Legislature(2021 - 2022)
2022-01-18 House Journal
Full Journal pdf2022-01-18 House Journal Page 1637 HOUSE JOURNAL ALASKA STATE LEGISLATURE THIRTY-SECOND LEGISLATURE SECOND SESSION Juneau, Alaska Tuesday January 18, 2022 First Day Pursuant to adjournment the House was called to order by Speaker Stutes at 1:00 p.m. Roll call showed 38 members present. Representative Tuck moved and asked unanimous consent that the following members be excused from a call of the House. There being no objection, the members were excused as noted: Representative Fields – from today to 5:00 p.m., January 21 Representative Zulkosky – from today to 5:00 p.m., January 21 * * * * * The Speaker appointed Representatives Snyder and Thompson to advise the Governor that the House is in session and ready to do business. The Speaker appointed Representatives Patkotak and LeBon to advise the Senate that the House is in session and ready to do business. The Speaker stated that the House would stand at ease; and so, the House stood at ease at 1:01 p.m. AFTER AT EASE The Speaker called the House back to order at 1:10 p.m. 2022-01-18 House Journal Page 1638 Representative Snyder reported that the Governor was notified that the House is in session and ready to do business. Representative Patkotak reported that the Senate was notified that the House is in session and ready to do business. The invocation was offered by the Chaplain, Representative Vance. 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 all Alaskans, I offer the following prayer: Dear Heavenly Father, We come to you as humble servants of the great State of Alaska, asking for your divine wisdom and guidance in this 2nd regular session of the 32nd Legislature. You alone provide the answers to the problems we face and we ask for breakthrough, divine solutions, and unity to accomplish your will for Alaska. I thank you that you are a God who is slow to anger and abounding in love that stretches to a thousand generations. Because of your great love for us; there is no fear in love, but perfect love drives out fear. Lord, so many Alaskans have faced loss this year. We ask you to bind up the broken hearted, proclaim freedom for the captives, comfort all who mourn, and provide for those who grieve a crown of beauty instead of ashes, the oil of joy instead of mourning, and a garment of praise instead of a spirit of despair. We ask the supernatural wind of your Holy Spirit blow through these chambers’ doors and rest upon each one of us, because according to 2 Corinthians 3:17, where the spirit of the Lord is, there is liberty. May our words, actions, and laws bring peace, righteousness, and justice. 2022-01-18 House Journal Page 1639 May the Lord bless you and keep you; May the Lord cause his face to shine upon you and be gracious to you; May the Lord lift up his countenance toward you and give you peace. Amen. The Pledge of Allegiance was led by Representative Kreiss-Tomkins. * * * * * Senators Kiehl and Costello reported that the Senate is organized and ready to do business. CERTIFICATION OF THE JOURNAL Representative Tuck moved and asked unanimous consent that the journal for the 9th through the 30th legislative days of the Fourth Special Session be approved as certified by the Chief Clerk. There being no objection, it was so ordered. MESSAGES FROM THE GOVERNOR A message dated December 15, 2021, was read stating under the provision of art. III, sec. 18 of the Alaska Constitution, the Governor requests the opportunity to address the Thirty-Second Alaska State Legislature on Tuesday, January 25, at 7:00 p.m. for presentation of the State of the State address. HR 8 A message dated November 17, 2021, was received stating the Governor read the following resolution and is transmitting the engrossed and enrolled copies to the Lieutenant Governor's office for permanent filing: CS FOR HOUSE RESOLUTION NO. 8(CRA) Creating the House Task Force on Poverty and Opportunity. House Resolve No. 8 HR 9 A message dated November 17, 2021, was received stating the Governor read the following resolution and is transmitting the 2022-01-18 House Journal Page 1640 engrossed and enrolled copies to the Lieutenant Governor's office for permanent filing: HOUSE RESOLUTION NO. 9 am Encouraging the homeporting of new United States Coast Guard icebreakers in the state. House Resolve No. 9 HCR 5 A message dated November 17, 2021, was received stating the Governor read the following resolution and is transmitting the engrossed and enrolled copies to the Lieutenant Governor's office for permanent filing: HOUSE CONCURRENT RESOLUTION NO. 5 Suspending Rules 24(c), 35, 41(b), and 42(e), Uniform Rules of the Alaska State Legislature, concerning Senate Bill No. 65, relating to immunity for consulting physicians, podiatrists, osteopaths, advanced practice registered nurses, physician assistants, chiropractors, dentists, optometrists, and pharmacists. Legislative Resolve No. 8 HCR 6 A message dated November 17, 2021, was received stating the Governor read the following resolution and is transmitting the engrossed and enrolled copies to the Lieutenant Governor's office for permanent filing: HOUSE CONCURRENT RESOLUTION NO. 6 Suspending Rules 24(c), 35, 41(b), and 42(e), Uniform Rules of the Alaska State Legislature, concerning Senate Bill No. 21, relating to mobile intensive care paramedics; and relating to duties of the State Medical Board and the Department of Health and Social Services. Legislative Resolve No. 7 2022-01-18 House Journal Page 1641 SCR 3 A message dated November 17, 2021, was received stating the Governor read the following resolution and is transmitting the engrossed and enrolled copies to the Lieutenant Governor's office for permanent filing: SENATE CONCURRENT RESOLUTION NO. 3 Suspending Rules 24(c), 35, 41(b), and 42(e), Uniform Rules of the Alaska State Legislature, concerning House Joint Resolution No. 12, urging the United States Department of the Interior, Bureau of Land Management, to honor the recent lease sales and proceed with permitting in the Arctic National Wildlife Refuge; urging the President of the United States to defend the 2020 Record of Decision approving the Coastal Plain Oil and Gas Leasing Program in the Arctic National Wildlife Refuge; opposing designation of the Arctic National Wildlife Refuge as a National Monument; and urging the Alaska delegation in Congress to uphold sec. 20001 of the Tax Cuts and Jobs Act of 2017. Legislative Resolve No. 3 SCR 5 A message dated