Legislature(2023 - 2024)
2023-04-19 Senate Journal
Full Journal pdf2023-04-19 Senate Journal Page 0783 SENATE JOURNAL ALASKA STATE LEGISLATURE THIRTY-THIRD LEGISLATURE FIRST SESSION Juneau, Alaska Wednesday April 19, 2023 Ninety-third Day Pursuant to adjournment the Senate was called to order by President Stevens at 11:03 a.m. The roll showed sixteen members present. Senators Hughes, Wilson were excused from a call of the Senate. Senators Myers, Tobin were absent. The prayer was offered by the Chaplain, Pastor Kermit Wilson, Safe Harbor Church. Senator Hoffman moved and asked unanimous consent the prayer be spread. Without objection, it was so ordered. Dear God, and Great Creator, I thank you for another day of life and health. "The heavens declare your glory; and the expanse declares the work of your hands." I am grateful for the beauty that surrounds us. I ponder at the beauty of your creation, the majestic mountains, the teaming seas, the expansive sky and all living creatures bring us wonder and awe. Thank you for the blessings of the land and the peoples of the Land. I am grateful for the gifts of rich resources that provide for the peoples of the land. I ask for your guidance as we steward your creation from the villages to the cities and all parts between. Bring understanding, grant wisdom and bring unity to our leaders as they make important decisions related to your creation. 2023-04-19 Senate Journal Page 0784 Bless all Alaskans this day, Amen. Senator Bishop led the Senate in the Pledge of Allegiance. Certification Senator Giessel 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. Senator Giessel moved and asked unanimous consent Senator Tobin be excused from a call of the Senate today. Without objection, Senator Tobin was excused. Messages from the House Message dated April 17 was read stating the House passed and transmitted for consideration: First Reading and Reference of House Bills HB 8 HOUSE BILL NO. 8 BY REPRESENTATIVES CARRICK, Mina, Prax, Sumner, Ruffridge, Galvin, C.Johnson, Josephson, Schrage, Himschoot, Groh, entitled: "An Act relating to electric-assisted bicycles." was read the first time and referred to the State Affairs Committee. HB 39 CS FOR HOUSE BILL NO. 39(FIN) am(brf sup maj fld)(efd fld) BY THE HOUSE FINANCE COMMITTEE, entitled: "An Act making appropriations for the operating and loan program expenses of state government and for certain programs; capitalizing funds; repealing appropriations; amending appropriations; making reappropriations; and making supplemental appropriations." was read the first time and referred to the Finance Committee. 2023-04-19 Senate Journal Page 0785 HB 41 CS FOR HOUSE BILL NO. 41(FIN) am BY THE HOUSE FINANCE COMMITTEE, entitled: "An Act making appropriations for the operating and capital expenses of the state's integrated comprehensive mental health program; and providing for an effective date." was read the first time and referred to the Finance Committee. Communications Report from the Commissioner of the Department of Administration dated April 17 was received stating the monetary terms for the collective bargaining agreement reached with the Public Safety Employees Association representing the members of the Department of Public Safety in accordance with AS 23.40.215. The President referred the report to the Finance Committee. Standing Committee Reports Report dated April 17 was read stating: In accordance with AS 39.05.080, the Judiciary 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 Judicial Council Dennis DeWitt Board of Governors of the Alaska Bar William Granger Signing the report: Senator Claman, Chair; Senators Tobin, Giessel, Kaufman. 