05/06/2025 01:30 PM Senate COMMUNITY & REGIONAL AFFAIRS
| Audio | Topic |
|---|---|
| Start | |
| SB140 | |
| HB50 | |
| HB79 | |
| Adjourn |
+ teleconferenced
= bill was previously heard/scheduled
| *+ | HB 50 | TELECONFERENCED | |
| *+ | SB 140 | TELECONFERENCED | |
| *+ | HB 79 | TELECONFERENCED | |
ALASKA STATE LEGISLATURE
SENATE COMMUNITY AND REGIONAL AFFAIRS STANDING COMMITTEE
May 6, 2025
1:45 p.m.
MEMBERS PRESENT
Senator Kelly Merrick, Chair
Senator Forrest Dunbar, Vice Chair
Senator Elvi Gray-Jackson
Senator Robert Yundt
MEMBERS ABSENT
Senator Donald Olson
COMMITTEE CALENDAR
SENATE BILL NO. 140
"An Act relating to a matching grant program for fire station
construction and renovation; and providing for an effective
date."
- HEARD & HELD
HOUSE BILL NO. 50
"An Act relating to snow classics."
- HEARD & HELD
HOUSE BILL NO. 79
"An Act naming the Vic Fischer Shoup Bay State Marine Park."
- HEARD & HELD
PREVIOUS COMMITTEE ACTION
BILL: SB 140
SHORT TITLE: FIRE STATION GRANT PROGRAM
SPONSOR(s): SENATOR(s) STEDMAN
03/24/25 (S) READ THE FIRST TIME - REFERRALS
03/24/25 (S) CRA, FIN
04/22/25 (S) CRA AT 1:30 PM BELTZ 105 (TSBldg)
04/22/25 (S) -- MEETING CANCELED --
05/06/25 (S) CRA AT 1:30 PM BELTZ 105 (TSBldg)
BILL: HB 50
SHORT TITLE: SNOW CLASSICS
SPONSOR(s): REPRESENTATIVE(s) HANNAN
01/22/25 (H) READ THE FIRST TIME - REFERRALS
01/22/25 (H) CRA, L&C
03/11/25 (H) CRA AT 8:00 AM BARNES 124
03/11/25 (H) Heard & Held
03/11/25 (H) MINUTE(CRA)
03/13/25 (H) CRA AT 8:00 AM BARNES 124
03/13/25 (H) Heard & Held
03/13/25 (H) MINUTE(CRA)
03/18/25 (H) CRA AT 8:00 AM BARNES 124
03/18/25 (H) Moved HB 50 Out of Committee
03/18/25 (H) MINUTE(CRA)
03/21/25 (H) CRA RPT 6DP
03/21/25 (H) DP: PRAX, HOLLAND, RUFFRIDGE, HALL,
HIMSCHOOT, MEARS
03/26/25 (H) L&C AT 3:15 PM BARNES 124
03/26/25 (H) Heard & Held
03/26/25 (H) MINUTE(L&C)
03/31/25 (H) L&C AT 3:15 PM BARNES 124
03/31/25 (H) Moved HB 50 Out of Committee
03/31/25 (H) MINUTE(L&C)
04/02/25 (H) L&C RPT 6DP
04/02/25 (H) DP: BURKE, COULOMBE, CARRICK, NELSON,
HALL, FIELDS
04/02/25 (H) L&C AT 3:15 PM BARNES 124
04/02/25 (H) <Bill Hearing Canceled>
04/11/25 (H) TRANSMITTED TO (S)
04/11/25 (H) VERSION: HB 50
04/14/25 (S) READ THE FIRST TIME - REFERRALS
04/14/25 (S) CRA, L&C
04/22/25 (S) CRA AT 1:30 PM BELTZ 105 (TSBldg)
04/22/25 (S) -- MEETING CANCELED --
05/06/25 (S) CRA AT 1:30 PM BELTZ 105 (TSBldg)
BILL: HB 79
SHORT TITLE: NAMING VIC FISCHER SHOUP BAY MARINE PARK
SPONSOR(s): REPRESENTATIVE(s) FIELDS
01/31/25 (H) READ THE FIRST TIME - REFERRALS
01/31/25 (H) RES
02/07/25 (H) RES AT 1:00 PM BARNES 124
02/07/25 (H) -- MEETING CANCELED --
02/17/25 (H) RES AT 1:00 PM BARNES 124
02/17/25 (H) Heard & Held
02/17/25 (H) MINUTE(RES)
03/14/25 (H) RES AT 1:00 PM BARNES 124
03/14/25 (H) Moved HB 79 Out of Committee
03/14/25 (H) MINUTE(RES)
03/17/25 (H) RES RPT 8DP
03/17/25 (H) DP: FIELDS, COULOMBE, HALL, ELAM,
RAUSCHER, MEARS, DIBERT, BURKE
04/14/25 (H) TRANSMITTED TO (S)
04/14/25 (H) VERSION: HB 79
04/15/25 (S) READ THE FIRST TIME - REFERRALS
04/15/25 (S) CRA, RES
05/06/25 (S) CRA AT 1:30 PM BELTZ 105 (TSBldg)
WITNESS REGISTER
SENATOR BERT STEDMAN, District A
Alaska State Legislature
Juneau, Alaska
POSITION STATEMENT: Sponsor of SB 140.
