Legislature(2023 - 2024)

2024-02-12 Senate Journal

Full Journal pdf

2024-02-12                     Senate Journal                      Page 1585
                                                                                                                                
                                SENATE JOURNAL                                                                               
                                                                                                                                
                           ALASKA STATE LEGISLATURE                                                                          
                                                                                                                                
                           THIRTY-THIRD LEGISLATURE                                                                          
                                                                                                                                
                                SECOND SESSION                                                                               
                                                                                                                                
Juneau, Alaska                     Monday                February 12, 2024                                                    
                                                                                                                                
                              Twenty-eighth Day                                                                              
                                                                                                                                
                                                                                                                                
Pursuant to adjournment the Senate was called to order by President                                                             
Stevens at 11:03 a.m.                                                                                                           
                                                                                                                                
The roll showed nineteen members present. Senator Hoffman was                                                                   
excused from a call of the Senate.                                                                                              
                                                                                                                                
The prayer was offered by the Chaplain, Pastor Greg Weinert,                                                                    
Emmanuel Baptist Church. Senator Olson moved and asked                                                                          
unanimous consent the prayer be spread. Without objection, it was so                                                            
ordered.                                                                                                                        
                                                                                                                                
     Almighty heavenly Father, I praise your name. I invite Your                                                                
     Holy Spirit into this chamber; fill the hearts and minds of                                                                
     these men and women that their enormous burden of                                                                          
     servitude to the people of Alaska would be eased with Your                                                                 
     presence.                                                                                                                  
                                                                                                                                
     Give us the opportunity to demonstrate Your wisdom and                                                                     
     guidance, that our state would be a shining example of peace                                                               
     and equality, placing the needs of others before our own, and                                                              
     exuding the will and determination to serve all the people of                                                              
     Alaska, regardless of their circumstance.                                                                                  
                                                                                                                                
     In humility let us move forward, protecting the creation you                                                               
     have entrusted to us, in proof to all who see Your glory, Lord,                                                            
     to build that shining land where all declare assurance of Your                                                             
     grace. I pray in the name of the Father, the Son, and the Holy                                                             
                       Spirit,                    Amen.                                                                        
                                                                                                                                

2024-02-12                     Senate Journal                      Page 1586
Senator Olson led the Senate in the Pledge of Allegiance.                                                                       
                                                                                                                                
                                                                                                                                
                                Certification                                                                                
                                                                                                                                
Senator Giessel moved and asked unanimous consent the journals for                                                              
the twenty-fourth through twenty-seventh legislative days be approved                                                           
as certified by the Secretary. Without objection, it was so ordered.                                                            
                                                                                                                                
                                                                                                                                
                           Messages from the House                                                                           
                                                                                                                                
Message dated February 12 was read stating:                                                                                     
                                                                                                                                
The House of Representatives respectfully invites the Senate to a Joint                                                         
Session of the Thirty-Third Alaska Legislature at 10:00 a.m. on                                                                 
Thursday, February 15 for the purpose of hearing U.S. Senator Lisa                                                              
Murkowski’s [rescheduled] annual address in the House Chambers.                                                                 
                                                                                                                                
Senator Giessel moved and asked unanimous consent the Senate                                                                    
accept the House invitation to meet in Joint Session. Without                                                                   
objection, it was so ordered.                                                                                                   
                                                                                                                                
The Secretary was requested to notify the House.                                                                                
                                                                                                                                
                                                                                                                                
                          Standing Committee Reports                                                                         
                                                                                                                                
SB 170                                                                                                                        
The Finance Committee considered SENATE BILL NO. 170 "An Act                                                                    
extending the Alaska senior benefits payment program; and providing                                                             
for an effective date" and recommended it be replaced with                                                                      
                                                                                                                                
          CS FOR SENATE BILL NO. 170(FIN) "An Act                                                                               
          relating to the Alaska longevity bonus program and                                                                    
          the Alaska senior benefits payment program; and                                                                       
          providing for an effective date."                                                                                     
                                                                                                                                
Signing do pass: Senators Stedman, Olson, Cochairs; Senators Wilson,                                                            
Kiehl, Merrick, Bishop.                                                                                                         
                                                                                                                                

2024-02-12                     Senate Journal                      Page 1587
The following fiscal information was published today:                                                                           
     Fiscal Note No. 1, Department of Health                                                                                    
                                                                                                                                
