03/20/2025 03:30 PM Senate STATE AFFAIRS
| Audio | Topic |
|---|---|
| Start | |
| SB64 | |
| SB120 | |
| SB107 | |
| SJR13 | |
| Adjourn |
+ teleconferenced
= bill was previously heard/scheduled
| += | SB 120 | TELECONFERENCED | |
| *+ | SB 107 | TELECONFERENCED | |
| *+ | SB 25 | TELECONFERENCED | |
| *+ | SJR 13 | TELECONFERENCED | |
| += | SB 64 | TELECONFERENCED | |
ALASKA STATE LEGISLATURE
SENATE STATE AFFAIRS STANDING COMMITTEE
March 20, 2025
3:41 p.m.
MEMBERS PRESENT
Senator Scott Kawasaki, Chair
Senator Jesse Bjorkman, Vice Chair
Senator Bill Wielechowski
Senator Elvi Gray-Jackson
Senator Robert Yundt
MEMBERS ABSENT
All members present
COMMITTEE CALENDAR
SENATE BILL NO. 64
"An Act relating to elections; relating to voters; relating to
voting; relating to voter preregistration for minors at least 16
years of age; relating to voter registration; relating to the
Alaska Public Offices Commission; relating to synthetic media in
electioneering communications; relating to campaign signs;
relating to public official financial disclosures; relating to
the crime of unlawful interference with voting in the first
degree; and providing for an effective date."
- HEARD & HELD
SENATE BILL NO. 120
"An Act establishing the Alaska Climate Change Emergency
Response Commission; and relating to the powers and duties of
the Alaska Climate Change Emergency Response Commission."
- HEARD & HELD
SENATE BILL NO. 107
"An Act establishing a violation for hindering the Alaska Sunset
Commission; establishing the Alaska Sunset Commission to review,
audit, and make recommendations on discontinuation of or changes
to state entities; and relating to the powers and duties of the
Alaska Sunset Commission."
- HEARD & HELD
SENATE JOINT RESOLUTION NO. 13
Proposing amendments to the Constitution of the State of Alaska
relating to the appointment of state judges by the governor.
- HEARD & HELD
SENATE BILL NO. 25
"An Act relating to information on judicial officers seeking
retention in office."
- SCHEDULED BUT NOT HEARD
PREVIOUS COMMITTEE ACTION
BILL: SB 64
SHORT TITLE: ELECTIONS
SPONSOR(s): RULES
01/24/25 (S) READ THE FIRST TIME - REFERRALS
01/24/25 (S) STA, FIN
01/30/25 (S) STA AT 3:30 PM BELTZ 105 (TSBldg)
01/30/25 (S) Heard & Held
01/30/25 (S) MINUTE(STA)
02/04/25 (S) STA AT 3:30 PM BELTZ 105 (TSBldg)
02/04/25 (S) Heard & Held
02/04/25 (S) MINUTE(STA)
03/11/25 (S) STA AT 3:30 PM BELTZ 105 (TSBldg)
03/11/25 (S) Heard & Held
03/11/25 (S) MINUTE(STA)
03/13/25 (S) STA AT 3:30 PM BELTZ 105 (TSBldg)
03/13/25 (S) Heard & Held
03/13/25 (S) MINUTE(STA)
03/18/25 (S) STA AT 3:30 PM BELTZ 105 (TSBldg)
03/18/25 (S) Heard & Held
03/18/25 (S) MINUTE(STA)
03/20/25 (S) STA AT 3:30 PM BELTZ 105 (TSBldg)
BILL: SB 120
SHORT TITLE: CLIMATE CHANGE COMMISSION
SPONSOR(s): GRAY-JACKSON
03/05/25 (S) READ THE FIRST TIME - REFERRALS
03/05/25 (S) STA, FIN
03/13/25 (S) STA AT 3:30 PM BELTZ 105 (TSBldg)
03/13/25 (S) Scheduled but Not Heard
03/20/25 (S) STA AT 3:30 PM BELTZ 105 (TSBldg)
BILL: SB 107
SHORT TITLE: ALASKA SUNSET COMMISSION
SPONSOR(s): HUGHES
02/19/25 (S) READ THE FIRST TIME - REFERRALS
02/19/25 (S) STA, FIN
03/20/25 (S) STA AT 3:30 PM BELTZ 105 (TSBldg)
BILL: SJR 13
SHORT TITLE: APPOINTMENT OF STATE JUDGES
SPONSOR(s): RULES BY REQUEST OF THE GOVERNOR
02/28/25 (S) READ THE FIRST TIME - REFERRALS
02/28/25 (S) STA, JUD
03/20/25 (S) STA AT 3:30 PM BELTZ 105 (TSBldg)
WITNESS REGISTER
DAVID DUNSMORE, Staff
Senator Bill Wielechowski
Alaska State Legislature
Juneau, Alaska
POSITION STATEMENT: Presented the summary of changes for SB 64.
