Legislature(2023 - 2024)

2024-01-18 Senate Journal

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2024-01-18                     Senate Journal                      Page 1357
                                                                                                                                
                                SENATE JOURNAL                                                                               
                                                                                                                                
                           ALASKA STATE LEGISLATURE                                                                          
                                                                                                                                
                           THIRTY-THIRD LEGISLATURE                                                                          
                                                                                                                                
                                SECOND SESSION                                                                               
                                                                                                                                
Juneau, Alaska                    Thursday                 January 18, 2024                                                   
                                                                                                                                
                                  Third Day                                                                                  
                                                                                                                                
                                                                                                                                
Pursuant to adjournment the Senate was called to order by President                                                             
Stevens at 11:02 a.m.                                                                                                           
                                                                                                                                
The roll showed nineteen members present. Senator Shower was                                                                    
absent.                                                                                                                         
                                                                                                                                
The prayer was offered by the Chaplain, Reverend Gordon Blue, Holy                                                              
Trinity Episcopal Church. Senator Hoffman moved and asked                                                                       
unanimous consent the prayer be spread. Without objection, it was so                                                            
ordered.                                                                                                                        
                                                                                                                                
       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. Let                                                                 
       us pray.                                                                                                                 
                                                                                                                                
       Sovereign Lord, you are 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.                                                                                                                
                                                                                                                                

2024-01-18                     Senate Journal                      Page 1358
       Visit, O blessed Lord, this Senate 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.                                                                                          
                                                                                                                                
Senator Claman led the Senate in the Pledge of Allegiance.                                                                      
                                                                                                                                
                                                                                                                                
                                Certification                                                                                
                                                                                                                                
Senator Giessel moved and asked unanimous consent the journals for                                                              
the first and second legislative days, the first day of the First Special                                                       
Session, the Final Supplement for the First Session and First Special                                                           
Session, Senate Journal Supplement No. 6 and House and Senate Joint                                                             
Journal Supplement No. 10 be approved as certified by the Secretary.                                                            
Without objection, it was so ordered.                                                                                           
                                                                                                                                
Senator Hughes moved and asked unanimous consent Senator Shower                                                                 
be excused from a call of the Senate today. Without objection, Senator                                                          
Shower was excused.                                                                                                             
                                                                                                                                
                                                                                                                                
                          Messages from the Governor                                                                         
                                                                                                                                
Letter dated January 17 was read stating in accordance with Article                                                             
VII, section 3 of the Alaska Constitution, and AS 14.40.150, I submit                                                           
the following University of Alaska Regents for confirmation:                                                                    
                                                                                                                                
University of Alaska Board of Regents                                                                                         
Seth Church – Fairbanks                                                                                                         
Appointed: 6/22/2023   Term Expires: 2/4/2027                                                                                   
                                                                                                                                
Stephen Colligan – Wasilla                                                                                                      
Appointed: 9/5/2023    Term Expires: 2/6/2031                                                                                   
                                                                                                                                
The appointments were referred to the Education Committee.                                                                      
                                                                                                                                
The resumes for these appointments have been submitted to the Office                                                            
of the Senate Secretary.                                                                                                        
                                                                                                                                
                                                                                                                                

2024-01-18                     Senate Journal                      Page 1359
                           Messages from the House                                                                           
                                                                                                                                
Message dated January 16 was read stating pursuant to AS 24.65.020                                                              
the House has ratified the following to the office specified:                                                                   
                                                                                                                                
Victims’ Advocate                                                                                                             
Angela Garay                                                                                                                    
                                                                                                                                
                                                                                                                                
                                Communications                                                                               
                                                                                                                                
The following reports are on file in the Office of the Secretary of the                                                         
Senate:                                                                                                                         
                                                                                                                                
Department of Law                                                                                                               
Federal Laws and Litigation Report                                                                                              
January 15, 2024                                                                                                                
in accordance with AS 44.23.020                                                                                                 
                                                                                                                                
Department of Commerce, Community, and Economic Development                                                                     
     2023 Alaska Taxable Report                                                                                                 
     in accordance with AS 14.17.510                                                                                            
                                                                                                                                
     Alaska Energy Authority                                                                                                    
     Susitna-Watana Hydro Report to the Legislature 2024                                                                        
     in accordance with AS 44.83.085                                                                                            
                                                                                                                                
Department of Revenue                                                                                                           
     Alaska Marine Highway System Fund                                                                                          
     Investment Earnings Report                                                                                                 
     FY 2023                                                                                                                    
     in accordance with AS 19.65.070                                                                                            
                                                                                                                                
     Alaska Marine Highway Vessel Replacement Fund                                                                              
     Investment Earnings Report                                                                                                 
     FY 2023                                                                                                                    
     in accordance with AS 37.05.550                                                                                            
                                                                                                                                
     Achieving a Better Life Experience (ABLE) Annual Report                                                                    
     January 16, 2024                                                                                                           
     in accordance with AS 06.65.350                                                                                            
                                                                                                                                

2024-01-18                     Senate Journal                      Page 1360
     Notice of Availability:                                                                                                    
     Alaska Retirement Management Board (ARMB)                                                                                  
     Financial Condition of State Retirement Systems FY 2023                                                                    
     in accordance with AS 37.10.220                                                                                            
                                                                                                                                
Department of Health                                                                                                            
Individuals with Developmental Disabilities                                                                                     
Registration and Review Report                                                                                                  
FY 2023                                                                                                                         
in accordance with AS 47.80.130                                                                                                 
                                                                                                                                
Office of the Governor                                                                                                          
Office of Management & Budget                                                                                                   
Executive Branch Lease Purchase Agreements Report                                                                               
FY 2023                                                                                                                         
in accordance with AS 37.07.040                                                                                                 
                                                                                                                                
