Legislature(2023 - 2024)
2024-03-27 Senate Journal
Full Journal pdf2024-03-27 Senate Journal Page 2013 SENATE JOURNAL ALASKA STATE LEGISLATURE THIRTY-THIRD LEGISLATURE SECOND SESSION Juneau, Alaska Wednesday March 27, 2024 Seventy-second Day Pursuant to adjournment the Senate was called to order by President Stevens at 10:33 a.m. The roll showed sixteen members present. Senator Gray-Jackson was excused from a call of the Senate. Senators Olson, Shower, Stedman were absent. The prayer was offered by the Chaplain, Aaron Crook, Senate Page. Senator Hoffman moved and asked unanimous consent the prayer be spread. Without objection, it was so ordered. Oh! Almighty and Everlasting God, Creator of Heaven, Earth and the Universe: Help me to be, to think, to act what is right, because it is right; make me truthful, honest and honorable in all things; make me intellectually honest for the sake of right and honor and without thought of reward to me. Give me the ability to be charitable, forgiving and patient with my fellowmen - help me to understand their motives and their shortcomings - even as Thou understandest mine! Amen, Amen, Amen. Senator Bjorkman led the Senate in the Pledge of Allegiance. 2024-03-27 Senate Journal Page 2014 Certification Senator Giessel moved and asked unanimous consent the journals for the seventieth and seventy-first legislative days be approved as certified by the Secretary. Without objection, it was so ordered. Senator Giessel moved and asked unanimous consent Senator Olson be excused from a call of the Senate today. Without objection, Senator Olson was excused. Senator Hughes moved and asked unanimous consent Senator Shower be excused from a call of the Senate today. Without objection, Senator Shower was excused. The presence of Senator Stedman was noted. Message dated March 25 was read stating the House passed and transmitted for consideration: First Reading and Reference of House Bills HB 371 HOUSE BILL NO. 371 BY REPRESENTATIVE RUFFRIDGE BY REQUEST, 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 Committee. Standing Committee Reports SB 113 The Finance Committee considered SENATE BILL NO. 113 "An Act relating to the regional educational attendance area and small municipal school district fund; relating to Mt. Edgecumbe High School; and relating to teacher housing." 2024-03-27 Senate Journal Page 2015 Signing do pass: Senators Stedman, Hoffman, Olson, Cochairs; Senators Kiehl, Bishop. Signing no recommendation: Senators Wilson, Merrick. The following fiscal information was published today: Fiscal Note No. 2, Department of Education and Early Development The bill was referred to the Rules Committee. SB 255 The Transportation Committee considered SENATE BILL NO. 255 "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." Signing amend: Senator Kaufman, Chair; Senator Wilson. Signing do not pass: Senator Tobin. Signing no recommendation: Senator Myers. The following previously published fiscal information applies: Fiscal Note No. 1, zero, Department of Public Safety The bill was referred to the Judiciary Committee. HB 81 The Transportation Committee considered HOUSE BILL NO. 81 "An Act relating to the transfer of a title on the death of the owner; and providing for an effective date." Signing do pass: Senator Kaufman, Chair. Signing no recommendation: Senators Myers, Tobin, Wilson. The following previously published fiscal information applies: Fiscal Note No. 2, Department of Administration President Stevens added a Finance Committee referral to the bill. The bill is referred to the State Affairs, then Finance Committees. 