Legislature(2025 - 2026)BELTZ 105 (TSBldg)
05/06/2025 03:30 PM Senate STATE AFFAIRS
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| Audio | Topic |
|---|---|
| Start | |
| SB104 | |
| SB152 | |
| HB121 | |
| Adjourn |
* first hearing in first committee of referral
+ teleconferenced
= bill was previously heard/scheduled
+ teleconferenced
= bill was previously heard/scheduled
| += | SB 104 | TELECONFERENCED | |
| + | SB 152 | TELECONFERENCED | |
| += | HB 121 | TELECONFERENCED | |
ALASKA STATE LEGISLATURE
SENATE STATE AFFAIRS STANDING COMMITTEE
May 6, 2025
4:01 p.m.
MEMBERS PRESENT
Senator Jesse Bjorkman, Vice Chair
Senator Bill Wielechowski
Senator Elvi Gray-Jackson
Senator Robert Yundt
MEMBERS ABSENT
Senator Scott Kawasaki, Chair
COMMITTEE CALENDAR
SENATE BILL NO. 104
"An Act relating to the transfer of a title on the death of the
owner; and providing for an effective date."
- HEARD & HELD
SENATE BILL NO. 152
"An Act renaming Ruby Airport as Harold Esmailka Airport; and
providing for an effective date."
- HEARD & HELD
HOUSE BILL NO. 121
"An Act relating to the practice of accounting; and providing
for an effective date."
- HEARD & HELD
PREVIOUS COMMITTEE ACTION
BILL: SB 104
SHORT TITLE: VEHICLES/BOATS: TRANSFER ON DEATH TITLE
SPONSOR(s): SENATOR(s) KAWASAKI
02/19/25 (S) READ THE FIRST TIME - REFERRALS
02/19/25 (S) TRA, STA
03/20/25 (S) TRA AT 1:30 PM BUTROVICH 205
03/20/25 (S) Heard & Held
03/20/25 (S) MINUTE(TRA)
04/10/25 (S) TRA AT 1:30 PM BUTROVICH 205
04/10/25 (S) <Bill Hearing Canceled>
04/24/25 (S) TRA AT 1:30 PM BUTROVICH 205
04/24/25 (S) Moved SB 104 Out of Committee
04/24/25 (S) MINUTE(TRA)
04/25/25 (S) TRA RPT 3DP
04/25/25 (S) DP: TOBIN, STEDMAN, KIEHL
05/01/25 (S) STA AT 3:30 PM BELTZ 105 (TSBldg)
05/01/25 (S) Heard & Held
05/01/25 (S) MINUTE(STA)
05/06/25 (S) STA AT 3:30 PM BELTZ 105 (TSBldg)
BILL: SB 152
SHORT TITLE: HAROLD ESMAILKA AIRPORT AT RUBY
SPONSOR(s): SENATOR(s) CRONK
03/31/25 (S) READ THE FIRST TIME - REFERRALS
03/31/25 (S) TRA, STA
04/10/25 (S) TRA AT 1:30 PM BUTROVICH 205
04/10/25 (S) Heard & Held
04/10/25 (S) MINUTE(TRA)
04/15/25 (S) TRA AT 1:30 PM BUTROVICH 205
04/15/25 (S) Moved SB 152 Out of Committee
04/15/25 (S) MINUTE(TRA)
04/18/25 (S) TRA RPT 3DP 2NR
04/18/25 (S) DP: BJORKMAN, TOBIN, KIEHL
04/18/25 (S) NR: STEDMAN, SHOWER
05/06/25 (S) STA AT 3:30 PM BELTZ 105 (TSBldg)
BILL: HB 121
SHORT TITLE: ACCOUNTING; PRACTICE PRIVILEGE
SPONSOR(s): REPRESENTATIVE(s) SCHRAGE
02/28/25 (H) READ THE FIRST TIME - REFERRALS
02/28/25 (H) L&C
03/10/25 (H) L&C AT 3:15 PM BARNES 124
03/10/25 (H) -- MEETING CANCELED --
03/12/25 (H) L&C AT 3:15 PM BARNES 124
03/12/25 (H) Heard & Held
03/12/25 (H) MINUTE(L&C)
03/14/25 (H) L&C AT 3:15 PM BARNES 124
03/14/25 (H) Moved HB 121 Out of Committee
03/14/25 (H) MINUTE(L&C)
03/17/25 (H) L&C RPT 5DP 1NR
03/17/25 (H) DP: COULOMBE, BURKE, NELSON, HALL,
FIELDS
03/17/25 (H) NR: CARRICK
03/17/25 (H) L&C AT 3:15 PM BARNES 124
03/17/25 (H) <Bill Hearing Canceled>
03/24/25 (H) TRANSMITTED TO (S)
03/24/25 (H) VERSION: HB 121
03/26/25 (S) READ THE FIRST TIME - REFERRALS
03/26/25 (S) EDC, L&C
04/09/25 (S) EDC REFERRAL REMOVED
04/09/25 (S) STA REFERRAL ADDED
04/22/25 (S) STA AT 3:30 PM BELTZ 105 (TSBldg)
04/22/25 (S) Heard & Held
04/22/25 (S) MINUTE(STA)
05/06/25 (S) STA AT 3:30 PM BELTZ 105 (TSBldg)
WITNESS REGISTER
JENNA COLQUHOUN, Staff
Senator Scott Kawasaki
Alaska State Legislature
Juneau, Alaska
POSITION STATEMENT: Provided a brief recap and sectional
analysis for SB 104.