DEIRDRE GOINS, Staff
Senator Gray-Jackson
Alaska State Legislature
Juneau, Alaska
POSITION STATEMENT: Provided the sectional analysis for SB 120.
LEILA PYLE, representing self
Fairbanks, Alaska
POSITION STATEMENT: Testified in support of SB 120.
HAJO EISKEN, Director
International Arctic Research Center
University of Alaska Fairbanks
Fairbanks, Alaska
POSITION STATEMENT: Testified in support of SB 120.
BRENTWOOD HIGMAN, representing self
Seldovia, Alaska
POSITION STATEMENT: Testified in support of SB 120.
BEN BOETTGER, Energy Policy Analyst Specialist
Cook Inlet Keeper
Soldotna, Alaska
POSITION STATEMENT: Testified in support of SB 120.
MIKE COONS, representing self
Wasilla, Alaska
POSITION STATEMENT: Testified in opposition to SB 120.
CISCO MERCADO, Policy Director
Alaska Community Action on Toxics
Anchorage, Alaska
POSITION STATEMENT: Testified in support of SB 120.
KEN GRIFFIN, representing self
Wasilla, Alaska
POSITION STATEMENT: Testified in opposition to SB 120.
BRITTANI ROBBINS, representing self
Wrangell, Alaska
POSITION STATEMENT: Testified in support of SB 120.
MADELEINE BASS, Alaska Youth for the Environmental Action
Juneau, Alaska
POSITION STATEMENT: Testified in support of SB 120.
SENATOR SHELLY HUGHES
District M
Alaska State Legislature
Juneau, Alaska
POSITION STATEMENT: Sponsor of SB 107.
MEAD TREADWELL, representing self
Anchorage, Alaska
POSITION STATEMENT: Testified by invitation on SB 107.
EIELIA PRESTON, Staff
Senator Shelly Hughes
Alaska State Legislature
Juneau, Alaska
POSITION STATEMENT: Presented an overview of SB 107.
ERIK BEVERLY, Executive Director
Texas Sunset Commission
Austin, Texas
POSITION STATEMENT: Testified by invitation on SB 107.
DENNIS HULL, State Affairs Manager
Americans for Tax Reform
Washington, D.C.
POSITION STATEMENT: Testified by invitation on SB 107.
TREG TAYLOR, Attorney General
State of Alaska
POSITION STATEMENT: Presented SJR 13.
ACTION NARRATIVE
3:41:10 PM
CHAIR KAWASAKI called the Senate State Affairs Standing
Committee meeting to order at 3:41 p.m. Present at the call to
order were Senators Wielechowski, Gray-Jackson, Yundt and Chair
Kawasaki. Senator Bjorkman arrived thereafter.
SB 64-ELECTIONS
3:42:14 PM
CHAIR KAWASAKI announced the consideration of SENATE BILL NO. 64
"An Act relating to elections; relating to voters; relating to
voting; relating to voter preregistration for minors at least 16
years of age; relating to voter registration; relating to the
Alaska Public Offices Commission; relating to synthetic media in
electioneering communications; relating to campaign signs;
relating to public official financial disclosures; relating to
the crime of unlawful interference with voting in the first
degree; and providing for an effective date."
3:42:31 PM
CHAIR KAWASAKI solicited a motion.
3:42:39 PM
SENATOR GRAY-JACKSON moved to adopt the committee substitute
(CS) for SB 64, work order 34-LS0153\T, as the working document.
3:42:53 PM
CHAIR KAWASAKI objected for purposes of discussion.
3:43:09 PM
DAVID DUNSMORE, Staff, Senator Bill Wielechowski, Alaska State
Legislature, Juneau, Alaska, presented the summary of changes
for SB 64:
[Original punctuation provided.]
Summary of Changes Draft CS Version H to Draft CS
Version T
The following provisions were removed from the bill:
• All provisions related to allowing voters to
register to vote within 30 days of an election.
• Section 6 and Section 35 subsection (n) related
to printing materials in other languages.
3:43:40 PM
MR. DUNSMORE continued with the summary of changes:
The following provisions were added to the bill:
• Section 14 clarifying that for contributions made
to influence the results of ballot measures or
questions that the entity making the contribution
is considered the true source of the
contribution.