2023-04-19 Senate Journal Page 0786 SB 22 The Finance Committee considered SENATE BILL NO. 22 "An Act establishing Juneteenth Day as a legal holiday." Signing do pass: Senators Hoffman, Olson, Cochairs; Senators Kiehl, Bishop. Signing no recommendation: Senator Stedman, Chair; Senator Merrick. The following fiscal information was published today: Fiscal Note No. 3, Department of Education and Early Development Fiscal Note No. 4, Department of Health Fiscal Note No. 5, Department of Fish and Game Fiscal Note No. 6, Department of Transportation and Public Facilities Fiscal Note No. 7, Department of Corrections Fiscal Note No. 8, zero, Department of Military and Veterans’ Affairs Fiscal Note No. 9, Department of Public Safety Fiscal Note No. 10, Department of Family and Community Services The bill was referred to the Rules Committee. SB 61 The Judiciary Committee considered SENATE BILL NO. 61 "An Act relating to an interstate compact to elect the President and Vice- President of the United States by national popular vote; and relating to the selection of electors for candidates for President and Vice- President of the United States and to the duties of those electors." Signing do pass: Senator Claman, Chair; Senator Tobin. Signing do not pass: Senator Kaufman. Signing no recommendation: Senator Giessel. The following fiscal information was published today: Fiscal Note No. 1, zero, Office of the Governor The bill was referred to the State Affairs Committee. 2023-04-19 Senate Journal Page 0787 SB 74 The Finance Committee considered SENATE BILL NO. 74 "An Act relating to an interstate physical therapy licensure compact; relating to the licensure of physical therapists, physical therapist assistants, occupational therapists, and occupational therapy assistants; and providing for an effective date" and recommended it be replaced with CS FOR SENATE BILL NO. 74(FIN) Signing do pass: Senator Hoffman, Cochair. Signing no recommendation: Senators Stedman, Olson, Cochairs; Senators Kiehl, Merrick. The following previously published fiscal information applies: Fiscal Note No. 1, Department of Commerce, Community, and Economic Development The bill was referred to the Rules Committee. SB 75 The Finance Committee considered SENATE BILL NO. 75 "An Act relating to an audiology and speech-language interstate compact; relating to the practice of audiology and the practice of speech- language pathology; and providing for an effective date" and recommended it be replaced with CS FOR SENATE BILL NO. 75(FIN) Signing do pass: Senator Hoffman, Cochair. Signing no recommendation: Senators Stedman, Olson, Cochairs; Senators Kiehl, Merrick. The following previously published fiscal information applies: Fiscal Note No. 1, Department of Commerce, Community, and Economic Development The bill was referred to the Rules Committee. 2023-04-19 Senate Journal Page 0788 SB 83 The Labor and Commerce Committee considered SENATE BILL NO. 83 "An Act relating to professional licensing; relating to temporary licenses for some professions; and providing for an effective date" and recommended it be replaced with CS FOR SENATE BILL NO. 83(L&C) Signing do pass: Senator Bjorkman, Chair; Senator Gray-Jackson. Signing no recommendation: Senator Dunbar. The following previously published fiscal information applies: Fiscal Note No. 1, Department of Commerce, Community, and Economic Development The bill was referred to the Finance Committee. SB 87 The Finance Committee considered SENATE BILL NO. 87 "An Act relating to a lumber grading training program and lumber grading certificates; relating to use of lumber graded and certified by a person holding