday Butrovich 205 12:00 PM -- Rescheduled from 02/03/2023 -- Lunch & Learn Presentation: University of Alaska Ted Stevens Internship Program Sponsored by Senator Kiehl