Legislature(2025 - 2026)BELTZ 105 (TSBldg)
05/09/2025 01:30 PM Senate LABOR & COMMERCE
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| Audio | Topic |
|---|---|
| Start | |
| SB147 | |
| SB117 | |
| SB158 | |
| HB116 | |
| SB159 | |
| SB172 | |
| Adjourn |
* first hearing in first committee of referral
+ teleconferenced
= bill was previously heard/scheduled
+ teleconferenced
= bill was previously heard/scheduled
| + | SB 147 | TELECONFERENCED | |
| += | SB 117 | TELECONFERENCED | |
| += | SB 158 | TELECONFERENCED | |
| *+ | HB 116 | TELECONFERENCED | |
| += | SB 159 | TELECONFERENCED | |
| *+ | SB 172 | TELECONFERENCED | |
ALASKA STATE LEGISLATURE
SENATE LABOR AND COMMERCE STANDING COMMITTEE
May 9, 2025
1:31 p.m.
MEMBERS PRESENT
Senator Jesse Bjorkman, Chair
Senator Kelly Merrick, Vice Chair
Senator Elvi Gray-Jackson
Senator Forrest Dunbar
Senator Robert Yundt
MEMBERS ABSENT
All members present
COMMITTEE CALENDAR
SENATE BILL NO. 147
"An Act relating to the prescription and administration of drugs
and devices by pharmacists; relating to reciprocity for
pharmacists; and providing for an effective date."
- MOVED CSSB 147(L&C) OUT OF COMMITTEE
SENATE BILL NO. 117
"An Act renaming the State Commission for Human Rights the
Alaska State Commission for Civil Rights; relating to removal of
commissioners of the Alaska State Commission for Civil Rights;
relating to reports from the Alaska State Commission for Civil
Rights; relating to the definition of 'employer' for the
purposes of the Alaska State Commission for Civil Rights; and
relating to local civil rights commissions."
- MOVED SB 117 OUT OF COMMITTEE
SENATE BILL NO. 158
"An Act relating to administrative areas for regulation of
certain commercial set net entry permits; and providing for an
effective date."
- MOVED SB 158 OUT OF COMMITTEE
HOUSE BILL NO. 116
"An Act exempting from insurance regulation cooperative
agreements entered into by two or more persons engaged in
commercial fishing for the purpose of paying claims or losses."
- HEARD & HELD
SENATE BILL NO. 159
"An Act increasing contributions to the Department of Labor and
Workforce Development for the State Training and Employment
Program."
- HEARD & HELD
SENATE BILL NO. 172
"An Act relating to occupational therapist licensure; relating
to occupational therapy assistant licensure; and relating to an
occupational therapist licensure compact."
- HEARD & HELD
PREVIOUS COMMITTEE ACTION
BILL: SB 147
SHORT TITLE: PHARMACIST PRESCRIPTION AUTHORITY
SPONSOR(s): SENATOR(s) GIESSEL BY REQUEST
03/26/25 (S) READ THE FIRST TIME - REFERRALS
03/26/25 (S) HSS, L&C
04/15/25 (S) HSS AT 3:30 PM BUTROVICH 205
04/15/25 (S) Heard & Held
04/15/25 (S) MINUTE(HSS)
04/22/25 (S) HSS AT 3:30 PM BUTROVICH 205
04/22/25 (S) Heard & Held
04/22/25 (S) MINUTE(HSS)
04/29/25 (S) HSS AT 3:30 PM BUTROVICH 205
04/29/25 (S) Moved SB 147 Out of Committee
04/29/25 (S) MINUTE(HSS)
04/30/25 (S) HSS RPT 4DP
04/30/25 (S) DP: DUNBAR, CLAMAN, GIESSEL, TOBIN
05/05/25 (S) L&C AT 1:30 PM BELTZ 105 (TSBldg)
05/05/25 (S) Heard & Held
05/05/25 (S) MINUTE(L&C)
05/09/25 (S) L&C AT 1:30 PM BELTZ 105 (TSBldg)
BILL: SB 117
SHORT TITLE: STATE COMMISSION FOR CIVIL RIGHTS
SPONSOR(s): STATE AFFAIRS
03/05/25 (S) READ THE FIRST TIME - REFERRALS
03/05/25 (S) L&C, FIN
05/05/25 (S) L&C AT 1:30 PM BELTZ 105 (TSBldg)
05/05/25 (S) Heard & Held
05/05/25 (S) MINUTE(L&C)
05/09/25 (S) L&C AT 1:30 PM BELTZ 105 (TSBldg)
BILL: SB 158
SHORT TITLE: COOK INLET: NEW ADMIN AREA
SPONSOR(s): BJORKMAN
04/07/25 (S) READ THE FIRST TIME - REFERRALS
04/07/25 (S) L&C, RES
05/07/25 (S) L&C AT 1:30 PM BELTZ 105 (TSBldg)
05/07/25 (S) Heard & Held
05/07/25 (S) MINUTE(L&C)
05/09/25 (S) L&C AT 1:30 PM BELTZ 105 (TSBldg)
BILL: HB 116
SHORT TITLE: COMMERCIAL FISHING INSURANCE CO-OP
SPONSOR(s): FISHERIES BY REQUEST OF TASK FORCE EVAL ALASKA
SEAFOOD INDUSTRY