• Section 29 setting the deadline for all absentee
ballots to be received at 10 days following the
election. Under current law, ballots being
returned from outside the United States may be
received up to 15 days after the election.
• Section 43 adds the provisions of the original
bill related to synthetic media which were
removed in the previously adopted working
document.
The following changes were made to existing provisions
in the bill:
• In Section 10, language is added clarifying that
the process for a voter to cancel their
registration must require the voter to verify
their identity.
• In Section 19, language is added clarifying that
precincts that hand count results only need to
count the first-choice rankings.
• In Section 32, the date for absentee ballot
review to begin is changed from 10 days to 12
days before the election.
3:45:33 PM
SENATOR WIELECHOWSKI said the process has been collaborative,
involving many meetings with stakeholders, legislators from both
parties, and the administration. SB 64 isn't final yet and will
likely see more changes but progress has been made toward a
better product and building broad consensus.
3:46:25 PM
CHAIR KAWASAKI removed his objection. He found no further
objection and CSSB 64 was adopted as the working document.
3:46:39 PM
CHAIR KAWASAKI held SB 64 in committee.
SB 120-CLIMATE CHANGE COMMISSION
3:46:53 PM
CHAIR KAWASAKI announced the consideration of SENATE BILL NO.
120 "An Act establishing the Alaska Climate Change Emergency
Response Commission; and relating to the powers and duties of
the Alaska Climate Change Emergency Response Commission."
3:47:16 PM
SENATOR GRAY-JACKSON speaking as sponsor, presented a summary of
SB 120:
[Original punctuation provided.]
Thank you for the opportunity to address you today on
an issue that affects every Alaskanclimate
instability and the urgent need for our state to take
decisive action. Alaska is at the forefront of global
warming, and our communities, economy, and way of life
are already feeling the consequences.
In 2019, record-breaking heat led to massive fish die-
offs and destructive wildfires like the Swan Lake
Fire. Just last year, Typhoon Merbok caused
catastrophic flooding along our western coastline.
Infrastructure is crumbling due to permafrost thaw,
and coastal erosion is forcing communities to
relocate. Traditional hunting and fishing practices
are being disrupted, threatening food security for our
most vulnerable communities.
We must act now. Senate Bill 120 would establish the
Alaska Climate Change Emergency Response Commission to
coordinate efforts, secure funding, and develop
strategies to mitigate and adapt to these growing
challenges. Investing in preparedness is far more
cost-effective than reacting to disasters after the
fact. Senate Bill 120 is a step in the right
direction.
I urge you to support this bill and take meaningful
action to protect Alaska's future. Together, we can
ensure our state remains resilient and prosperous in
the face of climate change.
3:49:36 PM
DEIRDRE GOINS, Staff, Senator Gray-Jackson, Alaska State
Legislature, Juneau, Alaska, provided the sectional analysis for
SB 120:
[Original punctuation provided.]
Sectional Analysis Version A
Section 1- Adds a new subsection to AS 44.19.
The legislature finds that a state of emergency exists
because of the threat climate change poses to
communities, traditional ways of living, fish and game
populations, natural ecosystems and the economy of
Alaska.
Section 2- Adds new sections to AS 44.19.
Article 6. Alaska climate Change Emergency Response
Commission.
Sec. 44.19.651 Commission established.
The Alaska Climate Change Emergency Response
Commission is established in the Office of the
Governor.
3:50:31 PM
MS. GOINS continued with the sectional analysis of SB 120:
Sec. 44.19.653 Composition of Commission
The commission will contain 15 members, six will be
departmental representatives who serve by virtue of
office, and nine will be municipal representatives.
(b) The following departmental representatives shall
serve by virtue of office:
(1) the commissioner of fish and game;
(2) the commissioner of environmental
conservation; (3) the commissioner of natural
resources;
(4) the commissioner of commerce, community,
and economic development (CCED);
(5) the commissioner of transportation and
public facilities;
(6) the director of the division in CCED
responsible for community and regional
affairs.
