05/08/2025 03:30 PM Senate STATE AFFAIRS
| Audio | Topic |
|---|---|
| Start | |
| SB152 | |
| SB104 | |
| HB121 | |
| HB75 | |
| SB166 | |
| SB177 | |
| Adjourn |
+ teleconferenced
= bill was previously heard/scheduled
| + | SB 152 | TELECONFERENCED | |
| += | SB 104 | TELECONFERENCED | |
| += | HB 121 | TELECONFERENCED | |
| *+ | HB 75 | TELECONFERENCED | |
| *+ | SB 166 | TELECONFERENCED | |
| *+ | SB 177 | TELECONFERENCED | |
ALASKA STATE LEGISLATURE
SENATE STATE AFFAIRS STANDING COMMITTEE
May 8, 2025
3:32 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
OTHER LEGISLATORS PRESENT
Senator Jesse Kiehl
COMMITTEE CALENDAR
SENATE BILL NO. 152
"An Act renaming Ruby Airport as Harold Esmailka Airport; and
providing for an effective date."
- MOVED SB 152 OUT OF COMMITTEE
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."
- MOVED SB 104 OUT OF COMMITTEE
HOUSE BILL NO. 121
"An Act relating to the practice of accounting; and providing
for an effective date."
- MOVED SCS HB 121(STA) OUT OF COMMITTEE
COMMITTEE SUBSTITUTE FOR HOUSE BILL NO. 75(STA)
"An Act relating to national criminal history record checks for
certain employees of the Department of Revenue; relating to
allowable absences for eligibility for a permanent fund
dividend; relating to the confidentiality of certain information
provided on a permanent fund dividend application; relating to
electronic notice of debt collection executed on a permanent
fund dividend; and providing for an effective date."
- MOVED SCS CSHB 75(STA) OUT OF COMMITTEE
SENATE BILL NO. 166
"An Act relating to notice requirements for certain state
actions."
- HEARD & HELD
SENATE BILL NO. 177
"An Act relating to the elimination or modification of state
agency publications that are outdated, duplicative, or
excessive."
- HEARD & HELD
PREVIOUS COMMITTEE ACTION
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)
05/06/25 (S) Heard & Held
05/06/25 (S) MINUTE(STA)
05/08/25 (S) STA AT 3:30 PM BELTZ 105 (TSBldg)
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)
05/06/25 (S) Heard & Held
05/06/25 (S) MINUTE(STA)
05/08/25 (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)
05/06/25 (S) Heard & Held
05/06/25 (S) MINUTE(STA)
05/08/25 (S) STA AT 3:30 PM BELTZ 105 (TSBldg)
BILL: HB 75
SHORT TITLE: PERM FUND; EMPLOYMENT; ELIGIBILITY
SPONSOR(s): REPRESENTATIVE(s) BYNUM
01/31/25 (H) READ THE FIRST TIME - REFERRALS
01/31/25 (H) STA, L&C
02/18/25 (H) STA AT 3:15 PM GRUENBERG 120
02/18/25 (H) Heard & Held
02/18/25 (H) MINUTE(STA)
02/22/25 (H) STA AT 1:00 PM GRUENBERG 120
02/22/25 (H) Heard & Held
02/22/25 (H) MINUTE(STA)
02/27/25 (H) STA AT 3:15 PM GRUENBERG 120
02/27/25 (H) Moved CSHB 75(STA) Out of Committee
02/27/25 (H) MINUTE(STA)
02/28/25 (H) STA RPT CS(STA) 5DP
02/28/25 (H) DP: HOLLAND, HIMSCHOOT, MOORE, STORY,
CARRICK
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)
03/17/25 (H) L&C AT 3:15 PM BARNES 124
03/17/25 (H) Moved CSHB 75(STA) Out of Committee
03/17/25 (H) MINUTE(L&C)
03/21/25 (H) L&C RPT CS(STA) 5DP 2AM
03/21/25 (H) DP: CARRICK, COULOMBE, BURKE, HALL,
FIELDS
03/21/25 (H) AM: NELSON, SADDLER
04/14/25 (H) NOT TAKEN UP 4/14 - ON 4/15 CALENDAR
04/16/25 (H) TRANSMITTED TO (S)
04/16/25 (H) VERSION: CSHB 75(STA)
04/22/25 (S) READ THE FIRST TIME - REFERRALS
04/22/25 (S) STA
05/08/25 (S) STA AT 3:30 PM BELTZ 105 (TSBldg)
BILL: SB 166
SHORT TITLE: NOTICE REQS. FOR STATE ACTIONS
SPONSOR(s): RULES BY REQUEST OF THE GOVERNOR
04/09/25 (S) READ THE FIRST TIME - REFERRALS
04/09/25 (S) STA, RES
05/08/25 (S) STA AT 3:30 PM BELTZ 105 (TSBldg)
BILL: SB 177
SHORT TITLE: STATE AGENCY PUBLICATIONS
SPONSOR(s): RULES BY REQUEST OF THE GOVERNOR
04/22/25 (S) READ THE FIRST TIME - REFERRALS
04/22/25 (S) STA, FIN
05/08/25 (S) STA AT 3:30 PM BELTZ 105 (TSBldg)
WITNESS REGISTER
SENATOR MIKE CRONK, District R
Alaska State Legislature
Juneau, Alaska
POSITION STATEMENT: Sponsor of SB 152.
