Legislature(2021 - 2022)
2022-01-18 Senate Journal
Full Journal pdf2022-01-18 Senate Journal Page 1579 SENATE JOURNAL ALASKA STATE LEGISLATURE THIRTY-SECOND LEGISLATURE SECOND SESSION Juneau, Alaska Tuesday January 18, 2022 First Day Pursuant to adjournment the Senate was called to order by President Micciche at 1:05 p.m. The roll showed nineteen members present. Senator Hoffman was absent. The prayer was offered by the Chaplain, Rev. Dr. Tim Harrison, Senior Pastor, Chapel by the Lake. Senator Stevens moved and asked unanimous consent the prayer be spread. Without objection, it was so ordered. Gracious God, You are the fount of all wisdom and truth. The depths of Your grace and mercy are beyond our imagination. Your power and purpose is manifest in the glorious creation that surrounds us. You protect us even when we are unaware of the perils of life. As your servants gather to lead, please shower them with wisdom and discernment. We grieve the deep divisions in our communities, our state, our country and across the world. Show us the way of peace. Give us a vision for unity of purpose and care. As we gather today, we lift to You those who suffer with Covid. We especially pray for our health care workers, our first responders, our teachers and administrators, all who have carried an extra-heavy burden during this long season of Covid. God, in Your mercy, take this virus from our land. 2022-01-18 Senate Journal Page 1580 Finally, we thank You for the many people who serve us and our community. May they know Your tender encouragement and our heart-felt gratitude. May all who witness the work and governance of this legislative session give thanks for the gifts of freedom and self-determination. I pray these things in the name of Jesus, Amen. May God strengthen and encourage you as you serve the people of this great state of Alaska! Senator von Imhof led the Senate in the Pledge of Allegiance. Senator Hughes moved and asked unanimous consent Senator Hoffman be excused from a call of the Senate today. Without objection, Senator Hoffman was excused. Certification Senator Hughes moved and asked unanimous consent the journal for the first through thirtieth legislative days of the fourth special session, Senate Journal Supplement No. 7 and Senate and House Joint Journal Supplement No. 7 be approved as certified by the Secretary. Without objection, it was so ordered. President Micciche appointed Senator Revak and Senator Gray- Jackson to inform the Governor the Senate was ready to do business. President Micciche appointed Senator Costello and Senator Kiehl to inform the House the Senate was ready to do business. Senator Costello reported the House was informed the Senate was ready to do business. Senator Revak reported the Governor was informed the Senate was ready to do business. 2022-01-18 Senate Journal Page 1581 Messages from the Governor A Declaration of Disaster Emergency and initial finance plan dated November 30, 2021 authorizing public assistance for the Southcentral Alaska Storm which occurred October 29 through November 1, 2021, 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. Amended Disaster Declaration dated December 27, 2021, regarding the 2021 Southcentral Alaska Storm. The amended declaration and letter had been copied to the Finance Committee Cochairs. A Declaration of Disaster Emergency and initial finance plan dated December 23, 2021 authorizing public assistance for the City and Borough of Wrangell due to a severe windstorm which occurred on November 30, 2021, 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 6 authorizing public assistance for the Fairbanks North Star, Matanuska-Susitna, and Denali Boroughs, the City of Nenana, and the Delta/Greely and Copper River Regional Education Attendance Areas due to severe storms which began on December 15, 2021, 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. Introduction of Executive Orders EO 121 Executive Order No. 121 Reorganizing the Department of Health and Social Services into the Department of Health and the Department of Family and Community Services. was read the first time and referred to the Health and Social Services and Finance Committees. 2022-01-18 Senate Journal Page 1582 Governor's transmittal letter dated January 17: Dear President Micciche: Under the authority of Article III, Section 23, of the Alaska Constitution, I am transmitting an Executive Order to reorganize the Department of Health and Social Services into two departments, the Department of Health and the Department of Family and Community Services. This reorganization is necessary to align current functions and programs into one department which focuses on program eligibility for Alaskans and payments to providers and one department which focuses on direct care and services to Alaskans in State administered programs. The Department of Health will have primary responsibility for administering medical and public assistance programs, senior and disabilities services, behavioral health programs, and public health programs. The Department of Family and Community Services will be responsible for overseeing child welfare services, the Alaska Pioneer Homes and Veterans Home, Juvenile Justice, and the State Psychiatric Hospital. This reorganization will