Legislature(2023 - 2024)
2024-03-06 Senate Journal
Full Journal pdf2024-03-06 Senate Journal Page 1811 SENATE JOURNAL ALASKA STATE LEGISLATURE THIRTY-THIRD LEGISLATURE SECOND SESSION Juneau, Alaska Wednesday March 6, 2024 Fifty-first Day Pursuant to adjournment the Senate was called to order by President Stevens at 11:02 a.m. The roll showed nineteen members present. Senator Hoffman was absent. The prayer was offered by the Chaplain, Guy Crockroft, Love, INC. Senator Olson moved and asked unanimous consent the prayer be spread. Without objection, it was so ordered. Dear Heavenly Father, I thank you for this new day, and for the blessings of living here in this great state of Alaska. I thank you for each Senator and pray your richest blessings upon them as they perform their duties in the service of all Alaskans. Help them to be of good courage, to stand strong for what they believe in, and most of all to love one another. Give them grace and humility in working with and learning from each other. Lord Jesus, I’m reminded of your encouragement to love our neighbors as we love ourselves. As Romans 13:10 says “Love does no harm to a neighbor; therefore love is the fulfillment of the law.” 2024-03-06 Senate Journal Page 1812 Lord, please give each Senator wisdom, humility, grace, compassion, and love for all people. Please provide them with everything they need to excel and be good stewards of their positions so that all Alaskans may benefit from their efforts, and that they may themselves be blessed. In the name of Jesus, I pray, Amen. Senator Kawasaki led the Senate in the Pledge of Allegiance. Certification Senator Giessel moved and asked unanimous consent the journals for the forty-ninth and fiftieth legislative days be approved as certified by the Secretary. Without objection, it was so ordered. Senator Giessel moved and asked unanimous consent Senator Hoffman be excused from a call of the Senate. Without objection, Senator Hoffman was excused. Communications The following reports are on file in the Office of the Secretary of the Senate: Department of Commerce, Community, and Economic Development Division of Community and Regional Affairs 2024 Designated Legislative Lapsing Grant Report Department of Revenue 2023 Report of Tax Credit Certificate Purchases in accordance with AS 43.05.230 Alaska Energy Authority 2023 Annual Report in accordance with AS 44.83.940 2024-03-06 Senate Journal Page 1813 Standing Committee Reports Report dated March 4 was read stating: In accordance with AS 39.05.080, the Judiciary Committee held a hearing on the following appointee(s). A signature on this report does not reflect an intent by any of the members to vote for or against the confirmation of the individual(s) during any further sessions. Alaska Police Standards Council Ron Dupee Jeff Brown Violent Crimes Compensation Board Anna Cometa Signing the report: Senator Claman, Chair; Senators Tobin, Kiehl, Kaufman. Report dated March 5 was read stating: In accordance with AS 39.05.080, the Health and Social Services Committee held a hearing on the following appointee(s). A signature on this report does not reflect an intent by any of the members to vote for or against the confirmation of the individual(s) during any further sessions. Alaska Mental Health Trust Authority Board of Trustees John Sturgeon Brent Fisher State Medical Board David Barnes David Wilson Signing the report: Senator Kaufman, Vice Chair; Senators Tobin, Giessel, Dunbar. 