Legislature(2023 - 2024)

2024-02-21 Senate Journal

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2024-02-21                     Senate Journal                      Page 1685
                                                                                                                                
                                SENATE JOURNAL                                                                               
                                                                                                                                
                           ALASKA STATE LEGISLATURE                                                                          
                                                                                                                                
                           THIRTY-THIRD LEGISLATURE                                                                          
                                                                                                                                
                                SECOND SESSION                                                                               
                                                                                                                                
Juneau, Alaska                   Wednesday               February 21, 2024                                                    
                                                                                                                                
                              Thirty-seventh Day                                                                             
                                                                                                                                
                                                                                                                                
Pursuant to adjournment the Senate was called to order by President                                                             
Stevens at 10:33 a.m.                                                                                                           
                                                                                                                                
The roll showed twenty members present.                                                                                         
                                                                                                                                
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.                                                                                                                        
                                                                                                                                
          Blessed are you God of the Universe, you have                                                                         
          created us and given us life. Blessed are you God of                                                                  
          planet Earth, you set our world like a radiant jewel in                                                               
          the heavens and filled it with abundance, inspiration,                                                                
          community and hope.                                                                                                   
                                                                                                                                
          Blessed are you God of this land and all the peoples                                                                  
          who live here and all the lessons we have learned and                                                                 
          all that remains for us to do. Blessed are you because                                                                
          you give us grace, because you can make us                                                                            
          worthwhile, because you give us people to love and                                                                    
          work to do. For your Universe, for your world and                                                                     
          for our communities, give us wisdom and leaders                                                                       
                  worthy of their responsibility.     Amen.                                                                    
                                                                                                                                
Senator Wielechowski led the Senate in the Pledge of Allegiance.                                                                
                                                                                                                                
                                                                                                                                

2024-02-21                     Senate Journal                      Page 1686
                                Certification                                                                                
                                                                                                                                
Senator Giessel moved and asked unanimous consent the journals for                                                              
the thirty-fifth and thirty-sixth legislative days be approved as certified                                                     
by the Secretary. Without objection, it was so ordered.                                                                         
                                                                                                                                
                                                                                                                                
                           Messages from the House                                                                           
                                                                                                                                
Message dated February 16 was read stating:                                                                                     
                                                                                                                                
The House of Representatives respectfully invites the Senate to a Joint                                                         
Session of the Thirty-Third Alaska Legislature at 11:00 a.m. on                                                                 
Monday, February 26 for the purpose of hearing U.S. Representative                                                              
Mary Sattler Peltola’s annual address in the House Chambers.                                                                    
                                                                                                                                
Senator Giessel moved and asked unanimous consent the Senate                                                                    
accept the House invitation to meet in Joint Session. Without                                                                   
objection, it was so ordered.                                                                                                   
                                                                                                                                
The Secretary was requested to notify the House.                                                                                
                                                                                                                                
                                                                                                                                
                                Communications                                                                               
                                                                                                                                
The following reports are on file in the Office of the Secretary of the                                                         
Senate:                                                                                                                         
                                                                                                                                
Department of Education & Early Development                                                                                     
     Annual Report                                                                                                              
     February 15, 2024                                                                                                          
     in accordance with AS 14.03.078                                                                                            
                                                                                                                                
     School District Forecasted Unreserved Year-End Operating Fund                                                              
     Balance                                                                                                                    
     FY 2024                                                                                                                    
     in accordance with ch. 2, SLA 2021                                                                                         
                                                                                                                                

2024-02-21                     Senate Journal                      Page 1687
Department of Administration                                                                                                    
2024 Progress Report on Equal Opportunity and Affirmative Action in                                                             
Alaska State Government                                                                                                         
in accordance with AS 39.28.020                                                                                                 
                                                                                                                                
Alaska Court System                                                                                                             
Appellate and Trial Courts                                                                                                      
2023 Time-to-Disposition Reports                                                                                                
in accordance with AS 22.20.310                                                                                                 
                                                                                                                                
Department of Commerce, Community, and Economic Development                                                                     
Alaska Industrial Development and Export Authority                                                                              
Annual Review of Excess Assets                                                                                                  
FY 2023                                                                                                                         
in accordance with AS 44.88.205                                                                                                 
                                                                                                                                
                                                                                                                                
                          Standing Committee Reports                                                                         
                                                                                                                                
SB 28                                                                                                                         
The Judiciary Committee considered SENATE BILL NO. 28 "An Act                                                                   
relating to workplace violence protective orders; relating to the crime                                                         
of violating a protective order; 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" and recommended it be replaced with                                                                      
                                                                                                                                
          CS FOR SENATE BILL NO. 28(JUD)                                                                                        
                                                                                                                                
Signing do pass: Senator Claman, Chair; Senators Giessel, Kaufman.                                                              
Signing no recommendation: Senator Tobin.                                                                                       
                                                                                                                                
The following fiscal information was published today:                                                                           
     Fiscal Note No. 2, Department of Administration                                                                            
     Fiscal Note No. 3, Department of Administration                                                                            
     Fiscal Note No. 4, zero, Department of Law                                                                                 
     Fiscal Note No. 5, zero, Department of Public Safety                                                                       
     Fiscal Note No. 6, Department of Public Safety                                                                             
     Fiscal Note No. 7, zero, Alaska Judiciary System                                                                           
                                                                                                                                
President Stevens added a Finance Committee referral to the bill.                                                               
                                                                                                                                

2024-02-21                     Senate Journal                      Page 1688
The bill was referred to the Finance Committee.                                                                                 
                                                                                                                                
SB 34                                                                                                                         
The Finance Committee considered SENATE BILL NO. 34 "An Act                                                                     
reestablishing the Citizens' Advisory Commission on Federal                                                                     
Management Areas in Alaska; and providing for an effective date" and                                                            
recommended it be replaced with                                                                                                 
                                                                                                                                
