Legislature(2023 - 2024)
2023-03-24 Senate Journal
Full Journal pdf2023-03-24 Senate Journal Page 0563 SENATE JOURNAL ALASKA STATE LEGISLATURE THIRTY-THIRD LEGISLATURE FIRST SESSION Juneau, Alaska Friday March 24, 2023 Sixty-seventh Day Pursuant to adjournment the Senate was called to order by President Stevens at 10:37 a.m. The roll showed nineteen members present. Senator Shower was absent. The prayer was offered by the Chaplain, Lieutenant Colonel Kirk V. Thorsteinson, Alaska Army National Guard. Senator Hoffman moved and asked unanimous consent the prayer be spread. Without objection, it was so ordered. All creatures of our God and King, lift up your voice and with us sing! Lord, I request and value Your presence with us on National Each Person is a Person of Worth Day. Creator God, thank you for making us in Your own image. As Elvis Presley, who was inducted into the Army on this day in 1958 said, Everybody comes from the same source. If you hate another human being, you're hating part of yourself. God who helps, remind us our self-worth comes from relationship with You. And aid us in loving our neighbors and our enemies and praying for those who persecute us. Let all things their Creator bless, and worship Him in humbleness! Then all the people said, “Amen.” Until we meet again, may God bless you as he has blessed me. Senator Kaufman led the Senate in the Pledge of Allegiance. 2023-03-24 Senate Journal Page 0564 Certification Senator Giessel moved and asked unanimous consent the journals for the sixty-fifth and sixty-sixth legislative days be approved as certified by the Secretary. Without objection, it was so ordered. Senator Myers moved and asked unanimous consent Senator Shower be excused from a call of the Senate today. Without objection, Senator Shower was excused. Messages from the Governor Letter dated March 23 was read stating in accordance with Article III, sections 26 and 27 of the Alaska Constitution, and AS 39.05.080, I submit the following appointees for confirmation: Alaska Judicial Council Dennis DeWitt – Juneau Appointed: 3/22/2023 Term Expires: 3/1/2029 Board of Governors of the Alaska Bar William Granger – Anchorage Appointed: 3/1/2011 Term Expired: 3/1/2014 Reappointed: 3/1/2014 Term Expired: 3/1/2017 Reappointed: 3/1/2020 Term Expired: 3/1/2023 Reappointed: 3/22/2023 Term Expires: 3/1/2026 The appointments were referred to the Judiciary Committee. Board of Barbers and Hairdressers Breanna Hardy – North Pole Appointed: 3/22/2023 Term Expires: 3/1/2025 Glenda Ledford – Wasilla Appointed: 3/22/2023 Term Expires: 3/1/2026 2023-03-24 Senate Journal Page 0565 Board of Nursing Danette Schloeder – Anchorage Appointed: 3/1/2019 Term Expired: 3/1/2023 Reappointed: 3/22/2023 Term Expires: 3/1/2027 The appointments were referred to the Labor and Commerce Committee. State Medical Board David Barnes – Palmer Appointed: 3/22/2023 Term Expires: 3/1/2024 The appointment was referred to the Health and Social Services Committee. The resumes for these appointments have been submitted to the Office of the Senate Secretary. Messages from the House Message dated March 22 was read stating the House passed and transmitted for consideration: First Reading and Reference of House Bills HB 79 CS FOR HOUSE BILL NO. 79(FIN) BY THE HOUSE FINANCE COMMITTEE, entitled: "An Act making supplemental appropriations and other 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. 