05/04/2023 03:30 PM Senate STATE AFFAIRS
| Audio | Topic |
|---|---|
| Start | |
| HB141 | |
| HJR3 | |
| HB23 | |
| Adjourn |
+ teleconferenced
= bill was previously heard/scheduled
| *+ | HB 141 | TELECONFERENCED | |
| *+ | HJR 3 | TELECONFERENCED | |
| *+ | HB 23 | TELECONFERENCED | |
| *+ | HB 26 | TELECONFERENCED | |
| + | SB 108 | TELECONFERENCED | |
| + | TELECONFERENCED | ||
ALASKA STATE LEGISLATURE
SENATE STATE AFFAIRS STANDING COMMITTEE
May 4, 2023
3:31 p.m.
MEMBERS PRESENT
Senator Scott Kawasaki, Chair
Senator Jesse Bjorkman
Senator Bill Wielechowski
Senator Kelly Merrick
MEMBERS ABSENT
Senator Matt Claman, Vice Chair
COMMITTEE CALENDAR
HOUSE BILL NO. 141
"An Act establishing June 9 of each year as Don Young Day."
- HEARD AND HELD
CS FOR HOUSE JOINT RESOLUTION NO. 3(JUD) am
Encouraging Congress to pass the Concealed Carry Reciprocity Act
or a similar bill.
- HEARD AND HELD
HOUSE BILL NO. 23
"An Act establishing the month of October as Filipino American
History Month."
- MOVED HB 23 OUT OF COMMITTEE
CS FOR HOUSE BILL NO. 26(TRB)
"An Act relating to the official languages of the State of
Alaska; renaming the Alaska Native Language Preservation and
Advisory Council as the Council for Alaska Native Languages; and
relating to the Council for Alaska Native Languages."
- PENDING REFERRAL
SENATE BILL NO. 108
"An Act relating to and prohibiting discrimination based on
sexual orientation or gender identity or expression."
- PENDING REFERRAL
PREVIOUS COMMITTEE ACTION
BILL: HB 141
SHORT TITLE: ESTABLISHING DON YOUNG DAY
SPONSOR(s): RULES
03/27/23 (H) READ THE FIRST TIME - REFERRALS
03/27/23 (H) STA
04/11/23 (H) STA AT 3:00 PM GRUENBERG 120
04/11/23 (H) Moved HB 141 Out of Committee
04/11/23 (H) MINUTE(STA)
04/14/23 (H) STA RPT 7DP
04/14/23 (H) DP: STORY, ALLARD, ARMSTRONG,
C.JOHNSON, CARPENTER, WRIGHT, SHAW
04/20/23 (H) TRANSMITTED TO (S)
04/20/23 (H) VERSION: HB 141
04/21/23 (S) READ THE FIRST TIME - REFERRALS
04/21/23 (S) STA
05/04/23 (S) STA AT 3:30 PM BELTZ 105 (TSBldg)
BILL: HJR 3
SHORT TITLE: CONCEALED HANDGUN RECIPROCITY B/W STATES
SPONSOR(s): REPRESENTATIVE(s) RAUSCHER
02/01/23 (H) READ THE FIRST TIME - REFERRALS
02/01/23 (H) JUD, STA
02/10/23 (H) JUD AT 1:30 PM GRUENBERG 120
02/10/23 (H) Heard & Held
02/10/23 (H) MINUTE(JUD)
02/17/23 (H) JUD AT 1:30 PM GRUENBERG 120
02/17/23 (H) Moved CSHJR 3(JUD) Out of Committee
02/17/23 (H) MINUTE(JUD)
02/20/23 (H) JUD RPT CS(JUD) 3DP 4NR
02/20/23 (H) DP: C.JOHNSON, GROH, VANCE
02/20/23 (H) NR: CARPENTER, EASTMAN, GRAY, ALLARD
