Legislature(2021 - 2022)
2021-02-10 Senate Journal
Full Journal pdf2021-02-10 Senate Journal Page 0187 SENATE JOURNAL ALASKA STATE LEGISLATURE THIRTY-SECOND LEGISLATURE FIRST SESSION Juneau, Alaska Wednesday February 10, 2021 Twenty-third Day Pursuant to adjournment the Senate was called to order by President Micciche at 11:06 a.m. The roll showed nineteen members present. Senator Kawasaki was excused from a call of the Senate. The prayer was offered by the Chaplain, Senator Holland. Senator Hoffman moved and asked unanimous consent the prayer be spread. Without objection, it was so ordered. God, today I stand before you with these men and women who have the heavy task of leading and directing the future of our state. Please provide wisdom and understanding and guide our hearts and minds as we strive to make a positive difference in lives of the citizens of Alaska. Please bless our families as many of us have left our homes and traveled far to join others here to do the work we are elected to do. Let us always remember that virtue and honesty should be a valuable consideration in the decisions that come from this great chamber. Lastly, I pray that your spirit would continue to abide in this place and let it lead us to the prosperity and dignity that the people of this state have come to expect and that future generations deserve. Grant that we be guided by your providence and dwell secure in your peace. Amen. Senator Myers led the Senate in the Pledge of Allegiance. 2021-02-10 Senate Journal Page 0188 Certification Senator Hughes moved and asked unanimous consent the journals for the eighteenth through twenty-second legislative days be approved as certified by the Secretary. Without objection, it was so ordered. Communications The following report is on file in the Office of the Secretary of the Senate: Alaska Court System Commission on Judicial Conduct 2019 Annual Report Letter dated January 20 was received from Joel Bolger, Chief Justice of the Alaska Supreme Court, stating in accordance with AS 24.60.130(b), he has nominated Dennis "Skip" Cook as a public member to the Select Committee on Legislative Ethics. Select Committee on Legislative Ethics - Ratification Senator Hughes stated the appointments of Joyce M. Anderson and Gerald (Jerry) McBeath occurred in the Thirty-First Alaska Legislature (pages 1601, 2406) and moved that Dennis “Skip” Cook, Joyce M. Anderson and Gerald (Jerry) McBeath be ratified as Public Members to the Select Committee on Legislative Ethics. The question being: "Shall Dennis “Skip” Cook, Joyce M. Anderson and Gerald (Jerry) McBeath be ratified as Public Members to the Select Committee on Legislative Ethics?" The roll was taken with the following result: Shall Dennis 'Skip' Cook, Joyce M. Anderson and Gerald (Jerry) McBeath be ratified as Public Members to the Select Committee on Legislative Ethics? 2021-02-10 Senate Journal Page 0189 YEAS: 19 NAYS: 0 EXCUSED: 1 ABSENT: 0 Yeas: Begich, Bishop, Costello, Gray-Jackson, Hoffman, Holland, Hughes, Kiehl, Micciche, Myers, Olson, Reinbold, Revak, Shower, Stedman, Stevens, von Imhof, Wielechowski, Wilson Excused: Kawasaki and so, Dennis “Skip” Cook, Joyce M. Anderson and Gerald (Jerry) McBeath (alternate) were ratified by the Senate. The Secretary was requested to notify the House. Standing Committee Reports Report dated February 8 was read stating: In accordance with AS 39.05.080, the Judiciary Committee held a hearing on the following appointee(s). A signature on this report does not reflect an intent by any of the members to vote for or against the confirmation of the individual(s) during any further sessions. State Commission for Human Rights Cynthia Erickson Elizabeth “Betsy” Engle Alaska Judicial Council Kristie Babcock Signing the report: Senator Reinbold, Chair; Senators Shower, Hughes, Myers, Kiehl. SB 10 The Labor and Commerce Committee considered SENATE BILL NO. 10 "An Act establishing a grant program to provide to essential workers the tuition and fees to attend a state-supported postsecondary educational institution." Signing no recommendation: Senator Costello, Chair. Signing do pass: Senators Gray-Jackson, Stevens, Holland, Revak. 