2023-03-24 Senate Journal Page 0566 Communications The following report is on file in the Office of the Secretary of the Senate: Alaska Aerospace Corporation 2022 Annual Report March 17, 2023 in accordance with AS 26.27.100 Standing Committee Reports SB 28 The State Affairs Committee considered SENATE BILL NO. 28 "An Act relating to workplace violence protective orders; relating to the crime of violating a protective order; relating to the powers of district judges and magistrates; amending Rules 4 and 65, Alaska Rules of Civil Procedure, and Rule 9, Alaska Rules of Administration; and providing for an effective date." Signing no recommendation: Senator Kawasaki, Chair; Senators Merrick, Bjorkman. Signing do pass: Senator Wielechowski. Signing amend: Senator Claman. The following fiscal information was published today: Fiscal Note No. 1, zero, Department of Law The bill was referred to the Judiciary Committee. SB 46 The State Affairs Committee considered SENATE BILL NO. 46 "An Act establishing the month of March as Brain Injury Awareness Month." Signing do pass: Senator Kawasaki, Chair; Senators Wielechowski, Claman, Merrick, Bjorkman. The following fiscal information was published today: Fiscal Note No. 1, zero, Office of the Governor The bill was referred to the Rules Committee. 2023-03-24 Senate Journal Page 0567 Introduction and Reference of Senate Resolutions SJR 11 SENATE JOINT RESOLUTION NO. 11 BY SENATOR KIEHL, Recognizing the Don Young Coast Guard Authorization Act of 2022 and the importance of certain provisions intended to enhance oil spill response capabilities in Western Alaska and the United States Arctic to promote improved safety in shipping commerce, protection of communities in the state, and the health of critical marine resources; urging the United States Coast Guard to consider the unique challenges of the state when developing oil spill response requirements for Western Alaska and the United States Arctic; and urging the deployment of individualized oil spill response resources for the state that use modern technologies to track the operation of large vessels in the region and local service providers with knowledge of the region and local wildlife. was read the first time and referred to the Transportation Committee. Introduction and Reference of Senate Bills SB 114 SENATE BILL NO. 114 BY THE SENATE RULES COMMITTEE, entitled: "An Act establishing an income tax on certain entities producing or transporting oil or gas in the state; relating to the oil and gas production tax; and providing for an effective date." was read the first time and referred to the Finance Committee. 2023-03-24 Senate Journal Page 0568 Consideration of the Calendar Second Reading of House Resolutions HJR 4 HOUSE JOINT RESOLUTION NO. 4 Honoring the Alaska-Korea relationship; and celebrating the 70th anniversary of the Mutual Defense Treaty between the United States and the Republic of Korea, the 70th anniversary of the Korean Armistice Agreement, and the 120th anniversary of the first Korean immigration to the United States, was read the second time. President Stevens stated HOUSE JOINT RESOLUTION NO. 4 will advance to third reading on the March 27 calendar. Citations Honoring - Cash Robert Arrington Representative(s) Foster In Memoriam - Joshua "Josh" Brooks Senator(s) Stevens Representative(s) Vance In Memoriam - Elaine Hawks Representative(s) Prax, Stapp Senator(s) Myers Senator Giessel moved and asked unanimous consent the citations be adopted. Without objection, the citations were adopted and referred to the Secretary for transmittal. Senator Giessel moved and asked unanimous consent the following citation be made a special order of business. Without objection, it was so ordered. 