JENNA COLQUHOUN, Staff
Senator Scott Kawasaki
Alaska State Legislature
Juneau, Alaska
POSITION STATEMENT: Provided a brief recap of SB 104.
AMANDA NDEMO, Staff
Representative Calvin Schrage
Alaska State Legislature
Juneau, Alaska
POSITION STATEMENT: Provided a brief recap of HB 121.
TREVOR SHAW, Staff
Representative Jeremy Bynum
Alaska State Legislature
Juneau, Alaska
POSITION STATEMENT: Presented an overview of HB 75.
RICK BERKOWITZ, representing self
Seattle, Washington
POSITION STATEMENT: Testified in support of HB 75.
RALPH MIRSKY, Executive Director
Sealink Inc.
Ketchikan, Alaska
POSITION STATEMENT: Testified in support of HB 75.
REPRESENTATIVE JEREMY BYNUM, District 1
Alaska State Legislature
Juneau, Alaska
POSITION STATEMENT: Sponsor of HB 75.
GENEVIEVE WOJTUSIK, DIRECTOR
Permanent Fund Dividend Division
Department of Revenue
Juneau, Alaska
POSITION STATEMENT: Answered questions about HB 75.
JASON OLDS, Director
Division of Air Quality
Department of Environmental Conservation (DEC)
Juneau, Alaska
POSITION STATEMENT: Presented SB 166.
ACTION NARRATIVE
3:32:55 PM
CHAIR KAWASAKI called the Senate State Affairs Standing
Committee meeting to order at 3:32 p.m. Present at the call to
order were Senators Bjorkman, Wielechowski, Yundt and Chair
Kawasaki. Senator Gray- Jackson arrived thereafter.
SB 152-HAROLD ESMAILKA AIRPORT AT RUBY
3:34:27 PM
CHAIR KAWASAKI announced the consideration of SENATE BILL NO.
152 "An Act renaming Ruby Airport as Harold Esmailka Airport;
and providing for an effective date."
3:34:45 PM
SENATOR MIKE CRONK, District R, Alaska State Legislature,
Juneau, Alaska sponsor of SB 152 provided a brief recap and
stated that the legislation is a simple act of renaming Ruby
Airport after Harold Emailka.
3:35:06 PM
CHAIR KAWASAKI solicited the will of the committee.
3:35:09 PM
SENATOR BJORKMAN moved to report SB 152, work order 34-LS0813\N,
from committee with individual recommendations and attached
fiscal note(s).
3:35:29 PM
CHAIR KAWASAKI found no objection and SB 152 was reported from
the Senate State Affairs Standing Committee.
SB 104-VEHICLES/BOATS: TRANSFER ON DEATH TITLE
3:35:51 PM
CHAIR KAWASAKI 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."
3:36:07 PM
JENNA COLQUHOUN, Staff, Senator Scott Kawasaki, Alaska State
Legislature, Juneau, Alaska, provided a brief recap of SB 104
and stated that the legislation builds on the Uniform Real
Property Transfer on Death Act by extending Transfer on Death
(TOD) deeds to boats and other DMV-registered vehicles. SB 104
aims to reduce probate costs for Alaskans, free probate courts
to focus on more complex cases, and expand access to this estate
planning tool for most residents.
3:36:51 PM
CHAIR KAWASAKI opened public testimony on SB 104; finding none,
he closed public testimony.
