Legislature(2021 - 2022)

2021-01-22 Senate Journal

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2021-01-22                     Senate Journal                      Page 0021
                                                                                                                                
                                SENATE JOURNAL                                                                               
                                                                                                                                
                           ALASKA STATE LEGISLATURE                                                                          
                                                                                                                                
                          THIRTY-SECOND LEGISLATURE                                                                          
                                                                                                                                
                                FIRST SESSION                                                                                
                                                                                                                                
Juneau, Alaska Friday January 22, 2021                                                                                        
                                                                                                                                
                                  Fourth Day                                                                                 
                                                                                                                                
                                                                                                                                
Pursuant to adjournment the Senate was called to order by President                                                             
Micciche at 10:40 a.m.                                                                                                          
                                                                                                                                
The roll showed eighteen members present. Senators von Imhof,                                                                   
Wilson were excused from a call of the Senate.                                                                                  
                                                                                                                                
The prayer was offered by the Chaplain, Senator Revak. Senator                                                                  
Hoffman moved and asked unanimous consent the prayer be spread.                                                                 
Without objection, it was so ordered.                                                                                           
                                                                                                                                
          Our Father who art in heaven, hallowed be thy name.                                                                   
          Thy kingdom come. Thy will be done on earth as it is                                                                  
          in heaven. Give us this day our daily bread, and                                                                      
          forgive us our trespasses, as we forgive those who                                                                    
          have trespassed against us, and lead us not into                                                                      
          temptation, but deliver us from evil. For thine is the                                                                
          kingdom, and the power, and the glory, for ever.                                                                      
                                    Amen.                                                                                      
                                                                                                                                
Senator Costello led the Senate in the Pledge of Allegiance.                                                                    
                                                                                                                                
                                                                                                                                
                                Certification                                                                                
                                                                                                                                
Senator Hughes moved and asked unanimous consent the journals for                                                               
the second and third legislative days be approved as certified by the                                                           
Secretary. Without objection, it was so ordered.                                                                                
                                                                                                                                
                                                                                                                                

2021-01-22                     Senate Journal                      Page 0022
                          Messages from the Governor                                                                         
                                                                                                                                
Letters dated November 3, 2020, December 28, 2020, January 8,                                                                   
January 18, and January 19 were read stating on February 4, 2021 in                                                             
accordance with Article III, Sections 26 and 27, of the Alaska                                                                  
Constitution and Alaska Statute 39.05.080, I submitted a list of                                                                
appointees for confirmation.                                                                                                    
                                                                                                                                
The following appointees have withdrawn themselves from                                                                         
consideration, effective immediately:                                                                                           
                                                                                                                                
State Board of Registration for Architects, Engineers, and Land                                                               
Surveyors                                                                                                                     
Eric Milliken – Anchorage                                                                                                       
                                                                                                                                
Alcoholic Beverage Control Board                                                                                              
Rex Leath – Wasilla                                                                                                             
                                                                                                                                
Board of Barbers and Hairdressers                                                                                             
Cheryl Brantley – Anchorage                                                                                                     
                                                                                                                                
Board of Nursing                                                                                                              
Emily Henry – Anchorage                                                                                                         
                                                                                                                                
The following appointee is withdrawn from consideration, effective                                                              
immediately:                                                                                                                    
                                                                                                                                
Board of Barbers and Hairdressers                                                                                             
Zera “Blake” Thomas – Wasilla                                                                                                   
                                                                                                                                
A Declaration of Disaster Emergency and initial finance plan dated                                                              
October 28, 2020 authorizing Public Assistance for the Aleutians East                                                           
Borough and Lake and Peninsula Borough as the result of a magnitude                                                             
(M)7.8 earthquake on July 21, 2020, with an accompanying letter, was                                                            
received pursuant to AS 26.23.020. The declaration, letter and finance                                                          
plan had been copied to the Finance Committee Cochairs.                                                                         
                                                                                                                                
A Declaration of Public Health Disaster Emergency and initial finance                                                           
plan dated November 6, 2020 due to the COVID-19 outbreak, with an                                                               
accompanying letter, was received pursuant to AS 26.23.020. The                                                                 
declaration, letter and finance plan had been copied to the Finance                                                             
Committee Cochairs.                                                                                                             
                                                                                                                                

2021-01-22                     Senate Journal                      Page 0023
A Declaration of Disaster Emergency dated December 5, 2020 and                                                                  
initial finance plan authorizing Public Assistance for the entire                                                               
Southeast Region of Alaska (2020 Southeast Alaska Storm) as the                                                                 
result of a severe storm which began November 30, 2020, with an                                                                 
accompanying letter, was received pursuant to AS 26.23.020. The                                                                 
declaration, letter and finance plan had been copied to the Finance                                                             
Committee Cochairs.                                                                                                             
                                                                                                                                
A Declaration of Public Health Disaster Emergency and initial finance                                                           
plan dated December 15, 2020 due to the COVID-19 outbreak, with an                                                              
accompanying letter, was received pursuant to AS 26.23.020. The                                                                 
declaration, letter and finance plan had been copied to the Finance                                                             
Committee Cochairs.                                                                                                             
                                                                                                                                
Message dated December 16, 2020 was read stating:                                                                               
                                                                                                                                
Dear President Giessel:                                                                                                         
                                                                                                                                
This letter confirms my Administration’s position that Executive                                                                
Branch Department heads and Boards and Commissions appointees to                                                                
Executive Branch Boards, who have not received a confirmation vote,                                                             
continue to serve under valid appointments. I am also exercising my                                                             
constitutional authority under the Alaska Constitution, Article III,                                                            
Section 27 to continue their appointments.                                                                                      
                                                                                                                                
By February 3, 2021, I will present the names of those previously                                                               
appointed under Article III, but not confirmed, along with any new                                                              
appointments, to the 32nd Alaska State Legislature so they may                                                                  
consider the appointments through the normal confirmation process.                                                              
                                                                                                                                
Sincerely,                                                                                                                      
/s/                                                                                                                             
Mike Dunleavy                                                                                                                   
Governor                                                                                                                        
                                                                                                                                
Amended Disaster Declaration dated December 29, 2020, regarding                                                                 
the 2020 Southeast Alaska Storm. The amended declaration and letter                                                             
had been copied to the Finance Committee Cochairs.                                                                              
                                                                                                                                