2024-03-06 Senate Journal Page 1814 SB 163 The Judiciary Committee considered SENATE BILL NO. 163 "An Act relating to animal adoption and foster care records" and recommended it be replaced with CS FOR SENATE BILL NO. 163(JUD) Signing do pass: Senator Claman, Chair; Senators Kiehl, Kaufman. Signing no recommendation: Senator Tobin. The following fiscal information was published today: Fiscal Note No. 1, zero, Office of the Governor The bill was referred to the Rules Committee. SB 173 The Labor and Commerce Committee considered SENATE BILL NO. 173 "An Act requiring school districts to grant qualified persons an assigned duty to carry a concealed handgun on school grounds under certain conditions; relating to standards, training, and continuing education in firearms training for qualified persons granted an assigned duty to carry a concealed handgun on school grounds; relating to communication of school districts with state and local law enforcement; and relating to school crisis response plans" and recommended it be replaced with CS FOR SENATE BILL NO. 173(L&C) Signing do pass: Senator Bjorkman, Chair. Signing no recommendation: Senators Dunbar, Gray-Jackson. The following fiscal information was published today: Fiscal Note No. 1, zero, Department of Education and Early Development Fiscal Note No. 2, zero, Department of Law Fiscal Note No. 3, Department of Public Safety President Stevens added a Finance Committee referral to the bill. The bill was referred to the Judiciary, then Finance Committees. 2024-03-06 Senate Journal Page 1815 SB 243 The Resources Committee considered SENATE BILL NO. 243 "An Act relating to the board of directors of the Alaska Energy Authority" and recommended it be replaced with CS FOR SENATE BILL NO. 243(RES) "An Act relating to the board of directors of the Alaska Energy Authority; and providing for an effective date." (technical title change) Signing no recommendation: Senator Bishop, Cochair. Signing amend: Senator Giessel, Cochair; Senator Kawasaki. Signing do pass: Senators Claman, Wielechowski, Dunbar, Kaufman. The following fiscal information was published today: Fiscal Note No. 1, Department of Commerce, Community, and Economic Development The bill was referred to the Finance Committee. Introduction and Reference of Senate Bills SB 258 SENATE BILL NO. 258 BY THE SENATE STATE AFFAIRS COMMITTEE, entitled: "An Act relating to a permanent fund dividend for an individual whose conviction has been vacated, reversed, or dismissed; and relating to the calculation of the value of the permanent fund dividend by including payment to individuals eligible for a permanent fund dividend because of a conviction that has been vacated, reversed, or dismissed." was read the first time and referred to the Judiciary and Finance Committees. 2024-03-06 Senate Journal Page 1816 SB 259 SENATE BILL NO. 259 BY THE SENATE RULES COMMITTEE BY REQUEST OF THE LEGISLATIVE COUNCIL, entitled: "An Act relating to the basic salary schedule for compensation of state employees; and providing for an effective date." was read the first time and referred to the Finance Committee. Consideration of the Calendar Third Reading of Senate Bills SB 24 CS FOR SENATE BILL NO. 24(FIN) "An Act relating to mental health education; and providing for an effective date" was read the third time. Senator Hughes moved the bill be returned to second reading for the purpose of a specific amendment, that being Amendment No. 1. Without objection, the bill was returned to second reading. Senator Hughes offered Amendment No. 1 : Page 1, line 1: Delete "education" Insert "instruction in schools on the warning signs of suicide, self-harm, addiction, and sociopathy" Page 1, line 6: Delete "instruction in mental health" Insert "mental health instruction on the warning signs of suicide, self-harm, addiction, and sociopathy" Page 2, line 18: Delete "instruction in mental health" Insert "mental health instruction on the warning signs of suicide, self-harm, addiction, or sociopathy" 2024-03-06 Senate Journal Page 1817 Page 2, line 19, following "child": Insert "; a notification under this paragraph must describe the topics to be addressed, the curriculum, and the list of approved intervention resources, and must provide a form allowing a parent to withdraw