2023-03-24 Senate Journal Page 0569 Special Order of Business Honoring - Edward and Janice Hotch Senator(s) Kiehl, Hughes Representative(s) Story Senator Giessel moved and asked unanimous consent the citation be adopted. Without objection, the citation was adopted and referred to the Secretary for transmittal. Unfinished Business SB 112 Senators Giessel, Bjorkman, Gray-Jackson moved and asked unanimous consent to be shown as cosponsors on SENATE BILL NO. 112 "An Act relating to the diagnosis, maintenance, and repair of products that use digital electronics to operate; adding an unlawful act to the Alaska Unfair Trade Practices and Consumer Protection Act; and providing for an effective date." Without objection, it was so ordered. SB 24 Senators Giessel, Dunbar moved and asked unanimous consent to be shown as cosponsors on SENATE BILL NO. 24 "An Act relating to mental health education; and providing for an effective date." Without objection, it was so ordered. Senator Gray-Jackson moved and asked unanimous consent to be excused from a call of the Senate on March 27. Without objection, Senator Gray-Jackson was excused. Senator Merrick moved and asked unanimous consent to be excused from a call of the Senate on March 30 from 7:30 a.m. to 3:30 p.m. Without objection, Senator Merrick was excused. 2023-03-24 Senate Journal Page 0570 HJR 10 Senators Kaufman, Hughes moved and asked unanimous consent to be shown as cross sponsors on HOUSE JOINT RESOLUTION NO. 10 Disapproving the proposed rule by the National Park Service limiting non-subsistence hunting methods; and urging the National Park Service to withdraw the rule. Without objection, it was so ordered. Announcements Announcements are at the end of the journal. Adjournment Senator Giessel moved and asked unanimous consent the Senate stand in adjournment until 11:00 a.m., March 27, 2023. Without objection, the Senate adjourned at 10:53 a.m. Liz Clark Secretary of the Senate 2023-03-24 Senate Journal Page 0571 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 28 Tuesday Beltz 105 (tsbldg) 1:30 PM + SB 103 PEER SUPPORT COUNSELING PROGRAM -- Invited & Public Testimony -- += SB 77 MUNI PROP TAX EXEMPTION/TAX BLIGHTED PROP **Streamed live on AKL.tv** + Bills Previously Heard/Scheduled Mar 30 Thursday Beltz 105 (tsbldg) 1:30 PM + Bills Previously Heard/Scheduled ---------------------------------------- EDUCATION Mar 24 Friday Beltz 105 (tsbldg) 3:30 PM Consideration of Governor’s Appointees for the University of Alaska Board of Regents: Dennis Michel, Bethany Marcum, Joey Crum, Paula Harrison Consideration of Governor’s Appointees for the Professional Teaching Practices Commission: Mary Carlson + SB 97 TEACHER RECRUITMENT; LUMP SUM PAYMENT -- Testimony <Invitation Only> -- Susan McKenzie, Director of Innovation and Education Excellence SENATE BILL: LEGISLATION TO EXTEND THE ALASKA EDUCATION TAX CREDIT PROGRAM <Above Item Removed from Agenda> + Bills Previously Heard/Scheduled **Streamed live on AKL.tv** 2023-03-24 Senate Journal Page 0572 EDUCATION (continued) Mar 27 Monday Beltz 105 (tsbldg) 3:30 PM Presentation: Alaska Early Environmental Scan by Tamar Ben-Yosef, Executive Director of the All Alaska Pediatric Partnership Presentation: Challenges Facing Alaska's Childcare Sector by Stephanie Bergland, CEO of Thread Alaska Presentation: Kids Count Data Book by Trevor Storrs, President and CEO of the Alaska Children's Trust + Bills Previously Heard/Scheduled **Streamed live on AKL.tv** Mar 29 