strengthen these critical missions by enabling the newly streamlined departments to operate more efficiently, be more proactive, and achieve better outcomes for Alaskans. The new structure will advance the State's ability to promote the health of Alaskans and protect vulnerable adults, children, and senior citizens. These changes will be effective July 1, 2022. Sincerely, /s/ Mike Dunleavy Governor 2022-01-18 Senate Journal Page 1583 EO 122 Executive Order No. 122 Relating to the transfer of certain functions from the Department of Administration to the Department of Transportation and Public Facilities. was read the first time and referred to the Transportation and State Affairs Committees. Governor's transmittal letter dated January 17: Dear President Micciche: Under the authority of Article III, Section 23, of the Alaska Constitution, I am transmitting an Executive Order relating to the transfer of certain functions from the Department of Administration (DOA) to the Department of Transportation and Public Facilities (DOT&PF). This Executive Order would amend Titles 35, 36, 37, 44, and the uncodified law of Alaska to transfer the rights, powers, duties, and authority for state facility procurement, construction, leasing, maintenance, and management from DOA to DOT&PF. This reallocation of functions would make DOT&PF responsible for planning, design, leasing, construction, maintenance, operation, and management of space utilized by the Executive Branch. Additionally, this order would transfer management of the Alaska Public Building Fund from DOA to DOT&PF and provide for an effective date. This Executive Order continues to fulfill the 2021 legislative intent by following budgetary transactions in HB 69, transferring personnel and funding, from DOA to DOT&PF. This would benefit the State of Alaska by aligning existing statutes with the current and proposed responsibilities of both DOA and DOT&PF, creating efficiencies with budget appropriations, as well as clarifying and streamlining the procurement and leasing functions of DOT&PF. 2022-01-18 Senate Journal Page 1584 I urge your prompt and favorable action on this measure. Sincerely, /s/ Mike Dunleavy Governor EO 123 Executive Order No. 123 Renaming the Division of Forestry as the Division of Forestry and Fire Protection. was read the first time and referred to the Resources Committee. Governor's transmittal letter dated January 17: Dear President Micciche: Under the authority of Article III, Section 23, of the Alaska Constitution, I am transmitting an Executive Order renaming the “Division of Forestry” to the “Division of Forestry and Fire Protection.” This name change better reflects the core mission and duties of the Division, which include both forestry and fire suppression activities. Additionally, this change will assist the Division in securing grant funding to aid in hazardous fuel reduction, building and training of fire crews, and fighting wildland fire. I urge your prompt and favorable action on this measure. Sincerely, /s/ Mike Dunleavy Governor SCR 3 Message dated November 17, 2021 was received stating the Governor read the following resolution and transmitted the engrossed and enrolled copies to the Lieutenant Governor’s Office for permanent filing: 2022-01-18 Senate Journal Page 1585 SENATE CONCURRENT RESOLUTION NO. 3 Suspending Rules 24(c), 35, 41(b), and 42(e), Uniform Rules of the Alaska State Legislature, concerning House Joint Resolution No. 12, urging the United States Department of the Interior, Bureau of Land Management, to honor the recent lease sales and proceed with permitting in the Arctic National Wildlife Refuge; urging the President of the United States to defend the 2020 Record of Decision approving the Coastal Plain Oil and Gas Leasing Program in the Arctic National Wildlife Refuge; opposing designation of the Arctic National Wildlife Refuge as a National Monument; and urging the Alaska delegation in Congress to uphold sec. 20001 of the Tax Cuts and Jobs Act of 2017. Legislative Resolve No. 3 SCR 5 Message dated November 17, 2021 was received stating the Governor read the following resolution and transmitted the engrossed and enrolled copies to the Lieutenant Governor’s Office for permanent filing: SENATE CONCURRENT RESOLUTION NO. 5 Suspending Rules 24(c), 35, 41(b), and 42(e), Uniform Rules of the Alaska State Legislature, concerning House Bill No. 76, extending the January 15, 2021, governor's declaration of a public health disaster emergency in response to the novel coronavirus disease (COVID-19) pandemic; approving and ratifying declarations of a public health disaster emergency; providing for a financing plan; making temporary changes to state law in response to the COVID-19 outbreak in the following areas: occupational and professional licensing, practice, and billing; telehealth; fingerprinting requirements for health care providers; charitable gaming and online ticket sales; access to federal stabilization funds; wills; unfair or deceptive trade 2022-01-18 Senate Journal Page 1586 practices; meetings of shareholders; and school operating funds; relating to informed consent for COVID-19 vaccines; relating to personal objections to the administration of COVID-19 vaccines; providing immunity from liability