2021-01-22                     Senate Journal                      Page 0024
A Declaration of Public Health Disaster Emergency and initial finance                                                           
plan dated January 14 due to the COVID-19 outbreak, with an                                                                     
accompanying letter, was received pursuant to AS 26.23.020. The                                                                 
declaration, letter and finance plan had been copied to the Finance                                                             
Committee Cochairs.                                                                                                             
                                                                                                                                
A Declaration of Disaster Emergency and initial finance plan dated                                                              
January 15 authorizing disaster public assistance for the Bering Strait                                                         
Regional Education Attendance Area (REAA) for damages from a                                                                    
severe sea storm on November 4 – 7, 2020, with an accompanying                                                                  
letter, was received pursuant to AS 26.23.020. The declaration, letter                                                          
and finance plan had been copied to the Finance Committee Cochairs.                                                             
                                                                                                                                
A letter dated January 15 was received requesting legislative                                                                   
concurrence with the accompanying preliminary finance plan (as                                                                  
required by AS 26.23.020(k)(2)), for the 2020 Southeast Storm                                                                   
Disaster. The letter and preliminary finance plan had been copied to                                                            
the Finance Committee Cochairs.                                                                                                 
                                                                                                                                
                                                                                                                                
                                Communications                                                                               
                                                                                                                                
The following reports are on file in the Office of the Secretary of the                                                         
Senate:                                                                                                                         
                                                                                                                                
Alaska Housing Finance Corporation                                                                                              
Testing Our Resilience                                                                                                          
2020 Annual Report                                                                                                              
in accordance with AS 18.56.200                                                                                                 
                                                                                                                                
Alaska State Legislature                                                                                                        
Task Force on Therapeutic Courts                                                                                                
Evaluations & Recommendations                                                                                                   
Final Report                                                                                                                    
January 18, 2021                                                                                                                
                                                                                                                                
Department of Commerce, Community and Economic Development                                                                      
 Alaska Energy Authority                                                                                                        
 Susitna-Watana Hydro Report to the Legislature 2018                                                                            
 in accordance with AS 44.83.085                                                                                                
                                                                                                                                

2021-01-22                     Senate Journal                      Page 0025
 Alaska Industrial Development and Export Authority                                                                             
 Interior Energy Project                                                                                                        
 Quarterly Report to the Alaska State Legislature                                                                               
 October 2020                                                                                                                   
 in accordance with ch. 39, SLA 2015                                                                                            
                                                                                                                                
Department of Health and Social Services                                                                                        
 Office of Children's Services                                                                                                  
 2020 Child Welfare Outcomes and Caseworker Retention Report                                                                    
 November 13, 2020                                                                                                              
 in accordance with AS 47.14.112                                                                                                
                                                                                                                                
 Alaska Health Information Exchange                                                                                             
 2020 Progress & Recommendations Report                                                                                         
 in accordance with AS 18.23.315                                                                                                
                                                                                                                                
 Annual Medicaid Reform Report FY 2020                                                                                          
 in accordance with AS 47.05.270                                                                                                
                                                                                                                                
Department of Health and Social Services                                                                                        
Department of Corrections                                                                                                       
Recidivism Reduction Joint Annual Report                                                                                        
Fiscal Year 2020                                                                                                                
in accordance with AS 47.38.100                                                                                                 
                                                                                                                                
Department of Law                                                                                                               
Civil Division                                                                                                                  
2020 Alaska Annual Report on Activities of the National Conference                                                              
of Commissioners on Uniform State Laws                                                                                          
December 29, 2020                                                                                                               
from Susan R. Pollard, Chair, Alaska Uniform Law Delegation                                                                     
                                                                                                                                
Department of Public Safety                                                                                                     
2020 Report on Untested Sexual Assault Examination Kits                                                                         
October 30, 2020                                                                                                                
in accordance with AS 44.41.070                                                                                                 
                                                                                                                                
                                                                                                                                
                                                                                                                                

2021-01-22                     Senate Journal                      Page 0026
Department of Revenue                                                                                                           
 Achieving a Better Life Experience (ABLE) Annual Report                                                                        
 January 19, 2021                                                                                                               
 in accordance with AS 06.65.350                                                                                                
                                                                                                                                
 Alaska Marine Highway System Fund                                                                                              
 Investment Earnings Report                                                                                                     
 January 20, 2021                                                                                                               
 in accordance with AS 19.65.070                                                                                                
                                                                                                                                
 Alaska Marine Highway Vessel Replacement Fund                                                                                  
 Investment Earnings Report                                                                                                     
 January 20, 2021                                                                                                               
 in accordance with AS 37.05.550                                                                                                
                                                                                                                                
Office of the Governor                                                                                                          
Alaska Criminal Justice Commission                                                                                              
2020 Annual Report                                                                                                              
October 30, 2020                                                                                                                
in accordance with AS 44.19.647                                                                                                 
                                                                                                                                
Legislative Affairs Agency                                                                                                      
A Report to the Thirty-First State Legislature                                                                                  
Listing Alaska Statutes with Delayed Repeals or Delayed                                                                         
Amendments and Examining Court Decisions and Opinions of the                                                                    
Attorney General Construing Alaska Statutes                                                                                     
December 2020                                                                                                                   
in accordance with AS 24.20.065                                                                                                 
                                                                                                                                
Department of Transportation and Public Facilities                                                                              
Alaska Sustainable Energy Act Annual Report                                                                                     
2020 Progress Report                                                                                                            
in accordance with AS 44.42.067                                                                                                 
                                                                                                                                
The following Budget and Audit Reports were received from Kris                                                                  
Curtis, Legislative Auditor, in accordance with AS 24.20.311 and are                                                            
on file in the Office of the Secretary of the Senate:                                                                           
                                                                                                                                
2020 Annual Report, Unabridged                                                                                                  
2020 Annual Report, Condensed                                                                                                   

2021-01-22                     Senate Journal                      Page 0027
Department of Commerce, Community, and Economic Development                                                                     
 Board of Certified Direct-Entry Midwives Sunset Review                                                                         
 June 19, 2020                                                                                                                  
                                                                                                                                