Department of Education & Early Development                                                                                     
Notice of Availability:                                                                                                         
Alaska's Public Schools: A Report Card to the Public                                                                            
January 12, 2024                                                                                                                
in accordance with AS 14.03.120                                                                                                 
                                                                                                                                
                                                                                                                                
                  Introduction and Reference of Senate Bills                                                                 
                                                                                                                                
SB 190                                                                                                                        
SENATE BILL NO. 190 BY THE SENATE RULES COMMITTEE                                                                               
BY REQUEST OF THE GOVERNOR, entitled:                                                                                           
                                                                                                                                
             "An Act relating to big game hunts for persons with                                                               
            physical disabilities; and providing for an effective                                                              
          date."                                                                                                                
                                                                                                                                
was read the first time and referred to the Resources Committee.                                                                
                                                                                                                                
The following fiscal information was published today:                                                                           
 Fiscal Note No. 1, zero, Department of Fish and Game                                                                           
                                                                                                                                

2024-01-18                     Senate Journal                      Page 1361
Governor's transmittal letter dated January 16:                                                                                 
                                                                                                                                
Dear President Stevens:                                                                                                         
                                                                                                                                
Under the authority of Article III, Section 18 of the Alaska                                                                    
Constitution, I am transmitting a bill relating to big game hunts for                                                           
persons with physical disabilities.                                                                                             
                                                                                                                                
This bill would authorize the Board of Game to establish annual big                                                             
game hunting seasons in appropriate areas of the State for persons                                                              
with physical disabilities. Under existing law, a “person with physical                                                         
disabilities” is one who provides documentation to the Department of                                                            
Fish and Game that he or she receives at least 70 percent disability                                                            
compensation from a government entity or an affidavit from an Alaska                                                            
licensed physician that he or she is at least 70 percent physically                                                             
disabled. A physically disabled person participating in a hunt                                                                  
authorized by the bill would be required to be accompanied by a                                                                 
licensed hunter capable of retrieving game.                                                                                     
                                                                                                                                
In 2001, to encourage adults to take children hunting, the “Take-A-                                                             
Child-Hunting” bill was enacted to allow the Board of Game to                                                                   
establish annual hunting seasons for children accompanied by family                                                             
members to participate in big game hunts. This bill would create a                                                              
similar opportunity for persons with physical disabilities to participate                                                       
in big game hunts.                                                                                                              
                                                                                                                                
I urge your prompt and favorable action on this measure.                                                                        
                                                                                                                                
Sincerely,                                                                                                                      
/s/                                                                                                                             
Mike Dunleavy                                                                                                                   
Governor                                                                                                                        
                                                                                                                                
                                                                                                                                
                                                                                                                                

2024-01-18                     Senate Journal                      Page 1362
SB 191                                                                                                                        
SENATE BILL NO. 191 BY THE SENATE RULES COMMITTEE                                                                               
BY REQUEST OF THE GOVERNOR, entitled:                                                                                           
                                                                                                                                
             "An Act relating to the power of the Alaska Housing                                                               
               Finance Corporation to make or purchase mortgage                                                                
          loans."                                                                                                               
                                                                                                                                
was read the first time and referred to the Labor and Commerce                                                                  
Committee.                                                                                                                      
                                                                                                                                
The following fiscal information was published today:                                                                           
 Fiscal Note No. 1, zero, Department of Revenue                                                                                 
                                                                                                                                
Governor's transmittal letter dated January 16:                                                                                 
                                                                                                                                
Dear President Stevens:                                                                                                         
                                                                                                                                
Under the authority of Article III, Section 18 of the Alaska                                                                    
Constitution, I am transmitting a bill relating to the power of the                                                             
Alaska Housing Finance Corporation (Corporation) to make or                                                                     
purchase mortgage loans for single family residences. This bill will                                                            
provide Alaskans with greater access to quality housing by removing                                                             
current restrictions on the Corporation's power to make, purchase, and                                                          
participate in the purchase of first and second mortgage loans for                                                              
single family residences.                                                                                                       
                                                                                                                                
The Corporation’s primary business is to provide home loans to                                                                  
Alaskans. In making or purchasing these loans, the Corporation                                                                  
competes with government sponsored entities, including the Federal                                                              
National Mortgage Association (Fannie Mae) which can offer home                                                                 
loans with down payments as low as three percent. However, many                                                                 
families in Alaska cannot qualify for a loan from a government                                                                  
sponsored entity and existing statutory restrictions prohibit the                                                               
Corporation from purchasing or making a first mortgage loan that has                                                            
a loan-to-value ratio that exceeds 95 percent. Removal of this                                                                  
limitation will allow the Corporation to modify its residential lending                                                         
programs to provide additional loan opportunities for these families.                                                           
                                                                                                                                

2024-01-18                     Senate Journal                      Page 1363
The bill would also simplify the Corporation's ability to make or                                                               
purchase second mortgages by removing duplicative language                                                                      
regarding loan-to-value calculations and limits tied to loans purchased                                                         
by Fannie Mae for similar housing. If the bill passes, simplified                                                               
statutory language would prohibit the Corporation from making,                                                                  
purchasing, or participating in the purchase of a second mortgage on a                                                          
single-family residence that, when combined with the principal                                                                  
balance of a first mortgage loan on the property, has a loan-to-value-                                                          
ratio that exceeds 90 percent.                                                                                                  
                                                                                                                                
I urge your prompt and favorable action on this measure.                                                                        
                                                                                                                                
Sincerely,                                                                                                                      
/s/                                                                                                                             
Mike Dunleavy                                                                                                                   
Governor                                                                                                                        
                                                                                                                                
SB 192                                                                                                                        
SENATE BILL NO. 192 BY THE SENATE RULES COMMITTEE                                                                               
BY REQUEST OF THE GOVERNOR, entitled:                                                                                           
                                                                                                                                
