Legislature(2021 - 2022)
2021-04-21 Senate Journal
Full Journal pdf2021-04-21 Senate Journal Page 0767 SENATE JOURNAL ALASKA STATE LEGISLATURE THIRTY-SECOND LEGISLATURE FIRST SESSION Juneau, Alaska Wednesday April 21, 2021 Ninety-third Day Pursuant to adjournment the Senate was called to order by President Micciche at 11:17 a.m. The roll showed twenty members present. 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. Heavenly Father, today I stand before you with these men and women who have the heavy task of 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 the 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. Grant that we be guided by your providence and dwell secure in your peace. Amen. Senator Begich led the Senate in the Pledge of Allegiance. 2021-04-21 Senate Journal Page 0768 Certification Senator Hughes moved and asked unanimous consent the journals for the ninety-first and ninety-second legislative days be approved as certified by the Secretary. Without objection, it was so ordered. Messages from the House SJR 8 Message dated April 19 was read stating the House passed and returned: CS FOR SENATE JOINT RESOLUTION NO. 8(RES) Urging the Alaska delegation in Congress, the United States Department of the Interior, and the Governor to facilitate a land grant endowment to the University of Alaska; urging the Alaska delegation in Congress to reintroduce the University of Alaska Fiscal Foundation Act; and urging the Department of Natural Resources to work with the University of Alaska to identify lands suitable for the land endowment. The resolution was referred to the Secretary for enrollment. Message dated April 19 was read stating the House passed and transmitted for consideration: First Reading and Reference of House Bills HB 3 CS FOR HOUSE BILL NO. 3(JUD) BY THE HOUSE JUDICIARY COMMITTEE, entitled: "An Act relating to the definition of 'disaster.'" was read the first time and referred to the State Affairs and Judiciary Committees. 2021-04-21 Senate Journal Page 0769 HB 109 HOUSE BILL NO. 109 BY REPRESENTATIVES CLAMAN, Tuck, entitled: "An Act extending the termination date of the Board of Governors of the Alaska Bar Association; and providing for an effective date." was read the first time and referred to the Judiciary Committee. Communications The following reports are on file in the Office of the Secretary of the Senate: Department of Commerce, Community, and Economic Development Alaska Energy Authority 2020 Renewable Energy Fund Status Report and Recommendations in accordance with AS 42.45.045 Regulatory Commission of Alaska FY 2020 Annual Report in accordance with AS 42.05.211 Department of Education & Early Development Online with Libraries (OWL) Videoconferencing Report to the Legislature in accordance with Chapter 8, SLA 2020 Alaska Citizen Review Panel 2019-2020 Annual Report in accordance with AS 47.14.255 Department of Health and Social Services Office of Children's Services 2020 Response to Citizen Review Panel Annual Report in accordance with AS 47.14.255 2021-04-21 Senate Journal Page 0770 Department of Health and Social Services & Department of Law Joint Legislative Report Fraud, Waste, Abuse, Payment & Eligibility Errors November 2020 in accordance with AS 47.07.076 Department of Natural Resources 2020 Determination to Take Oil and Gas Royalty in Value in accordance with AS 38.05.182 University of Alaska Board of Regents Alaska's University for Alaska's Schools 2020 Report on Teacher Preparation, Retention, and Recruitment in accordance with AS 14.40.190 Standing Committee Reports Report dated April 19 was read stating: In accordance with AS 39.05.080, the Resources 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. Alaska Commercial Fisheries Entry Commission Melvin Smith Signing the report: Senator Revak, Chair; Senators Kiehl, Micciche, Stevens. Report dated April 19 was read stating: In accordance with AS 39.05.080, the Resources 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. 