Legislature(2023 - 2024)
2023-02-03 House Journal
Full Journal pdf2023-02-03 House Journal Page 0121 HOUSE JOURNAL ALASKA STATE LEGISLATURE THIRTY-THIRD LEGISLATURE FIRST SESSION Juneau, Alaska Friday February 3, 2023 Eighteenth Day Pursuant to adjournment the House was called to order by Speaker Tilton at 10:31 a.m. Roll call showed 36 members present. Representatives McCabe and Patkotak had been excused from a call of the House today. Representative Saddler moved and asked unanimous consent that the following members be excused from a call of the House. There being no objection, the members were excused as noted: Representative Stutes – from 8:00 a.m. to 8:00 p.m., today Representative Rauscher – from 8:00 a.m., today to 10:20 a.m., February 6 The invocation was offered by the Chaplain, Reverend Doctor Laura Krauss of Kunéix Hídi Northern Light United Church. Representative Vance moved and asked unanimous consent that the invocation be spread on the journal. There being no objection, it was so ordered. I invite you to take a moment of stillness. I grew up in a faraway land where you always received every gift, no matter how small or large, ordinary or marvelous with both hands cupped together. May we cup our hands numerous times today, as we acknowledge the numerous gifts we will receive, giftwrapped or not. Living a life of gratitude grounds us and lifts us up. Gunalchéesh. Amen. 2023-02-03 House Journal Page 0122 The Pledge of Allegiance was led by Representative Edgmon. CERTIFICATION OF THE JOURNAL Representative Saddler moved and asked unanimous consent that the journal for the 16th and 17th legislative days and House and Senate Joint Journal Supplement No. 3 be approved as certified by the Chief Clerk. There being no objection, it was so ordered. MESSAGES FROM THE GOVERNOR A letter dated January 31 was read stating that, in accordance with AS 39.05.080 and art. III, sec. 25, Constitution of the State of Alaska, the Governor submits the following names for legislative confirmation of appointment to the positions noted. The Speaker referred the following to the Finance Committee: Commissioner, Department of Revenue Adam Crum – Wasilla Appointed: 11/16/2022 The Speaker referred the following to the Health & Social Services Committee: Commissioner, Department of Family and Community Services Kim Kovol – Anchorage Appointed: 1/30/2023 Commissioner, Department of Health Heidi Hedberg – Anchorage Appointed: 12/19/2022 The Speaker referred the following to the Resources Committee: Commissioner, Department of Natural Resources John Boyle – Anchorage Appointed: 12/16/2022 2023-02-03 House Journal Page 0123 The Speaker referred the following to the State Affairs Committee: Commissioner, Department of Correction Jen Winkelman – Juneau Appointed: 1/11/2023 Resumes for the appointments are on file in the Chief Clerk's office. A letter dated January 31 was read stating that, in accordance with AS 39.05.080 and art. III, secs. 26 and 27, Constitution of the State of Alaska, the Governor submits the following names for legislative confirmation of appointment to the positions noted. The Speaker referred the following to the Community & Regional Affairs and Finance Committees: Regulatory Commission of Alaska Robert Doyle – Wasilla Appointed: 5/23/2022 Term Expires: 3/1/2028 The Speaker referred the following to the Education Committee: Professional Teaching Practices Commission Mary Carlson – Fairbanks Appointed: 6/22/2022 Term Expires: 3/1/2024 The Speaker referred the following to the House Special Committee on Fisheries and the Resources Committee: State Board of Fisheries Thomas Carpenter – Cordova Appointed: 7/1/2022 Term Expires: 7/1/2025 Stanley Zuray – Tanana Appointed: 12/29/2022 Term Expires: 7/1/2025 The Speaker referred the following to the Health & Social Services Committee: 2023-02-03 House Journal Page 0124 Board of Dental Examiners Kenley Michaud – Anchorage Appointed: 5/25/2022 Term Expires: 3/1/2025 Board of Massage Therapists Annetta Atwell – North Pole Appointed: 5/25/2022 Term Expires: 3/1/2026 State Medical Board David Paulson – Anchorage Appointed: 5/25/2022 Term Expires: 3/1/2024 Board of Certified Direct-Entry Midwives Darcy Lucey – Wasilla Appointed: 6/22/2022 Term Expires: 3/1/2025 Board of Nursing Vianne Smith – North Pole Appointed: 8/3/2022 Term Expires: 3/1/2025 Board of Pharmacy Carla Hebert – Anchorage Appointed: 12/29/2022 Term Expires: 3/1/2024 State Physical Therapy and Occupational Therapy Board Lindsey Hill – Sterling Appointed: 8/3/2022 