a lumber grading training program certificate; and providing for an effective date." Signing do pass: Senators Stedman, Hoffman, Olson, Cochairs; Senators Merrick, Bishop. Signing no recommendation: Senator Kiehl. The following previously published fiscal information applies: Fiscal Note No. 1, Department of Natural Resources The bill was referred to the Rules Committee. SB 92 The Resources Committee considered SENATE BILL NO. 92 "An Act relating to state ownership of submerged land underlying navigable water within the boundaries of and adjacent to federal areas; and providing for an effective date" and recommended it be replaced with CS FOR SENATE BILL NO. 92(RES) 2023-04-19 Senate Journal Page 0789 Signing do pass: Senators Giessel, Bishop, Cochairs; Senators Claman, Dunbar, Kaufman. Signing amend: Senator Kawasaki. The following fiscal information was published today: Fiscal Note No. 1, zero, Department of Natural Resources The bill was referred to the Rules Committee. SB 99 The Education Committee considered SENATE BILL NO. 99 "An Act establishing a financial literacy education course for public schools; and providing for an effective date" and recommended it be replaced with CS FOR SENATE BILL NO. 99(EDC) "An Act establishing a financial literacy education program for public schools; and providing for an effective date." Signing do pass: Senator Tobin, Chair; Senators Gray-Jackson, Kiehl. Signing amend: Senator Bjorkman. The following fiscal information was published today: Fiscal Note No. 1, Department of Education and Early Development President Stevens added a Finance Committee referral to the bill. The bill was referred to the Finance Committee. HB 56 The Labor and Commerce Committee considered HOUSE BILL NO. 56 "An Act exempting controlled substances prescribed or dispensed by a veterinarian to treat an animal from the requirements of the controlled substance prescription database" and recommended it be replaced with 2023-04-19 Senate Journal Page 0790 SENATE CS FOR HOUSE BILL NO. 56(L&C) "An Act relating to the certification of veterinarians; exempting veterinarians from the requirements of the controlled substance prescription database; and providing for an effective date." (Title Change SCR 2) Signing do pass: Senator Bjorkman, Chair; Senators Merrick, Gray- Jackson, Bishop, Dunbar. The following previously published fiscal information applies: Fiscal Note No. 1, zero, Department of Commerce, Community, and Economic Development The bill was referred to the Rules Committee. Introduction and Reference of Senate Resolutions SCR 2 SENATE CONCURRENT RESOLUTION NO. 2 BY THE SENATE LABOR & COMMERCE COMMITTEE, Suspending Rules 24(c), 35, 41(b), and 42(e), Uniform Rules of the Alaska State Legislature, concerning House Bill No. 56, 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 held on the Secretary's desk. 2023-04-19 Senate Journal Page 0791 Consideration of the Calendar Third Reading of Senate Bills SB 58 SENATE BILL NO. 58 "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 third time. The question being: "Shall SENATE BILL NO. 58 "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" pass the Senate?" The roll was taken with the following result: SB 58 Third Reading - Final Passage Effective Date(s) YEAS: 16 NAYS: 0 EXCUSED: 3 ABSENT: 1 Yeas: Bishop, Bjorkman, Claman, Dunbar, Giessel, Gray-Jackson, Hoffman, Kaufman, Kawasaki, Kiehl, Merrick, Olson, Shower, Stedman, Stevens, Wielechowski Excused: Hughes, Tobin, Wilson Absent: Myers and so, SENATE BILL NO. 58 passed the Senate. Senator Giessel moved and asked unanimous consent the vote on the passage of the bill be considered the vote on the effective date clause(s). Without objection, it was so ordered and the bill was referred to the Secretary for engrossment. 