Legislature(2021 - 2022)
2021-03-10 House Journal
Full Journal pdf2021-03-10 House Journal Page 0295 HOUSE JOURNAL ALASKA STATE LEGISLATURE THIRTY-SECOND LEGISLATURE FIRST SESSION Juneau, Alaska Wednesday March 10, 2021 Fifty-first Day Pursuant to adjournment the House was called to order by Speaker Stutes at 10:34 a.m. Roll call showed 40 members present. The invocation was offered by the Chaplain, Representative Story. Representative Thompson moved and asked unanimous consent that the invocation be spread on the journal. There being no objection, it was so ordered. With the deepest respect for the beliefs of all Alaskans, I offer this prayer: Dear Lord, We come before you grateful for this new day and the opportunities before us. Please watch over our families and loved ones. Bless them as they go about their daily routines as we do our work. Many of us are grieving the loss of a special person, or hurting for others who we know have lost loved ones, and we ask for comfort and strength for all. We pray for those who are ill right now or injured in any way and ask that they get good medical care and the support that they need for healing. Please watch over the Iditarod racers and volunteers. We especially ask for healing for veteran racer Aliy Zirkle as she recovers from her accident. 2021-03-10 House Journal Page 0296 Thank you for the response teams to all accidents and illnesses. These dedicated professionals save lives and give us hope every day. In our work, we are grateful for the opportunities to learn from our constituents, staff, and each other. Give us energy for the tasks ahead. Help us to keep an open mind for solutions to the challenges before us. Renew our spirits and help us to form new alliances together for the good of all Alaskans. Amen. The Pledge of Allegiance was led by Representative Claman. CERTIFICATION OF THE JOURNAL Representative Tuck moved and asked unanimous consent that the journal for the 49th and 50th legislative days be approved as certified by the Chief Clerk. There being no objection, it was so ordered. MESSAGES FROM THE GOVERNOR A letter dated March 8 was read stating that on January 19 in accordance with Article III, Sections 26 and 27 of the Alaska Constitution and Alaska Statue 39.05.080, the Governor submitted a list of appointees for confirmation. The following appointee has withdrawn himself from consideration, effective immediately: Military Appeals Commission Clinton Campion The appointment had been referred to the House Special Committee on Military & Veterans' Affairs (page 211). A letter dated March 9 was read stating that, in accordance with Alaska Statute 39.05.080 and Article III, Sections 26 and 27, Constitution of the State of Alaska, the Governor submits the following names for legislative confirmation of appointment to the positions noted. 2021-03-10 House Journal Page 0297 The Speaker referred the following to the Education Committee: Professional Teaching Practices Commission Danette Peterson – Fairbanks Appointed: 3/8/2021 Term Expires: 3/1/2024 The Speaker referred the following to the Labor & Commerce Committee: Alcoholic Beverage Control Board David Koch – Anchorage Appointed: 3/8/2021 Term Expires: 3/1/2023 Board of Social Work Examiners Sharon Woodward – Juneau Appointed: 3/8/2021 Term Expires: 3/1/2022 Alaska Workers' Compensation Board Pamela Cline – Wasilla Appointed: 9/12/2012 Term Expired: 3/1/2015 Reappointed: 3/1/2015 Term Expired: 3/1/2018 Reappointed: 3/1/2018 Term Expired: 3/1/2021 Reappointed: 3/8/2021 Term Expires: 3/1/2024 Resumes for the appointments are on file in the Chief Clerk's office. The following appointee was changed from alternate to member: Military Appeals Commission Scott Oravec The appointment had been referred to the House Special Committee on Military & Veterans' Affairs (page 211). REPORTS OF STANDING COMMITTEES HSCR 1 The Health & Social Services Committee considered: HOUSE SPECIAL CONCURRENT RESOLUTION NO. 1 Disapproving Executive Order No. 119. 2021-03-10 House Journal Page 0298 The report was signed by Representatives Zulkosky and Snyder, Co- chairs, with the following individual recommendations: Do pass (5): Fields, McCarty, Spohnholz, Snyder, Zulkosky Do not pass (1): Prax No recommendation (1): Kurka The following fiscal note(s) apply: 1. Zero, House Health & Social Services Committee The Speaker directed the Chief Clerk to transmit HSCR 1 to the Senate. HB 18 The State Affairs Committee considered: HOUSE BILL NO. 18 "An Act relating to national board certification for public school teachers." The report was signed by Representative Kreiss-Tomkins, Chair, with the following individual recommendations: Do pass (3): Claman, Tarr, Kreiss-Tomkins Do not pass (1): Eastman No recommendation (1): Story Amend (2): Kaufman, Vance The following fiscal note(s) apply: 1. Zero, Dept. of Education & Early Development HB 18 was referred to the Education Committee. 