Legislature(2023 - 2024)
2024-01-22 Senate Journal
Full Journal pdf2024-01-22 Senate Journal Page 1389 SENATE JOURNAL ALASKA STATE LEGISLATURE THIRTY-THIRD LEGISLATURE SECOND SESSION Juneau, Alaska Monday January 22, 2024 Seventh Day Pursuant to adjournment the Senate was called to order by President Stevens at 11:05 a.m. The roll showed nineteen members present. Senator Shower was excused from a call of the Senate. The prayer was offered by the Chaplain, Reverend Dr. Charles Ensminger, Kunéix Hídi Northern Light United Church. Senator Hoffman moved and asked unanimous consent the prayer be spread. Without objection, it was so ordered. Almighty God, as we gather in this place and in this time, I pray that you will inspire the hearts of those gathered here. I pray that you will provide the paths of wisdom. I pray in this place and in this time that you will stir within us all a desire to embrace sincerity, humility of conscience, and a confidence in and for the truth. I pray in this place and time, almighty God, for your empowering grace, your call for peace, and that your call to seek and maintain justice to be answered by those who serve this state. I pray these words today for all gathered; may their work be done well, may their words be just, and may their hearts be sincere. Hear our prayers, almighty God, for this we pray. Amen. 2024-01-22 Senate Journal Page 1390 Senator Dunbar led the Senate in the Pledge of Allegiance. Certification Senator Giessel moved and asked unanimous consent the journals for the third through sixth legislative days be approved as certified by the Secretary. Without objection, it was so ordered. Communications The following reports are on file in the Office of the Secretary of the Senate: Department of Fish and Game Fish and Game Fund Expenditure Report FY 23 In accordance with AS 16.05.130 Department of Natural Resources Division of Parks and Outdoor Recreation Report on Designations of Incompatible Use in accordance with AS 41.21.020 Alaska Court System Annual Report FY 2023 Statistical Report FY 2023 in accordance with AS 22.20.310 The following Budget and Audit reports were received from Kris Curtis, Legislative Auditor, in accordance with AS 24.20.311 and are on file in the Office of the Secretary of the Senate: 2023 Annual Report, Unabridged 2023 Annual Report, Condensed Department of Health Alaska Commission on Aging October 6, 2023 2024-01-22 Senate Journal Page 1391 Department of Labor and Workforce Development Technical Vocational Education Program October 10, 2023 Department of Family and Community Services Office of Children’s Services Compliance with Foster Care Reform Laws, Part 2 November 10, 2023 Department of Commerce, Community, and Economic Development Board of Massage Therapists August 14, 2023 Marijuana Control Board October 30, 2023 Introduction and Reference of Senate Bills SB 197 SENATE BILL NO. 197 BY SENATOR BJORKMAN, entitled: "An Act relating to residential building codes; relating to construction contractors and residential contractor endorsements; establishing the Alaska State Building Code Council; and providing for an effective date." was read the first time and referred to the Labor and Commerce and Finance Committees. SB 198 SENATE BILL NO. 198 BY THE SENATE RULES COMMITTEE BY REQUEST OF THE GOVERNOR, entitled: "An Act relating to the permitting, lease, and sale of state land for remote recreational cabin sites; and providing for an effective date." was read the first time and referred to the Resources and Finance Committees. 