          CS FOR SENATE BILL NO. 34(FIN) "An Act                                                                                
          reestablishing the Citizens' Advisory Commission on                                                                   
          Federal Management Areas in Alaska; relating to the                                                                   
          membership and duties of the Citizens' Advisory                                                                       
          Commission on Federal Management Areas in                                                                             
          Alaska; relating to the authority of the Department of                                                                
          Natural Resources regarding the Citizens' Advisory                                                                    
          Commission on Federal Management Areas in                                                                             
          Alaska; and providing for an effective date."                                                                         
                                                                                                                                
Signing do pass: Senator Olson, Cochair; Senators Merrick, Bishop.                                                              
Signing no recommendation: Senators Wilson, Kiehl.                                                                              
                                                                                                                                
The following fiscal information was published today:                                                                           
     Fiscal Note No. 2, Department of Natural Resources                                                                         
                                                                                                                                
The bill was referred to the Rules Committee.                                                                                   
                                                                                                                                
SB 149                                                                                                                        
The Health and Social Services Committee considered SENATE BILL                                                                 
NO. 149 "An Act relating to the supplemental nutrition assistance                                                               
program; and providing for an effective date."                                                                                  
                                                                                                                                
Signing do pass: Senator Wilson, Chair; Senators Tobin, Kaufman,                                                                
Dunbar, Giessel.                                                                                                                
                                                                                                                                
The following fiscal information was published today:                                                                           
     Fiscal Note No. 1, Department of Health                                                                                    
     Fiscal Note No. 2, Department of Health                                                                                    
                                                                                                                                
The bill was referred to the Finance Committee.                                                                                 
                                                                                                                                

2024-02-21                     Senate Journal                      Page 1689
SB 199                                                                                                                        
The Transportation Committee considered SENATE BILL NO. 199                                                                     
"An Act relating to access roads; relating to state land; relating to                                                           
contracts for the sale of state land; relating to the authority of the                                                          
Department of Education and Early Development to dispose of state                                                               
land; relating to the authority of the Department of Transportation and                                                         
Public Facilities to dispose of state land; relating to the authority of the                                                    
Department of Natural Resources over certain state land; relating to                                                            
the state land disposal income fund; relating to the sale and lease of                                                          
state land; relating to covenants and restrictions on agricultural land;                                                        
and providing for an effective date" and recommended it be replaced                                                             
with                                                                                                                            
                                                                                                                                
          CS FOR SENATE BILL NO. 199(TRA) "An Act                                                                               
          relating to access roads; relating to state land; relating                                                            
          to contracts for the sale of state land; relating to the                                                              
          authority of the Department of Education and Early                                                                    
          Development to dispose of state land; relating to the                                                                 
          authority of the Department of Transportation and                                                                     
          Public Facilities to dispose of state land; relating to                                                               
          the acceptance of gifts, donations, and grants by the                                                                 
          Department of Natural Resources; relating to                                                                          
          accounting for certain program receipts; relating to                                                                  
          the authority of the Department of Natural Resources                                                                  
          over certain state land; relating to the state land                                                                   
          disposal income fund; relating to the sale and lease of                                                               
          state land; relating to covenants and restrictions on                                                                 
          agricultural land; and providing for an effective                                                                     
          date."                                                                                                                
                                                                                                                                
Signing do pass: Senator Kaufman, Chair. Signing no                                                                             
recommendation: Senators Kiehl, Wilson, Myers, Tobin.                                                                           
                                                                                                                                
The following fiscal information was published today:                                                                           
     Fiscal Note No. 2, Department of Education and Early                                                                       
          Development                                                                                                           
 Fiscal Note No. 3, Department of Natural Resources                                                                             
                                                                                                                                
The bill was referred to the Resources Committee.                                                                               
                                                                                                                                
                                                                                                                                

2024-02-21                     Senate Journal                      Page 1690
                  Introduction and Reference of Senate Bills                                                                 
                                                                                                                                
SB 247                                                                                                                        
SENATE BILL NO. 247 BY SENATOR BJORKMAN, entitled:                                                                              
                                                                                                                                
          "An Act establishing 4-H Day."                                                                                        
                                                                                                                                
was read the first time and referred to the Community and Regional                                                              
Affairs Committee.                                                                                                              
                                                                                                                                
SB 248                                                                                                                        
SENATE BILL NO. 248 BY SENATOR BJORKMAN, entitled:                                                                              
                                                                                                                                
            "An Act relating to an executive administrator for the                                                             
          Big Game Commercial Services Board."                                                                                  
                                                                                                                                
was read the first time and referred to the Resources and Finance                                                               
Committees.                                                                                                                     
                                                                                                                                
SB 249                                                                                                                        
SENATE BILL NO. 249 BY THE SENATE LABOR &                                                                                       
COMMERCE COMMITTEE, entitled:                                                                                                   
                                                                                                                                
          "An Act relating to medical review organizations;                                                                     
          relating to the definitions of 'health care provider' and                                                             
          'review organization'; and relating to the duties of the                                                              
          chief medical officer in the Department of Health."                                                                   
                                                                                                                                
was read the first time and referred to the Health and Social Services                                                          
and Labor and Commerce Committees.                                                                                              
                                                                                                                                
                                                                                                                                
                                                                                                                                

2024-02-21                     Senate Journal                      Page 1691
SB 250                                                                                                                        
SENATE BILL NO. 250 BY SENATOR KIEHL BY REQUEST,                                                                                
entitled:                                                                                                                       
                                                                                                                                
