Legislature(2023 - 2024)
2024-04-17 Senate Journal
Full Journal pdf2024-04-17 Senate Journal Page 2217 SENATE JOURNAL ALASKA STATE LEGISLATURE THIRTY-THIRD LEGISLATURE SECOND SESSION Juneau, Alaska Wednesday April 17, 2024 Ninety-third Day Pursuant to adjournment the Senate was called to order by President Stevens at 11:01 a.m. The roll showed eighteen members present. Senators Hoffman, Olson were absent. The prayer was offered by the Chaplain, Father Michael Galbraith, St. Paul the Apostle Catholic Church. Senator Bishop moved and asked unanimous consent the prayer be spread. Without objection, it was so ordered. Holy God, I pause to give thanks today for this government body of leaders. I ask Your special blessing upon the Members of this Assembly. For even as we pause here in this Senate Chamber, we offer our own prayers for this body, for our communities, for our state and country joining their voices with our own. Enlighten the eyes of our hearts that we would all receive the hope and wisdom You have granted each of us. May all here be strengthened by Your great power, and may we share in the riches of the inheritance of Your people, sharing the bounty of this great state and nation. In the sure and certain hope that in my asking, You will answer, I pray in the strength of Your eternal name. Amen. Senator Merrick led the Senate in the Pledge of Allegiance. 2024-04-17 Senate Journal Page 2218 Certification Senator Giessel moved and asked unanimous consent the journals for the ninety-first and ninety-second legislative days be approved as certified by the Secretary. Without objection, it was so ordered. Senator Giessel moved and asked unanimous consent Senators Hoffman, Olson be excused from a call of the Senate today. Without objection, Senators Hoffman, Olson were excused. Standing Committee Reports Report dated April 16 was read stating: In accordance with AS 39.05.080, the Transportation 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. Board of Marine Pilots Andrew Mew Signing the report: Senator Kaufman, Chair; Senators Myers, Tobin, Kiehl, Wilson. SB 20 The Judiciary Committee considered SPONSOR SUBSTITUTE FOR SENATE BILL NO. 20 "An Act relating to an appropriation limit; relating to the budget responsibilities of the governor; and providing for an effective date" and recommended it be replaced with CS FOR SPONSOR SUBSTITUTE FOR SENATE BILL NO. 20(JUD) Signing amend: Senator Claman, Chair. Signing do pass: Senator Kaufman. Signing no recommendation: Senators Tobin, Kiehl. The following fiscal information was published today: Fiscal Note No. 1, zero, Office of the Governor The bill was referred to the Finance Committee. 2024-04-17 Senate Journal Page 2219 SB 165 The Judiciary Committee considered SENATE BILL NO. 165 "An Act relating to legal representation of public officers in ethics complaints." Signing do pass: Senator Claman, Chair; Senator Kiehl. Signing no recommendation: Senator Tobin. Signing amend: Senator Kaufman. The following fiscal information was published today: Fiscal Note No. 1, zero, Department of Law The bill was referred to the Finance Committee. SB 174 The Community and Regional Affairs Committee considered SENATE BILL NO. 174 "An Act relating to the Honor and Remember Flag and the Honor and Sacrifice Flag" and recommended it be replaced with CS FOR SENATE BILL NO. 174(CRA) Signing do pass: Senator Dunbar, Chair; Senators Gray-Jackson, Giessel, Bjorkman. The following fiscal information was published today: Fiscal Note No. 1, zero, Office of the Governor The bill was referred to the Rules Committee. SB 189 The Finance Committee considered SENATE BILL NO. 189 "An Act extending the termination date of the Alaska Commission on Aging; and providing for an effective date." Signing do pass: Senator Stedman, Cochair; Senators Wilson, Kiehl, Merrick, Bishop. The following fiscal information was published today: Fiscal Note No. 1, Department of Health The bill is on today's calendar. 