Legislature(2023 - 2024)
2023-04-25 Senate Journal
Full Journal pdf2023-04-25 Senate Journal Page 0853 SENATE JOURNAL ALASKA STATE LEGISLATURE THIRTY-THIRD LEGISLATURE FIRST SESSION Juneau, Alaska Tuesday April 25, 2023 Ninety-ninth Day Pursuant to adjournment the Senate was called to order by President Stevens at 10:40 a.m. The roll showed eighteen members present. Senator Wilson was excused from a call of the Senate. Senator Kawasaki was absent. The prayer was offered by the Chaplain, Pastor Greg Weinert, Emmanuel Baptist Church. Senator Hoffman moved and asked unanimous consent the prayer be spread. Without objection, it was so ordered. Our Father, creator of this magnificent boundless land, we praise your inspiration and holiness. We invoke your divine guidance on the people of this chamber. You have entrusted them with the sacred duties of service and stewardship of this state and its people’s welfare. We ask for wisdom and discernment in the complex decisions before them. Help them to do and say what is right and just, and not what is simply expedient. As a people, we ask forgiveness for our past failures that we may focus on the future. Let us see hope rather than helplessness. Grace instead of regret. Protect us all from the pettiness of partisanship, but rather open our hearts and minds to respect for You and your creation, including the dignity of the human soul. Teach us as a people to extend mercy for all, to love not only our neighbors, but our enemies as well. 2023-04-25 Senate Journal Page 0854 Inspire us to provide for those in need; to bind up the wounds of all those who are in pain; and to speak for those who have no voice. This I pray and petition, not to our glory, Lord, but to you and you alone. I pray this in the name of the Father, the Son and the Holy Spirit, Amen. Senator Giessel led the Senate in the Pledge of Allegiance. Certification Senator Giessel moved and asked unanimous consent the journal for the ninety-eighth legislative day be approved as certified by the Secretary. Without objection, it was so ordered. Senator Giessel moved and asked unanimous consent Senator Kawasaki be excused from a call of the Senate today. Without objection, Senator Kawasaki was excused. Messages from the Governor Letter dated April 24 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 appointee(s) for confirmation: University of Alaska Board of Regents Albiona Selimi – Wasilla Appointed: 6/1/2023 Term Expires: 6/1/2025 Professional Teaching Practices Commission Stephanie Green – Wasilla Appointed: 4/21/2023 Term Expires: 3/1/2026 The appointments were referred to the Education Committee. The resumes for these appointments have been submitted to the Office of the Senate Secretary. 2023-04-25 Senate Journal Page 0855 Communications The following reports are on file in the Office of the Secretary of the Senate: Department of Natural Resources Alaska Seismic Hazards Safety Commission 2022 Annual Report Prince William Sound Regional Citizens Advisory Council Assessment of Risks and Safety Culture at Alyeska's Valdez Marine Terminal April 2023 Report Standing Committee Reports SB 92 The Resources Committee again 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(2d RES) "An Act relating to state ownership of submerged land underlying navigable water within the boundaries of federal areas; and providing for an effective date." Signing do pass: Senators Bishop, Giessel, Cochairs; Senator Dunbar. Signing no recommendation: Senator Wielechowski. Signing amend: Senator Kawasaki. The following previously published fiscal information applies: Fiscal Note No. 1, zero, Department of Natural Resources The bill was referred to the Rules Committee. 