2021-04-21 Senate Journal Page 0771 Board of Fisheries John Jensen Abe Williams John Wood M?rit Carlson-Van Dort McKenzie Mitchell Signing the report: Senator Revak, Chair; Senators Bishop, Kiehl, Micciche, Stevens. SB 15 The Judiciary Committee considered SENATE BILL NO. 15 "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" and recommended it be replaced with CS FOR SENATE BILL NO. 15(JUD) "An Act relating to the Open Meetings Act; establishing a warning and civil and criminal penalties for violations of the open meeting requirements by certain elected members of governmental bodies; and relating to the duties of the Alaska Public Offices Commission and the attorney general." Signing do pass: Senator Holland, Chair. Signing no recommendation: Senators Myers, Hughes, Shower. Signing amend: Senator Kiehl. The following fiscal information was published today: Fiscal Note No. 2, zero, Department of Law The following previously published fiscal information applies: Fiscal Note No. 1, Department of Administration President Micciche added a Finance Committee referral to the bill. The bill was referred to the Finance Committee. 2021-04-21 Senate Journal Page 0772 SB 72 The Community and Regional Affairs Committee considered SENATE BILL NO. 72 "An Act relating to civics education, civics examinations, and secondary school graduation requirements; and providing for an effective date" and recommended it be replaced with CS FOR SENATE BILL NO. 72(CRA) "An Act relating to civics education, civics assessments, and secondary school graduation requirements; and providing for an effective date." Signing do pass: Senator Hughes, Chair; Senator Gray-Jackson. Signing no recommendation: Senators Myers, Wilson. The following previously published fiscal information applies: Fiscal Note No. 1, Department of Education and Early Development President Micciche added a Finance Committee referral to the bill. The bill was referred to the Finance Committee. SB 78 The Health and Social Services Committee considered SENATE BILL NO. 78 "An Act relating to telehealth" and recommended it be replaced with CS FOR SENATE BILL NO. 78(HSS) Signing do pass: Senator Wilson, Chair. Signing amend: Senators Begich, Costello, Reinbold, Hughes. The following fiscal information was published today: Fiscal Note No. 1, indeterminate, Department of Commerce, Community, and Economic Development Fiscal Note No. 2, indeterminate, Department of Health and Social Services Fiscal Note No. 3, indeterminate, Department of Health and Social Services The bill was referred to the Labor and Commerce Committee. 2021-04-21 Senate Journal Page 0773 SB 80 The Health and Social Services Committee considered SENATE BILL NO. 80 "An Act relating to mental health education" and recommended it be replaced with CS FOR SENATE BILL NO. 80(HSS) Signing no recommendation: Senator Wilson, Chair; Senators Costello, Reinbold. Signing do pass: Senator Begich. Signing do not pass: Senator Hughes. The following fiscal information was published today: Fiscal Note No. 3, Department of Education and Early Development The following previously published fiscal information applies: Fiscal Note No. 1, zero, Office of the Governor The bill was referred to the Finance Committee. SB 93 The Labor and Commerce Committee considered SENATE BILL NO. 93 "An Act relating to the establishment of an all-payer health claims database; and providing for an effective date" and recommended the adoption of the Health and Social Services Committee Substitute offered on page 710. Signing no recommendation: Senator Costello, Chair; Senators Stevens, Revak. Signing do pass: Senator Gray-Jackson. The following previously published fiscal information applies: Fiscal Note No. 1, Department of Commerce, Community, and Economic Development Fiscal Note No. 2, Department of Health and Social Services Fiscal Note No. 3, zero, Department of Administration The bill was referred to the Finance Committee. 