02/26/25 (H) READ THE FIRST TIME - REFERRALS
02/26/25 (H) FSH, L&C
03/01/25 (H) FSH AT 11:00 AM GRUENBERG 120
03/01/25 (H) -- MEETING CANCELED --
03/04/25 (H) FSH AT 10:30 AM GRUENBERG 120
03/04/25 (H) Heard & Held
03/04/25 (H) MINUTE(FSH)
03/06/25 (H) FSH AT 10:00 AM GRUENBERG 120
03/06/25 (H) -- MEETING CANCELED --
03/11/25 (H) FSH RPT 6DP 1NR
03/11/25 (H) DP: VANCE, KOPP, EDGMON, HIMSCHOOT,
ELAM, STUTES
03/11/25 (H) NR: MCCABE
03/11/25 (H) FSH AT 10:00 AM GRUENBERG 120
03/11/25 (H) Moved HB 116 Out of Committee
03/11/25 (H) MINUTE(FSH)
03/13/25 (H) FSH AT 10:00 AM GRUENBERG 120
03/13/25 (H) <Bill Hearing Canceled>
03/21/25 (H) L&C AT 3:15 PM BARNES 124
03/21/25 (H) -- MEETING CANCELED --
03/24/25 (H) L&C AT 3:15 PM BARNES 124
03/24/25 (H) Moved HB 116 Out of Committee
03/24/25 (H) MINUTE(L&C)
03/26/25 (H) L&C RPT 5DP 1NR
03/26/25 (H) DP: CARRICK, COULOMBE, BURKE, FIELDS,
HALL
03/26/25 (H) NR: NELSON
04/25/25 (H) TRANSMITTED TO (S)
04/25/25 (H) VERSION: HB 116
04/28/25 (S) READ THE FIRST TIME - REFERRALS
04/28/25 (S) L&C
05/09/25 (S) L&C AT 1:30 PM BELTZ 105 (TSBldg)
BILL: SB 159
SHORT TITLE: TRAINING & EMPLOYMENT PROG: CONTRIBUTIONS
SPONSOR(s): LABOR & COMMERCE
04/07/25 (S) READ THE FIRST TIME - REFERRALS
04/07/25 (S) L&C, FIN
05/05/25 (S) L&C AT 1:30 PM BELTZ 105 (TSBldg)
05/05/25 (S) Heard & Held
05/05/25 (S) MINUTE(L&C)
05/09/25 (S) L&C AT 1:30 PM BELTZ 105 (TSBldg)
BILL: SB 172
SHORT TITLE: OCCUPATIONAL THERAPY LICENSURE COMPACT
SPONSOR(s): LABOR & COMMERCE
04/14/25 (S) READ THE FIRST TIME - REFERRALS
04/14/25 (S) L&C, FIN
05/09/25 (S) L&C AT 1:30 PM BELTZ 105 (TSBldg)
WITNESS REGISTER
SENATOR CATHY GIESSEL, District E
Alaska State Legislature
Juneau, Alaska
POSITION STATEMENT: Sponsor of SB 147.
KONRAD JACKSON, Staff
Senator Jesse Bjorkman
Alaska State Legislature
Juneau, Alaska
POSITION STATEMENT: Provided the summary of changes from version
I to version G of SB 147.
DANIEL NELSON, Director
Pharmacy
Tanana Chief Conference (TCC)
Fairbanks, Alaska
POSITION STATEMENT: Testified in support of SB 147.
LINDA GUTIERREZ-MILLER, representing self
Anchorage, Alaska
POSITION STATEMENT: Testified in support of SB 147.
NICOLE THOMAS, representing self
Anchorage, Alaska
POSITION STATEMENT: Testified in opposition to SB 147.
BOB BIRD, representing self
Kenai, Alaska
POSITION STATEMENT: Testified in support of SB 147.
AMITY WINBORG, representing self
Anchorage, Alaska
POSITION STATEMENT: Testified in support of SB 147.
BARRY CHRISTENSEN, Owner
Island Pharmacy
Ketchikan, Alaska
POSITION STATEMENT: Testified in support of SB 147.
STEVEN PEARCE, Director
Citizens Commission on Human Rights
Seattle, Washington
POSITION STATEMENT: Testified in opposition to SB 147.
AIMEE YOUNG, representing self
Anchorage, Alaska
POSITION STATEMENT: Testified in support of SB 147.
DAN HARTMAN, Service Line Medical Director
Southcentral Foundation
Anchorage, Alaska
POSITION STATEMENT: Testified in support of SB 147.
BRITTANY KARNS, representing self
Fairbanks, Alaska
POSITION STATEMENT: Testified in support of SB 147.
PAMELA SAMASH, representing self
Nenana, Alaska
POSITION STATEMENT: Testified in support of SB 147.
PAUL ZANTO, Pharmacy Manager
Fred Meyer
Wasilla, Alaska
POSITION STATEMENT: Testified in support of SB 147.
PAT MARTIN, Executive Director
Alaska Right to Life
Anchorage, Alaska
POSITION STATEMENT: Testified in opposition to SB 147.
BALLARD SAUL, representing self
Anchorage, Alaska
POSITION STATEMENT: Testified in support of SB 147.
DOROTHY DEBLAUW, representing self
Healy, Alaska
POSITION STATEMENT: Testified in opposition to SB 147.
BRANDY SEIGNEMARTIN, Executive Director
Alaska Pharmacist Association
Anchorage, Alaska
POSITION STATEMENT: Answered questions for SB 147.
SENATOR SCOTT KAWASAKI, District P
Alaska State Legislature
Juneau, Alaska
POSITION STATEMENT: Sponsor of SB 117.