2023-04-25 Senate Journal Page 0856 Introduction and Reference of Senate Bills SB 138 SENATE BILL NO. 138 BY THE SENATE STATE AFFAIRS COMMITTEE, entitled: "An Act relating to elections; relating to voters; relating to voting; relating to the crime of unlawful interference with voting in the first degree; relating to campaign signs; relating to the reporting of financial and business interests by certain municipal officers and former officers and candidates for municipal office; relating to the Redistricting Board; and providing for an effective date." was read the first time and referred to the State Affairs and Finance Committees. The presence of Senator Kawasaki was noted. Consideration of the Calendar Second Reading of Senate Bills SB 87 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" was read the second time. President Stevens stated SENATE BILL NO. 87 will advance to third reading on the April 26 calendar. 2023-04-25 Senate Journal Page 0857 Third Reading of Senate Bills SB 98 CS FOR SENATE BILL NO. 98(FIN) "An Act requiring the Alaska Permanent Fund Corporation to manage the power cost equalization endowment fund; requiring the Alaska Permanent Fund Corporation to publish certain reports relating to the power cost equalization endowment fund; relating to the Alaska Permanent Fund Corporation's management and investment of the power cost equalization endowment fund; and providing for an effective date" was read the third time. The question being: "Shall CS FOR SENATE BILL NO. 98(FIN) "An Act requiring the Alaska Permanent Fund Corporation to manage the power cost equalization endowment fund; requiring the Alaska Permanent Fund Corporation to publish certain reports relating to the power cost equalization endowment fund; relating to the Alaska Permanent Fund Corporation's management and investment of the power cost equalization endowment fund; and providing for an effective date" pass the Senate?" The roll was taken with the following result: CSSB 98(FIN) Third Reading - Final Passage Effective Date(s) YEAS: 16 NAYS: 3 EXCUSED: 1 ABSENT: 0 Yeas: Bishop, Bjorkman, Claman, Dunbar, Giessel, Gray-Jackson, Hoffman, Kaufman, Kawasaki, Kiehl, Merrick, Olson, Stedman, Stevens, Tobin, Wielechowski Nays: Hughes, Myers, Shower Excused: Wilson and so, CS FOR SENATE BILL NO. 98(FIN) 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. 2023-04-25 Senate Journal Page 0858 Citations Honoring – Linda Combs Senator(s) Hughes Representative(s) D Johnson Honoring – Austin Quinn-Davidson Representative(s) Armstrong Senator(s) Dunbar, Claman Honoring – Wayne Stevens Representative(s) Story, Hannan Senator(s) Kiehl In Memoriam – Darlene Bess Senator(s) Hughes Representative(s) D Johnson In Memoriam – William E. Fread Senator(s) Hughes In Memoriam – Francis Xavier Nolan, Jr. Representative(s) Josephson Senator(s) Gray-Jackson In Memoriam – Margaret Spils Representative(s) Josephson In Memoriam – Victor “Vic” Van Ballenberghe Representative(s) Josephson In Memoriam – Verner Stor Wilson III Representative(s) Edgmon Senator(s) Hoffman, Dunbar Senator Giessel moved and asked unanimous consent the citations be adopted. Without objection, the citations were adopted and referred to the Secretary for transmittal. 2023-04-25 Senate Journal Page 0859 Unfinished Business SB 87 Senators Claman, Kaufman 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 29 Senators Kaufman, Gray-Jackson 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. HB 104 Senator Kaufman moved and asked unanimous consent to be shown as a cross sponsor on CS FOR HOUSE BILL NO. 104(RES) am "An Act relating to salvage sales of timber, negotiated timber sales for local manufacture of wood products, and expedited timber sales; and providing for an effective date." Without objection, it was so ordered. HJR 3 Senators Kaufman, Myers, Shower, Hughes, Bjorkman, Stedman, Merrick moved and asked unanimous consent to be shown as cross sponsors on CS FOR HOUSE JOINT RESOLUTION NO. 3(JUD) am Encouraging Congress to pass the Concealed Carry Reciprocity Act or a similar bill. Without objection, it was so ordered. 