Wednesday Beltz 105 (tsbldg) 3:30 PM + SB 99 FINANCIAL LITERACY COURSE IN SCHOOLS -- Testimony <Invitation Only> -- Presentation: Alaska Native Science and Engineering Program by Herb Schroeder, Vice Provost and Founder of ANSEP Presentation: Alaska EXCEL by Carol Wilson, Executive Director; Billijo Mills, Deputy Director; Christa Wilson, Director of Finance; Ole Chief, Instructor Presentation: Northwestern Alaska Career and Technical Center by Doug Walrath, NACTEC Director Presentation: Alaska Technical Center by Terri Walker, Superintendent of the Northwest Arctic Borough School District Karl Kowalski, Director of the Alaska Technical Center + Bills Previously Heard/Scheduled **Streamed live on AKL.tv** Mar 31 Friday Beltz 105 (tsbldg) 3:30 PM No Meeting Scheduled 2023-03-24 Senate Journal Page 0573 FINANCE Mar 24 Friday Senate Finance 532 9:00 AM Presentation: Fiscal Summary Update & Fiscal Scenarios by Division of Legislative Finance + Bills Previously Heard/Scheduled Mar 27 Monday Senate Finance 532 9:00 AM + HB 79 APPROP: SUPPLEMENTAL -- Invited & Public Testimony -- Overview: Governor's Amendments to FY24 Operating & FY23 Supplemental + Bills Previously Heard/Scheduled Mar 28 Tuesday Senate Finance 532 9:00 AM + SB 12 ADDRESS CONFIDENTIALITY PROGRAM -- Invited & Public Testimony -- + SB 57 ADULT HOME CARE; MED ASSISTANCE -- Invited & Public Testimony -- + HB 62 RENEWABLE ENERGY GRANT FUND -- Invited & Public Testimony -- + Bills Previously Heard/Scheduled Mar 29 Wednesday Senate Finance 532 9:00 AM Consideration of Governor’s Appointee: Anita Halterman, Alaska Mental Health Trust Authority Overview: University of Alaska - FY24 Operating and Capital - Subcommittee of the Whole + Bills Previously Heard/Scheduled Mar 30 Thursday Senate Finance 532 9:00 AM Presentation: Retirement Income Comparisons - Pensions vs. 401(k) by David Teal, Consultant to the Senate Finance Committee + Bills Previously Heard/Scheduled Mar 31 Friday Senate Finance 532 9:00 AM += SB 98 POWER COST EQUALIZATION ENDOWMENT FUND + SB 114 OIL & GAS PRODUCTION TAX; INCOME TAX + Bills Previously Heard/Scheduled 2023-03-24 Senate Journal Page 0574 HEALTH & SOCIAL SERVICES Mar 28 Tuesday Butrovich 205 3:30 PM Consideration of Governor’s Appointees: David Paulson - State Medical Board; Anita Halterman, John Morris - Alaska Mental Health Trust Authority Board of Trustees -- Invited & Public Testimony -- + Bills Previously Heard/Scheduled Mar 30 Thursday Butrovich 205 3:30 PM + SJR 10 MEDICARE REIMBURSEMENT -- Invited & Public Testimony -- + Bills Previously Heard/Scheduled ---------------------------------------- JUDICIARY Mar 24 Friday Butrovich 205 1:30 PM Presentation: Alaska Victimization Survey by Dr. Ingrid Johnson, Assistant Professor, Justice Center, University of Alaska Anchorage -- Testimony <Invitation Only> -- + SB 104 CIVIL LEGAL SERVICES FUND -- Invited & Public Testimony -- += SB 53 FIVE-YEAR INVOLUNTARY COMMITMENTS <Bill Hearing Canceled> <Above Item Removed from Agenda> + Bills Previously Heard/Scheduled Mar 27 Monday Butrovich 205 1:30 PM += SB 104 CIVIL LEGAL SERVICES FUND -- Testimony <Invitation Only> -- + Bills Previously Heard/Scheduled 2023-03-24 Senate Journal Page 0575 JUDICIARY (continued) Mar 29 Wednesday Butrovich 205 1:30 PM Consideration of Governor’s Appointees: Commission on Judicial Conduct Todd Fletcher - Anchorage -- Invited & Public Testimony -- Consideration of Governor’s Appointees: State Board of Parole Sarah Possenti - Fairbanks -- Invited & Public Testimony -- += SB 37 CRIME