REBECCA CARRILLO, Member
Alaska State Commission for Human Rights (ASCHR)
Juneau, Alaska
POSITION STATEMENT: Testified in support of SB 117.
WILLIAM CRAIG, Commissioner
Alaska Human Rights Commission (AHRC)
Sitka, Alaska
POSITION STATEMENT: Testified in support of SB 117.
KONRAD JACKSON, Staff
Senator Jesse Bjorkman
Alaska State Legislature
Juneau, Alaska
POSITION STATEMENT: Provided the summary for SB 158.
GREG JOHNSON, representing self
Vancouver, Canada
POSITION STATEMENT: Testified in support of SB 158.
GARY HOLLIER, representing self
Kenai, Alaska
POSITION STATEMENT: Testified in support of SB 158.
GARY DEIMAN, representing self
Ninilchik, Alaska
POSITION STATEMENT: Testified in support of SB 158.
TED CROOKSTON, representing self
Kenai, Alaska
POSITION STATEMENT: Testified in support of SB 158.
ALLAN CROOKSTON, Owner
Tide Chaser Fisheries
Kenai, Alaska
POSITION STATEMENT: Testified in support of SB 158.
DANIEL NORMAN, representing self
Kenai, Alaska
POSITION STATEMENT: Testified in support of SB 158.
JOANN WICHERS, representing self
Kenai, Alaska
POSITION STATEMENT: Testified in support of SB 158.
LISA GABRIEL, representing self
Kenai, Alaska
POSITION STATEMENT: Testified in support of SB 158.
ANDY HALL, representing self
Anchorage, Alaska
POSITION STATEMENT: Testified in support of SB 158.
TRAVIS EVERY, representing self
Kenai, Alaska
POSITION STATEMENT: Testified in support of SB 158.
REPRESENTATIVE LOUISE STUTES, District 5
Alaska State Legislature
Juneau, Alaska
POSITION STATEMENT: Sponsor of HB 116.
TRACY WELCH, Executive Director
United Fisherman of Alaska
POSITION STATEMENT: Testified by invitation on HB 116.
LORI WING-HEIER, Director
Division of Insurance
Department of Commerce, Community and
Economic Development (DCCED)
Anchorage, Alaska
POSITION STATEMENT: Answered questions on HB 116.
BOB KEHOE, Executive Director
Purse Seine Vessel Owners Association
Seattle, Alaska
POSITION STATEMENT: Testified in support of HB 116.
LAURA ACHEE, Staff
Senator Jesse Bjorkman
Alaska State Legislature
Juneau, Alaska
POSITION STATEMENT: Provided a brief recap of SB 159.
MATT CHURCHILL, Staff
Senator Jesse Bjorkman
Alaska State Legislature
Juneau, Alaska
POSITION STATEMENT: Provided the summary for SB 172.
KEITH BUCKHOUT, Policy Analyst
Council of State Government
Lexington, Kentucky
POSITION STATEMENT: Testified by invitation on SB 172.
BRIANNA OSWALD, President
Alaska Occupational Therapy Association
Anchorage, Alaska
POSITION STATEMENT: Testified by invitation on SB 172.
KATHLEEN HANSEN, Assistant Director
Rehabilitation
Southeast Alaska Regional Health Consortium (SEARHC)
Juneau, Alaska
POSITION STATEMENT: Testified by invitation on SB 172.
REBECCA DEAN, Public Member
Physical Therapy and Occupational Therapy (PTOT) Board
Fairbanks, Alaska
POSITION STATEMENT: Testified by invitation on SB 172.
ACTION NARRATIVE
1:31:53 PM
CHAIR BJORKMAN called the Senate Labor and Commerce Standing
Committee meeting to order at 1:31 p.m. Present at the call to
order were Senators Merrick, Gray-Jackson, Dunbar, Yundt and
Chair Bjorkman.
SB 147-PHARMACIST PRESCRIPTION AUTHORITY
1:32:44 PM
CHAIR BJORKMAN announced the consideration of SENATE BILL NO.
147 "An Act relating to the prescription and administration of
drugs and devices by pharmacists; relating to reciprocity for
pharmacists; and providing for an effective date."
1:32:58 PM
SENATOR CATHY GIESSEL, District E, Alaska State Legislature,
Juneau, Alaska, as sponsor of SB 147, stated that the bill
expands healthcare access by allowing qualified pharmacists to
test and treat common illnesses such as the flu, colds, UTIs,
and strep throat, and to perform pregnancy tests. The authority
has already been granted in 30 other states.
1:33:59 PM
CHAIR BJORKMAN solicited a motion.
1:34:01 PM
SENATOR MERRICK moved to adopt the committee substitute (CS) for
SB 147 work order 34-LS0274\G, as the working document.
1:34:12 PM
CHAIR BJORKMAN objected for purposes of discussion.
1:34:22 PM
KONRAD JACKSON, Staff, Senator Jesse Bjorkman, Alaska State
Legislature, Juneau, Alaska, provided changes for version I to
version G of SB 147. He stated that the committee substitute
adds language in Section 6, page 5, paragraphs 11 and 12,
clarifying that "patient care services" do not include
prescribing an abortion-inducing drug.
1:35:04 PM
SENATOR DUNBAR stated that while the language added to SB 147
may raise constitutional concerns similar to those previously
identified, the bill maintains the status quo. He said
pharmacists still cannot prescribe abortion inducing drugs.
Despite reservations, he supports SB 147 and will not object.