the child from the class or program" Page 2, line 26, following the first occurrence of "health": Insert "on the warning signs of suicide, self-harm, addiction, and sociopathy," Page 3, line 1: Delete "instruction in mental health" Insert "mental health instruction on the warning signs of suicide, self-harm, addiction, and sociopathy. Any intervention resource included in the instruction must be approved in advance by the local governing body of the school." Page 3, line 2: Delete "instruction in mental health" Insert "mental health instruction on the warning signs of suicide, self-harm, addiction, and sociopathy" Page 3, line 22: Delete "instruction in mental health" Insert "mental health instruction on the warning signs of suicide, self-harm, addiction, and sociopathy" Page 3, line 29: Delete "mental health guidelines" Insert "guidelines for mental health instruction on the warning signs of suicide, self-harm, addiction, and sociopathy" Senator Hughes moved for the adoption of Amendment No. 1. Senator Giessel objected. The question being: "Shall Amendment No. 1 be adopted?" The roll was taken with the following result: 2024-03-06 Senate Journal Page 1818 CSSB 24(FIN) Second Reading Amendment No. 1? YEAS: 5 NAYS: 14 EXCUSED: 1 ABSENT: 0 Yeas: Hughes, Kaufman, Merrick, Myers, Shower Nays: Bishop, Bjorkman, Claman, Dunbar, Giessel, Gray-Jackson, Kawasaki, Kiehl, Olson, Stedman, Stevens, Tobin, Wielechowski, Wilson Excused: Hoffman and so, Amendment No. 1 failed. CS FOR SENATE BILL NO. 24(FIN) was automatically in third reading. The question being: "Shall CS FOR SENATE BILL NO. 24(FIN) "An Act relating to mental health education; and providing for an effective date" pass the Senate?" The roll was taken with the following result: CSSB 24(FIN) Third Reading - Final Passage Effective Date(s) YEAS: 15 NAYS: 4 EXCUSED: 1 ABSENT: 0 Yeas: Bishop, Claman, Dunbar, Giessel, Gray-Jackson, Kawasaki, Kiehl, Merrick, Myers, Olson, Stedman, Stevens, Tobin, Wielechowski, Wilson Nays: Bjorkman, Hughes, Kaufman, Shower Excused: Hoffman and so, CS FOR SENATE BILL NO. 24(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. 2024-03-06 Senate Journal Page 1819 SB 147 CS FOR SENATE BILL NO. 147(L&C) "An Act relating to reemployment rights and benefits; and providing for an effective date" was read the third time. The question being: "Shall CS FOR SENATE BILL NO. 147(L&C) "An Act relating to reemployment rights and benefits; and providing for an effective date" pass the Senate?" The roll was taken with the following result: CSSB 147(L&C) Third Reading - Final Passage Effective Date(s) YEAS: 19 NAYS: 0 EXCUSED: 1 ABSENT: 0 Yeas: Bishop, Bjorkman, Claman, Dunbar, Giessel, Gray-Jackson, Hughes, Kaufman, Kawasaki, Kiehl, Merrick, Myers, Olson, Shower, Stedman, Stevens, Tobin, Wielechowski, Wilson Excused: Hoffman and so, CS FOR SENATE BILL NO. 147(L&C) 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. Second Reading of Senate Resolutions SJR 17 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, was read the second time. President Stevens stated SENATE JOINT RESOLUTION NO. 17 will advance to third reading on the March 7 calendar. 2024-03-06 Senate Journal Page 1820 Citations Senator Giessel moved and asked unanimous consent the following citations be made a special order of business. Without objection, it was so ordered. Special Order of Business Honoring - Brian Van Kirk Representative(s) Story, Hannan Senator(s) Kiehl Donald E. Young Congressman For All Alaska Representative(s) C. Johnson Senator Giessel moved and asked unanimous consent the citations be adopted. Without objection, the citations were adopted and referred to the Secretary for transmittal. Unfinished Business SB 242 Senator Kaufman 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. SB 154 Senator Dunbar moved and asked unanimous consent to be shown as a cosponsor on SENATE BILL NO. 154 "An Act relating to bidder preferences in state procurement." Without objection, it was so ordered. 