2024-04-17 Senate Journal Page 2220 SB 237 The Labor and Commerce Committee considered SENATE BILL NO. 237 "An Act establishing a corporate income tax credit for certain expenditures on child care services, utility rates, residential housing, and food security and availability; and providing for an effective date." Signing do pass: Senator Bjorkman, Chair; Senator Gray-Jackson. Signing no recommendation: Senators Dunbar, Merrick. The following previously published fiscal information applies: Fiscal Note No. 1, indeterminate, Department of Revenue The bill was referred to the Finance Committee. SJR 4 The Judiciary Committee considered SPONSOR SUBSTITUTE FOR SENATE JOINT RESOLUTION NO. 4 Proposing amendments to the Constitution of the State of Alaska relating to an appropriation limit, and recommended it be replaced with CS FOR SPONSOR SUBSTITUTE FOR SENATE JOINT RESOLUTION NO. 4(JUD) Proposing an amendment to the Constitution of the State of Alaska relating to an appropriation limit. Signing amend: Senator Claman, Chair. Signing do pass: Senator Kaufman. Signing no recommendation: Senators Tobin, Kiehl. The following fiscal information was published today: Fiscal Note No. 1, Office of the Governor The resolution was referred to the Finance Committee. SJR 19 The Resources Committee considered SENATE JOINT RESOLUTION NO. 19 Supporting trade policies for the United States that hold China and other countries accountable, reward leadership in clean production standards, reward superior environmental performance, support economic development, and support the rebuilding of supply chains in the United States, and recommended it be replaced with 2024-04-17 Senate Journal Page 2221 CS FOR SENATE JOINT RESOLUTION NO. 19(RES) Supporting trade policies for the United States that hold China, Russia, and other countries accountable, reward leadership in clean production standards, reward superior environmental performance, support economic development, and support the rebuilding of supply chains in the United States. Signing do pass: Senators Bishop, Giessel, Cochairs; Senators Dunbar, Kaufman. Signing no recommendation: Senators Claman, Wielechowski. The following fiscal information was published today: Fiscal Note No. 1, zero, Legislative Agency The resolution was referred to the Rules Committee. HJR 19 The Transportation Committee considered HOUSE JOINT RESOLUTION NO. 19 am Supporting the completion of the Port MacKenzie Rail Extension and the Northern Rail Extension; supporting the increase in defensive capabilities at Fort Greely, Alaska; encouraging a renewed commitment by the Alaska Railroad to a community-minded approach to future rail expansion; and encouraging the development of critical Arctic infrastructure. Signing do pass: Senator Kaufman, Chair; Senator Wilson. Signing no recommendation: Senators Myers, Tobin, Kiehl. The following previously published fiscal information applies: Fiscal Note No. 1, zero, House Transportation Committee The resolution was referred to the Rules Committee. SCR 13 The Community and Regional Affairs Committee considered SENATE CONCURRENT RESOLUTION NO. 13 Relating to the procedure that the Thirty-Third Alaska State Legislature will use to reconsider bills and items vetoed by the governor. 2024-04-17 Senate Journal Page 2222 Signing do pass: Senator Dunbar, Chair; Senators Gray-Jackson, Giessel. Signing do not pass: Senator Bjorkman. 