November 17, 2021, was received stating the Governor read the following resolution and is transmitting the engrossed and enrolled copies to the Lieutenant Governor's office for permanent filing: SENATE CONCURRENT RESOLUTION NO. 5 Suspending Rules 24(c), 35, 41(b), and 42(e), Uniform Rules of the Alaska State Legislature, concerning House Bill No. 76, extending the January 15, 2021, governor's declaration of a public health disaster emergency in response to the novel coronavirus disease (COVID-19) pandemic; approving and ratifying declarations of a public health disaster emergency; 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; meetings of 2022-01-18 House Journal Page 1642 shareholders; and school operating funds; relating to informed consent for COVID-19 vaccines; relating to personal objections to the administration of COVID-19 vaccines; providing immunity from liability and disciplinary action for occupational licensees for exposure of clients to COVID-19; and providing immunity from liability for persons engaging in business and their employees for exposure of customers to COVID-19. Legislative Resolve No. 5 SCR 6 A message dated November 17, 2021, was received stating the Governor read the following resolution and is transmitting the engrossed and enrolled copies to the Lieutenant Governor's office for permanent filing: SENATE CONCURRENT RESOLUTION NO. 6 Suspending Rules 24(c), 35, 41(b), and 42(e), Uniform Rules of the Alaska State Legislature, concerning House Bill No. 36, relating to an application for a license to operate as a dealer in motor vehicles; and requiring a dealer in motor vehicles to maintain liability and property insurance. Legislative Resolve No. 9 EO 121 EXECUTIVE ORDER NO. 121 Reorganizing the Department of Health and Social Services into the Department of Health and the Department of Family and Community Services. was read the first time and referred to the Health & Social Services and Finance Committees. The Governor's transmittal letter dated January 17 follows: "Dear Speaker Stutes: Under the authority of Article III, Section 23, of the Alaska Constitution, I am transmitting an Executive Order to reorganize the 2022-01-18 House Journal Page 1643 Department of Health and Social Services into two departments, the Department of Health and the Department of Family and Community Services. This reorganization is necessary to align current functions and programs into one department which focuses on program eligibility for Alaskans and payments to providers and one department which focuses on direct care and services to Alaskans in State administered programs. The Department of Health will have primary responsibility for administering medical and public assistance programs, senior and disabilities services, behavioral health programs, and public health programs. The Department of Family and Community Services will be responsible for overseeing child welfare services, the Alaska Pioneer Homes and Veterans Home, Juvenile Justice, and the State Psychiatric Hospital. This reorganization will strengthen these critical missions by enabling the newly streamlined departments to operate more efficiently, be more proactive, and achieve better outcomes for Alaskans. The new structure will advance the State's ability to promote the health of Alaskans and protect vulnerable adults, children, and senior citizens. These changes will be effective July 1, 2022. Sincerely, /s/ Mike Dunleavy Governor" EO 122 EXECUTIVE ORDER NO. 122 Relating to the transfer of certain functions from the Department of Administration to the Department of Transportation and Public Facilities. was read the first time and referred to the Transportation and State Affairs Committees. The Governor's transmittal letter dated January 17 follows: 2022-01-18 House Journal Page 1644 "Dear Speaker Stutes: Under the authority of Article III, Section 23, of the Alaska Constitution, I am transmitting an Executive Order relating to the transfer of certain functions from the Department of Administration (DOA) to the Department of Transportation and Public Facilities (DOT&PF). This Executive Order would amend Titles 35, 36, 37, 44, and the uncodified law of Alaska to transfer the rights, powers, duties, and authority for state facility procurement, construction, leasing, maintenance, and management from DOA to DOT&PF. This reallocation of functions would make DOT&PF responsible for planning, design, leasing, construction, maintenance, operation, and management of space utilized by the Executive Branch. Additionally, this order would transfer management of the Alaska Public Building Fund from DOA to DOT&PF and provide for an effective date. This Executive Order continues to fulfill the 2021 legislative intent by following budgetary transactions in HB 69, transferring personnel and funding, from DOA to DOT&PF. This would benefit the State of Alaska by aligning existing statutes with the current and proposed responsibilities of both DOA and DOT&PF, creating efficiencies with budget appropriations, as well as clarifying and streamlining the procurement and leasing functions of DOT&PF. I urge your prompt and favorable action on this measure. Sincerely, /s/ Mike Dunleavy Governor" EO 123 EXECUTIVE ORDER NO. 123 Renaming the Division of Forestry as the Division of Forestry and Fire Protection. was read the first time and referred to the Resources Committee. 2022-01-18 House Journal Page 1645 The Governor's transmittal letter dated January 17 follows: "Dear Speaker Stutes: Under the authority of Article III, Section 23, of the Alaska Constitution, I am transmitting an Executive Order renaming the “Division of Forestry” to the “Division of Forestry and Fire Protection.” This name change better reflects the core mission and duties of the Division, which include both forestry and fire suppression activities. Additionally, this change will assist the Division in securing grant funding to aid in hazardous fuel reduction, building and training of fire crews, and fighting wildland fire. I urge your prompt and favorable action on this measure. Sincerely, /s/ Mike Dunleavy Governor" A Declaration of Disaster Emergency and accompanying letter dated November 30, 2021, regarding the atmospheric river storm system affecting the Kenai Peninsula Borough, were read and are on file in the Chief Clerk's office. A letter received December 27, 2021, amended the original disaster declaration to include the Municipality of Anchorage. A Declaration of Disaster Emergency and accompanying letter dated December 23, 2021, regarding the November 30 windstorm affecting the City and Borough of Wrangell, were read and are on file in the Chief Clerk's office. A Declaration of Disaster Emergency and accompanying letter dated January 6, regarding winter storms affecting the Fairbanks North Star, Matanuska-Susitna, and Denali Boroughs, the City of Nenana, and the Delta/Greely and Copper River Regional Education Attendance Areas, were read and are on file in the Chief Clerk's office. 