SENATOR MIKE CRONK, District R
Alaska State Legislature
Juneau, Alaska
POSITION STATEMENT: Sponsor of SB 152.
CYNTHIA ERIKSON, representing self
Ruby, Alaska
POSITION STATEMENT: Testified by invitation on SB 152.
KATIE KANGAS Mayor
City of Ruby
Ruby, Alaska
POSITION STATEMENT: Testified by invitation on SB 152.
CHARLIE GREEN, Chief
Louden Tribe
Galena, Alaska
POSITION STATEMENT: Testified by invitation on SB 152.
JOE HAYES, Staff
Senator Scott Kawasaki
Alaska State Legislature
Juneau, Alaska
POSITION STATEMENT: Presented the summary of changes from
version N to version G of HB 121.
REPRESENTATIVE CALVIN SCHRAGE, District 12
Alaska State Legislature
Juneau, Alaska
POSITION STATEMENT: Sponsor of HB 121.
BETH STUART, Member
State Board of Accountants
Anchorage, Alaska
POSITION STATEMENT: Answered question regarding HB 121.
ACTION NARRATIVE
4:01:32 PM
VICE-CHAIR BJORKMAN called the Senate State Affairs Standing
Committee meeting to order at 4:01 p.m. Present at the call to
order were Senators Wielechowski, Gray-Jackson, Yundt and Vice-
Chair Bjorkman.
SB 104-VEHICLES/BOATS: TRANSFER ON DEATH TITLE
4:02:30 PM
VICE-CHAIR BJORKMAN announced the consideration of SENATE BILL
NO. 104 "An Act relating to the transfer of a title on the death
of the owner; and providing for an effective date."
4:02:54 PM
JENNA COLQUHOUN, Staff, Senator Scott Kawasaki, Alaska State
Legislature, Juneau, Alaska, provided a brief recap of SB 104
and stated that the legislation would extend transfer-on-death
(TOD) deeds, established under the Uniform Real Property
Transfer on Death Act of 2014, to boats and other vehicles
licensed by the DMV.
MS. COLQUHOUN read the sectional analysis for SB 104:
[Original punctuation provided.]
Sectional Analysis
Section 1:
Adds a new section under AS 05.25 that allows owners
of boats, for which the Department of Administration
(DOA) issues titles, to obtain a transfer on death
(TOD) title.
4:03:40 PM
MS. COLQUHOUN continued with the sectional analysis for SB 104:
Section 2:
Amends AS 13.33.101(a) to add a transfer of boat or
vehicle by a TOD title to the existing list of
acceptable nonprobate transferable property.
Section 3:
Creates a provision under AS 13.33 for a transfer on
death title for boats and vehicles. Crates and defines
the mechanism through the Division of Motor Vehicles
(DMV), by which individuals will obtain, revoke, or
change their transfer on death title and defines the
parameters of the transfer on death title.
(a)-(c) Obtaining a TOD Title
• Creates a provision under AS 13.33 for a transfer on
death title for vehicles and boats for which DoA
issues titles.
? This includes some manufactured homes for which the
DMV issues titles under AS 45.29.102(66). These homes
are without a permanent foundation and transportable
in one or more sections.
• Requires that the transfer of title to the
designated beneficiary occurs when the sole owner or
last surviving joint owner of the vehicle dies.