COUNTERFEIT/NONFUNCTIONING AIRBAG -- Testimony <Invitation Only> -- += SB 53 FIVE-YEAR INVOLUNTARY COMMITMENTS -- Testimony <Invitation Only> -- + Bills Previously Heard/Scheduled Mar 31 Friday Butrovich 205 1:30 PM += SB 64 CONTROLLED SUB.;HOMICIDE;GOOD TIME DEDUC. -- Testimony <Invitation Only> -- + Bills Previously Heard/Scheduled ---------------------------------------- LABOR & COMMERCE Mar 24 Friday Beltz 105 (tsbldg) 1:30 PM + SB 89 AGE FOR TOBACCO/NICOTINE/E-CIG; TAX E-CIG -- Invited & Public Testimony -- <Time Limit May Be Set> + SB 51 CONTROLLED SUB. DATA: EXEMPT VETERINARIAN -- Public Testimony <Time Limit May Be Set> -- + SB 93 FISHERMEN'S FUND: VESSEL OWNER CLAIMS -- Public Testimony <Time Limit May Be Set> -- + Bills Previously Heard/Scheduled **Streamed live on AKL.tv** Mar 27 Monday Beltz 105 (tsbldg) 1:30 PM += SB 74 PHYSICAL THERAPY LICENSURE COMPACT -- Public Testimony <Time Limit May Be Set> -- += SB 75 AUD. & SPEECH-LANG INTERSTATE COMPACT -- Public Testimony <Time Limit May Be Set> -- (Continued on Next Page) 2023-03-24 Senate Journal Page 0576 LABOR & COMMERCE (continued) (Continued from Previous Page) += SB 84 MONEY TRANSMISSION; VIRTUAL CURRENCY -- Public Testimony <Time Limit May Be Set> -- + SB 45 DIRECT HEALTH AGREEMENT: NOT INSURANCE -- Invited & Public Testimony -- **Streamed live on AKL.tv** + Bills Previously Heard/Scheduled Mar 29 Wednesday Beltz 105 (tsbldg) 1:30 PM += SB 83 PROFESSIONAL LICENSING; TEMP PERMITS -- Public Testimony <Time Limit May Be Set> -- + Bills Previously Heard/Scheduled: += SB 93 FISHERMEN'S FUND: VESSEL OWNER CLAIMS += SB 88 RETIREMENT SYSTEMS; DEFINED BENEFIT OPT. -- Public Testimony <Time Limit May Be Set> -- **Streamed live on AKL.tv** Mar 31 Friday Beltz 105 (tsbldg) 1:30 PM += SB 83 PROFESSIONAL LICENSING; TEMP PERMITS -- Public Testimony <Time Limit May Be Set> -- += SB 84 MONEY TRANSMISSION; VIRTUAL CURRENCY -- Public Testimony <Time Limit May Be Set> -- += SB 89 AGE FOR TOBACCO/NICOTINE/E-CIG; TAX E-CIG -- Public Testimony <Time Limit May Be Set> -- **Streamed live on AKL.tv** ---------------------------------------- RESOURCES Mar 24 Friday Butrovich 205 3:30 PM += SB 68 PUBLIC NOTICE FOR WATER RIGHTS <Bill Hearing Canceled> -- Public Testimony -- + SB 90 EXTEND ALASKA MINERALS COMMISSION -- Public Testimony -- += SB 34 CITIZEN ADVISORY COMM ON FEDERAL AREAS -- Public Testimony -- += SB 87 LUMBER GRADING PROGRAM -- Public Testimony – (Continued on Next Page) 2023-03-24 Senate Journal Page 0577 RESOURCES (continued) (Continued from Previous Page) += SB 72 NATL. RES. WATER NOMINATION/DESIGNATION <Bill Hearing Canceled> -- Public Testimony -- += HJR 10 NAT'L PARK SERVICE; HUNTING IN PRESERVES -- Public Testimony -- + Bills Previously Heard/Scheduled **Streamed live on AKL.tv** Mar 27 Monday Butrovich 205 3:30 PM + HJR 11 ADDRESS AIR POLLUTION IN FAIRBANKS <Pending Referral> -- Invited & Public Testimony -- Nick Czarnecki, Fairbanks North Star Borough Air Quality Manager Presentation: Alaska Bycatch Review Task Force Overview by Stephanie Madsen, Alaska Bycatch Review Task (ABRT) Member, Co-chair of Western Alaska Salmon Committee; and Linda Kozak, ABRT Member, Chair of Bering Sea and Gulf of Alaska Crab Committee Bills Previously Heard/Scheduled **Streamed live on AKL.tv** Mar 29 Wednesday Butrovich 205 3:30 PM += HJR 11 ADDRESS AIR POLLUTION IN FAIRBANKS <Pending Referral> Nick Czarnecki, Fairbanks North Star Borough Air Quality Manager -- Invited & Public Testimony -- + SB 92 STATE OWNERSHIP OF SUBMERGED LAND -- Testimony <Invitation