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 Second Reading of Senate Bills SB 189 SENATE BILL NO. 189 "An Act extending the termination date of the Alaska Commission on Aging; and providing for an effective date" was read the second time. President Stevens stated SENATE BILL NO. 189 will advance to third reading on the April 19 calendar. Second Reading of House Resolutions HCR 8 HOUSE CONCURRENT RESOLUTION NO. 8 Honoring United States military veterans exposed to Agent Orange during the Vietnam War; and expressing gratitude for the courageous service of those veterans to the United States, was read the second time. Citations Honoring - Don Sheldon - Alaska Aviation Museum Hall of Fame Senator(s) Olson Honoring - Gene Zerkel - Alaska Aviation Museum Hall of Fame Senator(s) Olson Honoring - Ginger Crockett Senator(s) Olson Representative(s) Foster 2024-04-17 Senate Journal Page 2223 Honoring - Wilfred "Boyuck" Ryan, Jr. - Alaska Aviation Museum Hall of Fame Senator(s) Olson Honoring - University of Alaska Fairbanks 2024 Honorary Degree and Service Award Recipients Senator(s) Kawasaki Representative(s) Carrick Honoring - 2024 Alaska Journal of Commerce Top 40 Under 40 Recipients Senator(s) Kawasaki, Tobin Representative(s) Armstrong Honoring - Erika Ninoyu Senator(s) Gray-Jackson Representative(s) Mina Honoring - Rev. Dr. William Greene Senator(s) Gray-Jackson, Wielechowski Honoring - Stuart Sliter Representative(s) Hannan, Story Senator(s) Kiehl Honoring - The 40th Anniversary of the Bread Line Representative(s) Carrick Honoring - Tanana Valley State Fair 100th Anniversary Representative(s) Carrick Senator(s) Kawasaki Honoring - Steven Ratzlaff Representative(s) Carrick Honoring - Colonel Tom Hough Representative(s) Prax, Stapp, Dibert Honoring - Eclipse Soccer Club Representative(s) Prax 2024-04-17 Senate Journal Page 2224 Honoring - 1st Brigade, 11th Airborne Division "Arctic Wolves" Representative(s) Stapp, Wright Senator(s) Kawasaki Honoring - 1st Battalion, 5th Infantry Regiment "Bobcats" Representative(s) Stapp, Armstrong, Wright Honoring - 5th Squadron, 1st Cavalry Regiment "Blackhawks" Representative(s) Stapp, Armstrong, Wright Honoring - 1st Battalion, 24th Infantry Regiment "Deuce Four" Representative(s) Stapp, Armstrong, Wright Honoring - 1st Battalion, 25th Aviation Regiment "Arctic Attack" Representative(s) Stapp, Armstrong, Wright In Memoriam - James C. "Jim" Dart Senator(s) Bishop In Memoriam - Erich Laflamme Representative(s) Gray, Armstrong 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 Senator Gray-Jackson moved and asked unanimous consent to be excused from a call of the Senate from May 30 through June 3. Without objection, Senator Gray-Jackson was excused. Senator Kaufman moved and asked unanimous consent to be excused from a call of the Senate from afternoon plane time, April 18 through evening plane time, April 21. Without objection, Senator Kaufman was excused. 2024-04-17 Senate Journal Page 2225 SB 121 Senator Claman moved and asked unanimous consent to be shown as a cosponsor on SPONSOR SUBSTITUTE FOR SENATE BILL NO. 121 "An Act relating to the Board of Pharmacy; relating to insurance; relating to pharmacies; relating to pharmacists; relating to pharmacy benefits managers; relating to patient choice of pharmacy; and providing for an effective date." Without objection, it was so ordered. SB 131 Senator Claman moved and asked unanimous consent to be shown as a cosponsor on SENATE BILL NO. 131 "An Act requiring education in the history and contributions of Asian Americans and Pacific Islanders." Without objection, it was so ordered. Senator Shower moved and asked unanimous consent to be excused from a call of the Senate from April 18 through April 21, and on April 29. Without