The bill was referred to the Rules Committee.                                                                                   
                                                                                                                                
                                                                                                                                
                        Introduction and Reference of                                                                        
                              Senate Resolutions                                                                             
                                                                                                                                
SSCR 1                                                                                                                        
SENATE SPECIAL CONCURRENT RESOLUTION NO. 1 BY THE                                                                               
SENATE RULES COMMITTEE,                                                                                                         
                                                                                                                                
          Disapproving Executive Order No. 124.                                                                                 
                                                                                                                                
was read the first time and referred to the Resources Committee.                                                                
                                                                                                                                
SSCR 2                                                                                                                        
SENATE SPECIAL CONCURRENT RESOLUTION NO. 2 BY THE                                                                               
SENATE RULES COMMITTEE,                                                                                                         
                                                                                                                                
          Disapproving Executive Order No. 125.                                                                                 
                                                                                                                                
was read the first time and referred to the Health and Social Services                                                          
Committee.                                                                                                                      
                                                                                                                                
SSCR 3                                                                                                                        
SENATE SPECIAL CONCURRENT RESOLUTION NO. 3 BY THE                                                                               
SENATE RULES COMMITTEE,                                                                                                         
                                                                                                                                
          Disapproving Executive Order No. 126.                                                                                 
                                                                                                                                
was read the first time and referred to the Resources Committee.                                                                
                                                                                                                                
SSCR 4                                                                                                                        
SENATE SPECIAL CONCURRENT RESOLUTION NO. 4 BY THE                                                                               
SENATE RULES COMMITTEE,                                                                                                         
                                                                                                                                
          Disapproving Executive Order No. 127.                                                                                 
                                                                                                                                
was read the first time and referred to the Labor and Commerce                                                                  
Committee.                                                                                                                      
                                                                                                                                

2024-02-12                     Senate Journal                      Page 1588
SSCR 5                                                                                                                        
SENATE SPECIAL CONCURRENT RESOLUTION NO. 5 BY THE                                                                               
SENATE RULES COMMITTEE,                                                                                                         
                                                                                                                                
          Disapproving Executive Order No. 128.                                                                                 
                                                                                                                                
was read the first time and referred to the State Affairs Committee.                                                            
                                                                                                                                
SSCR 6                                                                                                                        
SENATE SPECIAL CONCURRENT RESOLUTION NO. 6 BY THE                                                                               
SENATE RULES COMMITTEE,                                                                                                         
                                                                                                                                
          Disapproving Executive Order No. 129.                                                                                 
                                                                                                                                
was read the first time and referred to the Labor and Commerce                                                                  
Committee.                                                                                                                      
                                                                                                                                
SSCR 7                                                                                                                        
SENATE SPECIAL CONCURRENT RESOLUTION NO. 7 BY THE                                                                               
SENATE RULES COMMITTEE,                                                                                                         
                                                                                                                                
          Disapproving Executive Order No. 130.                                                                                 
                                                                                                                                
was read the first time and referred to the Labor and Commerce                                                                  
Committee.                                                                                                                      
                                                                                                                                
SSCR 8                                                                                                                        
SENATE SPECIAL CONCURRENT RESOLUTION NO. 8 BY THE                                                                               
SENATE RULES COMMITTEE,                                                                                                         
                                                                                                                                
          Disapproving Executive Order No. 131.                                                                                 
                                                                                                                                
was read the first time and referred to the Transportation Committee.                                                           
                                                                                                                                
SSCR 9                                                                                                                        
SENATE SPECIAL CONCURRENT RESOLUTION NO. 9 BY THE                                                                               
SENATE RULES COMMITTEE,                                                                                                         
                                                                                                                                
          Disapproving Executive Order No. 132.                                                                                 
                                                                                                                                
was read the first time and referred to the Resources Committee.                                                                
                                                                                                                                

2024-02-12                     Senate Journal                      Page 1589
SSCR 10                                                                                                                       
SENATE SPECIAL CONCURRENT RESOLUTION NO. 10 BY                                                                                  
THE SENATE RULES COMMITTEE,                                                                                                     
                                                                                                                                
          Disapproving Executive Order No. 133.                                                                                 
                                                                                                                                
was read the first time and referred to the Judiciary Committee.                                                                
                                                                                                                                