and disciplinary action for occupational licensees for exposure of clients to COVID-19; and providing immunity from liability for persons engaging in business and their employees for exposure of customers to COVID-19. Legislative Resolve No. 5 HCR 6 Message dated November 17, 2021 was received stating the Governor read the following resolution and transmitted the engrossed and enrolled copies to the Lieutenant Governor’s Office for permanent filing: HOUSE CONCURRENT RESOLUTION NO. 6 Suspending Rules 24(c), 35, 41(b), and 42(e), Uniform Rules of the Alaska State Legislature, concerning Senate Bill No. 21, relating to mobile intensive care paramedics; and relating to duties of the State Medical Board and the Department of Health and Social Services. Legislative Resolve No. 7 HCR 5 Message dated November 17, 2021 was received stating the Governor read the following resolution and transmitted the engrossed and enrolled copies to the Lieutenant Governor’s Office for permanent filing: HOUSE CONCURRENT RESOLUTION NO. 5 Suspending Rules 24(c), 35, 41(b), and 42(e), Uniform Rules of the Alaska State Legislature, concerning Senate Bill No. 65, relating to immunity 2022-01-18 Senate Journal Page 1587 for consulting physicians, podiatrists, osteopaths, advanced practice registered nurses, physician assistants, chiropractors, dentists, optometrists, and pharmacists. Legislative Resolve No. 8 SCR 6 Message dated November 17, 2021 was received stating the Governor read the following resolution and transmitted the engrossed and enrolled copies to the Lieutenant Governor’s Office for permanent filing: SENATE CONCURRENT RESOLUTION NO. 6 Suspending Rules 24(c), 35, 41(b), and 42(e), Uniform Rules of the Alaska State Legislature, concerning House Bill No. 36, relating to an application for a license to operate as a dealer in motor vehicles; and requiring a dealer in motor vehicles to maintain liability and property insurance. Legislative Resolve No. 9 Messages from the House Messages dated May 19, 2021 were read stating the House passed and transmitted for consideration: First Reading and Reference of House Resolutions HJR 16 HOUSE JOINT RESOLUTION NO. 16 BY REPRESENTATIVES NELSON, Tarr, Hopkins, McCarty, Rasmussen, Kaufman, Johnson, Schrage, Tilton, Josephson, Cronk, Encouraging the United States Congress to pass legislation granting the Hmong veterans of the Vietnam War access to the same veteran benefits received by United States veterans. was read the first time and referred to the State Affairs Committee. 2022-01-18 Senate Journal Page 1588 First Reading and Reference of House Bills HB 47 HOUSE BILL NO. 47 BY REPRESENTATIVES STORY, Kreiss- Tomkins, Fields, Ortiz, Tuck, Tarr, Zulkosky, entitled: "An Act renaming the Alaska Native Language Preservation and Advisory Council as the Council for Alaska Native Languages; and relating to the Council for Alaska Native Languages." was read the first time and referred to the State Affairs and Finance Committees. HB 55 CS FOR HOUSE BILL NO. 55(FIN) BY THE HOUSE FINANCE COMMITTEE, entitled: "An Act relating to participation of certain peace officers and firefighters in the defined benefit and defined contribution plans of the Public Employees' Retirement System of Alaska; relating to eligibility of peace officers and firefighters for medical, disability, and death benefits; relating to liability of the Public Employees' Retirement System of Alaska; and providing for an effective date." was read the first time and referred to the Labor and Commerce and Finance Committees. HB 123 HOUSE BILL NO. 123 BY REPRESENTATIVES ZULKOSKY, Kreiss-Tomkins, Drummond, Spohnholz, Fields, Tarr, Ortiz, Snyder, Story, Foster, Schrage, Vance, Patkotak, Hannan, Hopkins, Josephson, entitled: "An Act providing for state recognition of federally recognized tribes; and providing for an effective date." was read the first time and referred to the State Affairs and Community and Regional Affairs Committees. 2022-01-18 Senate Journal Page 1589 HB 132 CS FOR HOUSE BILL NO. 132(FIN) BY THE HOUSE FINANCE COMMITTEE, entitled: "An Act relating to technical education and registered apprenticeships." was read the first time and referred to the Education, Labor and Commerce and Finance Committees. HB 157 CS FOR HOUSE BILL NO. 157(FIN) BY THE HOUSE FINANCE COMMITTEE, entitled: "An Act requiring the disclosure of the identity of certain persons, groups, and nongroup entities that expend money in support of or in opposition to an application filed for a state referendum or recall election; relating to the location of offices for the Alaska Public Offices Commission and the locations at which certain statements and reports filed with the commission are made available; relating to the duties of the Alaska Public Offices Commission; clarifying the limits on making, accepting, and reporting certain cash campaign contributions; relating to campaign finance reporting by certain groups; increasing the time the Alaska Public Offices Commission has to respond to a request for an advisory opinion; repealing a reporting requirement for certain contributions; relating to contribution limits and recall campaigns; and providing for an effective date." was read the first time and referred to the State Affairs and Judiciary Committee. Message dated December 17, 2021 was read stating: The House of Representatives respectfully invites the Senate to a Joint Session of the Thirty-Second Alaska Legislature at 7:00 p.m. on Tuesday, January 25, 2022 for the purpose of hearing the Governor's State of the State address. 