1:36:33 PM
CHAIR BJORKMAN stated that the changes in the proposed CS of
expanding prescriptive authority for pharmacists does not permit
them to prescribe abortion-inducing drugs.
1:36:49 PM
SENATOR GRAY-JACKSON stated that amending the prescriptive
authority of pharmacists does not prevent patients from
obtaining abortion-inducing prescriptions through their doctors.
1:37:21 PM
CHAIR BJORKMAN removed his objection.
1:37:25 PM
CHAIR BJORKMAN found no further objection and CSSB 147 was
adopted as the working document.
1:37:34 PM
CHAIR BJORKMAN opened public testimony on SB 147.
1:38:08 PM
DANIEL NELSON, Director, Pharmacy, Tanana Chief Conference
(TCC), Fairbanks, Alaska, testified in support of SB 147. TCC
endorses expanding pharmacist-provided care to address Alaska's
healthcare workforce shortage. He said SB 147 will allow more
than 500 highly trained pharmacists to use their full expertise
to improve access, community health, and safety statewide.
1:39:38 PM
LINDA GUTIERREZ-MILLER, representing self, Anchorage, Alaska,
testified in support of SB 147. She explained that the bill
would enhance collaborative practice agreements, allowing
pharmacists to prescribe controlled substances and improve
access to care. Pharmacists spend more time with patients,
support physicians in managing chronic conditions, and improve
health outcomes, making SB 147 beneficial for both providers and
patients in Alaska.
1:41:37 PM
NICOLE THOMAS, representing self, Anchorage, Alaska, testified
in opposition to SB 147. She argued that allowing pharmacists to
prescribe medications could endanger patient safety due to
limited time for thorough assessments and lack of continuity of
care. She emphasized that healthcare relies on a layered system,
doctors, pharmacists, and nurses each verifying one another's
work and warned that bypassing this process is risky.
1:44:05 PM
BOB BIRD, representing self, Kenai, Alaska, testified in support
of SB 147. He said earlier comments were hard to hear and asked
for confirmation that SB 147 was changed to prevent pharmacists
from prescribing abortion pills.
1:44:46 PM
CHAIR BJORKMAN replied that his understanding was correct, the
change occurred just before the hearing.
MR BIRD asked who introduced the amendment to change pharmacists
prescriptive authority of abortion pills.
CHAIR BJORKMAN answered it was introduced by the Chairman of the
committee.
MR. BIRD stated that he needed more clarification before he
could testify.
CHAIR BJORKMAN answered that the changes made to SB 147
clarified pharmacist would not be able to prescribe abortion
inducing drugs.
MR. BIRD sought confirmation that pharmacists cannot
independently provide abortion-inducing drugs upon request.
CHAIR BJORKMAN replied yes.
MR. BIRD responded that he is thankful for the change.
1:46:26 PM
AMITY WINBORG, representing self, Anchorage, Alaska, testified
in support of SB 147. She stated that the bill would allow
pharmacists to play a greater role in managing chronic diseases
and supporting patient care. Pharmacists already collaborate
closely with physicians and other providers to adjust
medications, prevent side effects, and consider prescription
affordability. She said expanding their authority would improve
access to care, particularly in underserved areas, and help
patients receive more comprehensive and timely treatment.
1:48:13 PM
BARRY CHRISTENSEN, Owner, Island Pharmacy, Ketchikan, Alaska,
testified in support of SB 147. He emphasized that pharmacy
practice in Alaska has evolved significantly over 40 years and
that SB 147 represents a positive step forward for the future of
healthcare in the state.
1:50:04 PM
STEVEN PEARCE, Director, Citizens Commission on Human Rights,
Seattle, Washington, testified in opposition to SB 147. He
argued that allowing pharmacists to prescribe psychiatric
medications could increase reliance on these drugs without
addressing underlying issues. He noted the lack of objective
tests in psychiatry and suggested SB 147 be amended to restrict
pharmacist prescribing.
1:51:34 PM
AIMEE YOUNG, representing self, Anchorage, Alaska, testified in
support of SB 147. She described creating a walk-in pharmacy
immunization clinic in 2006 to expand vaccine access and improve
rates. She specialized in pain management, collaborating with
healthcare teams to provide non-opioid care and reduce opioid
use. She emphasized that pharmacists are highly accessible
medication experts, and SB 147 enables them to work at the top
of their training and scope of practice.
1:53:22 PM
DAN HARTMAN, Service Line Medical Director, Southcentral
Foundation, Anchorage, Alaska, testified in support of SB 147.
He said the bill allows pharmacists to practice at the full
scope of their training, leveraging their doctoral education and
clinical experience. SB 147 increases access to care, enables
pharmacists to provide patient-care services under collaborative
agreements, supports workforce expansion, and includes
safeguards for prescribing opioids.
1:55:45 PM
BRITTANY KARNS, representing self, Fairbanks, Alaska, testified
in support of SB 147. She emphasized that, like other healthcare
professionals, pharmacists have a defined scope of practice and
seek only to work within it. She said pharmacists are cautious,
trusted providers who carefully monitor prescriptions and aim to
reduce unnecessary medication. SB 147 would allow pharmacists
help address Alaska's healthcare access challenges in
appropriate clinical settings without compromising safety or
care quality.
1:58:11 PM
PAMELA SAMASH, representing self, Nenana, Alaska, testified in
support of SB 147. She clarified she no longer wished to speak
on behalf of Right to Life and thanked legislators for amending
the portion of SB 147 that would not have protected women in
villages from abortion drugs and related health risks. She urged
consideration of safeguards regarding psychiatric drug
prescriptions.