2021-02-10 Senate Journal Page 0190 The following fiscal information was published today: Fiscal Note No. 1, Department of Education and Early Development Fiscal Note No. 2, Department of Education and Early Development The bill was referred to the Education Committee. SB 56 The Health and Social Services Committee considered SENATE BILL NO. 56 "An Act extending the January 15, 2021, governor's declaration of a public health disaster emergency in response to the novel coronavirus disease (COVID-19) pandemic; providing for a financing plan; making temporary changes to state law in response to the COVID-19 outbreak in the following areas: occupational and professional licensing, practice, and billing; telehealth; fingerprinting requirements for health care providers; charitable gaming and online ticket sales; access to federal stabilization funds; wills; unfair or deceptive trade practices; and meetings of shareholders; and providing for an effective date" and recommended it be replaced with CS FOR SENATE BILL NO. 56(HSS) "An Act extending the January 15, 2021, governor's declaration of a public health disaster emergency in response to the novel coronavirus disease (COVID- 19) pandemic; providing for a financing plan; making temporary changes to state law in response to the COVID-19 outbreak in the following areas: occupational and professional licensing, practice, and billing; telehealth; fingerprinting requirements for health care providers; charitable gaming and online ticket sales; access to federal stabilization funds; wills; unfair or deceptive trade practices; and meetings of shareholders; relating to informed consent for COVID-19 vaccines; relating to personal objections to the administration of COVID-19 vaccines; and providing for an effective date." 2021-02-10 Senate Journal Page 0191 Signing do pass: Senator Wilson, Chair. Signing do not pass: Senator Reinbold. Signing no recommendation: Senators Costello, Hughes. Signing amend: Senator Begich. The following fiscal information was published today: Fiscal Note No. 5, indeterminate, Department of Revenue The following previously published fiscal information applies: Fiscal Note No. 1, zero, Department of Commerce, Community, and Economic Development Fiscal Note No. 2, zero, Department of Health and Social Services Fiscal Note No. 3, indeterminate, Department of Military and Veterans’ Affairs Fiscal Note No. 4, zero, Department of Public Safety The bill was referred to the Labor and Commerce Committee. Introduction and Reference of Senate Resolutions SJR 9 SENATE JOINT RESOLUTION NO. 9 BY SENATOR KIEHL, Urging the United States Congress to exempt cruise ships from certain provisions of the Passenger Vessel Services Act and other applicable provisions of federal law for the period during which Canadian ports are closed to cruise ships carrying more than 100 people; and urging the President of the United States not to fine or take actions against cruise ships sailing to the state. was read the first time and referred to the Transportation and Labor and Commerce Committees. 2021-02-10 Senate Journal Page 0192 Introduction and Reference of Senate Bills SB 76 SENATE BILL NO. 76 BY SENATOR KIEHL, entitled: "An Act relating to vehicles abandoned on private property." was read the first time and referred to the State Affairs and Labor and Commerce Committees. SB 77 SENATE BILL NO. 77 BY THE SENATE LABOR AND COMMERCE COMMITTEE, entitled: "An Act relating to charitable gaming online ticket sales and activities." was read the first time and referred to the State Affairs and Labor and Commerce Committees. SB 78 SENATE BILL NO. 78 BY THE SENATE LABOR AND COMMERCE COMMITTEE, entitled: "An Act relating to telehealth." was read the first time and referred to the Health and Social Services and Labor and Commerce Committees. Unfinished Business Senator von Imhof moved and asked unanimous consent to be excused from a call of the Senate from morning plane time, February 11 through evening plane time, February 15. Without objection, Senator von Imhof was excused. Senator Myers moved and asked unanimous consent to be excused from a call of the Senate from afternoon plane time, February 12 through evening plane time, February 15. Without objection, Senator Myers was excused. 