(c) The governor shall appoint nine municipal
representatives to the commission. Each municipal
representative must be a mayor, or a member of the
assembly or council. The Governor's appointees shall
be from:
(1) Northwest Alaska, including, generally,
the area of the North Slope Borough and the Northwest
Arctic Borough;
(2) Bering Strait area, including the Bering
Strait regional educational attendance area;
(3) Southwest Alaska, including the area
within the Lower Yukon, Lower Kuskokwim, and Southwest
regional educational attendance areas and the Lake and
Peninsula and Bristol Bay Boroughs;
(4) Kodiak-Aleutians area, including the area
of the Kodiak Island and Aleutians East Boroughs and
the Aleutian, Adak, and Pribilof regional educational
attendance areas;
(5) Upper Cook Inlet area, including the
Municipality of Anchorage and the MatanuskaSusitna
Borough;
(6) Lower Cook Inlet area, including the area
within the Kenai Peninsula Borough;
(7) Prince William Sound area, including the
area east of the Kenai Peninsula Borough to 141 West
longitude;
(8) northern Southeast Alaska, including the
area southeast of 141 degrees West longitude and north
of 57 degrees North latitude and the entirety of the
City and Borough of Sitka,
(9) southern Southeast Alaska, including the
portion of Southeast Alaska not contained in the area
described in (8) of this subsection.
(d) Municipal representatives serve at the pleasure
of the governor. Municipal representatives serve
staggered terms of three years, until reappointed or
replaced. A municipal representative may be
reappointed. If a municipal representative ceases to
be a mayor, assembly, or council member in the
municipality the governor appointed them to represent,
that representative's seat becomes vacant. If a
municipal representative's seat becomes vacant for any
reason before the expiration of that representative's
term, the governor shall, within 30 days after the
occurrence of the vacancy, appoint a municipal
representative from the same region to serve the
unexpired portion of the term.
(e) The commission shall, by majority vote, elect
co-chairs. One co-chair shall be a departmental
member, and one co-chair shall be a municipal member.
3:52:18 PM
MS. GOINS continued with the sectional analysis of SB 120:
Sec. 44.19.655. Compensation.
Members of the commission serve without compensation
but are entitled to per diem and travel expenses
authorized for boards and commissions under AS
39.20.180.
Sec. 44.19.657. Meetings.
Three departmental representative members designated
under AS 44.19.653(b) and four municipal
representative members appointed under AS 44.19.653(c)
constitute a quorum for conducting business and
exercising the powers of the commission. The
commission shall meet at least quarterly, at the call
of a cochair, at the request of the majority of the
members, or at a regularly scheduled time as
determined by a majority of the members. The
commission shall keep and make available for public
inspection a record of proceedings
3:53:08 PM
MS. GOINS continued with the sectional analysis of SB 120:
Sec. 44.19.659. Alternate Members.
(a) Each member of the commission shall have a
permanent alternate to serve at meetings of the
commission as follows:
(1) For a municipal representative member
appointed under AS 44.19.653(c), the governor shall
appoint a permanent alternate who at the time of
appointment and throughout the period of service as a
permanent alternate, is the mayor or a member of the
assembly or council of a municipality within the same
region as the permanently appointed member; in doing
so the governor shall consider the recommendations of
the permanent member;
(2) For a departmental representative member
designated under AS 44.19.653(b)(1)-(5), a deputy
commissioner of the relevant department or the
director of a division of the department; and
(3) For a departmental representative member
designated under AS 44.19.653(b)(6), the member's
designee within that office.
(b) A member of the commission who is unable to
attend a meeting shall advise the permanent alternate,
who may attend and act in their place.
Sec. 44.19.661. Executive Director.
The commission may employ an executive director who
serves at the pleasure of the commission. The
executive director may not be a member of the
commission. The executive director may contract with
or employ personnel or consultants that the executive
director considers necessary to carry out the powers
and duties of the commission. The executive director
is in the exempt service under AS 39.25 (State
Personnel Act).
3:54:37 PM
MS. GOINS continued with the sectional analysis of SB 120:
Sec. 44.19.663. Powers of the commission.
The commission may:
(1) Apply for and accept grants,
contributions, and appropriations, including
application for and acceptance of federal,
international, or private funds that may become
available for financing infrastructure adaptation,
renewable energy technology, community relocation,
food and transportation security, education and
research, or other needs related to climate change;
(2) contract for necessary services;
(3) consult and cooperate with
(A) public or private persons,
organizations and groups interested in, affected by,
or concerned with climate change effects and response;
(B) climate scientists holding doctorate
degrees who are affiliated with an academic or
nonprofit institution; and
(C) agents and officials in the different
regions of the state and federal agencies concerned
with or with jurisdiction over climate change effects
and response;
(4) establish the duties of the executive
director of the commission;
(5) assess fees for grant writing and other
assistance; and
(6) take any reasonable action necessary to
carry out the provisions of AS 44.19.651-44.19.672.
Sec. 44.19.665. Duties of the commission.