          "An Act relating to screening reading deficiencies                                                                    
          and providing reading intervention services to public                                                                 
          school students enrolled in grades kindergarten                                                                       
          through three."                                                                                                       
                                                                                                                                
was read the first time and referred to the Education and Finance                                                               
Committees.                                                                                                                     
                                                                                                                                
The following fiscal information was published today:                                                                           
 Fiscal Note No. 1, Department of Education and Early                                                                           
          Development                                                                                                           
                                                                                                                                
Governor's transmittal letter dated January 16:                                                                                 
                                                                                                                                
Dear President Stevens:                                                                                                         
                                                                                                                                
Under the authority of Article III, Section 18 of the Alaska                                                                    
Constitution, I am transmitting a bill relating to screening reading                                                            
deficiencies and providing reading intervention services to public                                                              
school students enrolled in grades kindergarten through three.                                                                  
                                                                                                                                

2024-01-18                     Senate Journal                      Page 1364
This bill would make two amendments to the Alaska Reads Act                                                                     
(Chapter 40, SLA 2022 (HB 114)) designed to assist school districts                                                             
with implementation of literacy screening assessments and scheduling                                                            
of non-progression meetings with parents. The first change would                                                                
align the Act’s literacy screening requirements with best practices by                                                          
requiring administration of the assessment three times a year for all                                                           
students in grades kindergarten through three. The second change                                                                
adjusts the statutory timeline for administration of the spring literacy                                                        
screener to accommodate school district calendars by adjusting the                                                              
time period during which the spring assessment and parent meeting are                                                           
scheduled.                                                                                                                      
                                                                                                                                
I urge your prompt and favorable action on this measure.                                                                        
                                                                                                                                
Sincerely,                                                                                                                      
/s/                                                                                                                             
Mike Dunleavy                                                                                                                   
Governor                                                                                                                        
                                                                                                                                
SB 193                                                                                                                        
SENATE BILL NO. 193 BY THE SENATE RULES COMMITTEE                                                                               
BY REQUEST OF THE GOVERNOR, entitled:                                                                                           
                                                                                                                                
             "An Act relating to sexual assault examination kits;                                                              
          establishing the sexual assault examination kit                                                                       
          tracking system; and providing for an effective date."                                                                
                                                                                                                                
was read the first time and referred to the State Affairs and Finance                                                           
Committees.                                                                                                                     
                                                                                                                                
The following fiscal information was published today:                                                                           
 Fiscal Note No. 1, Department of Public Safety                                                                                 
                                                                                                                                
Governor's transmittal letter dated January 16:                                                                                 
                                                                                                                                
Dear President Stevens:                                                                                                         
                                                                                                                                
Under the authority of Article III, Section 18 of the Alaska                                                                    
Constitution, I am transmitting a bill to establish timelines for                                                               
submitting sexual assault examination kits to the lab for testing and to                                                        

2024-01-18                     Senate Journal                      Page 1365
establish a sexual assault examination kit tracking system. The                                                                 
amendments in this bill will assist in the timely transmission and                                                              
testing of sexual assault examination kits, as well as assist victims in                                                        
tracking the kits associated with their cases.                                                                                  
                                                                                                                                
When a sexual assault examination kit is used to collect evidence, it is                                                        
the responsibility of law enforcement to submit that kit to the lab for                                                         
testing. This means that if a health care provider uses a sexual assault                                                        
examination kit to collect evidence, law enforcement is responsible for                                                         
picking up the kit from the health care provider and submitting it to                                                           
the lab. Current law contains timelines for law enforcement agencies                                                            
to submit sexual assault examination kits to the lab for testing;                                                               
however, the law does not include timelines for the health care                                                                 
providers who collect evidence using the kits to notify law                                                                     
enforcement that the kits are available for pickup.                                                                             
                                                                                                                                
Therefore, this legislation requires health care providers to notify law                                                        
enforcement that a kit is available for pickup within seven days of                                                             
using the kit to collect evidence. Adding this timeline for health care                                                         
providers will help ensure that sexual assault examination kits do not                                                          
sit awaiting pickup and submission longer than necessary. This will, in                                                         
turn, help ensure that sexual assault examination kits are processed in                                                         
a timelier manner as intended by the underlying statute.                                                                        
                                                                                                                                
Additionally, this legislation establishes a sexual assault examination                                                         
kit tracking system. The tracking system will be used throughout the                                                            
collection and testing process. Health care providers and law                                                                   
enforcement will be able to upload information about when a kit was                                                             
collected and sent to the lab. The lab will also be able to update the                                                          
information as the kit is processed for testing. Victims will have the                                                          
ability to log into the system and see where the kit associated with                                                            
their case is in the process. They may even elect to receive automated                                                          
notifications as the kit moves through the process. Requiring the use of                                                        
the sexual assault examination kit tracking system at every phase of                                                            
the process will go a long way towards helping victims stay informed.                                                           
                                                                                                                                
                                                                                                                                

2024-01-18                     Senate Journal                      Page 1366
These changes will help ensure timely processing of important                                                                   
evidence and will help increase transparency and accountability as                                                              
sexual assault examination kits move through the process. This is the                                                           
least we can do for the victims of these horrendous crimes.                                                                     
                                                                                                                                
I urge your prompt and favorable action on this measure.                                                                        
                                                                                                                                
Sincerely,                                                                                                                      
/s/                                                                                                                             
Mike Dunleavy                                                                                                                   
Governor                                                                                                                        
                                                                                                                                
SB 194                                                                                                                        
SENATE BILL NO. 194 BY THE SENATE RULES COMMITTEE                                                                               
BY REQUEST OF THE GOVERNOR, entitled:                                                                                           
                                                                                                                                