2021-03-10 House Journal Page 0299 HB 76 The Health & Social Services Committee considered: HOUSE BILL NO. 76 "An Act extending the January 15, 2021, governor's declaration of a public health disaster emergency in response to the novel coronavirus disease (COVID-19) pandemic; providing for a financing plan; making temporary changes to state law in response to the COVID-19 outbreak in the following areas: occupational and professional licensing, practice, and billing; telehealth; fingerprinting requirements for health care providers; charitable gaming and online ticket sales; access to federal stabilization funds; wills; unfair or deceptive trade practices; and meetings of shareholders; and providing for an effective date." and recommends it be replaced with: CS FOR HOUSE BILL NO. 76(HSS) "An Act extending the January 15, 2021, governor's declaration of a public health disaster emergency in response to the novel coronavirus disease (COVID-19) pandemic; providing for a financing plan; making temporary changes to state law in response to the COVID-19 outbreak in the following areas: occupational and professional licensing, practice, and billing; telehealth; fingerprinting requirements for health care providers; charitable gaming and online ticket sales; access to federal stabilization funds; wills; unfair or deceptive trade practices; and meetings of shareholders; relating to informed consent for COVID-19 vaccines; relating to personal objections to the administration of COVID-19 vaccines; and providing for an effective date." The report was signed by Representatives Zulkosky and Snyder, Co- chairs, with the following individual recommendations: Do pass (4): Fields, Spohnholz, Zulkosky, Snyder Do not pass (2): Kurka, McCarty No recommendation (1): Prax 2021-03-10 House Journal Page 0300 The following fiscal note(s) apply to CSHB 76(HSS): 1. Zero, Dept. of Commerce, Community, & Economic Development 2. Zero, Dept. of Health & Social Services 3. Zero, Dept. of Public Safety 4. Indeterminate, Dept. of Military & Veterans' Affairs 5. Indeterminate, Dept. of Revenue HB 76 was referred to the Finance Committee. REPORTS OF SPECIAL COMMITTEES HB 34 The House Special Committee on Military & Veterans' Affairs considered: HOUSE BILL NO. 34 "An Act naming the Vietnam Helicopter Pilots' Memorial Bridge." The report was signed by Representative Tuck, Chair, with the following individual recommendations: Do pass (6): Claman, Tarr, Nelson, Story, Shaw, Tuck The following fiscal note(s) apply: 1. Fiscal, Dept. of Transportation & Public Facilities HB 34 was referred to the Finance Committee. HB 53 The House Special Committee on Military & Veterans' Affairs considered: HOUSE BILL NO. 53 "An Act relating to residency requirements for public school enrollment for certain children of active duty military and National Guard members." and recommends it be replaced with: 2021-03-10 House Journal Page 0301 CS FOR HOUSE BILL NO. 53(MLV) (same title) The report was signed by Representative Tuck, Chair, with the following individual recommendations: Do pass (6): Claman, Tarr, Shaw, Story, Nelson, Tuck The following fiscal note(s) apply to CSHB 53(MLV): 1. Zero, Dept. of Education & Early Development HB 53 was referred to the Education Committee. HB 80 The House Special Committee on Fisheries considered: HOUSE BILL NO. 80 "An Act establishing the sport fishing hatchery facilities account; establishing the sport fishing facility surcharge; and providing for an effective date." and recommends it be replaced with: CS FOR HOUSE BILL NO. 80(FSH) "An Act establishing the sport fishing enhancement account; establishing the sport fishing enhancement surcharge; and providing for an effective date." The report was signed by Representative Tarr, Chair, with the following individual recommendations: Do pass (5): Vance, Stutes, Kreiss-Tomkins, Story, Tarr No recommendation (1): McCabe Amend (1): Ortiz The following fiscal note(s) apply to CSHB 80(FSH): 1. Fiscal, Dept. of Fish & Game 2021-03-10 House Journal Page 0302 HB 80 was referred to the Finance Committee. HB 115 The House Special Committee on Fisheries considered: HOUSE BILL NO. 115 "An Act relating to aquatic farming and hatchery site leases; and requiring the director of the division of lands to provide the legislature with an annual report relating to aquatic farming and hatchery site leases." The report was signed by Representative Tarr, Chair, with the following individual recommendations: Do pass (7): Vance, Stutes, Story, McCabe, Kreiss-Tomkins, Ortiz, Tarr The following fiscal note(s) apply: 1. Zero, Dept. of Natural Resources HB 115 was referred to the Resources Committee. INTRODUCTION OF CITATIONS The following citations were introduced and referred to the Rules Committee for placement on the calendar: Honoring - Dr. Jerimiah "Doc" Myers By Senator Stevens In Memoriam - Myron Leroy Hosier By Representative Rauscher In Memoriam - Kathy Coll By Representative Rauscher In Memoriam - Myrtle Hamrum By Representative Rauscher 2021-03-10 House Journal Page 0303 In Memoriam - Frank Marion Rose, Jr. By Representative Prax; Senator Myers In Memoriam - Mario Luis Martinez, Sr. By Representatives Prax, Thompson; Senator Myers INTRODUCTION, FIRST READING, AND REFERENCE OF HOUSE BILLS HB 130 HOUSE BILL NO. 130 by Representative Wool, entitled: "An Act relating to exclusions from income, credits, and deductions against the Alaska net income tax; establishing an income tax on oil or