2024-01-22 Senate Journal Page 1392 The following fiscal information was published today: Fiscal Note No. 1, Department of Education & Early Development Fiscal Note No. 2, Department of Natural Resources Governor's transmittal letter dated January 18: Dear President Stevens: Under the authority of Article III, Section 18 of the Alaska Constitution, I am transmitting a bill relating to the sale or lease of state land for remote recreational sites. This bill sets up a framework to encourage the settlement of state land and the development of its resources. With only 10 percent of state land in private ownership, we need changes to allow Alaskans to lease or purchase land for recreational purposes. This bill strikes the balance of allowing Alaskans a more efficient and fair process to obtain an interest in state land consistent with constitutional principles. The bill amends the current program for remote recreational sites to address eligibility, nomination, classification, and staking of remote recreational sites. The bill allows for eligible applicants to nominate up to 10 acres of available state land for a remote recreational site if not included in the Department of Natural Resources’ (DNR) schedule of land offerings. Purchasers must include a survey and appraisal of the site and agree to pay the remote recreational site’s fair market value. Further, the bill would allow the Commissioner of DNR to issue a permit for a remote recreational site. This bill will increase the availability of land for recreational use and help make land available to Alaskans. I urge your prompt and favorable action on this measure. Sincerely, /s/ Mike Dunleavy Governor 2024-01-22 Senate Journal Page 1393 SB 199 SENATE BILL NO. 199 BY THE SENATE RULES COMMITTEE BY REQUEST OF THE GOVERNOR, entitled: "An Act relating to access roads; relating to state land; relating to contracts for the sale of state land; relating to the authority of the Department of Education and Early Development to dispose of state land; relating to the authority of the Department of Transportation and Public Facilities to dispose of state land; relating to the authority of the Department of Natural Resources over certain state land; relating to the state land disposal income fund; relating to the sale and lease of state land; relating to covenants and restrictions on agricultural land; and providing for an effective date." was read the first time and referred to the Transportation, Resources and Finance Committees. The following fiscal information was published today: Fiscal Note No. 1, Department of Natural Resources Governor's transmittal letter dated January 18: Dear President Stevens: Under the authority of Article III, Section 18 of the Alaska Constitution, I am transmitting a bill relating to disposal of state land. This bill provides authority for the Department of Transportation and Public Facilities and the Department of Education and Early Development to dispose of state land. The bill further increases the cap on the land disposal income fund and updates and improves provisions relating to the Department of Natural Resources’ (DNR) surface land disposal procedures. The bill clarifies the state land sale bidding process by requiring an earnest money deposit and granting the State greater discretion regarding the construction of access roads related to state land sales. The bill also provides DNR discretion whether to require a survey prior to the issuance of a long-term lease. 2024-01-22 Senate Journal Page 1394 Finally, the bill amends the Alaska Land Act. The bill broadens the terms for sales contracts for land sold by public auction or sealed bid and clarifies that DNR may terminate a sales contract without recourse to a foreclosure lawsuit in appropriate circumstances. The bill further provides for leasing and sale of parcels of state land for commercial development, as well as relaxes restrictions on land conveyed for agricultural purposes. In order to make the best use of our state land for all citizens, I urge your prompt and favorable action on this measure. Sincerely, /s/ Mike Dunleavy Governor SB 200 SENATE BILL NO. 200 BY SENATORS