3:37:06 PM
CHAIR KAWASAKI solicited the will of the committee.
3:37:09 PM
SENATOR BJORKMAN moved to report SB 104, work order 34-LS0617\A,
from committee with individual recommendations and attached
fiscal note(s).
3:37:25 PM
CHAIR KAWASAKI found no objection and SB 104 was reported from
the Senate State Affairs Standing Committee.
HB 121-ACCOUNTING; PRACTICE PRIVILEGE
3:37:40 PM
CHAIR KAWASAKI announced the consideration of HOUSE BILL NO. 121
"An Act relating to the practice of accounting; and providing
for an effective date."
[SCS HB 121(STA) adopted in last meeting.]
3:38:05 PM
AMANDA NDEMO, Staff, Representative Calvin Schrage, Alaska State
Legislature, Juneau, Alaska, provided a brief recap of HB 121
and stated that the legislation updates the Accountancy Act by
lowering credit requirements for accountants and revising
conservatorship requirements as they apply to CPAs.
3:38:47 PM
CHAIR KAWASAKI opened public testimony on SCS HB 121; finding
none, he closed public testimony.
3:39:33 PM
CHAIR KAWASAKI solicited the will of the committee.
3:39:36 PM
SENATOR BJORKMAN moved to report SCS HB 121, work order 34-
LS0382\G, from committee with individual recommendations and
attached fiscal note(s).
3:40:03 PM
CHAIR KAWASAKI found no objection and SCS HB 121(STA) was
reported from the Senate State Affairs Standing Committee.
HB 75-PERM FUND; EMPLOYMENT; ELIGIBILITY
3:40:33 PM
CHAIR KAWASAKI announced the consideration of CS FOR HOUSE BILL
NO. 75(STA) "An Act relating to national criminal history record
checks for certain employees of the Department of Revenue;
relating to allowable absences for eligibility for a permanent
fund dividend; relating to the confidentiality of certain
information provided on a permanent fund dividend application;
relating to electronic notice of debt collection executed on a
permanent fund dividend; and providing for an effective date."
3:40:55 PM
TREVOR SHAW, Staff, Representative Jeremy Bynum, Alaska State
Legislature, Juneau, Alaska, presented an overview of HB 75. He
disclosed the companion legislation to HB 75 is SB 77 by Senator
Kiehl and read an overview:
[Original punctuation provided.]
Section 1. Requires the Permanent Fund Division to
conduct background checks on and fingerprint its
employees and applicants for employment within the
Division.
Section 2. Modifies the allowable absences for
Permanent Fund Dividend eligibility to include:
• Absences for school breaks and holiday, not
including summer break, during the academic year.
• Education (1) to become a merchant mariner, and
(2) through other vocational programs approved by
the United States Coast Guard.
• Prevents medical absences from limiting the
length of voluntary absences.
• Changes "armed forces" to "uniformed services"
Section 3. Provides the definition for "uniformed
services" to encompass the armed forces and the
Commissioned Corps of the National Oceanic and
Atmospheric Administration and the United States
Public Health Service, and renumbers other provisions
of the statute accordingly.
Section 4. Aligns to Sect 1., requiring the Permanent
Fund Division to conduct background checks on and
fingerprint its employees and applicants for
employment within the Division.
Section 5. Makes the names of Permanent Fund Dividend
applicants confidential.
Section 6. Allows an opt-in option for Permanent Fund
Dividend recipients to receive levy notices
electronically.
3:42:41 PM
MR. SHAW read the letter of intent:
[Original punctuation provided.]
AS 43.23.005(c) lets a parent, guardian, or other
authorized representative file for a permanent fund
dividend on behalf of a minor child or disabled adult.
The statute requires the child or disabled adult to be
eligible in the same manner as other Alaskans. It does
not require the sponsor to be eligible for a permanent
fund dividend.
By regulation in 15 AAC 23.123, the Department of
Revenue does not require a disabled adult's sponsor to
be eligible for a permanent fund dividend to apply.
Despite identical statutory language, the Department
of Revenue does require the sponsor of a minor child
to be eligible for a permanent fund dividend in
regulation 15 AAC 23.113.
The regulation 15 AAC 23.113 prohibits eligible minors
from receiving a PFD if their sponsor is ineligible.
This creates hardship for minors in kinship care or
whose parents travel for work. The regulation
currently provides exceptions for minors whose parents
are ineligible because of incarceration. By repealing
or amending the regulation, the Department can use
this same model for other eligible minors sponsored by
ineligible parents or guardians.