1:59:35 PM
PAUL ZANTO, Pharmacy Manager, Fred Meyer, Wasilla, Alaska,
testified in support of SB 147. He highlighted that the bill
would expand pharmacists' authority to provide care, including
prescribing medications within their training, improving access
for all Alaskans. He emphasized pharmacists' extensive
education, community relationships, and the alignment of the
bill with nationwide standards, and expressed strong support for
its passage.
2:01:59 PM
PAT MARTIN, Executive Director, Alaska Right to Life, Anchorage,
Alaska, testified in opposition to SB 147. He argued that even
with amendments limiting pharmacists' ability to prescribe
abortion-inducing drugs SB 147 still allows pharmacists to
dispense them with a prescription, expanding abortion access
through pharmacies and rural clinics.
2:04:19 PM
BALLARD SAUL, representing self, Anchorage, Alaska, testified in
support of SB 147. She highlighted that her extensive education
and training allows her to optimize medication use, improve
patient outcomes, and reduce hospitalizations. Passing SB 147
would enable pharmacists to practice fully within their
expertise, enhancing care for all Alaskans.
2:07:07 PM
DOROTHY DEBLAUW, representing self, Healy, Alaska, testified in
opposition to SB 147. She argued that the bill gives pharmacists
too much power, particularly regarding abortion, and called for
safeguards to protect pharmacists' conscience and ethical
choices.
2:08:44 PM
CHAIR BJORKMAN closed public testimony on SB 147.
2:08:59 PM
SENATOR YUNDT asked for clarification on whether pharmacists
would be allowed to prescribe psychiatric drugs in pharmacies.
2:09:28 PM
BRANDY SEIGNEMARTIN, Executive Director, Alaska Pharmacist
Association, Anchorage, Alaska, answered questions on SB 147.
She clarified that existing laws already limited pharmacists'
care services to general health, wellness, and minor conditions
guided by clear diagnostic tests. She said only specially
trained pharmacists, such as board-certified psychiatric
pharmacists working collaboratively with other providers, could
engage in psychiatric care, not those in general pharmacy
settings.
2:10:46 PM
CHAIR BJORKMAN asked how pharmacists' ability to handle abortion
inducing medication was amended in the CS for SB 147.
2:11:00 PM
MS. SEIGNNEMARTIN replied that SB 147 does not address or expand
pharmacists' drug dispensing functions. SB 147 focuses solely on
patient care services outside dispensing.
2:11:54 PM
CHAIR BJORKMAN solicited the will of the committee.
2:11:58 PM
SENATOR MERRICK moved to report CSSB 147, work order 34-
LS0274\G, from committee with individual recommendations and
attached fiscal note(s).
2:12:16 PM
CHAIR BJORKMAN found no objection and CSSB 147(L&C) was reported
from the Senate Labor and Commerce Standing Committee.
2:12:31 PM
At ease.
SB 117-STATE COMMISSION FOR CIVIL RIGHTS
2:14:36 PM
CHAIR BJORKMAN reconvened the meeting and announced the
consideration of SENATE BILL NO. 117 "An Act renaming the State
Commission for Human Rights the Alaska State Commission for
Civil Rights; relating to removal of commissioners of the Alaska
State Commission for Civil Rights; relating to reports from the
Alaska State Commission for Civil Rights; relating to the
definition of 'employer' for the purposes of the Alaska State
Commission for Civil Rights; and relating to local civil rights
commissions."
2:15:11 PM
SENATOR SCOTT KAWASAKI, District P, Alaska State Legislature,
Juneau, Alaska, as sponsor of SB 117 he stated that the bill
does more than rename the Human Rights Commission to the Alaska
State Commission for Civil Rights to align with other civil
rights organizations. It also includes several substantive
updates to the commission's operations and authority. First, it
clarifies that the commission may support workers, hold
hearings, and investigate complaints involving nonprofit
organizations. Second, it allows a religious organization to
permit a defense in discrimination cases when employment actions
are tied to religious beliefs or practices. Third, it updates
the commission's annual reporting requirement to allow
submission in electronic form and extends the deadline to
November 15, giving staff more time to compile accurate records
after the legislative session. Finally, the bill modifies the
rules for removing commissioners appointed by the governor,
permitting removal only for causesuch as incompetence, neglect
of duty, misconduct, or statements that undermine the
commission's workrather than at will. Overall, the changes are
technical in nature and were requested by the commission to
improve its clarity, consistency, and governance.
2:17:08 PM
CHAIR BJORKMAN opened public testimony on SB 117.
2:17:37 PM
REBECCA CARRILLO, member, Alaska State Commission for Human
Rights (ASCHR), Juneau, Alaska, testified in support of SB 117.
She explained that the bill updates the commission's reporting
deadline because the current schedule is impractical. ASCHR
cannot access its data until January 1, and preparing the report
takes several weeks, so moving the deadline to November 15
aligns with the fiscal year and allows sufficient time for
review. She also noted that changing the name from the Alaska
State Commission for Human Rights to the Alaska State Commission
for Civil Rights modernizes the language and clarifies its focus
on state-level civil rights issues, reducing confusion with
broader human rights matters.
2:22:14 PM
WILLIAM CRAIG, Commissioner, Alaska Human Rights Commission
(AHRC), Sitka, Alaska, testified in support of SB 117 and asked
the Senate Labor and Commerce Committee to pass the bill without
any amendments. He said the name change aligns with what the
state legislature has mandated for AHRC.