2022-01-18 Senate Journal Page 1590 Senator Hughes moved and asked unanimous consent the Senate accept the House invitation to meet in Joint Session. Without objection, it was so ordered. The Secretary was requested to notify the House. Introduction of Senate Pages Senator Stevens, Rules Committee Chair, introduced the 2022 Senate Pages as follows: Hannah Vance, Homer Ollie Zaldivar, Anchorage Luma Diaz, Juneau Communications The following reports are on file in the Office of the Secretary of the Senate: Office of the Governor Alaska Criminal Justice Commission 2021 Annual Report November 1, 2021 in accordance with AS 44.19.647 Office of Management and Budget Fiscal Year 2022 Annual Fee Report in accordance with AS 37.10.050 Department of Health and Social Services Office of Children's Services 2021 Annual Report on Caseloads, Staffing, Recruitment, Retention, & the Impacts on Child Welfare Outcomes November 15, 2021 in accordance with AS 47.14.112 2022-01-18 Senate Journal Page 1591 Annual Medicaid Reform Report FY 2021 in accordance with AS 47.05.270 Department of Health and Social Services & Department of Law Joint Legislative Report Fraud, Waste, Abuse, Payment & Eligibility Errors November 2021 in accordance with AS 47.07.076 Legislative Affairs Agency A Report to the Thirty-Second 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 2021 in accordance with AS 24.20.065 Department of Public Safety 2021 Report on Untested Sexual Assault Examination Kits November 1, 2021 in accordance with AS 44.41.070 Department of Revenue Alaska Housing Finance Corporation Notice of Availability: Fiscal Year 2021 Annual Report in accordance with AS 18.56.200 The following Budget and Audit Reports were received from Kris Curtis, Legislative Auditor, in accordance with AS 24.20.311 and are on file: Department of Commerce, Community, and Economic Development Board of Chiropractic Examiners Sunset Review June 22, 2021 Alcoholic Beverage Control Board Sunset Review and Special Review September 10, 2021 2022-01-18 Senate Journal Page 1592 Regulatory Commission of Alaska Sunset Review Sept 21, 2021 Department of Public Safety Council on Domestic Violence and Sexual Assault Sunset Review July 30, 2021 Introduction and Reference of Senate Resolutions SJR 19 SENATE JOINT RESOLUTION NO. 19 BY SENATOR MYERS, Proposing amendments to the Constitution of the State of Alaska relating to an appropriation limit. (Prefile released January 7, 2022) was read the first time and referred to the Judiciary and Finance Committees. SJR 20 SENATE JOINT RESOLUTION NO. 20 BY SENATOR REVAK, Urging the United States Congress to pass the Hearing Protection Act. was read the first time and referred to the State Affairs Committee. Introduction and Reference of Senate Bills SB 143 SENATE BILL NO. 143 BY SENATOR REVAK, entitled: "An Act relating to horizontal property regimes and common interest communities; and relating to mortgages, deeds of trust, and other property liens." (Prefile released January 7, 2022) was read the first time and referred to the Labor and Commerce Committee. 2022-01-18 Senate Journal Page 1593 SB 144 SENATE BILL NO. 144 BY SENATOR REINBOLD, entitled: "An Act relating to disaster emergencies." (Prefile released January 7, 2022) was read the first time and referred to the Community and Regional Affairs and Judiciary Committees. SB 145 SENATE BILL NO. 145 BY SENATOR HOLLAND, entitled: "An Act relating to per diem for legislators; and providing for an effective date." (Prefile released January 7, 2022) was read the first time and referred to the State Affairs and Finance Committees. SB 146 SENATE BILL NO. 146 BY SENATOR MYERS, entitled: "An Act relating to costs of and charges for textbooks and other course materials required for University of Alaska courses; and providing for an effective date." (Prefile released January 7, 2022) was read the first time and referred to the Education Committee. SB 147 SENATE BILL NO. 147 BY SENATOR COSTELLO, entitled: "An Act requiring the Department of Administration to allow individuals to execute an anatomical gift when renewing a driver's license; and establishing April of each year as Donate Life Month." (Prefile released January 7, 2022) was read the first time and referred to the State Affairs Committee. 2022-01-18 Senate Journal Page 1594 SB 148 SENATE BILL NO. 148 BY SENATOR HOLLAND, entitled: "An Act relating to mandatory boating safety education; relating to operating a boat; providing for an effective date by repealing the effective dates of secs. 3, 5, 7, 9, 11, 14, 16, 18, 20, 23, 26, and 27, ch. 28, SLA 2000, sec. 3, ch. 119, SLA 2003, sec. 2, ch. 31, SLA 2012, and secs. 5 and 8, ch. 111, SLA 2018; and providing for an effective date." (Prefile released January 7, 2022) was read the first time and referred to the Resources and Finance Committees. SB 149 SENATE BILL NO. 149 BY SENATOR GRAY-JACKSON, entitled: "An Act adding to the powers and duties of the State Commission for Human Rights; and relating to and prohibiting discrimination based on sexual orientation or gender identity or expression." (Prefile released January 7, 2022) was read the first time and referred to the State Affairs and Judiciary Committees. SB 150 SENATE BILL NO. 150 BY SENATOR MYERS, entitled: "An Act establishing the second Monday of September of each year as Truck Driver Appreciation Day." (Prefile released January 7, 2022) was read the first time and referred to the Transportation and State Affairs Committees. 