 Regulatory Commission of Alaska                                                                                                
 FY 19 Annual Report Special Review                                                                                             
 April 6, 2020                                                                                                                  
                                                                                                                                
 Board of Public Accountancy Sunset Review                                                                                      
 April 8, 2020                                                                                                                  
                                                                                                                                
Department of Education and Early Development                                                                                   
Special Education Service Agency Sunset Review                                                                                  
April 3, 2020                                                                                                                   
                                                                                                                                
Department of Health and Social Services                                                                                        
 Medicaid and Children's Health Insurance Program (CHIP)                                                                        
 Eligibility                                                                                                                    
 August 27, 2020                                                                                                                
                                                                                                                                
 Medicaid and Children's Health Insurance Program (CHIP)                                                                        
 Transportation Costs                                                                                                           
 October 28, 2020                                                                                                               
                                                                                                                                
 Office of Children's Services Compliance with Foster Care                                                                      
 Reform Laws, Part 1                                                                                                            
 November 10, 2020                                                                                                              
                                                                                                                                
Department of Natural Resources                                                                                                 
Citizens' Advisory Commission on Federal Areas Sunset Review                                                                    
April 8, 2020                                                                                                                   
                                                                                                                                
Department of Revenue                                                                                                           
Mustang Operations Center 1 LLC Loan Special Review                                                                             
July 24, 2020                                                                                                                   
                                                                                                                                
Alaska Court System                                                                                                             
Board of Governors of the Alaska Bar Association Sunset Review                                                                  
June 9, 2020                                                                                                                    
                                                                                                                                
Office of the Governor                                                                                                          
Alaska Criminal Justice Commission Sunset Review                                                                                
June 12, 2020                                                                                                                   

2021-01-22                     Senate Journal                      Page 0028
                        Introduction and Reference of                                                                        
                              Senate Resolutions                                                                             
                                                                                                                                
SJR 1                                                                                                                         
SENATE JOINT RESOLUTION NO. 1 BY SENATOR                                                                                        
WIELECHOWSKI,                                                                                                                   
                                                                                                                                
               Proposing amendments to the Constitution of the                                                                 
          State of Alaska relating to the Alaska permanent fund                                                                 
          and appropriations from the Alaska permanent fund.                                                                    
          (Prefile released January 8, 2021)                                                                                    
                                                                                                                                
was read the first time and referred to the State Affairs, Judiciary and                                                        
Finance Committees.                                                                                                             
                                                                                                                                
SJR 2                                                                                                                         
SENATE JOINT RESOLUTION NO. 2 BY SENATOR SHOWER,                                                                                
                                                                                                                                
              Proposing an amendment to the Constitution of the                                                                
              State of Alaska relating to the membership of the                                                                
          judicial council.                                                                                                     
          (Prefile released January 8, 2021)                                                                                    
                                                                                                                                
was read the first time and referred to the State Affairs, Judiciary and                                                        
Finance Committees.                                                                                                             
                                                                                                                                
SJR 3                                                                                                                         
SENATE JOINT RESOLUTION NO. 3 BY SENATOR SHOWER,                                                                                
                                                                                                                                
              Proposing an amendment to the Constitution of the                                                                
            State of Alaska relating to political caucuses in the                                                              
          legislature.                                                                                                          
          (Prefile released January 8, 2021)                                                                                    
                                                                                                                                
was read the first time and referred to the State Affairs, Judiciary and                                                        
Finance Committees.                                                                                                             
                                                                                                                                

2021-01-22                     Senate Journal                      Page 0029
SJR 4                                                                                                                         
SENATE JOINT RESOLUTION NO. 4 BY SENATOR HUGHES,                                                                                
                                                                                                                                
              Proposing an amendment to the Constitution of the                                                                
          State of Alaska relating to abortion.                                                                                 
          (Prefile released January 8, 2021)                                                                                    
                                                                                                                                
was read the first time and referred to the Health and Social Services,                                                         
Judiciary and Finance Committees.                                                                                               
                                                                                                                                
SJR 5                                                                                                                         
SENATE JOINT RESOLUTION NO. 5 BY THE SENATE RULES                                                                               
COMMITTEE BY REQUEST OF THE GOVERNOR,                                                                                           
                                                                                                                                
               Proposing amendments to the Constitution of the                                                                 
           State of Alaska relating to an appropriation limit; and                                                             
          relating to the budget reserve fund.                                                                                  
                                                                                                                                
was read the first time and referred to the State Affairs, Judiciary and                                                        
Finance Committees.                                                                                                             
                                                                                                                                
The following fiscal information was published today:                                                                           
 Fiscal Note No. 1, zero, Office of the Governor                                                                                
                                                                                                                                
Governor's transmittal letter dated January 19:                                                                                 
                                                                                                                                
Dear President Micciche:                                                                                                        
                                                                                                                                
Under the authority of Article III, Section 18, of the Alaska                                                                   
Constitution, I am transmitting a bill proposing a resolution to amend                                                          
the Constitution of the State of Alaska, Article IX, Sections 16 and 17.                                                        
The proposed amendment would change the baseline for the                                                                        
constitutional appropriation limit so that appropriations for a fiscal                                                          
year would not exceed the average of the appropriations for the                                                                 
previous three years plus the cumulative percent change in inflation or                                                         
population, whichever is greater, over the previous three year period.                                                          
The amendment would exempt from the spending limit appropriations                                                               
to state savings accounts, the permanent fund and for permanent fund                                                            
dividend payments, appropriations of bond proceeds and the principal                                                            
and interest on those bonds, and appropriations of money from a non-                                                            
state source.                                                                                                                   

2021-01-22                     Senate Journal                      Page 0030
Additionally, the proposed amendment would change the budget                                                                    
reserve fund established in Article IX, Section 17 so that it can only be                                                       
used as a funding source, if the amount in the general fund for a given                                                         
year, is less than the appropriation limit. The budget reserve would be                                                         
available for no other purpose.                                                                                                 
                                                                                                                                
We must develop a stable and sustainable budget in order to assure                                                              
economic growth in our State. This amendment provides an important                                                              
tool for curbing unsustainable growth in government spending by                                                                 
indexing future appropriations to those made in prior fiscal years while                                                        
ensuring the State has a reserve balance to stabilize revenues during                                                           
years of unexpected decline.                                                                                                    
                                                                                                                                