2021-04-21 Senate Journal Page 0774 SB 97 The Resources Committee considered SENATE BILL NO. 97 "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" and recommended it be replaced with CS FOR SENATE BILL NO. 97(RES) "An Act relating to access roads; relating to state land; relating to contracts for the sale of 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; relating to covenants and restrictions on agricultural land; and providing for an effective date." Signing do pass: Senator Revak, Chair; Senators Bishop, Micciche, Stevens. Signing no recommendation: Senator Kiehl. The following previously published fiscal information applies: Fiscal Note No. 1, Department of Revenue Fiscal Note No. 2, Department of Natural Resources Fiscal Note No. 3, Department of Education and Early Development The bill was referred to the Finance Committee. 2021-04-21 Senate Journal Page 0775 HB 27 The Transportation Committee considered HOUSE BILL NO. 27 "An Act naming the irene Webber Bridge." Signing do pass: Senator Myers, Chair; Senators Kiehl, Bishop, Micciche. The following previously published fiscal information applies: Fiscal Note No. 1, Department of Transportation and Public Facilities The bill was referred to the Finance Committee. Introduction and Reference of Senate Resolutions SCR 4 SENATE CONCURRENT RESOLUTION NO. 4 BY SENATOR STEVENS, Establishing a legislative commission to review and make recommendations to the legislature relating to the official state seal and motto. was read the first time and referred to the State Affairs and Finance Committees. Introduction and Reference of Senate Bills SB 129 SENATE BILL NO. 129 BY SENATOR MYERS, entitled: "An Act relating to information on judicial officers provided in election pamphlets." was read the first time and referred to the Judiciary and State Affairs Committees. 2021-04-21 Senate Journal Page 0776 Consideration of the Calendar Citations Honoring - Bettye Davis East High Thunderbirds Boys' Basketball Team 4A Alaska State Champions Senator(s) Wielechowski Representative(s) Josephson, Spohnholz Honoring - Bartlett Golden Bears Girls' Basketball Team 4A Alaska State Champions Senator(s) Wielechowski Representative(s) Spohnholz, Nelson Honoring - Seattle Kraken NHL Team Senator(s) Wielechowski Representative(s) Josephson, Merrick Honoring - Rod Boyce Representative(s) Wool, Hopkins Honoring - Samara Steele Representative(s) Wool, Hopkins Honoring - University of Alaska Fairbanks Elmer E. Rasmuson Library 50th Anniversary Representative(s) LeBon Senator(s) von Imhof, Bishop Honoring - Dr. Brian J. McMahon Representative(s) Spohnholz Senator(s) Wielechowski, Hoffman In Memoriam - Frank Fantazzi Representative(s) LeBon, Thompson Senator Hughes moved and asked unanimous consent the citations be adopted. Without objection, the citations were adopted and referred to the Secretary for transmittal. 2021-04-21 Senate Journal Page 0777 Senator Hughes moved and asked unanimous consent the following citation be made a special order of business. Without objection, it was so ordered. Special Order of Business Honoring - Gloria Karmun Representative(s) Foster Senator(s) Olson Senator Hughes moved and asked unanimous consent the citation be adopted. Without objection, the citation was adopted and referred to the Secretary for transmittal. Unfinished Business Senator Kawasaki moved and asked unanimous consent to be excused from a call of the Senate on April 23. Without objection, Senator Kawasaki was excused. Senator Olson moved and asked unanimous consent to be excused from a call of the Senate on April 23. Without objection, Senator Olson was excused. Senator Costello moved and asked unanimous consent to be excused from a call of the Senate from morning plane time, May 18 through evening plane time, May 20. Without objection, Senator Costello was excused. Announcements SJR 6 Senator Holland, Chair, moved and asked unanimous consent Uniform Rule 23 be waived on SENATE JOINT RESOLUTION NO. 6 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, for the Judiciary Committee meeting today at 1:30 p.m. Without objection, it was so ordered. 