2022-01-18 Senate Journal Page 1595 SB 151 SENATE BILL NO.151 BY SENATOR MICCICHE, entitled: "An Act extending the termination date of the Alcoholic Beverage Control Board; and providing for an effective date." (Prefile released January 7, 2022) was read the first time and referred to the Labor and Commerce and Finance Committees. SB 152 SENATE BILL NO. 152 BY SENATOR SHOWER, entitled: "An Act relating to the convening of the legislature at the capital and in the Municipality of Anchorage; relating to the location of legislative sessions; and relating to the emergency relocation of functions of state government." (Prefile released January 7, 2022) was read the first time and referred to the State Affairs and Finance Committees. SB 153 SENATE BILL NO. 153 BY SENATOR KIEHL, entitled: "An Act relating to use of income of the Alaska permanent fund; relating to the amount of the permanent fund dividend; relating to the duties of the commissioner of revenue; and providing for an effective date." (Prefile released January 7, 2022) was read the first time and referred to the State Affairs and Finance Committees. 2022-01-18 Senate Journal Page 1596 SB 154 SENATE BILL NO. 154 BY SENATOR KIEHL, entitled: "An Act relating to the taxation of income of individuals, partners, shareholders in S corporations, trusts, and estates; relating to a credit against the individual income tax; repealing tax credits applied against the tax on individuals under the Alaska Net Income Tax Act; and providing for an effective date." (Prefile released January 7, 2022) was read the first time and referred to the Labor and Commerce and Finance Committees. SB 155 SENATE BILL NO. 155 BY SENATOR WIELECHOWSKI, entitled: "An Act relating to political contributions; and providing for an effective date." (Prefile released January 7, 2022) was read the first time and referred to the State Affairs and Judiciary Committees. SB 156 SENATE BILL NO. 156 BY SENATOR REINBOLD, entitled: "An Act relating to COVID-19 immunization rights; and relating to objection to the administration of a COVID-19 vaccine." (Prefile released January 7, 2022) was read the first time and referred to the State Affairs and Health and Social Services Committees. SB 157 SENATE BILL NO. 157 BY SENATOR GRAY-JACKSON, entitled: "An Act relating to health and personal safety education; and providing for an effective date." (Prefile released January 7, 2022) 2022-01-18 Senate Journal Page 1597 was read the first time and referred to the Education and Health and Social Services Committees. SB 158 SENATE BILL NO. 158 BY SENATOR KAWASAKI, entitled: "An Act relating to political contributions; relating to the use of state funds; and providing for an effective date." (Prefile released January 14, 2022) was read the first time and referred to the State Affairs and Judiciary Committees. SB 159 SENATE BILL NO. 159 BY SENATOR COSTELLO, entitled: "An Act relating to unemployment benefits." (Prefile released January 14, 2022) was read the first time and referred to the Labor and Commerce and Finance Committees. SB 160 SENATE BILL NO. 160 BY SENATOR STEDMAN, entitled: "An Act providing a premium tax credit for flood insurance; relating to flood insurance; relating to property insurance; establishing the Alaska Flood Authority and the Alaska flood insurance fund; and providing for an effective date." was read the first time and referred to the Labor and Commerce and Finance Committees. SB 161 SENATE BILL NO. 161 BY SENATOR WIELECHOWSKI, entitled: "An Act relating to the definition of 'political party'; and providing for an effective date." was read the first time and referred to the State Affairs and Judiciary Committees. 2022-01-18 Senate Journal Page 1598 SB 162 SENATE BILL NO. 162 BY THE SENATE RULES COMMITTEE BY REQUEST OF THE GOVERNOR, entitled: "An Act making appropriations for the operating and loan program expenses of state government and for certain programs; capitalizing funds; amending appropriations; making reappropriations; making supplemental appropriations; making appropriations under art. IX, sec. 17(c), Constitution of the State of Alaska, from the constitutional budget reserve fund; and providing for an effective date." was read the first time and referred to the Finance Committee. Governor's transmittal letter dated January 17: Dear President Micciche: Under the authority of Article III, Section 18 of the Alaska Constitution, I am transmitting a bill relating to appropriations for the State’s operating expenses for Fiscal Year (FY) 2023 and supplemental appropriations for Fiscal Year 2022. This appropriation bill includes $5,973.8 million unrestricted general funds, $865.5 million designated general funds, $1,620.6 million other state funds, and $3,170.1 million