SSCR 11                                                                                                                       
SENATE SPECIAL CONCURRENT RESOLUTION NO. 11 BY                                                                                  
THE SENATE RULES COMMITTEE,                                                                                                     
                                                                                                                                
          Disapproving Executive Order No. 134.                                                                                 
                                                                                                                                
was read the first time and referred to the Resources Committee.                                                                
                                                                                                                                
SSCR 12                                                                                                                       
SENATE SPECIAL CONCURRENT RESOLUTION NO. 12 BY                                                                                  
THE SENATE RULES COMMITTEE,                                                                                                     
                                                                                                                                
          Disapproving Executive Order No. 135.                                                                                 
                                                                                                                                
was read the first time and referred to the Judiciary Committee.                                                                
                                                                                                                                
                                                                                                                                
                  Introduction and Reference of Senate Bills                                                                 
                                                                                                                                
SB 223                                                                                                                        
SENATE BILL NO. 223 BY THE SENATE RULES COMMITTEE                                                                               
BY REQUEST OF THE GOVERNOR, entitled:                                                                                           
                                                                                                                                
             "An Act relating to the appointment of an assistant                                                               
           adjutant general; and providing for an effective date."                                                             
                                                                                                                                
was read the first time and referred to the State Affairs and Judiciary                                                         
Committees.                                                                                                                     
                                                                                                                                
The following fiscal information was published today:                                                                           
        Fiscal Note No. 1, zero, Department of Military and Veterans’                                                          
          Affairs                                                                                                               
                                                                                                                                

2024-02-12                     Senate Journal                      Page 1590
Governor's transmittal letter dated February 8:                                                                                 
                                                                                                                                
Dear President Stevens:                                                                                                         
                                                                                                                                
Under the authority of Article III, Section 18 of the Alaska                                                                    
Constitution, I am transmitting a bill relating to staff qualifications for                                                     
the Department of Military and Veterans Affairs.                                                                                
                                                                                                                                
This bill makes changes to language prohibiting the adjutant general of                                                         
the Alaska National Guard from making an initial appointment of an                                                              
assistant adjutant general if the appointee does not have at least five                                                         
years of experience in either the Alaska Army National Guard or                                                                 
Alaska Air National Guard. The adjutant general is instead granted                                                              
discretionary authority to give preference to a person with at least five                                                       
years of experience in either the Alaska Army National Guard or                                                                 
Alaska Air National Guard when making an appointment to assistant                                                               
adjutant general. This change provides the adjutant general with                                                                
greater flexibility when making high-level appointments and aligns                                                              
with the governor’s statutory discretion to give preference to a person                                                         
with at least five years of service in the Alaska Army National Guard                                                           
or Alaska Air National Guard when appointing the adjutant general.                                                              
                                                                                                                                
I urge your prompt and favorable action on this measure.                                                                        
                                                                                                                                
Sincerely,                                                                                                                      
/s/                                                                                                                             
Mike Dunleavy                                                                                                                   
Governor                                                                                                                        
                                                                                                                                
SB 224                                                                                                                        
SENATE BILL NO. 224 BY THE SENATE RULES COMMITTEE                                                                               
BY REQUEST OF THE GOVERNOR, entitled:                                                                                           
                                                                                                                                
            "An Act relating to the calculation of the regulatory                                                              
           cost charge for public utilities and pipeline carriers;                                                             
          and providing for an effective date."                                                                                 
                                                                                                                                
was read the first time and referred to the Labor and Commerce and                                                              
Finance Committees.                                                                                                             
                                                                                                                                

2024-02-12                     Senate Journal                      Page 1591
The following fiscal information was published today:                                                                           
 Fiscal Note No. 1, Department of Commerce, Community,                                                                          
          and Economic Development                                                                                              
                                                                                                                                
Governor's transmittal letter dated February 8:                                                                                 
                                                                                                                                
Dear President Stevens:                                                                                                         
                                                                                                                                
Under the authority of Article III, Section 18 of the Alaska                                                                    
Constitution, I am transmitting a bill to increase the statutory cap for                                                        
the regulatory cost charge established to fund the activities of the                                                            
Regulatory Commission of Alaska (RCA) and the Department of                                                                     
Law’s Regulatory Affairs and Public Advocacy unit. The regulatory                                                               
cost charge is charged to regulated pipeline carriers and public utilities                                                      
providing telecommunications services, natural gas and storage,                                                                 
electricity, steam heat, water and wastewater, and refuse.                                                                      
                                                                                                                                