Term Expires: 3/1/2026 Tina McLean – Seward Appointed: 6/22/2022 Term Expires: 3/1/2026 Bryan Murphy – Anchorage Appointed: 12/29/2022 Term Expires: 3/1/2024 Valerie Phelps – Anchorage Appointed: 8/3/2022 Term Expires: 3/1/2025 Board of Professional Counselors Rachel Buddin-Young – Eagle River Appointed: 8/3/2022 Term Expires: 3/1/2026 2023-02-03 House Journal Page 0125 Teresa Cotton – Bethel Appointed: 5/25/2022 Term Expires: 3/1/2026 Board of Social Work Examiners Ann Applebee – Palmer Appointed: 5/25/2022 Term Expires: 3/1/2025 Amber Taylor – JBER Appointed: 8/3/2022 Term Expires: 3/1/2026 The Speaker referred the following to the Labor & Commerce Committee: Real Estate Commission Devon Thomas – Wasilla Appointed: 10/22/2021 Term Expires: 3/1/2023 Reappointed: 3/1/2023 Term Expires: 3/1/2027 Alaska Workers' Compensation Board Steven Heidemann – Anchorage Appointed: 12/29/2022 Term Expires: 3/1/2024 Marc Stemp – Anchorage Appointed: 12/29/2022 Term Expires: 3/1/2025 The Speaker referred the following to the Resources Committee: Big Game Commercial Services Board Larry Kunder – Anchorage Appointed: 5/25/2022 Term Expires: 3/1/2026 Board of Game Allen Barrette – Fairbanks Appointed: 7/1/2022 Term Expires: 7/1/2025 Beatrice Cusack – Chugiak Appointed: 7/1/2022 Term Expires: 7/1/2025 The Speaker referred the following to the Resources and Finance Committees: 2023-02-03 House Journal Page 0126 Alaska Gasline Development Corporation Mike Chenault – Kenai Appointed: 4/11/2022 Term Expires: 12/1/2026 Alaska Oil and Gas Conservation Commission Brett Huber – Anchorage Appointed: 1/9/2023 Term Expires: 3/1/2027 The Speaker referred the following to the State Affairs and Judiciary Committees: Alaska Police Standards Council Bryan Barlow – Anchorage Appointed: 10/6/2022 Term Expires: 3/1/2026 The Speaker referred the following to the Transportation Committee: Board of Marine Pilots James Cunningham – Homer Appointed: 5/25/2022 Term Expires: 3/1/2025 Resumes for the appointments are on file in the Chief Clerk's office. COMMUNICATIONS The following were received: Dept. of Commerce, Community, & Economic Development Alaska Regional Development Organizations FY 2022 Annual Report (as required by AS 44.33.896) Dept. of Commerce, Community, & Economic Development Division of Community and Regional Affairs Local Boundary Commission 2022 Annual Report to the Legislature (as required by AS 44.33.812) 2023-02-03 House Journal Page 0127 Dept. of Education & Early Development State Board of Education and Early Development Report to the Alaska Legislature January 2023 (as required by AS 14.07.168) Dept. of Fish & Game Division of Wildlife Conservation Board of Game Allocation of Big Game Hunting Annual Report February 1, 2023 (as required by AS 16.05.050) Alaska Industrial Development & Export Authority Interior Energy Project Quarterly Report to the Alaska State Legislature Fourth Quarter 2022 www.interiorenergyproject.com (as required by Chapter No. 39, SLA 2015) INTRODUCTION OF CITATIONS The following citation was introduced and referred to the Rules Committee for placement on the calendar: Commemorating - Elizabeth Peratrovich Day By Representatives Story, Hannan; Senator Kiehl INTRODUCTION, FIRST READING, AND REFERENCE OF HOUSE BILLS HB 56 HOUSE BILL NO. 56 by Representatives Ruffridge, Hannan, Carrick, Sumner, Galvin, Mears, and Gray, entitled: "An Act exempting controlled substances prescribed or dispensed by a veterinarian to treat an animal from the requirements of the controlled substance prescription database." was read the first time and referred to the Health & Social Services and Labor & Commerce Committees. 2023-02-03 House Journal Page 0128 HB 57 HOUSE BILL NO. 57 by Representative Wright, entitled: "An Act relating to review organizations and permitting an emergency medical services provider to establish a review organization; and relating to patient records." was read the first time and referred to the Labor & Commerce and Health & Social Services Committees. HB 58 HOUSE BILL NO. 58 by the House Rules Committee by request of the Governor, entitled: "An Act relating to medical assistance for recipients of Medicaid waivers; establishing an adult care home license and procedures; providing for the transition of individuals from foster care to adult home care settings; and providing for an effective date." was read the first time and referred to the Health & Social Services, Labor & Commerce, and Finance Committees. The following fiscal note(s) apply: 1. Fiscal, Dept. of