This resolution is a simple but powerful way to structurally cap                                                                
government growth. I urge your prompt and favorable action on this                                                              
measure.                                                                                                                        
                                                                                                                                
Sincerely,                                                                                                                      
/s/                                                                                                                             
Mike Dunleavy                                                                                                                   
Governor                                                                                                                        
                                                                                                                                
SJR 6                                                                                                                         
SENATE JOINT RESOLUTION NO. 6 BY THE SENATE RULES                                                                               
COMMITTEE BY REQUEST OF THE GOVERNOR,                                                                                           
                                                                                                                                
          Proposing amendments to the Constitution of the                                                                       
          State of Alaska relating to the Alaska permanent                                                                      
          fund, appropriations from the permanent fund, and                                                                     
          the permanent fund dividend.                                                                                          
                                                                                                                                
was read the first time and referred to the State Affairs, Judiciary and                                                        
Finance Committees.                                                                                                             
                                                                                                                                
The following fiscal information was published today:                                                                           
 Fiscal Note No. 1, zero, Office of the Governor                                                                                
                                                                                                                                

2021-01-22                     Senate Journal                      Page 0031
Governor's transmittal letter dated January 19:                                                                                 
                                                                                                                                
Dear President Micciche:                                                                                                        
                                                                                                                                
Under the authority of Article III, Section 18, of the Alaska                                                                   
Constitution, I am transmitting a resolution to amend the Constitution                                                          
of the State of Alaska, Article IX, Section 15. The proposed                                                                    
amendment would establish a percent-of-market-value (POMV) rule                                                                 
to limit annual expenditures from the permanent fund and establish the                                                          
permanent fund dividend (PFD) in the Alaska Constitution.                                                                       
                                                                                                                                
Since it was created by constitutional amendment in 1976, the                                                                   
permanent fund has become a vital component to Alaska’s financial                                                               
and economic health. Alaskans had the foresight to ensure that a                                                                
portion of Alaska’s newfound oil wealth would be saved for the future                                                           
benefit of our state. The PFD, established soon thereafter, has created                                                         
a critical link between the people and their government by providing                                                            
every Alaskan a share of the state's natural resource wealth.                                                                   
                                                                                                                                
Today, the permanent fund and the earnings it generates, are Alaska’s                                                           
largest source of revenue. It has never been more important for us to                                                           
increase protections of the fund for future generations. I’m proposing                                                          
the adoption of a spending rule limiting yearly withdraws to a                                                                  
percentage of its market value as the most effective means to preserve                                                          
the fund. The resolution would also require that a portion of funds                                                             
withdrawn be used for a dividend and require that any future change to                                                          
the dividend program be approved by the voters.                                                                                 
                                                                                                                                
With this resolution, we respect the will of the people and the                                                                 
Constitutional Convention delegates who wanted all Alaskans to                                                                  
benefit from our state’s natural resources. The resolution will protect                                                         
the permanent fund and the dividend program. I urge your prompt and                                                             
favorable action on this measure.                                                                                               
                                                                                                                                
This amendment would be placed before the voters at the next state                                                              
general election.                                                                                                               
                                                                                                                                
Sincerely,                                                                                                                      
/s/                                                                                                                             
Mike Dunleavy                                                                                                                   
Governor                                                                                                                        

2021-01-22                     Senate Journal                      Page 0032
SJR 7                                                                                                                         
SENATE JOINT RESOLUTION NO. 7 BY THE SENATE RULES                                                                               
COMMITTEE BY REQUEST OF THE GOVERNOR,                                                                                           
                                                                                                                                
          Proposing amendments to the Constitution of the                                                                       
          State of Alaska relating to prohibiting the                                                                           
          establishment of a state tax without the approval of                                                                  
          the voters of the state; and relating to the initiative                                                               
          process.                                                                                                              
                                                                                                                                
was read the first time and referred to the State Affairs, Judiciary and                                                        
Finance Committees.                                                                                                             
                                                                                                                                
The following fiscal information was published today:                                                                           
 Fiscal Note No. 1, zero, Office of the Governor                                                                                
                                                                                                                                
Governor's transmittal letter dated January 19:                                                                                 
                                                                                                                                
Dear President Micciche:                                                                                                        
                                                                                                                                
Under the authority of Article III, Section 18, of the Alaska                                                                   
Constitution, I am transmitting a resolution to amend the Constitution                                                          
of the State of Alaska, Article IX, Section 1 and Article XI, Section 6.                                                        
                                                                                                                                
The proposed amendment would provide that any law establishing a                                                                
state tax shall not take effect absent a vote of the majority of the voters                                                     
of the state. Additionally, the amendment would require that any voter                                                          
initiative establishing a state tax would not take effect unless approved                                                       
by the legislature.                                                                                                             
                                                                                                                                
I’m proposing this measure as the most effective means of involving                                                             
Alaskans in the decisions to levy taxes to pay for State services. This                                                         
proposal preserves the legislature’s taxing authority while also                                                                
recognizing the people’s voice as exercised through the ballot box.                                                             
                                                                                                                                
This amendment would be placed before the voters at the next state                                                              
general election.                                                                                                               
                                                                                                                                
I urge your prompt and favorable action on this measure.                                                                        
                                                                                                                                
Sincerely,                                                                                                                      
/s/                                                                                                                             
Mike Dunleavy                                                                                                                   
Governor                                                                                                                        

2021-01-22                     Senate Journal                      Page 0033
                  Introduction and Reference of Senate Bills                                                                 
                                                                                                                                
SB 1                                                                                                                          
SENATE BILL NO. 1 BY SENATORS GRAY-JACKSON, Begich,                                                                             
entitled:                                                                                                                       
                                                                                                                                
          "An Act prohibiting the use of chokeholds by peace                                                                    
          officers; and relating to justification of use of force                                                               
          by peace officers."                                                                                                   
          (Prefile released January 8, 2021)                                                                                    
                                                                                                                                
was read the first time and referred to the State Affairs and Judiciary                                                         
Committees.                                                                                                                     
                                                                                                                                