FOREST KUIPER, President
Alaska Fire Chiefs Association
Juneau, Alaska
POSITION STATEMENT: Testified by invitation in support of SB
140.
CAROLE TRIEM, Intergovernmental Affairs Manager
Alaska Municipal League
Juneau, Alaska
POSITION STATEMENT: Testified in support of SB 140.
REPRESENTATIVE SARA HANNAN, District 4
Alaska State Legislature
Juneau, Alaska
POSITION STATEMENT: Sponsor of HB 50.
FRANKIE PILLIFANT, President
Juneau Nordic Ski Club
Juneau, Alaska
POSITION STATEMENT: Testified by invitation in support of HB 50.
TRISTAN KNUTSON-LOMBARDO, Executive Director
Juneau Nordic Ski Club
Juneau, Alaska
POSITION STATEMENT: Testified by invitation in support of HB 50.
COURTNEY OWEN, Staff
Representative Zack Fields
Alaska State Legislature
Juneau, Alaska
POSITION STATEMENT: Introduced HB 79 on behalf of the sponsor.
ACTION NARRATIVE
1:45:23 PM
CHAIR MERRICK called the Senate Community and Regional Affairs
Standing Committee meeting to order at 1:45 p.m. Present at the
call to order were Senators Yundt, Dunbar, Gray-Jackson, and
Chair Merrick.
SB 140-FIRE STATION GRANT PROGRAM
1:45:47 PM
CHAIR MERRICK announced the consideration of SENATE BILL NO. 140
"An Act relating to a matching grant program for fire station
construction and renovation; and providing for an effective
date."
1:46:18 PM
SENATOR BERT STEDMAN, District A, Alaska State Legislature,
Juneau, Alaska, stated that SB 140 would create a program to
address the future construction of fire halls. He emphasized
that the program would take effect at a future time, when the
state is in a better financial position. He paraphrased the
following written testimony:
[Original punctuation provided.]
• It is an absolute necessity that firefighters
across Alaska have functional facilities to
ensure they can respond to emergencies swiftly
and safely. Regrettably, numerous fire stations
in the state are in critical need of repairs and
modernization. Investing in these fire stations
means supporting the dedicated individuals who
consistently stand by our communities during our
times of greatest need.
• Many stations are nearing the end of their useful
lives, and each one serves an essential role in
protecting their communities.
• Each new year brings innovations in technology
and updates to best station design practices,
coupled with regular wear and tear from daily
use, and it is inevitable that existing fire
stations eventually become outdated.
• SB 140 establishes a matching grant program that
provides funding for up to 50 percent of the
total project cost for constructing or renovating
fire stations.
• This program would follow the structure of other
successful infrastructure investment programs
already established in our state. One notable
example is the Harbor Matching Grant Program,
which has awarded approximately $118 million
dollars to 57 harbor projects over the past two
decades.
• A decade ago, the Legislature appropriated
substantial funding to construct or replace a
dozen fire stations across Alaska. These were
highly popular capital budget items.
SENATOR STEDMAN argued that it makes sense to replicate
successful ventures such as the Harbor Matching Grant Program.
