Legislature(2023 - 2024)
2024-02-08 Senate Journal
Full Journal pdf2024-02-08 Senate Journal Page 1561 SENATE JOURNAL ALASKA STATE LEGISLATURE THIRTY-THIRD LEGISLATURE SECOND SESSION Juneau, Alaska Thursday February 8, 2024 Twenty-fourth Day Pursuant to adjournment the Senate was called to order by President Stevens at 10:32 a.m. The roll showed nineteen members present. Senator Kaufman was excused from a call of the Senate. The prayer was offered by the Chaplain, Reverend Nancy Campbell, White Fields Church. Senator Hoffman moved and asked unanimous consent the prayer be spread. Without objection, it was so ordered. Dear Heavenly Father, Your word says that we are to come boldly to the throne of grace, that we may obtain mercy and find grace to help in time of need. (Hebrews 4:16) I, therefore, stand before You this day, in intercession for the Senate. I ask that You extend Your love and mercy in this chamber. May Your Presence abide here with them as they reason together discussing the affairs of our state. I pray for great insight and wisdom as they consider the work set before them this day. Bless them with good health and strength throughout this session. Keep Your Hand upon them and their families. May the Lord preserve your going out and your coming in from this time forth, and even forevermore. (Psalms 121:8) I pray this in Jesus’ name, Amen. 2024-02-08 Senate Journal Page 1562 Senator Myers led the Senate in the Pledge of Allegiance. Certification Senator Giessel moved and asked unanimous consent the journal for the twenty-third legislative day and Senate and House Joint Journal Supplement No. 13 be approved as certified by the Secretary. Without objection, it was so ordered. Introduction and Reference of Senate Bills SB 121 SPONSOR SUBSTITUTE FOR SENATE BILL NO. 121 BY SENATORS GIESSEL BY REQUEST, Bjorkman, Myers, Tobin, entitled: "An Act relating to the Board of Pharmacy; relating to insurance; relating to pharmacies; relating to pharmacists; relating to pharmacy benefits managers; relating to patient choice of pharmacy; and providing for an effective date." was read the first time and referred to the Labor and Commerce and Finance Committees. SB 220 SENATE BILL NO. 220 BY SENATOR GIESSEL, entitled: "An Act relating to the Regulatory Commission of Alaska and regulation of the service of natural gas storage." was read the first time and referred to the Resources and Labor and Commerce Committees. 2024-02-08 Senate Journal Page 1563 SB 221 SENATE BILL NO. 221 BY SENATOR GRAY-JACKSON, entitled: "An Act relating to cardiopulmonary resuscitation education in public schools; relating to the duties of the Department of Education and Early Development; and providing for an effective date." was read the first time and referred to the Education and Finance Committees. SB 222 SENATE BILL NO. 222 BY SENATOR GRAY-JACKSON, entitled: "An Act relating to insurance; relating to mammograms; and providing for an effective date." was read the first time and referred to the Labor and Commerce and Finance Committees. Consideration of the Calendar Citations Honoring - Brice Incorporated Senator(s) Bishop Honoring - Gregory Andrew Patsey Senator(s) Bishop Honoring - Matt Wilson Senator(s) Bjorkman