03/21/2024 03:30 PM Senate STATE AFFAIRS
| Audio | Topic |
|---|---|
| Start | |
| SB185 | |
| SB232 | |
| SB223 | |
| Consideration of Governor Appointees | |
| Adjourn |
+ teleconferenced
= bill was previously heard/scheduled
| += | SB 185 | TELECONFERENCED | |
| += | SB 223 | TELECONFERENCED | |
| + | TELECONFERENCED | ||
| += | SB 232 | TELECONFERENCED | |
ALASKA STATE LEGISLATURE
SENATE STATE AFFAIRS STANDING COMMITTEE
March 21, 2024
3:32 p.m.
MEMBERS PRESENT
Senator Scott Kawasaki, Chair
Senator Matt Claman, Vice Chair
Senator Jesse Bjorkman
Senator Bill Wielechowski
Senator Kelly Merrick
MEMBERS ABSENT
All members present
COMMITTEE CALENDAR
SENATE BILL NO. 185
"An Act establishing the Alaska Military Affairs Commission; and
relating to the duties and powers of the Alaska Military Affairs
Commission."
- MOVED CSSB 185(STA) OUT OF COMMITTEE
SENATE BILL NO. 232
"An Act relating to voter preregistration for minors at least 16
years of age."
- MOVED SB 232 OUT OF COMMITTEE
SENATE BILL NO. 223
"An Act relating to the appointment of an assistant adjutant
general; and providing for an effective date."
- HEARD & HELD
CONFIRMATION HEARING(S)
Lieutenant Governor Successor
Major General Torrence Saxe - Juneau
- CONFIRMATION ADVANCED
PREVIOUS COMMITTEE ACTION
BILL: SB 185
SHORT TITLE: ESTABLISH AK MILITARY AFFAIRS COMMISSION
SPONSOR(s): STATE AFFAIRS
01/16/24 (S) READ THE FIRST TIME - REFERRALS
01/16/24 (S) STA, FIN
02/27/24 (S) STA AT 3:30 PM BELTZ 105 (TSBldg)
02/27/24 (S) Heard & Held
02/27/24 (S) MINUTE(STA)
03/21/24 (S) STA AT 3:30 PM BELTZ 105 (TSBldg)
BILL: SB 232
SHORT TITLE: VOTER PREREGISTRATION FOR MINORS
SPONSOR(s): KAWASAKI
02/14/24 (S) READ THE FIRST TIME - REFERRALS
02/14/24 (S) STA
03/05/24 (S) STA AT 3:30 PM BELTZ 105 (TSBldg)
03/05/24 (S) Heard & Held
03/05/24 (S) MINUTE(STA)
BILL: SB 223
SHORT TITLE: ASSISTANT ADJUTANT GENERAL APPOINTMENT
SPONSOR(s): RULES BY REQUEST OF THE GOVERNOR
02/12/24 (S) READ THE FIRST TIME - REFERRALS
02/12/24 (S) STA, JUD
02/27/24 (S) STA AT 3:30 PM BELTZ 105 (TSBldg)
02/27/24 (S) Heard & Held
02/27/24 (S) MINUTE(STA)
03/21/24 (S) STA AT 3:30 PM BELTZ 105 (TSBldg)
WITNESS REGISTER
RILEY VON BORSTEL, Staff
Senator Scott Kawasaki
Alaska State Legislature
Juneau, Alaska
POSITION STATEMENT: Presented the summary of changes for SB 185.
ANGELA LAFLAMME, Legislative Liaison
Department of Military and Veterans Affairs (DMVA)
Joint Base ElmendorfRichardson (JBER)
Anchorage, Alaska
POSITION STATEMENT: Testified on SB 223.
MAJOR GENERAL TERRENCE SAXE, Appointee
Lieutenant Governor Successor
Office of the Governor
Anchorage, Alaska
POSITION STATEMENT: Testified as the Governor's appointee for
Lieutenant Governor Successor.
ACTION NARRATIVE
3:32:19 PM
CHAIR SCOTT KAWASAKI called the Senate State Affairs Standing
Committee meeting to order at 3:32 p.m. Present at the call to
order were Senators Claman, Bjorkman, Wielechowski, Merrick, and
Chair Kawasaki.