He noted that there is a similar program for libraries. He said
that this removes much of the politics and creates a fair
process to help communities build necessary infrastructure.
1:48:59 PM
SENATOR STEDMAN moved to slide 2, Nikiski Fire Department
Station no. 2, Kenai Peninsula Borough. He stated that a
previous capital budget included construction funding for this
fire hall and many others across the state.
1:49:27 PM
SENATOR STEDMAN moved to slide 3, Anchorage Fire Station No. 6:
[Original punctuation provided.]
• Prior to the construction of the new building,
Station No.6 operated out of a fire hall built in
the 1970s. That structure was originally intended
as a temporary replacement for the old volunteer
station after the formation of the Greater
Anchorage Area Borough.
• The new Station No. 6 was necessary to meet the
ever-expanding demands of the greater Muldoon
Area.
1:50:01 PM
SENATOR STEDMAN returned to slide 2, Nikiski Fire Department
Station no. 2, Kenai Peninsula Borough:
[Original punctuation provided.]
• Nikiski Fire Department Station no. 2 has the
largest fire service area on the Kenai Peninsula
• The original structure was intended as a
community center for Nikiski and was not designed
or constructed to adequately accommodate the
equipment and personnel required for medical and
fire services.
1:50:30 PM
SENATOR STEDMAN moved to slide 4, City of St. Paul Municipal
Fire Station:
[Original punctuation provided.]
• Established a centralized facility to support
community operations and equipment storage,
ensuring an effective response system. This was a
joint effort with the Central Bering Sea
Fishermen's Association and includes storage for
their Grove Crane and front-end loader.
• Construction was successfully completed in 2009.
SENATOR STEDMAN noted that the presentation includes a selection
of fire stations across the state.
1:51:06 PM
SENATOR STEDMAN moved to slide 5, Chugiak Volunteer Fire and
Rescue Station No. 35 (Lowe):
[Original punctuation provided.]
• Located near Fire Lake in Eagle River
• The previous station was forced to close in
February 2012 after heavy snowfall caused
irreparable damage to the roof.
• This newly constructed building was completed in
the summer of 2014.
SENATOR STEDMAN explained that previously, the legislature used
an informal process to evaluate the need for fire halls
statewide.
1:51:43 PM
SENATOR STEDMAN said SB 140 would create a formalized process
with a needs-based, ranked system. This would level the playing
field for communities across the state. He said fire chiefs
across the state have submitted a list of fire halls in need of
construction and renovations. He briefly discussed why it can be
difficult for communities to access capitol budget funding. He
reiterated that SB 140 would create a fair system and explained
that the legislature would collectively decide how much of the
list to fund, similar to other types of major maintenance. He
explained that community fire hall construction is not
constitutionally mandated like K-12 education and K-12 major
maintenance. He said that SB 140 would enable the State to
construct fire halls in years where the funding is available. He
said that there is adequate time to write regulations and
indicated that incomplete regulations would not hinder the
program's start. He noted that the library fund did not have
regulations and the State was able to implement that program
with the help of librarians across the state. He said the fire
hall program would involve the help of the Fire Chiefs
Association. He emphasized that the Fire Department is not a
political organization and said SB 140 would help ensure that
politics remain outside of fire halls.
1:54:27 PM
CHAIR MERRICK announced invited testimony on SB 140.
1:54:42 PM
FOREST KUIPER, President, Alaska Fire Chiefs Association,
Juneau, Alaska, said SB 140 is a direct investment in the
safety, resilience, and wellbeing of Alaskan communities. He
stated that fire departments across the state are forced to work
with aging infrastructure and limited space. Often, fire
departments operate out of buildings that were not designed for
the demands of modern emergency response. SB 140 would create a
dedicated grant program for building construction and upgrades.
He said that in 2023, the Alaska Fire Chiefs Association
identified over $400 million in essential construction and
renovation projects across the state. The projects are shovel-
ready but lack the necessary funding. He emphasized that
communities across the state want to be proactive and prepared.
He shared that many small fire departments operate out of
converted garages or decades old station and therefore cannot
accommodate modern fire engines or equipment. Stations operating
in these conditions cannot provide a safe, clean environment for
firefighters. He emphasized that this is inefficient and
dangerous. He pointed out that, in an emergency, seconds count.
