Legislature(2021 - 2022)
2021-03-03 Senate Journal
Full Journal pdf2021-03-03 Senate Journal Page 0361 SENATE JOURNAL ALASKA STATE LEGISLATURE THIRTY-SECOND LEGISLATURE FIRST SESSION Juneau, Alaska Wednesday March 3, 2021 Forty-fourth Day Pursuant to adjournment the Senate was called to order by President Micciche at 11:04 a.m. The roll showed sixteen members present. Senator von Imhof was excused from a call of the Senate. Senators Olson, Revak, Stevens were absent. The prayer was offered by the Chaplain, Senator Bishop. Senator Hoffman moved and asked unanimous consent the prayer be spread. Without objection, it was so ordered. Give, and it will be given to you. A good measure, pressed down, shaken together and running over, will be poured into your lap. For with the measure you use, it will be measured to you. Amen. (Luke 6:38) Senator Begich led the Senate in the Pledge of Allegiance. Senator Hughes moved and asked unanimous consent Senator von Imhof be excused from a call of the Senate today through evening plane time, March 7. Without objection, Senator von Imhof was excused. Senator Begich moved and asked unanimous consent Senator Olson be excused from a call of the Senate today. Without objection, Senator Olson was excused. 2021-03-03 Senate Journal Page 0362 Certification Senator Hughes moved and asked unanimous consent the journals for the forty-second and forty-third legislative days be approved as certified by the Secretary. Without objection, it was so ordered. The presence of Senator Stevens was noted. Messages from the Governor Letter dated March 1 was read stating on February 4, 2020 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 Thirty-First Alaska Legislature did not convene in joint session. Accordingly, on January 19, 2021, I submitted a list of appointees for confirmation. The following appointee has completed her service. Board of Professional Counselors Laura Patin Letter dated March 2 was read stating on January 19, 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 The following appointee has withdrawn himself from consideration, effective immediately: State Medical Board Christopher Gay 2021-03-03 Senate Journal Page 0363 Standing Committee Reports Report dated March 2 was read stating: In accordance with AS 39.05.080, the Health and Social Services 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 Medical Board David Boswell Larry Daugherty Signing the report: Senator Wilson, Chair; Senators Begich, Costello, Hughes, Reinbold. SJR 1 The State Affairs Committee considered SENATE JOINT RESOLUTION NO. 1 Proposing amendments to the Constitution of the State of Alaska relating to the Alaska permanent fund and appropriations from the Alaska permanent fund. Signing no recommendation: Senator Shower, Chair; Senator Reinbold. Signing amend: Senator Kawasaki. The following fiscal information was published today: Fiscal Note No. 1, zero, Office of the Governor The resolution was referred to the Judiciary Committee. Introduction and Reference of Senate Bills SB 95 SENATE BILL NO. 95 BY SENATOR WILSON, entitled: "An Act relating to the right of first refusal of a volunteer search and rescue group with respect to surplus state property." was read the first time and referred to the State Affairs and Finance Committees. 2021-03-03 Senate Journal Page 0364 SB 96 SENATE BILL NO. 96 was not introduced. SB 97 SENATE BILL NO. 97 BY THE SENATE RULES COMMITTEE BY REQUEST OF THE GOVERNOR, entitled: "An Act relating to state land; relating to the authority of the Department of Education and Early Development to dispose of state land; relating to the authority of the Department of Transportation and Public Facilities to dispose of state land; relating to the authority of the Department of Natural Resources over certain state land; relating to the state land disposal income fund; relating to the leasing and sale of state land for commercial development; repealing establishment of recreation rivers and recreation river corridors; and providing for an effective date." was read the first time and referred to the Resources and Finance Committees. The following fiscal information was published today: Fiscal Note No. 1, Department of Revenue Fiscal Note No. 2, Department of Natural Resources Fiscal Note No. 3, Department of Education & Early Development Governor's transmittal letter dated February 26: Dear President Micciche: Under the authority of Article III, Section 18, of the Alaska Constitution, I am transmitting a bill clarifying the role of the Department of Natural Resources (DNR) in managing state lands regardless of the location, allowing for leases of state lands for economic or industrial development, and repealing the recreation rivers and corridors statutes to allow for greater access to, and use of, lands by Alaskans. 