It is the intent of the Thirty-Fourth Alaska State
Legislature that the Department of Revenue repeal or
amend regulation 15 AAC 23.113(b)(1)(a) to treat
eligible minors equitably with eligible disabled
adults by March 31, 2026. The Department of Revenue
shall report to the presiding officers of the House
and Senate on the regulation changes by March 15,
2026.
3:44:52 PM
CHAIR KAWASAKI opened public testimony on HB 75.
3:45:11 PM
RICK BERKOWITZ, representing self, Seattle, Washington,
testified in support of HB 75 and explained that the Lynch and
Mariner allowable absence provision has long been needed to
support local hire in Alaska. Since the late 1990s, companies
like Crowley and Sea Land backed legislation to ensure
vocational training outside Alaska would qualify for the PFD
allowable absence. He said over time, the Department of Revenue
narrowed the definition, creating barriers for maritime training
programs that guarantee employment upon graduation. HB 75
restores eligibility, helping Alaskans pursue federally
recognized training, secure good jobs, and strengthen local
hire.
3:49:17 PM
RALPH MIRSKY, Executive Director, Sealink Inc., Ketchikan,
Alaska, testified in support of HB 75 and highlighted that for
over 22 years in Ketchikan, the seafarers program recruited and
trained workers, placing more than 800 people through federal
grants and the Alaska Department of Labor. He said a major
challenge arose when trainees were denied the Permanent Fund
Dividend. During the salmon industry crash, a six-week
specialized program retrained 150 fishermen, many of whom stayed
in maritime work, though the loss of PFD eligibility discouraged
some from returning.
3:52:08 PM
REPRESENTATIVE JEREMY BYNUM, District 1, Alaska State
Legislature, Juneau, Alaska, sponsor of HB 75 stated that though
it may appear to make only minor legal changes, HB 75 is
considered significant for Alaska, especially Southeast Alaska's
maritime industry. HB 75 also protects students studying out of
state, modernizes health provisions, and provides long-needed
updates and safeguards within the division.
3:53:15 PM
SENATOR WIELECHOWSKI expressed concern with Section 5, [AS
43.23.110(a)] which makes the names of Permanent Fund applicants
confidential. He said constituents have used this information to
detect fraud, though the division also faces hacking risks. The
suggestion is to consider a middle ground that balances privacy
with public assurance against fraud.
3:54:32 PM
REPRESENTATIVE BYNUM emphasized the need to balance transparency
with security in managing state resources. HB 75 provisions
protect citizens from fraud while still allowing investigations
when fraud is suspected. He said members of the public can raise
concerns through available channels, and valid reports would be
investigated even with the confidentiality provision in place.
3:56:15 PM
SENATOR WIELECHOWSKI asked the PFD Division to explain why HB
75, Section 5, is necessary.
3:56:28 PM
GENEVIEVE WOJTUSIK, Director, Permanent Fund Dividend Division,
Department of Revenue, Juneau, Alaska, answered questions about
HB 75 and stated that after years of collaboration with the
Criminal Investigation Unit, CIO, and risk manager, the division
concluded that making PFD application data easily accessible
online poses unnecessary risks. She stated her belief that
confidentiality is essential and prevents more issues from
happening than HB 75 will solve.
3:57:17 PM
SENATOR WIELECHOWSKI noted that while he has not supported
similar legislation in the past, this version only protects
names. He said given the abundance of public information online,
even this limited confidentiality provides some Alaskans with
reassurance that their PFD is protected, especially against out-
of-state recipients or absentee residents.
3:58:40 PM
SENATOR BJORKMAN said that HB 75 has appeared in previous
legislative sessions and asked whether last year's version
included the same provision.
3:58:57 PM
MS. WOJTUSIK answered yes. She said last year's amended version
included the same language making the name list confidential,
though addresses have never been public. The Revenue Permanent
Fund Information (RPFI) system remains available to government
agencies, while HB 75 only removes public access. Alaskans can
still submit fraud tips to the Criminal Investigation Unit.
3:59:48 PM
SENATOR WIELECHOWSKI noted that voter lists, election records,
and property tax information are already public and expressed
uncertainty about why PFD applicant names should be excluded.