Only> -- Brent Goodrum, Deputy Commissioner, Department of Natural Resources (DNR); Jim Walker, Chief Public Access Assertion and Defense (PAAD) Section, Division of Mining, Land And Water (DMLW), DNR; Daniel Hovancsek, Natural Resource Specialist, PAAD, DMLW, DNR; Mike Sewright, Retired Assistant Attorney General; and John Sturgeon, President, Safari Club International Alaska Club + Bills Previously Heard/Scheduled **Streamed live on AKL.tv** 2023-03-24 Senate Journal Page 0578 RESOURCES (continued) Mar 31 Friday Butrovich 205 3:30 PM Presentation: Cook Inlet Update and Willow Analysis by Colleen Glover, Tax Division Director, Department of Revenue; and Dan Stickel, Chief Economist, Department of Revenue + Bills Previously Heard/Scheduled **Streamed live on AKL.tv** ---------------------------------------- STATE AFFAIRS Mar 28 Tuesday Beltz 105 (tsbldg) 3:30 PM No Meeting Scheduled Mar 30 Thursday Beltz 105 (tsbldg) 3:30 PM -- Testimony <Invitation Only> -- Presentation: Alaska Defense Force Overview by Dr. Craig Christensen, Deputy Commissioner Military and Veterans Affairs; Brigadier General Simon Brown AK Defense Force; Angela Laflamme Legislative Liaison, Department of Military and Veterans Affairs + SB 71 PAY FOR AK DEFENSE FORCE -- Invited & Public Testimony -- **Streamed live on AKL.tv** + Bills Previously Heard/Scheduled ---------------------------------------- TRANSPORTATION Mar 28 Tuesday Butrovich 205 1:30 PM + Bills Previously Heard/Scheduled -- Teleconference <Listen Only> -- **Streamed live on AKL.tv** Mar 30 Thursday Butrovich 205 1:30 PM + SJR 11 WESTERN AK/ARCTIC OIL SPILL RESPONSE -- Invited & Public Testimony -- + Bills Previously Heard/Scheduled -- Teleconference <Listen Only> -- **Streamed live on AKL.tv** 2023-03-24 Senate Journal Page 0579 FINANCE SUBCOMMITTEES FAMILY & COMMUNITY SERVICES Mar 28 Tuesday Senate Finance 532 5:30 PM -- Rescheduled to 04/13/23 -- + Department of Family & Community Services Budget Overview -- Testimony <Invitation Only> -- Apr 13 Thursday Butrovich 205 3:30 PM -- Rescheduled from 03/28/23 -- + Department of Family & Community Services Budget Overview -- Testimony <Invitation Only> -- ---------------------------------------- HEALTH Mar 27 Monday Senate Finance 532 5:30 PM -- MEETING CANCELED -- + Department of Health Budget Overview -- Testimony <Invitation Only> -- Mar 29 Wednesday Senate Finance 532 5:30 PM -- Rescheduled to 04/13/23 -- Department of Health Budget Overview -- Testimony <Invitation Only> -- Apr 13 Thursday Butrovich 205 4:00 PM -- Rescheduled from 03/29/23 -- Department of Health Budget Overview -- Testimony <Invitation Only> -- ---------------------------------------- TRANSPORTATION & PUBLIC FACILITIES Mar 28 Tuesday Senate Finance 532 7:30 AM + FY24 Marine Highways Apr 04 Tuesday Senate Finance 532 7:30 AM + Closeout 2023-03-24 Senate Journal Page 0580 OTHER MEETINGS MISCELLANEOUS MEETINGS Mar 28 Tuesday Davis 106 12:00 PM Lunch & Learn Presentation: Alaska's Changing Arctic: Energy Issues and Trends by Amy Lovecraft, Director, Center for Arctic Policy Studies Sponsored by Senator Kawasaki Mar 28 Tuesday Butrovich 205 12:01 PM Lunch & Learn Presentation: Healthcare Startups and Innovation in Alaska by Jacqueline Summers, Executive Director of Health TIE Sponsored by Senator Kiehl Mar 29 Wednesday Butrovich 205 12:00 PM Lunch & Learn Presentation: An Introduction to the Uniform Law Commission by Andrew Hemenway, Uniform Law Commission Alaska Delegate and Rebecca Polizzotto, Alaska Delegation Chair Sponsored by Senator Donald Olson