SB 185-ESTABLISH AK MILITARY AFFAIRS COMMISSION
3:33:46 PM
CHAIR KAWASAKI announced the consideration of SENATE BILL NO.
185 "An Act establishing the Alaska Military Affairs Commission;
and relating to the duties and powers of the Alaska Military
Affairs Commission."
3:34:04 PM
CHAIR KAWASAKI solicited a motion.
3:34:11 PM
SENATOR CLAMAN moved to adopt the committee substitute (CS) for
SB 185, work order 33-LS0953\U, as the working document.
3:34:23 PM
CHAIR KAWASAKI objected for purposes of discussion.
3:34:34 PM
RILEY VON BORSTEL, Staff, Senator Scott Kawasaki, Alaska State
Legislature, Juneau, Alaska, presented the summary of changes
for SB 185:
[Original punctuation provided.]
Summary of Changes to Senate Bill 185
Version B to U
Section 2
1. Deletes: "nominated by an organization municipal
governments in the state and appointed by the
Governor, if, within 60 days after a seat under
this paragraph becomes vacant, an organization
that represents municipal governments in the
state fails to nominate one or more persons to
fill the seat, the Governor may appoint any
qualified person; an organization that represents
municipal governments in the state shall
nominate, and the Governor shall appoint,"
2. Adds: "appointed by the Governor; the Governor
shall appoint"
3. Deletes: "collectively, the installations
represent different branches of the armed forces
of the United States, and one of whom, to the
extent possible, represents a geographic region
not otherwise represented on the commission;"
4. Adds: "(A) the installations, collectively,
represent different branches of the armed forces
of the United States; and (B) each member
represents a different geographic region, to the
extent possible;"
3:36:11 PM
CHAIR KAWASAKI found no further objection and CSSB 185 was
adopted as the working document.
3:36:46 PM
CHAIR KAWASAKI opened public testimony on SB 185; finding none,
he closed public testimony.
3:36:55 PM
CHAIR KAWASAKI solicited the will of the committee.
3:37:08 PM
SENATOR CLAMAN moved to report CSSB 185, work order 33-LS0953\U,
from committee with individual recommendations and attached
fiscal note(s).
3:37:23 PM
CHAIR KAWASAKI found no objection and CSSB 185, work order 33-
LS0953\U, was reported from the Senate State Affairs Standing
Committee.
3:37:38 PM
At ease
SB 232-VOTER PREREGISTRATION FOR MINORS
3:39:04 PM
CHAIR KAWASAKI reconvened the meeting and announced the
consideration of SENATE BILL NO. 232 "An Act relating to voter
preregistration for minors at least 16 years of age."
3:39:59 PM
CHAIR KAWASAKI solicited the will of the committee.
3:40:03 PM
SENATOR CLAMAN moved to report SB 232, work order 33-LS0953\U,
from committee with individual recommendations and attached
fiscal note(s).
3:40:17 PM
CHAIR KAWASAKI found no objection and SB 232, work order 33-
LS0953\U, was reported from the Senate State Affairs Standing
Committee.
3:40:44 PM
At ease
SB 223-ASSISTANT ADJUTANT GENERAL APPOINTMENT
3:42:14 PM
CHAIR KAWASAKI reconvened the meeting and announced the
consideration of SENATE BILL NO. 223 "An Act relating to the
appointment of an assistant adjutant general; and providing for
an effective date."
3:42:47 PM
ANGELA LAFLAMME, Legislative Liaison, Department of Military and
Veterans Affairs (DMVA), Juneau, Alaska, testified on SB 223.
3:43:09 PM
CHAIR KAWASAKI opened public testimony on SB 223; finding none,
he closed public testimony.
3:43:40 PM
CHAIR KAWASAKI solicited a motion.
3:43:49 PM
At ease
3:44:06 PM
CHAIR KAWASAKI reconvened the meeting.
3:44:14 PM
CHAIR KAWASAKI held SB 223 in committee.
^CONSIDERATION OF GOVERNOR APPOINTEES
CONSIDERATION OF GOVERNOR APPOINTEES
LIEUTENANT GOVERNOR SUCCESSOR
3:44:26 PM
CHAIR KAWASAKI announced the confirmation hearing for Major
General Torrence Saxe, Lieutenant Governor Designee.