A well-located, properly equipped fire station reduces response
times, saves lives, and protects property. He said SB 140
recognizes that infrastructure, personnel, and equipment are
equally important.
1:57:37 PM
CHAIR MERRICK opened public testimony on SB 140.
1:57:56 PM
CAROLE TRIEM, Intergovernmental Affairs Manager, Alaska
Municipal League, Juneau, Alaska, testified in support of SB
140. She acknowledged budgetary constraints. She thanked the
legislature for recognizing that local governments play an
important role in ensuring public safety and for acknowledging
the importance of fire station construction and maintenance. She
emphasized that public safety and fire protection are among the
core services citizens expect local governments provide. She
noted the increasing fiscal pressure on local governments, which
places an additional burden on local taxpayers. She stated that
the fire station grant program would be a significant
advancement toward meeting crucial public safety needs across
the state.
1:59:03 PM
CHAIR MERRICK closed public testimony on SB 140.
1:59:14 PM
SENATOR STEDMAN offered a closing statement. He directed
attention to a letter stating that the Department of Public
Safety (DPS) should house this concept. He opined that this is
implausible and instead suggested replicating what works. He
stated that having a 50 percent match helps communities keep
costs under control. He added that the Legislature could
consider funding caps and other adjustments in the future. He
opined that SB 140 is a good start and added that it would
benefit the entire state to have updated fire halls in all
communities once the funding is available.
2:00:05 PM
[CHAIR MERRICK held SB 140 in committee.]
2:00:09 PM
At ease.
HB 50-SNOW CLASSICS
2:01:01 PM
CHAIR MERRICK reconvened the meeting and announced the
consideration of HOUSE BILL NO. 50 "An Act relating to snow
classics."
2:01:30 PM
REPRESENTATIVE SARA HANNAN, District 4, Alaska State
Legislature, Juneau, Alaska, said that snow classics are limited
to a specific location, date, and time. She explained that HB 50
changes the charitable gaming statute by removing the specific
location, date, and time requirements. This would allow any
qualified charitable entity to apply to host a snow classic. She
emphasized that no other changes are made to the charitable
gaming statute. Charitable organizations would still need to
meet applicable permitting and other requirements.
2:02:53 PM
SENATOR DUNBAR asked what a snow classic is.
REPRESENTATIVE HANNAN replied that "classics" are defined in
charity gaming laws. A snow classic is when a charitable
organization specifies a location, date, and time and sells
tickets to participants, who guess the snow accumulation.
2:03:41 PM
SENATOR DUNBAR asked if Mt. Alyeska currently holds a snow
classic.
REPRESENTATIVE HANNAN replied that there is a statutory
authorization for a snow classic at Mt. Alyeska to benefit the
Girdwood Community School. She noted that this snow classic does
not take place every year.
2:04:11 PM
REPRESENTATIVE HANNAN commented that there are fifteen classics
in statute and listed them.
2:04:55 PM
CHAIR MERRICK announced invited testimony on HB 50.
2:05:10 PM
FRANKIE PILLIFANT, President, Juneau Nordic Ski Club, Juneau,
Alaska, introduced herself and said that the Juneau Nordic Ski
Club (JNSC) is a 501(c)(3).
2:05:32 PM
TRISTAN KNUTSON-LOMBARDO, Executive Director, Juneau Nordic Ski
Club, Juneau, Alaska, explained that JNSC considered holding a
snow classic fundraiser before discovering the statutory
limitations. He said JNSC is a low-barrier, "pay-as-you-can"
program for Juneau youth. Due to increasing costs, JNSC is
seeking new and fun ways to raise revenue. He opined that HB 50
is manageable and stated that this legislation would have a
meaningful impact on the youth in Juneau and across the state.
2:06:15 PM
MS. PILLIFANT added that snow classics would be an additional
tool that would help communities raise funds to sustain
volunteer programs. She expressed support for HB 50.
2:06:44 PM
CHAIR MERRICK opened public testimony on HB 50; finding none,
she closed public testimony.
2:07:12 PM
REPRESENTATIVE HANNAN gave closing comments on HB 50. She shared
a brief anecdote to illustrate the benefits of an ice classic
for organizations like JNSC.
2:07:52 PM
CHAIR MERRICK held HB 50 in committee.