2022-01-18 House Journal Page 1646 COMMUNICATIONS The following were received: Dept. of Administration Annual Fee Report Fiscal Year 2021 (as required by AS 37.10.050) Alaska Commission on Postsecondary Education Dept. of Education & Early Development Dept. of Labor & Workforce Development University of Alaska Alaska Performance Scholarship Outcomes Report January 12, 2022 (as required by AS 14.43.840) Dept. of Corrections Dept. of Health & Social Services Joint Annual Report on Recidivism Reduction FY2021 (as required by AS 47.38.100) Office of the Governor Alaska Criminal Justice Commission Annual Report November 1, 2021 (as required by AS 44.19.647) Dept. of Health & Social Services Annual Medicaid Reform Report: Fiscal Year 2021 September 15, 2021 (as required by AS 47.05.270) Dept. of Health & Social Services Office of Children's Services Annual Report to the Legislature on Caseloads, Staffing, Recruitment, Retention, and the Impacts on Child Welfare Outcomes November 15, 2021 (as required by AS 47.14.112) 2022-01-18 House Journal Page 1647 Dept. of Health & Social Services Dept. of Law Medicaid Fraud, Waste, Abuse, Payment and Eligibility Errors November 2021 (as required by AS 47.07.076) Alaska Housing Finance Corporation Annual Report January 10, 2022 https://www.ahfcannualreport.us/ (as required by AS 18.56.200) Alaska Industrial Development & Export Authority Interior Energy Project Quarterly Report to the Alaska State Legislature October 2021 www.interiorenergyproject.com (as required by Chapter No. 39, SLA 2015) Dept. of Law Federal Laws and Litigation Report January 15, 2022 (as required by AS 44.23.020) Legislative Affairs Agency Division of Legal and Research Services Report Listing Alaska Statutes with Delayed Repeals or Delayed Amendments and Examining Court Decisions and Opinions of the Attorney General Construing Alaska Statutes December 2021 (as required by AS 24.20.065) Dept. of Public Safety 2021 Report on Untested Sexual Assault Examination Kits November 1, 2021 (as required by AS 44.41.070) Dept. of Revenue Alaska ABLE Annual Report January 18, 2022 (as required by AS 06.65.350) 2022-01-18 House Journal Page 1648 The following audit reports were received from the Division of Legislative Audit, Legislative Budget & Audit Committee, as required by AS 24.20.311: Dept. of Commerce, Community, & Economic Development Alcoholic Beverage Control Board Sunset Review September 10, 2021 Dept. of Commerce, Community, & Economic Development Board of Chiropractic Examiners Sunset Review June 22, 2021 Dept. of Commerce, Community, & Economic Development Regulatory Commission of Alaska Sunset Review September 21, 2021 Dept. of Public Safety Council on Domestic Violence and Sexual Assault Sunset Review July 30, 2021 HB 69 Pursuant to HB 69-APPROP: OPERATING BUDGET/LOANS/ FUNDS (Chapter No. 1, SSSLA 21), the following was received: Dept. of Education & Early Development Alaska School District K-3 Reading Report January 2022 INTRODUCTION, FIRST READING, AND REFERENCE OF HOUSE RESOLUTIONS HJR 20 (Prefile released January 7) HOUSE JOINT RESOLUTION NO. 20 by Representative Johnson: Proposing amendments to the Constitution of the State of Alaska relating to state aid for education. was read the first time and referred to the Education, Judiciary, and Finance Committees. 2022-01-18 House Journal Page 1649 HJR 21 (Prefile released January 7) HOUSE JOINT RESOLUTION NO. 21 by Representative Hopkins: Proposing amendments to the Constitution of the State of Alaska relating to payment of a dividend to eligible state residents. was read the first time and referred to the State Affairs, Judiciary, and Finance Committees. HJR 22 (Prefile released January 7) HOUSE JOINT RESOLUTION NO. 22 by Representative Hopkins: Proposing amendments to the Constitution of the State of Alaska relating to an unrestricted general fund surplus, the Alaska permanent fund, and the budget reserve fund. was read the first time and referred to the State Affairs, Judiciary, and Finance Committees. HJR 23 (Prefile released January 7) HOUSE JOINT RESOLUTION NO. 23 by Representatives Kaufman and McKay: Proposing amendments to the Constitution of the State of Alaska relating to an appropriation limit. was read the first time and referred to the House Special Committee on Ways & Means and the Judiciary and Finance Committees. HJR 24 (Prefile released January 7) HOUSE JOINT RESOLUTION NO. 24 by Representative Eastman: Proposing amendments to the Constitution of the State of Alaska relating to an appropriation limit; and proposing amendments to the Constitution of the State of Alaska relating to the Alaska permanent fund, appropriations from the Alaska permanent fund, and a dividend from the Alaska permanent fund. 2022-01-18 House Journal Page 1650 was read the first time and referred to the State Affairs, Judiciary, and Finance Committees. HJR 25 HOUSE JOINT RESOLUTION NO. 25 by Representative Eastman: Proposing an amendment to the Constitution of the State of Alaska relating to employment preferences. was read the first time and referred to the Labor & Commerce, Judiciary, and Finance Committees. HJR 26 HOUSE JOINT RESOLUTION NO. 26 by Representative Eastman: Urging the United States Congress to propose an amendment to the United States Constitution providing that the Supreme Court of the United States may be composed of not more than nine justices. was read the first time and referred to the Judiciary Committee. INTRODUCTION, FIRST READING, AND REFERENCE OF HOUSE BILLS HB 218 SPONSOR SUBSTITUTE FOR HOUSE BILL NO. 218 by Representative Tuck, entitled: "An Act relating to the inspection and testing of fire dampers, smoke dampers, combination fire and smoke dampers, and smoke control systems; and providing for an effective date." was read the first time and referred to the State Affairs and Finance Committees. HB 222 (Prefile released January 7) HOUSE BILL NO. 222 by Representatives Rauscher and McCarty, entitled: 