3:44:43 PM
MAJOR GENERAL TORRENCE SAXE, Appointee, Lieutenant Governor
Successor, Office of the Governor, Juneau, Alaska, spoke to his
background:
• Previously enlisted with the U.S. Army and was deployed.
• Military member since then and in the Army National Guard
since 2004.
• Has been to every military base at least once, including
Joint Base Elmendorf-Richardson and Clear Air Force Station
twice.
• Was the installation ___ and was a Wing Commander of 168th;
mainly positioned in the interior.
• Lived in Anderson, Healy, and Fairbanks, and is currently
in Eagle River.
3:45:43 PM
CHAIR KAWASAKI confirmed that Major General Saxe has spent a lot
of time in Alaska and currently lives in Eagle River. He
acknowledged the importance of his position.
3:46:01 PM
SENATOR WIELECHOWSKI thanked Major General Saxe for his service.
He inquired about his perspective on potentially managing
Division of Elections, should he become Lieutenant Governor. He
wondered what, if any, improvements he would make to the
division.
3:46:41 PM
MAJOR GENERAL SAXE replied that he recently met with Carol
Beecher, Director of Division of Elections, who briefed him on
the division's responsibilities, which are split among 31 people
and has a ten percent vacancy rate. He mentioned that he relies
heavily on the division and acknowledged its staff's expertise
and decades of experience. He said he would never make a
decision without receiving input from those who do that work
full-time. He stated that the best thing he could do is to
establish trust, transparency, and ensure that all Alaskans can
understand how that is illustrated. He said he met with Ms.
Beecher and recognized the work that the Division of Elections
performs daily.
3:47:36 PM
SENATOR WIELECHOWSKI inquired about the significant rejection of
election ballots, particularly in rural Alaska. He mentioned
that legislation is in the works to address that problem and
asked him to explain his position.
3:47:56 PM
MAJOR GENERAL SAXE recommended consulting with the Division of
Elections for guidance. He stated that expert recommendations
could help inform his input.
3:48:23 PM
SENATOR WIELECHOWSKI said many states across the country,
including Anchorage, are mailing mail-in ballots, which has
demonstrated a significant increase in voter turnout. He asked
whether he would support that effort on a state level.
3:48:40 PM
MAJOR GENERAL SAXE reiterated that he would first need input
from the Division of Elections.
3:48:58 PM
SENATOR WIELECHOWSKI asked if he believes that widespread voter
fraud is a concern in the state and whether the state should
address that issue.
3:49:15 PM
MAJOR GENERAL SAXE replied that he would defer to the Division
of Elections and consult with the experts to address the issue.
However, he would not independently make that claim.
3:49:32 PM
SENATOR WIELECHOWSKI wondered about his proximity to becoming
the Governor should he become Lieutenant Governor. He inquired
about his perspective on the education debate.
3:49:59 PM
MAJOR GENERAL SAXE replied that he would follow the direction of
the administration as Lieutenant Governor. However, he
acknowledged the importance of education and spoke to his
experience as a father of six. Most have attended public
schools, and he expressed gratitude for the education his
children received. He emphasized that he would consult with the
Governor about priorities to move forward.
3:50:30 PM
SENATOR WIELECHOWSKI relayed that some people have predicted
familiar scenarios where the Lieutenant Governor designee could
become Governor within one year. He asked whether General Saxe
would have vetoed SB 140, the education bill that was previously
before the legislature.
3:50:50 PM
MAJOR GENERAL SAXE replied that he would not speculate on that
scenario.
3:50:52 PM
SENATOR WIELECHOWSKI asserted that it is not speculation and
repeated his question.
3:51:00 PM
MAJOR GENERAL SAXE replied that he would have to consult with
the experts to ensure all input is made available prior to a
veto decision.
3:51:06 PM
SENATOR WIELECHOWSKI asked whether he followed the bill
throughout the process.
3:51:08 PM
MAJOR GENERAL SAXE replied yes.
3:51:09 PM
SENATOR WIELECHOWSKI asked whether he thought SB 140 was a good
piece of legislation.