Representative(s) Ruffridge In Memoriam - Richard James Morris Senator(s) Bishop, Kawasaki In Memoriam - Delores Marion Sloan Senator(s) Bishop In Memoriam - Thomas Francis Keane Senator(s) Bishop 2024-02-08 Senate Journal Page 1564 In Memoriam - Theresa Marie Brice Senator(s) Bishop In Memoriam - Rosemary Wingerter Senator(s) Bishop Representative(s) Carrick In Memoriam - Alfred Forest Wright Senator(s) Bishop In Memoriam - Hannah Louise Bundschuh Senator(s) Bishop In Memoriam - Heath Joseph Woellert Senator(s) Bishop In Memoriam - Len Malmquist Senator(s) Bjorkman In Memoriam - William "Bill" Field Senator(s) Bjorkman In Memoriam - Paul Gebhardt Senator(s) Bjorkman In Memoriam - Representative Kurt E. Olson Senator(s) Bjorkman Representative(s) Johnson, Ruffridge In Memoriam - Mary Beth Copple Senator(s) Bjorkman In Memoriam - Dennis Albert Bell Representative(s) Hannan, Prax 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. 2024-02-08 Senate Journal Page 1565 Unfinished Business SB 221 Senators Kawasaki, Giessel, Olson, Claman, Tobin moved and asked unanimous consent to be shown as cosponsors on SENATE BILL NO. 221 "An Act relating to cardiopulmonary resuscitation education in public schools; relating to the duties of the Department of Education and Early Development; and providing for an effective date." Without objection, it was so ordered. SB 222 Senators Kawasaki, Dunbar, Giessel, Claman moved and asked unanimous consent to be shown as cosponsors on SENATE BILL NO. 222 "An Act relating to insurance; relating to mammograms; and providing for an effective date." Without objection, it was so ordered. SB 170 Senator Hughes moved and asked unanimous consent to be shown as a cosponsor on SENATE BILL NO. 170 "An Act extending the Alaska senior benefits payment program; and providing for an effective date." Without objection, it was so ordered. SB 220 Senators Dunbar, Gray-Jackson moved and asked unanimous consent to be shown as cosponsors on SENATE BILL NO. 220 "An Act relating to the Regulatory Commission of Alaska and regulation of the service of natural gas storage." Without objection, it was so ordered. SB 121 Senator Gray-Jackson moved and asked unanimous consent to be shown as a cosponsor on SPONSOR SUBSTITUTE FOR SENATE BILL NO. 121 "An Act relating to the Board of Pharmacy; relating to insurance; relating to pharmacies; relating to pharmacists; relating to pharmacy benefits managers; relating to patient choice of pharmacy; and providing for an effective date." Without objection, it was so ordered. 2024-02-08 Senate Journal Page 1566 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., February 12, 2024. Without objection, the Senate adjourned at 10:57 a.m. Liz Clark Secretary of the Senate 2024-02-08 Senate Journal Page 1567 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 Feb 08 Thursday Beltz 105 (tsbldg) 1:30 PM + SB 207 MILITARY AND VETERAN FAMILY HELP DESK -- Invited & Public Testimony -- + Bills Previously Heard/Scheduled Feb 13 Tuesday Beltz 105 (tsbldg) 1:30 PM No Meeting Scheduled Feb 15 Thursday Beltz 105 (tsbldg) 1:30 PM += SB 161 TAX EXEMPTION FOR FARM USE LAND + SB 179 PROPERTY TRANSFER TAX; MUNI TELECOMM TAX -- Invited & Public Testimony -- += SB 207 MILITARY AND VETERAN FAMILY