2023-04-25 Senate Journal Page 0860 SB 119 Senator Gray-Jackson moved and asked unanimous consent to be shown as a cosponsor on SENATE BILL NO. 119 "An Act relating to state identifications and driver's licenses for persons in the custody of the Department of Corrections; relating to state identifications issued by the Department of Corrections; relating to the duties of the commissioner of corrections; relating to misconduct involving confidential information; relating to voter identification; relating to identification for fishing permits; relating to identification for debtor financing statements; and providing for an effective date." Without objection, it was so ordered. SB 132 Senator Dunbar moved and asked unanimous consent to be shown as a cosponsor on SENATE BILL NO. 132 "An Act imposing an annual educational facilities maintenance and construction tax on net earnings from self-employment and wages; relating to the administration and enforcement of the educational facilities maintenance and construction tax; and providing for an effective date." Without objection, it was so ordered. Announcements Announcements are at the end of the journal. Engrossment SB 98 CS FOR SENATE BILL NO. 98(FIN) "An Act requiring the Alaska Permanent Fund Corporation to manage the power cost equalization endowment fund; requiring the Alaska Permanent Fund Corporation to publish certain reports relating to the power cost equalization endowment fund; relating to the Alaska Permanent Fund Corporation's management and investment of the power cost equalization endowment fund; and providing for an effective date" was engrossed, signed by the President and Secretary and transmitted to the House for consideration. 2023-04-25 Senate Journal Page 0861 Adjournment Senator Giessel moved and asked unanimous consent the Senate stand in adjournment until 11:00 a.m., April 26, 2023. Without objection, the Senate adjourned at 10:54 a.m. Liz Clark Secretary of the Senate 2023-04-25 Senate Journal Page 0862 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 25 Tuesday Beltz 105 (tsbldg) 1:30 PM + HB 69 RECLASSIFICATION OF FIRST CLASS CITIES -- Invited & Public Testimony -- + Bills Previously Heard/Scheduled Apr 27 Thursday Beltz 105 (tsbldg) 1:30 PM += HB 69 RECLASSIFICATION OF FIRST CLASS CITIES + HB 123 ARTICLES OF INCORPORATION FOR ANCSA CORPS -- Invited & Public Testimony -- + Bills Previously Heard/Scheduled ---------------------------------------- EDUCATION Apr 26 Wednesday Beltz 105 (tsbldg) 3:30 PM += SB 56 AK PERFORMANCE SCHOLARSHIP; ELIGIBILITY -- Public Testimony -- += SB 120 EXTEND EDUCATION TAX CREDITS <Bill Hearing Canceled> -- Invited & Public Testimony -- + SB 132 EMPLOYMENT TAX FOR EDUCATION FACILITIES -- Testimony <Invitation Only> -- + Bills Previously Heard/Scheduled **Streamed live on AKL.tv** Apr 28 Friday Beltz 105 (tsbldg) 3:30 PM No Meeting Scheduled 2023-04-25 Senate Journal Page 0863 FINANCE Apr 25 Tuesday Senate Finance 532 9:00 AM += SB 41 APPROP: CAPITAL/SUPPLEMENTAL + Bills Previously Heard/Scheduled Apr 25 Tuesday Senate Finance 532 1:30 PM -- MEETING CANCELED -- -- Please Note Time Change -- += SB 52 INCREASE BASE STUDENT ALLOCATION + SB 113 REAA FUND: MT. EDGECUMBE, TEACHER HOUSING -- Invited & Public Testimony -- -- <Time Limit May Be Set> -- + Bills Previously Heard/Scheduled Apr 26 Wednesday Senate Finance 532 9:00 AM Overview: Alaska Gasline Development Corporation - Update & FY24 Request <Above Item Removed from Agenda> + Bills Previously Heard/Scheduled Apr 26 Wednesday Senate Finance 532 1:30 PM -- Please Note Time Change -- += HB 39 APPROP: OPERATING BUDGET/LOANS/FUND; SUPP += HB 41 APPROP: MENTAL HEALTH BUDGET + Bills Previously Heard/Scheduled Apr 27 Thursday Senate Finance 532 9:00 AM += SB 114 OIL & GAS PRODUCTION TAX; INCOME TAX <Bill Hearing Rescheduled to 05/01/23> -- Testimony <Invitation Only> -- + Bills Previously Heard/Scheduled Apr 27 Thursday Senate Finance 532 1:30 PM -- Please Note Time Change -- += HB 39 APPROP: OPERATING BUDGET/LOANS/FUND; SUPP += HB 41 APPROP: MENTAL HEALTH BUDGET + Bills Previously Heard/Scheduled Apr 28 Friday Senate Finance 532 9:00 AM += HB 39 APPROP: OPERATING BUDGET/LOANS/FUND; SUPP += HB 41 APPROP: MENTAL HEALTH BUDGET + Bills Previously Heard/Scheduled 2023-04-25 Senate Journal Page 0864 FINANCE (continued) Apr 28 Friday Senate Finance 532 1:00 PM -- Please Note Time Change -- + Bills Previously Heard/Scheduled ---------------------------------------- HEALTH & SOCIAL SERVICES Apr 25 Tuesday Butrovich 205 3:30 PM No Meeting