2021-03-03 Senate Journal Page 0365 Alaska is blessed with an abundance of land, with the Statehood Act promising 105 million acres held in common for the benefit of the people. However, a lack of access to their land deprives the Alaskan people of the full benefit of their state’s birthright. This bill affects a number of changes to encourage the use of state land for the public benefit. The bill creates a new statute supporting commercial or industrial development of state land situated within federally designated Qualified Opportunity Zones or land nominated and assessed by the state as appropriate for commercial development. The statute includes a process for requesting proposals from prospective lessees, accepting bids, and then entering a contract to lease. This statute allows the lessee to apply to purchase the leased land at any time during the term of the lease if the department determines the lessee has used the land for commercial development consistent with their proposal. The bill further clarifies the process of selling state land by requiring bidders to submit an earnest money deposit and by increasing the maximum term of a land sales contract to 30 years. The bill expands Department of Education and Early Development (DEED)’s authority to transfer its real property to broader group of entities, beyond just the federal agencies, state agencies or state political subdivisions allowed under current law. It also amends the Department of Transportation and Public Facilities’ (DOTPF) land disposal authority, by allowing it to dispose of surplus land no longer needed for public works to the Department of Natural Resources, or according to terms, standards, and conditions established by the DOTPF Commissioner. This bill repeals statutes establishing recreation rivers and corridors; statutes that have not achieved their intended goal of increasing recreational use of Alaska’s waterways and proximal lands. It will resolve ongoing challenges in managing these resources, while maintaining and enhancing the public’s ability to access and use them and allowing the state to consider disposal of some of them for more beneficial uses consistent with the public interest. 2021-03-03 Senate Journal Page 0366 Without state laws providing Alaska residents with reasonable opportunities to access, use, or purchase state land for uses consistent with our constitution’s mandate for settlement and development, the promise of statehood and sovereignty rings hollow. This bill is an important step forward in a broad effort to allow Alaskans greater access to their lands and to help the state meet its responsibility to connect Alaskans more fully with the blessings of their land. I urge your prompt and favorable action on this measure. Sincerely, /s/ Mike Dunleavy Governor SB 98 SENATE BILL NO. 98 BY THE SENATE RULES COMMITTEE BY REQUEST OF THE GOVERNOR, entitled: "An Act relating to medical assistance for recipients of adult foster care services; establishing an adult foster care home license and procedures; and providing for the transition of individuals from foster care to adult foster care homes." was read the first time and referred to the Health and Social Services and Finance Committees. The following fiscal information was published today: Fiscal Note No. 1, Department of Health and Social Services Fiscal Note No. 2, Department of Health and Social Services Fiscal Note No. 3, Department of Health and Social Services Governor's transmittal letter dated February 26: Dear President Micciche: Under the authority of Article III, Section 18, of the Alaska Constitution, I am transmitting a bill relating to certain individuals transitioning from foster care services to adult foster care services. 