Passage of this bill will allow the RCA to continue its important                                                               
mission without requiring additional State funding. Currently, the                                                              
RCA is operating near its statutory cap and would potentially need                                                              
additional appropriations in the future to continue its regulation and                                                          
rate setting activities. Increasing the regulatory cost charge allows the                                                       
RCA to continue to function based on the funds collected from                                                                   
regulatory entities.                                                                                                            
                                                                                                                                
I urge your prompt and favorable action on this measure.                                                                        
                                                                                                                                
Sincerely,                                                                                                                      
/s/                                                                                                                             
Mike Dunleavy                                                                                                                   
Governor                                                                                                                        
                                                                                                                                
SB 225                                                                                                                        
SENATE BILL NO. 225 BY THE SENATE RULES COMMITTEE                                                                               
BY REQUEST OF THE GOVERNOR, entitled:                                                                                           
                                                                                                                                
             "An Act relating to occupational licensing fees; and                                                              
          providing for an effective date."                                                                                     
                                                                                                                                
was read the first time and referred to the Labor and Commerce and                                                              
Finance Committees.                                                                                                             
                                                                                                                                

2024-02-12                     Senate Journal                      Page 1592
The following fiscal information was published today:                                                                           
 Fiscal Note No. 1, Department of Commerce, Community, and                                                                      
          Economic Development                                                                                                  
                                                                                                                                
Governor's transmittal letter dated February 8:                                                                                 
                                                                                                                                
Dear President Stevens:                                                                                                         
                                                                                                                                
Under the authority of Article III, Section 18 of the Alaska                                                                    
Constitution, I am transmitting a bill which eliminates the costs                                                               
associated with professional discipline and unlicensed practice                                                                 
investigations from the calculation of annual professional licensing                                                            
fees. This bill will make the investigation and legal costs associated                                                          
with these cases overhead costs for the Division of Corporations,                                                               
Business, and Professional Licensing (CBPL).                                                                                    
                                                                                                                                
Under current law, CBPL is required to assess a number of fees                                                                  
against individuals seeking professional licensing, including fees for                                                          
investigative costs. Pursuant to statute, investigatory costs are                                                               
distributed essentially pro rata across all members of a particular                                                             
profession. This pro rata distribution creates an uncertain fee                                                                 
environment where fees fluctuate on a regular basis depending on the                                                            
profession’s investigatory burden. This bill amends the professional                                                            
licensing statutes to remove the requirement that licensees pay                                                                 
investigation fees.                                                                                                             
                                                                                                                                
I urge your prompt and favorable action on this measure.                                                                        
                                                                                                                                
Sincerely,                                                                                                                      
/s/                                                                                                                             
Mike Dunleavy                                                                                                                   
Governor                                                                                                                        
                                                                                                                                
SB 226                                                                                                                        
SENATE BILL NO. 226 BY THE SENATE RULES COMMITTEE                                                                               
BY REQUEST OF THE GOVERNOR, entitled:                                                                                           
                                                                                                                                
             "An Act defining 'public agency' for appointments of                                                              
             the office of public advocacy; and providing for an                                                               
          effective date."                                                                                                      
                                                                                                                                

2024-02-12                     Senate Journal                      Page 1593
was read the first time and referred to the State Affairs and Judiciary                                                         
Committees.                                                                                                                     
                                                                                                                                
The following fiscal information was published today:                                                                           
     Fiscal Note No. 1, zero, Department of Administration                                                                      
                                                                                                                                
Governor's transmittal letter dated February 8:                                                                                 
                                                                                                                                
Dear President Stevens:                                                                                                         
                                                                                                                                
Under the authority of Article III, Section 18 of the Alaska                                                                    
Constitution, I am transmitting a bill defining “public agency” for the                                                         
purpose of appointments for the Office of Public Advocacy (OPA).                                                                
The definition will clarify when OPA should be appointed in cases                                                               
involving child custody.                                                                                                        
                                                                                                                                