2024-03-27 Senate Journal Page 2016 HB 341 The Transportation Committee considered HOUSE BILL NO. 341 "An Act naming the Marvin Thurmond Galena Maintenance and Operation Station." Signing do pass: Senator Kaufman, Chair; Senator Myers. Signing no recommendation: Senators Tobin, Wilson. The following previously published fiscal information applies: Fiscal Note No. 1, zero, Department of Transportation and Public Facilities The bill was referred to the Rules Committee. SCR 9 The Health and Social Services Committee considered SENATE CONCURRENT RESOLUTION NO. 9 Recognizing the need for parity in the provision of mental health and substance use disorder medical assistance benefits in the state; and urging the Department of Health to adopt regulations that ensure parity in the provision of mental health and substance use disorder medical assistance benefits in the state. Signing no recommendation: Senator Wilson, Chair; Senator Kaufman. Signing do pass: Senators Tobin, Giessel. The following fiscal information was published today: Fiscal Note No. 1, zero, Legislative Agency The resolution was referred to the Rules Committee. Consideration of the Calendar Citations Commemorating - Law Enforcement Memorial Day January 9, 2024 Representative(s) Tilton Honoring - Alaska Statewide Mentor Project Senator(s) Claman 2024-03-27 Senate Journal Page 2017 In Memoriam - Timothy Alexander Roy Representative(s) 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. Senator Giessel moved and asked unanimous consent the following citation be made a special order of business. Without objection, it was so ordered. Special Order of Business In Memoriam - Tyrone Thomas Senator(s) Myers Representative(s) Stapp Senator Giessel moved and asked unanimous consent the citation be adopted. Without objection, the citation was adopted and referred to the Secretary for transmittal. Unfinished Business Senator Hughes moved and asked unanimous consent to be excused from a call of the Senate on April 2. Without objection, Senator Hughes was excused. Senator Kaufman moved and asked unanimous consent to be excused from a call of the Senate from plane time, March 28 through plane time, April 1. Without objection, Senator Kaufman was excused. Senator Tobin moved and asked unanimous consent to be excused from a call of the Senate from morning plane time, April 2 through evening plane time, April 2. Without objection, Senator Tobin was excused. 2024-03-27 Senate Journal Page 2018 SCR 9 Senators Claman, Kiehl, Tobin moved and asked unanimous consent to be shown as cosponsors on SENATE CONCURRENT RESOLUTION NO. 9 Recognizing the need for parity in the provision of mental health and substance use disorder medical assistance benefits in the state; and urging the Department of Health to adopt regulations that ensure parity in the provision of mental health and substance use disorder medical assistance benefits in the state. Without objection, it was so ordered. Announcements Announcements are at the end of the journal. Enrollment SSCR 1 SENATE SPECIAL CONCURRENT RESOLUTION NO. 1 Disapproving Executive Order No. 124, was enrolled, signed by the President and Secretary, Speaker and Chief Clerk and the engrossed and enrolled copies transmitted to the Office of the Governor at 5:10 p.m., March 26, 2024. Legislative Resolve No. 12 SSCR 3 SENATE SPECIAL CONCURRENT RESOLUTION NO. 3 Disapproving Executive Order No. 126, was enrolled, signed by the President and Secretary, Speaker and Chief Clerk and the engrossed and enrolled copies transmitted to the Office of the Governor at 5:10 p.m., March 26, 2024. Legislative Resolve No. 13 2024-03-27 Senate Journal Page 2019 SSCR 4 SENATE SPECIAL CONCURRENT RESOLUTION NO. 4 Disapproving Executive Order No. 127, was enrolled, signed by the President and Secretary, Speaker and Chief Clerk and the engrossed and enrolled copies transmitted to the Office of the Governor at 5:10 p.m., March 26, 2024. Legislative Resolve No. 14 SSCR 5 SENATE SPECIAL CONCURRENT RESOLUTION NO. 5 Disapproving Executive Order No. 128, was enrolled, signed by the President and Secretary, Speaker and Chief Clerk