3:51:11 PM
MAJOR GENERAL SAXE replied that he supports Governor Dunleavy
and his actions.
3:51:14 PM
SENATOR WIELECHOWSKI asked whether he supports the Governor's
veto decision.
3:51:15 PM
MAJOR GENERAL SAXE replied that he supports the administration.
3:51:27 PM
SENATOR CLAMAN inquired about the electronic notary process,
established through previous legislation.
3:51:45 PM
MAJOR GENERAL SAXE acknowledged that responsibility of the
Lieutenant Governor. However, he stated he has not been briefed
on the process. He mentioned that he is familiar with the
Electronic Registration Information Center (ERIC) system and
noted potential problems. However, the state has moved forward
in supporting that system.
3:51:59 PM
SENATOR CLAMAN noted that ERIC is about voting rather than
mobile notaries. He asked specifically for his insight on the
electronic notary process.
3:52:02 PM
MAJOR GENERAL SAXE confirmed that it is.
3:52:03 PM
SENATOR CLAMAN reiterated his question about the status of the
mobile notary process.
3:52:10 PM
MAJOR GENERAL SAXE replied that he does not have any input at
this time.
3:52:13 PM
SENATOR CLAMAN acknowledged his statutory involvement in
protecting the state seal and asked whether he has seen any
issues, and what is being done to protect it.
3:52:23 PM
MAJOR GENERAL SAXE replied that he was advised by Lieutenant
Governor Nancy Dahlstrom to follow the rules and laws, putting
them forth in an appropriate manner.
3:52:44 PM
CHAIR KAWASAKI reminded Major General Saxe that he was hired by
and advises the Governor according to statute. He requested
background information on Title 10 and the potential plan to
send troops to Arizona.
3:53:18 PM
MAJOR GENERAL SAXE replied that Title 10, meaning the order to
authorize military members to federal status, was applied in
2019 to 2020. A small contingent was sent to Arizona, including
some helicopters and maintainers. This will be reestablished
around September. Nearly 20 soldiers are sent using La Coda
helicopters. He noted that it is likely those soldiers will be
sent to Arizona. Volunteers were sought within the Army and
aviation community to send down that contingent. However, that
has not been confirmed. The process starts with the Federal
Chief, the President of the Secretary of Defense, and includes
himself and his troops, who will be beginning the mission in
September.
3:54:07 PM
CHAIR KAWASAKI asked whether assigned members would be deployed
or released to help defend the operation, excluding the Title 10
mandate.
3:54:23 PM
MAJOR GENERAL SAXE replied that deployment would be required
under state active duty, which would come from a separate
commander in chief. In this case, it would be the Governor.
However, Governor Dunleavy has not directed that mandate, and
nothing has changed since their last conversation.
3:54:36 PM
CHAIR KAWASAKI asked what he, as the Chief of the Army National
Guard, would advise the Governor if he requested feedback.
3:54:48 PM
MAJOR GENERAL SAXE replied there are currently troops being
deployed under Title 10. If the Governor wanted to deploy troops
in state active duty, he would need to initiate the request. He
said he would request volunteers.
3:55:06 PM
CHAIR KAWASAKI clarified his question; he wondered whether
troops that are not requested under Title 10, but are requested
by the Governor, such as the Governor of Texas in the case of
the North Dakota Air Guard, the Governor set aside $1.5 million
in state money for the operation. He asked how he would advise
the Governor on that particular mission.
3:55:40 PM
MAJOR GENERAL SAXE replied that he would advise the Governor,
under state active duty, to obtain volunteers and ensure troops
understand what the mission comprises. He stated that he advised
Governor Dunleavy to send roughly 100 troops, which would cost
around $1.5 million (at least $1 million) for a period of at
least 30-90 days. That is the cost of state active duty to send
troops down to Texas.
3:56:14 PM
SENATOR CLAMAN asked if there is funding within his department
budget to send troops down without returning to the legislature
for an appropriation. He assumed that volunteer troops could not
make the trip for free.
3:56:31 PM
MAJOR GENERAL SAXE replied he would not do that. Even
considering what the Governor has stated, it would require an
additional funding mechanism.