2021-02-10 Senate Journal Page 0193 Senator Wielechowski moved and asked unanimous consent to be excused from a call of the Senate on February 12 from noon. Without objection, Senator Wielechowski was excused. Senator Revak moved and asked unanimous consent to be excused from a call of the Senate from February 20 through evening plane time, February 22; and from March 4 through evening plane time, March 8. Without objection, Senator Revak was excused. SJR 9 Senators Begich, Wielechowski, Olson, Gray-Jackson, Wilson, Revak, Costello, Reinbold, Stevens, Bishop, Stedman, Holland, Hughes, von Imhof, Micciche moved and asked unanimous consent to be shown as cosponsors on SENATE JOINT RESOLUTION NO. 9 Urging the United States Congress to exempt cruise ships from certain provisions of the Passenger Vessel Services Act and other applicable provisions of federal law for the period during which Canadian ports are closed to cruise ships carrying more than 100 people; and urging the President of the United States not to fine or take actions against cruise ships sailing to the state. Without objection, it was so ordered. Announcements Announcements are at the end of the journal. Adjournment Senator Hughes moved and asked unanimous consent the Senate stand in adjournment until 8:00 a.m., February 12, 2021. Without objection, the Senate adjourned at 11:34 a.m. Liz Clark Secretary of the Senate 2021-02-10 Senate Journal Page 0194 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 Feb 11 Thursday Beltz 105 (tsbldg) 3:30 PM No Meeting Scheduled ---------------------------------------- EDUCATION Feb 10 Wednesday Butrovich 205 9:00 AM -- Presentation Will Continue on 2/12/2021 -- + Presentation: "School District Perspectives on Educating During the COVID-19 Pandemic" by Superintendents: - Deena Bishop, Anchorage School District - Kerry Boyd, Yukon-Koyukuk School District - Bobby Bolen, Bering Strait School District - Jason Johnson, Dillingham School District - John O'Brien, Kenai Peninsula Borough School District -- Testimony <Invitation Only> -- **Streamed live on AKL.tv** + Bills Previously Heard/Scheduled 2021-02-10 Senate Journal Page 0195 EDUCATION (continued) Feb 12 Friday Butrovich 205 9:00 AM -- Presentation Continued from 2/10/2021 -- + Presentation: "School District Perspectives on Educating During the COVID-19 Pandemic" by Superintendents: - Karen Gaborik, Fairbanks School District - Kim Hankins, Lower Kuskokwim School District - Mike Hanley, Chugach & Aleutian Region School Districts - Larry Ledoux, Kodiak Island School District - Bridget Weiss, Juneau School District -- Testimony <Invitation Only> -- **Streamed live on AKL.tv** + Bills Previously Heard/Scheduled ---------------------------------------- FINANCE Feb 10 Wednesday Senate Finance 532 9:00 AM + CARES Act Funding Update (continued) + Bills Previously Heard/Scheduled Feb 11 Thursday Senate Finance 532 9:00 AM + - K-12 FY22 Operating & Formula Walk Through + - University FY22 Operating - Subcommittee of the Whole + Bills Previously Heard/Scheduled Feb 12 Friday Senate Finance 532 9:00 AM + Oil & Gas Severance Tax - Order of Operations + Bills Previously Heard/Scheduled ---------------------------------------- HEALTH & SOCIAL SERVICES Feb 11 Thursday Butrovich 205 1:30 PM -- MEETING CANCELED -- + Bills Previously Heard/Scheduled 2021-02-10 Senate Journal Page 0196 JUDICIARY Feb 10 Wednesday Butrovich 205 1:30 PM + COVID-19 Disaster Declaration Extensions, TBA - Department of Law -- Invited & Public Testimony -- += SB 14 SELECTION AND REVIEW OF JUDGES -- Invited & Public Testimony -- **Streamed live on AKL.tv** Feb 12 Friday Butrovich 205 1:30 PM += SB 14 SELECTION AND REVIEW OF JUDGES -- Testimony <Invitation Only> -- Courts - TBA -- Testimony <Invitation Only> -- + COVID-19 Disaster Declaration Extensions, An Alternative Approach -- Testimony <Invitation Only> -- + Bills Previously Heard/Scheduled + Confirmation Hearing: TBA ---------------------------------------- LABOR & COMMERCE Feb 10 Wednesday Beltz 105 (tsbldg) 1:30 PM + SB 69 EXEMPT RENEWABLE ENERGY ELECTRIC PLANTS <Bill Hearing Canceled> -- Invited & Public Testimony -- + Bills Previously Heard/Scheduled: + SB 56 EXTENDING COVID 19 DISASTER EMERGENCY -- Invited & Public