Legislature(2023 - 2024)
2024-02-14 Senate Journal
Full Journal pdf2024-02-14 Senate Journal Page 1609 SENATE JOURNAL ALASKA STATE LEGISLATURE THIRTY-THIRD LEGISLATURE SECOND SESSION Juneau, Alaska Wednesday February 14, 2024 Thirtieth Day Pursuant to adjournment the Senate was called to order by President Stevens at 11:01 a.m. The roll showed nineteen members present. Senator Stedman was excused from a call of the Senate. The prayer was offered by the Chaplain, Reverend Karen Perkins, Resurrection Lutheran Church. Senator Hoffman moved and asked unanimous consent the prayer be spread. Without objection, it was so ordered. Eternal and Gracious God, your Word brought forth creation, and your Spirit brings order out of chaos and confusion. You breathe upon us, and we are able to hear one another with language we can understand. Pour out your Spirit upon us now, that even when we disagree on the way forward, we may remain confident all are accepted with a single love. Nourish each of our Senators, that they do their work in a spirit of wisdom, charity, and justice. Inspire them to use their authority to serve in such a way that all people enjoy a peaceful and just society. Grant that our life in the public realm be grounded in love for our neighbors, care for the most vulnerable in our midst, and respect for the common life we share. Amen. 2024-02-14 Senate Journal Page 1610 Senator Shower led the Senate in the Pledge of Allegiance. Certification Senator Giessel moved and asked unanimous consent the journals for the twenty-eighth and twenty-ninth legislative days be approved as certified by the Secretary. Without objection, it was so ordered. Communications The following reports are on file in the Office of the Secretary of the Senate: Department of Environmental Conservation Division of Spill Prevention and Response (SPAR) Annual Report FY 2023 in accordance with AS 46.08.060 Department of Commerce, Community and Economic Development Division of Insurance 2023 Annual Report in accordance with AS 21.06.110 Standing Committee Reports SB 159 The State Affairs Committee considered SENATE BILL NO. 159 "An Act establishing Alaska Veterans' Poppy Day; and providing for an effective date." Signing do pass: Senator Kawasaki, Chair; Senators Wielechowski, Claman, Merrick, Bjorkman. The following fiscal information was published today: Fiscal Note No. 1, zero, Office of the Governor The bill was referred to the Rules Committee. 2024-02-14 Senate Journal Page 1611 HB 125 The Resources Committee considered CS FOR HOUSE BILL NO. 125(RES) "An Act relating to trapping cabins on state land; and relating to trapping cabin permit fees" and recommended it be replaced with SENATE CS FOR CS FOR HOUSE BILL NO. 125(RES) "An Act relating to trapping cabins on state land; relating to trapping cabin permit fees; and providing for an effective date." (technical title change) Signing do pass: Senators Giessel, Bishop, Cochairs; Senators Dunbar, Kaufman, Claman. Signing no recommendation: Senator Wielechowski. Signing amend: Senator Kawasaki. The following fiscal information was published today: Fiscal Note No. 2, Department of Natural Resources The bill was referred to the Finance Committee. EO 127 The Labor and Commerce Committee considered EXECUTIVE ORDER NO. 127 Eliminating the Board of Massage Therapists. Attached Senate Special Concurrent Resolution No. 4. Signing disapprove: Senator Bjorkman, Chair; Senators Dunbar, Bishop, Gray-Jackson. Signing no recommendation: Senator Merrick. This does not reflect an intent by any of the members to vote for or against a special concurrent resolution in joint session. 