03/21/2025 01:30 PM Senate JUDICIARY
| Audio | Topic |
|---|---|
| Start | |
| Confirmation Hearing(s) Alaska Police Standards Council | |
| Confirmation Hearing(s)alaska Commission on Judicial Conduct | |
| SJR6 | |
| Adjourn |
+ teleconferenced
= bill was previously heard/scheduled
| + | TELECONFERENCED | ||
| += | SJR 6 | TELECONFERENCED | |
ALASKA STATE LEGISLATURE
SENATE JUDICIARY STANDING COMMITTEE
March 21, 2025
1:31 p.m.
MEMBERS PRESENT
Senator Matt Claman, Chair
Senator Jesse Kiehl, Vice Chair
Senator Gary Stevens
Senator Löki Tobin
Senator Robert Myers
MEMBERS ABSENT
All members present
COMMITTEE CALENDAR
CONFIRMATION HEARING(S)
Alaska Police Standards Council
Timothy Collins - Kodiak
- CONFIRMATION ADVANCED
Alaska Commission on Judicial Conduct
Bill Satterberg - Fairbanks
- CONFIRMATION ADVANCED
SENATE JOINT RESOLUTION NO. 6
Supporting the admittance of Washington, D.C., into the Union as
a state of the United States of America.
- MOVED CSSJR 6(JUD) OUT OF COMMITTEE
PREVIOUS COMMITTEE ACTION
BILL: SJR 6
SHORT TITLE: WASHINGTON D.C. STATEHOOD
SPONSOR(s): SENATOR(s) TOBIN
01/24/25 (S) READ THE FIRST TIME - REFERRALS
01/24/25 (S) STA, JUD
02/25/25 (S) STA AT 3:30 PM BELTZ 105 (TSBldg)
02/25/25 (S) Heard & Held
02/25/25 (S) MINUTE(STA)
03/04/25 (S) STA AT 3:30 PM BELTZ 105 (TSBldg)
03/04/25 (S) Moved SJR 6 Out of Committee
03/04/25 (S) MINUTE(STA)
03/05/25 (S) STA RPT 3DP 2DNP
03/05/25 (S) DP: KAWASAKI, WIELECHOWSKI, GRAY-
JACKSON
03/05/25 (S) DNP: BJORKMAN, YUNDT
03/10/25 (S) JUD AT 1:30 PM BUTROVICH 205
03/10/25 (S) Heard & Held
03/10/25 (S) MINUTE(JUD)
03/21/25 (S) JUD AT 1:30 PM BUTROVICH 205
WITNESS REGISTER
Timothy Collins, Appointee
Alaska Police Standards Council
Kodiak, Alaska
POSITION STATEMENT: Testified as the governor's appointee to the
Alaska Police Standards Council
Bill Satterberg, Appointee
Alaska Commission on Judicial Conduct
Fairbanks, Alaska
POSITION STATEMENT: Testified as the governor's appointee to the
Alaska Commission on Judicial Conduct.
ED MARTIN, representing self
Kenai, Alaska
POSITION STATEMENT: Testified with concerns related to the
Alaska Commission on Judicial Conduct.
SCOTT EGGER, representing self
Kenai, Alaska
POSITION STATEMENT: Testified in opposition to the appointment
of Mr. Satterberg to the Alaska Commission on Judicial Conduct.
SUKI MILLER, representing self
Anchorage, Alaska
POSITION STATEMENT: Testified with concerns about the
appointment of Mr. Satterberg to the Alaska Commission on
Judicial Conduct.
BREANNA KAKARUK, Staff
Senator Matt Claman
Alaska State Legislature
Juneau, Alaska
POSITION STATEMENT: Presented the summary of changes for SJR 6
from version N to version I.
MAGGIE GRENIER, Staff
Senator Löki Tobin
Alaska State Legislature
Juneau, Alaska
POSITION STATEMENT: Indicated she was available for questions on
SJR 6.
ACTION NARRATIVE
1:31:01 PM
CHAIR CLAMAN called the Senate Judiciary Standing Committee
meeting to order at 1:31 p.m. Present at the call to order were
Senators Stevens, Myers, Tobin, Kiehl, and Chair Claman.
^CONFIRMATION HEARING(S) ALASKA POLICE STANDARDS COUNCIL
CONFIRMATION HEARING
ALASKA POLICE STANDARDS COUNCIL
1:31:40 PM
CHAIR CLAMAN announced the consideration of a governor's
appointee to the Alaska Police Standards Council.
CHAIR CLAMAN invited Mr. Collins to put himself on the record
and begin his comments.