The commission shall
3:55:58 PM
MS. GOINS continued with the sectional analysis of SB 120:
(1) prepare a strategic response plan to
address climate change threats that includes
(A) identification of areas in the state
and sectors of the state economy that are particularly
vulnerable to the effects of climate change;
(B) options for assisting communities and
sectors of the economy identified as being
particularly vulnerable to the effects of climate
change; and
(C) Identification of specific threats
posed by climate change on areas in the state and
sectors of the state economy and a course of action to
address the identified threats;
(2) provide grant writing and genera
assistance to governmental and nongovernmental
entities in the state on climate change response
issues, prioritizing assistance to rural governments,
nonprofits serving rural areas, and tribal
organizations;
(3) develop a program for the distribution of
funds to assist local governments to respond to
climate change effects;
(4) establish continuing coordination among
state agencies to facilitate the development and
implementation of the climate change response
strategy;
(5) coordinate with the University of Alaska
in efforts to seek out grants or other aid for climate
change education and research;
(6) inform the public of available assistance
for responding to climate change effects, including an
outreach program to rural governments, nonprofits
serving rural areas, and tribal organizations;
(7) advance the implementation of technology
that provides for renewable energy, local food
systems, and adaptive infrastructure in the state by
recommending legislation and policies to incentivize
its development;
(8) monitor and report on the effects of
climate change on existing infrastructure, ecosystems,
geophysical features, and communities in the state;
(9) identify opportunities to reduce
greenhouse gas emissions from instate sources,
including the expanded use of alternative fuels,
energy conservation, energy efficiency, renewable
energy, land use management, and transportation
planning; and
(10) recommend legislative and administrative
action to implement the climate change response
strategy.
3:58:02 PM
MS. GOINS continued with the sectional analysis of SB 120:
Sec. 44.19.667. Fees
Requires the commission to adopt regulations under AS
44.62 (Administrative Procedure Act) to establish fees
for grant writing or other assistance provided to a
client. Fees must be based on a sliding scale
considering the client's need. Government and tribal
clients may not be charged a fee.
Sec. 44.19.669. Annual report and recommendations.
This commission must submit an annual report to the
governor and legislature of activities for the
previous calendar year including a list of threats
identified by the commission, an assessment of
progress in addressing the threats, an assessment of
compliance with the strategic response plan, and any
recommendations for legislative and administrative
action. The commission shall submit a report under
this section not later than February 1 of each year
and shall deliver the report to the senate secretary
and the chief clerk of the house of representatives
and notify the legislature that the report is
available.
Sec. 44.19.672. Definition.
In AS 44.19.651-44.19.672, "commission" means the
Alaska climate Change Emergency Response commission.
3:59:14 PM
MS. GOINS continued with the sectional analysis of SB 120:
Section 3-Adds a new section to read:
TERMS OF INITIAL MEMBERS OF THE ALASKA CLIMATE CHANGE
EMERGENCY RESPONSE COMMISSION. Notwithstanding AS
39.05.055, the governor shall appoint the initial
members of the Alaska Climate change Emergency
Response Commission under AS 44.19.653© to staggered
terms as follows:
(1) three members shall be appointed to serve
three years;
(2) three members shall be appointed to serve
two years; and
(3) three members shall be appointed to serve
one year.
Section 4- Adds a new section to read:
TRANSITION: WRITTEN INFORMATION FROM CLIMATE CHANGE
SUB-CABINET. The governor shall provide all written
reports, recommendations, and research developed by
the Climate Change Sub-cabinet established under
Administrative Order No. 238 to the Alaska Climate
Change Emergency Response Commission established under
AS 44.19.651 within 30 days after the effective date
of this Act.
4:00:33 PM
CHAIR KAWASAKI announced invited testimony and opened public
testimony on SB 120.
4:00:57 PM
LEILA PYLE, representing self, Fairbanks, Alaska, testified in
support of SB 120 and stated this legislation would help
communities respond and adapt to climate impacts, such as
erosion, permafrost melt, and changing food systems. She shared
that while involved in her work with Alaska Youth for
Environmental Action, young people across the state have
expressed worry about the effect of climate change on
infrastructure, livelihoods, and culture. Many communities,
especially coastal and northern ones, are already facing severe
challenges, including loss of subsistence foods like caribou.
She urged the state to act now, calling SB 120 a vital step
toward protecting Alaska's future.