          "An Act relating to guardianships, conservatorships,                                                                  
          and other protective arrangements; relating to the                                                                    
          public guardian; relating to the crime of violating a                                                                 
          protective order; amending Rules 6, 6.1, 12(e), and                                                                   
          37.7(a), Alaska Rules of Administration; repealing                                                                    
          Rule 9(b)(2)(G)(ii), Alaska Rules of Administration;                                                                  
          amending the Alaska Rules of Probate Procedure;                                                                       
          and amending Rule 77(c), Alaska Rules of Civil                                                                        
          Procedure."                                                                                                           
                                                                                                                                
was read the first time and referred to the Health and Social Services                                                          
and Judiciary Committees.                                                                                                       
                                                                                                                                
SB 251                                                                                                                        
SENATE BILL NO. 251 BY SENATOR KAUFMAN, entitled:                                                                               
                                                                                                                                
          "An Act establishing a regulatory sandbox program;                                                                    
          establishing the office of innovation and economic                                                                    
          development; establishing the Alaska Innovation                                                                       
          Council; relating to claims against the state arising                                                                 
          out of an innovative product or service; relating to                                                                  
          criminal justice information and national criminal                                                                    
          history record checks; and amending Rule 402,                                                                         
          Alaska Rules of Evidence."                                                                                            
                                                                                                                                
was read the first time and referred to the Labor and Commerce and                                                              
Judiciary Committees.                                                                                                           
                                                                                                                                
SB 252                                                                                                                        
SENATE BILL NO. 252 BY SENATOR KAWASAKI, entitled:                                                                              
                                                                                                                                
          "An Act relating to Arbor Day."                                                                                       
                                                                                                                                
was read the first time and referred to the Community and Regional                                                              
Affairs Committee.                                                                                                              
                                                                                                                                

2024-02-21                     Senate Journal                      Page 1692
SB 253                                                                                                                        
SENATE BILL NO. 253 BY SENATOR KAUFMAN, entitled:                                                                               
                                                                                                                                
          "An Act relating to a big game guide commercial                                                                       
          concession permit program on land in the state;                                                                       
          establishing a big game guide commercial concession                                                                   
          area pilot project; and providing for an effective                                                                    
          date."                                                                                                                
                                                                                                                                
was read the first time and referred to the Resources and Finance                                                               
Committees.                                                                                                                     
                                                                                                                                
SB 254                                                                                                                        
SENATE BILL NO. 254 BY SENATOR BJORKMAN, entitled:                                                                              
                                                                                                                                
          "An Act relating to royalty rates for certain oil and                                                                 
          gas; and providing for an effective date."                                                                            
                                                                                                                                
was read the first time and referred to the Resources and Finance                                                               
Committees.                                                                                                                     
                                                                                                                                
SB 255                                                                                                                        
SENATE BILL NO. 255 BY THE SENATE RULES COMMITTEE                                                                               
BY REQUEST OF THE GOVERNOR, entitled:                                                                                           
                                                                                                                                
          "An Act relating to the obstruction of airports and                                                                   
          runways; relating to the obstruction of highways;                                                                     
          establishing the crime of obstruction of free passage                                                                 
          in public places; relating to the obstruction of public                                                               
          places; relating to the crime of trespassing; relating to                                                             
          the obstruction of navigable waters; and providing for                                                                
          an effective date."                                                                                                   
                                                                                                                                
was read the first time and referred to the Transportation and Judiciary                                                        
Committees.                                                                                                                     
                                                                                                                                
The following fiscal information was published today:                                                                           
 Fiscal Note No. 1, zero, Department of Public Safety                                                                           
                                                                                                                                

2024-02-21                     Senate Journal                      Page 1693
Governor's transmittal letter dated February 20:                                                                                
                                                                                                                                
Dear President Stevens:                                                                                                         
                                                                                                                                
Under the authority of Article III, Section 18 of the Alaska                                                                    
Constitution, I am transmitting a bill relating to obstruction of access                                                        
to public places. The bill increases the penalties for obstructing                                                              
highways and navigable waterways, and for criminal trespass, where                                                              
there is a substantial risk of physical harm or interference with                                                               
emergency response. The bill expands criminal liability for obstructing                                                         
airport runways. The bill also establishes a new crime of obstruction in                                                        
public places. Finally, the bill creates a new civil cause of action by                                                         
any person who is obstructed and provides for statutory damages in                                                              
addition to compensatory and other damages. Liability extends to                                                                
persons and organizations that conspire with or encourage anyone who                                                            
engages in public obstruction.                                                                                                  
                                                                                                                                
Alaskans have a constitutional liberty interest in freely moving about                                                          
the State. This bill will protect the right to freedom of movement                                                              
against infringement by increasing and expanding existing criminal                                                              
prohibitions on obstructing public places and rights of way and by                                                              
establishing new civil liability for obstruction of public places.                                                              
                                                                                                                                
I urge your prompt and favorable action on this measure.                                                                        
                                                                                                                                
Sincerely,                                                                                                                      
/s/                                                                                                                             
Mike Dunleavy                                                                                                                   
Governor                                                                                                                        
                                                                                                                                
                                                                                                                                
                        Consideration of the Calendar                                                                        
                                                                                                                                
                        Third Reading of Senate Bills                                                                        
                                                                                                                                
SB 104                                                                                                                        
SENATE BILL NO. 104 "An Act relating to appropriations to the                                                                   
civil legal services fund" was read the third time.                                                                             
                                                                                                                                

2024-02-21                     Senate Journal                      Page 1694
The question being: "Shall SENATE BILL NO. 104 "An Act relating                                                                 
to appropriations to the civil legal services fund" pass the Senate?"                                                           
The roll was taken with the following result:                                                                                   
                                                                                                                                
SB 104                                                                                                                          
Third Reading - Final Passage                                                                                                   
                                                                                                                                
