Legislature(2023 - 2024)
2024-02-23 Senate Journal
Full Journal pdf2024-02-23 Senate Journal Page 1711 SENATE JOURNAL ALASKA STATE LEGISLATURE THIRTY-THIRD LEGISLATURE SECOND SESSION Juneau, Alaska Friday February 23, 2024 Thirty-ninth Day Pursuant to adjournment the Senate was called to order by President Stevens at 10:31 a.m. The roll showed fifteen members present. Senators Bjorkman, Claman, Dunbar, Hoffman were excused from a call of the Senate. Senator Stedman was absent. The prayer was sung by the Chaplain, Reverend Bobby Lewis, New Light Baptist Church of Harlem, New York. Senator Olson moved and asked unanimous consent the prayer be spread. Without objection, it was so ordered. God bless America, land that I love Stand beside her and guide her Through the night with the light from above From the mountains to the prairies To the oceans white with foam God bless America, my home sweet home God bless America, my home sweet home Amen. Senator Giessel led the Senate in the Pledge of Allegiance. Certification Senator Giessel moved and asked unanimous consent the journals for the thirty-seventh and thirty-eighth legislative days and Senate and House Joint Journal Supplement No. 15 be approved as certified by the Secretary. Without objection, it was so ordered. 2024-02-23 Senate Journal Page 1712 Senator Giessel moved and asked unanimous consent Senator Stedman be excused from a call of the Senate today. Without objection, Senator Stedman was excused. Messages from the House Concur Messages SB 140 Message dated February 22 was read stating the House passed and returned for consideration CS FOR SENATE BILL NO. 140(FIN) "An Act relating to funding for Internet services for school districts; and providing for an effective date" with the following amendment(s): CS FOR SENATE BILL NO. 140(FIN) am H "An Act relating to funding for Internet services for school districts; relating to charter schools; relating to transportation of public school students; relating to correspondence study funding; relating to the base student allocation; relating to funding for reading improvement plans; and providing for an effective date." (Title Change HCR 4) Communications The following reports are on file in the Office of the Secretary of the Senate: Department of Fish and Game Status of Brown Bears and Other Natural Resources in the McNeil River State Game Sanctuary and Refuge in 2023 Annual Report to the Alaska State Legislature January 2024 in accordance with AS 16.20.041 and AS 16.20.162 Board of Game Allocation Report February 20, 2024 in accordance with AS 16.05.050 2024-02-23 Senate Journal Page 1713 Commercial Fisheries Entry Commission 2023 Annual Report in accordance with AS 16.43.980 Standing Committee Reports SB 147 The Labor and Commerce Committee considered SENATE BILL NO. 147 "An Act relating to reemployment rights and benefits" and recommended it be replaced with CS FOR SENATE BILL NO. 147(L&C) "An Act relating to reemployment rights and benefits; and providing for an effective date." (technical title change) Signing do pass: Senator Bjorkman, Chair; Senator Gray-Jackson. Signing no recommendation: Senators Dunbar, Merrick. The following fiscal information was published today: Fiscal Note No. 1, zero, Department of Labor and Workforce Development The bill was referred to the Rules Committee. SB 183 The Labor and Commerce Committee considered SENATE BILL NO. 183 "An Act relating to the workers' compensation benefits guaranty fund; and providing for an effective date." Signing do pass: Senator Bjorkman, Chair; Senators Dunbar, Gray-Jackson, Merrick. The following fiscal information was published today: Fiscal Note No. 1, Department of Labor and Workforce Development The bill was referred to the Finance Committee. 2024-02-23 Senate Journal Page 1714 SB 197 The Labor and Commerce Committee considered SENATE BILL NO. 197 "An Act relating to residential building codes; relating to construction contractors and residential contractor endorsements; establishing the Alaska State Building Code Council; and providing for an effective date." Signing do pass: Senator Bjorkman, Chair; Senators Dunbar, Gray-Jackson. Signing no recommendation: Senator Merrick. The following fiscal information was published today: Fiscal Note No. 1, zero, Department of Commerce, Community, and Economic Development Fiscal Note No. 2, Department of Revenue The bill was referred to the Finance Committee. SB 206 The Labor and Commerce Committee considered SENATE BILL NO. 206 "An Act relating to workers' compensation