2:22:48 PM
CHAIR BJORKMAN closed public testimony on SB 117.
2:23:09 PM
CHAIR BJORKMAN solicited the will of the committee.
2:23:12 PM
SENATOR MERRICK moved to report SB 117, work order 34-LS0698\A,
from committee with individual recommendations and attached
fiscal note(s).
2:23:30 PM
CHAIR BJORKMAN found no objection and SB 117 was reported from
the Senate Labor and Commerce Standing Committee.
2:23:43 PM
At ease.
SB 158-COOK INLET: NEW ADMIN AREA
2:25:28 PM
CHAIR BJORKMAN reconvened the meeting and announced the
consideration of SENATE BILL NO. 158 "An Act relating to
administrative areas for regulation of certain commercial set
net entry permits; and providing for an effective date."
2:25:44 PM
KONRAD JACKSON, Staff, Senator Jesse Bjorkman, Alaska State
Legislature, Juneau, Alaska, provided a summary, on behalf of
the sponsor for SB 158. He said the bill directs the Commercial
Fisheries Entry Commission (CFEC) to establish a new boundary in
the upper subdistrict of Cook Inlet's Central District,
incorporating six statistical areas traditionally fished by East
Side set netters. He stated that this change reflects the
fishery's unique history and management practices and would
benefit local fishermen and their families.
2:26:36 PM
CHAIR BJORKMAN opened public testimony on SB 158.
2:27:03 PM
GREG JOHNSON, representing self, Vancouver, Canada, testified in
support of SB 158 and stated that the bill is a crucial first
step toward addressing the challenges facing this long troubled
and currently unviable fishery.
2:27:51 PM
GARY HOLLIER, representing self, Kenai, Alaska, testified in
support of SB 158 and stated that he supports Commercial
Fisheries Entry Commission (CFEC) Commissioner Glenn Haight's
comment that passing SB 158 would make it simple and
straightforward for CFEC to carry out its intent.
2:28:42 PM
GARY DEIMAN, representing self, Ninilchik, Alaska, testified in
support of SB 158 and asked for the legislators to be fair to
the East Side net setters.
2:30:03 PM
TED CROOKSTON, representing self, Kenai, Alaska, testified in
support of SB 158. Testimony was not audible.
2:30:54 PM
ALLAN CROOKSTON, Owner, Tide Chaser Fisheries, Kenai, Alaska,
testified in support of SB 158 and stated that the past several
years have been disastrous with little hope for the future. He
emphasized that the East Side from Ninilchik to Nikiski is
unique and should be managed separately to address its specific
challenges and needs.
2:32:16 PM
DANIEL NORMAN, representing self, Kenai, Alaska, testified in
support of SB 158. He said fishing unites people, yet East Side
set netters have faced federal disasters in six of the last
seven years and bear most of the burden of Chinook conservation.
East Side set netters fleet is shrinking, the voices are
limited, and they've long been managed differently. He stated
that SB 158 would finally recognize those differences and allow
fair, tailored management for their fishery.
2:33:32 PM
JOANN WICHERS, representing self, Kenai, Alaska, testified in
support of SB 158.
2:34:07 PM
LISA GABRIEL, representing self, Kenai, Alaska, testified in
support of SB 158.
2:34:43 PM
ANDY HALL, representing self, Anchorage, Alaska, testified in
support of SB 158. He said his family owns four permits and that
the East Side Set Net fishery has faced federal disaster
declarations in six of the last seven years, with no end in
sight. He emphasized that while their fishery is limited, sport
and personal-use fisheries face no such restrictions and set
netters need tools to build a sustainable future instead of
remaining idle each season.
2:35:45 PM
TRAVIS EVERY, representing self, Kenai, Alaska, testified in
support of SB 158. He said creating a new administrative area
would give fishermen more control over the future of their
permits, fishery, and family businesses. He added that remaining
idle year after year is not a good outcome for the fishery, the
Kenai Peninsula community, or the state.
2:36:53 PM
CHAIR BJORKMAN closed public testimony on SB 158.
2:37:06 PM
CHAIR BJORKMAN solicited the will of the committee.
2:37:08 PM
SENATOR MERRICK moved to report SB 158, work order 34-LS0519\I,
from committee with individual recommendations and attached
fiscal note(s).
2:37:24 PM
CHAIR BJORKMAN found no objection and SB 158 was reported from
the Senate Labor and Commerce Standing Committee.
2:37:38 PM
At ease.
HB 116-COMMERCIAL FISHING INSURANCE CO-OP
2:39:16 PM
CHAIR BJORKMAN reconvened the meeting and announced the
consideration of HOUSE BILL NO. 116 "An Act exempting from
insurance regulation cooperative agreements entered into by two
or more persons engaged in commercial fishing for the purpose of
paying claims or losses."
2:39:43 PM
REPRESENTATIVE LOUISE STUTES, District 5, Alaska State
Legislature, Juneau, Alaska, as sponsor of HB 116 she read the
following:
[Original punctuation provided.]
• Before you is HB 116, sponsored by the House
Special Committee on Fisheries by request of the
Joint Legislative Task Force on Evaluating
Alaska's Seafood Industry.
• As a member of the that task force, along with
you Mr. Chairman, it is my honor to bring this
bill forward on behalf of the fishing industry.