2022-01-18 House Journal Page 1651 "An Act relating to personal information; relating to the privacy of personal information; relating to the collection, sale, sharing, deletion, correction, and use of personal information; relating to breaches of security of personal information; relating to genetic privacy; relating to social security numbers; and providing for an effective date." was read the first time and referred to the Labor & Commerce and Judiciary Committees. HB 223 (Prefile released January 7) HOUSE BILL NO. 223 by Representative Kaufman, entitled: "An Act relating to the curriculum improvement and best practices fund; relating to the fuel emergency fund and fuel emergency grants; relating to the Railbelt energy fund; relating to the Alaska affordable energy fund; relating to the special Alaska Historical Commission receipts account; relating to the rural electrification revolving loan fund and loans from the fund; relating to the Southeast energy fund and grants from the fund; and relating to the Exxon Valdez oil spill unincorporated rural community grant fund and grants from the fund." was read the first time and referred to the House Special Committee on Ways & Means and the Finance Committee. HB 224 (Prefile released January 7) HOUSE BILL NO. 224 by Representatives Gillham, Carpenter, and Eastman, entitled: "An Act relating to proposed annexation by a municipality." was read the first time and referred to the Community & Regional Affairs and State Affairs Committees. HB 225 (Prefile released January 7) HOUSE BILL NO. 225 by Representative Gillham, entitled: 2022-01-18 House Journal Page 1652 "An Act exempting seniors from municipal property tax." was read the first time and referred to the Community & Regional Affairs and State Affairs Committees. HB 226 (Prefile released January 7) HOUSE BILL NO. 226 by Representatives Josephson and Claman, entitled: "An Act relating to the compensation of certain public officials, officers, and employees not covered by collective bargaining agreements; increasing the salaries of certain attorneys employed by the state; and providing for an effective date." was read the first time and referred to the State Affairs and Finance Committees. HB 227 (Prefile released January 7) HOUSE BILL NO. 227 by Representative Schrage, entitled: "An Act relating to municipal energy and resilience improvement assessment programs; and providing for an effective date." was read the first time and referred to the House Special Committee on Energy and the Community & Regional Affairs Committee. HB 228 (Prefile released January 7) HOUSE BILL NO. 228 by Representatives McKay and Carpenter, entitled: "An Act relating to nondiscrimination in public education." was read the first time and referred to the Education and Judiciary Committees. HB 229 (Prefile released January 7) HOUSE BILL NO. 229 by Representatives Josephson and Drummond, entitled: 2022-01-18 House Journal Page 1653 "An Act relating to the Alaska higher education investment fund; and relating to the Alaska Student Loan Corporation." was read the first time and referred to the Education and Finance Committees. HB 230 (Prefile released January 7) HOUSE BILL NO. 230 by Representatives McKay, Rauscher, and Rasmussen, entitled: "An Act relating to school athletics, recreation, athletic teams, and sports." was read the first time and referred to the Education and Judiciary Committees. HB 231 (Prefile released January 7) HOUSE BILL NO. 231 by Representatives Eastman and Kurka, entitled: "An Act relating to the earnings of the Alaska permanent fund and the earnings reserve account; relating to the mental health trust fund; and providing for an effective date." was read the first time and referred to the House Special Committee on Ways & Means and the Finance Committee. HB 232 (Prefile released January 7) HOUSE BILL NO. 232 by Representatives Johnson and Kaufman, entitled: "An Act relating to the sale and possession of used detached catalytic converters; and establishing the crime of possession, sale, or purchase of a used detached catalytic converter." was read the first time and referred to the Labor & Commerce, Judiciary, and Finance Committees. 2022-01-18 House Journal Page 1654 HB 233 (Prefile released January 7) HOUSE BILL NO. 233 by Representatives Nelson, Kaufman, Carpenter, and Rasmussen, entitled: "An Act relating to religious services during disasters; and providing for an effective date." was read the first time and referred to the State Affairs and Judiciary Committees. HB 234 (Prefile released January 7) HOUSE BILL NO. 234 by Representative Schrage, entitled: "An Act relating to political contributions; and providing for an effective date." was read the first time and referred to the State Affairs Committee. HB 235 (Prefile released January 7) HOUSE BILL NO. 235 by Representatives Gillham, McKay, Nelson, Carpenter, Kaufman, and McCabe, entitled: "An Act establishing the Sunday after the first Saturday of March of each year as James 'Hobo Jim' Varsos Day." was read the first time and referred to the State Affairs Committee. HB 236 (Prefile released January 7) HOUSE BILL NO. 236 by Representative Eastman, entitled: "An Act relating to the liability of public health officials." was read the first time and referred to the Health & Social Services and Judiciary Committees. 2022-01-18 House Journal Page 1655 HB 237 (Prefile released January 7) HOUSE BILL NO. 237 by Representatives Gillham and Carpenter, entitled: "An Act relating to pharmacists dispensing medication for treatment of COVID-19 and related diseases." was read the first time and referred to the Health & Social Services and Labor & Commerce Committees. HB 238 (Prefile released January 7) HOUSE BILL NO. 238 by Representatives Gillham and Carpenter, entitled: "An Act relating to objections to vaccines." was read the first time and referred to the State Affairs and Labor & Commerce Committees. HB 239 (Prefile released January 7) HOUSE BILL NO. 239 by Representatives Vance and McCarty, entitled: "An Act relating to contracts with public agencies; and relating to the State of Israel." was read the first time and referred to the Labor & Commerce, State Affairs, and Judiciary Committees. HB 240 (Prefile released January 7) HOUSE BILL NO. 240 by Representatives Schrage and Spohnholz, entitled: "An Act relating to the duties of the Department of Education and Early Development; relating to public schools and school districts; relating to early education