The enabling statute of OPA allows the office to be appointed to                                                                
represent indigent parties in cases involving child custody when the                                                            
opposing party is represented by a public agency. These cases are                                                               
primarily divorce and child custody proceedings with which state-                                                               
funded attorneys do not normally become involved. Over the last few                                                             
decades, a body of caselaw has developed that greatly expands the                                                               
definition of “public agency” and, therefore, the number of child                                                               
custody cases in which OPA could be appointed. In Flores v. Flores,                                                             
598 P.2d 893 (Alaska, 1979), the Alaska Supreme Court determined                                                                
that a private nonprofit enterprise qualified as a “public agency,”                                                             
which entitled an indigent parent to court-appointed counsel. Since                                                             
1979, the definition of “public agency” was never challenged or                                                                 
clarified by the legislature. In 2011, the court continued to expand the                                                        
definition of “public agency” in In re Alaska Network on Domestic                                                               
Violence and Sexual Assault, holding that the use of the term “public                                                           
agency” in Flores refers primarily to the nature of an organization's                                                           
funding sources, and not to an organization's status as a government                                                            
agency 264 P.3d 835 (Alaska, 2011). These cases significantly                                                                   
expanded the definition of “public agency” for the purposes of court-                                                           
appointed counsel. Each time this definition is expanded OPA faces                                                              
the prospect of being appointed as counsel in additional divorce cases                                                          
involving child custody. If the definition of “public agency” in OPA’s                                                          
enabling statute is not clarified, the office will be appointed in an                                                           
increasing number of cases for which it is not funded.                                                                          
                                                                                                                                

2024-02-12                     Senate Journal                      Page 1594
This bill would limit the definition of “public agency” to its common                                                           
meaning: governmental agencies (federal, state, or municipal), as                                                               
opposed to entities who merely receive governmental funding. Under                                                              
this new definition, OPA would only be appointed in divorce                                                                     
proceedings involving child custody where the opposing party was                                                                
represented by the federal government or a state or municipal                                                                   
government. This bill will allow OPA to provide more effective                                                                  
representation to cases that fit within its core mission.                                                                       
                                                                                                                                
I urge your prompt and favorable action on this measure.                                                                        
                                                                                                                                
Sincerely,                                                                                                                      
/s/                                                                                                                             
Mike Dunleavy                                                                                                                   
Governor                                                                                                                        
                                                                                                                                
SB 227                                                                                                                        
SENATE BILL NO. 227 BY SENATOR MYERS, entitled:                                                                                 
                                                                                                                                
          "An Act relating to the evaluation of capital projects;                                                               
          establishing the capital project evaluation division in                                                               
          the office of management and budget and the capital                                                                   
          project evaluation task force; relating to school                                                                     
          construction grants and bond reimbursement; relating                                                                  
          to harbor facility grants; and providing for an                                                                       
          effective date."                                                                                                      
                                                                                                                                
was read the first time and referred to the Finance Committee.                                                                  
                                                                                                                                
SB 228                                                                                                                        
SENATE BILL NO. 228 BY THE SENATE LABOR &                                                                                       
COMMERCE COMMITTEE, entitled:                                                                                                   
                                                                                                                                
          "An Act extending the termination date of the Board                                                                   
          of Massage Therapists; and providing for an effective                                                                 
          date."                                                                                                                
                                                                                                                                
was read the first time and referred to the Labor and Commerce and                                                              
Finance Committees.                                                                                                             
                                                                                                                                
                                                                                                                                

2024-02-12                     Senate Journal                      Page 1595
                        Consideration of the Calendar                                                                        
                                                                                                                                
                     Second Reading of Senate Resolutions                                                                    
                                                                                                                                
SJR 13                                                                                                                        
SENATE JOINT RESOLUTION NO. 13 Encouraging the United                                                                           
States Congress and the President of the United States to pass and sign                                                         
legislation amending the Alaska Native Claims Settlement Act to                                                                 
release certain land held in trust back to affected Alaska Native village                                                       
corporations, was read the second time.                                                                                         
                                                                                                                                
President Stevens stated SENATE JOINT RESOLUTION NO. 13 will                                                                    
advance to third reading on the February 14 calendar.                                                                           
                                                                                                                                
                                  Citations                                                                                  
                                                                                                                                
Honoring - Literacy Council of Alaska 50th Anniversary                                                                          
Senator(s) Myers                                                                                                                
Representative(s) Carrick, Tomaszewski                                                                                          
                                                                                                                                