4:00:18 PM
CHAIR KAWASAKI referred to HB 75, Section 5 and asked how often
the Criminal Investigation Unit receives tips about individuals
fraudulently receiving a PFD and asked whether the Criminal
Investigation Unit tracks reports of fraudulent Permanent Fund
Dividend (PFD) activity and inquired about the frequency of such
reporting.
4:00:44 PM
MS. WOJTU answered yes, the Criminal Investigation Unit receives
hundreds of fraud tips to review, analyze and investigate.
4:00:54 PM
CHAIR KAWASAKI asked whether PFD fraud tips usually come from
credible sources, such as someone knowing an applicant no longer
lives in Alaska, or from other triggers for investigation.
4:01:13 PM
MS. WOJTUSIK replied that fraud tips can come from various
sources and may be submitted, including anonymously. She said
she could provide a written summary of the types of tips
received.
4:01:36 PM
CHAIR KAWASAKI asked where he could find the public list of
current Permanent Fund recipients names.
MS. WOJTUSIK replied that about a year and a half ago,
regulations were changed to remove the downloadable Excel list
of all PFD recipients. She said now only individual name
searches are available on the PFD website, though a printed list
can still be requested in writing.
4:02:41 PM
SENATOR BJORKMAN asked if the list requires searching for a
specific name, what level of risk does that tool pose.
4:03:04 PM
MS. WOJTUSIK replied that removing the full list online was done
by regulation, and HB 75 provides a statutory fix. She said
without it, someone could still pay for a printed copy of the
entire list and potentially misuse it. Even with name searches,
there are risks, such as using death records to file fraudulent
claims, which HB 75 aims to prevent.
4:04:00 PM
SENATOR GRAY-JACKSON joined the meeting.
4:04:27 PM
CHAIR KAWASAKI commented that he has concerns with Section 5 of
HB 75.
4:04:42 PM
SENATOR WIELECHOWSKI said his preference is to remove Section 5
of HB 75.
4:04:58 PM
At ease.
4:06:21 PM
CHAIR KAWASAKI reconvened the meeting and commented that during
the at ease the committee discussed removing Section 5 of HB 75.
SENATOR WIELECHOWSKI stated that Section 5 appears ancillary to
HB 75 and he would like it addressed under a separate bill to
avoid holding up HB 75.
4:06:29 PM
SENATOR WIELECHOWSKI moved to adopt Conceptual Amendment 1, to
CSHB 75(STA)
Conceptional Amendement 1
BY SENATOR WIELECHOWSKI
Page 6, line 28 - Page 7, line 13:
Delete all material.
4:07:12 PM
CHAIR KAWASAKI objected for purposes of discussion.
4:07:23 PM
REPRESENTATIVE BYNUM agreed it was reasonable to remove Section
5 so HB 75 could move forward with its other provisions. He
noted that both he and the co-sponsor had no objection.
4:08:01 PM
CHAIR KAWASAKI removed his objection.
4:08:10 PM
CHAIR KAWASAKI found no further objection and Conceptual
Amendment 1 to CSHB 75(STA) was adopted.
4:08:30 PM
CHAIR KAWASAKI solicited the will of the committee.
4:08:52 PM
SENATOR BJORKMAN moved to report CSHB 75(STA), work order 34-
LS0475\I, from committee, as amended, with individual
recommendations and attached fiscal note(s) and authorization
for Legislative Legal Services to make technical and conforming
changes regarding the Conceptual Amendment.
4:09:34 PM
CHAIR KAWASAKI found no objection and SCS CSHB 75(STA) was
reported from the Senate State Affairs Standing Committee.
4:09:57 PM
At ease.
SB 166-NOTICE REQS. FOR STATE ACTIONS
4:12:15 PM
CHAIR KAWASAKI reconvened the meeting and announced the
consideration of SENATE BILL NO. 166 "An Act relating to notice
requirements for certain state actions."
4:12:55 PM
JASON OLDS, Director, Division of Air Quality, Department of
Environmental Conservation (DEC), Juneau, Alaska, presented SB
166 on behalf of the administration read the following:
[Original punctuation provided.]
• This bill is closely modeled after legislation
passed by the Senate during the 33rd Legislature,
which unfortunately expired on the house floor
before adjournment on day 121 of last year. Like
its predecessor, SB 166 seeks to update and
modernize longstanding public notice practices
used by the Departments of Environmental
Conservation (DEC) and Natural Resources (DNR).
• The State is trying to meet people where they are
efficient, and without driving up the costs for
business.