02/28/23 (H) STA AT 3:00 PM GRUENBERG 120
02/28/23 (H) Scheduled but Not Heard
03/02/23 (H) STA AT 3:00 PM GRUENBERG 120
03/02/23 (H) Heard & Held
03/02/23 (H) MINUTE(STA)
03/14/23 (H) STA AT 3:00 PM GRUENBERG 120
03/14/23 (H) Moved CSHJR 3(JUD) Out of Committee
03/14/23 (H) MINUTE(STA)
03/17/23 (H) STA RPT CS(JUD) 5DP 1AM
03/17/23 (H) DP: ALLARD, WRIGHT, C.JOHNSON,
CARPENTER, SHAW
03/17/23 (H) AM: STORY
04/14/23 (H) DIVIDE THE AMENDMENT PASSED Y24 N15 E1
04/19/23 (H) TRANSMITTED TO (S)
04/19/23 (H) VERSION: CSHJR 3(JUD) AM
04/21/23 (S) READ THE FIRST TIME - REFERRALS
04/21/23 (S) STA, JUD
05/04/23 (S) STA AT 3:30 PM BELTZ 105 (TSBldg)
BILL: HB 23
SHORT TITLE: FILIPINO AMERICAN HISTORY MONTH
SPONSOR(s): REPRESENTATIVE(s) MINA
01/19/23 (H) PREFILE RELEASED 1/9/23
01/19/23 (H) READ THE FIRST TIME - REFERRALS
01/19/23 (H) STA
02/28/23 (H) STA AT 3:00 PM GRUENBERG 120
02/28/23 (H) Heard & Held
02/28/23 (H) MINUTE(STA)
03/14/23 (H) STA AT 3:00 PM GRUENBERG 120
03/14/23 (H) Moved HB 23 Out of Committee
03/14/23 (H) MINUTE(STA)
03/17/23 (H) STA RPT 6DP
03/17/23 (H) DP: STORY, WRIGHT, C.JOHNSON,
CARPENTER, ALLARD, SHAW
03/31/23 (H) TRANSMITTED TO (S)
03/31/23 (H) VERSION: HB 23
04/03/23 (S) READ THE FIRST TIME - REFERRALS
04/03/23 (S) STA
05/04/23 (S) STA AT 3:30 PM BELTZ 105 (TSBldg)
WITNESS REGISTER
REPRESENTATIVE CRAIG JOHNSON, District 10
Alaska State Legislature
Juneau, Alaska
POSITION STATEMENT: Sponsor of HB 141.
DENEEN TUCK, Staff
Representative Craig Johnson
Alaska State Legislature
Juneau, Alaska
POSITION STATEMENT: Introduced HB 141 on behalf of the sponsor.
ANNE WALTON-YOUNG, representing self
Anchorage, Alaska
POSITION STATEMENT: Testified by invitation in full support of
HB 141.
RYAN MCKEE, Staff
Representative George Rauscher
Alaska State Legislature
Juneau, Alaska
POSITION STATEMENT: Presented HJR 3 on behalf of the sponsor.
REPRESENTATIVE GENEVIEVE MINA, District 19
Alaska State Legislature
Juneau, Alaska
POSITION STATEMENT: Sponsor of HB 23
JOSH BRANSTETTER, representing self
Anchorage, Alaska
POSITION STATEMENT: Testified in support of HB 23.
ACTION NARRATIVE
3:31:59 PM
CHAIR SCOTT KAWASAKI called the Senate State Affairs Standing
Committee meeting to order at 3:31` p.m. Present at the call to
order were Senators Wielechowski, Merrick, and Chair Kawasaki.
Senator Bjorkman arrived immediately thereafter.
HB 141-ESTABLISHING DON YOUNG DAY
3:33:28 PM
CHAIR KAWASAKI announced the consideration of HOUSE BILL NO. 141
"An Act establishing June 9 of each year as Don Young Day."