federal funds. The FY 2023 budget continues to invest in public safety and emergency management, infrastructure development and creating jobs, funds K-12 education at the full formula level, and includes a Permanent Fund Dividend based on the 50/50 Permanent Fund constitutional amendment proposed by my Administration. A 50/50 Permanent Fund Dividend is estimated to be $2,564 for each eligible Alaskan. I look forward to working with the Legislature on the timely passage and implementation of the FY 2023 operating budget. Sincerely, /s/ Mike Dunleavy Governor 2022-01-18 Senate Journal Page 1599 SB 163 SENATE BILL NO. 163 BY THE SENATE RULES COMMITTEE BY REQUEST OF THE GOVERNOR, entitled: "An Act making appropriations for the operating and capital expenses of the state's integrated comprehensive mental health program; making capital appropriations and supplemental appropriations; and providing for an effective date." was read the first time and referred to the Finance Committee. In accordance with AS 37.14.003(b), a report of the differences between the Governor's proposed budget and the recommendations of the Alaska Mental Health Trust Authority was transmitted. Governor's transmittal letter dated January 17: Dear President Micciche: Under the authority of Article III, Section 18 of the Alaska Constitution, I am transmitting a bill relating to the State’s comprehensive mental health program for Fiscal Year (FY) 2023. As required by statute, this bill includes both operating and capital appropriations. This budget includes $172 million in unrestricted general funds, $45.8 million in designated general funds, and $17.8 million in Mental Health Trust Authority funds. The FY 2023 proposed mental health budget includes requests that were put forward to the Office of Management and Budget by the Alaska Mental Health Trust (Trust). The requests support programs and activities in Trust focus areas that meet the identified treatment and service needs of Trust beneficiaries and areas of system change to improve the lives of beneficiaries. 2022-01-18 Senate Journal Page 1600 I look forward to working with the Legislature on the timely passage and implementation of the FY 2023 budget for Alaska’s comprehensive mental health program. Sincerely, /s/ Mike Dunleavy Governor SB 164 SENATE BILL NO. 164 BY THE SENATE RULES COMMITTEE BY REQUEST OF THE GOVERNOR, entitled: "An Act making appropriations, including capital appropriations, reappropriations, and other appropriations; making supplemental appropriations; and providing for an effective date." was read the first time and referred to the Finance Committee. Governor's transmittal letter dated January 17: Dear President Micciche: Under the authority of Article III, Section 18 of the Alaska Constitution, I am transmitting a bill relating to appropriations for the State’s capital budget for Fiscal Year (FY) 2023 and supplemental capital appropriations for Fiscal Year 2022. This appropriation bill includes $185.9 million in unrestricted general funds, $73.5 million in designated general funds, $372.5 million in other state funds, and $1,416.6 million in federal funds. The FY 2023 proposed capital budget invests in projects that enhance public protection and generate economic activity for the State, provides matching funds for federal surface transportation and aviation, water and wastewater programs, and funds deferred maintenance programs for aging state assets. Additionally, this bill includes expenditure authorization for $308.6 million in projects funded by a proposed issuance of general obligation bonds. 2022-01-18 Senate Journal Page 1601 I look forward to working with the Legislature on the timely passage and implementation of the FY 2023 capital budget. Sincerely, /s/ Mike Dunleavy Governor SB 165 SENATE BILL NO. 165 BY THE SENATE RULES COMMITTEE BY REQUEST OF THE GOVERNOR, entitled: "An Act making supplemental appropriations; amending appropriations; capitalizing funds; and providing for an effective date." was read the first time and referred to the Finance Committee. Governor's transmittal letter dated January 17: Dear President Micciche: Under the authority of Article III, Section 18, of the Alaska Constitution, I am transmitting a bill relating to supplemental appropriations for the State’s operating and capital expenses for Fiscal Year 2022. This appropriation bill includes $885.6 million in unrestricted general funds, $46.3 million in other state funds, and $20 million in federal funds. The items in this supplemental appropriation bill are time sensitive and I urge prudent and hasty action on this bill by the Legislature. Critical appropriations include a supplemental permanent fund dividend, funds to replace the William N. Miller School in Napakiak, and funds to address the Alaska Court System trial backlog due to the pandemic. 