programs; relating to funding for early education programs; relating to school age eligibility; relating to 2022-01-18 House Journal Page 1656 reports by the Department of Education and Early Development; relating to school operating funds; and providing for an effective date." was read the first time and referred to the Education and Finance Committees. HB 241 (Prefile released January 7) HOUSE BILL NO. 241 by Representatives Eastman and Kurka, entitled: "An Act relating to liability for COVID-19 vaccines." was read the first time and referred to the Labor & Commerce and Judiciary Committees. HB 242 (Prefile released January 7) HOUSE BILL NO. 242 by Representatives Gillham, Carpenter, and Kurka, entitled: "An Act prohibiting a person who receives state funds from requiring employees or contractors to receive a medical procedure." was read the first time and referred to the State Affairs and Health & Social Services Committees. HB 243 (Prefile released January 7) HOUSE BILL NO. 243 by Representative Nelson, entitled: "An Act relating to horizontal property regimes and common interest communities; and relating to mortgages, deeds of trust, and other property liens." was read the first time and referred to the Community & Regional Affairs and Labor & Commerce Committees. 2022-01-18 House Journal Page 1657 HB 244 (Prefile released January 7) HOUSE BILL NO. 244 by Representative Gillham, entitled: "An Act requiring school boards and municipalities to distribute school district boundary maps to certain persons; and requiring the Department of Education and Early Development to make school district boundary maps available online." was read the first time and referred to the Education and Finance Committees. HB 245 (Prefile released January 7) HOUSE BILL NO. 245 by Representative Josephson, entitled: "An Act relating to political contribution limits; and providing for an effective date." was read the first time and referred to the State Affairs Committee. HB 246 (Prefile released January 7) HOUSE BILL NO. 246 by Representatives Kreiss-Tomkins, Drummond, and Tarr, entitled: "An Act restricting the release of certain records of convictions; and providing for an effective date." was read the first time and referred to the Judiciary and Finance Committees. HB 247 (Prefile released January 7) HOUSE BILL NO. 247 by Representative Thompson, entitled: "An Act relating to the power cost equalization endowment fund." was read the first time and referred to the House Special Committee on Energy and the Finance Committee. 2022-01-18 House Journal Page 1658 HB 248 (Prefile released January 7) HOUSE BILL NO. 248 by Representatives Shaw and Rasmussen, entitled: "An Act relating to reemployment of peace officers who retired under the Public Employees' Retirement System of Alaska." was read the first time and referred to the State Affairs and Finance Committees. HB 249 (Prefile released January 7) HOUSE BILL NO. 249 by Representative Hopkins, entitled: "An Act relating to the Alaska permanent fund; relating to dividends for state residents; relating to the use of certain state income; and providing for an effective date." was read the first time and referred to the House Special Committee on Ways & Means and the Finance Committee. HB 250 (Prefile released January 7) HOUSE BILL NO. 250 by Representative Wool, entitled: "An Act making appropriations for community assistance payments; making appropriations for state aid for costs of school construction; capitalizing funds; making supplemental appropriations; and providing for an effective date." was read the first time and referred to the Finance Committee. HB 251 (Prefile released January 7) HOUSE BILL NO. 251 by Representative Josephson, entitled: "An Act relating to the Board of Trustees of the Alaska Permanent Fund Corporation; and providing for an effective date." 2022-01-18 House Journal Page 1659 was read the first time and referred to the State Affairs and Finance Committees. HB 252 (Prefile released January 7) HOUSE BILL NO. 252 by Representatives Vance, Tilton, Rasmussen, Carpenter, Eastman, Kaufman, Rauscher, Gillham, Tuck, McCabe, Shaw, McKay, McCarty, and Kurka, entitled: "An Act relating to the right of patients to have a support person present during treatment and during stays at certain facilities." was read the first time and referred to the State Affairs and Health & Social Services Committees. HB 253 (Prefile released January 7) HOUSE BILL NO. 253 by Representatives Tarr and Drummond, entitled: "An Act relating to reporting acts of misconduct by peace officers; relating to de-escalation procedures used by peace officers; relating to peace officer certificates; and relating to the Alaska Police Standards Council." was read the first time and referred to the State Affairs and Finance Committees. HB 254 (Prefile released January 7) HOUSE BILL NO. 254 by Representatives Tarr and Drummond, entitled: "An Act relating to the Alaska Police Standards Council; requiring a peace officer to attempt to de-escalate a situation and use alternative non-lethal methods of engagement before discharging a firearm; and requiring a peace officer to provide an oral warning before discharging a firearm." was read the first time and referred to the State Affairs and Finance Committees. 2022-01-18 House Journal Page 1660 HB 255 (Prefile released January 7) HOUSE BILL NO. 255 by Representatives Tarr and Drummond, entitled: "An Act requiring the Department of Public Safety to publish certain policies and procedures on the department's Internet website." was read the first time and referred to the State Affairs and Finance Committees. HB 256 (Prefile released January 7) HOUSE BILL NO. 256 by Representatives Tarr and Drummond, entitled: "An Act relating to the Alaska Police Standards Council; relating to municipal correctional officers and municipal correctional employees; making municipal police officers subject to police standards; requiring the Department of Public Safety to submit a yearly use-of-force report to the legislature; requiring a municipality that employs a person as a municipal police officer or in a municipal correctional facility, the Department of Corrections, or the Department of Public Safety to report to the Federal Bureau of Investigation incidents of use of force by state and municipal police, probation, parole, and correctional officers and municipal correctional facility employees; and providing for an effective date." was read the first time and referred to the Community & Regional Affairs, State Affairs, and Finance Committees. HB 257 (Prefile released January 7) HOUSE BILL NO. 257 by Representatives Tarr, Drummond, and Hopkins, entitled: "An Act establishing Juneteenth Day as a legal holiday." 