2024-02-14 Senate Journal Page 1612 EO 128 The Resources Committee considered EXECUTIVE ORDER NO. 128 Separating the Board of Directors of the Alaska Energy Authority from the Board of Directors of the Alaska Industrial Development and Export Authority. Signing disapprove: Senators Giessel, Bishop, Cochairs; Senators Kawasaki, Claman, Wielechowski, Dunbar. Signing no recommendation: Senator Kaufman. This does not reflect an intent by any of the members to vote for or against a special concurrent resolution in joint session. EO 128 The State Affairs Committee considered EXECUTIVE ORDER NO. 128 Separating the Board of Directors of the Alaska Energy Authority from the Board of Directors of the Alaska Industrial Development and Export Authority. Attached Senate Special Concurrent Resolution No. 5. Signing disapprove: Senator Kawasaki, Chair; Senators Wielechowski, Claman, Bjorkman. Signing no recommendation: Senator Merrick. This does not reflect an intent by any of the members to vote for or against a special concurrent resolution in joint session. EO 129 The Labor and Commerce Committee considered EXECUTIVE ORDER NO. 129 Eliminating the Board of Barbers and Hairdressers. Attached Senate Special Concurrent Resolution No. 6. Signing disapprove: Senator Bjorkman, Chair; Senator Bishop. Signing approve: Senator Gray-Jackson. Signing no recommendation: Senators Dunbar, Merrick. This does not reflect an intent by any of the members to vote for or against a special concurrent resolution in joint session. 2024-02-14 Senate Journal Page 1613 EO 130 The Labor and Commerce Committee considered EXECUTIVE ORDER NO. 130 Eliminating the Board of Certified Direct Entry Midwives. Attached Senate Special Concurrent Resolution No. 7. Signing disapprove: Senator Bjorkman, Chair; Senators Dunbar, Bishop, Gray-Jackson, Merrick. This does not reflect an intent by any of the members to vote for or against a special concurrent resolution in joint session. SSCR 4 The Labor and Commerce Committee considered SENATE SPECIAL CONCURRENT RESOLUTION NO. 4 Disapproving Executive Order No. 127. Signing do pass: Senator Bjorkman, Chair; Senators Dunbar, Bishop, Gray-Jackson. Signing no recommendation: Senator Merrick. The following fiscal information was published today: Fiscal Note No. 1, zero, Senate Labor and Commerce Committee In accordance with Uniform Rule 49(a)(4), the resolution was transmitted to the House for consideration. SSCR 5 The State Affairs Committee considered SENATE SPECIAL CONCURRENT RESOLUTION NO. 5 Disapproving Executive Order No. 128. Signing do pass: Senator Kawasaki, Chair; Senators Wielechowski, Claman, Bjorkman. Signing no recommendation: Senator Merrick. The following fiscal information was published today: Fiscal Note No. 1, zero, Senate State Affairs Committee In accordance with Uniform Rule 49(a)(4), the resolution was transmitted to the House for consideration. 2024-02-14 Senate Journal Page 1614 SSCR 6 The Labor and Commerce Committee considered SENATE SPECIAL CONCURRENT RESOLUTION NO. 6 Disapproving Executive Order No. 129. Signing do pass: Senator Bjorkman, Chair; Senator Bishop. Signing do not pass: Senator Gray-Jackson. Signing no recommendation: Senators Merrick, Dunbar. The following fiscal information was published today: Fiscal Note No. 1, zero, Senate Labor and Commerce Committee In accordance with Uniform Rule 49(a)(4), the resolution was transmitted to the House for consideration. SSCR 7 The Labor and Commerce Committee considered