2021-03-03 Senate Journal Page 0367 This proposal addresses an urgent need to establish safe residential living environments for certain foster children who must transition out of the foster care system upon turning 18 years of age. This bill provides a means for current foster parents to transition their existing foster care license, to a new adult foster care home license in order to allow their foster child to remain in the same home, and with the same family, when the child is released from state custody. The foster child must meet certain requirements, have been in state custody prior to turning 18, have been residing in the foster home, and must be eligible to receive home- and community-based waiver services. This new license will provide structured services and family continuity by allowing eligible foster children to continue living with their current foster family after aging out of the traditional foster care system. By providing this transitional assistance, we can assure that vulnerable citizens receive continued and responsible care into adulthood. I urge your prompt and favorable action on this measure. Sincerely, /s/ Mike Dunleavy Governor Unfinished Business SB 95 Senator Hughes moved and asked unanimous consent to be shown as a cosponsor on SENATE BILL NO. 95 "An Act relating to the right of first refusal of a volunteer search and rescue group with respect to surplus state property." Without objection, it was so ordered. Senator Hoffman moved and asked unanimous consent to be excused from a call of the Senate on March 8 and March 9. Without objection, Senator Hoffman was excused. 2021-03-03 Senate Journal Page 0368 SB 21 Senators Costello, Hughes, Micciche moved and asked unanimous consent to be shown as cosponsors on SENATE BILL NO. 21 "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." Without objection, it was so ordered. Senator Wilson moved and asked unanimous consent to be excused from a call of the Senate from afternoon plane time, April 7 through evening plane time, April 11. Without objection, Senator Wilson was excused. Senator Reinbold moved and asked unanimous consent to be excused from a call of the Senate from morning plane time, March 5 through evening plane time, March 7. Without objection, Senator Reinbold was excused. Senator Holland moved and asked unanimous consent to be excused from a call of the Senate from morning plane time, March 12 through evening plane time, March 14. Without objection, Senator Holland was excused. Announcements SB 58 Senator Holland, Chair, moved and asked unanimous consent Uniform Rule 23 be waived on SENATE BILL NO. 58 "An Act relating to funding for correspondence programs; and providing for an effective date" for the Education Committee meeting on March 5. Without objection, it was so ordered. SB 94 Senator Holland, Chair, moved and asked unanimous consent Uniform Rule 23 be waived on SENATE BILL NO. 94 "An Act relating to the education loan program and Alaska supplemental education loan program; and providing for an effective date" for the Education Committee meeting on March 5. Without objection, it was so ordered. Announcements are at the end of the journal. 2021-03-03 Senate Journal Page 0369 Adjournment Senator Hughes moved and asked unanimous consent the Senate stand in adjournment until 10:30 a.m., March 5, 2021. Without objection, the Senate adjourned at 11:18 a.m. Liz Clark Secretary of the Senate 2021-03-03 Senate Journal Page 0370 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 Mar 04 Thursday Beltz 105 (tsbldg) 3:30 PM + Bills Previously Heard/Scheduled += SB 15 OPEN MEETINGS ACT; PENALTY **Streamed live on AKL.tv** ---------------------------------------- EDUCATION Mar 03 Wednesday Butrovich 205 9:00 AM "Alaska Academic Improvement & Modernization Act" <Pending Introduction & Referral> -- Testimony <Invitation Only> -- + Bills Previously Heard/Scheduled: += SB 8 PRE-K/ELEM ED PROGRAMS/FUNDING; READING **Streamed live on AKL.tv** Mar 05 Friday Butrovich 205 9:00 AM + "Alaska Academic Improvement & Modernization Act" <Pending Introduction & Referral> -- Testimony <Invitation Only> -- + Bills Previously Heard/Scheduled **Streamed live on AKL.tv** + SB 58 FUNDING FOR CORRESPONDENCE PROGRAMS Uniform Rule 23 Waived + SB 94 EDUCATION & SUPPLEMENTAL LOAN PROGRAMS Uniform Rule 23 Waived 2021-03-03 Senate Journal Page 0371 FINANCE Mar 03 Wednesday Senate Finance 532 9:00 AM + - Village Safe Water - Funding History, Projected Need, & FY22 Proposal + - EO 119 Follow Up <Above Item Removed from Agenda> + Bills Previously Heard/Scheduled Mar 04 Thursday Senate Finance 532 9:00 AM + Alaska's Fiscal Position, Look Back, & Projections - Legislative Finance + Bills Previously Heard/Scheduled Mar 05 Friday Senate Finance 532 9:00 AM + Callan & Associates - Permanent Fund Performance Measures + Bills Previously Heard/Scheduled ---------------------------------------- HEALTH & SOCIAL SERVICES Mar 04 Thursday Butrovich 205 1:30 PM + Consideration of Governor's Appointees State Medical Board - Maria Freeman - Lydia Mielke - Richard Wein Alaska Mental Health Trust Authority Board of Trustees - Rhonda Boyles - Brent Fisher - Annette Gwalthney-Jones - Anita Halterman + Bills Previously Heard/Scheduled ---------------------------------------- JUDICIARY Mar 03 Wednesday Butrovich 205 1:30 PM + Boards and Commissions Appointees - Alaska State Commission for Human Rights - Violent Crimes Compensation Board + SB 90 ELECTRONIC WILLS + Bills Previously Heard/Scheduled 2021-03-03 Senate Journal Page 0372 JUDICIARY (continued) Mar 05 Friday Butrovich 205 1:30 PM -- Testimony <Invitation Only> -- + Bills Previously Heard/Scheduled + Boards and Commissions appointees + SB 65 LIABILITY CONSULTING HEALTH CARE PROVIDER ---------------------------------------- LABOR & COMMERCE Mar 03 Wednesday Beltz 105 (tsbldg) 1:30 PM += SB 69 EXEMPT RENEWABLE ENERGY ELECTRIC PLANTS -- Testimony <Invitation Only> -- += SB 54 AHFC WATER & SEWER BONDS/TRANSPORTATION -- Invited & Public Testimony -- += SB 55 EMPLOYER CONTRIBUTIONS TO PERS -- Invited & Public Testimony -- += SB 9 ALCOHOLIC BEVERAGE CONTROL; ALCOHOL REG -- Invited & Public Testimony -- + SJR 9 URGE EXEMPTION FOR CRUISE SHIPS -- Testimony <Invitation Only> -- + Bills Previously Heard/Scheduled **Streamed live on AKL.tv** Mar 05 Friday Beltz 105 (tsbldg) 1:30 PM += SJR 9 URGE EXEMPTION FOR CRUISE SHIPS -- Invited & Public Testimony -- + Bills Previously Heard/Scheduled **Streamed live on AKL.tv** ---------------------------------------- RESOURCES Mar 03 Wednesday Butrovich 205 3:30 PM + SB 29 COOK INLET: NEW ADMIN AREA;PERMIT BUYBACK -- Invited & Public Testimony -- **Streamed live on AKL.tv** + Bills Previously Heard/Scheduled Mar 05 Friday Butrovich 205 3:30 PM No Meeting Scheduled 2021-03-03 Senate Journal Page 0373 STATE AFFAIRS Mar 04 Thursday Butrovich 205 3:30 PM + SB 7 STATE TROOPER POLICIES: PUBLIC ACCESS + SB 12 MILITARY SPOUSE COURTESY LICENSE + SB 40 VETERANS' BENEFITS SERVICES; DISCLOSURE + Bills Previously Heard/Scheduled **Streamed live on AKL.tv** ---------------------------------------- TRANSPORTATION Mar 04 Thursday Beltz 105 (tsbldg) 1:30 PM + Presentation: Division of Motor Vehicles Location Transitions by Commissioner Kelly Tshibaka Consideration of Governor's Appointees: Board of Marine Pilots -- Public Testimony -- Bills Previously Heard/Scheduled **Streamed live on AKL.tv** ---------------------------------------- FINANCE SUBCOMMITTEES CORRECTIONS Mar 04 Thursday Senate Finance 532 5:30 PM + Department of Corrections Budget Overview - Division of Population Management -- Testimony <Invitation Only> -- ---------------------------------------- EDUCATION & EARLY DEVELOPMENT Mar 04 Thursday Senate Finance 532 1:00 PM -- MEETING CANCELED -- + FY22 Department of Education and Early Development Budget **Streamed live on AKL.tv** 2021-03-03 Senate Journal Page 0374 EDUCATION & EARLY DEVELOPMENT (continued) Mar 09 Tuesday Senate Finance 532 1:00 PM + FY22 Department of Education & Early Development Budget **Streamed live on AKL.tv** Mar 11 Thursday Senate Finance 532 1:00 PM + FY22 Department of Education & Early Development Budget **Streamed live on AKL.tv** ---------------------------------------- FISH & GAME Mar 04 Thursday Senate Finance 532 12:30 PM + Senate Budget Subcommittee Overview ---------------------------------------- HEALTH & SOCIAL SERVICES Mar 05 Friday Senate Finance 532 7:45 AM -- Agenda to be Announced -- ---------------------------------------- MILITARY & VETERANS' AFFAIRS Mar 09 Tuesday Butrovich 205 11:30 AM + Department of Military & Veterans Affairs -- Testimony <Invitation Only> -- - Craig Christenson, Deputy Commissioner, DMVA - Stephanie Richard, Administrative Service Director, Office of Management & Budget ---------------------------------------- NATURAL RESOURCES Mar 04 Thursday Senate Finance 532 7:30 AM -- MEETING CANCELED -- FY22 Agency Budget **Streamed live on AKL.tv** 2021-03-03 Senate Journal Page 0375 TRANSPORTATION & PUBLIC FACILITIES Mar 03 Wednesday Senate Finance 532 7:30 AM + - Alaska Marine Highway System + - State Equipment Fleet Mar 10 Wednesday Senate Finance 532 7:30 AM + - Subcommittee Budget Closeout ---------------------------------------- JOINT COMMITTEES REDISTRICTING BOARD Mar 06 Saturday By Teleconference 2:00 PM + - Discussion of Legal Counsel Selection + - Formal Meeting Request Protocol