1:32:10 PM
TIMOTHY COLLINS, Appointee, Alaska Police Standards Council,
Kodiak, Alaska, testified as a governor's appointee to the
Alaska Police Standards Council and gave a brief overview of his
experience and background. He said he is a sergeant with the
Alaska State Troopers and has served proudly in law enforcement
for nearly 13 years. He started his career with the New Castle
County Police Department in Delaware in 2012. He gained
invaluable experience working on patrol, as a detective with the
property crime squad, and the Special Victims' Unit. He
investigated sensitive and challenging cases, which focused on
crimes against children and sexual offenses. He stated that
throughout his career, he had the privilege of serving in
specialized part-time assignments, including the crisis
negotiation team, and as an instructor on topics such as ethics
in policing, sex crimes, and crimes against children. He decided
to make a lateral move to the Alaska State Troopers in 2021,
allowing him to serve in a police community where integrity is
of paramount importance. He said that he served as a patrol
trooper in Soldotna and Emmonak, experiencing firsthand the
unique challenges and rewards of policing in Alaska's diverse
environment. He was promoted to sergeant in 2023 and is the post
and patrol supervisor in Kodiak, where he leads and mentors a
dedicated team of troopers. He said he will work diligently to
uphold the highest standards of law enforcement in Alaska,
ensuring that officers are equipped with the training,
resources, and support they need to serve communities. He stated
that he is committed to promoting transparency, ethical
policing, and accountability to foster trust between law
enforcement and the public.
1:34:31 PM
SENATOR STEVENS commented that his references said he is well
respected, liked, and has a remarkable spouse and children. He
said that everyone he spoke to thinks highly of him and believes
he would make a great candidate for this position.
1:35:07 PM
SENATOR KIEHL referenced the testifier's earlier statement that
a lateral move to the Alaska State Troopers allowed him to work
in an environment where integrity is paramount. He asked the
testifier to describe the experiences or observations that
motivated his decision to join the Alaska State Troopers.
MR. COLLINS stated that as a new police officer beginning his
career on the East Coast, he initially wanted to remain close to
home and family. He said that throughout his career, he had
heard about the Alaska State Troopers and took time to research
the agency and make calls to Alaska. He recalled that his first
exposure was through a National Geographic program that featured
the State Troopers and their distinctive work. Observing their
professionalism and the way they conducted themselves, he
recognized that the agency held itself to very high standards of
policing, integrity, and commitment to serving and protecting
communities the right way. He said the agency has been very good
to him and his family, and that the troopers he serves with in
Kodiak and elsewhere have all exemplified that same integrity.
1:37:25 PM
SENATOR KIEHL asked to hear about any instances in the
testifier's career where he played a role in upholding,
improving, maintaining, or protecting the integrity and
standards expected of law enforcement officers.
MR. COLLINS replied that as a supervisor in Kodiak, part of his
responsibility is to ensure troopers uphold the highest
standards of integrity, ethics, and accountability in their
policing. He said that he has, on occasion, had to speak with
troopers to ensure they conduct themselves appropriately and
maintain those standards. He noted that this sometimes includes
disciplining or reprimanding troopers, when necessary, which is
essential to maintain integrity, but never pleasant. He stated
that he has been involved in such processes and is direct in
addressing situations when he observes a trooper or police
officer straying from those expectations.
1:39:19 PM
SENATOR TOBIN observed that he had served as a state trooper in
Emmonak, and as someone who was born and raised in Nome,
understands the consequences when law enforcement officers do
not uphold appropriate standards. She expressed interest in
hearing about his experiences and personal beliefs regarding
issues unique to Alaska, such as cultural competency training,
trauma-informed care, and opportunities for officers to better
understand the nuances of rural communities. She noted that part
of his responsibility is to ensure officers assigned to these
communities are adequately prepared to serve the residents who
live there.
MR. COLLINS replied that working in Western Alaska communities
is a very unique experience. He said that when he speaks with
former coworkers from the East Coast and Lower 48, they are
often surprised by the conditions and the realities of policing
in those areas, including the challenges of working alone with
very limited resources. He explained that while stationed in
Emmonak, he served on a two-weeks-on, two-weeks-off rotation and
was the sole trooper responsible for four surrounding villages.
He stated that the workload can be difficult for troopers in
rural areas. He learned the importance of immersing himself in
the community by attending local events and building
relationships. He said he still maintains close friendships
there and values the connections he built.
MR. COLLINS emphasized that rural law enforcement requires being
well-versed in trauma-informed care and maintaining a victim-
centered approach. He suggested that the Police Standards
Council and related agencies consider requiring the officers
assigned to Western Alaska complete more advanced training in
sexual assault and domestic violence response before deployment.