gas business entities; and providing for an effective date." was read the first time and referred to the Resources and Finance Committees. HB 131 HOUSE BILL NO. 131 by Representative Carpenter, entitled: "An Act relating to filing a recall petition." was read the first time and referred to the Community & Regional Affairs and State Affairs Committees. HB 132 HOUSE BILL NO. 132 by the House Labor and Commerce Committee, entitled: "An Act relating to technical education and apprenticeships; relating to concurrent vocational education, training, and on-the- job trade experience programs for students enrolled in public secondary schools; relating to child labor; and providing for an effective date." was read the first time and referred to the Labor & Commerce, Education, and Finance Committees. 2021-03-10 House Journal Page 0304 HB 133 HOUSE BILL NO. 133 by the House Labor and Commerce Committee, entitled: "An Act relating to the Alaska savings program for eligible individuals; relating to education savings programs; relating to the Education Trust of Alaska; relating to the Alaska advance college tuition savings fund; relating to the Alaska education savings program for children; and relating to the Governor's Council on Disabilities and Special Education." was read the first time and referred to the Labor & Commerce and Finance Committees. HB 134 HOUSE BILL NO. 134 by the House Rules Committee by request of the Governor, entitled: "An Act repealing the Alaska Marine Transportation Advisory Board; establishing the Alaska Marine Highway System Operation and Planning Board; and providing for an effective date." was read the first time and referred to the Transportation and State Affairs Committees. The following fiscal note(s) apply: 1. Zero, Dept. of Transportation & Public Facilities The Governor's transmittal letter dated March 9 follows: "Dear Speaker Stutes: Under the authority of Article III, Section 18, of the Alaska Constitution, I am transmitting a bill repealing the Alaska Marine Transportation Advisory Board and establishing the Alaska Marine Highway Systems Operation and Planning Board. 2021-03-10 House Journal Page 0305 In 2019, I established the Alaska Marine Highway Reshaping Working Group to deliver recommendations that would allow for the Alaska Marine Highway System to provide essential ferry services to Alaskan coastal communities in the future while reducing state General Fund support. The Alaska Marine Highway Reshaping Working Group suggested starting fresh with the new Alaska Marine Highway Systems Operation and Planning Board. This restructured Board can provide the skills and experience of long-term operators, with an enhanced ability to increase revenue and reduce costs. Upon initial appointment, these members would serve staggered terms of one to five years. These terms will help the new board create and maintain institutional knowledge, as board membership could not be completely changed in a single administrative term after the members' initial appointment. This Board would also have a new duty – to prepare a long-term operations plan and provide an annual report on its implementation to the governor, the legislature, and the public. The annual reports will address financial information, scheduling, maintenance, regulatory compliance, and other matters. The long-term operations plan should cover long-term marine transportation system objectives, planning assumptions, a timeline for major operations milestones, and new initiatives. The focus will be on initiatives that provide strategic and operational guidance for transportation systems of a similar size and complexity. I urge your prompt and favorable action on this measure. Sincerely, /s/ Mike Dunleavy Governor" HB 135 HOUSE BILL NO. 135 by the House Rules Committee by request of the Governor, entitled: "An Act relating to geothermal resources; relating to the definition of 'geothermal resources'; and providing for an effective date." 2021-03-10 House Journal Page 0306 was read the first time and referred to the Resources and Finance Committees. The following fiscal note(s) apply: 1. Zero, Dept. of Natural Resources 2. Fiscal, Dept. of Natural Resources The Governor's transmittal letter dated March 9 follows: "Dear Speaker Stutes: Under the authority of Article III, Section 18, of the Alaska Constitution, I am transmitting a bill revising statutes related to the State's geothermal resources. Alaska's economic prosperity is dependent on our ability to continue to develop our tremendous energy resources. Geothermal is a rising star in Alaska's energy constellation. Geothermal harnesses heat from the earth's core and can power commercial, industrial, and residential activities in some of Alaska's remotest areas. This bill encourages these activities by removing obstacles to exploration and development of Alaska's geothermal resources. First, it modifies the definition of "geothermal resources." The current definition is defined as only those fluids hotter than 120 degrees Celsius, which ignores technological advances that make lower- temperature geothermal energy commercially viable. For example, Interior Alaska's Chena Hot Springs generates electrical