Honoring - Lightbotics 18185 Team                                                                                               
Senator(s) Myers                                                                                                                
Representative(s) Prax, Cronk                                                                                                   
                                                                                                                                
In Memoriam - Richard Hagen II                                                                                                  
Senator(s) Myers                                                                                                                
Representative(s) Prax                                                                                                          
                                                                                                                                
In Memoriam - Eugene Michael Hansen                                                                                             
Senator(s) Myers                                                                                                                
Representative(s) Prax, Stapp                                                                                                   
                                                                                                                                
In Memoriam - Bernard "Tony" Higdon                                                                                             
Senator(s) Myers, Kawasaki                                                                                                      
Representative(s) Prax                                                                                                          
                                                                                                                                
In Memoriam - Howard Weaver                                                                                                     
Representative(s) Groh, Galvin, Josephson                                                                                       
                                                                                                                                

2024-02-12                     Senate Journal                      Page 1596
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                                                                          
                                                                                                                                
Honoring - Gary Franklin Zepp                                                                                                   
Senator(s) Wilson                                                                                                               
                                                                                                                                
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                                                                             
                                                                                                                                
Senator Stedman moved and asked unanimous consent to be excused                                                                 
from a call of the Senate from morning plane time, February 14                                                                  
through evening plane time, February 17. Without objection, Senator                                                             
Stedman was excused.                                                                                                            
                                                                                                                                
SJR 13                                                                                                                        
Senators Claman, Bishop, Wielechowski, Kawasaki, Tobin, Stedman,                                                                
Stevens moved and asked unanimous consent to be shown as                                                                        
cosponsors on SENATE JOINT RESOLUTION NO. 13 Encouraging                                                                        
the United States Congress and the President of the United States to                                                            
pass and sign legislation amending the Alaska Native Claims                                                                     
Settlement Act to release certain land held in trust back to affected                                                           
Alaska Native village corporations. Without objection, it was so                                                                
ordered.                                                                                                                        
                                                                                                                                
Senator Kawasaki moved and asked unanimous consent to be excused                                                                
from a call of the Senate on February 16. Without objection, Senator                                                            
Kawasaki was excused.                                                                                                           
                                                                                                                                

2024-02-12                     Senate Journal                      Page 1597
Senator Dunbar moved and asked unanimous consent to be excused                                                                  
from a call of the Senate on February 23. Without objection, Senator                                                            
Dunbar was excused.                                                                                                             
                                                                                                                                
                                                                                                                                
                                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 14, 2024. Without                                                                     
objection, the Senate adjourned at 11:51 a.m.                                                                                   
                                                                                                                                
                                                                    Liz Clark                                                   
                                                     Secretary of the Senate                                                    
                                                                                                                                
                                                                                                                                

2024-02-12                     Senate Journal                      Page 1598
                                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 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 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**                                                                                       
                                                                                                                                
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**                                                                                       
                                                                                                                                

2024-02-12                     Senate Journal                      Page 1599
                            EDUCATION (continued)                                                                            
                                                                                                                                
Feb 16 Friday Beltz 105 (tsbldg) 3:30 PM                                                                                      
              No Meeting Scheduled                                                                                              
                   ----------------------------------------                                                                    
                                                                                                                                
                                   FINANCE                                                                                   
                                                                                                                                
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                                                                                  
                                                                                                                                
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                                                                                  
                                                                                                                                

2024-02-12                     Senate Journal                      Page 1600
                             FINANCE (continued)                                                                             
                                                                                                                                
Feb 16        Friday                    Senate Finance 532            9:00 AM                                                 
              No Meeting Scheduled                                                                                              
                   ----------------------------------------                                                                    
                                                                                                                                
                           HEALTH & SOCIAL SERVICES                                                                          
                                                                                                                                
Feb 13        Tuesday                         Butrovich 205           3:30 PM                                                 
+ SB 149 FOOD STAMP PROGRAM ELIGIBILTY                                                                                          
              -- Invited & Public Testimony --                                                                                  
+             Bills Previously Heard/Scheduled                                                                                  
                                                                                                                                