Testimony -- **Streamed live on AKL.tv** Feb 12 Friday Beltz 105 (tsbldg) 1:30 PM + SB 9 ALCOHOLIC BEVERAGE CONTROL; ALCOHOL REG -- Invited & Public Testimony -- + Bills Previously Heard/Scheduled **Streamed live on AKL.tv** 2021-02-10 Senate Journal Page 0197 RESOURCES Feb 10 Wednesday Butrovich 205 3:30 PM + SB 61 OIL/GAS LEASE:DNR MODIFY NET PROFIT SHARE -- Invited & Public Testimony -- **Streamed live on AKL.tv** Feb 12 Friday Butrovich 205 3:30 PM -- MEETING CANCELED -- + SB 22 INTENSIVE MGMT SURCHARGE/REPEAL TERM DATE <Bill Hearing Postponed to 2/15/2021> -- Invited & Public Testimony -- **Streamed live on AKL.tv** + Bills Previously Heard/Scheduled Feb 15 Monday Butrovich 205 3:30 PM + SB 22 INTENSIVE MGMT SURCHARGE/REPEAL TERM DATE -- Invited & Public Testimony -- **Streamed live on AKL.tv** + Bills Previously Heard/Scheduled ---------------------------------------- STATE AFFAIRS Feb 11 Thursday Butrovich 205 3:30 PM += SB 39 BALLOT CUSTODY/TAMPERING; VOTER REG; MAIL -- Testimony <Invitation Only TBA> -- += SB 43 ELECTIONS, VOTING, CAMPAIGN FINANCE += SB 25 STATE GOV'T FINANCES: WEBSITE += SJR 5 CONST. AM: APPROP LIMIT; BUDGET RESERVE += SJR 6 CONST. AM: PERM FUND & PFDS += SJR 7 CONST. AM: STATE TAX; VOTER APPROVAL += SB 53 PERM FUND; ADVISORY VOTE += SJR 1 CONST AM: GUARANTEE PERM FUND DIVIDEND -- Testimony <TBA> -- **Streamed live on AKL.tv** + Bills Previously Heard/Scheduled ---------------------------------------- TRANSPORTATION Feb 11 Thursday Beltz 105 (tsbldg) 1:30 PM No Meeting Scheduled 2021-02-10 Senate Journal Page 0198 FINANCE SUBCOMMITTEES EDUCATION & EARLY DEVELOPMENT Feb 18 Thursday Senate Finance 532 1:00 PM FY22 Department of Education & Early Development Budget Feb 25 Thursday Senate Finance 532 1:00 PM FY22 Department of Education & Early Development Budget ---------------------------------------- HEALTH & SOCIAL SERVICES Feb 10 Wednesday Senate Finance 532 7:45 AM Health & Social Services Budget Overview Feb 19 Friday Senate Finance 532 7:45 AM -- Agenda to be Announced -- Feb 22 Monday Senate Finance 532 7:45 AM -- Agenda to be Announced -- Feb 26 Friday Senate Finance 532 7:45 AM -- Agenda to be Announced -- Mar 01 Monday Senate Finance 532 7:45 AM -- Agenda to be Announced -- Mar 05 Friday Senate Finance 532 7:45 AM -- Agenda to be Announced -- ---------------------------------------- LABOR & WORKFORCE DEVELOPMENT Feb 16 Tuesday Senate Finance 532 7:30 AM FY22 Agency Budget **Streamed live on AKL.tv** Feb 23 Tuesday Senate Finance 532 7:30 AM FY22 Agency Budget **Streamed live on AKL.tv** 2021-02-10 Senate Journal Page 0199 LABOR & WORKFORCE DEVELOPMENT (continued) Mar 02 Tuesday Senate Finance 532 7:30 AM FY22 Agency Budget **Streamed live on AKL.tv** ---------------------------------------- MILITARY & VETERANS' AFFAIRS Feb 16 Tuesday Butrovich 205 11:30 AM + - Department of Military & Veterans Affairs Overview of Fiscal Situation, Program Requirements, Agency History + - Introduction of Governor's Department of Military & Veterans Affairs FY22 Budget Request Testimony by Invitation: - Craig Christensen, Deputy Commissioner of Department of Military & Veterans Affairs - Stephanie Richard, Administrative Service Director, Office of Management & Budget ---------------------------------------- NATURAL RESOURCES Feb 11 Thursday Senate Finance 532 7:30 AM Synopsis on Subcommittee Binders - FY22 Agency Budget Highlights - Challenges & Successes **Streamed live on AKL.tv** Feb 18 Thursday Senate Finance 532 7:30 AM FY22 Agency Budget **Streamed live on AKL.tv** Feb 25 Thursday Senate Finance 532 7:30 AM FY22 Agency Budget **Streamed live on AKL.tv** Mar 04 Thursday Senate Finance 532 7:30 AM FY22 Agency Budget **Streamed live on AKL.tv** 2021-02-10 Senate Journal Page 0200 REVENUE Feb 11 Thursday Senate Finance 532 5:30 PM + Department of Revenue Budget Overview -- Testimony <Invitation Only> -- ---------------------------------------- TRANSPORTATION & PUBLIC FACILITIES Feb 17 Wednesday Senate Finance 532 7:30 AM + - Department of Transportation & Public Facilities Operating Budget Lookback, FY22 Highlights & Comparing FY22 to FY21 + - CARES Act Effect on FY21 & FY22 Operating Budget + - Division of Facilities Services - Consolidation Update