SB 2                                                                                                                          
SENATE BILL NO. 2 BY SENATORS GRAY-JACKSON, Begich,                                                                             
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."                                                                                                   
          (Prefile released January 8, 2021)                                                                                    
                                                                                                                                
was read the first time and referred to the State Affairs, Judiciary and                                                        
Finance Committees.                                                                                                             
                                                                                                                                
SB 3                                                                                                                          
SENATE BILL NO. 3 BY SENATORS GRAY-JACKSON, Begich,                                                                             
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."                                                                                
          (Prefile released January 8, 2021)                                                                                    
                                                                                                                                
was read the first time and referred to the State Affairs, Judiciary and                                                        
Finance Committees.                                                                                                             

2021-01-22                     Senate Journal                      Page 0034
SB 4                                                                                                                          
SENATE BILL NO. 4 BY SENATORS GRAY-JACKSON, Begich,                                                                             
entitled:                                                                                                                       
                                                                                                                                
          "An Act relating to justification of use of force by a                                                                
          peace officer; and relating to shooting at a moving                                                                   
          vehicle."                                                                                                             
          (Prefile released January 8, 2021)                                                                                    
                                                                                                                                
was read the first time and referred to the State Affairs and Judiciary                                                         
Committees.                                                                                                                     
                                                                                                                                
SB 5                                                                                                                          
SENATE BILL NO. 5 BY SENATOR GRAY-JACKSON, entitled:                                                                            
                                                                                                                                
          "An Act establishing Juneteenth Day as a legal                                                                        
          holiday."                                                                                                             
          (Prefile released January 8, 2021)                                                                                    
                                                                                                                                
was read the first time and referred to the State Affairs Committee.                                                            
                                                                                                                                
SB 6                                                                                                                          
SENATE BILL NO. 6 BY SENATOR KAWASAKI, entitled:                                                                                
                                                                                                                                
          "An Act relating to retirement incentives for                                                                         
          members of the defined benefit retirement plan of the                                                                 
          teachers' retirement system and the defined benefit                                                                   
          retirement plan of the Public Employees' Retirement                                                                   
          System of Alaska; and providing for an effective                                                                      
          date."                                                                                                                
          (Prefile released January 8, 2021)                                                                                    
                                                                                                                                
was read the first time and referred to the Education, Labor and                                                                
Commerce and Finance Committees.                                                                                                
                                                                                                                                

2021-01-22                     Senate Journal                      Page 0035
SB 7                                                                                                                          
SENATE BILL NO. 7 BY SENATORS GRAY-JACKSON, Begich,                                                                             
entitled:                                                                                                                       
                                                                                                                                
             "An Act requiring the Department of Public Safety to                                                              
                publish certain policies and procedures on the                                                                 
          departments Internet website."                                                                                        
          (Prefile released January 8, 2021)                                                                                    
                                                                                                                                
was read the first time and referred to the State Affairs and Judiciary                                                         
Committees.                                                                                                                     
                                                                                                                                
SB 8                                                                                                                          
SENATE BILL NO. 8 BY SENATOR BEGICH, entitled:                                                                                  
                                                                                                                                
           "An Act relating to early education programs                                                                         
           provided by school districts; relating to school                                                                     
           age eligibility; relating to funding for early                                                                       
           education programs; establishing early education                                                                     
           programs and a voluntary parent program;                                                                             
           relating to the duties of the Department of                                                                          
           Education and Early Development; relating to                                                                         
           certification of teachers; establishing a reading                                                                    
           intervention program for public school students                                                                      
           enrolled in grades kindergarten through three;                                                                       
           establishing a reading program in the                                                                                
           Department of Education and Early                                                                                    
           Development; establishing a teacher retention                                                                        
           working group; and providing for an effective                                                                        
           date."                                                                                                               
           (Prefile released January 8, 2021)                                                                                   
                                                                                                                                
was read the first time and referred to the Education and Finance                                                               
Committees.                                                                                                                     
                                                                                                                                
                                                                                                                                

2021-01-22                     Senate Journal                      Page 0036
SB 9                                                                                                                          
SENATE BILL NO. 9 BY SENATOR MICCICHE, entitled:                                                                                
                                                                                                                                
          "An Act relating to alcoholic beverages; relating to                                                                  
          the regulation of manufacturers, wholesalers, and                                                                     
          retailers of alcoholic beverages; relating to licenses,                                                               
          endorsements, and permits involving alcoholic                                                                         
          beverages; relating to common carrier approval to                                                                     
          transport or deliver alcoholic beverages; relating to                                                                 
          the Alcoholic Beverage Control Board; relating to                                                                     
          offenses involving alcoholic beverages; amending                                                                      
          Rule 17(h), Alaska Rules of Minor Offense                                                                             
          Procedure; and providing for an effective date."                                                                      
          (Prefile released January 8, 2021)                                                                                    
                                                                                                                                
was read the first time and referred to the Labor and Commerce,                                                                 
Judiciary and Finance Committees.                                                                                               
                                                                                                                                
SB 10                                                                                                                         
SENATE BILL NO. 10 BY SENATOR BEGICH, entitled:                                                                                 
                                                                                                                                
          "An Act establishing a grant program to provide to                                                                    
          essential workers the tuition and fees to attend a                                                                    
          state-supported postsecondary educational                                                                             
          institution."                                                                                                         
          (Prefile released January 8, 2021)                                                                                    
                                                                                                                                
was read the first time and referred to the Labor and Commerce,                                                                 
Education and Finance Committees.                                                                                               
                                                                                                                                
SB 11                                                                                                                         
SENATE BILL NO. 11 BY SENATOR BEGICH, entitled:                                                                                 
                                                                                                                                
          "An Act relating to community property and to                                                                         
          community property trusts; and providing for an                                                                       
          effective date."                                                                                                      
          (Prefile released January 8, 2021)                                                                                    
                                                                                                                                
was read the first time and referred to the Labor and Commerce and                                                              
Judiciary Committees.                                                                                                           

2021-01-22                     Senate Journal                      Page 0037
SB 12                                                                                                                         
SENATE BILL NO. 12 BY SENATOR KAWASAKI, entitled:                                                                               
                                                                                                                                