YEAS:  20   NAYS:  0   EXCUSED:  0   ABSENT:  0                                                                               
                                                                                                                                
Yeas:  Bishop, Bjorkman, Claman, Dunbar, Giessel, Gray-Jackson,                                                                 
Hoffman, Hughes, Kaufman, Kawasaki, Kiehl, Merrick, Myers,                                                                      
Olson, Shower, Stedman, Stevens, Tobin, Wielechowski, Wilson                                                                    
                                                                                                                                
and so, SENATE BILL NO. 104 passed the Senate and was referred to                                                               
the Secretary for engrossment.                                                                                                  
                                                                                                                                
SB 141                                                                                                                        
CS FOR SENATE BILL NO. 141(TRA) "An Act naming the                                                                              
Raymond and Esther Conquest Bridge" was read the third time.                                                                    
                                                                                                                                
The question being: "Shall CS FOR SENATE BILL NO. 141(TRA)                                                                      
"An Act naming the Raymond and Esther Conquest Bridge" pass the                                                                 
Senate?" The roll was taken with the following result:                                                                          
                                                                                                                                
CSSB 141(TRA)                                                                                                                   
Third Reading - Final Passage                                                                                                   
                                                                                                                                
YEAS:  20   NAYS:  0   EXCUSED:  0   ABSENT:  0                                                                               
                                                                                                                                
Yeas:  Bishop, Bjorkman, Claman, Dunbar, Giessel, Gray-Jackson,                                                                 
Hoffman, Hughes, Kaufman, Kawasaki, Kiehl, Merrick, Myers,                                                                      
Olson, Shower, Stedman, Stevens, Tobin, Wielechowski, Wilson                                                                    
                                                                                                                                
and so, CS FOR SENATE BILL NO. 141(TRA) passed the Senate and                                                                   
was referred to the Secretary for engrossment.                                                                                  
                                                                                                                                
SB 159                                                                                                                        
SENATE BILL NO. 159 "An Act establishing Alaska Veterans' Poppy                                                                 
Day; and providing for an effective date" was read the third time.                                                              
                                                                                                                                

2024-02-21                     Senate Journal                      Page 1695
The question being: "Shall SENATE BILL NO. 159 "An Act                                                                          
establishing Alaska Veterans' Poppy Day; and providing for an                                                                   
effective date" pass the Senate?" The roll was taken with the following                                                         
result:                                                                                                                         
                                                                                                                                
SB 159                                                                                                                          
Third Reading - Final Passage                                                                                                   
Effective Date(s)                                                                                                               
                                                                                                                                
YEAS:  20   NAYS:  0   EXCUSED:  0   ABSENT:  0                                                                               
                                                                                                                                
Yeas:  Bishop, Bjorkman, Claman, Dunbar, Giessel, Gray-Jackson,                                                                 
Hoffman, Hughes, Kaufman, Kawasaki, Kiehl, Merrick, Myers,                                                                      
Olson, Shower, Stedman, Stevens, Tobin, Wielechowski, Wilson                                                                    
                                                                                                                                
and so, SENATE BILL NO. 159 passed the Senate.                                                                                  
                                                                                                                                
Senator Giessel moved and asked unanimous consent the vote on the                                                               
passage of the bill be considered the vote on the effective date                                                                
clause(s). Without objection, it was so ordered and the bill was                                                                
referred to the Secretary for engrossment.                                                                                      
                                                                                                                                
                                                                                                                                
                                    Recess                                                                                   
                                                                                                                                
Senator Giessel moved and asked unanimous consent the Senate stand                                                              
in recess to the Joint Session. Without objection, the Senate recessed                                                          
at 11:00 a.m.                                                                                                                   
                                                                                                                                
                                                                                                                                
                                 After Recess                                                                                
                                                                                                                                
                          Joint Session in the House                                                                         
                                                                                                                                
Speaker Tilton called the House to order and in accordance with                                                                 
Uniform Rule 51 turned the gavel over to President Stevens, who                                                                 
called the Joint Session to order at 11:09 a.m.                                                                                 
                                                                                                                                
The purpose of the Joint Session was to hear an address by the                                                                  
Honorable Dan Sullivan, U.S. Senator.                                                                                           
                                                                                                                                

2024-02-21                     Senate Journal                      Page 1696
Senator Giessel moved and asked unanimous consent the roll call of                                                              
the Senate be waived and all members be shown as present. Without                                                               
objection, it was so ordered.                                                                                                   
                                                                                                                                
Representative Saddler moved and asked unanimous consent the roll                                                               
call of the House be waived and all members be shown as present.                                                                
Without objection, it was so ordered.                                                                                           
                                                                                                                                
President Stevens appointed Senator Kaufman and Representative                                                                  
Shaw to escort U.S. Senator Dan Sullivan to the Joint Session.                                                                  
                                                                                                                                
The Senate Sergeant at Arms, Matt Simpson, announced the                                                                        
Honorable Dan Sullivan’s entrance to the House Chamber.                                                                         
                                                                                                                                
Senator Sullivan was escorted to the rostrum and welcomed by                                                                    
President Stevens and Speaker Tilton.                                                                                           
                                                                                                                                
Senator Sullivan delivered his address. This address appears in Senate                                                          
and House Joint Journal Supplement No. 15.                                                                                      
                                                                                                                                
Following his address, there was a question and answer period.                                                                  
Senator Sullivan received a standing ovation and was escorted from                                                              
the chamber by Representative Shaw and Senator Kaufman.                                                                         
                                                                                                                                
Senator Giessel moved and asked unanimous consent the Joint Session                                                             
stand in adjournment. Without objection, President Stevens adjourned                                                            
the Joint Session at 12:32 p.m.                                                                                                 
                                                                                                                                
                                                                                                                                
                                 After Recess                                                                                
                                                                                                                                
                                In the Senate                                                                                
                                                                                                                                
The Senate reconvened at 12:48 p.m.                                                                                             
                                                                                                                                