• In the year we have seen notable print
circulation reduced to select days of the week.
• While we know some populations may reply on
print, the largest newspapers readership is 90%
online.
• This bill retains flexibility for print where
appropriate without strictly requiring it.
• SB 166 would amend public notice requirements for
several state actions, including those tied to
land use, water use, and regulatory processes
governed by the Administrative Procedure Act.
• The bill does not alter the substance of any
permitting or regulatory process. It simply
allows state agencies to fulfill notice
obligations through the Alaska Online Public
Notice System (OPNS), with the optionrather than
the requirementto use newspaper advertisements.
• The bill also removes mandates for multiple print
publications or geographically targeted newspaper
ads, allowing agencies to assess when additional
advertising is warranted.
• SB 166 seeks to reduce agency and private
business costs and modernize the state's current
system to align with trends in public engagement.
• The pricing for public newspapers ranges from
$500 to $1,500, this depends on the length of the
publication and the individual newspaper.
• These costs are passed on to permit applicants
and can slow down routine permitting. SB 166
helps agencies direct limited resources more
efficiently.
4:15:33 PM
MR. OLDS provided the sectional analysis for SB 166 and read the
following sectional summary:
[Original punctuation provided.]
Section 1 AS 38.05.073(c)
This section updates how the Department of Natural
Resources (DNR) gives early public notice when it's
planning to lease land for recreational development
like campgrounds or public-use cabins.
Section 2 AS 38.05.073(e)
Once DNR is ready to move forward with leasing land
for recreational purposes, this section governs how
they notify the public and interested parties.
Requires all requests for proposals (RFPs) to be
posted on the OPNS.
Section 3 AS 38.05.205(a)
This section affects how DNR announces the issuance of
mineral leases after a claim has been recorded.
Section 4 AS 38.05.945(b)
This section applies to a variety of DNR land
decisions that require public notice, such as
preliminary findings or other land use authorizations.
Section 5 AS 44.62.175
This section adds land and environmental notices under
Titles 38 and 46 to the list of required items that
must be posted on the Alaska Online Public Notice
System.
Section 6 AS 44.62.190(a)
This section updates how agencies notify the public
when proposing new regulations or amendments.
4:16:30 PM
MR. OLDS continued with the sectional analysis for SB 166:
Section 7 AS 44.62.190(f)
This is a cleanup section that modernizes expectations
around notice formatting. It acknowledges that digital
communication doesn't require a formal printed
"title."
Section 8 AS 44.62.245(b)
When agencies incorporate outside documentslike
federal manualsinto regulations, and those documents
change, the public must be notified. This section
modernizes how those updates are shared.
Section 9 AS 44.62.300(b)
This section helps protect agencies from lawsuits
based on small technical mistakes in public notices
like an unclear subject line or missing formatting.
Section 10 AS 46.03.110(b)
This section affects how the Department of
Environmental Conservation issues public notices for
waste disposal permits.
Section 11 AS 46.15.065(b)
This section applies when DEC reviews and verifies
existing water rights in a given area. It updates the
required notice process to include the OPNS as the
primary platform.
Section 12 AS 46.15.133(b):
This section modernizes notice procedures when an
agency proposes to use or sell water resources.
4:17:44 PM
CHAIR KAWASAKI expressed a concern with Section 6 of SB 166. He
noted that while many people read newspapers online, a
significant number do not. He asked how the commissioner will
decide whether to use online notices or local newspapers.
4:18:15 PM
MR. OLDS recommended using print notices for rural areas,
contentious issues, or populations with limited internet access
to ensure broad engagement. Federally required plans, like PM2.5
State Implementation Plan (SIP) are examples where this approach
is appropriate.
4:19:17 PM
CHAIR KAWASAKI expressed concern that controversial issues might
not reach everyone if published only online, noting that some
people do not use online systems.
4:19:49 PM
SENATOR WIELECHOWSKI asked what percentage of Alaskans would
have access to the online system.
4:20:00 PM
MR. OLDS replied that he has no data on accessibility but noted
that the system can be accessed via cell phones. Cell phone
access has improved over the past decade, as seen in places like
Yakutat, though no specific numbers are available.
4:20:38 PM
CHAIR KAWASAKI opened public testimony on SB 166; he found none
and kept public testimony open.
4:21:26 PM
CHAIR KAWASAKI held SB 166 in committee.
4:21:36 PM
At ease.