SENATE SPECIAL CONCURRENT RESOLUTION NO. 7 Disapproving Executive Order No. 130. Signing do pass: Senator Bjorkman, Chair; Senators Merrick, Dunbar, Bishop, Gray-Jackson. The following fiscal information was published today: Fiscal Note No. 1, zero, Senate Labor and Commerce Committee In accordance with Uniform Rule 49(a)(4), the resolution was transmitted to the House for consideration. Introduction and Reference of Senate Bills SB 229 SENATE BILL NO. 229 BY SENATOR TOBIN, entitled: "An Act relating to gun violence protective orders; relating to the crime of violating a protective order; relating to a central registry for protective orders; relating to the powers of district judges and magistrates; amending Rules 4 and 65, Alaska Rules of Civil Procedure, and Rule 9, Alaska Rules of Administration; and providing for an effective date." was read the first time and referred to the State Affairs and Judiciary Committees. 2024-02-14 Senate Journal Page 1615 SB 230 SENATE BILL NO. 230 BY SENATOR MYERS, entitled: "An Act relating to the use and possession of electronic devices by prisoners." was read the first time and referred to the State Affairs Committee. SB 231 SENATE BILL NO. 231 BY SENATOR CLAMAN, entitled: "An Act relating to residential psychiatric treatment centers; and providing for an effective date." was read the first time and referred to the Health and Social Services Committee. SB 232 SENATE BILL NO. 232 BY SENATOR KAWASAKI, entitled: "An Act relating to voter preregistration for minors at least 16 years of age." was read the first time and referred to the State Affairs Committee. Consideration of the Calendar Third Reading of Senate Resolutions SJR 13 SENATE JOINT RESOLUTION NO. 13 Encouraging the United States Congress and the President of the United States to pass and sign legislation amending the Alaska Native Claims Settlement Act to release certain land held in trust back to affected Alaska Native village corporations, was read the third time. The question being: "Shall SENATE JOINT RESOLUTION NO. 13 pass the Senate?" The roll was taken with the following result: 2024-02-14 Senate Journal Page 1616 SJR 13 Third Reading - Final Passage YEAS: 19 NAYS: 0 EXCUSED: 1 ABSENT: 0 Yeas: Bishop, Bjorkman, Claman, Dunbar, Giessel, Gray-Jackson, Hoffman, Hughes, Kaufman, Kawasaki, Kiehl, Merrick, Myers, Olson, Shower, Stevens, Tobin, Wielechowski, Wilson Excused: Stedman and so, SENATE JOINT RESOLUTION NO. 13 passed the Senate and was referred to the Secretary for engrossment. Citations Honoring - Tom Kizzia Representative(s) Gray, Vance Senator(s) Bishop Honoring - Leah Sahr Representative(s) McCormick Senator(s) Hoffman In Memoriam - Allen Menaker Senator(s) Kawasaki Representative(s) Stapp, Dibert In Memoriam - Arthur Mannix Senator(s) Claman Representative(s) Shaw, Fields In Memoriam - Katherine M. Cleveland "Tatqavin" Representative(s) Baker In Memoriam - Ronald "Ronnie" P. Daanen Representative(s) Carrick Senator(s) Kawasaki In Memoriam - Mohabbat Ahmadi Representative(s) Carrick 2024-02-14 Senate Journal Page 1617 In Memoriam - Dolores Marie Gard Representative(s) Rauscher Senator(s) Shower In Memoriam - John Norman Wilson Representative(s) Rauscher Senator(s) Shower Senator Giessel moved and asked unanimous consent the citations be adopted. Without objection, the citations were adopted and referred to the Secretary for transmittal. Unfinished Business SB 229 Senator Gray-Jackson moved and asked unanimous consent to be shown as a cosponsor on SENATE BILL NO. 229 "An Act relating to gun violence