2023-04-19 Senate Journal Page 0792 Third Reading of House Bills HB 78 HOUSE BILL NO. 78 "An Act establishing September 10 as Alaska Community Health Aide Appreciation Day" was read the third time. Senators Hoffman, Stevens moved and asked unanimous consent to be shown as cross sponsors on the bill. Without objection, it was so ordered. The question being: "Shall HOUSE BILL NO. 78 "An Act establishing September 10 as Alaska Community Health Aide Appreciation Day" pass the Senate?" The roll was taken with the following result: HB 78 Third Reading - Final Passage YEAS: 16 NAYS: 0 EXCUSED: 3 ABSENT: 1 Yeas: Bishop, Bjorkman, Claman, Dunbar, Giessel, Gray-Jackson, Hoffman, Kaufman, Kawasaki, Kiehl, Merrick, Olson, Shower, Stedman, Stevens, Wielechowski Excused: Hughes, Tobin, Wilson Absent: Myers and so, HOUSE BILL NO. 78 passed the Senate, was signed by the President and Secretary and returned to the House. Citations Honoring – Nordic Skiing Association of Anchorage Representative(s) Gray, Mears Senator(s) Claman Honoring – Heather Flynn Representative(s) Gray, Fields Senator(s) Tobin Honoring – University of Alaska Anchorage Master of Public Health Program Representative(s) Gray Senator(s) Dunbar 2023-04-19 Senate Journal Page 0793 Honoring – Reed Smith Representative(s) Gray Senator(s) Dunbar Honoring – Lisa Parker Representative(s) Ruffridge Senator(s) Bjorkman In Memoriam – Joe Hotch Senator(s) Kiehl Representative(s) Story, Hannan In Memoriam – Dr. John Harlan Clark Representative(s) Hannan, Story Senator(s) Kiehl In Memoriam – Clarence “Coyne” Vanderjack Representative(s) Hannan, Story Senator(s) Kiehl 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. Special Order of Business th Honoring – Fairbanks Community Cooperative Market’s 10 Anniversary Representative(s) Stapp, Dibert Senator(s) Kawasaki Senator Giessel moved and asked unanimous consent the citation be adopted. Without objection, the citation was adopted and referred to the Secretary for transmittal. 2023-04-19 Senate Journal Page 0794 Unfinished Business Senator Shower moved and asked unanimous consent Senator Myers be excused from a call of the Senate today through April 23. Without objection, Senator Myers was excused. Senator Shower moved and asked unanimous consent to be excused from a call of the Senate on April 21. Without objection, Senator Shower was excused. SB 29 Senators Bishop, Stedman moved and asked unanimous consent to be shown as cosponsors on SENATE BILL NO. 29 "An Act relating to civics education, civics assessments, and secondary school graduation requirements; establishing the Alaska Civics Education Commission; and providing for an effective date." Without objection, it was so ordered. SB 87 Senators Bishop, Merrick, Stedman, Olson, Kawasaki moved and asked unanimous consent to be shown as cosponsors on SENATE BILL NO. 87 "An Act relating to a lumber grading training program and lumber grading certificates; relating to use of lumber graded and certified by a person holding a lumber grading training program certificate; and providing for an effective date." Without objection, it was so ordered. SB 104 Senators Bishop, Kawasaki, Kiehl, Gray-Jackson moved and asked unanimous consent to be shown as cosponsors on SENATE BILL NO. 104 "An Act relating to appropriations to the civil legal services fund." Without objection, it was so ordered. Senator Kaufman moved and asked unanimous consent to be excused from a call of the Senate from afternoon plane time, April 20 through morning plane time, April 24. Without objection, Senator Kaufman was excused. 