and the engrossed and enrolled copies transmitted to the Office of the Governor at 5:10 p.m., March 26, 2024. Legislative Resolve No. 15 SSCR 6 SENATE SPECIAL CONCURRENT RESOLUTION NO. 6 Disapproving Executive Order No. 129, was enrolled, signed by the President and Secretary, Speaker and Chief Clerk and the engrossed and enrolled copies transmitted to the Office of the Governor at 5:10 p.m., March 26, 2024. Legislative Resolve No. 16 SSCR 7 SENATE SPECIAL CONCURRENT RESOLUTION NO. 7 Disapproving Executive Order No. 130, was enrolled, signed by the President and Secretary, Speaker and Chief Clerk and the engrossed and enrolled copies transmitted to the Office of the Governor at 5:10 p.m., March 26, 2024. Legislative Resolve No. 17 2024-03-27 Senate Journal Page 2020 SSCR 8 SENATE SPECIAL CONCURRENT RESOLUTION NO. 8 Disapproving Executive Order No. 131, was enrolled, signed by the President and Secretary, Speaker and Chief Clerk and the engrossed and enrolled copies transmitted to the Office of the Governor at 5:10 p.m., March 26, 2024. Legislative Resolve No. 18 SSCR 9 SENATE SPECIAL CONCURRENT RESOLUTION NO. 9 Disapproving Executive Order No. 132, was enrolled, signed by the President and Secretary, Speaker and Chief Clerk and the engrossed and enrolled copies transmitted to the Office of the Governor at 5:10 p.m., March 26, 2024. Legislative Resolve No. 19 Adjournment Senator Giessel moved and asked unanimous consent the Senate stand in adjournment until 10:30 a.m., March 29, 2024. Without objection, the Senate adjourned at 10:52 a.m. Liz Clark Secretary of the Senate 2024-03-27 Senate Journal Page 2021 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 28 Thursday Beltz 105 (tsbldg) 1:30 PM No Meeting Scheduled ---------------------------------------- EDUCATION Mar 27 Wednesday Beltz 105 (tsbldg) 3:30 PM -- MEETING CANCELED -- + Bills Previously Heard/Scheduled **Streamed live on AKL.tv** Mar 29 Friday Beltz 105 (tsbldg) 3:30 PM No Meeting Scheduled Apr 01 Monday Beltz 105 (tsbldg) 3:30 PM No Meeting Scheduled Apr 03 Wednesday Davis 106 8:00 AM -- Please Note Time & Location Change -- Meeting Jointly with the House Education Committee + Presentation: Alaska Board of Education and Early Development by James Fields, State Board Chair DEED Commissioner Deena Bishop Members of the State Board of Education and Early Development + Bills Previously Heard/Scheduled **Streamed live on AKL.tv** 2024-03-27 Senate Journal Page 2022 EDUCATION (continued) Apr 05 Friday Beltz 105 (tsbldg) 3:30 PM No Meeting Scheduled ---------------------------------------- FINANCE Apr 03 Wednesday Senate Finance 532 9:00 AM + SB 28 WORKPLACE VIOLENCE PROTECTIVE ORDERS -- Testimony <Invitation Only> -- + SB 181 CHILD PLACEMENT; DILIGENT SEARCH -- Testimony <Invitation Only> -- + SB 228 EXTEND BOARD OF MASSAGE THERAPISTS -- Testimony <Time Limit May Be Set> -- -- Invited & Public Testimony -- + SB 234 EXTEND MARIJUANA CONTROL BOARD -- Testimony <Time Limit May Be Set> -- -- Invited & Public Testimony -- + Bills Previously Heard/Scheduled Apr 04 Thursday Senate Finance 532 9:00 AM SB 187 APPROP: CAP; REAPPROP + Bills Previously Heard/Scheduled Apr 04 Thursday Senate Finance 532 1:30 PM -- Please Note Time Change -- + Bills Previously Heard/Scheduled Apr 05 Friday Senate Finance 532 9:00 AM += SB 187 APPROP: CAP; REAPPROP + Bills Previously Heard/Scheduled ---------------------------------------- HEALTH & SOCIAL SERVICES Mar 28 Thursday Butrovich 205 3:30 PM No Meeting Scheduled Apr 02 Tuesday Butrovich 205 3:30 PM + Bills Previously Heard/Scheduled: += HB 57 EMERGENCY MED. SVCS: REVIEW ORGANIZATIONS += HB 344 MEDICAL ASSIST. DEMONSTRATION PROJECTS 2024-03-27 Senate Journal Page 2023 HEALTH & SOCIAL SERVICES (continued) Apr 04 Thursday Butrovich 205 3:30 PM + Consideration of Governor’s Appointees: Eric Nimmo, State Medical Board -- Invited & Public Testimony -- Presentation: Department of Health - Child Care Task Force -- Testimony <Invitation Only> -- + Bills Previously Heard/Scheduled: += HB 89 CHILD CARE: TAX CREDITS/ASSISTANCE/GRANTS ---------------------------------------- JUDICIARY Mar 27 Wednesday Butrovich 205 1:30 PM += SB 60 REPEAL WORKERS' COMP APPEALS COMMISSION -- Testimony <Invitation Only> -- += HB 28 ACCESS TO MARIJUANA CONVICTION RECORDS + Bills Previously Heard/Scheduled Mar 29 Friday Butrovich 205 1:30 PM No Meeting Scheduled ---------------------------------------- LABOR & COMMERCE Mar 27 Wednesday Beltz 105 (tsbldg) 1:30 PM + SB 239 AIDEA WORKFORCE HOUSING DEVELOPMENT -- Testimony <Invitation Only> -- += SB 257 ELECTRIC UTILITY REGULATION -- Testimony <Invitation Only> -- + Bills Previously Heard/Scheduled: += SB 154 BIDDER PREF MILITARY CAREER SKILLS PROG -- Invited & Public Testimony -- -- Testimony <Time Limit May Be Set> -- **Streamed live on AKL.tv** Mar 29 Friday Beltz 105 (tsbldg) 1:30 PM No Meeting Scheduled 2024-03-27 Senate Journal Page 2024 RESOURCES Mar 27 Wednesday Butrovich 205 3:30 PM No Meeting Scheduled Mar 29 Friday Butrovich 205 3:30 PM No Meeting Scheduled Apr 01 Monday Butrovich 205 3:30 PM No Meeting Scheduled Apr 03 Wednesday Butrovich 205 3:30 PM + Consideration of Governor’s Appointees: Commissioner, Department of Environment Conservation: Emma Pokon Alaska Commercial Fisheries Entry Commission: Michael Porcaro -- Invited & Public Testimony -- + Presentation: Graphite Creek Project Update by Kevin Torpy, Vice President of Mining, Graphite One Inc. + Presentation: Donlin Project Update by Kristina Woolston, External Affairs Manager, Donlin Gold + SB 253 DNR BIG GAME HUNTING PRGRM/PILOT PROJECT -- Testimony <Invitation Only> -- + Bills Previously Heard/Scheduled **Streamed live on AKL.tv** Apr 05 Friday Butrovich 205 3:30 PM + Presentation: Achieving an 80% Renewable Portfolio in Alaska's Railbelt by Paul Denholm, Senior Research Fellow, National Renewable Energy Laboratory + Bills Previously Heard/Scheduled **Streamed live on AKL.tv** ---------------------------------------- STATE AFFAIRS Mar 28 Thursday Beltz 105 (tsbldg) 3:30 PM + Bills Previously Heard/Scheduled **Streamed live on AKL.tv** 2024-03-27 Senate Journal Page 2025 TRANSPORTATION Mar 28 Thursday Butrovich 205 1:30 PM No Meeting Scheduled ---------------------------------------- FINANCE SUBCOMMITTEES ADMINISTRATION Apr 11 Thursday Butrovich 205 5:30 PM + Budget Closeout ---------------------------------------- COMMERCE, COMMUNITY & ECONOMIC DEV Mar 27 Wednesday Senate Finance 532 12:15 PM -- MEETING CANCELED -- + Department of Commerce, Community & Economic Development Budget **Streamed live on AKL.tv** ---------------------------------------- CORRECTIONS Apr 11 Thursday Butrovich 205 5:45 PM + Budget Closeout ---------------------------------------- JUDICIARY Apr 11 Thursday Butrovich 205 5:15 PM + Budget Closeout ---------------------------------------- LABOR & WORKFORCE DEVELOPMENT Apr 11 Thursday Senate Finance 532 7:30 AM + FY25 Budget Closeout 2024-03-27 Senate Journal Page 2026 FINANCE SUBCOMMITTEES (continued) NATURAL RESOURCES Apr 04 Thursday Senate Finance 532 7:30 AM + FY25 Budget Closeout ---------------------------------------- JOINT COMMITTEES LEGISLATIVE BUDGET & AUDIT Apr 04 Thursday Adams 519 5:00 PM + I. Approval of Minutes a. March 6, 2024 II. Executive Session (Audit) a. Preliminary Release of the FY23 State Single Audit Juneau (907) 586-9085, Anchorage (907) 563-9085 All other 844-586-9085 ---------------------------------------- OTHER MEETINGS MISCELLANEOUS MEETINGS Apr 03 Wednesday Butrovich 205 12:00 PM + Lunch & Learn Presentation: The Presentation will Explore the Shared Commercial Kitchen "Incubator" Model by Kirk Rose, CEO of Anchorage Community Land Trust Sponsored by Senator Dunbar & Representative Mina