• Requires that owners of the boats or vehicles file a
form through the DMV and pay associated fees to apply
for a TOD title.
• Limits the TOD titles to two beneficiaries.
(d) TOD titles effective without notice or
consideration
• Provides that TOD titles will not require notice or
acceptance by the designated beneficiary.
• Provides that TOD titles will not be subject to
consideration, the process by which there is an
exchange or "quid pro quo" required from the recipient
of the assets.
? Language taken from TOD deed statute under AS
13.48.060.
(e) TOD titles are nontestamentary
• States that TOD titles are nontestamentary, meaning
that the associated vehicles do not need to be
provided for in the decedent's will.
4:05:38 PM
MS. COLQUHOUN continued with the sectional analysis of SB 104:
(f)-(g) Revocation or Change of TOD titles
• Provides that the owner may revoke or change the
designated beneficiary on the TOD at any time without
the beneficiary's consent.
• Explains the process by which owners may revoke or
change a TOD title.
? The owner can either assign and deliver the
certificate of the title for the vehicle to another
person, thereby revoking the TOD title, or;
? File with the DMV to reissue the title without a
designated beneficiary or with a different designated
beneficiary.
(h) Designated beneficiaries right to disclaim
interest
• Allows designated beneficiaries to refuse the boat
or vehicle designated to them in a TOD title. ?
Language taken from TOD deed statue under AS
13.48.100.
(i) TOD titles subject to decedent's creditors,
contracts, etc.
• Subjects the TOD title to creditor's claims against
the owner's estate, as well as to other interests,
contracts, liens, encumbrances, assignments, and other
interests.
• These interests remain attached to the boat or
vehicle after it is transferred to the designated
beneficiary.
(j-m) Enforcing liability upon TOD titles
• Imposes the same procedures for enforcing liability
upon TOD titles that is applied to TOD deeds under AS
13.48.110 and AS 13.48.088.
? Provides that the estate may enforce liability
against boats or vehicles with TOD titles if the
owner's estate does not cover an allowed claim.
? States that if there are multiple vehicles and/or
boats, and a liability exists in the deceased's
estate, the liability will be apportioned to each
asset in proportion to its net value.
? Requires that a proceeding to enforce a liability
must begin within 12 months of the owner's passing and
can only begin once proper notification to
beneficiaries has occurred.
? Stipulates that TOD titles do not affect rights of
ownership before the owner's death, and do not affect
rights of the designated beneficiary or creditors of
the owner(s).
? TOD titles do not give legal or equitable preference
to the designated beneficiary.
? TOD titles do not affect designated beneficiaries'
eligibility for state public assistance.
4:07:47 PM
MS. COLQUHOUN continued with the sectional analysis for SB 104:
(n-p) Uniform standard of survivorship, requirements
to receive TOD title
• Requires that the designated beneficiary survive the
previous owner by 120 hours.
• Requires that the designated beneficiary submit
proof of the owner's death and an application and
associated fees to the DMV.
• If there are two beneficiaries listed on the TOD
title, they become joint owners.
(q) TOD titles may not be changed by other instruments
• Provides that TOD titles may only be changed by the
process outlined in section 3 and not by a will or any
other instrument.
(r) Gives the DOA authority to develop regulations to
implement the TOD titles, establish necessary forms
and fees, etc.
(s) Definitions
Section 4:
Amends AS 13.48.110(c) to add a person acting on
behalf of the surviving spouse of the decedent to the
list of people who may demand to enforce liability
against the decedents' property.
4:08:47 PM
MS. COLQUHOUN continued with the sectional analysis for SB 104:
Section 5:
Adds a new section to AS 28.10.275, relating to
vehicle titles, to clearly state that owners of
vehicles for which the DMV issues titles may obtain at
TOD title.
Section 6:
Gives the DoA authority to develop necessary
regulations.
Section 7:
Applies an immediate effective date to section 6 of
the bill to allow the department to develop
regulations.
Section 8:
Apples an effective date of July 1, 2025 to the
legislation except for section 7.
4:09:38 PM
VICE-CHAIR BJORKMAN opened public testimony on SB 104; finding
none, he closed public testimony.
4:10:11 PM
VICE-CHAIR BJORKMAN held SB 104 in committee.
4:10:15 PM
At ease.