2022-01-18 Senate Journal Page 1602 I look forward to working with the Legislature on the quick passage and implementation of the urgent items in this bill. Sincerely, /s/ Mike Dunleavy Governor SB 166 SENATE BILL NO. 166 BY THE SENATE RULES COMMITTEE BY REQUEST OF THE GOVERNOR, entitled: "An Act providing for and relating to the issuance of general obligation bonds for the purpose of paying the cost of state infrastructure projects, including construction, major maintenance, and port and transportation projects; and providing for an effective date." was read the first time and referred to the Transportation and Finance Committees. The following fiscal information was published today: Fiscal Note No. 1, Department of Revenue Governor's transmittal letter dated January 17: Dear President Micciche: Under the authority of Article III, Section 18, of the Alaska Constitution, I am transmitting a bill relating to voter approval, at an election, of general obligation bonds in the amount of $325,175,000 for the purpose of funding infrastructure-based capital improvement projects. These projects include critical airport, highway, road, and bridge improvements, and upgrades and repairs for various municipal and state facilities. 2022-01-18 Senate Journal Page 1603 This bill poses the question to voters as to whether the State should issue general obligation bonds to fund these critical projects. If ratified, these projects will benefit Alaskans statewide and improve our infrastructure, transportation, education, and recreation throughout the State. The question would be submitted to the voters at the next statewide general election. I urge your prompt and favorable action on this measure. Sincerely, /s/ Mike Dunleavy Governor SB 167 SENATE BILL NO. 167 BY THE SENATE RULES COMMITTEE BY REQUEST OF THE GOVERNOR, entitled: "An Act relating to elections, voter registration, ballots, and a system of tracking and accounting for ballots; establishing an election offense hotline; relating to election fraud, election interference, and election official misconduct; requiring signature verification, notice, and the opportunity to cure; and providing for an effective date." was read the first time and referred to the State Affairs and Finance Committees. The following fiscal information was published today: Fiscal Note No. 1, Office of the Governor Governor's transmittal letter dated January 17: Dear President Micciche: Under the authority of Article III, Section 18, of the Alaska Constitution, I am transmitting a bill relating to elections. This bill will improve voter rolls, secure absentee and in-person voting, and increase the identification and investigation of election crimes. By ensuring election integrity, this bill will give all Alaskans confidence in the election process, including election outcomes. 2022-01-18 Senate Journal Page 1604 This bill will improve voter rolls by requiring that Permanent Fund Dividend applicants request voter registration in order to be registered and directing the Division of Elections to update its voter list maintenance practices, audit the voter list every other year, and issue reports to the Legislature. The bill will provide more secure absentee voting practices by requiring signature matching, notice, and cure for all absentee ballots, prohibiting the Division from sending unrequested absentee ballots, outlawing ballot harvesting, allowing voters to request absentee ballots in four year increments, and require the provision of prepaid envelopes with all absentee ballots. The bill will secure in-person voting by prohibiting voters from providing alternate forms of identification and preventing those providing assistance at the polls from influencing voters. The bill will further define unlawful interference with elections, election fraud, and election official misconduct, create a toll-free number to report these and other election crimes, and require that police officers receive training in detecting and investigating election crimes. The bill will further ensure election integrity by allowing additional hand counts, prohibiting private funding for elections, requiring the centralized destruction of election materials, and instituting routine forensic examinations and strict chain-of-custody protocols for voting machines. In order to establish a more trustworthy election system, I urge your prompt and favorable action on this measure. Sincerely, /s/ Mike Dunleavy Governor 2022-01-18 Senate Journal Page 1605 Unfinished Business Senator Begich moved and asked unanimous consent to be excused from a call of the Senate on the following dates: from May 25 through May 31 from July 15 through July 26 from September 20 through September 26 Without objection, Senator Begich was excused. HJR 16 Senators Begich, Wielechowski, Olson, Gray-Jackson, Costello, Shower, Hughes, Reinbold, Kawasaki, Stevens, Holland, von Imhof, Bishop, Stedman, Revak, Myers, Micciche moved and asked unanimous consent to be shown as cross sponsors on HOUSE JOINT RESOLUTION NO. 16 Encouraging the United States Congress to pass legislation granting the Hmong veterans of the Vietnam War access to the same veteran benefits received by United States veterans. Without objection, it was so ordered. HB 55 Senators Begich, Gray-Jackson, Wielechowski moved and asked unanimous consent to be shown as cross sponsors on CS FOR HOUSE BILL NO. 55(FIN) "An Act relating to participation of certain peace officers and firefighters in the defined benefit and defined contribution plans of the Public Employees' Retirement System of Alaska; relating to eligibility of peace officers and firefighters for medical, disability, and death benefits; relating to liability of the Public Employees' Retirement System of Alaska; and providing for an effective date." Without objection, it was so ordered. HB 123 Senators Begich, Gray-Jackson, Olson, Wielechowski, Kiehl, Kawasaki, Stevens, Bishop, Stedman, von Imhof moved and asked unanimous consent to be shown as cross sponsors on HOUSE BILL NO. 123 "An Act providing for state recognition of federally recognized tribes; and providing for an effective date." Without objection, it was so ordered. 