Scheduled Apr 27 Thursday Butrovich 205 3:30 PM No Meeting Scheduled ---------------------------------------- JUDICIARY Apr 26 Wednesday Butrovich 205 1:30 PM -- Testimony <Invitation Only> -- Informational Hearing on Department of Justice Investigation of the State of Alaska's Behavioral Health System for Children + Bills Previously Heard/Scheduled Apr 28 Friday Butrovich 205 1:30 PM + HB 75 OWNER & CONTRACTOR CONTROLLED INSURANCE <Pending Referral> -- Invited & Public Testimony -- += SB 70 OWNER & CONTRACTOR CONTROLLED INSURANCE + Bills Previously Heard/Scheduled 2023-04-25 Senate Journal Page 0865 LABOR & COMMERCE Apr 26 Wednesday Butrovich 205 3:30 PM -- Please Note Time & Location Change -- += SB 94 PROFESSION OF PHARMACY += SB 88 RETIREMENT SYSTEMS; DEFINED BENEFIT OPT. -- Testimony <Invitation Only> -- Presentations: Defined Contribution and Defined Benefits Retirement Plans by Reason Foundation and National Institute on Retirement Security-Dan Doonan += SB 123 LICENSE REQUIREMENTS: COMM. DRIVERS <Bill Hearing Canceled> -- Invited & Public Testimony -- -- <Time Limit May Be Set> -- + Bills Previously Heard/Scheduled **Streamed live on AKL.tv** Apr 28 Friday Beltz 105 (tsbldg) 1:30 PM += SB 88 RETIREMENT SYSTEMS; DEFINED BENEFIT OPT. + SB 116 ASSOCIATE AND PROFESSIONAL COUNSELORS -- Invited & Public Testimony -- -- <Time Limit May Be Set> -- += SB 123 LICENSE REQUIREMENTS: COMM. DRIVERS -- Invited & Public Testimony -- -- <Time Limit May Be Set> -- + Bills Previously Heard/Scheduled **Streamed live on AKL.tv** ---------------------------------------- RESOURCES Apr 26 Wednesday Butrovich 205 3:30 PM -- MEETING CANCELED -- += SB 68 PUBLIC NOTICE FOR WATER RIGHTS -- Testimony <Invitation Only> -- += SB 48 CARBON OFFSET PROGRAM ON STATE LAND -- Testimony <Invitation Only> -- + Bills Previously Heard/Scheduled **Streamed live on AKL.tv** 2023-04-25 Senate Journal Page 0866 RESOURCES (continued) Apr 28 Friday Butrovich 205 3:30 PM += SB 48 CARBON OFFSET PROGRAM ON STATE LAND -- Invited & Public Testimony -- Overview: Area M Fisheries, Part I of II -- Testimony <Invitation Only> -- Alaska Department of Fish & Game Commissioner Doug Vincent-Lang + Bills Previously Heard/Scheduled **Streamed live on AKL.tv** ---------------------------------------- STATE AFFAIRS Apr 25 Tuesday Beltz 105 (tsbldg) 3:30 PM Consideration of Governor’s Appointees: Department of Corrections: Jen Winkelman -- Public Testimony <Time Limit May Be Set> -- Alaska Public Offices Commission: Eric Fiege -- Public Testimony -- + SB 61 US PRESIDENT ELECT. POPULAR VOTE COMPACT -- Invited & Public Testimony -- **Streamed live on AKL.tv** + Bills Previously Heard/Scheduled Apr 27 Thursday Beltz 105 (tsbldg) 3:30 PM + SB 17 CAMPAIGN CONTRIBUTIONS -- Testimony <Invitation Only> -- += SB 19 ELECTIONS; BALLOTS -- Testimony <Invitation Only> -- + Bills Previously Heard/Scheduled **Streamed live on AKL.tv** ---------------------------------------- TRANSPORTATION Apr 25 Tuesday Butrovich 205 1:30 PM Overview: Ports and Harbors of Alaska: Part 1 by the Alaska Association of Harbormasters and Port Administrators and Port Representatives + Bills Previously Heard/Scheduled **Streamed live on AKL.tv** 2023-04-25 Senate Journal Page 0867 TRANSPORTATION (continued) Apr 27 Thursday Butrovich 205 1:30 PM Overview: Ports and Harbors of Alaska: Part 2 by the Alaska Association of Harbormasters and Port Administrators and Port Representatives + Bills Previously Heard/Scheduled **Streamed live on AKL.tv** ---------------------------------------- JOINT COMMITTEES JOINT ARMED SERVICES COMMITTEE Apr 25 Tuesday Senate Finance 532 3:30 PM + Presentation: Alaska Military Command Update by Torrence W. Saxe, Lieutenant General (AK) Adjutant General of the Alaska National Guard; Commissioner of the Department of Military and Veterans Affairs David S. Nahom, Lieutenant General, USAF Commander, Alaskan NORAD Region; Commander, Alaskan Command; Commander, Eleventh Air Force Brian S. Eifler, Major General, US Army Commander, 11th Airborne Division Nathan A. Moore, Rear Admiral, US Coast Guard Commander, Seventeenth Coast Guard District