3:33:59 PM
REPRESENTATIVE CRAIG JOHNSON, District 10, Alaska State
Legislature, Juneau, Alaska, sponsor of HB 141, stated that this
legislation establishes Don Young Day in perpetuity. He said it
seemed appropriate to honor this man who served his state so
long on the date of his birth.
3:35:12 PM
DENEEN TUCK, Staff, Representative Craig Johnson, Alaska State
Legislature, Juneau, Alaska, introduced HB 141 on behalf of the
sponsor. She read the following prepared testimony into the
record:
Congressman Donald Edwin Young:
Born June 9, 1933, in Sutter County, Meridian,
California to Russell Lawhead "Cy" Young and Arlene
Young-Harris. Congressman Young was the second of
three sons.
Congressman Young attended Yuba College and earned his
associate degree in education in 1952. He went on to
earn his bachelor's degree in 1958 from Chico State
College.
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After a stint in the U.S. Army, serving in the 41
Battalion from 1955 to 1957. Although raised in
California at the age of 26, (1959) Congressman Young
moved to Alaska,
Over the first few years of his life in Alaska,
Congressman Young worked in different careers, sailing
(River Boat Captain), trapping, construction and
becoming a teacher. While living in Fort Yukon
Congressman Young was elected Mayor in 1964.
After two years of serving as Mayor, Congressman Young
ran for the Alaska House of Representatives (1967-
1971) and won his seat. He said he "loved" the job
before he "got ambitious" and ran for the Alaska
Senate, he served in the Alaska Senate (1970-1973).
(Fun fact, Rep. Edgmon, District 37 currently sits in
the seat Congressman Young sat in while serving in the
Alaska House of Representatives and Senator Kaufman,
District F currently sits where Congressman Young sat
while serving in the Alaska State Senate)
Congressman Young first ran for the House of
Representatives in 1972. He ran against Nick Begich,
who disappeared and was presumed dead in a plane
crash, but still won the race. Congressman Young had
to run to fill his vacant seat in a special election,
which he won in March 1973, and became our Congressman
in the House of Representatives. He was sworn into
the United States House of Representatives on March
14, 1973. He credited his victory to his leadership
of the fight for the Trans-Alaskan Pipeline System.
3:37:49 PM
Two hours after being sworn into the United States
House of Representatives he found himself leading the
historic battle for the approval of the Trans-Alaska
Pipeline. Often, Congressman Young would cite this as
the single most important achievement in his career.
He stated that "Next to statehood itself, the most
historical legislation passed that affected every
Alaskan then, now, and in the future, was the passage
of the pipeline legislation."
That same year, his colleagues honored him as the
"Freshman Congressman of the Year." He went on to gain
a key appointment on the then Merchant Marine and
Fisheries Committee where he pushed through the 200-
mile fishing limit critical to Alaska's fishing
industry. He fought against federal control of lands
and resources to which Alaskans are rightfully
entitled - a battle he continued with the same vigor
until the time of his passing.
In 1997, Congressman Young passed by a 419 to 1 vote,
the National Wildlife Refuge System Improvement Act,
which sets guidelines and priority uses within our
nation's 550-plus wildlife refuges.
In 2017, Congressman Young was rated by Georgetown
University's McCourt School on Public Policy as one of
th
the most bipartisan members of Congress for the 115
th
and 116 Congresses. In December 2017, Congressman
Young became Dean of the House (member with the
longest unbroken record of service).
th
Starting the 116 Congress, Congressman Young was the
longest serving House member. Due to his (and Senator
Stevens') long tenure in the House, Alaska was
considered to have had clout in national politics far
beyond its small population. Congressman Young was
often called "Alaska's third senator".
Congressman Young was also the most senior U.S.
Representative and the last member who had been in
office since the 1970s. He was the second-highest
ranking Republican on the Natural Resources and
Transportation Committee and the Infrastructure
committees.
Congressman Young was also the only licensed mariner
in Congress during his tenure.