He said that such preparation would better equip officers for
the volume and nature of cases they encounter and would
ultimately benefit both the officers and the communities they
serve.
1:43:08 PM
SENATOR TOBIN expressed appreciation for the work he does.
1:43:25 PM
CHAIR CLAMAN asked whether, during his testimony, he had
mentioned the possibility of receiving additional training and
moving to a different position within the Alaska State Troopers.
MR. COLLINS replied that he had no plans to leave Kodiak. He
stated that at his previous agency, he served as a detective in
the Special Victims Unit and was an instructor on topics such as
crimes against children.
^CONFIRMATION HEARING(S)Alaska Commission on Judicial Conduct
CONFIRMATION HEARING
ALASKA COMMISSION ON JUDICIAL CONDUCT
1:44:54 PM
CHAIR CLAMAN announced consideration of a governor's appointee
to the Commission on Judicial Conduct.
CHAIR CLAMAN invited Mr. Satterberg to put himself on the record
and proceed with his testimony.
1:45:19 PM
BILL SATTERBERG, Appointee, Alaska Commission on Judicial
Conduct, Fairbanks, Alaska, testified as a governor's appointee
to the Alaska Commission on Judicial Conduct. He provided a
brief overview of his background, stating that he came to Alaska
in 1959 and grew up in Anchorage. He said he attended the
University of Alaska before going east to law school, later
studying in London through a program affiliated with Notre Dame,
and then returning to Syracuse University, where he completed
his law degree and earned a master's in public administration.
He explained that upon returning to Alaska, he accepted a
position with the Attorney General's Office in Fairbanks, where
he worked for a little over four years before taking an
assignment in the Trust Territory of the Pacific Islands as an
assistant attorney general in the SaipanGuam area. He shared
that during his first year of marriage, he and his wife moved to
Saipan. He said the island became a second home, where he
continues to maintain a law practice. He stated that he has been
practicing law since 1976, marking about 48 1/2 years in
practice. He shared that he and his wife have two adult
children, both adopted from Micronesia, and that they now have
grandchildren.
1:46:55 PM
MR. SATTERBERG stated that his professional experience centers
primarily on trial law, divided about evenly between civil and
criminal work. He has done a lot of practice before the Alaska
Court of Appeals and the Alaska Supreme Court, with numerous
cases decided by those courts.
MR. SATTERBERG said he served in a judicial capacity with the
Presbyterian Church as part of the Permanent Judicial
Commission, which is a statewide role within the church. He also
served as an arbitrator in various matters. He emphasized the
importance of the Alaska Commission on Judicial Conduct,
describing it as, in essence, the body that "judges the judges."
He said he takes the appointment seriously, expressed his
admiration for the Commission's operations after visiting it the
previous week. He asserted that there needs to be a system of
checks and balances. He looks forward to confirmation and the
opportunity to serve on the Commission.
1:48:49 PM
SENATOR MYERS asked, out of curiosity, whether he had ever
observed any particular practices that he believed might warrant
further review by the Commission.
MR. SATTERBERG replied that over the years he has seen various
things take place, though none come immediately to mind. He
stated that there have been occasions when he felt some judges
were a bit too informal in their conduct, noting that the judges
he was referring to are no longer on the bench. He said that,
without naming names, he has represented superior court judges
and one justice in matters years ago, observing that judges,
like anyone else, can make mistakes and sometimes must be held
accountable. He acknowledged that judging is a difficult
profession because it requires a degree of isolation from
society and demands behavior that is above reproach. He said
judges set an example not only for the public but also for the
attorneys who appear before them and for their judicial
colleagues. He noted that on rare occasions, judges may cross
the line. He added that he has appeared twice before the Alaska
Commission on Judicial Conduct representing judges in Alaska,
describing the experience as informative. He said one case
proceeded to a quasi-trial, while the other was resolved without
that. He stated that, even in those cases where he served as an
advocate, he believed the Commission did a good job.
1:50:50 PM
SENATOR STEVENS inquired whether the Commission has the
authority to remove a judge from office, asking if that
responsibility falls within its jurisdiction.
MR. SATTERBERG replied that, to his understanding, the
Commission does not have that authority. He explained that while
the Commission may issue various sanctions and make
recommendations, only the Alaska Supreme Court has the power to
remove a judge from office. He stated that in one of his past
cases, the Commission forwarded a recommendation to the Supreme
Court, which acted on it and issued a public censure of the
judge involved.