Health 2. Fiscal, Dept. of Health The Governor's transmittal letter dated February 2 follows: "Dear Speaker Tilton: Under the authority of Article III, Section 18, of the Alaska Constitution, I am transmitting a bill to allow individuals to be licensed to operate an adult care home and receive payment under Medicaid for the provision of assisted living services for elderly adults and adult foster children in a home-like environment. Under this bill, an adult care home would be limited to a non-business site where the head of household lives and provides 24-hour care for no more than two individuals. The Department of Health (DOH) 2023-02-03 House Journal Page 0129 would be able to adopt regulations that allow for care of up to three individuals based on certain circumstances. The bill would authorize DOH to pay for services under the state's Medicaid program associated with a licensed adult care home. DOH would also be authorized to license and develop rules for the operation of an adult care home. This bill will allow Alaskans to continue to care for family members in their homes while providing access to financial support to offset the cost of the care. This bill will encourage foster families to remain together when special needs recipients age out of foster care and desire to remain with their foster family. I urge your prompt and favorable action on this measure. Sincerely, /s/ Mike Dunleavy Governor" HB 59 HOUSE BILL NO. 59 by the House Rules Committee by request of the Governor, entitled: "An Act relating to Medicaid eligibility; expanding eligibility for postpartum mothers; conditioning the expansion of eligibility on approval by the United States Department of Health and Human Services; and providing for an effective date." was read the first time and referred to the Health & Social Services and Finance Committees. The following fiscal note(s) apply: 1. Fiscal, Dept. of Health The Governor's transmittal letter dated February 2 follows: "Dear Speaker Tilton: 2023-02-03 House Journal Page 0130 Under the authority of Article III, Section 18, of the Alaska Constitution, I am transmitting a bill to allow the expansion of Medicaid coverage in Alaska for postpartum mothers. This takes advantage of recent federal amendments to the Social Security Act of 1935 permitting states to amend their state plans to extend existing coverage for pregnant women up to 12 months postpartum. Under the bill, the Department of Health (DOH) will be authorized to extend postpartum Medicaid coverage for enrolled pregnant women up to the maximum time authorized under federal law. The bill further requires DOH to submit a state plan amendment to the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services under 42 U.S.C. 1396a(e)(16), as amended by the American Rescue Plan Act of 2021, to authorize the extension of coverage for Medicaid-enrolled mothers up to 12 months postpartum. Under the bill, the coverage expansion will only become effective if the state plan amendment is approved by the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services. If the department's state plan amendment is approved, the expansion would become effective on the day after the reviser of statutes is notified by the department of the approval. Because the bill permits extension of postpartum coverage to the extent permitted by federal law, DOH will be able to seek additional extensions of postpartum coverage in the future, should federal law subsequently allow it, without the need of further statutory amendments. I urge your prompt and favorable action on this measure. Sincerely, /s/ Mike Dunleavy Governor" HB 60 HOUSE BILL NO. 60 by the House Rules Committee by request of the Governor, entitled: "An Act relating to the licensing of runaway shelters; relating to advisors to the board of trustees of the Alaska Mental Health Trust 2023-02-03 House Journal Page 0131 Authority; relating to the sharing of confidential health information between the Department of Health and the Department of Family and Community Services; relating to the duties of the Department of Health and the Department of Family and Community Services; and providing for an effective date." was read the first time and referred to the Health & Social Services and Finance Committees. The following fiscal note(s) apply: 1. Zero, Dept. of Family and Community Services 2. Zero, Dept. of Health The Governor's transmittal letter dated February 2 follows: "Dear Speaker Tilton: Under the authority of Article III, Section 18, of the Alaska