Congressman Young proudly served as the "Congressman
for All Alaska" and loved his role as the only Alaskan
Representative in Congress. Renewed by the challenges
and goals of the 117th Congress and his committee
positions, Congressman Young continued to champion
legislation and funding for programs benefiting Alaska
and the nation. (In your packet you should have a copy
of Congressman Young's timeline and accomplishments).
His vision remained the same - to provide citizens
with the opportunity for a better life not just for
today, but also for tomorrow and the future.
3:40:57 PM
March 5, 2019, (two years prior to his death)
Congressman Young became the oldest and longest-
tenured member of Congress and the longest-serving
Republican in Congressional history. He remained
Alaska's sole Congressman and was re-elected 24 times.
thth
He was in his 25 term and 49 year in Congress.
In April 2022, the House passed two bills sponsored by
the late Congressman Young. The bills dubbed the
Alaska Salmon Research Task Force Act (introduced in
December 2021) and Congressman Young's Alaska Native
Health Care Land Transfers Act (introduced in January
2022) both passed by voice vote. Rep. Raul Grijalva
(D-Ariz) on the House floor said the legislation is "a
perfect example of how Young fought for what is best
for Alaska." He also stated that "I believe the bill
is a fitting tribute to our departed friend. It
elevates Alaskan voices, especially Native Alaskans,
and it brings stakeholders together to build consensus
and find a practical solution to this pressing issue
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in our 49 state."
Rep. Cliff Bentz (R-Ore) stated that Congressman Young
was discussing the need for the bill the day before he
died. He went on to state that he thought it was
"more than appropriate" that the bill was being
renamed after the late congressman.
Republican Minority leader Kevin McCarthy, stated,
"There is no other person in this body that's been
loved, feared, and respected as much as Congressman
Young".
He was laid in state in the U.S. Capitol's National
Statuary Hall on March 29, 2022, before his memorial
rd
service. He was the 43 person to have this honor
since 1852.
3:42:43 PM
Since his death, the House of Representatives passed a
bill (with no opposition) in December 2021, that
renamed Mount Cerberus, an active volcano on
Semisopochnoi (pronounced Semi-so-poch-noi) Island
Mount Young. Mount Young stands 5,351 feet tall in the
Chilkat Mountain Range on the boundary of Glacier Bay
National Monument. U.S. Senator Lisa Murkowski and
U.S. Senator Dan Sullivan intentionally chose a
volcano, stating that "As we were looking for
something that might be fitting, we looked not only at
mountains, but we looked at mountains that continue to
blow their top to this very day." Congressman Young
has been paid further homage; having the measure also
renaming the federal building in Fairbanks and the Job
Corps Center in Palmer to reflect the Congressman
Young name in his memory.
President Joe Biden made a statement on Congressman
Young's passing, in part stating "There is no doubt
that few legislators have left a greater mark on their
state. Congressman Young's legacy lives on the
infrastructure projects he delighted in steering
across Alaska. In the opportunities he advanced for
his constituents. In the enhanced protections for
Native tribes, he championed. His legacy will
continue in the America he loved."
Congressman Young told the New York Times in 2020 when
asked how long he planned to serve, replying, "God
will decide that, or the voters."
Congressman Young passed away while on a flight home
to Alaska on March 18, 2022. He was 88 years old.
3:44:22 PM
CHAIR KAWASAKI asked if there were questions for the sponsor.
SENATOR MERRICK thanked the sponsor, stated support for the
bill, and declared a conflict of interest because Don Young was
a close family friend and she had served on his staff.
3:45:01 PM
CHAIR KAWASAKI turned to invited testimony.
3:45:27 PM
ANNE WALTON-YOUNG, representing self, Anchorage, Alaska,
testified by invitation on HB 141. She stated that she was Don
Young's widow and she thought this was a lovely commemorative
honoring her husband. She relayed that she had no idea how far
the idea of honoring her husband could or would go. She was
delighted to learn that June 9, her husband's birthday, had been
selected to memorialize him. She spoke about the overwhelming
and heartwarming expressions of support.