SB 177-STATE AGENCY PUBLICATIONS
4:24:08 PM
CHAIR KAWASAKI reconvened the meeting and announced the
consideration of SENATE BILL NO. 177 "An Act relating to the
elimination or modification of state agency publications that
are outdated, duplicative, or excessive."
CHAIR KAWASAKI stated that the governor requested all bills
submitted by him receive a hearing and the committee has
complied. He noted that SB 177 was scheduled, but the governor
chose not to send anyone to introduce it. He explained that SB
177 originated from House Bill 187, introduced by then
Representative Kaufman and passed unanimously by both bodies in
2022. He referenced a letter from the Department of Law
indicating no one was available to present the bill. He
expressed support for Senator Kaufman's plan to reintroduce
similar legislation to reduce government inefficiencies and
costs and reiterated disappointment that no representative from
the governor's office attended to introduce SB 177.
4:27:02 PM
SENATOR WIELECHOWSKI asked if the committee had received a
fiscal note.
4:27:09 PM
CHAIR KAWASAKI stated that no fiscal note has been received from
the agencies, though publishing reports across 14 principal
agencies and sub-agencies is costly. While the exact fiscal
impact is unclear, eliminating outdated or duplicative
publications under SB 177 is expected to save money. He said the
legislature may request the Governor's Office and Office of
Management and Budget (OMB) to provide an estimate.
4:28:33 PM
SENATOR WIELECHOWSKI noted that Sections 8 and 9 of SB 177 [AS
37.14.720 and AS 38.05.180(b)] repeal about 42 laws and
expressed interest in what those are. He explained SB 177 was
submitted to meet a mandate requiring agencies to identify
outdated, duplicative, or excessive publications, which likely
account for the repealed sections.
4:29:34 PM
CHAIR KAWASAKI stated that with no one available to present SB
177, it is speculative to determine whether the repealed
sections are duplicative. Without input from commissioners or
agencies involved, it is unclear how to assess them.
4:30:14 PM
SENATOR WIELECHOWSKI asked if there was anyone online from the
Governor's office to answer questions.
CHAIR KAWASAKI replied there was no one from the Governor's
office online for SB 177.
4:30:43 PM
SENATOR WIELECHOWSKI asked if the meeting was properly noticed
and if the Governor's office was aware the meeting was
occurring.
4:30:53 PM
CHAIR KAWASAKI answered yes, SB 177 was properly noticed. He
said the Department of Law sent a written response Tuesday
morning, and it is available online under Senate Bill 177.
4:31:41 PM
CHAIR KAWASAKI held SB 177 in committee.
4:32:32 PM
There being no further business to come before the committee,
Chair Kawasaki adjourned the Senate State Affairs Standing
Committee meeting at 4:32 p.m.
| Document Name | Date/Time | Subjects |
|---|---|---|
| HB 75 Version B.pdf |
SSTA 5/8/2025 3:30:00 PM |
HB 75 |
| HB 75 Version B Zero Fiscal Note.pdf |
SSTA 5/8/2025 3:30:00 PM |
HB 75 |
| HB 75 Version B Sponsor Statement 03.19.2025.pdf |
SSTA 5/8/2025 3:30:00 PM |
HB 75 |
| HB 75 Version B Sectional Analysis 03.19.2025.pdf |
SSTA 5/8/2025 3:30:00 PM |
HB 75 |
| HB 75 Version A to B Explanation of Changes 03.19.2025.pdf |
SSTA 5/8/2025 3:30:00 PM |
HB 75 |
| HB 75 Letter of Intent.pdf |
SSTA 5/8/2025 3:30:00 PM |
HB 75 |
| SB0166A.pdf |
SSTA 5/8/2025 3:30:00 PM |
SB 166 |
| 04.08.25 Public Notice TL Senate.pdf |
SSTA 5/8/2025 3:30:00 PM |
SB 166 |
| SB0166-2-2-040925-DNR-N.pdf |
SSTA 5/8/2025 3:30:00 PM |
SB 166 |
| SB0166-1-2-040925-DEC-N.pdf |
SSTA 5/8/2025 3:30:00 PM |
SB 166 |
| SB 166 Sectional Analysis Version A.pdf |
SSTA 5/8/2025 3:30:00 PM |
SB 166 |
| SB 177_Redacted.pdf |
SSTA 5/8/2025 3:30:00 PM |
SB 177 |