2021-04-21 Senate Journal Page 0778 SB 39 Senator Shower, Chair, moved and asked unanimous consent Uniform Rule 23 be waived on SENATE BILL NO. 39 "An Act relating to elections; relating to voter registration; relating to ballots and a system of tracking and accounting for ballots; establishing an election offense hotline; designating as a class A misdemeanor the collection of ballots from other voters; designating as a class C felony the intentional opening or tampering with a sealed ballot, certificate, or package of ballots without authorization from the director of the division of elections; and providing for an effective date" in order to hold a State Affairs Committee meeting on April 22 at 6:00 p.m. Without objection, it was so ordered. Announcements are at the end of the journal. Adjournment Senator Hughes moved and asked unanimous consent the Senate stand in adjournment until 10:30 a.m., April 23, 2021. Without objection, the Senate adjourned at 11:33 a.m. Liz Clark Secretary of the Senate 2021-04-21 Senate Journal Page 0779 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 Apr 22 Thursday Beltz 105 (tsbldg) 3:30 PM + SJR 13 IMPROVE BROADBAND INTERNET ACCESS -- Invited & Public Testimony -- + Bills Previously Heard/Scheduled **Streamed live on AKL.tv** ---------------------------------------- EDUCATION Apr 21 Wednesday Butrovich 205 9:00 AM += SJR 10 CONST. AM: IN-PERSON PUBLIC EDUCATION <Bill Hearing Canceled> -- Testimony <Invitation Only> -- + SB 34 STATE-TRIBAL EDUCATION COMPACT SCHOOLS -- Testimony <Invitation Only> -- += SB 94 EDUCATION & SUPPLEMENTAL LOAN PROGRAMS -- Public Testimony -- + Bills Previously Heard/Scheduled **Streamed live on AKL.tv** Apr 23 Friday Butrovich 205 9:00 AM + SB 119 OATH OF OFFICE -- Testimony <Invitation Only> -- + Bills Previously Heard/Scheduled: += SB 34 STATE-TRIBAL EDUCATION COMPACT SCHOOLS **Streamed live on AKL.tv** ---------------------------------------- 2021-04-21 Senate Journal Page 0780 FINANCE Apr 21 Wednesday Senate Finance 532 9:00 AM + SB 88 STATE INSUR. CATASTROPHE RESERVE ACCT. -- Invited & Public Testimony -- -- <Time Limit May Be Set> -- += SB 10 FREE/REDUCED TUITION FOR ESSENTIAL WORKER <Bill Hearing Rescheduled from 04/20/2021> += SB 71 COUNCIL ON ARTS: PLATES & MANAGE ART += SB 20 OUT OF STATE TEACHER RECIPROCITY + Bills Previously Heard/Scheduled Apr 22 Thursday Senate Finance 532 9:00 AM + Bills Previously Heard/Scheduled Apr 23 Friday Senate Finance 532 9:00 AM + Bills Previously Heard/Scheduled ---------------------------------------- HEALTH & SOCIAL SERVICES Apr 22 Thursday Butrovich 205 1:30 PM -- MEETING CANCELED -- + Bills Previously Heard/Scheduled ---------------------------------------- JUDICIARY Apr 21 Wednesday Butrovich 205 1:30 PM + SB 53 PERM FUND; ADVISORY VOTE += SB 82 ELECTIONS; ELECTION INVESTIGATIONS <Bill Hearing Canceled> += SB 23 INITIATIVE SEVERABILITY <Bill Hearing Canceled> -- Public Testimony -- + SJR 6 CONST. AM: PERM FUND & PFDS Uniform Rule 23 Waived + Bills Previously Heard/Scheduled: += SB 122 VICTIM DEFINITION **Streamed live on AKL.tv** 2021-04-21 Senate Journal Page 0781 JUDICIARY (continued) Apr 23 Friday Butrovich 205 1:30 PM += SJR 4 CONST. AM: ABORTION/FUNDING + Bills Previously Heard/Scheduled: += SB 82 ELECTIONS; ELECTION INVESTIGATIONS += SB 122 VICTIM DEFINITION **Streamed live on AKL.tv** ---------------------------------------- LABOR & COMMERCE Apr 21 Wednesday Beltz 105 (tsbldg) 1:30 PM += SB 26 REPEAL CERTIFICATE OF NEED PROGRAM -- Invited & Public