STEDMAN, Hoffman, entitled: "An Act relating to the employer contribution rate in the teachers' retirement system defined contribution retirement plan; relating to supplemental employee benefits; and providing for an effective date." was read the first time and referred to Labor and Commerce and Finance Committees. Unfinished Business Introduction of Floor Staff Senator Wielechowski, Rules Committee Chair, introduced the Chamber Staff of the second session of the Thirty-third Legislature as follows: Sergeant at Arms Matt Simpson, Big Lake 2024-01-22 Senate Journal Page 1395 Assistant Sergeant at Arms Jacob Pennell, Wasilla Senate Pages Aaron Crook, Fairbanks Ambrose Bucy, Juneau Fatima Fonoti, Anchorage Jubilee Henderson, Kenai Jared Leonard, Wasilla Raylani Maika, O’ahu, Hawai’i 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., January 24, 2024. Without objection, the Senate adjourned at 11:22 a.m. Liz Clark Secretary of the Senate 2024-01-22 Senate Journal Page 1396 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 23 Tuesday Beltz 105 (tsbldg) 1:30 PM No Meeting Scheduled Jan 25 Thursday Beltz 105 (tsbldg) 1:30 PM + Bills Previously Heard/Scheduled ---------------------------------------- EDUCATION Jan 22 Monday Beltz 105 (tsbldg) 3:30 PM Presentation: Alaska Reads Act Update by Deena Bishop, Commissioner of the Alaska Department of Education and Early Development Kathy Moffitt, Director of Innovation and Education Excellence + Bills Previously Heard/Scheduled **Streamed live on AKL.tv** -- Public Testimony on the implementation of the Alaska Reads Act -- 2024-01-22 Senate Journal Page 1397 EDUCATION (continued) Jan 24 Wednesday Beltz 105 (tsbldg) 3:30 PM + SB 192 SCREENING/READING INTERVENTION K-3 -- Testimony <Invitation Only> -- Presentation: Alaska Native Language Literacy Update by Joel Isaak, Deputy Commissioner of the Alaska Department of Education and Early Development + Bills Previously Heard/Scheduled **Streamed live on AKL.tv** Jan 26 Friday Beltz 105 (tsbldg) 3:30 PM No Meeting Scheduled ---------------------------------------- FINANCE Jan 22 Monday Senate Finance 532 9:00 AM + SB 186 APPROP: OPERATING BUDGET; CAP; SUPP; AM + SB 187 APPROP: CAP; REAPPROP Office of Management and Budget + Bills Previously Heard/Scheduled Jan 22 Monday Senate Finance 532 1:30 PM No Meeting Scheduled Jan 23 Tuesday Senate Finance 532 9:00 AM = SB 186 APPROP: OPERATING BUDGET; CAP; SUPP; AM = SB 187 APPROP: CAP; REAPPROP Office of Management and Budget + Bills Previously Heard/Scheduled Jan 23 Tuesday Senate Finance 532 1:30 PM += SB 88 RETIREMENT SYSTEMS; DEFINED BENEFIT OPT. -- Invited Testimony <Time Limit May Be Set> -- + Bills Previously Heard/Scheduled Jan 24 Wednesday Senate Finance 532 9:00 AM + Overview: FY25 Budget Overview by Legislative Finance Division + Bills Previously Heard/Scheduled 2024-01-22 Senate Journal Page 1398 FINANCE (continued) Jan 24 Wednesday Senate Finance 532 1:30 PM + SB 127 TAXATION: VEHICLE RENTALS, SUBPOENAS -- Testimony <Time Limit May Be Set> -- + Bills Previously Heard/Scheduled: += SB 88 RETIREMENT SYSTEMS; DEFINED BENEFIT OPT. Jan 25 Thursday Senate Finance 532 9:00 AM + Overview: FY25 Budget Overview by Legislative Finance Division + Bills Previously Heard/Scheduled Jan 25 Thursday Senate Finance 532 1:30 PM No Meeting Scheduled Jan 26 Friday Senate Finance 532 9:00 AM + Presentation: Alaska Permanent Fund Corporation + Bills Previously Heard/Scheduled ---------------------------------------- HEALTH & SOCIAL SERVICES Jan 23 Tuesday Butrovich 205 3:30 PM + SB 115 PHYSICIAN ASSISTANT SCOPE OF PRACTICE -- Invited & Public Testimony -- + Presentation: Department of Health Update (Continued from 1.18.24) by Deputy Commissioner Emily Ricci + Bills Previously Heard/Scheduled Jan 25 Thursday Butrovich 205 3:30 PM + Presentation: Department of Family and Community