          "An Act relating to temporarily reduced royalty on                                                                    
          oil and gas from pools without previous commercial                                                                    
          sales in the Cook Inlet sedimentary basin; and                                                                        
          providing for an effective date."                                                                                     
                                                                                                                                
was read the first time and referred to the Resources and Finance                                                               
Committees.                                                                                                                     
                                                                                                                                
The following fiscal information was published today:                                                                           
 Fiscal Note No. 1, indeterminate, Department of Natural                                                                        
          Resources                                                                                                             
                                                                                                                                
Governor's transmittal letter dated January 16:                                                                                 
                                                                                                                                
Dear President Stevens:                                                                                                         
                                                                                                                                
Under the authority of Article III, Section 18 of the Alaska                                                                    
Constitution, I am transmitting a bill relating to temporarily reduced                                                          
royalty on oil and gas from pools with no previous commercial sales in                                                          
the Cook Inlet sedimentary basin.                                                                                               
                                                                                                                                

2024-01-18                     Senate Journal                      Page 1367
This bill is a key component of the State's efforts to incentivize and                                                          
develop critical energy resources in the Cook Inlet. To meet the needs                                                          
of the current environment, the bill modernizes a long-standing royalty                                                         
reduction statute. The bill provides a royalty rate of five percent for oil                                                     
or gas pools in the Cook Inlet sedimentary basin that have not                                                                  
previously produced oil or gas for commercial sale. The proposed                                                                
statutory changes, similar to the existing framework, would apply to                                                            
existing leases and future leases provided that the oil or gas pool has                                                         
not previously produced for commercial sales and the lease is part of a                                                         
unit. The payment of royalty on oil or gas at five percent under the bill                                                       
would apply for 10 years following the commercial sale of that                                                                  
production.                                                                                                                     
                                                                                                                                
The reduced royalty rate of five percent in the bill would not apply to                                                         
leases that already have a royalty rate of five percent or less due to                                                          
other incentives. The bill would not apply to leases issued with only                                                           
net profit shares and no royalty rate.                                                                                          
                                                                                                                                
This bill has an immediate effective date to allow the Department of                                                            
Natural Resources to implement these incentives as soon as possible.                                                            
This bill is part of my broader strategy for Cook Inlet and attracting                                                          
investment to Alaska.                                                                                                           
                                                                                                                                
I urge your prompt and favorable action on this measure.                                                                        
                                                                                                                                
Sincerely,                                                                                                                      
/s/                                                                                                                             
Mike Dunleavy                                                                                                                   
Governor                                                                                                                        
                                                                                                                                
SB 195                                                                                                                        
SENATE BILL NO. 195 BY SENATOR KAUFMAN, entitled:                                                                               
                                                                                                                                
               "An Act relating to the office of management and                                                                
          budget; and providing for an effective date."                                                                         
                                                                                                                                
was read the first time and referred to the State Affairs and Finance                                                           
Committees.                                                                                                                     
                                                                                                                                

2024-01-18                     Senate Journal                      Page 1368
SB 196                                                                                                                        
SENATE BILL NO. 196 BY THE SENATE LABOR &                                                                                       
COMMERCE COMMITTEE, entitled:                                                                                                   
                                                                                                                                
               "An Act relating to drug and alcohol testing by                                                                 
          employers."                                                                                                           
                                                                                                                                
was read the first time and referred to the Labor and Commerce                                                                  
Committee.                                                                                                                      
                                                                                                                                
                                                                                                                                
                        Consideration of the Calendar                                                                        
                                                                                                                                
                                  Citations                                                                                  
                                                                                                                                
Honoring - Patricia Belle "Pat" Branson                                                                                         
Senator(s) Stevens, Kiehl                                                                                                       
Representative(s) Stutes                                                                                                        
                                                                                                                                
Honoring - 2024 Alaska Business Hall of Fame                                                                                    
Senator(s) Kaufman                                                                                                              
Representative(s) Schrage, Coulombe                                                                                             
                                                                                                                                
Senator Giessel moved and asked unanimous consent the citations be                                                              
adopted. Without objection, the citations were adopted and referred to                                                          
the Secretary for transmittal.                                                                                                  
                                                                                                                                
                                                                                                                                
                                Announcements                                                                                
                                                                                                                                
Announcements are at the end of the journal.                                                                                    
                                                                                                                                
                                                                                                                                
                                 Adjournment                                                                                 
                                                                                                                                
Senator Giessel moved and asked unanimous consent the Senate stand                                                              
in adjournment until 11:00 a.m., January 22, 2024. Without objection,                                                           
the Senate adjourned at 11:22 a.m.                                                                                              
                                                                                                                                
                                                                                                                                
                                                                                                                                
                                                                                                                                

2024-01-18                     Senate Journal                      Page 1369
                                    Senate                                                                                   
                                  Reconvenes                                                                                 
                                                                                                                                
The Senate was again called to order by President Stevens at 7:54 p.m.                                                          
                                                                                                                                
The roll showed nineteen members present. Senator Shower was                                                                    
excused from a call of the Senate.                                                                                              
                                                                                                                                
President Stevens stated the purpose of this floor session is to convene                                                        
the Senate to immediately consider an invitation to meet in Joint                                                               
Session to consider veto overrides. Though the Senate was adjourned,                                                            
it is my ruling that convening the Senate takes precedence under                                                                
Article II, Section 16 of the Alaska Constitution and Uniform Rule 51                                                           
over the previous adjournment, and that the Senate is properly                                                                  
convened.                                                                                                                       
                                                                                                                                
Senator Giessel moved and asked unanimous consent the Senate move                                                               
down the calendar to Messages from the House. Without objection, the                                                            
Senate proceeded to:                                                                                                            
                                                                                                                                