2024-03-06 Senate Journal Page 1821 Announcements Announcements are at the end of the journal. Engrossment SB 24 CS FOR SENATE BILL NO. 24(FIN) "An Act relating to mental health education; and providing for an effective date" was engrossed, signed by the President and Secretary and transmitted to the House for consideration. SB 147 CS FOR SENATE BILL NO. 147(L&C) "An Act relating to reemployment rights and benefits; and providing for an effective date" was engrossed, signed by the President and Secretary and transmitted to the House for consideration. Adjournment Senator Giessel moved and asked unanimous consent the Senate stand in adjournment until 10:30 a.m., March 7, 2024. Without objection, the Senate adjourned at 11:54 a.m. Liz Clark Secretary of the Senate 2024-03-06 Senate Journal Page 1822 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 Mar 07 Thursday Beltz 105 (tsbldg) 1:30 PM -- MEETING CANCELED -- + Bills Previously Heard/Scheduled ---------------------------------------- EDUCATION Mar 06 Wednesday Beltz 105 (tsbldg) 3:30 PM += SB 97 TEACHER RECRUITMENT; LUMP SUM PAYMENT -- Invited & Public Testimony -- + Bills Previously Heard/Scheduled **Streamed live on AKL.tv** Mar 08 Friday Beltz 105 (tsbldg) 3:30 PM No Meeting Scheduled Mar 11 Monday Beltz 105 (tsbldg) 3:30 PM + Bills Previously Heard/Scheduled **Streamed live on AKL.tv** Mar 13 Wednesday Beltz 105 (tsbldg) 3:30 PM + SB 158 SCHOOL GRANTS AND BOND DEBT REIMBURSEMENT + SB 221 CPR CURRICULUM -- Invited & Public Testimony -- + Bills Previously Heard/Scheduled **Streamed live on AKL.tv** 2024-03-06 Senate Journal Page 1823 EDUCATION (continued) Mar 15 Friday Beltz 105 (tsbldg) 3:30 PM + Bills Previously Heard/Scheduled **Streamed live on AKL.tv** ---------------------------------------- FINANCE Mar 06 Wednesday Senate Finance 532 9:00 AM + SB 197 RESIDENTIAL BUILDING CODE -- Invited Testimony -- -- Public Testimony Rescheduled to a Later Date-- + SB 183 WORKERS' COMP BENEFITS GUARANTY FUND -- Invited & Public Testimony -- + Bills Previously Heard/Scheduled Mar 06 Wednesday Senate Finance 532 1:30 PM -- MEETING CANCELED -- -- Please Note Time Change -- + Bills Previously Heard/Scheduled Mar 07 Thursday Senate Finance 532 9:00 AM + SB 189 EXTEND ALASKA COMMISSION ON AGING -- Invited & Public Testimony -- + HB 120 HUNT/FISH LICENSE FOR NONRESIDENT STUDENT -- Invited & Public Testimony -- + SCR 10 JOINT LEGIS SEAFOOD INDUSTRY TASK FORCE + Bills Previously Heard/Scheduled Mar 07 Thursday Senate Finance 532 1:30 PM -- Please Note Time Change -- + Bills Previously Heard/Scheduled Mar 08 Friday Senate Finance 532 9:00 AM + Bills Previously Heard/Scheduled 2024-03-06 Senate Journal Page 1824 HEALTH & SOCIAL SERVICES Mar 07 Thursday Davis 106 3:30 PM -- Please Note Location Change -- Meeting Jointly with House Health and Social Services Committee + Presentation: Alaska Citizen Review Panel Annual Report and DFCS Office of Children's Services Response ---------------------------------------- JUDICIARY Mar 06 Wednesday Butrovich 205 1:30 PM + Consideration of Governor’s Appointees: Terrence Haas, Public Defender Robert Sheldon, Commission on Judicial Conduct -- Invited & Public Testimony -- + Bills Previously Heard/Scheduled: += SB 166 MENTAL HEALTH/PSYCHEDELIC MED. TASK FORCE Mar 08 Friday Butrovich 205 1:30 PM No Meeting Scheduled ---------------------------------------- LABOR & COMMERCE Mar 06 Wednesday Beltz 105 (tsbldg) 1:30 PM + Presentation: TVEP by University of Alaska += SB 121 PHARMACIES/PHARMACISTS/BENEFITS MANAGERS -- Invited & Public Testimony -- Mar 08 Friday Beltz 105 (tsbldg) 1:30 PM + SB 196 EMPLOYER DRUG AND ALCOHOL TESTING -- Public Testimony <Time Limit May Be Set> -- -- Invited & Public Testimony -- + SB 234 EXTEND