4:04:06 PM
HAJO EISKEN, Director, International Arctic Research Center,
University of Alaska Fairbanks, Fairbanks, Alaska, testified in
support of SB 120 and emphasized that Alaska's valuable assets
such as infrastructure, homes, livelihoods, and Department of
Defense facilities are vulnerable to extreme weather and
environmental changes. Protecting them requires planning,
preparation, and adaptation, which can also create workforce and
economic opportunities where Alaska could lead nationally. He
encouraged legislators to draw on the University of Alaska's
expertise, highlighting tools like the Northern Climate Reports
and the Alaska Wildfire Explorer, which provide climate
projections, preparedness guidance, and wildfire risk data. The
university also supports tribes, collaborates with federal
agencies, and develops resilience tools for both military and
private sector infrastructure. The research center's work
focuses on using research and data to help communities adapt,
safeguard infrastructure, and keep people safe.
4:09:38 PM
BRENTWOOD HIGMAN, representing self, Seldovia, Alaska, testified
in support of SB 120 and stated a few of his concerns including
a slope above Portage Lake that could fail and trigger a
tsunami, endangering lives and severing key transportation and
utility links. He noted that permafrost melt is causing more
slope failures along the Dalton Highway, which could cut off the
highway or damage the Trans-Alaska Pipeline. Another concern is
the potential for a landslide-triggered tsunami in a fjord to
strike a cruise ship or tour boat, causing major loss of life
and harming the tourism industry. He stressed the need for
proactive planning to prevent disasters instead of reacting
after they occur.
4:11:44 PM
BEN BOETTGER, Energy Policy Analyst Specialist, Cook Inlet
Keeper, Soldotna, Alaska, testified in support of SB 120 and
noted that climate change will have complex and unpredictable
effects on Alaska's infrastructure, landscape, economy, public
health, and way of life. He recalled the record-breaking 2019
heat wave, when parts of the Kenai region hit 90-degrees
Fahrenheit for the first time, triggering wildfires, road
closures, power outages, drought, and threats to drinking water.
A National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA) study
found that human caused climate change greatly increased the
likelihood of such heat waves, which could occur every other
year under moderate emissions scenarios. He stressed the
importance of gathering and analyzing climate data and using it
to help tribes and local governments prepare for future threats.
4:13:59 PM
MIKE COONS, representing self, Wasilla, Alaska, testified in
opposition to SB 120 and expressed strong skepticism about
climate change, calling the change a "lie" and attributing
extreme weather events to natural causes such as storms,
lightning, and earthquakes rather than human activity. He
doubted the value of creating a new climate commission,
suggesting it would be ineffective and likely dismantled if
political control shifts. He framed climate issues as natural
weather patterns rather than a human-caused crisis.
4:15:59 PM
Senator Bjorkman joined the meeting.
4:16:57 PM
CISCO MERCADO, Policy Director, Alaska Community Action on
Toxics, Anchorage, Alaska, testified in support of SB 120 and
expressed that Alaska and the Arctic are warming four times
faster than the global average, causing sea ice loss, melting
permafrost, infrastructure damage, and community displacement.
He described how storms like Typhoon Merbok in 2022 devastated
western Alaska, destroying homes, utilities, and coastal land,
while wildfires and flooding are also increasing in frequency
and severity. He shared his experience with Hurricane Katrina
and stressed that even well-connected cities can suffer
catastrophic consequences without proper planning and Alaska's
remote, roadless communities face even greater risks. He said
with "once-in-a-generation" storms now occurring more often, he
questioned how the state would protect isolated populations when
travel by road, air, or sea is impossible. He urged support for
creating a climate change commission to develop a comprehensive
strategy for protecting vulnerable communities and preparing for
inevitable future disasters.
4:23:16 PM
KEN GRIFFIN, representing self, Wasilla, Alaska, testified in
opposition to SB 120 and argued that while the climate will
always change, spending vast sums on climate initiatives would
destroy Alaska's economy without making measurable progress. He
highlighted the state's $1.7 billion deficit, declining federal
funds, and lack of new revenue, warning that projected income
from future projects like the gas pipeline is years away and
insufficient. He criticized the idea of burdening taxpayers with
costly climate programs when Alaska is "out of money" and oil
revenues are falling. He stressed that lawmakers have a
fiduciary duty to protect taxpayer funds and should focus on
economic realities rather than emotions. He concluded that the
state cannot afford such measures and that the private sector,
not government, creates the wealth being spent.
4:25:57 PM
SENATOR WIELECHOWSKI stated that according to research studies
97 percent of scientists agree humans are causing global warming
and climate change.