                                                                                                                                
                           Messages from the House                                                                           
                                                                                                                                
Message dated January 18 from Speaker Tilton was read stating:                                                                  
                                                                                                                                
The Senate is invited to meet with the House in a joint session on                                                              
Thursday, January 18, 2024, at 8:00 p.m. for the purpose of voting to                                                           
override the Governor’s vetoes in accordance with Uniform Rule 51.                                                              
                                                                                                                                
Senator Giessel moved and asked unanimous consent the Senate                                                                    
accept the invitation to meet in Joint Session. Without objection, it                                                           
was so ordered.                                                                                                                 
                                                                                                                                
The Secretary was requested to notify the House.                                                                                
                                                                                                                                
                                                                                                                                
                                                                                                                                

2024-01-18                     Senate Journal                      Page 1370
                                    Recess                                                                                   
                                                                                                                                
President Stevens stated the Senate would stand in recess to the Joint                                                          
Session. There being no objection, the Senate recessed at 7:57 p.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 8:09 p.m.                                                                                  
                                                                                                                                
The purpose of the Joint Session was to consider veto overrides.                                                                
                                                                                                                                
The roll of the Senate was called and showed nineteen members                                                                   
present. Senator Shower was excused.                                                                                            
                                                                                                                                
The roll of the House was taken and showed forty members present.                                                               
                                                                                                                                
HB 39                                                                                                                         
Senator Giessel moved the appropriation on page 148, line 3 of                                                                  
SENATE CS FOR CS FOR HOUSE BILL NO. 39(FIN) am S become                                                                         
law notwithstanding the Governor’s line item veto. Objections were                                                              
heard.                                                                                                                          
                                                                                                                                
The question being: "Shall the appropriation on page 148, line 3 in                                                             
SENATE CS FOR CS FOR HOUSE BILL NO. 39(FIN) am S "An                                                                            
Act making appropriations for the operating and loan program                                                                    
expenses of state government and for certain programs; capitalizing                                                             
funds; repealing appropriations; amending appropriations; making                                                                
capital appropriations, supplemental appropriations, and                                                                        
reappropriations; and providing for an effective date" become law                                                               
notwithstanding the Governor’s line item veto?" The roll of the Senate                                                          
was called with the following result:                                                                                           
                                                                                                                                
                                                                                                                                
                                                                                                                                

2024-01-18                     Senate Journal                      Page 1371
                                                                                                                                
SCS CSHB 39(FIN) am S                                                                                                           
Override Line Item Veto                                                                                                         
Page 148, line 3                                                                                                                
                                                                                                                                
SENATE                                                                                                                          
YEAS:  14   NAYS:  5   EXCUSED:  1   ABSENT:  0                                                                                 
                                                                                                                                
Yeas:  Bishop, Claman, Dunbar, Giessel, Gray-Jackson, Hoffman,                                                                  
Kawasaki, Kiehl, Merrick, Olson, Stedman, Stevens, Tobin,                                                                       
Wielechowski                                                                                                                    
                                                                                                                                
Nays:  Bjorkman, Hughes, Kaufman, Myers, Wilson                                                                                 
                                                                                                                                
Excused:  Shower                                                                                                                
                                                                                                                                
                                                                                                                                
The roll of the House was taken with the following result:                                                                      
                                                                                                                                
SCS CSHB 39(FIN) am S                                                                                                           
Override Line Item Veto                                                                                                         
Page 148, line 3                                                                                                                
                                                                                                                                
HOUSE                                                                                                                           
YEAS:  19   NAYS:  21   EXCUSED:  0   ABSENT:  0                                                                                
                                                                                                                                
Yeas:  Armstrong, Carrick, Dibert, Edgmon, Fields, Foster, Galvin,                                                              
Gray, Groh, Hannan, Himschoot, Josephson, McCormick, Mears,                                                                     
Mina, Ortiz, Schrage, Story, Stutes                                                                                             
                                                                                                                                
Nays:  Allard, Baker, Carpenter, Coulombe, Cronk, Eastman,                                                                      
C.Johnson, D.Johnson, McCabe, McKay, Prax, Rauscher, Ruffridge,                                                                 
Saddler, Shaw, Stapp, Sumner, Tilton, Tomaszewski, Vance, Wright                                                                
                                                                                                                                
TOTALS: YEAS:  33   NAYS:  26   EXCUSED:  1   ABSENT:  0                                                                      
                                                                                                                                
and so, lacking the necessary 45 votes, the Governor’s line item veto                                                           
was sustained.                                                                                                                  
                                                                                                                                
Senator Giessel moved and asked unanimous consent the Joint Session                                                             
stand in adjournment.                                                                                                           
                                                                                                                                
Representative Eastman objected.                                                                                                
                                                                                                                                
The question being:  "Shall the Joint Session adjourn?" The roll of the                                                         
House was taken with the following result:                                                                                      
                                                                                                                                

2024-01-18                     Senate Journal                      Page 1372
Adjourn                                                                                                                         
                                                                                                                                
HOUSE                                                                                                                           
                                                                                                                                
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                                                                                                                  
                                                                                                                                
The roll of the Senate was called with the following result:                                                                    
                                                                                                                                
Adjourn Joint Session?                                                                                                          
                                                                                                                                
SENATE                                                                                                                          
                                                                                                                                
YEAS:  19   NAYS:  0   EXCUSED:  1   ABSENT:  0                                                                                 
                                                                                                                                
Yeas:  Bishop, Bjorkman, Claman, Dunbar, Giessel, Gray-Jackson,                                                                 
Hoffman, Hughes, Kaufman, Kawasaki, Kiehl, Merrick, Myers,                                                                      
Olson, Stedman, Stevens, Tobin, Wielechowski, Wilson                                                                            
                                                                                                                                