2:40:24 PM
REPRESENTATIVE STUTES continued with the summary of HB 116:
Pursuant recommendation 10 (a) of task force, House
Bill 116 would allow for member-owned commercial
fishing insurance cooperatives based in Alaska to form
without being considered an insurer.
• Specifically, the bill would allow commercial
fishermen to enter into a cooperative insurance
agreement to pay claims arising from liability or
damage to a vessel without being regulated under
Title 21, the State's insurance code.
• There are already three such insurance pools
operating in Alaska, but they're umbrellaed under
an organization based in Washington State, which
has a commercial fishing carve out in its
insurance code. Those pools, managed by the Purse
Seine Vessel Owners' Association, include the
Seine Vessel's Reserve, which provides insurance
to seiners in Alaska, the Southeast Alaska
Fishermen's Alliance Reserve which insures
gillnetters and trollers in Southeast and Central
Alaska, and finally the Bristol Bay Reserve which
insures gillnetters in their area. Combined, the
three pools insure around 840 vessels.
• Rising premiums and availability of insurance
serve as a barrier to operating for Alaska's
aging commercial fishing fleet.
• Underwriters have been raising premiums on
individual vessels and have become increasingly
selective of which vessels they insure.
• Insurance pooling can provide a more attractive,
lower risk alternative for underwriters than
insuring individual vessels, as well as lower
costs for our fishermen.
• Some of the benefits of a commercial fishermen
owned pool could be:
2:42:29 PM
REPRESENTATIVE STUTES continued with the summary of HB 116:
-Lower premiums
-The ability to structure itself to meet the
needs of the Alaska Fishing Industry. For
example, the pool could have underwriting
guidelines that allow for the insurance for
wooden vessels, older vessels, and/or vessels
that have been unable to purchase insurance in
the commercial market.
-These pools would have a board of directors
comprised of fishermen that are members of the
pool who make the decisions for which
applications are accepted into the pool,
providing smart local control, as well as an
additional layer of knowledge about vessels who
apply.
-Pools can also offer dividends for good loss
experience or credits against future premiums in
years where the pool performs well against vessel
claims and losses.
• With operating costs at an all-time high and
fishing markets at an all-time low, House Bill
116 seeks to provide lower cost and easier to
access insurance alternatives for Alaska's
commercial fishing fleet
• This bill comes at no cost to the state and
supports our fishing industry by simply allowing
Alaska based commercial fishing insurance
cooperatives to form.
• Again, this is a direct recommendation of the
joint Legislative Task Force Evaluating Alaska's
seafood industry.
2:44:49 PM
CHAIR BJORKMAN announced invited testimony on HB 116.
2:45:07 PM
TRACY WELCH, Executive Director, United Fisherman of Alaska,
testified by invitation on HB 116. She said rising insurance
costs have become one of the industry's biggest challenges,
making coverage unaffordable for some vessel owners. She added
that allowing cooperative insurance pools to operate in Alaska,
as HB 116 proposes, would lower costs and reduce risk for small
fishing businesses.
2:46:50 PM
SENATOR YUNDT commented that HB 116 is great legislation.
2:47:29 PM
CHAIR BJORKMAN asked if HB 116 simply allows a group of
fishermen to pool funds to cover losses and whether HB 116 is
any more complex than that.
2:47:46 PM
LORI WING-HEIER, Director, Division of Insurance, Anchorage,
Alaska, answered questions on HB 116. She confirmed that HB 116
mirrors Washington's insurance code, allowing fishermen to form
cooperative insurance pools that they manage and control
collectively, including decisions on underwriting, rates, and
reinsurance.
2:48:18 PM
CHAIR BJORKMAN asked whether an insurance pool could refuse to
cover a member's losses if that member caused problems for
others, and whether the individual would have any recourse to
the state for payment.
2:48:34 PM
MS. WING-HEIER explained that the pool could not refuse to pay a
member's losses, but the insurance pool could decide not to
insure that person.
2:48:49 PM
SENATOR YUNDT asked how many other industries in Alaska have
implemented a similar approach.
2:48:54 PM
MS. WING-HEIER replied that several nontraditional insurance
models exist in Alaska, such as the Alaska Municipal League's
Joint Insurance Association, small insurers like URICA Energy
Management, and captives purchased out of state. However, Alaska
has not yet authorized or established captive insurance within
the state.
2:50:02 PM
BOB KEHOE, Executive Director, Purse Seine Vessel Owners
Association, Seattle, Washington testified in support of HB 116.
He said the bill is a good alternative, noting that his
organization already manages three insurance pools for Alaska
vessels. He encouraged other fishing groups to collaborate,
consult marine insurance brokers, and consider forming similar
pools.
[CHAIR BJORKMAN concluded invited testimony on HB 116.]
[CHAIR BJORKMAN held HB 116 in committee.]
SB 159-TRAINING & EMPLOYMENT PROG: CONTRIBUTIONS
2:52:17 PM
CHAIR BJORKMAN announced the consideration of SENATE BILL NO.
159 "An Act increasing contributions to the Department of Labor
and Workforce Development for the State Training and Employment
Program."
2:52:41 PM
LAURA ACHEE, Staff, Senator Jesse Bjorkman, Alaska State
Legislature, Juneau, Alaska, paraphrased the following brief
recap of SB 159:
[Original punctuation provided.]
The bill would redirect a portion of the taxes that
Alaska workers already pay into the state's
unemployment trust fund to funding for technical and
vocational education. Alaska workers would not see any
change in the taxes they pay, and the unemployment
insurance trust fund is more than healthy enough to
withstand lowering the inflow of revenue.