4:26:08 PM
MR. GRIFFIN answered that there is a lot of data on the web. He
said the EPA released a study showing the Earth isn't heating up
overall, with most warming detected only in urban areas due to
human activity and infrastructure. He argued that peer-reviewed
studies have disproven climate models related to CO2, stating
that increased CO2 benefits plants by helping them absorb more
carbon. He concluded that the data disproving mainstream climate
change theories is available for anyone to see.
4:26:59 PM
SENATOR WIELECHOWSKI commented that according to the EPA website
human activities have clearly caused global warming since the
industrial era, affecting the intensity, frequency, and duration
of extreme weather and climate events.
4:27:49 PM
BRITTANI ROBBINS, representing self, Wrangell, Alaska, testified
in support of SB 120 and shared their personal experience living
in Southeast Alaska for over 40 years, noting dramatic changes
due to climate change. She recalled snowy winters with deep snow
and frozen lakes perfect for skating, but now their children
rarely see snow or ice. She described a deadly 2023 landslide
caused by unprecedented rain and winds that destroyed homes, a
highway, and emergency access roads, highlighting increased
landslide risks across the island. She recounted a powerful 2021
windstorm that knocked out power for miles by toppling trees and
poles. These events illustrate the serious and ongoing impacts
of climate change on the community and daily life.
4:31:56 PM
MADELEINE BASS, Alaska Youth for the Environmental Action,
Juneau, Alaska, testified in support of SB 120 and emphasized
Alaska's urgent need for funding to address environmental and
community challenges caused by climate change. She cited SB 120,
which declares a state of emergency due to climate threats
impacting communities, the economy, traditional ways of life,
and ecosystems. She said many rural areas face food insecurity,
unreliable transportation, and loss of wildlife that threatens
subsistence and commercial fishing livelihoods. Homes are at
risk from flooding and erosion, and much of Alaska's
infrastructure is deteriorating. SB 120 proposes a climate
commission with experts and representatives from all regions and
key departments to develop science-based solutions.
[CHAIR KAWASAKI held SB 120 in committee.]
4:35:19 PM
At ease.
SB 107-ALASKA SUNSET COMMISSION
4:36:23 PM
CHAIR KAWASAKI reconvened the meeting and announced the
consideration of SENATE BILL NO. 107 "An Act establishing a
violation for hindering the Alaska Sunset Commission;
establishing the Alaska Sunset Commission to review, audit, and
make recommendations on discontinuation of or changes to state
entities; and relating to the powers and duties of the Alaska
Sunset Commission."
4:36:45 PM
SENATOR SHELLY HUGHES, District M, Alaska State Legislature,
Juneau, Alaska, as sponsor of SB 107 she offered brief remarks
and stating the bill would establish a sunset commission, an
independent, unpaid panel with budget and efficiency expertise
to review state agencies through finance and performance audits.
This commission would submit recommended bills to the
legislature to decide whether to continue or end ("sunset") an
agency's operations. The commission's recommendations aim to
help the governor and legislature create a more efficient budget
and ensure taxpayers get better value. Similar commissions in
other states have saved hundreds of millions of dollars by
improving agency operations. SB 107 is designed to help control
spending and contribute to Alaska's overall fiscal stability.
4:40:43 PM
MEAD TREADWELL, representing self, Anchorage, Alaska, testified
by invitation on SB 107 and stated three points:
• The current sunsetting process is disorganized, driven by
frustration and deficits, but SB 107 offers a more structured
approach with healthy debate.
• It's important to review federal authority delegation, as some
agencies bring decision-making closer to Alaskans even if
costly.
• The legislators should address duplicated efforts and use
technology to improve efficiency, like cloud computing, to
reduce costs.
MR. TREADWELL said overall, SB 107 promotes a clearer, more organized
way to review government operations.
4:44:18 PM
EIELIA PRESTON, Staff, Senator Shelly Hughes, Alaska State
Legislature, Juneau, Alaska, presented an overview of SB 107 and
moved to slide 2, Alaska Would be in Good Company. She said 10
states have Sunset Commissions and Alaska can learn from the
experiences and methods of those states to be successful.
4:44:50 PM
MS. PRESTON moved to slide 3, What Would Alaska's Sunset
Commission Do:
[Original punctuation provided.]
• Audits of all performance and finance of all
departments (divisions, sections, offices, etc.)
on a rotating basis
• Determine whether each entity should be
continued, modified, consolidated with another
entity, terminated, or enhanced
• Recommends efficiency and cost-saving
improvements to entities that are to be
continued, modified, or consolidated in a bill
draft submitted to legislature
4:45:22 PM
MS. PRESTON moved to slide 4, Composition of Commission. She
stated that the commission would be a team of seven that must
have a combination of credentials:
[Original punctuation provided.]