                                                                                                                                

2024-02-21                     Senate Journal                      Page 1697
                  Consideration of the Calendar (continued)                                                                  
                                                                                                                                
                        Senate Bills in Third Reading                                                                        
                                                                                                                                
SB 170                                                                                                                        
CS FOR SENATE BILL NO. 170(FIN) "An Act relating to the Alaska                                                                  
longevity bonus program and the Alaska senior benefits payment                                                                  
program; and providing for an effective date" which had been held in                                                            
third reading (page 1670) was before the Senate.                                                                                
                                                                                                                                
The question being: "Shall CS FOR SENATE BILL NO. 170(FIN)                                                                      
"An Act relating to the Alaska longevity bonus program and the                                                                  
Alaska senior benefits payment program; and providing for an                                                                    
effective date" pass the Senate?" The roll was taken with the following                                                         
result:                                                                                                                         
                                                                                                                                
CSSB 170(FIN)                                                                                                                   
Third Reading - Final Passage                                                                                                   
Effective Date(s)                                                                                                               
                                                                                                                                
YEAS:  19   NAYS:  0   EXCUSED:  0   ABSENT:  1                                                                               
                                                                                                                                
Yeas:  Bishop, Bjorkman, Claman, Dunbar, Giessel, Gray-Jackson,                                                                 
Hoffman, Hughes, Kaufman, Kawasaki, Kiehl, Merrick, Myers,                                                                      
Olson, Shower, Stevens, Tobin, Wielechowski, Wilson                                                                             
                                                                                                                                
Absent:  Stedman                                                                                                                
                                                                                                                                
and so, CS FOR SENATE BILL NO. 170(FIN) passed the Senate.                                                                      
                                                                                                                                
Senator Giessel moved and asked unanimous consent the vote on the                                                               
passage of the bill be considered the vote on the effective date                                                                
clause(s). Without objection, it was so ordered and the bill was                                                                
referred to the Secretary for engrossment.                                                                                      
                                                                                                                                
                                  Citations                                                                                  
                                                                                                                                
Honoring - David Ramseur                                                                                                        
Representative(s) Gray, Fields                                                                                                  
Senator(s) Tobin                                                                                                                
                                                                                                                                
Honoring - Kern McGinley                                                                                                        
Representative(s) Gray, McKay                                                                                                   
Senator(s) Claman                                                                                                               
                                                                                                                                

2024-02-21                     Senate Journal                      Page 1698
In Memoriam - Roger Burton Helmer                                                                                               
Senator(s) Dunbar                                                                                                               
                                                                                                                                
In Memoriam - Jadyn Evamarie Dennis                                                                                             
Representative(s) Gray                                                                                                          
Senator(s) Dunbar, Gray-Jackson                                                                                                 
                                                                                                                                
In Memoriam - Bob Arnold Havemeister                                                                                            
Representative(s) Johnson, Rauscher                                                                                             
                                                                                                                                
                                                                                                                                
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                                                                             
                                                                                                                                
SJR 17                                                                                                                        
Senator Gray-Jackson moved and asked unanimous consent to be                                                                    
shown as a cosponsor on SENATE JOINT RESOLUTION NO. 17                                                                          
Urging the United States Congress to extend the deadline for the state                                                          
to obligate American Rescue Plan Elementary and Secondary School                                                                
Emergency Relief - Homeless Children and Youth funds. Without                                                                   
objection, it was so ordered.                                                                                                   
                                                                                                                                
SB 235                                                                                                                        
Senators Bjorkman, Gray-Jackson moved and asked unanimous                                                                       
consent to be shown as cosponsors on SENATE BILL NO. 235 "An                                                                    
Act relating to certified nurse aide training; and providing for an                                                             
effective date." Without objection, it was so ordered.                                                                          
                                                                                                                                
SB 239                                                                                                                        
President Stevens removed the Finance Committee referral for                                                                    
SENATE BILL NO. 239 "An Act relating to the Alaska Industrial                                                                   
Development and Export Authority; and relating to workforce housing                                                             
development projects."                                                                                                          
                                                                                                                                
The bill is in the Labor and Commerce Committee.                                                                                
                                                                                                                                

2024-02-21                     Senate Journal                      Page 1699
SB 242                                                                                                                        
Senator Myers moved and asked unanimous consent to be shown as a                                                                
cosponsor on SENATE BILL NO. 242 "An Act relating to assessment                                                                 
of property, boards of equalization, and certification of assessors; and                                                        
providing for an effective date." Without objection, it was so ordered.                                                         
                                                                                                                                
                                                                                                                                
                                 Engrossment                                                                                 
                                                                                                                                
SB 104                                                                                                                        
SENATE BILL NO. 104 "An Act relating to appropriations to the                                                                   
civil legal services fund" was engrossed, signed by the President and                                                           
Secretary and transmitted to the House for consideration.                                                                       
                                                                                                                                
SB 141                                                                                                                        
CS FOR SENATE BILL NO. 141(TRA) "An Act naming the                                                                              
Raymond and Esther Conquest Bridge" was engrossed, signed by the                                                                
President and Secretary and transmitted to the House for                                                                        
consideration.                                                                                                                  
                                                                                                                                
SB 159                                                                                                                        
SENATE BILL NO. 159 "An Act establishing Alaska Veterans' Poppy                                                                 
Day; and providing for an effective date" was engrossed, signed by the                                                          
President and Secretary and transmitted to the House for                                                                        
consideration.                                                                                                                  
                                                                                                                                
SB 170                                                                                                                        
CS FOR SENATE BILL NO. 170(FIN) "An Act relating to the Alaska                                                                  
longevity bonus program and the Alaska senior benefits payment                                                                  
program; and providing for an effective date" was engrossed, signed                                                             
by the President and Secretary and transmitted to the House for                                                                 
consideration.                                                                                                                  
                                                                                                                                