Feb 15        Thursday                        Butrovich 205           3:30 PM                                                 
+ SB 181 CHILD PLACEMENT; DILIGENT SEARCH                                                                                       
              -- Invited & Public Testimony --                                                                                  
+ SSCR 2 DISAPPROVE EO 125                                                                                                      
+             Bills Previously Heard/Scheduled                                                                                  
                   ----------------------------------------                                                                    
                                                                                                                                
                                  JUDICIARY                                                                                  
                                                                                                                                
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                                                 
+ SSCR10 DISAPPROVE EO 133                                                                                                      
+ SSCR12 DISAPPROVE EO 135                                                                                                      
+             Bills Previously Heard/Scheduled                                                                                  
                                                                                                                                
Feb 16        Friday                          Butrovich 205           1:30 PM                                                 
              Bills Previously Heard/Scheduled                                                                                  
                                                                                                                                
                                                                                                                                

2024-02-12                     Senate Journal                      Page 1601
                               LABOR & COMMERCE                                                                              
                                                                                                                                
Feb 12        Monday                      Beltz 105 (tsbldg)          1:30 PM                                                 
+ SSCR 4 DISAPPROVE EO 127                                                                                                      
+ SSCR 6 DISAPPROVE EO 129                                                                                                      
+ SSCR 7 DISAPPROVE EO 130                                                                                                      
+ 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**                                                                                       
                                                                                                                                
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**                                                                                       
                                                                                                                                
                                                                                                                                
                                                                                                                                

2024-02-12                     Senate Journal                      Page 1602
                                  RESOURCES                                                                                  
                                                                                                                                
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**                                                                                       
                                                                                                                                
Feb 14        Wednesday                       Butrovich 205           3:30 PM                                                 
+ SSCR 1 DISAPPROVE EO 124                                                                                                      
+ SSCR 3 DISAPPROVE EO 126                                                                                                      
+ SSCR 9 DISAPPROVE EO 132                                                                                                      
+ SSCR11 DISAPPROVE EO 134                                                                                                      
+             Presentation: Alaska Food Strategy Task Force by                                                                  
              Senator Shelly Hughes, Chair, Alaska Food                                                                         
              Strategies Task Force                                                                                             
              Mike Jones, UAA Institute of Social and Economic Research                                                         
              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                                                                     
(Continued on Next Page)                                                                                                      

2024-02-12                     Senate Journal                      Page 1603
                            RESOURCES (continued)                                                                            
                                                                                                                                
(Continued from Previous Page)                                                                                                
              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                                                                                  
+ 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 13        Tuesday                     Beltz 105 (tsbldg)          3:30 PM                                                 
+ SSCR 5 DISAPPROVE EO 128                                                                                                      
              -- 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**                                                                                       
                                                                                                                                
Feb 15        Thursday                    Beltz 105 (tsbldg)          3:30 PM                                                 
+             Bills Previously Heard/Scheduled                                                                                  
                                                                                                                                
                                                                                                                                

2024-02-12                     Senate Journal                      Page 1604
                                TRANSPORTATION                                                                               
                                                                                                                                
Feb 13 Tuesday Butrovich 205 1:30 PM                                                                                          
+ SB 105 RAILROAD CORP. FINANCING                                                                                               
              -- Invited & Public Testimony --                                                                                  
+ SB 199 STATE LAND: DISPOSAL/SALE/LEASE/RESTRICT                                                                               
              -- Invited & 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                                                                               
                   ----------------------------------------                                                                    
                                                                                                                                
                                 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                                                                                  
                                                                                                                                
                                                                                                                                

2024-02-12                     Senate Journal                      Page 1605
                      FINANCE SUBCOMMITTEES (continued)                                                                      
                                                                                                                                
                                  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                                                                                                
+             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                                                                       
                                                                                                                                
                                                                                                                                

2024-02-12                     Senate Journal                      Page 1606
                                OTHER MEETINGS                                                                               
                                                                                                                                
                                JOINT SESSION                                                                                
                                                                                                                                
Feb 15        Thursday                     House Chamber            10:00 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 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 14        Wednesday                            Davis 106         12:01 PM                                                 
              Lunch & Learn Presentation:                                                                                       
              Food Production in Alaska                                                                                         
              Presented by the Alaska Farm Bureau                                                                               
              Sponsored by: Senator Bjorkman and Senator Hughes                                                                 
                                                                                                                                
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