2022-01-18 House Journal Page 1661 was read the first time and referred to the State Affairs and Finance Committees. HB 258 (Prefile released January 7) HOUSE BILL NO. 258 by Representatives Kaufman and McKay, entitled: "An Act relating to an appropriation limit; relating to the budget responsibilities of the governor; and providing for an effective date." was read the first time and referred to the House Special Committee on Ways & Means and the Judiciary and Finance Committees. HB 259 (Prefile released January 7) HOUSE BILL NO. 259 by Representatives Spohnholz and Drummond, entitled: "An Act relating to use of income of the Alaska permanent fund; relating to the amount of the permanent fund dividend; relating to the duties of the commissioner of revenue; relating to funding for state aid for school districts, the state boarding school, centralized correspondence study, and transportation of pupils; and providing for an effective date." was read the first time and referred to the Education Committee, the House Special Committee on Ways & Means, and the Finance Committee. HB 260 (Prefile released January 7) HOUSE BILL NO. 260 by Representative Snyder, entitled: "An Act relating to use of income of the Alaska permanent fund; relating to the amount of the permanent fund dividend; relating to the duties of the commissioner of revenue; and providing for an effective date." 2022-01-18 House Journal Page 1662 was read the first time and referred to the House Special Committee on Ways & Means and the Finance Committee. HB 261 (Prefile released January 7) HOUSE BILL NO. 261 by Representatives Eastman, Carpenter, and Kurka, entitled: "An Act relating to coercion; and relating to interference with constitutional rights." was read the first time and referred to the State Affairs and Judiciary Committees. HB 262 (Prefile released January 7) HOUSE BILL NO. 262 by Representatives Eastman, Carpenter, and Kurka, entitled: "An Act relating to the powers and duties of a state or municipal agency; and providing for an effective date." was read the first time and referred to the Community & Regional Affairs and State Affairs Committees. HB 263 (Prefile released January 7) HOUSE BILL NO. 263 by Representative Eastman, entitled: "An Act relating to state requirements concerning federal laws, regulations, and orders requiring COVID-19 vaccination; and providing for an effective date." was read the first time and referred to the State Affairs and Judiciary Committees. HB 264 This prefile was not introduced. HB 265 (Prefile released January 14) HOUSE BILL NO. 265 by Representative Spohnholz, entitled: 2022-01-18 House Journal Page 1663 "An Act relating to telehealth; relating to the practice of medicine; relating to medical assistance coverage for services provided by telehealth; and providing for an effective date." was read the first time and referred to the Health & Social Services and Finance Committees. HB 266 (Prefile released January 14) HOUSE BILL NO. 266 by Representative Eastman, entitled: "An Act relating to vaccines and vaccinations; relating to pharmacists and other health care providers; relating to health care insurers; relating to schools; relating to the Board of Pharmacy; relating to the Department of Education and Early Development; relating to the Department of Health and Social Services; relating to unfair trade practices; and providing for an effective date." was read the first time and referred to the Health & Social Services, Judiciary, and Finance Committees. HB 267 (Prefile released January 14) HOUSE BILL NO. 267 by Representatives Schrage and Drummond, entitled: "An Act relating to curing a rejected absentee ballot; and providing for an effective date." was read the first time and referred to the State Affairs and Finance Committees. HB 268 (Prefile released January 14) HOUSE BILL NO. 268 by Representatives Merrick and Kaufman, entitled: "An Act relating to driver's license renewal." was read the first time and referred to the House Special Committee on Military & Veterans' Affairs. 2022-01-18 House Journal Page 1664 HB 269 (Prefile released January 14) HOUSE BILL NO. 269 by Representatives Tarr and Drummond, entitled: "An Act prohibiting the use of chokeholds by peace officers; and relating to justification of use of force by peace officers." was read the first time and referred to the State Affairs and Judiciary Committees. HB 270 (Prefile released January 14) HOUSE BILL NO. 270 by Representatives Tarr and Drummond, entitled: "An Act relating to justification of use of force by a peace officer; and relating to shooting at a moving vehicle." was read the first time and referred to the State Affairs and Judiciary Committees. HB 271 (Prefile released January 14) HOUSE BILL NO. 271 by Representative Josephson, entitled: "An Act relating to the Alaska Industrial Development and Export Authority; and providing for an effective date." was read the first time and referred to the State Affairs and Finance Committees. HB 272 (Prefile released January 14) HOUSE BILL NO. 272 by Representatives Story, Drummond, Spohnholz, and Hopkins, entitled: "An Act relating to education; increasing the base student allocation; and providing for an effective date." 2022-01-18 House Journal Page 1665 was read the first time and referred to the Education and Finance Committees. HB 273 (Prefile released January 14) HOUSE BILL NO. 273 by Representatives Story, Drummond, Spohnholz, and Hopkins, entitled: "An Act relating to education; increasing the base student allocation; and providing for an effective date." was read the first time and referred to the Education and Finance Committees. HB 274 (Prefile released January 14) HOUSE BILL NO. 274 by Representative Eastman, entitled: "An Act relating to interference with constitutional rights; relating to personal objections to the administration of COVID-19 vaccines; and providing for an effective date." was read the first time and referred to the Health & Social Services and Judiciary Committees. HB 275 (Prefile released January 14) HOUSE BILL NO. 275 by Representatives Eastman and Carpenter, entitled: "An Act relating to vaccines and vaccinations; relating to schools; and providing for an effective date." was read the first time