HELP DESK + Bills Previously Heard/Scheduled ---------------------------------------- EDUCATION Feb 09 Friday Beltz 105 (tsbldg) 3:30 PM No Meeting Scheduled Feb 12 Monday Beltz 105 (tsbldg) 3:30 PM + Presentation: Association of Alaska School Boards Legislative Fly-in by School Board Members and Students from Across Alaska + Bills Previously Heard/Scheduled **Streamed live on AKL.tv** 2024-02-08 Senate Journal Page 1568 EDUCATION (continued) Feb 14 Wednesday Beltz 105 (tsbldg) 3:30 PM + SB 215 TEACHERS: BOARD CERTIFICATION INCENTIVE -- Testimony <Invitation Only> -- + Presentation: The State of Teaching in Alaska by Invited Teachers and Stakeholders + Bills Previously Heard/Scheduled **Streamed live on AKL.tv** Feb 16 Friday Beltz 105 (tsbldg) 3:30 PM No Meeting Scheduled ---------------------------------------- FINANCE Feb 08 Thursday Senate Finance 532 9:00 AM + Alaska Housing Finance Corporation Update & Overview Administration Response to Prior Meetings: Department of Natural Resources + Bills Previously Heard/Scheduled Feb 08 Thursday Senate Finance 532 1:30 PM -- Please Note Time Change -- += SB 125 AK HOUSING FINANCE CORP: SUSTAIN ENERGY -- Invited & Public Testimony -- <Time Limit May Be Set> -- + Bills Previously Heard/Scheduled += SB 170 EXTEND SENIOR BENEFITS PAYMENT PROGRAM -- Public Testimony <Time Limit May Be Set> -- Feb 09 Friday Senate Finance 532 9:00 AM No Meeting Scheduled Feb 12 Monday Senate Finance 532 9:00 AM No Meeting Scheduled Feb 13 Tuesday Senate Finance 532 9:00 AM + SB 120 EXTEND EDUCATION TAX CREDITS -- Invited & Public Testimony -- <Time Limit May Be Set> -- + Bills Previously Heard/Scheduled 2024-02-08 Senate Journal Page 1569 FINANCE (continued) Feb 14 Wednesday Senate Finance 532 9:30 AM -- Please Note Time Change -- + SB 91 TELEHEALTH: MULTIDISCIPLINARY CARE TEAM -- Invited & Public Testimony -- -- <Time Limit May Be Set> -- + HB 193 INTERNET FOR SCHOOLS <Pending Referral> + Bills Previously Heard/Scheduled Feb 14 Wednesday Senate Finance 532 1:30 PM -- Please Note Time Change -- + SB 132 EMPLOYMENT TAX FOR EDUCATION FACILITIES -- Invited & Public Testimony -- -- <Time Limit May Be Set> -- + Bills Previously Heard/Scheduled Feb 15 Thursday Senate Finance 532 9:00 AM + University of Alaska FY25 Budget Request Subcommittee of the Whole + Bills Previously Heard/Scheduled Feb 15 Thursday Senate Finance 532 1:30 PM -- Please Note Time Change -- + Bills Previously Heard/Scheduled Feb 16 Friday Senate Finance 532 9:00 AM No Meeting Scheduled ---------------------------------------- HEALTH & SOCIAL SERVICES Feb 08 Thursday Butrovich 205 3:30 PM -- MEETING CANCELED -- + Bills Previously Heard/Scheduled Feb 13 Tuesday Butrovich 205 3:30 PM + SB 149 FOOD STAMP PROGRAM ELIGIBILTY -- Invited & Public Testimony -- + Bills Previously Heard/Scheduled 2024-02-08 Senate Journal Page 1570 HEALTH & SOCIAL SERVICES (continued) Feb 15 Thursday Butrovich 205 3:30 PM + SB 181 CHILD PLACEMENT; DILIGENT SEARCH -- Invited & Public Testimony -- + SENATE SPECIAL CONCURRENT RESOLUTION: DISAPPROVING EO 125 <Pending Introduction and Referral> + Bills Previously Heard/Scheduled ---------------------------------------- JUDICIARY Feb 09 Friday Butrovich 205 1:30 PM -- MEETING CANCELED -- + SB 