reemployment benefits; establishing a workers' compensation stay-at-work program; and providing for an effective date." Signing do pass: Senator Bjorkman, Chair; Senators Dunbar, Gray-Jackson. Signing no recommendation: Senator Merrick. The following fiscal information was published today: Fiscal Note No. 1, Department of Labor and Workforce Development The bill was referred to the Finance Committee. HB 57 The Labor and Commerce Committee considered HOUSE BILL NO. 57 "An Act relating to review organizations and permitting an emergency medical services provider to establish a review organization; and relating to patient records." Signing do pass: Senator Bjorkman, Chair; Senators Dunbar, Gray-Jackson, Merrick. 2024-02-23 Senate Journal Page 1715 The following fiscal information was published today: Fiscal Note No. 2, zero, Department of Health The bill was referred to the Health and Social Services Committee. EO 131 The Transportation Committee considered EXECUTIVE ORDER NO. 131 Reorganizing the Alaska Marine Highway Operations Board. Attached Senate Special Concurrent Resolution No. 8. Signing no recommendation: Senator Kaufman, Chair; Senator Myers. Signing disapprove: Senator Tobin. This does not reflect an intent by any of the members to vote for or against a special concurrent resolution in joint session. SSCR 8 The Transportation Committee considered SENATE SPECIAL CONCURRENT RESOLUTION NO. 8 Disapproving Executive Order No. 131. Signing no recommendation: Senator Kaufman, Chair; Senator Myers. Signing do pass: Senator Tobin. The following fiscal information was published today: Fiscal Note No. 1, zero, Senate Transportation Committee In accordance with Uniform Rule 49(a)(4), the resolution was transmitted to the House for consideration. Consideration of the Calendar Citations Honoring - Charles "C.B." Bettisworth Representative(s) Dibert, Stapp Senator(s) Kawasaki 2024-02-23 Senate Journal Page 1716 Honoring - Dr. Priscilla M. Schulte Representative(s) Ortiz Senator(s) Stedman In Memoriam - Matthew H. Glover Senator(s) Myers Representative(s) Stapp, Prax In Memoriam - Joe Lynn Shedd Senator(s) Myers Representative(s) Prax In Memoriam - George W. Seuffert Senator(s) Bishop In Memoriam - Lyle Russell Simpson Representative(s) Ortiz Senator(s) Stedman 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 citations be made a special order of business. Without objection, it was so ordered. Special Order of Business Honoring - Jirdes Winther Baxter Senator(s) Kiehl Representative(s) Hannan, Story Honoring - 50th Anniversary of the Festival of Native Arts Senator(s) Kawasaki, Bishop Representative(s) Dibert Senator Giessel moved and asked unanimous consent the citations be adopted. Without objection, the citations were adopted and referred to the Secretary for transmittal. 2024-02-23 Senate Journal Page 1717 Unfinished Business Senator Kaufman moved and asked unanimous consent to be excused from a call of the Senate from plane time, February 24 through plane time, March 3. Without objection, Senator Kaufman was excused. SB 242 Senators Shower, Hughes moved and asked unanimous consent to be shown as cosponsors on SENATE BILL NO. 242 "An Act relating to assessment of property, boards of equalization, and certification of assessors; and providing for an effective date." Without objection, it was so ordered. Senator Gray-Jackson moved and asked unanimous consent to be excused from a call of the Senate on April 3 and April 4. Without objection, Senator Gray-Jackson was excused. SB 189 Senators Tobin, Gray-Jackson, Stevens moved and asked unanimous consent to be shown as cosponsors on SENATE BILL NO. 189 "An Act extending the termination date of the Alaska Commission on Aging; and providing for an effective date." Without objection, it was so ordered. SJR 14 Senators Kiehl, Tobin, Shower, Wilson, Gray-Jackson, Olson, Hughes, Kaufman moved and asked unanimous consent to be shown as cosponsors on SENATE JOINT RESOLUTION NO. 14 Calling on the United States Congress and all federal agencies to adopt policies and engage in certain efforts to improve the competitiveness and resiliency of the state's seafood industry. Without objection, it was so ordered. Announcements Announcements are at the end of the journal. 