objection, Senator Shower was excused. Senator Bjorkman moved and asked unanimous consent to be excused from a call of the Senate on April 19. Without objection, Senator Bjorkman was excused. SB 235 Senator Dunbar moved and asked unanimous consent to be shown as a cosponsor 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. Announcements Announcements are at the end of the journal. Adjournment Senator Giessel moved and asked unanimous consent the Senate stand in adjournment until 10:30 a.m., April 19, 2024. Without objection, the Senate adjourned at 11:20 a.m. Liz Clark Secretary of the Senate 2024-04-17 Senate Journal Page 2226 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 Apr 18 Thursday Beltz 105 (tsbldg) 1:30 PM + Bills Previously Heard/Scheduled ---------------------------------------- EDUCATION Apr 17 Wednesday Beltz 105 (tsbldg) 3:30 PM -- Testimony <Invitation Only> -- + Presentation: Education Assessment Results in Alaska by Representatives from the Alaska Department of Education and Early Development + Bills Previously Heard/Scheduled **Streamed live on AKL.tv** Apr 19 Friday Beltz 105 (tsbldg) 3:30 PM -- Testimony <Invitation Only> -- + Briefing on the Federal "Maintenance of Equity" Requirements + Bills Previously Heard/Scheduled **Streamed live on AKL.tv** 2024-04-17 Senate Journal Page 2227 FINANCE Apr 17 Wednesday Senate Finance 532 9:00 AM + HB 268 APPROP: OPERATING BUDGET; CAP; SUPP; AM <Bill Hearing Canceled> + HB 270 APPROP: MENTAL HEALTH BUDGET <Bill Hearing Canceled> + Bills Previously Heard/Scheduled: += SB 151 MISSING/MURDERED INDIGENOUS PEOPLE;REPORT -- Public Testimony -- += SB 259 COMPENSATION FOR CERTAIN STATE EMPLOYEES -- Public Testimony -- += SB 118 CRITICAL NATURAL RESOURCES; REPORTS += SB 236 GRANTS TO DISASTER VICTIMS += SCR 10 JOINT LEGIS SEAFOOD INDUSTRY TASK FORCE += SB 183 WORKERS' COMP BENEFITS GUARANTY FUND += SB 189 EXTEND ALASKA COMMISSION ON AGING += SB 205 AHFC AUTHORITY TO ACQUIRE BUILDING Apr 17 Wednesday Senate Finance 532 1:30 PM -- Please Note Time Change -- + Bills Previously Heard/Scheduled: += HB 268 APPROP: OPERATING BUDGET; CAP; SUPP; AM += HB 270 APPROP: MENTAL HEALTH BUDGET Apr 18 Thursday Senate Finance 532 9:00 AM + Bills Previously Heard/Scheduled: += SB 259 COMPENSATION FOR CERTAIN STATE EMPLOYEES += SB 85 PERM FUND; EMPLOYMENT; ELIGIBILITY += SB 125 AK HOUSING FINANCE CORP: SUSTAIN ENERGY Apr 18 Thursday Senate Finance 532 1:30 PM -- Please Note Time Change -- + Bills Previously Heard/Scheduled Apr 19 Friday Senate Finance 532 9:00 AM + Bills Previously Heard/Scheduled ---------------------------------------- HEALTH & SOCIAL SERVICES Apr 18 Thursday Butrovich 205 3:30 PM + Bills Previously Heard/Scheduled 2024-04-17 Senate Journal Page 2228 JUDICIARY Apr 17 Wednesday Butrovich 205 1:30 PM + Bills Previously Heard/Scheduled: += SB 134 INS. DATA SECURITY; INFO. SECURITY PRGRMS Apr 19 Friday Butrovich 205 1:30 PM + Bills Previously Heard/Scheduled ---------------------------------------- LABOR & COMMERCE Apr 17 Wednesday Beltz 105 (tsbldg) 1:30 PM Consideration of Governor’s Appointees: Commissioner, Department of Labor and Workforce Development: Cathy Munoz – Juneau Alaska Labor Relations Agency: Justin Mack – Anchorage Board of Public Accountancy: Mark Diehl – Palmer Lance Johnson – Nome Alaska Workers’ Compensation Board: Mark Sayampanathan – Anchorage Debbie White – Auke Bay John Corbett – Fairbanks Pamela Cline – Wasilla Bronson Frye – Anchorage Steven Heidemann – Anchorage Brian Zematis – Anchorage Alcoholic Beverage Control Board: Diane Thompson – Anchorage Janice Hill – Haines State Board of Registration for Architects, Engineers, and Land Surveyors: Jeffrey Garness – Anchorage Colin Maynard – Anchorage Paul Baril – Anchorage John Barry – Gustavus Bradford Rinckey – Anchorage Board of Barbers and Hairdressers: Tenaya Miramontes – Juneau Wendy Palin – Palmer Michelle McMullin – Anchorage (Continued on Next Page) 2024-04-17 Senate Journal Page 2229 LABOR & COMMERCE (continued) (Continued from Previous Page) Kevin McKinley - Anchorage Board of Chiropractic Examiners: Ronald Gherman – Soldotna John Lloyd – Anchorage Board of Examiners in Optometry: Ethan Arndt – Anchorage Bradley Cross – Soldotna Marijuana Control Board: Bailey Stuart – Wasilla Board of Certified Direct-Entry Midwives: Bethel Belisle – Anchorage Board of Certified Real Estate Appraisers: Mae Sprague – Wasilla Jenny Buswell – Palmer Board of Marital and Family Therapy: Shawnmarie Carpenter – Anchorage Kayla Green – Eagle River Board of Massage Therapists: Emily Foster – Palmer Board of Nursing: Michael Collins – Wasilla April Erickson – Anchorage Occupational Safety and Health Review Board: Ryan Sharratt – Kodiak Board of Pharmacy: Sylvain Nouvion – Eagle River Ashley Schaber – Anchorage Carla Hebert – Anchorage Board of Psychologists and Psychological Associate Examiners: Lorin Bradbury – Bethel Erin Johnson – Anchorage Bradley McConnell – Anchorage Board of Social Work Examiners: Anne Wells – Fairbanks Board of Veterinary Examiners: Denise Albert – Denali Park Fishermen’s Fund Advisory and Appeals Council: Megan O’Neil – Petersburg (Continued on Next Page) 2024-04-17 Senate Journal Page 2230 LABOR & COMMERCE (continued) (Continued from Previous Page) State Physical Therapy and Occupational Therapy Board: Rebecca Dean – Fairbanks Workers’ Compensation Appeals Commission: Nancy Shaw – Anchorage += SB 152 COMMUNITY ENERGY FACILITIES; NET METERING Bills Previously Heard/Scheduled **Streamed live on AKL.tv** Apr 19 Friday Beltz 105 (tsbldg) 1:30 PM -- MEETING CANCELED -- += SB 257 ELECTRIC UTILITY REGULATION -- Invited & Public Testimony -- -- Testimony <Time Limit May Be Set> -- += SB 146 GAMING; ELECTRONIC PULL-TABS -- Invited & Public Testimony -- -- Testimony <Time Limit May Be Set> -- + HB 253 FEDERALLY DESIGNATED REFRIGERANTS -- Invited & Public Testimony -- -- Testimony <Time Limit May Be Set> -- + Bills Previously Heard/Scheduled **Streamed live on AKL.tv** ---------------------------------------- RESOURCES Apr 17 Wednesday Butrovich 205 3:30 PM + Presentation: Alaska Hydrogen Opportunities by Alaska Hydrogen Working Group, Alaska Center for Energy and Power, University of Alaska Fairbanks Erin Whitney, Director, Department of Energy Arctic Energy Office + Bills Previously Heard/Scheduled **Streamed live on AKL.tv** Apr 19 Friday Butrovich 205 3:30 PM += SB 217 INTEGRATED TRANSMISSION SYSTEMS -- Testimony <Invitation Only> -- + Bills Previously Heard/Scheduled **Streamed live on AKL.tv** 2024-04-17 Senate Journal Page 2231 STATE AFFAIRS Apr 18 Thursday Beltz 105 (tsbldg) 3:30 PM += SCR 3 HOUSING SHORTAGE;PUBLIC-PRIV. PARTNERSHIP -- Public Testimony -- + HB 146 REGULATION OF FIREWORKS -- Public Testimony -- + HB 265 CHILD SEXUAL ABUSE MATERIAL -- Invited & Public Testimony -- + HB 286 CRIME VICTIM RESTITUTION -- Invited & Public Testimony -- + Bills Previously Heard/Scheduled **Streamed live on AKL.tv** ---------------------------------------- TRANSPORTATION Apr 18 Thursday Butrovich 205 1:30 PM -- MEETING CANCELED -- + Bills Previously Heard/Scheduled ---------------------------------------- JOINT COMMITTEES LEGISLATIVE BUDGET & AUDIT May 09 Thursday Adams 519 5:00 PM I. Approval of Minutes - April 4, 2024 II. Executive Session - Audit a. Release of the FY23 State Single Audit Teleconferenced: Juneau (907)586-9085, Anchorage (907)563-9085, Outside Juneau & Anchorage (844)586-9085