• Financial management
• Budgeting
• Economics
• Business operations
• Process improvement
• Government efficiency
MS. PRESTON noted that each person must hold qualifications in
at least one or more areas.
4:45:54 PM
MS. PRESTON moved to slide 5, Sunset Commission; How it Would
Work, and stated that SB 107 allows the Sunset Commission to
hire expert staff, present recommendations in bill form, and
involve the public twice in the review process. Agencies would
either continue with improvements or be abolished, with
functions transferred to the commissioner's office for up to a
year.
4:47:14 PM
MS. PRESTON moved to slide 6, Impact of Sunset Commission, and
stated that in Texas, the sunset process has streamlined
government by abolishing or consolidating nearly 100 agencies
and programs, saving $1 billion and generating an $18 return for
every $1 spent since 1985. Since 2001, 80 percent of the
recommendations from its 570 agency reviews have become state
law.
4:48:00 PM
SENATOR HUGHES moved to slide 7, The Impact of a Sunset
Commission, and read the following:
[Original punctuation provided.]
• Higher level of government accountability and
performance
• Dissolved state entities that are redundant,
ineffective, or inefficient
• Improved policies and procedures for public
services
• Millions of dollars in savings that can be
reallocated toward other budget areas where
needed
• Targeted revenue resources to ensure efficient
and effective government services
• Encourage greater participation and public input
SENATOR HUGHES stated that the Sunset Commission audit process
includes two opportunities for public input and, while housed in
the executive branch for constitutional reasons, operates
independently from the governor's authority.
4:49:52 PM
CHAIR KAWASAKI announced invited testimony on SB 107.
4:51:06 PM
ERIK BEVERLY, Executive Director, Texas Sunset Commission,
Austin, Texas, testified by invitation on SB 107 and stated that
the Texas Sunset Advisory Commission is a legislative agency
that reviews state agencies to determine if they are still
needed and how well they serve the public. Unless lawmakers vote
to continue an agency, it will be abolished. He said the
Commission is made up of legislators and public members,
supported by professional staff. The commission operates in
three phases: evaluation (research and public input),
deliberation (public hearings and decision meetings), and
legislative action (passing bills based on recommendations). He
said since 1977, the process has saved taxpayers over $1
billion, eliminated or consolidated dozens of agencies, and
improved government efficiency, transparency, and
accountability. Most agencies are reviewed every 12 years, with
about 22 reviews conducted each year. He stated that in the
current session, they have identified $147 million in potential
additional savings.
4:57:19 PM
DENNIS HULL, State Affairs Manager, Americans for Tax Reform,
Washington, D.C., testified by invitation on SB 107 and stated
Americans for Tax Reform (ATR), founded in 1985 at President
Reagan's request, advocates for lower taxes and smaller,
accountable government and is best achieved by removing
government from "autopilot." He argued that agencies often
request and receive budget increases without adequate scrutiny
due to a lack of financial transparency. SB 107 addresses that
gap by creating a Sunset Commission that reviews agencies,
drafts recommendations directly into bill form, holds public
hearings, and sunsets agencies if action isn't taken. ATR
supports SB 107 as a serious, well-structured reform with expert
input and real accountability, unlike many similar efforts in
other states.
5:01:32 PM
SENATOR HUGHES stated her belief that SB 107 is the piece of the
puzzle that will put the state of Alaska back in order.
5:01:56 PM
CHAIR KAWASAKI held SB 107 in committee.
SJR 13-APPOINTMENT OF STATE JUDGES
5:02:03 PM
CHAIR KAWASAKI announced the consideration of SENATE JOINT
RESOLUTION NO. 13 Proposing amendments to the Constitution of
the State of Alaska relating to the appointment of state judges
by the governor.
5:03:03 PM
TREG TAYLOR, Attorney General, State of Alaska, presented SJR 13
and stated that the Governor's proposal aims to restore public
trust in Alaska's judicial system by shifting some authority
from the Alaska Judicial Council to the legislature and
Governor. The legislature would set detailed qualifications for
judges, and the Governor could choose from all qualified
candidates, adjusting the checks and balances between branches
to increase confidence in the judiciary.
5:07:37 PM
CHAIR KAWASAKI held SJR 13 in committee.
5:08:27 PM
There being no further business to come before the committee,
Chair Kawasaki adjourned the Senate State Affairs Standing
Committee meeting at 5:08 p.m.