Excused:  Shower                                                                                                                
                                                                                                                                
TOTALS: YEAS:  58   NAYS:  1   EXCUSED:  1   ABSENT:  0                                                                       
                                                                                                                                
and so, the Joint Session adjourned at 8:17 p.m.                                                                                
                                                                                                                                
                                                                                                                                
                                                                                                                                
                                                                                                                                
                                                                                                                                
                                                                                                                                
                                                                                                                                
                                                                                                                                

2024-01-18                     Senate Journal                      Page 1373
                                 After Recess                                                                                
                                                                                                                                
                                In the Senate                                                                                
                                                                                                                                
The Senate reconvened at 8:21 p.m.                                                                                              
                                                                                                                                
                                                                                                                                
                                 Adjournment                                                                                 
                                                                                                                                
Senator Giessel moved and asked unanimous consent the Senate stand                                                              
in adjournment until 11:00 a.m., January 22, 2024. Without objection,                                                           
the Senate adjourned at 8:21 p.m.                                                                                               
                                                                                                                                
                                                                    Liz Clark                                                   
                                                     Secretary of the Senate                                                    
                                                                                                                                
                                                                                                                                

2024-01-18                     Senate Journal                      Page 1374
                                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                                                                        
                                                                                                                                
Jan 18        Thursday                    Beltz 105 (tsbldg)          1:30 PM                                                 
              No Meeting Scheduled                                                                                              
                                                                                                                                
Jan 23        Tuesday                     Beltz 105 (tsbldg)          1:30 PM                                                 
              No Meeting Scheduled                                                                                              
                                                                                                                                
Jan 25        Thursday                    Beltz 105 (tsbldg)          1:30 PM                                                 
+             Bills Previously Heard/Scheduled                                                                                  
                   ----------------------------------------                                                                    
                                                                                                                                
                                  EDUCATION                                                                                  
                                                                                                                                
Jan 19        Friday                      Beltz 105 (tsbldg)          3:30 PM                                                 
              No Meeting Scheduled                                                                                              
                                                                                                                                
Jan 22        Monday                      Beltz 105 (tsbldg)          3:30 PM                                                 
              Presentation: Alaska Reads Act Update by                                                                          
              Deena Bishop, Commissioner of the Alaska                                                                          
              Department of Education and Early Development                                                                     
              Kathy Moffitt, Director of Innovation and                                                                         
              Education Excellence                                                                                              
+             Bills Previously Heard/Scheduled                                                                                  
              **Streamed live on AKL.tv**                                                                                       
              -- Public Testimony --                                                                                            
                                                                                                                                

2024-01-18                     Senate Journal                      Page 1375
                            EDUCATION (continued)                                                                            
                                                                                                                                
Jan 24 Wednesday Beltz 105 (tsbldg) 3:30 PM                                                                                   
+ SB 192 SCREENING/READING INTERVENTION K-3                                                                                     
              -- Testimony <Invitation Only> --                                                                                 
              Presentation: Alaska Native Language Literacy                                                                     
              Update by                                                                                                         
              Joel Isaak, Deputy Commissioner of the Alaska                                                                     
              Department of Education and Early Development                                                                     
+             Bills Previously Heard/Scheduled                                                                                  
              **Streamed live on AKL.tv**                                                                                       
                                                                                                                                
Jan 26 Friday Beltz 105 (tsbldg) 3:30 PM                                                                                      
              No Meeting Scheduled                                                                                              
                   ----------------------------------------                                                                    
                                                                                                                                
                                   FINANCE                                                                                   
                                                                                                                                
Jan 18 Thursday Senate Finance 532 9:00 AM                                                                                    
+             Overview: Revenue Forecast by                                                                                     
              Alaska Department of Revenue                                                                                      
+             Bills Previously Heard/Scheduled                                                                                  
                                                                                                                                
Jan 19 Friday Senate Finance 532 9:00 AM                                                                                      
+             Overview: Savings, Reserves, & Investments by                                                                     
              Department of Revenue                                                                                             
+             Bills Previously Heard/Scheduled                                                                                  
                                                                                                                                
Jan 22 Monday Senate Finance 532 9:00 AM                                                                                      
+ SB 186 APPROP: OPERATING BUDGET; CAP; SUPP; AM                                                                                
+ SB 187 APPROP: CAP; REAPPROP                                                                                                  
              Office of Management and Budget                                                                                   
+             Bills Previously Heard/Scheduled                                                                                  
                                                                                                                                
Jan 22 Monday Senate Finance 532 1:30 PM                                                                                      
              No Meeting Scheduled                                                                                              
                                                                                                                                
Jan 23 Tuesday Senate Finance 532 9:00 AM                                                                                     
+ SB 186 APPROP: OPERATING BUDGET; CAP; SUPP; AM                                                                                
+ SB 187 APPROP: CAP; REAPPROP                                                                                                  
              Office of Management and Budget                                                                                   
+             Bills Previously Heard/Scheduled                                                                                  
                                                                                                                                

2024-01-18                     Senate Journal                      Page 1376
                             FINANCE (continued)                                                                             
                                                                                                                                
Jan 23 Tuesday Senate Finance 532 1:30 PM                                                                                     
+= SB  88 RETIREMENT SYSTEMS; DEFINED BENEFIT OPT.                                                                              
              -- Testimony <Time Limit May Be Set> --                                                                           
+  Bills Previously Heard/Scheduled                                                                                             
                                                                                                                                
Jan 24 Wednesday Senate Finance 532 9:00 AM                                                                                   
              Overview: FY25 Budget Overview  by                                                                                
              Legislative Finance Division                                                                                      
  Bills Previously Heard/Scheduled                                                                                              
                                                                                                                                