and referred to the Education and Health & Social Services Committees. HB 276 HOUSE BILL NO. 276 by the House Labor and Commerce Committee, entitled: 2022-01-18 House Journal Page 1666 "An Act relating to licensing of psychologists and psychological associates; and relating to the practice of psychology." was read the first time and referred to the Labor & Commerce and Finance Committees. HB 277 HOUSE BILL NO. 277 by Representative McCarty, entitled: "An Act relating to the renewal of occupational licenses." was read the first time and referred to the Labor & Commerce and Finance Committees. HB 278 HOUSE BILL NO. 278 by Representatives McCarty and Carpenter, entitled: "An Act relating to vaccination equivalents for the COVID-19 virus; and providing for an effective date." was read the first time and referred to the Labor & Commerce and Health & Social Services Committees. HB 279 HOUSE BILL NO. 279 by Representatives Eastman and Kurka, entitled: "An Act relating to commendation and recognition of individual veterans along certain veterans' memorial roads and on certain veterans' memorial bridges." was read the first time and referred to the House Special Committee on Military & Veterans' Affairs and the Transportation and Finance Committees. HB 280 HOUSE BILL NO. 280 by Representative Eastman, entitled: "An Act relating to school size and average daily membership; and providing for an effective date." 2022-01-18 House Journal Page 1667 was read the first time and referred to the Community & Regional Affairs and Education Committees. HB 281 HOUSE BILL NO. 281 by the House Rules Committee by request of the Governor, entitled: "An Act making appropriations for the operating and loan program expenses of state government and for certain programs; capitalizing funds; amending appropriations; making reappropriations; making supplemental appropriations; making appropriations under art. IX, sec. 17(c), Constitution of the State of Alaska, from the constitutional budget reserve fund; and providing for an effective date." was read the first time and referred to the Finance Committee. The Governor's transmittal letter dated January 17 follows: "Dear Speaker Stutes: Under the authority of Article III, Section 18 of the Alaska Constitution, I am transmitting a bill relating to appropriations for the State’s operating expenses for Fiscal Year (FY) 2023 and supplemental appropriations for Fiscal Year 2022. This appropriation bill includes $5,973.8 million unrestricted general funds, $865.5 million designated general funds, $1,620.6 million other state funds, and $3,170.1 million federal funds. The FY 2023 budget continues to invest in public safety and emergency management, infrastructure development and creating jobs, funds K-12 education at the full formula level, and includes a Permanent Fund Dividend based on the 50/50 Permanent Fund constitutional amendment proposed by my Administration. A 50/50 Permanent Fund Dividend is estimated to be $2,564 for each eligible Alaskan. I look forward to working with the Legislature on the timely passage and implementation of the FY 2023 operating budget. 2022-01-18 House Journal Page 1668 Sincerely, /s/ Mike Dunleavy Governor" HB 282 HOUSE BILL NO. 282 by the House Rules Committee by request of the Governor, entitled: "An Act making appropriations for the operating and capital expenses of the state's integrated comprehensive mental health program; making capital appropriations and supplemental appropriations; and providing for an effective date." was read the first time and referred to the Finance Committee. A letter dated January 13, with accompanying spreadsheets, to the Alaska Mental Health Trust Authority from Neil Steininger, Director, Office of Management and Budget, was attached (as required by AS 37.14.003) and is on file in the Chief Clerk's office. The Governor's transmittal letter dated January 17 follows: "Dear Speaker Stutes: Under the authority of Article III, Section 18 of the Alaska Constitution, I am transmitting a bill relating to the State’s comprehensive mental health program for Fiscal Year (FY) 2023. As required by statute, this bill includes both operating and capital appropriations. This budget includes $172 million in unrestricted general funds, $45.8 million in designated general funds, and $17.8 million in Mental Health Trust Authority funds. The FY 2023 proposed mental health budget includes requests that were put forward to the Office of Management and Budget by the Alaska Mental Health Trust (Trust). The requests support programs and activities in Trust focus areas that meet the identified treatment and service needs of Trust beneficiaries and areas of system change to improve the lives of beneficiaries. 2022-01-18 House Journal Page 1669 I look forward to working with the Legislature on the timely passage and implementation of the FY 2023 budget for Alaska’s comprehensive mental health program. Sincerely, /s/ Mike Dunleavy Governor" HB 283 HOUSE BILL NO. 283 by the House Rules Committee by request of the Governor, entitled: "An Act making appropriations, including capital appropriations, reappropriations, and other appropriations; making supplemental appropriations; and providing for an effective date." was read the first time and referred to the Finance Committee. The Governor's transmittal letter dated January 17 follows: "Dear Speaker Stutes: Under the authority of Article III, Section 18 of the Alaska Constitution, I am transmitting a bill relating to appropriations for the State’s capital budget for Fiscal Year (FY) 2023 and supplemental capital appropriations for Fiscal Year 2022. This appropriation bill includes $185.9 million in unrestricted general funds, $73.5 million in designated general funds, $372.5 million in other state funds, and $1,416.6 million in federal funds. The FY 2023 proposed capital budget invests in projects that enhance public protection and generate economic activity for the State, provides matching funds for federal surface transportation and aviation, water and wastewater programs, and funds deferred maintenance programs for aging state assets. Additionally, this bill includes expenditure authorization for $308.6 million in projects funded by a proposed issuance of general obligation bonds. I look forward to working with the Legislature on the timely passage and implementation of the FY 2023 capital budget. 