MS. WALTON-YOUNG opined that with her husband's passing, the
state of Alaska lost its number one lifetime champion. His
unparalleled commitment and love for Alaska defined him. She
continued that there will never be another person who can or
would give as much as her husband gave to the state of Alaska.
She said HB 141 has her complete backing and she'll happily
participate in and attend all celebratory events that are
possible. She shared that June 9 is not only her sweetheart's
birthday, it is also their wedding anniversary. It has always
been and will continue to be a happy day. She thanked the
sponsor and the committee for their time and consideration in
establishing June 9 as Don Young Day.
3:50:01 PM
CHAIR KAWASAKI extended condolences on behalf of the committee
and spoke of his fond memories of Congressman Young. He opined
that it was fitting to honor his legacy.
3:50:45 PM
CHAIR KAWASAKI asked the sponsor if he had further comments.
REPRESENTATIVE JOHNSON referenced Senator Merrick's comment and
opined that if everyone who had a conflict were to declare it,
nobody would be able to vote.
CHAIR KAWASAKI held HB 141 in committee.
HJR 3-CONCEALED HANDGUN RECIPROCITY B/W STATES
3:51:30 PM
CHAIR KAWASAKI announced the consideration of CS FOR HOUSE JOINT
RESOLUTION NO. 3(JUD) am Encouraging Congress to pass the
Concealed Carry Reciprocity Act or a similar bill.
3:51:59 PM
RYAN MCKEE, Staff, Representative George Rauscher, Alaska State
Legislature, Juneau, Alaska, presented HJR 3 on behalf of the
sponsor. He read the sponsor statement.
House Joint Resolution 3 would encourage Congress to
amend the federal criminal code to allow an individual
who is qualified to carry or possess a concealed
handgun in one state to be allowed to also carry or
possess a concealed handgun in another state that also
allows individuals to carry concealed firearms.
This Resolution would also request that Congress enact
the Concealed Carry Reciprocity Act (H.R. 38) from the
117th Congress, or a similar bill.
MR. MCKEE clarified that HJR 3 would allow for handgun
reciprocity throughout the US, but individuals visiting states
as a nonresident would still have to follow the laws in that
state.
CHAIR KAWASAKI noted who was available to answer questions.
CHAIR KAWASAKI noted that Alaska has a requirement to prove
shooting proficiency to receive a concealed carry permit. He
asked what the procedure would be if a state didn't have a
similar requirement for accuracy.
MR. MCKEE said Alaska doesn't require a permit to carry a
concealed handgun but one is available. An Alaskan would need
that permit if they wanted to carry a concealed handgun in
another state.
3:55:38 PM
CHAIR KAWASAKI found no further questions. He held HJR 3 in
committee for future consideration.
HB 23-FILIPINO AMERICAN HISTORY MONTH
3:56:10 PM
CHAIR KAWASAKI announced the consideration of HOUSE BILL NO. 23
"An Act establishing the month of October as Filipino American
History Month."
3:56:21 PM
At ease
3:57:55 PM
CHAIR KAWASAKI reconvened the meeting. He noted that HB 3 was
the companion bill to SB 30, which the committee previously
heard.
3:58:22 PM
REPRESENTATIVE GENEVIEVE MINA, District 19, Alaska State
Legislature, Juneau, Alaska, sponsor of HB 23 stated that she
wanted to speak about Filipinos, their history, their
contributions nationally and to the state, and the reasons for
recognizing Filipino American history month in state statute.
Her family immigrated from the Philippians to Alaska in the '80s
and '90s and she was honored to introduce the bill.
She said Filipinos are one of if not the largest immigrant group
in Alaska. She enjoys history but didn't know too much about her
own origins. She quoted the national hero Jose Rizal who said,
"Know history, know self. No history, no self." She spoke of the
substantial impact that Filipinos have had in Alaska. As the
largest Asian American Pacific Islander group, they have made
contributions working as cannery workers, in healthcare, labor
advocacy, small businesses, community leaders, and much more.