MARIJUANA CONTROL BOARD -- Public Testimony <Time Limit May Be Set> -- -- Invited & Public Testimony -- **Streamed live on AKL.tv** 2024-03-06 Senate Journal Page 1825 RESOURCES Mar 06 Wednesday Butrovich 205 3:30 PM Presentation: Resident Hunters of Alaska (RHAK) by Mark Richards, Executive Director += SB 168 COMPENSATION FOR WRONGFULLY SEIZED GAME -- Public Testimony -- + SJR 18 NAT'L PETROLEUM RESERVE IN ALASKA <Bill Hearing Canceled> + HJR 20 NAT'L PETROLEUM RESERVE IN ALASKA -- Invited & Public Testimony -- + Bills Previously Heard/Scheduled **Streamed live on AKL.tv** Mar 08 Friday Butrovich 205 3:30 PM No Meeting Scheduled ---------------------------------------- STATE AFFAIRS Mar 07 Thursday Beltz 105 (tsbldg) 3:30 PM + Presentation: Department of Corrections by Jen Winkleman, Commissioner DOC + SB 176 BOARD OF PAROLE: MEMBERSHIP -- Invited & Public Testimony -- **Streamed live on AKL.tv** + Bills Previously Heard/Scheduled ---------------------------------------- TRANSPORTATION Mar 07 Thursday Butrovich 205 1:30 PM + Presentation: Hours of Service & Electronic Log Review by Senator Myers & Invited Presenters + Bills Previously Heard/Scheduled **Streamed live on AKL.tv** 2024-03-06 Senate Journal Page 1826 FINANCE SUBCOMMITTEES ADMINISTRATION Mar 19 Tuesday Butrovich 205 5:15 PM + Department of Administration Budget ---------------------------------------- CORRECTIONS Mar 21 Thursday Butrovich 205 5:15 PM + Department of Corrections Budget ---------------------------------------- EDUCATION & EARLY DEVELOPMENT Mar 14 Thursday Senate Finance 532 8:00 AM + FY25 Department of Education and Early Development Budget **Streamed live on AKL.tv** ---------------------------------------- ENVIRONMENTAL CONSERVATION Mar 14 Thursday Beltz 105 (tsbldg) 11:00 AM + Presentation: Spill Prevention and Response ---------------------------------------- FAMILY & COMMUNITY SERVICES Mar 06 Wednesday Butrovich 205 5:30 PM + Presentation: Department of Family and Community Services FY 25 Budget ---------------------------------------- JUDICIARY Mar 11 Monday Butrovich 205 5:15 PM + Court System Budget 2024-03-06 Senate Journal Page 1827 FINANCE SUBCOMMITTEES (continued) LAW Mar 07 Thursday Senate Finance 532 5:30 PM + Department Overview Mar 14 Thursday Senate Finance 532 5:30 PM + Department Overview ---------------------------------------- PUBLIC SAFETY Mar 06 Wednesday Senate Finance 532 5:30 PM + Department Overview Mar 13 Wednesday Senate Finance 532 5:30 PM + Department Overview ---------------------------------------- REVENUE Mar 12 Tuesday Beltz 105 (tsbldg) 11:30 AM + Overview: Department of Revenue, Alaska Mental Health Trust and Alaska Housing Finance Corporation by Steve Williams, CEO AMHT, and Bryan Butcher, CEO AHFC ---------------------------------------- TRANSPORTATION & PUBLIC FACILITIES Mar 07 Thursday Senate Finance 532 7:30 AM + FY25 Request - continued 2024-03-06 Senate Journal Page 1828 JOINT COMMITTEES AK FOOD STRATEGY TASK FORCE EXEC. BOARD Mar 08 Friday Butrovich 205 11:00 AM + 1. Public Testimony 1-844-586-9085 + 2. Report on the Alaska Food Strategy Task Force Presentation to the Legislature + 3. Focus Area Updates + 4. 2024 Report Process + 5. Presentation: Retail Food Supply Chain Frictions and Implications for Rural Food Security by Mike Jones + 6. Next Meeting + 7. Other Items and Announcements ---------------------------------------- LEGISLATIVE BUDGET & AUDIT Mar 06 Wednesday Adams 519 5:00 PM + Approval of Minutes a. December 13, 2023 b. January 15, 2024 Executive Session (Procurement) a. Legislative Audit Single Audit Contract Juneau (907) 586-9085, Anchorage (907) 563-9085 All other 844-586-9085 ---------------------------------------- OTHER MEETINGS JOINT SESSION Mar 12 Tuesday House Chamber 10:30 AM + Consideration of Senate Special Concurrent Resolutions Regarding the Governor's Executive Orders