3:56:52 PM
CHAIR KAWASAKI said that the prior Lieutenant Governor under
Governor Walker considered, Byron Mallott, considered himself as
a partner whenever discussions were needed on education issues.
He was dispatched to work on education issues. He asked what
kind of a Lieutenant Governor Major General Saxe would be as
successor.
3:57:28 PM
MAJOR GENERAL SAXE replied he would seek input from the Governor
and would be open to whatever that role may be. He acknowledged
that some Lieutenant Governors have been broader in their
authority and day-to-day responsibilities. However, he
reiterated his flexibility in what those duties consist of.
3:57:52 PM
CHAIR KAWASAKI asked whether, as the Governor's commander of
chief for armed forces and as current commissioner for DMVA, he
would simultaneously remain in charge of DMVA.
3:58:17 PM
MAJOR GENERAL SAXE replied that he would retire in that scenario
due to a conflict of interest.
3:58:22 PM
SENATOR WIELECHOWSKI asked whether he views the Lieutenant
Governor as someone underneath the Governor or one who acts
autonomously regarding obligations and duties.
3:58:40 PM
MAJOR GENERAL SAXE replied that there are administration
obligations. However, there are certain duties, such as within
the Division of Elections, where enforcement is necessary and
the law must be followed precisely.
3:58:54 PM
SENATOR WIELECHOWSKI asked him how he would respond, as
Lieutenant Governor, if the Governor asked him to do something
disagreeable regarding the Division of Elections.
3:59:08 PM
MAJOR GENERAL SAXE replied that he would follow and align with
the law.
3:59:15 PM
SENATOR WIELECHOWSKI asked if there is anyone historically who
shares his governing philosophy.
3:59:29 PM
MAJOR GENERAL SAXE replied that it would likely be someone
within Alaska. He noted that he is registered as a Republican,
so he falls on that side of the belief system. However, in his
military role, he emphasized that he must remain apolitical.
3:59:46 PM
SENATOR WIELECHOWSKI replied that he understands his position.
However, he suggested that he would potentially be putting
himself in a political position. He reiterated his question
about his governing philosophy.
3:59:56 PM
MAJOR GENERAL SAXE replied that, with regard to general
government, he would ensure every resident has dignity and is
respected. It would not be ___ must live. He said he would put
forth all efforts within his authority to ensure that is made
possible.
4:00:10 PM
SENATOR WIELECHOWSKI wondered whether there are any major
changes, including to the governing system, which he would like
to see in Alaska.
4:00:20 PM
MAJOR GENERAL SAXE replied that he would consult with experts
and not make any major decisions beforehand. In each of his
commands, and as a collaborative leader, he established a policy
to consult with others first. He stated that it would be a
mistake to not consider input. He expressed his belief that the
government is for the people.
4:01:21 PM
At ease
4:01:29 PM
CHAIR KAWASAKI opened public testimony on the appointment of
Major General Torrence Saxe for Lieutenant Governor Successor;
finding none, he closed public testimony.
4:01:47 PM
CHAIR KAWASAKI solicited a motion.
4:01:53 PM
SENATOR CLAMAN moved that Major General Torrence Saxe,
designated Lieutenant Governor Successor, be forwarded to the
joint session for consideration. This does not reflect the
intent of any of the members to vote for or against the
confirmation of the individuals during any further session.
4:02:27 PM
CHAIR KAWASAKI stated that without objection, the Senate State
Affairs Standing Committee reviewed the following and recommends
the appointment be forwarded to a joint session for
consideration:
Lieutenant Governor Successor
Major General Torrence Saxe - Juneau
4:03:17 PM
There being no further business to come before the committee,
Chair Kawasaki adjourned the Senate State Affairs Standing
Committee meeting at 4:03 p.m.
| Document Name | Date/Time | Subjects |
|---|---|---|
| CSSB 185 STA Summary of changes B to U.pdf |
SSTA 3/21/2024 3:30:00 PM |
SB 185 |
| SCSB 185 (STA) U.pdf |
SSTA 3/21/2024 3:30:00 PM |
SB 185 |
| Maj.General Torrence Saxe. LT.Gov. Sucession.pdf |
SSTA 3/21/2024 3:30:00 PM |
confirmation |