Services Overview + Bills Previously Heard/Scheduled ---------------------------------------- JUDICIARY Jan 22 Monday Butrovich 205 1:30 PM + SB 60 REPEAL WORKERS' COMP APPEALS COMMISSION -- Invited & Public Testimony -- 2024-01-22 Senate Journal Page 1399 JUDICIARY (continued) Jan 24 Wednesday Butrovich 205 1:30 PM -- Delayed to a Call of the Chair -- + SB 100 ACCESS TO MARIJUANA CONVICTION RECORDS -- Invited & Public Testimony -- + Bills Previously Heard/Scheduled Jan 26 Friday Butrovich 205 1:30 PM + Presentation: Informational Hearing by the Office of Public Advocacy on Public Guardianship ---------------------------------------- LABOR & COMMERCE Jan 22 Monday Beltz 105 (tsbldg) 1:30 PM + SB 182 EXTEND BIG GAME COMM SERVICES BOARD -- Invited & Public Testimony -- **Streamed live on AKL.tv** Jan 24 Wednesday Beltz 105 (tsbldg) 1:30 PM -- Testimony <Invitation Only> -- Presentation: UAA Workforce Solutions for Alaska by UAA Provost Dr. Denise Runge and others - TBD + SB 173 AUTHORIZE HANDGUNS SCHOOL EMPLOYEE/VOLUNT -- Invited & Public Testimony -- **Streamed live on AKL.tv** Jan 26 Friday Beltz 105 (tsbldg) 1:30 PM No Meeting Scheduled ---------------------------------------- RESOURCES Jan 22 Monday Butrovich 205 3:30 PM += SB 69 GEOTHERMAL RESOURCES -- Testimony <Invitation Only> -- + Bills Previously Heard/Scheduled **Streamed live on AKL.tv** 2024-01-22 Senate Journal Page 1400 RESOURCES (continued) Jan 24 Wednesday Butrovich 205 3:30 PM + HB 125 TRAPPING CABINS ON STATE LAND -- Testimony <Invitation Only> -- Randy Zarnke, President, Alaska Trappers Association + Bills Previously Heard/Scheduled **Streamed live on AKL.tv** Jan 26 Friday Butrovich 205 3:30 PM += SB 49 CARBON STORAGE -- Testimony <Invitation Only> -- + Bills Previously Heard/Scheduled **Streamed live on AKL.tv** ---------------------------------------- STATE AFFAIRS Jan 23 Tuesday Beltz 105 (tsbldg) 3:30 PM Overview: State Affairs Expectation + SB 117 REGULATION OF FIREWORKS -- Invited & Public Testimony -- **Streamed live on AKL.tv** + Bills Previously Heard/Scheduled Jan 25 Thursday Beltz 105 (tsbldg) 3:30 PM -- Testimony <Invitation Only> -- Presentation: A. I. Overview by Addie Cooke, Global A.I. Policy Lead at Google Cloud Ilana Beller, Field Manager Public Citizen + Bills Previously Heard/Scheduled **Streamed live on AKL.tv** 2024-01-22 Senate Journal Page 1401 TRANSPORTATION Jan 23 Tuesday Butrovich 205 1:30 PM + SB 141 NAMING RAYMOND & ESTHER CONQUEST BRIDGE -- Testimony <Invitation Only> -- += SB 129 MATT GLOVER BIKE PATH -- Public Testimony -- + Bills Previously Heard/Scheduled **Streamed live on AKL.tv** Jan 25 Thursday Butrovich 205 1:30 PM SB 141 NAMING RAYMOND & ESTHER CONQUEST BRIDGE -- Public Testimony -- + Bills Previously Heard/Scheduled **Streamed live on AKL.tv** ---------------------------------------- OTHER MEETINGS MISCELLANEOUS MEETINGS Feb 06 Tuesday Butrovich 205 12:00 PM Lunch & Learn Presentation: Understanding the Crisis of MMIWG2S/MMIP in Alaska by: Dr. Charlene Aqpik Apok, Executive Director, Data for Indigenous Justice Kendra Kloster, Co-Director Law & Policy, Alaska Native Women's Resource Center Kelsey Potdevin, Education and Outreach Manager, Alaska Native Justice Center Sponsored by Senator Olson 2024-01-22 Senate Journal Page 1402 MISCELLANEOUS MEETINGS (continued) Feb 07 Wednesday Butrovich 205 12:00 PM Lunch & Learn Presentation: Understanding Recent Changes to Alaska's Unique Legal Landscape: How Alaska Tribes are Pursuing Justice and Public Safety In Our Communities by Alex Cleghorn, Chief Operating Officer, Alaska Native Justice Center Rick Garcia, Co-Director Law & Policy, Alaska Native Women's Resource Center Maude Blair, Tribal Justice Manager for Alaska Native Justice Center Tami Truett Jerue, Executive Director, Alaska Native Women's Resource Center Sponsored by Senator Wielechowski