2022-01-18 House Journal Page 1670 Sincerely, /s/ Mike Dunleavy Governor" HB 284 HOUSE BILL NO. 284 by the House Rules Committee by request of the Governor, entitled: "An Act making supplemental appropriations; amending appropriations; capitalizing funds; and providing for an effective date." was read the first time and referred to the Finance Committee. The Governor's transmittal letter dated January 17 follows: "Dear Speaker Stutes: Under the authority of Article III, Section 18, of the Alaska Constitution, I am transmitting a bill relating to supplemental appropriations for the State’s operating and capital expenses for Fiscal Year 2022. This appropriation bill includes $885.6 million in unrestricted general funds, $46.3 million in other state funds, and $20 million in federal funds. The items in this supplemental appropriation bill are time-sensitive and I urge prudent and hasty action on this bill by the Legislature. Critical appropriations include a supplemental permanent fund dividend, funds to replace the William N. Miller School in Napakiak, and funds to address the Alaska Court System trial backlog due to the pandemic. I look forward to working with the Legislature on the quick passage and implementation of the urgent items in this bill. Sincerely, /s/ Mike Dunleavy Governor" 2022-01-18 House Journal Page 1671 HB 285 HOUSE BILL NO. 285 by the House Rules Committee by request of the Governor, entitled: "An Act providing for and relating to the issuance of general obligation bonds for the purpose of paying the cost of state infrastructure projects, including construction, major maintenance, and port and transportation projects; and providing for an effective date." was read the first time and referred to the Finance Committee. The following fiscal note(s) apply: 1. Fiscal, Dept. of Revenue The Governor's transmittal letter dated January 17 follows: "Dear Speaker Stutes: Under the authority of Article III, Section 18, of the Alaska Constitution, I am transmitting a bill relating to voter approval, at an election, of general obligation bonds in the amount of $325,175,000 for the purpose of funding infrastructure-based capital improvement projects. These projects include critical airport, highway, road, and bridge improvements, and upgrades and repairs for various municipal and state facilities. This bill poses the question to voters as to whether the State should issue general obligation bonds to fund these critical projects. If ratified, these projects will benefit Alaskans statewide and improve our infrastructure, transportation, education, and recreation throughout the State. The question would be submitted to the voters at the next statewide general election. I urge your prompt and favorable action on this measure. Sincerely, /s/ Mike Dunleavy Governor" 2022-01-18 House Journal Page 1672 HB 286 HOUSE BILL NO. 286 by the House Rules Committee by request of the Governor, entitled: "An Act relating to elections, voter registration, ballots, and a system of tracking and accounting for ballots; establishing an election offense hotline; relating to election fraud, election interference, and election official misconduct; requiring signature verification, notice, and the opportunity to cure; and providing for an effective date." was read the first time and referred to the State Affairs and Finance Committees. The following fiscal note(s) apply: 1. Fiscal, Office of the Governor The Governor's transmittal letter dated January 17 follows: "Dear Speaker Stutes: Under the authority of Article III, Section 18, of the Alaska Constitution, I am transmitting a bill relating to elections. This bill will improve voter rolls, secure absentee and in-person voting, and increase the identification and investigation of election crimes. By ensuring election integrity, this bill will give all Alaskans confidence in the election process, including election outcomes. This bill will improve voter rolls by requiring that Permanent Fund Dividend applicants request voter registration in order to be registered and directing the Division of Elections to update its voter list maintenance practices, audit the voter list every other year, and issue reports to the Legislature. The bill will provide more secure absentee voting practices by requiring signature matching, notice, and cure for all absentee ballots, prohibiting the Division from sending unrequested absentee ballots, outlawing ballot harvesting, allowing voters to request absentee ballots in four year increments, and require the provision of prepaid envelopes with all absentee ballots. 2022-01-18 House Journal Page 1673 The bill will secure in-person voting by prohibiting voters from providing alternate forms of identification and preventing those providing assistance at the polls from influencing voters. The bill will further define unlawful interference with elections, election fraud, and election official misconduct, create a toll-free number to report these and other election crimes, and require that police officers receive training in detecting and investigating election crimes. The bill will further ensure election integrity by allowing additional hand counts, prohibiting private funding for elections, requiring the centralized destruction of election materials, and instituting routine forensic examinations and strict chain-of-custody protocols for voting machines. In order to establish a more trustworthy election system, I urge your prompt and favorable action on this measure. Sincerely, /s/ Mike Dunleavy Governor" UNFINISHED BUSINESS Representative Tuck moved and asked unanimous consent that the following members be excused from a call of the House. There being no objection, the members were excused as noted: Representative Snyder – from 8:00 a.m., January 20 to 8:00 a.m., January 24 Representative Tuck – from 1:00 p.m., January 19 to 10:30 a.m., January 24 HB 211 Representative Eastman added as a cosponsor to: HOUSE BILL NO. 211 "An Act relating to issuance of subpoenas by committees of the legislature." 2022-01-18 House Journal Page 1674 HB 63 Pursuant to HB 63-ALASKA MARINE HIGHWAY OPERATIONS BOARD (Chapter No. 20, SLA 21), a message dated November 16, 2021, was received stating the Speaker appointed the following members to the board: Shirley Marquardt Wanetta Ayers ANNOUNCEMENTS House committee schedules are published under separate cover. ADJOURNMENT Representative Tuck moved and asked unanimous consent that the House adjourn until 10:00 a.m., January 21. There being no objection, the House adjourned at 2:13 p.m. Crystaline Jones Chief Clerk