SENATOR STEVENS expressed appreciation for that explanation.
1:51:31 PM
CHAIR CLAMAN asked about the case that went up from the
Commission to the Alaska Supreme Court, inquiring whether the
Commission's recommendation had been for removal or for censure.
MR. SATTERBERG replied that the recommendation had been for
censure, which resulted in a public reprimand.
1:51:53 PM
SENATOR TOBIN remarked that the work on the Alaska Judicial
Commission can be a heavy burden. She said she had read some of
his publicly available writings and noted that he had expressed
concerns about the process by which individuals are appointed or
selected to serve on the judiciary. She stated that she was
interested in hearing how he would navigate his personal beliefs
and opinions about judicial selection while also serving on a
body responsible for adjudicating judges' conduct.
MR. SATTERBERG responded that one of the primary duties of a
judge, and for that matter a member of the Commission, is to set
aside personal prejudices and biases. He stated that everyone
carries bias, but when serving in a judicial or quasi-judicial
capacity, one must put those biases aside and focus solely on
the evidence and facts to reach a decision that is properly
supported. He said that throughout his career, he has prided
himself on maintaining that discipline, often telling clients
that while he does not have to believe or like them, he has to
represent them. He said some judges even heard him make that
statement. He emphasized that impartiality and integrity are
essential.
MR. SATTERBERG said that individuals have already lobbied him a
little about the Commission. He made it clear that he would not
talk about the position, stating it is inappropriate to lobby a
Commission member about matters that involve decision-making of
a certain nature.
1:53:46 PM
CHAIR CLAMAN asked for his perspective on the importance of
maintaining an independent Commission.
MR. SATTERBERG replied that, without question, the Commission
must operate independently. He stated that this appointment does
not create any obligation of loyalty to the governor, even
though the governor appointed him. He emphasized that his duty
is to uphold the integrity of the Commission's work and to
remain impartial in every matter that comes before it. He said
that if a conflict of interest were to arise, he would recuse
himself. He added that if he failed to recognize such a
conflict, the Commission's executive director or another member
might bring it to his attention. He stated that if at any time
he felt unable to render an impartial decision, or believed he
held a bias for or against a judicial officer, he would not
participate in that case.
1:54:49 PM
CHAIR CLAMAN opened public testimony on the appointments to the
Alaska Police Standards Council and the Alaska Commission on
Judicial Conduct.
1:55:33 PM
ED MARTIN, representing self, Kenai, Alaska, testified with
concerns about the Alaska Commission on Judicial Conduct,
stating that there should be no more appointments to the
Commission. He said that he called the appointee, who appeared
to believe the call was a lobby attempt. He recounted that the
appointee expressed surprise at being contacted. He noted the
call occurred a couple of weeks after the appointment. He stated
that he is in opposition to the legislature [confirming] any
board appointee at this late date and this applies broadly to
the gamut of all the governor's appointees. He clarified that
his intention was not to lobby the appointee but to ask that the
appointee review the Commission's prior record. Specifically,
his dismissal from a meeting and a suggestion to eliminate or
reduce public comment, which he views as a violation of the
First Amendment and the Open Meetings Act.
MR. MARTIN asserted that problems exist within the Commission
that require thorough investigation. He noted that he submitted
a public records request and has not yet received a response. He
petitioned the legislature via email and requested review of his
communications and acknowledgment of his written complaints and
petition for redress. He expressed appreciation to the committee
and urged it make a firm and fair judgment as it proceeds.
1:58:13 PM
SCOTT EGGER, representing self, Kenai, Alaska, testified in
opposition to the appointment of Mr. Satterberg to the Alaska
Commission on Judicial Conduct. He attended the most recent
Commission meeting via a telephone conference. He said it was
troubling how, during the course of the meeting, the appointee
interjected himself, lobbied for less allotted time for public
comment. He stated that this is one of several concerns Alaskans
have with the Commission and that Alaskans should have greater
access to provide public comment during Commission hearings.
MR. EGGER said the Commission has not properly fulfilled its
obligations in responding to records requests. He shared that he
filed a complaint with the Commission but never received a
response. He concurred with the comments of the previous
testifier, asserting that ongoing problems exist within the
Commission. He emphasized that one of the key issues is the
public's limited ability to communicate with or gain access to
the Commission. He expressed concern that the appointee supports
reduced access and stated that, for this reason, he opposes the
appointment. He further said the Commission is "fraught with
problems," alleging that the director filed false paperwork in
court proceedings that has never been properly investigated. He
asserted that Commission members protect one another and that it
is time for transparency and accountability within the
Commission's operations.