This history isn't reflected when Alaska history and American
history is discussed. She said there's an invisibility that
needs to be brought into the light.
REPRESENTATIVE MINA recognized some Filipino contributions.
Nationally, Filipinos were the first Asian group to set foot in
America. The earliest record was on October 18, 1587. Filipinos
have also made a substantial contribution to the through the
military, community and labor organizing, and the economy. She
highlighted three examples:
First, during WWII 250,000 Filipino soldiers served in the Far
East under the command of General Douglas MacArthur. They became
recognized as US nationals but were not given the same rights,
privileges, and pensions as US veterans. It wasn't until 2010
when Congress officially recognized these Filipino veterans and
accorded them these rights. She shared that her grandfather was
a Filipino guerilla fighter in WWII.
Second, the 1965 Delano Grape Strike was started by Filipino
farmworkers. Many people are familiar with the Latino labor
leader Cesar Chavez, but what many people don't know is that it
was started by Larry Itliong who was a Filipino labor leader in
Delano, California. He was also an "Alaskeros," which is a
Filipino migrant worker who travels to Alaska to work in
canneries seasonally. She shared that her father was one of
these workers 10 years after the grape strike.
Third, Filipinos who were trained in American nursing helped to
fill the US nursing shortage in the 1950s. The 1965 Immigration
Act resulted in a significant increase of Filipino nurses moving
to the US. She shared that her mom is one of these nurses
4:03:20 PM
REPRESENTATIVE MINA discussed the rich history of Filipino
Americans in Alaska. The first recorded contact was in 1788;
American whaling ships brought Filipinos to Alaska; and many
Filipinos have built families with indigenous groups who have
faced similar racial discrimination in this state.
She recounted the reasons for recognizing Filipino American
History Month (FAHM) in state statute. She explained that it
started in October 1992 when the Filipino American Historical
Society chose October because that was the month that Filipinos
were first recorded in the US; it's the birth month of labor
leader Larry Itliong; it's a great way to recognized the many
contributions of Filipinos in the state; and it provides
solidarity among the diverse groups in Alaska. It is similar to
recognizing Black History Month and Alaska Native Heritage Month
in state statute.
4:04:44 PM
CHAIR KAWASAKI noted that the committee heard the companion bill
from Senator Gray-Jackson earlier in the session.
4:05:06 PM
CHAIR KAWASAKI opened public testimony on HB 23.
4:05:20 PM
JOSH BRANSTETTER, representing self, Anchorage, Alaska, stated
that he wanted to reinforce how powerful HB 23 is for the
Filipino community. He has lived in Alaska since the '90s when
his dad was stationed at Adak. His best memories of his Filipino
heritage were during that time. He wasn't very proud of his
culture when he was young because Filipinos weren't in the
spotlight and he didn't know how he fit in. Today, he is very
proud to be a Filipino and a lot of that has to do with people
like Representative Mina. He noted that the committee heard a
bill earlier about honoring the late Congressman Young and he
feels that is very important. He opined that it is also
important to honor the many individuals who are not often in the
spotlight but have added to the nation's history for 235 years.
He urged the committee to pass HB 23.
4:08:38 PM
CHAIR KAWASAKI closed public testimony on HB 23.
He thanked the sponsor for bring the bill forward and solicited
a motion.
4:09:11 PM
SENATOR MERRICK moved to report HB 23, work order 33-LS0263\A,
from committee with individual recommendations and attached
fiscal note(s).
4:09:31 PM
CHAIR KAWASAKI found no objection and HB 23 was reported from
the Senate State Affairs Standing Committee.
4:10:48 PM
There being no further business to come before the committee,
Chair Kawasaki adjourned the Senate State Affairs Standing
Committee meeting at 4:10 p.m.