2022-01-18 Senate Journal Page 1606 SB 145 Senator Begich moved and asked unanimous consent to be shown as a cosponsor on SENATE BILL NO. 145 "An Act relating to per diem for legislators; and providing for an effective date." Without objection, it was so ordered. SB 155 Senators Begich, Gray-Jackson, Olson moved and asked unanimous consent to be shown as cosponsors on SENATE BILL NO. 155 "An Act relating to political contributions; and providing for an effective date." Without objection, it was so ordered. SB 30 Senator Begich moved and asked unanimous consent to withdraw SENATE BILL NO. 30 "An Act requiring that a policy of group health insurance covering certain public employee and teacher retirees include coverage for colorectal cancer screening." Senator Wilson objected, then withdrew his objection. There being no further objection, the bill was withdrawn. Senator von Imhof moved and asked unanimous consent to be excused from a call of the Senate from afternoon plane time, January 21 through evening plane time, January 24. Without objection, Senator von Imhof was excused. Announcements 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., January 21, 2022. Without objection, the Senate adjourned at 2:00 p.m. Liz Clark Secretary of the Senate 2022-01-18 Senate Journal Page 1607 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 18 Tuesday Beltz 105 (tsbldg) 3:30 PM No Meeting Scheduled Jan 20 Thursday Beltz 105 (tsbldg) 3:30 PM No Meeting Scheduled ---------------------------------------- EDUCATION Jan 19 Wednesday Butrovich 205 9:00 AM + Presentation: "Update from the Department of Education and Early Development" Bills Previously Heard/Scheduled **Streamed live on AKL.tv** Jan 21 Friday Butrovich 205 9:00 AM + HB 53 MILITARY CHILDREN SCHOOL RESIDENCY WAIVER -- Testimony <Invitation Only> -- + HB 19 LIMITED TEACHER CERTIFICATES; LANGUAGES -- Testimony <Invitation Only> -- Bills Previously Heard/Scheduled **Streamed live on AKL.tv** 2022-01-18 Senate Journal Page 1608 FINANCE Jan 18 Tuesday Senate Finance 532 9:00 AM No Meeting Scheduled Jan 19 Wednesday Senate Finance 532 9:00 AM Production Forecast, Department of Natural Resources, Pascal Umekwe - Petroleum Reservoir Engineer + Bills Previously Heard/Scheduled Jan 19 Wednesday Senate Finance 532 1:00 PM += SB 9 ALCOHOLIC BEVERAGE CONTROL; ALCOHOL REG -- Testimony <Invitation Only> -- Bills Previously Heard/Scheduled Jan 20 Thursday Senate Finance 532 9:00 AM + Revenue Forecast, Department of Revenue Dan Stickel, Chief Economist Colleen Glover - Tax Director Brian Fechter - Deputy Commissioner Bills Previously Heard/Scheduled Jan 20 Thursday Senate Finance 532 1:00 PM += SB 9 ALCOHOLIC BEVERAGE CONTROL; ALCOHOL REG -- Public Testimony <Time Limit May Be Set> -- Bills Previously Heard/Scheduled Jan 21 Friday Senate Finance 532 9:00 AM + Governor's FY23 Budget Proposal Neil Steininger, Director of OMB Bills Previously Heard/Scheduled ---------------------------------------- HEALTH & SOCIAL SERVICES Jan 18 Tuesday Butrovich 205 1:30 PM No Meeting Scheduled Jan 20 Thursday Butrovich 205 1:30 PM + HB 168 ELECTRONIC APPLICATION FOR STATE BENEFITS -- Invited & Public Testimony -- + Bills Previously Heard/Scheduled 2022-01-18 Senate Journal Page 1609 JUDICIARY Jan 19 Wednesday Butrovich 205 1:30 PM No Meeting Scheduled Jan 21 Friday Butrovich 205 1:30 PM No Meeting Scheduled ---------------------------------------- LABOR & COMMERCE Jan 19 Wednesday Beltz 105 (tsbldg) 1:30 PM + HB 44 PRACTICE OF ACCOUNTING; LICENSURE -- Invited & Public Testimony -- + HB 85 FINANCIAL INSTITUTIONS; LIABILITY -- Invited & Public Testimony -- Bills Previously Heard/Scheduled **Streamed live on AKL.tv** ---------------------------------------- RESOURCES Jan 19 Wednesday Butrovich 205 3:30 PM -- MEETING CANCELED -- + Bills Previously Heard/Scheduled Jan 21 Friday Butrovich 205 3:30 PM -- MEETING CANCELED -- + Bills Previously Heard/Scheduled ---------------------------------------- STATE AFFAIRS Jan 18 Tuesday Butrovich 205 3:30 PM + Gail Fenumiai Division of Elections Director Subject: Election/Ballot security protocols. What has changed since 2020? Prop 2 Implementation. Guest Presenters: Public Interest Legal Foundation/Heritage Foundation Bills Previously Heard/Scheduled 2022-01-18 Senate Journal Page 1610 STATE AFFAIRS (continued) Jan 20 Thursday Butrovich 205 3:30 PM + Bill Smith Division of Administration Chief Information Officer (OIT) Subject: State of Alaska IT protocol updates Ballot Measure 2 Discussion/Q&A Guest Presenter: Nick Murray (Maine Policy Institute) Bills Previously Heard/Scheduled ---------------------------------------- TRANSPORTATION Jan 18 Tuesday Beltz 105 (tsbldg) 3:30 PM No Meeting Scheduled Jan 20 Thursday Beltz 105 (tsbldg) 3:30 PM No Meeting Scheduled