2023-04-19 Senate Journal Page 0795 HB 123 Senators Hoffman, Giessel, Claman, Bishop, Gray-Jackson, Olson, Stevens moved and asked unanimous consent to be shown as cross sponsors on HOUSE BILL NO. 123 "An Act relating to an amendment to the articles of incorporation of a corporation organized under the Alaska Native Claims Settlement Act; and providing for an effective date." Without objection, it was so ordered. Senator Claman moved and asked unanimous consent to be excused from a call of the Senate from June 28 through June 30. Without objection, Senator Claman was excused. Announcements Announcements are at the end of the journal. Engrossment SB 58 SENATE BILL NO. 58 "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 engrossed, signed by the President and Secretary and transmitted to the House for consideration. Adjournment Senator Giessel moved and asked unanimous consent the Senate stand in adjournment until 10:30 a.m., April 21, 2023. Without objection, the Senate adjourned at 11:30 a.m. Liz Clark Secretary of the Senate 2023-04-19 Senate Journal Page 0796 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 20 Thursday Beltz 105 (tsbldg) 1:30 PM + SB 79 RECLASSIFICATION OF FIRST CLASS CITIES -- Testimony <Invitation Only> -- Overview: ANCSA 14(c)(3) and the Municipal Lands Trustee Program + Bills Previously Heard/Scheduled ---------------------------------------- EDUCATION Apr 19 Wednesday Beltz 105 (tsbldg) 3:30 PM Presentation: Teachers Like Us: Strategies for Increasing Educator Diversity by Lynn Olson, former Deputy Director of the Bill and Melinda Gates Foundation Bills Previously Heard/Scheduled **Streamed live on AKL.tv** Apr 21 Friday Beltz 105 (tsbldg) 3:30 PM No Meeting Scheduled 2023-04-19 Senate Journal Page 0797 FINANCE Apr 19 Wednesday Senate Finance 532 9:00 AM + HB 39 APPROP: OPERATING BUDGET/LOANS/FUND; SUPP <Bill Hearing Canceled> + HB 41 APPROP: MENTAL HEALTH BUDGET <Bill Hearing Canceled> + Bills Previously Heard/Scheduled: += SB 22 PROCLAIM JUNETEENTH DAY A HOLIDAY += SB 57 ADULT HOME CARE; MED ASSISTANCE Apr 19 Wednesday Senate Finance 532 1:30 PM -- Please Note Time Change -- + SB 53 FIVE-YEAR INVOLUNTARY COMMITMENTS -- Invited & Public Testimony -- <Time Limit May Be Set> + Bills Previously Heard/Scheduled: += HB 39 APPROP: OPERATING BUDGET/LOANS/FUND; SUPP += HB 41 APPROP: MENTAL HEALTH BUDGET += SB 22 PROCLAIM JUNETEENTH DAY A HOLIDAY <Bill Hearing Canceled> += SB 57 ADULT HOME CARE; MED ASSISTANCE <Bill Hearing Canceled> += SB 107 PERMANENT FUND DIVIDEND; POMV SPLIT Apr 20 Thursday Senate Finance 532 9:00 AM For Juneau, Southeast, Prince William Sound, & Kodiak Please Sign Up By 10:15 am + HB 39 APPROP: OPERATING BUDGET/LOANS/FUND; SUPP -- Public Testimony <Time Limit May Be Set> -- + HB 41 APPROP: MENTAL HEALTH BUDGET -- Public Testimony <Time Limit May Be Set> -- += SB 41 APPROP: CAPITAL/SUPPLEMENTAL <Time Limit May Be Set For All Public Testimony> + Bills Previously Heard/Scheduled 2023-04-19 Senate Journal Page 0798 FINANCE (continued) Apr 20 Thursday Senate Finance 532 1:30 PM For Fairbanks, Interior, & Copper River Valley Please Sign Up by 2:45 pm -- Please Note Time Change -- += HB 39 APPROP: OPERATING BUDGET/LOANS/FUND; SUPP -- Public Testimony <Time Limit May Be Set> -- += HB 41 APPROP: MENTAL HEALTH BUDGET -- Public Testimony <Time Limit May Be Set> -- += SB 41 APPROP: CAPITAL/SUPPLEMENTAL -- Public Testimony <Time Limit May Be Set> -- + Bills Previously Heard/Scheduled Apr 21 Friday Senate Finance 532 9:00 AM For Nome, Bethel, Kotzebue, Utqiagvik, Unalaska, Dillingham & Offnets Please sign up by 10:15 am += HB 39 