power and supports a thriving visitor business with geothermal energy at approximately 80 degrees Celsius. The current definition also ignores growing non-commercial uses of heat energy, such as heat pumps relying on shallow subsurface pipes to heat or cool residential structures. This updated definition eliminates such arbitrary temperature and other restrictions, making geothermal development more attractive. The bill also makes Alaska's geothermal energy a more lucrative target for investment by expanding to five years the current two-to-three- year window during which exploration companies must conduct 2021-03-10 House Journal Page 0307 background research, acquire surface use permits, and perform the field work needed to locate a resource and develop the data needed to convert an exploration permit (or license) to a lease supporting commercial development. This bill acknowledges the fact that geothermal resources tend to spread over larger acreages, by nearly doubling the acreage limit for geothermal exploration licenses to 100,000 acres. This will likely draw greater interest from developers grateful for the opportunity to economically explore and develop larger parcels. Enactment will help Alaska continue to responsibly manage its natural resources, provide alternative energy sources in some of our most remote communities, grow the economy, and generate job creation. I urge your prompt and favorable action on this measure. Sincerely, /s/ Mike Dunleavy Governor" HB 136 HOUSE BILL NO. 136 by Representatives Gillham, Carpenter, and Fields, entitled: "An Act naming the Congressman Don Young Bridge." was read the first time and referred to the Transportation and Finance Committees. CONSIDERATION OF THE DAILY CALENDAR LEGISLATIVE CITATIONS Representative Tuck moved and asked unanimous consent that the House approve the citations on the calendar. There being no objection, the following citations were approved and sent to enrolling: In Memoriam - Leonard Thomas Schultz By Representative Rauscher 2021-03-10 House Journal Page 0308 In Memoriam - Shirley Florence Kasperek By Representative Rauscher In Memoriam - Scott Edward Yahr, Sr. By Representatives Rauscher, Cronk In Memoriam - Neal "Wayne" Burns By Representative Rauscher In Memoriam - Jamey Kemp By Representative Cronk UNFINISHED BUSINESS HJR 1 The Speaker removed the State Affairs Committee referral and added a House Special Committee on Ways & Means referral for the following: SPONSOR SUBSTITUTE FOR HOUSE JOINT RESOLUTION NO. 1 Proposing amendments to the Constitution of the State of Alaska relating to the Alaska permanent fund and to appropriations from the Alaska permanent fund. SSHJR 1 is in the House Special Committee on Ways & Means with further referral to the Judiciary and Finance Committees. HJR 14 Representative Hopkins added as a cosponsor to: HOUSE JOINT RESOLUTION NO. 14 Supporting the passage by the United States Congress of the SAFE Banking Act of 2019, sec. 110606 of the Heroes Act, or similar legislation relating to cannabis-related legitimate businesses' access to financial services. HB 5 Representative Fields added as a cosponsor to: 2021-03-10 House Journal Page 0309 HOUSE BILL NO. 5 "An Act relating to sexual abuse of a minor; relating to sexual assault; relating to the code of military justice; relating to consent; relating to the testing of sexual assault examination kits; and providing for an effective date." HB 34 Representatives Tilton and Tuck added as cosponsors to: HOUSE BILL NO. 34 "An Act naming the Vietnam Helicopter Pilots' Memorial Bridge." HB 53 Representative Tuck added as a cosponsor to: HOUSE BILL NO. 53 "An Act relating to residency requirements for public school enrollment for certain children of active duty military and National Guard members." HB 54 Representative Kreiss-Tomkins added as a cosponsor to: HOUSE BILL NO. 54 "An Act establishing the Alaska Invasive Species Council in the Department of Fish and Game; relating to management of invasive species; relating to invasive species management decals; and providing for an effective date." HB 60 Representative Fields added as a cosponsor to: HOUSE BILL NO. 60 "An Act relating to mental health education." HB 104 Representative Kreiss-Tomkins added as a cosponsor to: HOUSE BILL NO. 104 "An Act relating to vehicle registration and registration fees; relating to the motor fuel tax; and providing for an effective date." 2021-03-10 House Journal Page 0310 HB 125 Representatives Thompson and McKay added as cosponsors to: HOUSE BILL NO. 125 "An Act relating to private sector and state employment preferences for active service members, veterans, and spouses and dependent children of active service members and veterans; relating to employment preferences for surviving spouses of deceased service members and veterans; and relating to employment preferences for disabled veterans and former prisoners of war." ANNOUNCEMENTS House committee schedules are published under separate cover. ADJOURNMENT Representative Tuck moved and asked unanimous consent that the House adjourn until 10:30 a.m., March 12. There being no objection, the House adjourned at 11:03 a.m. Crystaline Jones Chief Clerk