Testimony -- + Bills Previously Heard/Scheduled **Streamed live on AKL.tv** Apr 23 Friday Beltz 105 (tsbldg) 1:30 PM + SB 17 ENERGY EFFICIENCY & POLICY: PUB. BLDGS -- Invited & Public Testimony -- + Bills Previously Heard/Scheduled **Streamed live on AKL.tv** ---------------------------------------- RESOURCES Apr 21 Wednesday Senate Finance 532 3:30 PM -- Please Note Location Change -- + Joint Meeting With Special Cmte on World Trade Presentation: Barriers to Global Seafood Trade by At-Sea Processors Association -- Testimony <Invitation Only> -- **Streamed live on AKL.tv** Apr 23 Friday Butrovich 205 3:30 PM + SB 44 PERSONAL USE FISHING PRIORITY -- Invited & Public Testimony -- + HB 10 FUNTER BAY MARINE PARK: UNANGAN CEMETERY <Pending Referral> -- Testimony <Invitation Only> -- (Continued on Next Page) 2021-04-21 Senate Journal Page 0782 RESOURCES (continued) (Continued from Previous Page) + Presentation: Susitna-Watana Hydroelectric Project by Curtis Thayer-AEA + HB 115 AQUATIC FARMING & HATCHERY SITE LEASES -- Testimony <Invitation Only> -- + Bills Previously Heard/Scheduled **Streamed live on AKL.tv** ---------------------------------------- STATE AFFAIRS Apr 22 Thursday Butrovich 205 3:30 PM += SB 39 BALLOT CUSTODY/TAMPERING; VOTER REG; MAIL -- Public Testimony -- + Bills Previously Heard/Scheduled **Streamed live on AKL.tv** Apr 22 Thursday Butrovich 205 6:00 PM += SB 39 BALLOT CUSTODY/TAMPERING; VOTER REG; MAIL -- Public Testimony -- Uniform Rule 23 Waived ---------------------------------------- TRANSPORTATION Apr 22 Thursday Beltz 105 (tsbldg) 1:30 PM No Meeting Scheduled ---------------------------------------- FINANCE SUBCOMMITTEES EDUCATION & EARLY DEVELOPMENT Apr 22 Thursday Senate Finance 532 1:00 PM -- MEETING CANCELED -- + FY22 Department of Education and Early Development Budget Closeout **Streamed live on AKL.tv** 2021-04-21 Senate Journal Page 0783 EDUCATION & EARLY DEVELOPMENT (continued) Apr 27 Tuesday Senate Finance 532 1:00 PM + FY22 Department of Education & Early Development Budget Closeout **Streamed live on AKL.tv** Apr 29 Thursday Senate Finance 532 1:00 PM + FY22 Department of Education & Early Development Budget Closeout **Streamed live on AKL.tv** ---------------------------------------- LAW Apr 22 Thursday Butrovich 205 5:30 PM -- MEETING CANCELED -- + FY 2022 Budget - Close out -- Testimony <Invitation Only> -- Apr 29 Thursday Butrovich 205 5:30 PM + FY 2022 Budget - Close out -- Testimony <Invitation Only> -- ---------------------------------------- MILITARY & VETERANS' AFFAIRS Apr 27 Tuesday Butrovich 205 11:30 AM + Department of Military & Veterans Affairs Closeout Meeting -- Testimony <Invitation Only> -- - Craig Christenson, Deputy Commissioner, DMVA - Stephanie Richard, Admin. Services Director, Office of Management & Budget - Robin Gabel, Legislative Liaison, DMVA - Michael Partlow, Capital Budget Coordinator, Legislative Finance ---------------------------------------- 2021-04-21 Senate Journal Page 0784 PUBLIC SAFETY Apr 21 Wednesday Beltz 105 (tsbldg) 4:00 PM -- MEETING CANCELED -- + FY 2022 Budget - Sub-committee Closeout -- Testimony <Invitation Only> -- Apr 28 Wednesday Beltz 105 (tsbldg) 4:00 PM + FY 2022 Budget - Sub-committee Closeout -- Testimony <Invitation Only> -- ---------------------------------------- SPECIAL COMMITTEES SPECIAL COMMITTEE ON WORLD TRADE Apr 21 Wednesday Senate Finance 532 3:30 PM Joint Meeting with Senate Resources Committee + Presentation: Barriers to Global Seafood Trade by At-Sea Processors Association -- Testimony <Invitation Only> -- **Streamed live on AKL.tv** ---------------------------------------- JOINT COMMITTEES LEGISLATIVE BUDGET & AUDIT Apr 28 Wednesday Senate Finance 532 5:00 PM -- Teleconference <Listen Only> -- Executive Session - Preliminary Audit: Statewide Single Audit - Oil and Gas Consultants Contract Amendments Legislative Audit IT Audit Procurement