Jan 24 Wednesday Senate Finance 532 1:30 PM                                                                                   
+ SB 127 TAXATION: VEHICLE RENTALS, SUBPOENAS                                                                                   
              -- Testimony <Time Limit May Be Set> --                                                                           
+  Bills Previously Heard/Scheduled                                                                                             
                                                                                                                                
Jan 25 Thursday Senate Finance 532 9:00 AM                                                                                    
              Overview: FY25 Budget Overview  by                                                                                
              Legislative Finance Division                                                                                      
  Bills Previously Heard/Scheduled                                                                                              
                                                                                                                                
Jan 25 Thursday Senate Finance 532 1:30 PM                                                                                    
              No Meeting Scheduled                                                                                              
                                                                                                                                
Jan 26 Friday Senate Finance 532 9:00 AM                                                                                      
              Presentation: Alaska Permanent Fund Corporation                                                                   
+  Bills Previously Heard/Scheduled                                                                                             
                   ----------------------------------------                                                                    
                                                                                                                                
                           HEALTH & SOCIAL SERVICES                                                                          
                                                                                                                                
Jan 18 Thursday Butrovich 205 3:30 PM                                                                                         
+             Department of Health - Departmental Update                                                                        
                                                                                                                                
Jan 23 Tuesday Butrovich 205 3:30 PM                                                                                          
+ SB 115 PHYSICIAN ASSISTANT SCOPE OF PRACTICE                                                                                  
              -- Invited & Public Testimony --                                                                                  
+  Bills Previously Heard/Scheduled                                                                                             
                                                                                                                                
Jan 25 Thursday Butrovich 205 3:30 PM                                                                                         
              Presentation: Department of Family and                                                                            
              Community Services Overview                                                                                       
+  Bills Previously Heard/Scheduled                                                                                             
                                                                                                                                
                                                                                                                                

2024-01-18                     Senate Journal                      Page 1377
                                  JUDICIARY                                                                                  
                                                                                                                                
Jan 19        Friday                          Butrovich 205           1:30 PM                                                 
+ HB  28 ACCESS TO MARIJUANA CONVICTION RECORDS                                                                                 
  -- Invited & Public Testimony --                                                                                              
+ SB  17 CAMPAIGN CONTRIBUTIONS                                                                                                 
  -- Invited & Public Testimony --                                                                                              
                                                                                                                                
Jan 22        Monday                          Butrovich 205           1:30 PM                                                 
+ SB  60 REPEAL WORKERS' COMP APPEALS COMMISSION                                                                                
              -- Invited & Public Testimony --                                                                                  
                                                                                                                                
Jan 24        Wednesday                       Butrovich 205           1:30 PM                                                 
              -- Delayed to a Call of the Chair --                                                                              
+ SB 100 ACCESS TO MARIJUANA CONVICTION RECORDS                                                                                 
              -- Invited & Public Testimony --                                                                                  
+             Bills Previously Heard/Scheduled                                                                                  
                                                                                                                                
Jan 26        Friday                          Butrovich 205           1:30 PM                                                 
+             Presentation: Informational Hearing by the                                                                        
              Office of Public Advocacy on Public                                                                               
              Guardianship                                                                                                      
                   ----------------------------------------                                                                    
                                                                                                                                
                               LABOR & COMMERCE                                                                              
                                                                                                                                
Jan 19        Friday                      Beltz 105 (tsbldg)          1:30 PM                                                 
              No Meeting Scheduled                                                                                              
                                                                                                                                
Jan 22        Monday                      Beltz 105 (tsbldg)          1:30 PM                                                 
+ SB 182 EXTEND BIG GAME COMM SERVICES BOARD                                                                                    
              -- Invited & Public Testimony --                                                                                  
              **Streamed live on AKL.tv**                                                                                       
                                                                                                                                
                                                                                                                                
                                                                                                                                
                                                                                                                                

2024-01-18                     Senate Journal                      Page 1378
                         LABOR & COMMERCE (continued)                                                                        
                                                                                                                                
Jan 24        Wednesday                   Beltz 105 (tsbldg)          1:30 PM                                                 
              -- Testimony <Invitation Only> --                                                                                 
              Presentation: UAA Workforce Solutions for                                                                         
              Alaska by                                                                                                         
              UAA Provost Dr. Denise Runge                                                                                      
              and others - TBD                                                                                                  
+ SB 173 AUTHORIZE HANDGUNS SCHOOL                                                                                              
              EMPLOYEE/VOLUNT                                                                                                   
              -- Invited & Public Testimony --                                                                                  
              **Streamed live on AKL.tv**                                                                                       
                                                                                                                                
Jan 26        Friday                      Beltz 105 (tsbldg)          1:30 PM                                                 
              No Meeting Scheduled                                                                                              
                   ----------------------------------------                                                                    
                                                                                                                                
                                  RESOURCES                                                                                  
                                                                                                                                
Jan 19        Friday                          Butrovich 205           3:30 PM                                                 
+             Presentation: Alaska Center for Energy and                                                                        
              Power: Railbelt Decarbonization Project Results                                                                   
              by                                                                                                                
              Phylicia Cicilio, Research Assistant Professor,                                                                   
              Power Systems Engineering, Alaska Center for                                                                      
              Energy and Power (ACEP);                                                                                          
              Jeremy VanderMeer, Research Assistant                                                                             
              Professor, ACEP;                                                                                                  
              Steve Colt, Research Professor, ACEP;                                                                             
              Derek Stenclik, Founding Partner, Telos Energy,                                                                   
              Inc.;                                                                                                             
              Matt Richwine, Founding Partner, Telos Energy,                                                                    
              Inc.                                                                                                              
+             Bills Previously Heard/Scheduled                                                                                  
              **Streamed live on AKL.tv**                                                                                       
                                                                                                                                