          "An Act relating to temporary courtesy licenses for                                                                   
          military spouses; and relating to the Department of                                                                   
          Commerce, Community, and Economic                                                                                     
          Development."                                                                                                         
          (Prefile released January 8, 2021)                                                                                    
                                                                                                                                
was read the first time and referred to the State Affairs and Labor and                                                         
Commerce Committees.                                                                                                            
                                                                                                                                
SB 13                                                                                                                         
SENATE BILL NO. 13 BY SENATOR BEGICH, entitled:                                                                                 
                                                                                                                                
          "An Act relating to oil and gas exploration,                                                                          
          production, and pipeline transportation property                                                                      
          taxes; and providing for an effective date."                                                                          
          (Prefile released January 8, 2021)                                                                                    
                                                                                                                                
was read the first time and referred to the Community and Regional                                                              
Affairs, Resources and Finance Committees.                                                                                      
                                                                                                                                
SB 14                                                                                                                         
SENATE BILL NO. 14 BY SENATOR SHOWER, entitled:                                                                                 
                                                                                                                                
          "An Act relating to the selection and retention of                                                                    
          judicial officers for the court of appeals and the                                                                    
          district court and of magistrates; relating to the duties                                                             
          of the judicial council; relating to the duties of the                                                                
          Commission on Judicial Conduct; and relating to                                                                       
          retention or rejection of a judicial officer."                                                                        
          (Prefile released January 8, 2021)                                                                                    
                                                                                                                                
was read the first time and referred to the Judiciary Committee.                                                                
                                                                                                                                

2021-01-22                     Senate Journal                      Page 0038
SB 15                                                                                                                         
SENATE BILL NO. 15 BY SENATOR COSTELLO, entitled:                                                                               
                                                                                                                                
    "An Act relating to the Open Meetings Act; and establishing                                                                 
    a civil penalty for violations of the open meeting                                                                          
    requirements by members of governmental bodies."                                                                            
    (Prefile released January 8, 2021)                                                                                          
                                                                                                                                
was read the first time and referred to the Community and Regional                                                              
Affairs and Judiciary Committees.                                                                                               
                                                                                                                                
SB 16                                                                                                                         
SENATE BILL NO. 16 BY SENATORS BEGICH, Gray-Jackson,                                                                            
entitled:                                                                                                                       
                                                                                                                                
      "An Act relating to the authority and procedures of the                                                                   
      State Commission for Human Rights; requiring an annual                                                                    
      report concerning the payment of equal pay for                                                                            
      comparable work; increasing the minimum wage; relating                                                                    
      to and prohibiting wage discrimination based on the sex of                                                                
      an employee; and providing for an effective date."                                                                        
      (Prefile released January 8, 2021)                                                                                        
                                                                                                                                
was read the first time and referred to the Labor and Commerce,                                                                 
Judiciary and Finance Committees.                                                                                               
                                                                                                                                
SB 17                                                                                                                         
SENATE BILL NO. 17 BY SENATOR BEGICH, entitled:                                                                                 
                                                                                                                                
      "An Act relating to the retrofitting of certain public                                                                    
      facilities and community facilities; relating to the                                                                      
      performance of energy audits on schools and community                                                                     
      facilities; relating to the duties of the Alaska Energy                                                                   
      Authority and the Alaska Housing Finance Corporation;                                                                     
      creating a rapid economic recovery office in the Alaska                                                                   
      Industrial Development and Export Authority; and relating                                                                 
      to the state energy policy and energy source reporting by                                                                 
      state agencies."                                                                                                          
      (Prefile released January 8, 2021)                                                                                        
                                                                                                                                
was read the first time and referred to the Community and Regional                                                              
Affairs, Labor and Commerce and Finance Committees.                                                                             
                                                                                                                                

2021-01-22                     Senate Journal                      Page 0039
SB 18                                                                                                                         
SENATE BILL NO. 18 BY SENATOR BEGICH, entitled:                                                                                 
                                                                                                                                
          "An Act directing school districts to set maximum                                                                     
          class sizes; and establishing a grant program to                                                                      
          support class size reduction in public elementary                                                                     
          schools."                                                                                                             
          (Prefile released January 8, 2021)                                                                                    
                                                                                                                                
was read the first time and referred to the Education and Finance                                                               
Committees.                                                                                                                     
                                                                                                                                
SB 19                                                                                                                         
SENATE BILL NO. 19 BY SENATOR STEVENS, entitled:                                                                                
                                                                                                                                
          "An Act extending the special education service                                                                       
          agency; and providing for an effective date."                                                                         
          (Prefile released January 8, 2021)                                                                                    
                                                                                                                                
was read the first time and referred to the Education and Finance                                                               
Committees.                                                                                                                     
                                                                                                                                
SB 20                                                                                                                         
SENATE BILL NO. 20 BY SENATOR STEVENS, entitled:                                                                                
                                                                                                                                
          "An Act relating to recognition of certificates of out-                                                               
          of-state teachers."                                                                                                   
          (Prefile released January 8, 2021)                                                                                    
                                                                                                                                
was read the first time and referred to the Education and Finance                                                               
Committees.                                                                                                                     
                                                                                                                                
SB 21                                                                                                                         
SENATE BILL NO. 21 BY SENATOR REVAK, entitled:                                                                                  
                                                                                                                                
          "An Act relating to mobile intensive care paramedics;                                                                 
          relating to duties of the State Medical Board and the                                                                 
          Department of Health and Social Services; and                                                                         
          providing for an effective date."                                                                                     
          (Prefile released January 8, 2021)                                                                                    
                                                                                                                                
was read the first time and referred to the Health and Social Services                                                          
and Labor and Commerce Committees.                                                                                              

2021-01-22                     Senate Journal                      Page 0040
SB 22                                                                                                                         
SENATE BILL NO. 22 BY SENATOR REVAK, entitled:                                                                                  
                                                                                                                                
          "An Act repealing the termination date for the                                                                        
          intensive management hunting license surcharge."                                                                      
          (Prefile released January 8, 2021)                                                                                    
                                                                                                                                
was read the first time and referred to the Resources and Finance                                                               
Committees.                                                                                                                     
                                                                                                                                
SB 23                                                                                                                         
SENATE BILL NO. 23 BY SENATOR REVAK, entitled:                                                                                  
                                                                                                                                