Constitution, I am transmitting a bill relating to the implementation of Executive Order 121. Executive Order 121 separated the Department of Health and Social Services into the Department of Health (DOH) and the Department of Family and Community Services (DFCS). This bill would facilitate administration of the resulting departments by enacting a statute to allow the departments to share identifiable health information necessary for the operation of state programs. It would correct an error wherein licensing authority for runaway shelters was assigned to DFCS. The bill would also add the Commissioner of DFCS as a board advisor to the Alaska Mental Health Trust Authority. In addition to these substantive changes, the bill contains clarifying amendments to properly identify or assist with identification of the new departments in statute. I urge your prompt and favorable action on this measure. Sincerely, /s/ Mike Dunleavy Governor" 2023-02-03 House Journal Page 0132 CONSIDERATION OF THE DAILY CALENDAR LEGISLATIVE CITATIONS Representative Saddler moved and asked unanimous consent that the House approve the citations on the calendar. Representative Eastman objected and moved and asked unanimous consent to divide the citations to consider the citation, Honoring - Alaska Hospital & Healthcare Association's 70th Anniversary, separately. There being no objection, it was so ordered. The question being: "Shall the House approve the citation, Honoring - Alaska Hospital & Healthcare Association's 70th Anniversary?" The roll was taken with the following result: Honoring – Alaska Hospital & Healthcare Association's 70th Anniversary Approve Citation(s) on Calendar YEAS: 35 NAYS: 1 EXCUSED: 4 ABSENT: 0 Yeas: Allard, Armstrong, Carpenter, Carrick, Coulombe, Cronk, Dibert, Edgmon, Fields, Foster, Galvin, Gray, Groh, Hannan, Himschoot, C.Johnson, D.Johnson, Josephson, McCormick, McKay, Mears, Mina, Ortiz, Prax, Ruffridge, Saddler, Schrage, Shaw, Stapp, Story, Sumner, Tilton, Tomaszewski, Vance, Wright Nays: Eastman Excused: McCabe, Patkotak, Rauscher, Stutes And so, the following citation was approved and sent to enrolling: Honoring - Alaska Hospital & Healthcare Association's 70th Anniversary By Senator Wilson Representative Saddler moved and asked unanimous consent that the House approve the remaining citations on the calendar. Representative Eastman objected to the citation, Honoring - Richard Boothby, offered remarks, and withdrew the objection. There being no further objection, the following citations were approved and sent to enrolling: 2023-02-03 House Journal Page 0133 Honoring - 2023 UAF Alumni Association Award Recipients By Representative Carrick Honoring - Richard Boothby By Senator Wilson; Representative McCabe Honoring - Colony High School Knights, 2022 Football State Champions By Senator Wilson; Representative Sumner In Memoriam - Andy Granville Andersen By Representative Rauscher; Senator Shower In Memoriam - Robert Clyde April By Senators Wilson, Wielechowski; Representative Wright In Memoriam - Bert Lloyd Cottle By Senator Wilson; Representatives D. Johnson, Rauscher UNFINISHED BUSINESS Representative Saddler moved and asked unanimous consent that the following member be excused from a call of the House. There being no objection, the member was excused as noted: Representative McKay – from 6:00 p.m., March 3 to 9:30 p.m., March 5 HB 17 Representative Hannan added as a cosponsor to: HOUSE BILL NO. 17 "An Act relating to insurance coverage for contraceptives and related services; relating to medical assistance coverage for contraceptives and related services; and providing for an effective date." HB 19 Representative Hannan added as a cosponsor to: 2023-02-03 House Journal Page 0134 HOUSE BILL NO. 19 "An Act relating to the registration of commercial vessels; and providing for an effective date." HB 28 Representative Armstrong added as a cosponsor to: HOUSE BILL NO. 28 "An Act restricting the release of certain records of convictions; and providing for an effective date." HB 36 Representative Galvin added as a cosponsor to: SPONSOR SUBSTITUTE FOR HOUSE BILL NO. 36 "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 political contributions; and providing for an effective date." ANNOUNCEMENTS House committee schedules are published under separate cover. ADJOURNMENT Representative Saddler moved and asked unanimous consent that the House adjourn until 11:00 a.m., February 6. There being no objection, the House adjourned at 11:12 a.m. Crystaline Jones Chief Clerk