                                                                                                                                
                                Announcements                                                                                
                                                                                                                                
Announcements are at the end of the journal.                                                                                    
                                                                                                                                
                                                                                                                                

2024-02-21                     Senate Journal                      Page 1700
                                 Adjournment                                                                                 
                                                                                                                                
Senator Giessel moved and asked unanimous consent the Senate stand                                                              
in adjournment until 10:30 a.m., February 23, 2024. Without                                                                     
objection, the Senate adjourned at 1:00 p.m.                                                                                    
                                                                                                                                
                                                                    Liz Clark                                                   
                                                     Secretary of the Senate                                                    
                                                                                                                                
                                                                                                                                

2024-02-21                     Senate Journal                      Page 1701
                                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 22        Thursday                    Beltz 105 (tsbldg)          1:30 PM                                                 
+ SB 236 GRANTS TO DISASTER VICTIMS                                                                                             
+= SB 161 TAX EXEMPTION FOR FARM USE LAND                                                                                       
              -- Invited & Public Testimony --                                                                                  
+ SCR  8 RECOGNIZING NCSL ON 50TH ANNIVERSARY                                                                                   
+             Bills Previously Heard/Scheduled                                                                                  
                   ----------------------------------------                                                                    
                                                                                                                                
                                  EDUCATION                                                                                  
                                                                                                                                
Feb 21        Wednesday                   Beltz 105 (tsbldg)          3:30 PM                                                 
              -- Delayed to 4 pm --                                                                                             
              Presentation: Alaska Municipal League Testimony                                                                   
              by Municipal Officials Attending the AML 2024                                                                     
              Winter Legislative Conference                                                                                     
              -- Testimony <Invitation Only> --                                                                                 
+             Bills Previously Heard/Scheduled                                                                                  
              **Streamed live on AKL.tv**                                                                                       
                                                                                                                                
Feb 23        Friday                      Beltz 105 (tsbldg)          3:30 PM                                                 
              No Meeting Scheduled                                                                                              
                                                                                                                                
                                                                                                                                

2024-02-21                     Senate Journal                      Page 1702
                                   FINANCE                                                                                   
                                                                                                                                
Feb 21        Wednesday                 Senate Finance 532            9:00 AM                                                 
+  Budget Public Testimony - Juneau, Sitka, Cordova,                                                                            
              Ketchikan, Petersburg, Wrangell, Prince William                                                                   
              Sound, Kodiak & Offnets                                                                                           
              Please sign up by 10:15AM                                                                                         
+= SB 186 APPROP: OPERATING BUDGET; CAP; SUPP; AM                                                                               
  -- Public Testimony <Time Limit May Be Set> --                                                                                
+= SB 187 APPROP: CAP; REAPPROP                                                                                                 
  -- Public Testimony <Time Limit May Be Set> --                                                                                
+= SB 188 APPROP: MENTAL HEALTH BUDGET                                                                                          
  -- Public Testimony <Time Limit May Be Set> --                                                                                
+             Bills Previously Heard/Scheduled                                                                                  
                                                                                                                                
Feb 21        Wednesday                 Senate Finance 532            1:00 PM                                                 
+             Budget Public Testimony - Fairbanks, Interior,                                                                    
              Copper River Valley, Delta Junction, Glennallen,                                                                  
              Tok & Offnets                                                                                                     
              Please sign up by 2:45PM                                                                                          
+= SB 186 APPROP: OPERATING BUDGET; CAP; SUPP; AM                                                                               
  -- Public Testimony <Time Limit May Be Set> --                                                                                
+= SB 187 APPROP: CAP; REAPPROP                                                                                                 
  -- Public Testimony <Time Limit May Be Set> --                                                                                
+= SB 188 APPROP: MENTAL HEALTH BUDGET                                                                                          
  -- Public Testimony <Time Limit May Be Set> --                                                                                
+             Bills Previously Heard/Scheduled                                                                                  
                                                                                                                                
Feb 22        Thursday                  Senate Finance 532            9:00 AM                                                 
              Budget Public Testimony - Nome, Bethel,                                                                           
              Kotzebue, Utqiagvik, Unalaska, Dillingham &                                                                       
              Offnets                                                                                                           
              Please sign up by 10:15AM                                                                                         
+= SB 186 APPROP: OPERATING BUDGET; CAP; SUPP; AM                                                                               
  -- Public Testimony <Time Limit May Be Set> --                                                                                
+= SB 187 APPROP: CAP; REAPPROP                                                                                                 
  -- Public Testimony <Time Limit May Be Set> --                                                                                
+= SB 188 APPROP: MENTAL HEALTH BUDGET                                                                                          
  -- Public Testimony <Time Limit May Be Set> --                                                                                
+             Bills Previously Heard/Scheduled                                                                                  
                                                                                                                                

2024-02-21                     Senate Journal                      Page 1703
                              FINANCE(continued)                                                                             
                                                                                                                                
Feb 22        Thursday                  Senate Finance 532            1:00 PM                                                 
+             Budget Public Testimony - Anchorage, Matanuska                                                                    
              Valley, Homer, Seward, Valdez, & Kenai                                                                            
              Peninsula                                                                                                         
              Please sign up by 2:45PM                                                                                          
+= SB 186 APPROP: OPERATING BUDGET; CAP; SUPP; AM                                                                               
              -- Public Testimony <Time Limit May Be Set> --                                                                    
+= SB 187 APPROP: CAP; REAPPROP                                                                                                 
              -- Public Testimony <Time Limit May Be Set> --                                                                    
+= SB 188 APPROP: MENTAL HEALTH BUDGET                                                                                          
              -- Public Testimony <Time Limit May Be Set> --                                                                    
+             Bills Previously Heard/Scheduled                                                                                  
                                                                                                                                