APPROP: OPERATING BUDGET/LOANS/FUND; SUPP -- Public Testimony <Time Limit May Be Set> -- += HB 41 APPROP: MENTAL HEALTH BUDGET -- Public Testimony <Time Limit May Be Set> -- += SB 41 APPROP: CAPITAL/SUPPLEMENTAL -- Public Testimony <Time Limit May Be Set> -- + Bills Previously Heard/Scheduled Apr 21 Friday Senate Finance 532 1:00 PM For Anchorage, Mat-Su Valley, Kenai Peninsula Please sign up by 2:45 pm += HB 39 APPROP: OPERATING BUDGET/LOANS/FUND; SUPP -- Public Testimony <Time Limit May Be Set> -- += HB 41 APPROP: MENTAL HEALTH BUDGET -- Public Testimony <Time Limit May Be Set> -- += SB 41 APPROP: CAPITAL/SUPPLEMENTAL -- Public Testimony <Time Limit May Be Set> -- + Bills Previously Heard/Scheduled 2023-04-19 Senate Journal Page 0799 HEALTH & SOCIAL SERVICES Apr 20 Thursday Butrovich 205 3:30 PM No Meeting Scheduled ---------------------------------------- JUDICIARY Apr 19 Wednesday Butrovich 205 1:30 PM + SB 65 HARASSMENT; SEX OFFENDERS & OFFENSES -- Testimony <Invitation Only> -- += SB 70 OWNER & CONTRACTOR CONTROLLED INSURANCE -- Invited & Public Testimony -- + Bills Previously Heard/Scheduled Apr 21 Friday Butrovich 205 1:30 PM + SB 84 MONEY TRANSMISSION; VIRTUAL CURRENCY -- Testimony <Invitation Only> -- + SB 128 COMMERCIAL SALMON FISHERY CLOSURE -- Invited & Public Testimony -- Bills Previously Heard/Scheduled ---------------------------------------- LABOR & COMMERCE Apr 19 Wednesday Beltz 105 (tsbldg) 1:30 PM += SB 45 DIRECT HEALTH AGREEMENT: NOT INSURANCE += SB 85 PERM FUND; EMPLOYMENT; ELIGIBILITY -- Public Testimony <Time Limit May Be Set> -- += SB 126 ARCHITECT/ENGINEER REGISTRATION BOARD -- Public Testimony <Time Limit May Be Set> -- + Bills Previously Heard/Scheduled **Streamed live on AKL.tv** Apr 21 Friday Beltz 105 (tsbldg) 1:30 PM += SB 89 AGE FOR TOBACCO/NICOTINE/E-CIG; TAX E-CIG -- Public Testimony <Time Limit May Be Set> -- + SB 123 LICENSE REQUIREMENTS: COMM. DRIVERS -- Invited & Public Testimony -- + Bills Previously Heard/Scheduled: += SB 73 REGISTER INTERIOR DESIGNERS **Streamed live on AKL.tv** 2023-04-19 Senate Journal Page 0800 RESOURCES Apr 19 Wednesday Butrovich 205 3:30 PM Consideration of Governor’s Appointees: Board of Game: Stanley Hoffman, David Lorring -- Public Testimony -- += HJR 11 ADDRESS AIR POLLUTION IN FAIRBANKS -- Public Testimony -- += SB 68 PUBLIC NOTICE FOR WATER RIGHTS -- Invited Testimony -- Bills Previously Heard/Scheduled **Streamed live on AKL.tv** Apr 21 Friday Butrovich 205 3:30 PM += SB 68 PUBLIC NOTICE FOR WATER RIGHTS -- Public Testimony -- + SB 82 COOK INLET: NEW ADMIN AREA;PERMIT BUYBACK -- Public Testimony -- += SB 48 CARBON OFFSET PROGRAM ON STATE LAND -- Public Testimony -- Bills Previously Heard/Scheduled **Streamed live on AKL.tv** ---------------------------------------- STATE AFFAIRS Apr 20 Thursday Beltz 105 (tsbldg) 3:30 PM -- Testimony <Invitation Only> -- Presentation: What is Electronic Registration Information Center (ERIC) and how does it benefit elections by Shane Hamlin, Executive Director of ERIC + HB 8 ELECTRIC-ASSISTED BICYCLES -- Invited & Public Testimony -- + SB 62 ELECTRIC-ASSISTED BICYCLES -- Invited & Public Testimony -- + Bills Previously Heard/Scheduled: + SB 95 LICENSE PLATES: SPECIALTY ORGANIZATIONS -- Invited & Public Testimony -- <Bill Hearing Rescheduled from 04/18/23> **Streamed live on AKL.tv** 2023-04-19 Senate Journal Page 0801 TRANSPORTATION Apr 20 Thursday Butrovich 205 1:30 PM + SB 127 TAXATION: VEHICLE RENTALS -- Testimony <Invitation Only> -- Bills Previously Heard/Scheduled + HB 8 ELECTRIC-ASSISTED BICYCLES <Pending Referral> <Bill Hearing Canceled> -- Invited & Public Testimony -- **Streamed live on AKL.tv**