          "An Act relating to proposing and enacting laws by                                                                    
          initiative."                                                                                                          
          (Prefile released January 8, 2021)                                                                                    
                                                                                                                                
was read the first time and referred to the State Affairs and Judiciary                                                         
Committees.                                                                                                                     
                                                                                                                                
SB 24                                                                                                                         
SENATE BILL NO. 24 BY SENATOR WILSON, entitled:                                                                                 
                                                                                                                                
          "An Act authorizing virtual meetings of shareholders                                                                  
          of a corporation; and authorizing virtual meetings of                                                                 
          members of a nonprofit corporation."                                                                                  
          (Prefile released January 8, 2021)                                                                                    
                                                                                                                                
was read the first time and referred to the Labor and Commerce                                                                  
Committee.                                                                                                                      
                                                                                                                                
SB 25                                                                                                                         
SENATE BILL NO. 25 BY SENATOR WIELECHOWSKI, entitled:                                                                           
                                                                                                                                
          "An Act relating to the establishment and                                                                             
          maintenance of an Internet website providing                                                                          
          information on state government financial                                                                             
          transactions and specifying the information to be                                                                     
          made available on the website."                                                                                       
          (Prefile released January 8, 2021)                                                                                    
                                                                                                                                
was read the first time and referred to the State Affairs and Finance                                                           
Committees.                                                                                                                     

2021-01-22                     Senate Journal                      Page 0041
SB 26                                                                                                                         
SENATE BILL NO. 26 BY SENATOR WILSON, entitled:                                                                                 
                                                                                                                                
            "An Act repealing the certificate of need program for                                                              
                  health care facilities; making conforming                                                                    
          amendments; and providing for an effective date."                                                                     
          (Prefile released January 8, 2021)                                                                                    
                                                                                                                                
was read the first time and referred to the Health and Social Services                                                          
and Labor and Commerce Committees.                                                                                              
                                                                                                                                
SB 27                                                                                                                         
SENATE BILL NO. 27 BY SENATOR HUGHES, entitled:                                                                                 
                                                                                                                                
              "An Act relating to industrial hemp; and providing                                                               
          for an effective date."                                                                                               
          (Prefile released January 8, 2021)                                                                                    
                                                                                                                                
was read the first time and referred to the Labor and Commerce and                                                              
Resources Committees.                                                                                                           
                                                                                                                                
SB 28                                                                                                                         
SENATE BILL NO. 28 BY SENATOR BEGICH, entitled:                                                                                 
                                                                                                                                
              "An Act establishing April 24 of each year as Vic                                                                
            Fischer and Jack Coghill Constitution of the State of                                                              
          Alaska Day; and providing for an effective date."                                                                     
          (Prefile released January 8, 2021)                                                                                    
                                                                                                                                
was read the first time and referred to the State Affairs Committee.                                                            
                                                                                                                                
                                                                                                                                
                                                                                                                                

2021-01-22                     Senate Journal                      Page 0042
SB 29                                                                                                                         
SENATE BILL NO. 29 BY SENATOR MICCICHE, entitled:                                                                               
                                                                                                                                
          "An Act relating to the powers of the Alaska                                                                          
          Commercial Fisheries Entry Commission; relating to                                                                    
          administrative areas for regulation of certain                                                                        
          commercial set net entry permits; establishing a buy-                                                                 
          back program for certain set net entry permits;                                                                       
          providing for the termination of state set net tract                                                                  
          leases under the buy-back program; closing certain                                                                    
          water to commercial fishing; and providing for an                                                                     
          effective date."                                                                                                      
          (Prefile released January 8, 2021)                                                                                    
                                                                                                                                
was read the first time and referred to the Resources and Finance                                                               
Committees.                                                                                                                     
                                                                                                                                
                                                                                                                                
                             Unfinished Business                                                                             
                                                                                                                                
Letters dated October 30, 2020 and December 7, 2020 were received                                                               
stating pursuant to AS 44.33.431, President Giessel made the                                                                    
following appointments:                                                                                                         
                                                                                                                                
Alaska Minerals Commission                                                                                                    
Enric Fernandez                                                                                                                 
Jeff DeFreest                                                                                                                   
                                                                                                                                
                                                                                                                                
                                Announcements                                                                                
                                                                                                                                
Announcements are at the end of the journal.                                                                                    
                                                                                                                                
                                                                                                                                
                                 Adjournment                                                                                 
                                                                                                                                
Senator Hughes moved and asked unanimous consent the Senate stand                                                               
in adjournment until 11:00 a.m., January 25, 2020. Without objection,                                                           
the Senate adjourned at 11:03 a.m.                                                                                              
                                                                                                                                
                                                                    Liz Clark                                                   
                                                     Secretary of the Senate                                                    

2021-01-22                     Senate Journal                      Page 0043
                                Announcements                                                                                
                                                                                                                                
Americans with Disabilities Act Notice - Persons with disabilities who require                                                  
special accommodation or alternative communication formats to access                                                            
committee meetings may contact the appropriate committee office or the                                                          
Legislative Information Office in their community. Reasonable advance                                                           
notice is needed to accommodate the request. For further information, call the                                                  
ADA Coordinator at 465-3854 Voice/465-4980 TDD.                                                                                 
                                                                                                                                
                                                                                                                                
                             STANDING COMMITTEES                                                                             
+ indicates teleconference                                                                                                      
= indicates bill previously heard/scheduled                                                                                     
                                                                                                                                
                         COMMUNITY & REGIONAL AFFAIRS                                                                        
                                                                                                                                
Jan 26        Tuesday                     Beltz 105 (tsbldg)          3:30 PM                                                 
              No Meeting Scheduled                                                                                              
                                                                                                                                
Jan 28        Thursday                    Beltz 105 (tsbldg)          3:30 PM                                                 
              No Meeting Scheduled                                                                                              
                   ----------------------------------------                                                                    
                                                                                                                                
                                  EDUCATION                                                                                  
                                                                                                                                
Jan 25        Monday                          Butrovich 205           9:00 AM                                                 
              No Meeting Scheduled                                                                                              
                                                                                                                                
Jan 27        Wednesday                       Butrovich 205           9:00 AM                                                 
              Organizational Meeting                                                                                            
                                                                                                                                