protective orders; relating to the crime of violating a protective order; relating to a central registry for protective orders; relating to the powers of district judges and magistrates; amending Rules 4 and 65, Alaska Rules of Civil Procedure, and Rule 9, Alaska Rules of Administration; and providing for an effective date." Without objection, it was so ordered. HB 57 Senators Merrick, Gray-Jackson, Bjorkman, Bishop moved and asked unanimous consent to be shown as cross sponsors on HOUSE BILL NO. 57 "An Act relating to review organizations and permitting an emergency medical services provider to establish a review organization; and relating to patient records." Without objection, it was so ordered. SB 230 Senators Shower, Hughes moved and asked unanimous consent to be shown as cosponsors on SENATE BILL NO. 230 "An Act relating to the use and possession of electronic devices by prisoners." Without objection, it was so ordered. 2024-02-14 Senate Journal Page 1618 SB 149 Senators Dunbar, Gray-Jackson, Olson, Tobin, Wielechowski, Kawasaki, Kiehl moved and asked unanimous consent to be shown as cosponsors on SENATE BILL NO. 149 "An Act relating to the supplemental nutrition assistance program; and providing for an effective date." Without objection, it was so ordered. Senator Hughes moved and asked unanimous consent to be excused from a call of the Senate from May 10 through May 12. Without objection, Senator Hughes was excused. Senator Kaufman moved and asked unanimous consent to be excused from a call of the Senate from plane time, February 16 through plane time, February 18. Without objection, Senator Kaufman was excused. Announcements Announcements are at the end of the journal. Engrossment SJR 13 SENATE JOINT RESOLUTION NO. 13 Encouraging the United States Congress and the President of the United States to pass and sign legislation amending the Alaska Native Claims Settlement Act to release certain land held in trust back to affected Alaska Native village corporations, was engrossed, signed by the President and Secretary and transmitted to the House for consideration. Adjournment Senator Giessel moved and asked unanimous consent the Senate stand in adjournment until 9:45 a.m., February 15, 2024. Without objection, the Senate adjourned at 11:40 a.m. Liz Clark Secretary of the Senate 2024-02-14 Senate Journal Page 1619 Announcements Americans with Disabilities Act Notice - Persons with disabilities who require special accommodation or alternative communication formats to access committee meetings may contact the appropriate committee office or the Legislative Information Office in their community. Reasonable advance notice is needed to accommodate the request. For further information, call the ADA Coordinator at 465-3854 Voice/465-4980 TDD. STANDING COMMITTEES + indicates teleconference = indicates bill previously heard/scheduled COMMUNITY & REGIONAL AFFAIRS Feb 15 Thursday Beltz 105 (tsbldg) 1:30 PM += SB 161 TAX EXEMPTION FOR FARM USE LAND + SB 179 PROPERTY TRANSFER TAX; MUNI TELECOMM TAX -- Invited & Public Testimony -- += SB 207 MILITARY AND VETERAN FAMILY HELP DESK + Bills Previously Heard/Scheduled ---------------------------------------- EDUCATION Feb 14 Wednesday Beltz 105 (tsbldg) 3:30 PM + SB 215 TEACHERS: BOARD CERTIFICATION INCENTIVE -- Testimony <Invitation Only> -- + Presentation: The State of Teaching in Alaska by Invited Teachers and Stakeholders + Bills Previously Heard/Scheduled **Streamed live on AKL.tv** Feb 16 Friday Beltz 105 (tsbldg) 3:30 PM No Meeting Scheduled 2024-02-14 Senate Journal Page 