2:07:54 PM
At ease.
[CHAIR MERRICK turned the gavel over to Vice Chair Dunbar during
the at-ease at 2:10 p.m.]
HB 79-NAMING VIC FISCHER SHOUP BAY MARINE PARK
2:10:03 PM
VICE CHAIR DUNBAR reconvened the meeting and announced the
consideration of HOUSE BILL NO. 79 "An Act naming the Vic
Fischer Shoup Bay State Marine Park."
2:10:24 PM
COURTNEY OWEN, Staff, Representative Zack Fields, Alaska State
Legislature, Juneau, Alaska, delivered a presentation titled HB
79: Vic Fischer Shoup Bay State Marine Park.
2:10:43 PM
MS. OWEN moved to slide 1, Vic Fischer Shoup Bay State Marine
Park:
[Original punctuation provided.]
Vic Fischer Shoup Bay State Marine Park
In 1983, Vic Fischer's SB 128 passed establishing the
first 13 State Marine Parks, including Shoup Bay State
Marine Park.
There are currently 49 State Marine Parks in Alaska
that were established to maintain natural, cultural,
and scenic values; maintain fish and wildlife
resources and lawful existing uses of these resources;
promote and support recreation and tourism in the
state.
HB 79 would Shoup Bay State Marine Park to the "Vic
Fischer Shoup Bay State Marine Park" in honor of Vic
Fischer and his contributions to the State of Alaska.
2:11:13 PM
MS. OWEN moved to slide 2, Vic Fischer Shoup Bay State Marine
Park:
[Original punctuation provided.]
Vic Fischer's Service
Vic Fischer had a long and accomplished career serving
the people of Alaska.
• In 1955 he was elected to the Alaska Constitutional
Convention and was an original signatory of the
first State Constitution.
• In 1962, Vic was appointed director of the Office of
Metropolitan Development in the Housing and Home
Finance Agency.
• In 1966 he became the director of the University of
Alaska Institute of Social and Economic Research
(ISER).
• In 1980, Vic Fischer was elected as a Senator in the
Alaska Legislature where he served until 1986.
2:11:34 PM
MS. OWEN moved to slide 3, Vic Fischer's Involvement in Valdez:
[Original punctuation provided.]
Vic Fischer's Involvement in Valdez
Immediately following the 1964 earthquake, Vic Fischer
was part of a delegation of Alaskans in Washington
D.C. that secured a flight on Air Force One back to
Alaska to survey the damage. He was instrumental in
communicating the damage the earthquake has caused to
Alaska and advocating for federal funding to rebuild,
especially in Valdez where the earthquake-induced
tsunami had been particularly destructive.
As a city planner and a director at the Housing and
Home Finance Agency, Vic Fischer's advocacy was
crucial in rebuilding the town of Valdez quickly and
efficiently.
Photo: Valdez after the 1964 earthquake
2:11:52 PM
MS. OWEN moved to slide 4, Establishing the State Marine Parks:
[Original punctuation provided.]
Establishing the State Marine Parks
On February 16th, 1983, Vic Fischer introduced SB 128,
a bill to create the State Marine Park System. This
bill also added 13 new State Marine Parks to protect
them for future generations.
"It was a marvelous idea," Fischer said.
"Subsequently, I kayaked right into some of those
places that we helped create and I said, 'wow, we have
preserved this for recreation.' That is such a good
thing. It's great to know that somebody can kayak
through the inland waters, through Prince William
Sound, and know that there are state parks; that there
is a good, secure, safe place to camp out, to come
ashore or even if you're with a boat, a safe place to
anchor."
"It's good from a recreation standpoint and as an
Alaskan to know there are these protected areas."
SB 128 was signed into law on July 15, 1983, by
Governor Sheffield.
Above: Vic and Ruthie Fischer kayaking at Aialik
Glacier in Kenai Fjords National Park 1985
2:12:32 PM
SENATOR DUNBAR commented that, while he knew Mr. Fischer, he was
not aware of Mr. Fischer's connection to Alaska's State Marine
Parks. He said he is working with the Board of Regents and the
director of the Institute for Social and Economic Research
(ISER) to rename ISER the Vic Fischer Institute. He stated that
Mr. Fischer is a seminal figure in Alaska's history.