Jan 29        Friday                          Butrovich 205           9:00 AM                                                 
+             Department of Education & Early Development                                                                       
              Introduction & Update by Commissioner Johnson                                                                     
                                                                                                                                
                                                                                                                                

2021-01-22                     Senate Journal                      Page 0044
                                   FINANCE                                                                                   
                                                                                                                                
Jan 25 Monday Senate Finance 532 9:00 AM                                                                                      
              No Meeting Scheduled                                                                                              
                                                                                                                                
Jan 26 Tuesday Senate Finance 532 9:00 AM                                                                                     
              No Meeting Scheduled                                                                                              
                                                                                                                                
Jan 27 Wednesday Senate Finance 532 9:00 AM                                                                                   
+             Committee Organization/Introduction of Members &                                                                  
              Staff                                                                                                             
+             Department of Natural Resources -                                                                                 
              Production Forecast by Commissioner Corri Feige &                                                                 
              Commercial Analyst Pascal Umekwe                                                                                  
                                                                                                                                
Jan 28 Thursday Senate Finance 532 9:00 AM                                                                                    
+             Department of Revenue - Revenue Forecast by                                                                       
              Dan Stickel, Chief Economist                                                                                      
                                                                                                                                
Jan 29 Friday Senate Finance 532 9:00 AM                                                                                      
+             Office of Management & Budget - Governor's FY22                                                                   
              Budget Proposal by Neil Steininger, Director                                                                      
                   ----------------------------------------                                                                    
                                                                                                                                
                           HEALTH & SOCIAL SERVICES                                                                          
                                                                                                                                
Jan 26 Tuesday Beltz 105 (tsbldg) 1:30 PM                                                                                     
              No Meeting Scheduled                                                                                              
                                                                                                                                
Jan 28 Thursday Beltz 105 (tsbldg) 1:30 PM                                                                                    
              No Meeting Scheduled                                                                                              
                                                                                                                                
                                                                                                                                
                                                                                                                                
                                                                                                                                

2021-01-22                     Senate Journal                      Page 0045
                                  JUDICIARY                                                                                  
                                                                                                                                
Jan 25        Monday                      Beltz 105 (tsbldg)          1:30 PM                                                 
              No Meeting Scheduled                                                                                              
                                                                                                                                
Jan 27        Wednesday                       Butrovich 205           1:30 PM                                                 
              -- Testimony <Invitation Only> --                                                                                 
              -- Please Note Location Change --                                                                                 
+             Overview:                                                                                                         
              Emergency Disaster Declaration Extension by                                                                       
              Department of Law & Department of Health & Social                                                                 
              Services (Tentative)                                                                                              
              **Streamed live on AKL.tv**                                                                                       
                                                                                                                                
Jan 29        Friday                          Butrovich 205           1:30 PM                                                 
              -- Testimony <Invitation Only> --                                                                                 
              -- Please Note Location Change --                                                                                 
+             Overview:                                                                                                         
              Continued COVID Health Orders & Impact on                                                                         
              Alaskans by Department of Law & Department of                                                                     
              Health & Social Services                                                                                          
+             Bills Previously Heard/Scheduled                                                                                  
                   ----------------------------------------                                                                    
                                                                                                                                
                               LABOR & COMMERCE                                                                              
                                                                                                                                
Jan 25        Monday                      Beltz 105 (tsbldg)          1:30 PM                                                 
              No Meeting Scheduled                                                                                              
                                                                                                                                
Jan 27        Wednesday                   Beltz 105 (tsbldg)          1:30 PM                                                 
              No Meeting Scheduled                                                                                              
                                                                                                                                
Jan 29        Friday                      Beltz 105 (tsbldg)          1:30 PM                                                 
              No Meeting Scheduled                                                                                              
                                                                                                                                
                                                                                                                                
                                                                                                                                

2021-01-22                     Senate Journal                      Page 0046
                                  RESOURCES                                                                                  
                                                                                                                                
Jan 25 Monday Butrovich 205 3:30 PM                                                                                           
              No Meeting Scheduled                                                                                              
                                                                                                                                
Jan 27 Wednesday Butrovich 205 3:30 PM                                                                                        
+             Department of Natural Resources Overview                                                                          
              -- Testimony <Invitation Only> --                                                                                 
              **Streamed live on AKL.tv**                                                                                       
                                                                                                                                
Jan 29 Friday Butrovich 205 3:30 PM                                                                                           
              No Meeting Scheduled                                                                                              
                   ----------------------------------------                                                                    
                                                                                                                                
                                STATE AFFAIRS                                                                                
                                                                                                                                
Jan 26 Tuesday Butrovich 205 3:30 PM                                                                                          
+ SB  39 BALLOT CUSTODY/TAMPERING; VOTER REG; MAIL                                                                              
              <Pending Referral>                                                                                                
                                                                                                                                
Jan 28 Thursday Butrovich 205 3:30 PM                                                                                         
+= SB  39 BALLOT CUSTODY/TAMPERING; VOTER REG; MAIL                                                                             
              <Pending Referral>                                                                                                
                   ----------------------------------------                                                                    
                                                                                                                                
                                TRANSPORTATION                                                                               
                                                                                                                                
Jan 26 Tuesday Butrovich 205 1:30 PM                                                                                          
              No Meeting Scheduled                                                                                              
                                                                                                                                
Jan 28 Thursday Butrovich 205 1:30 PM                                                                                         
              No Meeting Scheduled                                                                                              
                                                                                                                                
                                                                                                                                

2021-01-22                     Senate Journal                      Page 0047
                               JOINT COMMITTEES                                                                              
                                                                                                                                
                             REDISTRICTING BOARD                                                                             
                                                                                                                                
Jan 26        Tuesday                    By Teleconference            2:30 PM                                                 
+             Board Policy Review & Discussion                                                                                  
              - Public Meeting & Notice Policy                                                                                  
              - Public Records Policy                                                                                           
              - Member Compensation Policy                                                                                      
              - Member & Staff Travel Per Diem Policy                                                                           
+             Adoption of One or More Board Policies                                                                            
              Public Numbers: Anchorage 563-9085,                                                                               
              Juneau 586-9085, Other 844-586-9085