1620 FINANCE Feb 14 Wednesday Senate Finance 532 9:30 AM -- Please Note Time Change -- + SB 91 TELEHEALTH: MULTIDISCIPLINARY CARE TEAM -- Invited & Public Testimony -- -- <Time Limit May Be Set> -- + HB 193 INTERNET FOR SCHOOLS <Pending Referral> + Bills Previously Heard/Scheduled Feb 14 Wednesday Senate Finance 532 1:30 PM -- Please Note Time Change -- + SB 132 EMPLOYMENT TAX FOR EDUCATION FACILITIES -- Invited & Public Testimony -- -- <Time Limit May Be Set> -- + Bills Previously Heard/Scheduled Feb 15 Thursday Senate Finance 532 9:00 AM -- MEETING CANCELED -- + University of Alaska FY25 Budget Request Subcommittee of the Whole <above item removed from agenda> + Bills Previously Heard/Scheduled Feb 15 Thursday Senate Finance 532 1:30 PM -- Please Note Time Change -- + Bills Previously Heard/Scheduled: += SB 56 AK PERFORMANCE SCHOLARSHIP; ELIGIBILITY += SB 141 NAMING RAYMOND & ESTHER CONQUEST BRIDGE += SB 24 PUBLIC SCHOOLS: MENTAL HEALTH EDUCATION Feb 16 Friday Senate Finance 532 9:00 AM No Meeting Scheduled 2024-02-14 Senate Journal Page 1621 HEALTH & SOCIAL SERVICES Feb 15 Thursday Butrovich 205 3:30 PM + SB 181 CHILD PLACEMENT; DILIGENT SEARCH -- Invited & Public Testimony -- + SSCR 2 DISAPPROVE EO 125 + Bills Previously Heard/Scheduled ---------------------------------------- JUDICIARY Feb 14 Wednesday Butrovich 205 1:30 PM + SSCR10 DISAPPROVE EO 133 + SSCR12 DISAPPROVE EO 135 + Bills Previously Heard/Scheduled Feb 16 Friday Butrovich 205 1:30 PM Bills Previously Heard/Scheduled ---------------------------------------- LABOR & COMMERCE Feb 14 Wednesday Beltz 105 (tsbldg) 1:30 PM + SB 147 REEMPLOYMENT BENEFITS -- Invited & Public Testimony -- -- Public Testimony <Time Limit May Be Set> -- + SB 206 WORKERS' COMP. STAY-AT-WORK PROGRAM -- Invited & Public Testimony -- -- Public Testimony <Time Limit May Be Set> -- + SB 135 AK WORK & SAVE PROGRM; RETIRE. SAVINGS BD -- Invited & Public Testimony -- -- Public Testimony <Time Limit May Be Set> -- **Streamed live on AKL.tv** Feb 16 Friday Beltz 105 (tsbldg) 1:30 PM += SB 134 INS. DATA SECURITY; INFO. SECURITY PRGRMS -- Public Testimony <Time Limit May Be Set> -- += SB 166 MENTAL HEALTH/PSYCHEDELIC MED. TASK FORCE -- Public Testimony <Time Limit May Be Set> -- += SB 191 AHFC MAKE/PURCHASE MORTGAGE LOANS -- Public Testimony <Time Limit May Be Set> -- **Streamed live on AKL.tv** 2024-02-14 Senate Journal Page 1622 RESOURCES Feb 14 Wednesday Butrovich 205 3:30 PM + SSCR 1 DISAPPROVE EO 124 + SSCR 3 DISAPPROVE EO 126 + SSCR 9 DISAPPROVE EO 132 + SSCR11 DISAPPROVE EO 134 + Presentation: Alaska Food Strategy Task Force by Senator Shelley Hughes, Chair, Alaska Food Strategies Task Force Mike Jones, UAA Institute of Social and Economic Research Amy Seitz, Executive Director, Alaska Farm Bureau Scott Mugrage, President Alaska Farm Bureau, Owner, Mugrage Hay & Cattle Aspen O’Connor, Cricket Fence Farm Nick Mangini, Kelp Farmer, Kodiak Island Sustainable Seaweed Colin Peacock, Alaska Food Policy Council Regional Food Business Center Co-Direct Farmers Market Association + Bills Previously Heard/Scheduled += SB 118 CRITICAL NATURAL RESOURCES; REPORTS **Streamed live on AKL.tv** Feb 16 Friday Butrovich 205 3:30 PM Overview: Division of Agriculture by John Boyle, Commissioner, Department of Natural Resources + SB 168 COMPENSATION FOR WRONGFULLY SEIZED GAME <Bill Hearing Canceled> -- Testimony <Invitation Only> -- Ted Spraker, Former Chair, Alaska Board of Game Rebecca Schwanke, Former Alaska Department of Fish and Game Wildlife Biologist + SB 171 RESIDENCY REQ: HUNTING, TRAPPING, FISHING -- Testimony <Invitation Only> -- John Sturgeon, President, Safari Club International Alaska Chapter Ted Spraker, Former Chair, Alaska Board of Game Mike Crawford, Chair, Kenai/Soldotna Advisory Committee + Bills Previously Heard/Scheduled **Streamed live on AKL.tv** 2024-02-14 Senate Journal Page 1623 STATE AFFAIRS Feb 15 Thursday Beltz 105 (tsbldg) 3:30 PM -- MEETING CANCELED -- + Bills Previously Heard/Scheduled ---------------------------------------- TRANSPORTATION Feb 15 Thursday Butrovich 205 1:30 PM + Bills Previously Heard/Scheduled **Streamed live on AKL.tv** ---------------------------------------- FINANCE SUBCOMMITTEES ADMINISTRATION Feb 20 Tuesday Gruenberg 120 4:00 PM + Meeting Jointly with House Subcommittee on Department of Administration Budget Feb 27 Tuesday Butrovich 205 5:15 PM + Department of Administration Budget Mar 19 Tuesday Butrovich 205 5:15 PM + Department of Administration Budget ---------------------------------------- CORRECTIONS Feb 29 Thursday Butrovich 205 5:15 PM + Department of Corrections Budget Mar 21 Thursday Butrovich 205 5:15 PM + Department of Corrections Budget 2024-02-14 Senate Journal Page 1624 FINANCE SUBCOMMITTEES (continued) ENVIRONMENTAL CONSERVATION Feb 22 Thursday Beltz 105 (tsbldg) 11:00 AM + Overview: Department of Environmental Conservation Budget ---------------------------------------- JUDICIARY Feb 26 Monday Butrovich 205 5:15 PM + Court System Budget Mar 11 Monday Butrovich 205 5:15 PM + Court System Budget ---------------------------------------- REVENUE Feb 20 Tuesday Beltz 105 (tsbldg) 11:30 AM + Overview: Department of Revenue Budget ---------------------------------------- JOINT COMMITTEES SELECT COMMITTEE ON LEGISLATIVE ETHICS Feb 16 Friday Davis 106 8:30 AM + 1. Call the Meeting to Order + 2. Update on Committee Member Nominees + 3. Approval of the Agenda + 4. Approval of Minutes + 5. Public Comment + 6. Advisory Opinion a. AO 23-02 Confidentiality Waived by Representative David Eastman (Continued on Next Page) 2024-02-14 Senate Journal Page 1625 SELECT COMMITTEE ON LEGISLATIVE ETHICS (continued) (Continued from Previous Page) + 7. Chair/Staff Reports a. Disclosures b. Campaign Year Items c. Staff Report - Informal Advice d. Social Media Policy e. Ethics Training + 8. Budget a. FY24 Budget b. FY25 Budget 9. Executive Session + 10. Public Session + 11. Other Business Meeting will be teleconferenced: Anchorage Only: 907-563-9085 Juneau Only: 907-586-9085 Outside Anchorage or Juneau: 1-844-586-9085 ---------------------------------------- OTHER MEETINGS JOINT SESSION Feb 15 Thursday House Chamber 10:00 AM + Annual Address by Lisa Murkowski, U.S. Senator Feb 21 Wednesday House Chamber 11:00 AM + Annual Address by Dan Sullivan, U.S. Senator ---------------------------------------- MISCELLANEOUS MEETINGS Feb 14 Wednesday Butrovich 205 12:00 PM Lunch & Learn Presentation: + Navigating the Future: Protecting Alaska's Blue Economy Presented by the Marine Exchange of Alaska Sponsored by: Senator Kiehl & Senator Olson 2024-02-14 Senate Journal Page 1626 MISCELLANEOUS MEETINGS (continued) Feb 14 Wednesday Davis 106 12:01 PM Lunch & Learn Presentation: Food Production in Alaska Presented by the Alaska Farm Bureau Sponsored by: Senator Bjorkman and Senator Hughes Feb 22 Thursday Butrovich 205 12:00 PM Lunch & Learn Presentation: Overview of the Experiences and Structural Damages Caused by the 1964 Earthquake Compared to the 2018 Earthquake Presented by: Dennis L. Berry and Colin Maynard, Alaska Professional Design Council Sponsored by Senator Kaufman