Feb 23        Friday                    Senate Finance 532            9:00 AM                                                 
+ SJR 14 SUPPORT STATE SEAFOOD INDUSTRY                                                                                         
+             Bills Previously Heard/Scheduled                                                                                  
                   ----------------------------------------                                                                    
                                                                                                                                
                           HEALTH & SOCIAL SERVICES                                                                          
                                                                                                                                
Feb 22        Thursday                        Butrovich 205           3:30 PM                                                 
              -- MEETING CANCELED --                                                                                            
+             Bills Previously Heard/Scheduled                                                                                  
                   ----------------------------------------                                                                    
                                                                                                                                
                                  JUDICIARY                                                                                  
                                                                                                                                
Feb 21        Wednesday                       Butrovich 205           1:30 PM                                                 
+             Presentation: Update from the Children's                                                                          
              Justice Act Task Force                                                                                            
                                                                                                                                
Feb 23        Friday                          Butrovich 205           1:30 PM                                                 
              No Meeting Scheduled                                                                                              
                                                                                                                                
                                                                                                                                

2024-02-21                     Senate Journal                      Page 1704
                               LABOR & COMMERCE                                                                              
                                                                                                                                
Feb 21        Wednesday                   Beltz 105 (tsbldg)          1:30 PM                                                 
+= SB 147 REEMPLOYMENT BENEFITS                                                                                                 
              -- Public Testimony <Time Limit May Be Set> --                                                                    
+= SB 206 WORKERS' COMP. STAY-AT-WORK PROGRAM                                                                                   
              -- Public Testimony <Time Limit May Be Set> --                                                                    
+= SB 183 WORKERS' COMP BENEFITS GUARANTY FUND                                                                                  
              -- Public Testimony <Time Limit May Be Set> --                                                                    
+= SB 197 RESIDENTIAL BUILDING CODE                                                                                             
              -- Public Testimony <Time Limit May Be Set> --                                                                    
+= HB  57 EMERGENCY MED. SVCS: REVIEW ORGANIZATIONS                                                                             
              -- Public Testimony <Time Limit May Be Set> --                                                                    
              **Streamed live on AKL.tv**                                                                                       
                                                                                                                                
Feb 23        Friday                      Beltz 105 (tsbldg)          1:30 PM                                                 
              No Meeting Scheduled                                                                                              
                   ----------------------------------------                                                                    
                                                                                                                                
                                  RESOURCES                                                                                  
                                                                                                                                
Feb 21        Wednesday                       Butrovich 205           3:30 PM                                                 
+= SB 190 BIG GAME HUNTING BY PERSON W/ DISABILITY                                                                              
              -- Testimony <Invitation Only> --                                                                                 
+= SB 168 COMPENSATION FOR WRONGFULLY SEIZED GAME                                                                               
              -- Testimony <Invitation Only> --                                                                                 
+ SB 199 STATE LAND: DISPOSAL/SALE/LEASE/RESTRICT                                                                               
              -- Testimony <Invitation Only> --                                                                                 
+ SB 210 SALMON HATCHERY PERMITS                                                                                                
              <Bill Hearing Canceled>                                                                                           
              -- Testimony <Invitation Only> --                                                                                 
+             Bills Previously Heard/Scheduled                                                                                  
              **Streamed live on AKL.tv**                                                                                       
                                                                                                                                
Feb 23        Friday                          Butrovich 205           3:30 PM                                                 
+ SB 220 RCA REGULATE NATURAL GAS STORAGE FACILITY                                                                              
              -- Invited & Public Testimony --                                                                                  
+ SB 194 REDUCE ROYALTY ON COOK INLET OIL & GAS                                                                                 
              -- Testimony <Invitation Only> --                                                                                 
+             Bills Previously Heard/Scheduled                                                                                  
              **Streamed live on AKL.tv**                                                                                       
                                                                                                                                
                                                                                                                                

2024-02-21                     Senate Journal                      Page 1705
                                STATE AFFAIRS                                                                                
                                                                                                                                
Feb 22        Thursday                    Beltz 105 (tsbldg)          3:30 PM                                                 
+ SB  18 ALLOW ELECTRONIC DRIVERS' LICENSES AND ID                                                                              
              -- Invited & Public Testimony --                                                                                  
+ SB 208 VEHICLES:REGISTER;TRANSFER; INS.; LICENSE                                                                              
              -- Invited & Public Testimony --                                                                                  
+             Bills Previously Heard/Scheduled                                                                                  
              **Streamed live on AKL.tv**                                                                                       
                   ----------------------------------------                                                                    
                                                                                                                                
                                TRANSPORTATION                                                                               
                                                                                                                                
Feb 22        Thursday                        Butrovich 205           1:30 PM                                                 
              EO 131 REORGANIZING THE ALASKA MARINE                                                                             
              HIGHWAY OPERATIONS BOARD                                                                                          
              -- Public Testimony <Time Limit May Be Set> --                                                                    
+ SSCR 8 DISAPPROVE EO 131                                                                                                      
+             Bills Previously Heard/Scheduled                                                                                  
              **Streamed live on AKL.tv**                                                                                       
                   ----------------------------------------                                                                    
                                                                                                                                
                            FINANCE SUBCOMMITTEES                                                                            
                                                                                                                                
                                ADMINISTRATION                                                                               
                                                                                                                                
Feb 27        Tuesday                         Butrovich 205           5:15 PM                                                 
+             Department of Administration Budget                                                                               
                                                                                                                                
Mar 19        Tuesday                         Butrovich 205           5:15 PM                                                 
+             Department of Administration Budget                                                                               
                   ----------------------------------------                                                                    
                                                                                                                                