Jan 22        Monday                          Butrovich 205           3:30 PM                                                 
+= SB  69 GEOTHERMAL RESOURCES                                                                                                  
              -- Testimony <Invitation Only> --                                                                                 
+             Bills Previously Heard/Scheduled                                                                                  
              **Streamed live on AKL.tv**                                                                                       
                                                                                                                                
                                                                                                                                

2024-01-18                     Senate Journal                      Page 1379
                            RESOURCES (continued)                                                                            
                                                                                                                                
Jan 24        Wednesday                       Butrovich 205           3:30 PM                                                 
+ HB 125 TRAPPING CABINS ON STATE LAND                                                                                          
              -- Testimony <Invitation Only> --                                                                                 
              Randy Zarnke, President, Alaska Trappers                                                                          
              Association                                                                                                       
+             Bills Previously Heard/Scheduled                                                                                  
              **Streamed live on AKL.tv**                                                                                       
                                                                                                                                
Jan 26        Friday                          Butrovich 205           3:30 PM                                                 
+= SB  49 CARBON STORAGE                                                                                                        
              -- Testimony <Invitation Only> --                                                                                 
+             Bills Previously Heard/Scheduled                                                                                  
              **Streamed live on AKL.tv**                                                                                       
                   ----------------------------------------                                                                    
                                                                                                                                
                                STATE AFFAIRS                                                                                
                                                                                                                                
Jan 18        Thursday                    Beltz 105 (tsbldg)          1:30 PM                                                 
              No Meeting Scheduled                                                                                              
                                                                                                                                
Jan 23        Tuesday                     Beltz 105 (tsbldg)          3:30 PM                                                 
              Overview: State Affairs Expectation                                                                               
+ SB 117 REGULATION OF FIREWORKS                                                                                                
              -- Invited & Public Testimony --                                                                                  
              **Streamed live on AKL.tv**                                                                                       
+             Bills Previously Heard/Scheduled                                                                                  
                                                                                                                                
Jan 25        Thursday                    Beltz 105 (tsbldg)          3:30 PM                                                 
              -- Testimony <Invitation Only> --                                                                                 
              Presentation: A. I. Overview by                                                                                   
              Addie Cooke, Global A.I. Policy Lead at Google                                                                    
              Cloud                                                                                                             
              Ilana Beller, Field Manager Public Citizen                                                                        
+             Bills Previously Heard/Scheduled                                                                                  
              **Streamed live on AKL.tv**                                                                                       
                                                                                                                                
                                                                                                                                

2024-01-18                     Senate Journal                      Page 1380
                                TRANSPORTATION                                                                               
                                                                                                                                
Jan 18        Thursday                        Butrovich 205           1:30 PM                                                 
              No Meeting Scheduled                                                                                              
                                                                                                                                
Jan 23        Tuesday                         Butrovich 205           1:30 PM                                                 
+ SB 141 NAMING RAYMOND & ESTHER CONQUEST BRIDGE                                                                                
              -- Testimony <Invitation Only> --                                                                                 
+= SB 129 MATT GLOVER BIKE PATH                                                                                                 
              -- Public Testimony --                                                                                            
+             Bills Previously Heard/Scheduled                                                                                  
              **Streamed live on AKL.tv**                                                                                       
                                                                                                                                
Jan 25        Thursday                        Butrovich 205           1:30 PM                                                 
     SB 141 NAMING RAYMOND & ESTHER CONQUEST BRIDGE                                                                             
              -- Public Testimony --                                                                                            
+             Bills Previously Heard/Scheduled                                                                                  
              **Streamed live on AKL.tv**                                                                                       
                   ----------------------------------------                                                                    
                                                                                                                                
                                OTHER MEETINGS                                                                               
                                                                                                                                
                            MISCELLANEOUS MEETINGS                                                                           
                                                                                                                                
Jan 19        Friday                          Butrovich 205          12:00 PM                                                 
               Lunch & Learn Presentation:                                                                                      
              Topic: It's Time for a "Yes, and.." Approach to                                                                   
              Education Policy by Chad Aldeman                                                                                  
              Sponsored by Senator Tobin                                                                                        
                                                                                                                                
Feb 06        Tuesday                         Butrovich 205          12:00 PM                                                 
              Lunch & Learn Presentation:                                                                                       
              Understanding the Crisis of MMIWG2S/MMIP in                                                                       
              Alaska by:                                                                                                        
              Dr. Charlene Aqpik Apok, Executive Director,                                                                      
              Data for Indigenous Justice                                                                                       
              Kendra Kloster, Co-Director Law & Policy, Alaska                                                                  
              Native Women's Resource Center                                                                                    
              Kelsey Potdevin, Education and Outreach Manager,                                                                  
              Alaska Native Justice Center                                                                                      
              Sponsored by Senator Olson                                                                                        
                                                                                                                                
                                                                                                                                

2024-01-18                     Senate Journal                      Page 1381
                      MISCELLANEOUS MEETINGS (continued)                                                                     
                                                                                                                                
Feb 07        Wednesday                       Butrovich 205          12:00 PM                                                 
              Lunch & Learn Presentation:                                                                                       
              Understanding Recent Changes to Alaska's Unique                                                                   
              Legal Landscape: How Alaska Tribes are Pursuing                                                                   
              Justice and Public Safety In Our Communities                                                                      
              by Alex Cleghorn, Chief Operating Officer, Alaska                                                                 
              Native Justice Center                                                                                             
              Rick Garcia, Co-Director Law & Policy, Alaska                                                                     
              Native Women's Resource Center                                                                                    
              Maude Blair, Tribal Justice Manager for Alaska                                                                    
              Native Justice Center                                                                                             
              Tami Truett Jerue, Executive Director, Alaska                                                                     
              Native Women's Resource Center                                                                                    
              Sponsored by Senator Wielechowski