163 ANIMAL ADOPTION RECORDS -- Testimony <Invitation Only> -- + Bills Previously Heard/Scheduled Feb 12 Monday Butrovich 205 1:30 PM + SB 163 ANIMAL ADOPTION RECORDS -- Testimony <Invitation Only> -- Bills Previously Heard/Scheduled Feb 14 Wednesday Butrovich 205 1:30 PM + SENATE SPECIAL CONCURRENT RESOLUTION: DISAPPROVING EO 133 <Pending Introduction & Referral> + SENATE SPECIAL CONCURRENT RESOLUTION: DISAPPROVING EO 135 <Pending Introduction & Referral> + Bills Previously Heard/Scheduled Feb 16 Friday Butrovich 205 1:30 PM Bills Previously Heard/Scheduled 2024-02-08 Senate Journal Page 1571 LABOR & COMMERCE Feb 09 Friday Beltz 105 (tsbldg) 1:30 PM No Meeting Scheduled Feb 12 Monday Beltz 105 (tsbldg) 1:30 PM + EO 127 ELIMINATING THE BOARD OF MASSAGE THERAPISTS + SENATE SPECIAL CONCURRENT RESOLUTION: DISAPPROVING EO 127 <Pending Introduction & Referral> + EO 129 ELIMINATING THE BOARD OF BARBERS AND HAIRDRESSERS + SENATE SPECIAL CONCURRENT RESOLUTION: DISAPPROVING EO 129 <Pending Introduction & Referral> + EO 130 ELIMINATING THE BOARD OF CERTIFIED DIRECT ENTRY MIDWIVES + SENATE SPECIAL CONCURRENT RESOLUTION: DISAPPROVING EO 130 <Pending Introduction & Referral> + SB 197 RESIDENTIAL BUILDING CODE -- Invited & Public Testimony -- -- Public Testimony <Time Limit May Be Set> -- + SB 183 WORKERS' COMP BENEFITS GUARANTY FUND -- Invited & Public Testimony -- -- Public Testimony <Time Limit May Be Set> -- + HB 57 EMERGENCY MED. SVCS: REVIEW ORGANIZATIONS -- Invited & Public Testimony -- -- Public Testimony <Time Limit May Be Set> -- **Streamed live on AKL.tv** Feb 14 Wednesday Beltz 105 (tsbldg) 1:30 PM + SB 147 REEMPLOYMENT BENEFITS -- Invited & Public Testimony -- -- Public Testimony <Time Limit May Be Set> -- + SB 206 WORKERS' COMP. STAY-AT-WORK PROGRAM -- Invited & Public Testimony -- -- Public Testimony <Time Limit May Be Set> -- + SB 135 AK WORK & SAVE PROGRM; RETIRE. SAVINGS BD -- Invited & Public Testimony -- -- Public Testimony <Time Limit May Be Set> -- **Streamed live on AKL.tv** 2024-02-08 Senate Journal Page 1572 LABOR & COMMERCE (continued) Feb 16 Friday Beltz 105 (tsbldg) 1:30 PM += SB 134 INS. DATA SECURITY; INFO. SECURITY PRGRMS -- Public Testimony <Time Limit May Be Set> -- += SB 166 MENTAL HEALTH/PSYCHEDELIC MED. TASK FORCE -- Public Testimony <Time Limit May Be Set> -- += SB 191 AHFC MAKE/PURCHASE MORTGAGE LOANS -- Public Testimony <Time Limit May Be Set> -- **Streamed live on AKL.tv** ---------------------------------------- RESOURCES Feb 09 Friday Butrovich 205 3:30 PM No Meeting Scheduled Feb 12 Monday Butrovich 205 3:30 PM += HB 125 TRAPPING CABINS ON STATE LAND += SB 118 CRITICAL NATURAL RESOURCES; REPORTS -- Public Testimony -- + EO 124 PROHIBITING BY REGULATION LIVE CAPTURE, POSSESSION, TRANSPORT, OR RELEASE OF NATIVE/EXOTIC GAME OR EGGS -- Invited & Public Testimony -- + EO 126 ELIMINATING THE WOOD-TIKCHIK STATE PARK MANAGEMENT COUNCIL -- Invited & Public Testimony -- + EO 134 ELIMINATING THE RECREATION RIVERS ADVISORY BOARD -- Invited & Public Testimony -- + EO 128 SEPARATING THE BOARD OF DIRECTORS OF THE ALASKA ENERGY AUTHORITY FROM THE BOARD OF DIRECTORS OF THE ALASKA INDUSTRIAL DEVELOPMENT AND EXPORT AUTHORITY -- Invited & Public Testimony -- + Bills Previously Heard/Scheduled **Streamed live on AKL.tv** 2024-02-08 Senate Journal Page 1573 RESOURCES (continued) Feb 14 Wednesday Butrovich 205 3:30 PM + SENATE SPECIAL CONCURRENT RESOLUTION: DISAPPROVING EO 124 <Pending Introduction & Referral> + SENATE SPECIAL CONCURRENT RESOLUTION: DISAPPROVING EO 126 <Pending Introduction & Referral> + SENATE SPECIAL CONCURRENT RESOLUTION: DISAPPROVING EO 132 <Pending Introduction & Referral> + SENATE SPECIAL CONCURRENT RESOLUTION: DISAPPROVING EO 134 <Pending Introduction & Referral> + Presentation: Alaska Food Strategy Task Force by Amy Seitz, Executive Director, Alaska Farm Bureau Scott Mugrage, President Alaska Farm Bureau, Owner Mugrage Hay & Cattle Aspen O’Connor, Cricket Fence Farm Nick Mangini, Kelp Farmer, Kodiak Island Sustainable Seaweed Marcia Knowlton, Whispering Birch Farms Colin Peacock, Alaska Food Policy Council Regional Food Business Center Co-Direct Meghan Hargis, Local Food Coordinator, Alaska Farmers Market Association + Bills Previously Heard/Scheduled **Streamed live on AKL.tv** Feb 16 Friday Butrovich 205 3:30 PM Overview: Division of Agriculture by John Boyle, Commissioner, Department of Natural Resources + SB 168 COMPENSATION FOR WRONGFULLY SEIZED GAME -- Testimony <Invitation Only> -- Ted Spraker, Former Chair, Alaska Board of Game Rebecca Schwanke, Former Alaska Department of Fish and Game Wildlife Biologist (Continued on Next Page) 2024-02-08 Senate Journal Page 1574 RESOURCES (continued) (Continued from Previous Page) + SB 171 RESIDENCY REQ: HUNTING, TRAPPING, FISHING -- Testimony <Invitation Only> -- John Sturgeon, President, Safari Club International Alaska Chapter Ted Spraker, Former Chair, Alaska Board of Game Mike Crawford, Chair, Kenai/Soldotna Advisory Committee + Bills Previously Heard/Scheduled **Streamed live on AKL.tv** ---------------------------------------- STATE AFFAIRS Feb 08 Thursday Beltz 105 (tsbldg) 3:30 PM + SB 131 ASIAN AMERICAN/PACIFIC ISLANDER PROGRAM -- Invited & Public Testimony -- + EO 128 SEPARATE MEMBERSHIP OF THE BOARD OF DIRECTORS OF THE ALASKA ENERGY AUTHORITY AND THE ALASKA INDUSTRIAL DEVELOPMENT AND EXPORT AUTHORITY -- Public Testimony -- + HB 3 GOLD AND SILVER SPECIE AS LEGAL TENDER -- Invited & Public Testimony -- + Bills Previously Heard/Scheduled **Streamed live on AKL.tv** Feb 13 Tuesday Beltz 105 (tsbldg) 3:30 PM + EO 128 SEPARATING THE BOARD OF DIRECTORS OF THE ALASKA ENERGY AUTHORITY FROM THE BOARD OF DIRECTORS OF THE ALASKA INDUSTRIAL DEVELOPMENT AND EXPORT AUTHORITY + SENATE SPECIAL CONCURRENT RESOLUTION: DISAPPROVING EO 128 <Pending Introduction & Referral> -- Public Testimony -- + SB 195 STATE AGENCY PERFORMANCE IMPROVEMENT -- Invited & Public Testimony -- + SB 201 OFFICE OF INFORMATION TECHNOLOGY -- Invited & Public Testimony -- + Bills Previously Heard/Scheduled **Streamed live on AKL.tv** 2024-02-08 Senate Journal Page 1575 STATE AFFAIRS (continued) Feb 15 Thursday Beltz 105 (tsbldg) 3:30 PM + Bills Previously Heard/Scheduled ---------------------------------------- TRANSPORTATION Feb 08 Thursday Butrovich 205 1:30 PM No Meeting Scheduled Feb 13 Tuesday Butrovich 205 1:30 PM + SB 105 RAILROAD CORP. FINANCING -- Testimony <Invitation Only> -- -- Public Testimony -- + SB 199 STATE LAND: DISPOSAL/SALE/LEASE/RESTRICT -- Testimony <Invitation Only> -- -- Public Testimony -- + Bills Previously Heard/Scheduled **Streamed live on AKL.tv** Feb 15 Thursday Butrovich 205 1:30 PM + Bills Previously Heard/Scheduled **Streamed live on AKL.tv** ---------------------------------------- FINANCE SUBCOMMITTEES ADMINISTRATION Feb 20 Tuesday Gruenberg 120 4:00 PM + Meeting Jointly with House Subcommittee on Department of Administration Budget Feb 27 Tuesday Butrovich 205 5:15 PM + Department of Administration Budget Mar 19 Tuesday Butrovich 205 5:15 PM + Department of Administration Budget 2024-02-08 Senate Journal Page 1576 FINANCE SUBCOMMITTEES (continued) CORRECTIONS Feb 29 Thursday Butrovich 205 5:15 PM + Department of Corrections Budget Mar 21 Thursday Butrovich 205 5:15 PM + Department of Corrections Budget ---------------------------------------- JUDICIARY Feb 26 Monday Butrovich 205 5:15 PM + Court System Budget Mar 11 Monday Butrovich 205 5:15 PM + Court System Budget ---------------------------------------- JOINT COMMITTEES SELECT COMMITTEE ON LEGISLATIVE ETHICS Feb 16 Friday Davis 106 8:30 AM + 1. Call the Meeting to Order + 2. Update on Committee Member Nominees + 3. Approval of the Agenda + 4. Approval of Minutes + 5. Public Comment + 6. Advisory Opinion a. AO 23-02 Confidentiality Waived by Representative David Eastman + 7. Chair/Staff Reports a. Disclosures b. Campaign Year Items c. Staff Report - Informal Advice d. Social Media Policy e. Ethics Training (Continued on Next Page) 2024-02-08 Senate Journal Page 1577 SELECT COMMITTEE ON LEGISLATIVE ETHICS (continued) (Continued from Previous Page) + 8. Budget a. FY24 Budget b. FY25 Budget 9. Executive Session + 10. Public Session + 11. Other Business Meeting will be teleconferenced: Anchorage Only: 907-563-9085 Juneau Only: 907-586-9085 Outside Anchorage or Juneau: 1-844-586-9085 ---------------------------------------- OTHER MEETINGS JOINT SESSION Feb 14 Wednesday House Chamber 11:00 AM + Annual Address by Lisa Murkowski, U.S. Senator Feb 21 Wednesday House Chamber 11:00 AM + Annual Address by Dan Sullivan, U.S. Senator ---------------------------------------- MISCELLANEOUS MEETINGS Feb 08 Thursday Butrovich 205 12:00 PM + Lunch & Learn Presentation: Academies of Anchorage ASD by Senior Director of Teaching and Learning by Kersten Johnson Sponsored by Senator Merrick Feb 09 Friday Butrovich 205 12:00 PM + Lunch & Learn Presentation: Informational Session about General Obligation Bonds and the Capital Budget Process by: Ryan Williams, State Debt Manager, Department of Revenue Steve Nerland, The Alliance for Support of American Legion Baseball Sponsored by Senator Claman and Representative Coulombe 2024-02-08 Senate Journal Page 1578 MISCELLANEOUS MEETINGS (continued) Feb 14 Wednesday Butrovich 205 12:00 PM Lunch & Learn Presentation: + Navigating the Future: Protecting Alaska's Blue Economy Presented by the Marine Exchange of Alaska Sponsored by: Senator Kiehl & Senator Olson Feb 22 Thursday Butrovich 205 12:00 PM Lunch & Learn Presentation: Overview of the Experiences and Structural Damages caused by the 1964 Earthquake Compared to the 2018 Earthquake Presented by: Dennis L. Berry and Colin Maynard, Alaska Professional Design Council Sponsored by Senator Kaufman