2:01:00 PM
SUKI MILLER, representing self, Anchorage, Alaska, testified
with concerns about the appointment of Mr. Satterberg to the
Alaska Commission on Judicial Conduct. She noted that the
appointee authored an article published by Must Read Alaska in
2020, in which he criticized the judicial selection process and
advocated for a different selection method. She stated that such
a proposed change to the process is cause for concern. She said
Alaska's judicial selection system is unique and has worked
fairly well for the state.
2:02:25 PM
CHAIR CLAMAN closed public testimony on the Alaska Police
Standards Council and the Alaska Commission on Judicial Conduct.
2:02:35 PM
CHAIR CLAMAN solicited a motion.
2:02:37 PM
SENATOR KIEHL stated [that in accordance with AS 39.05.080,] the
Senate Judiciary Standing Committee reviewed the qualifications
of the following governor's appointees and forwards their names
to a joint session for consideration:
Alaska Police Standards Council
Timothy Collins - Kodiak
Alaska Commission on Judicial Conduct
Bill Satterberg - Fairbanks
SENATOR KIEHL reminded members that signing the report(s)
regarding appointments to boards and commissions in no way
reflects individual members' approval or disapproval of the
appointees; the nominations are merely forwarded to the full
legislature for confirmation or rejection.
2:03:09 PM
At ease.
SJR 6-WASHINGTON D.C. STATEHOOD
2:04:43 PM
CHAIR CLAMAN reconvened the meeting and announced the
consideration of SENATE JOINT RESOLUTION NO. 6 Supporting the
admittance of Washington, D.C., into the Union as a state of the
United States of America.
CHAIR CLAMAN said this is the second hearing of SJR 6 in the
Senate Judiciary Committee. He announced his intention to
consider a committee substitute for SJR 6.
2:05:00 PM
CHAIR CLAMAN solicited a motion.
2:05:06 PM
SENATOR KIEHL moved to adopt the committee substitute (CS) for
SJR 6, work order 34-LS0263\I, as the working document.
2:05:20 PM
CHAIR CLAMAN objected for purposes of discussion.
2:05:41 PM
BREANNA KAKARUK, Staff, Senator Matt Claman, Alaska State
Legislature, Juneau, Alaska, presented the summary of changes
for SJR 6 from version N to version I.
[Original punctuation provided.]
Summary of Changes
Senate Joint Resolution 6: Version N to Version I
Page 3, line 31, following "America":
Insert: ", excluding a federal enclave that
encompasses at least the White House, the United
States Capitol, and the United States Supreme Court"
2:06:19 PM
CHAIR CLAMAN removed his objection.
2:06:36 PM
CHAIR CLAMAN invited the sponsor's staff to offer closing
comments on SJR 6.
2:06:39 PM
MAGGIE GRENIER, Staff, Senator Löki Tobin, Alaska State
Legislature, Juneau, Alaska, indicated she was available for
questions on SJR 6.
2:06:53 PM
CHAIR CLAMAN found no questions.
CHAIR CLAMAN solicited the will of the committee.
2:07:01 PM
SENATOR KIEHL moved to report CSSJR 6, work order 34-LS0263\I,
from committee with individual recommendations and attached
fiscal note(s).
2:07:22 PM
CHAIR CLAMAN found no objection and CSSJR 6(JUD) was reported
from the Senate Judiciary Standing Committee.
2:07:57 PM
There being no further business to come before the committee,
Chair Claman adjourned the Senate Judiciary Standing Committee
meeting at 2:07 p.m.
| Document Name | Date/Time | Subjects |
|---|---|---|
| Timothy Collins Resume- Alaska Police Standards Council.pdf |
SJUD 3/21/2025 1:30:00 PM |
|
| William Satterberg Resume- Commission on Judicial Conduct.pdf |
SJUD 3/21/2025 1:30:00 PM |
|
| SJR 6 Summary of Changes Version N to Version I 3.20.25.pdf |
SJUD 3/21/2025 1:30:00 PM |
SJR 6 |
| SJR 6 Version I 3.17.25.pdf |
SJUD 3/21/2025 1:30:00 PM |
SJR 6 |
| SJR 6 Letters of Opposition received as of 3.21.25.pdf |
SJUD 3/21/2025 1:30:00 PM |
SJR 6 |
| Bill Satterberg Opposition- Susan Allmenroth 3.12.25.pdf |
SJUD 3/21/2025 1:30:00 PM |
|
| Bill Satterberg Opposition- Ed Martin 3.21.25.pdf |
SJUD 3/21/2025 1:30:00 PM |