2:53:35 PM
CHAIR BJORKMAN opened public testimony on SB 159; finding none,
he closed public testimony.
2:54:01 PM
CHAIR BJORKMAN held SB 159 in committee.
SB 172-OCCUPATIONAL THERAPY LICENSURE COMPACT
2:54:10 PM
CHAIR BJORKMAN announced the consideration of SENATE BILL NO.
172 "An Act relating to occupational therapist licensure;
relating to occupational therapy assistant licensure; and
relating to an occupational therapist licensure compact."
2:54:35 PM
MATT CHURCHILL, Staff, Senator Jesse Bjorkman, Alaska State
Legislature, Juneau, Alaska, introduced SB 172 on behalf of the
sponsor and read the following:
[Original punctuation provided.]
Occupational therapy plays a vital role in helping
people learn or reestablish the ability to
independently do many of the everyday tasks that most
of us take for granted, from chewing and swallowing
food, to balancing and walking, to simply dressing and
undressing themselves.
There is only one training program in the entire
state, and we simply do not have enough occupational
therapists for the many Alaskans who are in need of
this life-changing service (particularly in rural
parts of the state) with over 200 listed job positions
for physical therapists currently unfilled across
Alaska.
Senate Bill 172 enacts the Occupational Therapy
Licensure Compact, an interstate compact that
increases patient access to occupational therapy by
making it easier for licensed physical therapists to
move and work between member states without repeatedly
dealing with bureaucratic red tape. Enacting the
Compact will at the same time enhance the state's
ability to protect the public's health and safety.
This bill's goal is to make it possible for all
Alaskans in need to receive this vital health care
service. The Compact enacted by SB 172 will draw more
occupational therapists to live and work in our state
and thus improve access to physical therapy for
thousands of Alaskans.
2:56:28 PM
CHAIR BJORKMAN announced invited testimony on SB 172.
2:56:42 PM
KEITH BUCKHOUT, Policy Analyst, Council of State Government,
Lexington, KY, testified by invitation on SB 172. He said the
Occupational Therapy (OT) Compact is an agreement among states
that allows licensed occupational therapists and assistants to
practice across member states through a streamlined process. The
OT Compact improves access to care, supports military families,
and ensures continuity of services. He said practitioners must
hold an active, unencumbered license, complete background
checks, and follow the laws of the state where the patient is
located. Member states may also require a jurisprudence exam.
The OT Compact enhances public protection through shared data on
investigations and discipline. It currently has 32 member states
in the process of becoming operational for licensees.
2:59:27 PM
BRIANNA OSWALD, President, Alaska Occupational Therapy
Association, Anchorage, Alaska, testified by invitation on SB
172. She stated that the organization represents 173
occupational therapists and therapy practitioners who serve
patients across various settings, including schools, hospitals,
and community-based clinics, helping individuals improve their
independence, life skills, and self-care throughout their
lifespan. Currently, Alaska has only one academic program that
graduates 8 to 14 occupational therapists each year, which is
far below the statewide demand. She said the Alaska Occupational
Therapy Association estimates a need for around 77 occupational
therapists due to turnover, retirements, and the frequent
relocation of military spouses and other professionals. She said
as a result, the state relies heavily on practitioners from
outside Alaska to meet these needs. She said SB 172 would help
address the workforce shortage by reducing bureaucratic
barriers, allowing qualified professionals from other states to
practice more easily in Alaska.
3:01:07 PM
KATHLEEN HANSEN, Assistant Director of Rehabilitation, Southeast
Alaska Regional Health Consortium (SEARHC), Juneau, Alaska,
testified by invitation on SB 172. She said as a hiring manager
at SEARHC, she witnessed services for Alaskans across all stages
of life in outpatient, inpatient, long-term, home-based, and
school-based care. She saw firsthand how licensure delays
hindered timely access to care.
3:02:27 PM
REBECCA DEAN, Public Member, Physical Therapy and Occupational
Therapy (PTOT) Board, Fairbanks, Alaska, testified by invitation
on SB 172. The PTOT is in support of SB 172 and HB 173 and
stated that the PTOT board could effectively manage the
licensing changes and compact privileges outlined in the bills.
The PTOT board noted its prior experience implementing the
physical therapy compact, which uses similar procedures. She
emphasized that the OT compact would improve access to qualified
therapists, reduce administrative redundancies, and strengthen
patient safety through centralized background checks and shared
disciplinary data.
3:05:20 PM
MS. DEAN stated that the Alaska PTOT Board closely monitored the
national success of the Occupational Therapy Compact and
conducted extensive education on its implementation. She said
the board fully supports adopting the compact, identifying it as
a strategic initiative to improve access to care, particularly
in rural areas, and reduce administrative burdens for licensed
providers. Between July 2024 and May 2025, 82 occupational
licenses were approved, and federal agencies have recognized
interstate compact licenses for Medicare and Medicaid
participation. She emphasized that all applicants would undergo
background checks and fingerprinting before qualifying and urged
the legislature to pass SB 172 to address workforce shortages
and enhance patient access across Alaska.
3:08:30 PM
CHAIR BJORKMAN concluded invited testimony on SB 172.
[CHAIR BJORKMAN held SB 172 in committee.]
3:09:03 PM
There being no further business to come before the committee,
Chair Bjorkman adjourned the Senate Labor and Commerce Standing
Committee meeting at 3:09 p.m.