2:13:51 PM
VICE CHAIR DUNBAR opened public testimony on HB 79; finding
none, he closed public testimony.
2:14:10 PM
MS. OWEN thanked the committee.
2:14:18 PM
VICE CHAIR DUNBAR held HB 79 in committee.
2:14:30 PM
There being no further business to come before the committee,
Vice Chair Dunbar adjourned the Senate Community and Regional
Affairs Standing Committee meeting at 2:14 p.m.
| Document Name | Date/Time | Subjects |
|---|---|---|
| HB 50, version A.pdf |
HCRA 3/11/2025 8:00:00 AM HCRA 3/13/2025 8:00:00 AM HCRA 3/18/2025 8:00:00 AM SCRA 5/6/2025 1:30:00 PM |
HB 50 |
| HB 50 Sectional Analysis, version A.pdf |
HCRA 3/11/2025 8:00:00 AM HCRA 3/13/2025 8:00:00 AM HCRA 3/18/2025 8:00:00 AM SCRA 4/22/2025 1:30:00 PM SCRA 5/6/2025 1:30:00 PM |
HB 50 |
| HB 50 Research - Alaska Department of Revenue Tax Division 2023 Charitable Gaming Annual Report.pdf |
HCRA 3/11/2025 8:00:00 AM HCRA 3/13/2025 8:00:00 AM HCRA 3/18/2025 8:00:00 AM SCRA 4/22/2025 1:30:00 PM SCRA 5/6/2025 1:30:00 PM |
HB 50 |
| HB 50 Sponsor Statement, version A.pdf |
HCRA 3/13/2025 8:00:00 AM HCRA 3/18/2025 8:00:00 AM SCRA 4/22/2025 1:30:00 PM SCRA 5/6/2025 1:30:00 PM |
HB 50 |
| HB 50 Haines Huts and Trailes Letter of Support 3.10.25.pdf |
HL&C 3/26/2025 3:15:00 PM SCRA 4/22/2025 1:30:00 PM SCRA 5/6/2025 1:30:00 PM |
HB 50 |
| HB 50 Juneau Nordic Ski Club Letter of Support 2.12.25.pdf |
HL&C 3/26/2025 3:15:00 PM SCRA 5/6/2025 1:30:00 PM |
HB 50 |
| HB 50 Fiscal Note - DOR-TAX 3.7.25.pdf |
HCRA 3/11/2025 8:00:00 AM HCRA 3/13/2025 8:00:00 AM HCRA 3/18/2025 8:00:00 AM SCRA 4/22/2025 1:30:00 PM SCRA 5/6/2025 1:30:00 PM |
HB 50 |
| HB 79 Sponsor Statement.pdf |
HRES 2/17/2025 1:00:00 PM SCRA 5/6/2025 1:30:00 PM |
HB 79 |
| HB 79 Sectional Analysis version A .pdf |
HRES 2/17/2025 1:00:00 PM SCRA 5/6/2025 1:30:00 PM |
HB 79 |
| HB 79 - Letter of Support City of Valdez 3.19.25.pdf |
SCRA 5/6/2025 1:30:00 PM |
HB 79 |
| HB 79 - Backup - AK State Parks History (13, 80-87).pdf |
SCRA 5/6/2025 1:30:00 PM |
HB 79 |
| HB 79 - Backup - Sen. Vic Fischer CSB CSSB 128 (13th Session, 1983).pdf |
SCRA 5/6/2025 1:30:00 PM |
HB 79 SB 128 |
| SB 140 Presentation for (S)CRA 5.6.25.pdf |
SCRA 5/6/2025 1:30:00 PM |
SB 140 |
| SB 140 Alaska Fire Chiefs Association Invited Testimony 3.24.25.pdf |
SCRA 5/6/2025 1:30:00 PM |
SB 140 |
| SB 140 Sectional Analysis.pdf |
SCRA 5/6/2025 1:30:00 PM |
SB 140 |
| SB 140 Sponsor Statement.pdf |
SCRA 5/6/2025 1:30:00 PM |
SB 140 |
| SB140 Fiscal Note - DCCED-DCRA-05-02-25 aJYHc.pdf |
SCRA 5/6/2025 1:30:00 PM |
SB 140 |