SB 152-HAROLD ESMAILKA AIRPORT AT RUBY
4:11:45 PM
VICE-CHAIR BJORKMAN reconvened the meeting and announced the
consideration of SENATE BILL NO. 152 "An Act renaming Ruby
Airport as Harold Esmailka Airport; and providing for an
effective date."
4:12:11 PM
SENATOR MIKE CRONK, District R, Alaska State Legislature,
Juneau, Alaska sponsor of SB 152 read the sponsor statement:
[Original punctuation provided.]
"An Act renaming the Ruby Airport as Harold Esmailka
Airport; and providing for an effective date." One of
our most important obligations as a State Legislature
is to honor Alaska's community leaders and
extraordinary citizens. SB 152 would recognize the
contributions of Harold Esmailka to the community of
Ruby and Alaska's aviation industry by renaming Ruby
Airport to Harold Esmailka Airport.
Harold Esmailka, of Ruby, is a pioneer in Alaskan
aviation. Over his lengthy career as a pilot, Harold
flew across Alaska and has gotten to know people in
dozens of Alaskan communities. In 1954, after
concluding his service in the U.S. Army, Harold bought
his first airplane - a 65-horsepower Aeronca Chief.
Ten years later he and his wife, Florence, settled in
Ruby and opened the Ruby Trading Company general
store, which provided groceries and goods for the
community.
In 1970, Mr. Esmailka opened Harold's Air Service,
which grew to service 63 Alaskan villages and had 28
aircraft in its fleet. Harold's Air Service provided
medivac services to Alaska's Interior and grew so
large that he moved its base to Galena to accommodate
its commercial needs. In 1982, Harold sold Harold's
Air Service with plans to retire but his heart
called him back to the skies; just four years later he
purchased Tanana Air Service and built the company
into a small trailblazer for Interior aviation.
Harold based Tanana Air Service out of Fairbanks,
where it provided mail, cargo, passenger
transportation services to more than 80 communities.
While Harold operated Tanana Air Service, he provided
free transportation to the brothers, sisters, and
clergy in Fairbanks Catholic Diocese as they traveled
to local villages.
SB 152 renames the Ruby Airport to the Harold Esmailka
Airport, paying homage to an incredible father,
husband, veteran, entrepreneur, and Alaskan aviation
legend.
4:14:34 PM
VICE- BJORKMAN announced invited testimony on SB 152.
4:14:49 PM
CYNTHIA ERIKSON, representing self, Ruby, Alaska, testified by
invitation on SB 152 shared memories of growing up in Ruby with
her father, a bush pilot who provided vital air service to the
community for over 60 years. She recalled clearing runways,
lighting them with fuel cans, and waiting anxiously for him
during storms. Her father delivered supplies, rescued people in
extreme weather, and even helped bring babies into the world. He
inspired many, including Native pilots, and gave young people
opportunities in aviation. Despite having only an eighth-grade
education and English as a second language, he succeeded through
perseverance and hard work in a field dominated by non-Natives.
She said naming the Ruby airport after him would honor not only
his legacy, but also the many lives he touched and the path he
paved for future generations.
4:18:38 PM
KATIE KANGAS Mayor, City of Ruby, Ruby, Alaska, testified by
invitation on SB 152 stated that Harold Esmailk spent more than
two-thirds of his life in aviation, growing from flying a two-
seater at age 23 to managing a fleet that served many villages.
He witnessed the Ruby airport's evolution from a simple landing
strip to a modern field and played a vital role in connecting
Yukon River communities. Known for his humility and generosity,
Harold often went out of his way to help whether transporting
injured pets, assisting sick children, or responding to
emergencies. She said over 60 letters praised his impact,
reflecting the deep gratitude of those he served.
4:21:31 PM
CHARLIE GREEN, Chief, Louden Tribe, Galena, Alaska, testified by
invitation on SB 152 stated that at 94, Harold is celebrated as
a strong Alaska Native role model who overcame addiction and
abuse, inspiring youth and leaders alike. Alongside his wife, he
founded Harold's Air Service, which provided vital passenger and
mail service to interior Alaska communities. He said despite
financial success, Harold continues to live in Ruby, showing his
deep commitment to his people. Honoring Harold by naming the
Ruby Airport after him would recognize both his legacy and the
pride of Alaska Native people.
4:24:10 PM
VICE-CHAIR BJORKMAN opened public testimony on SB 152; finding
none, he closed public testimony.
4:24:54 PM
VICE-CHAIR BJORKMAN held SB 152 in committee.
4:25:00 PM
At ease.