                      COMMERCE, COMMUNITY & ECONOMIC DEV                                                                     
                                                                                                                                
Feb 28        Wednesday                 Senate Finance 532            8:00 AM                                                 
              Department of Commerce, Community and Economic                                                                    
              Development Budget                                                                                                
              **Streamed live on AKL.tv**                                                                                       
                                                                                                                                
                                                                                                                                

2024-02-21                     Senate Journal                      Page 1706
                      FINANCE SUBCOMMITTEES (continued)                                                                      
                                                                                                                                
                                 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                                                                                  
                   ----------------------------------------                                                                    
                                                                                                                                
                          ENVIRONMENTAL CONSERVATION                                                                         
                                                                                                                                
Feb 22 Thursday Beltz 105 (tsbldg) 11:00 AM                                                                                   
+             Overview: Department of Environmental                                                                             
              Conservation Budget                                                                                               
                   ----------------------------------------                                                                    
                                                                                                                                
                                 FISH & GAME                                                                                 
                                                                                                                                
Feb 26 Monday Senate Finance 532 8:00 AM                                                                                      
              Department of Fish & Game Budget                                                                                  
              **Streamed live on AKL.tv**                                                                                       
                   ----------------------------------------                                                                    
                                                                                                                                
                                  JUDICIARY                                                                                  
                                                                                                                                
Feb 26 Monday Butrovich 205 5:15 PM                                                                                           
+             Court System Budget                                                                                               
                                                                                                                                
Mar 11 Monday Butrovich 205 5:15 PM                                                                                           
+             Court System Budget                                                                                               
                   ----------------------------------------                                                                    
                                                                                                                                
                        LABOR & WORKFORCE DEVELOPMENT                                                                        
                                                                                                                                
Feb 22 Thursday Senate Finance 532 7:30 AM                                                                                    
+             Overview of FY25 Budget Request                                                                                   
                                                                                                                                
                                                                                                                                

2024-02-21                     Senate Journal                      Page 1707
                               JOINT COMMITTEES                                                                              
                                                                                                                                
                             LEGISLATIVE COUNCIL                                                                             
                                                                                                                                
Feb 28        Wednesday                 Senate Finance 532            5:30 PM                                                 
+             1. Approval of the Agenda                                                                                         
+             2. Approval of Minutes - December 14, 2023                                                                        
+             3. Ratification of Charity Events                                                                                 
              a. Alaska SeaLife Center Soiree -                                                                                 
              February 3, 2024                                                                                                  
              b. Trend Alaska Fashion Show - February 17, 2024                                                                  
              c. Juneau Animal Rescue Extravaganza -                                                                            
              February 17, 2024                                                                                                 
              d. Sham Jam - March 23, 2024                                                                                      
              e. Kenai River Junior Classic -                                                                                   
              August 21, 22, 23, 2024                                                                                           
              f. Ted Stevens Kenai River Classic -                                                                              
              August 21, 22, 23, 2024                                                                                           
              g. Kenai River Women's Classic -                                                                                  
              September 12, 13, 14, 2024                                                                                        
+             4. Contract Approvals                                                                                             
              a. Cybersecurity Licensing, Maintenance and                                                                       
              Technical Support Renewal                                                                                         
              5. Executive Session                                                                                              
              a. Legal Update (LAW/Janus)                                                                                       
              b. Security Update                                                                                                
              c. Salary Schedule Discussion                                                                                     
+             6. Committee Business                                                                                             
              a. FY23 Legislature Independent Audit                                                                             
              b. FY25 Legislative Council Budget                                                                                
              c. Print Shop Policy                                                                                              
              d. Subcommittee Updates                                                                                           
              e. Preview of Upcoming Items                                                                                      
+             7. Adjourn                                                                                                        
              **Streamed live on AKL.tv**                                                                                       
                                                                                                                                
                                                                                                                                
                                                                                                                                
                                                                                                                                

2024-02-21                     Senate Journal                      Page 1708
                                OTHER MEETINGS                                                                               
                                                                                                                                
                                JOINT SESSION                                                                                
                                                                                                                                
Feb 21        Wednesday                    House Chamber            11:00 AM                                                  
+             Annual Address by Dan Sullivan, U.S. Senator                                                                      
                                                                                                                                
Feb 26        Monday                       House Chamber            11:00 AM                                                  
+             Address by Mary Sattler Peltola, U.S.                                                                             
              Representative                                                                                                    
                   ----------------------------------------                                                                    
                                                                                                                                
                            MISCELLANEOUS MEETINGS                                                                           
                                                                                                                                
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                                                                                      
                                                                                                                                
Feb 22        Thursday                    Beltz 105 (tsbldg)          6:00 PM                                                 
+             Alaska Children's Caucus Organizational Meeting                                                                   
              Presentation: How States Have Used Early                                                                          
              Childhood Caucuses by Dan Wuori, Senior Early                                                                     
              Childhood Adivisor, The Hunt Institute                                                                            
              **Streamed live on AKL.tv**                                                                                       
                                                                                                                                
Feb 26        Monday                          Butrovich 205          12:00 PM                                                 
+             Lunch & Learn Presentation:                                                                                       
              Complete Streets                                                                                                  
              Presented by Beth Osborne, Director of                                                                            
              Transportation for America and Julius Adolfsson,                                                                  
              Active Transportation Planner at DOTPF                                                                            
              Sponsored by Senator Kiehl                                                                                        
                                                                                                                                
Feb 27        Tuesday                         Butrovich 205          12:00 PM                                                 
+             Lunch & Learn Presentation:                                                                                       
              Alaska Long Trail by Alaska Trails Deputy                                                                         
              Director, Haley Johnston                                                                                          
              Sponsored by Senator Merrick