HB 121-ACCOUNTING; PRACTICE PRIVILEGE
4:25:54 PM
VICE-CHAIR BJORKMAN reconvened the meeting and announced the
consideration of HOUSE BILL NO. 121 "An Act relating to the
practice of accounting; and providing for an effective date."
4:26:14 PM
VICE-CHAIR BJORKMAN solicited a motion.
4:26:17 PM
SENATOR GRAY-JACKSON moved to adopt the Senate committee
substitute (SCS) for HB 121 work order 34-LS0382\G, as the
working document.
4:26:34 PM
VICE-CHAIR BJORKMAN objected for purposes of discussion.
4:26:48 PM
JOE HAYES, Staff, Senator Scott Kawasaki, Alaska State
Legislature, Juneau, Alaska, presented the summary of changes
from version N to version G of HB 121 and read the following:
[Original punctuation provided.]
Summary of Changes
HB 121 Version N to CS HB 121 (STA) Version G
The following provisions were added to the bill:
Page 1 Line 1: Updates title to reflect changes in the
bill.
4:27:03 PM
MR. HAYES continued with the summary of changes for HB 121:
Section 14: New section that adds previous licensing
as a CPA under AS 08.04 as an alternative to
certification by a national guardianship group in
order to become a licensed conservator.
Section 15: New section that adds conforming language
regarding issuing temporary licenses for private
professional guardians.
Section 16: New section establishing that a temporary
license holder may submit proof of a required
guardianship certificate or CPA license to obtain a
permanent license.
Section 17: Adds a new section authorizing DCCED to
issue temporary licenses to eligible individuals
seeking a private professional conservator license.
Section 18: Adds conforming language stating that
failure to maintain either a CPA license or a national
guardianship certification is grounds for disciplinary
action.
Section 19: Amends requirements for conservatorship by
adding a mandatory education requirement to be
completed within 30 days of being appointed.
Section 20: Adds a new section that would revoke
conservatorship if an appointee does not complete the
mandatory education within 30 days. The court is
required to remove an individual under this section
and appoint a replacement.
Section 21: Conforming changes to rule 17(e) of the
Alaska Rules of Probate Procedure. This change will
ensure the same education requirements will apply and
that they are consistent in both law and court
procedure.
Section 23: establishes an immediate effective date
for sections 14-21.
The following provisions remain unchanged:
Section 1-13: Unchanged
Section 24: Unchanged, former section 15
Section 22: Unchanged, former section 14
4:29:23 PM
VICE-CHAIR BJORKMAN removed his objection
4:29:31 PM
VICE-CHAIR BJORKMAN found no further objection and SCS HB 121
was adopted as the working document.
4:30:09 PM
VICE-CHAIR BJORKMAN asked for a recap of HB 121 and an
explanation of how the changes in the committee substitute
affect the underlying bill.
4:30:24 PM
REPRESENTATIVE CALVIN SCHRAGE, District 12, Alaska State
Legislature, Juneau, Alaska, sponsor of HB 121 presented a recap
of the bill and stated that the committee substitute does not
change the underlying bill. He said the committee substitute
adds CPAs to those eligible for conservatorship and requires a
one-hour training for conservators. HB 121 reduces the education
requirement for CPAs from 150 to 120 credits, eliminating the
extra year of school. He said HB 121 also grants out-of-state
accounting firms the same mobility as individual CPAs, expanding
access to accounting services in Alaska and increasing
opportunities for aspiring CPAs.
4:32:35 PM
VICE CHAIR BJORKMAN opened public testimony on HB 121; finding
none, he closed public testimony.
4:33:18 PM
VICE-CHAIR BJORKMAN asked whether the State Board of Accountants
has an opinion on CPAs being automatically considered as
conservators without going through the current legal process.
4:33:52 PM
BETH STUART, CPA, Board of State Accountancy, Anchorage, Alaska,
answered a question on HB 121 and answered that the Board of
State Accountancy discussed the changes and did not have any
concerns.
4:34:11 PM
REPRESENTATIVE SCHRAGE stated that HB 121 does not make CPAs
automatic conservators; it simply allows CPA certification to
substitute for the credentialing process. He said applicants
must still apply and be approved.
4:35:09 PM
VICE-CHAIR BJORKMAN held HB 121 in committee.
4:36:06 PM
There being no further business to come before the committee,
Vice Chair Bjorkman adjourned the Senate State Affairs Standing
Committee meeting at 4:36 p.m.