2024-02-23 Senate Journal Page 1718 Adjournment Senator Giessel moved and asked unanimous consent the Senate stand in adjournment until 10:30 a.m., February 26, 2024. Without objection, the Senate adjourned at 10:52 a.m. Liz Clark Secretary of the Senate 2024-02-23 Senate Journal Page 1719 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 27 Tuesday Beltz 105 (tsbldg) 1:30 PM += SB 161 TAX EXEMPTION FOR FARM USE LAND += SR 3 CHRONIC KIDNEY DISEASE AWARENESS MONTH + Bills Previously Heard/Scheduled Feb 29 Thursday Beltz 105 (tsbldg) 1:30 PM + SB 242 PROPERTY ASSESSMENT += SB 236 GRANTS TO DISASTER VICTIMS + Bills Previously Heard/Scheduled ---------------------------------------- EDUCATION Feb 23 Friday Beltz 105 (tsbldg) 3:30 PM No Meeting Scheduled Feb 26 Monday Beltz 105 (tsbldg) 3:30 PM += SB 215 TEACHERS: BOARD CERTIFICATION INCENTIVE + SJR 17 EXTEND DEADLINE FOR ARP-HCY FUNDS -- Invited & Public Testimony -- + Presentation: Governor's Task Force on Child Care by Department of Health Commissioner Heidi Hedberg Leah Van Kirk, Healthcare Policy Advisor Stephanie Bergland, CEO of Thread + Bills Previously Heard/Scheduled **Streamed live on AKL.tv** 2024-02-23 Senate Journal Page 1720 EDUCATION (continued) Feb 28 Wednesday Beltz 105 (tsbldg) 3:30 PM + SB 158 SCHOOL GRANTS AND BOND DEBT REIMBURSEMENT -- Invited & Public Testimony -- + Bills Previously Heard/Scheduled **Streamed live on AKL.tv** Mar 01 Friday Beltz 105 (tsbldg) 3:30 PM No Meeting Scheduled ---------------------------------------- FINANCE Feb 23 Friday Senate Finance 532 9:00 AM + SJR 14 SUPPORT STATE SEAFOOD INDUSTRY + Bills Previously Heard/Scheduled Feb 26 Monday Senate Finance 532 9:00 AM + Confirmation of Governor's Appointees: John Sturgeon, Alaska Mental Health Trust Authority Brent Fisher, Alaska Mental Health Trust Authority + SB 85 PERM FUND; EMPLOYMENT; ELIGIBILITY -- Invited & Public Testimony -- + Bills Previously Heard/Scheduled: += SJR 14 SUPPORT STATE SEAFOOD INDUSTRY Feb 26 Monday Senate Finance 532 1:30 PM -- Please Note Time Change -- + Bills Previously Heard/Scheduled Feb 27 Tuesday Senate Finance 532 9:00 AM + SB 105 RAILROAD CORP. FINANCING -- Invited & Public Testimony -- + SB 205 AHFC AUTHORITY TO ACQUIRE BUILDING -- Invited & Public Testimony -- + Bills Previously Heard/Scheduled Feb 27 Tuesday Senate Finance 532 1:30 PM -- Please Note Time Change -- + Bills Previously Heard/Scheduled 2024-02-23 Senate Journal Page 1721 FINANCE (continued) Feb 28 Wednesday Senate Finance 532 9:00 AM + Update: State Transportation Improvement Plan Department of Transportation + Bills Previously Heard/Scheduled Feb 28 Wednesday Senate Finance 532 1:30 PM -- Please Note Time Change -- + Bills Previously Heard/Scheduled Feb 29 Thursday Senate Finance 532 9:00 AM + Fiscal Summary Update and Scenarios Legislative Finance Division + Bills Previously Heard/Scheduled Feb 29 Thursday Senate Finance 532 1:30 PM -- Please Note Time Change -- + Bills Previously Heard/Scheduled Mar 01 Friday Senate Finance 532 9:00 AM + Update from the Alaska Broadband Office Thomas Lochner, Director + Bills Previously Heard/Scheduled ---------------------------------------- HEALTH & SOCIAL SERVICES Feb 27 Tuesday Butrovich 205 3:30 PM + Presentation: Department of Health Response to LB&A Audit Findings -- Testimony <Invitation Only> -- + SB 240 SCHOOL DISTRICT MEDICAL ASSISTANCE -- Invited & Public Testimony -- + Bills Previously Heard/Scheduled Feb 29 Thursday Butrovich 205 3:30 PM + Bills Previously Heard/Scheduled ---------------------------------------- JUDICIARY Feb 23 Friday Butrovich 205 1:30 PM No Meeting Scheduled 2024-02-23 Senate Journal Page 1722 JUDICIARY(continued) Feb 26 Monday Butrovich 205 1:30 PM + SB 166 MENTAL HEALTH/PSYCHEDELIC MED. TASK FORCE -- Invited & Public Testimony -- + Bills Previously Heard/Scheduled Feb 28 Wednesday Butrovich 205 1:30 PM + HB 66 CONTROLLED SUB;HOMICIDE;CRIMES;SENTENCING -- Invited & Public Testimony -- + SB 165 DEFENSE OF PUB. OFFICER: ETHICS COMPLAINT -- Invited & Public Testimony -- + Bills Previously Heard/Scheduled Mar 01 Friday Butrovich 205 1:30 PM + Bills Previously Heard/Scheduled ---------------------------------------- LABOR & COMMERCE Feb 23 Friday Beltz 105 (tsbldg) 1:30 PM No Meeting Scheduled Feb 26 Monday Beltz 105 (tsbldg) 1:30 PM += SB 144 RATES: MOTOR VEHICLE WARRANTY WORK -- Public Testimony <Time Limit May Be Set> -- + SB 204 CERT. OF FITNESS: PLUMBERS/ELECTRICIANS -- Invited & Public Testimony -- -- Public Testimony <Time Limit May Be Set> -- + SB 228 EXTEND BOARD OF MASSAGE THERAPISTS -- Invited & Public Testimony -- -- Public Testimony <Time Limit May Be Set> -- **Streamed live on AKL.tv** Feb 28 Wednesday Beltz 105 (tsbldg) 1:30 PM + SB 121 PHARMACIES/PHARMACISTS/BENEFITS MANAGERS -- Invited & Public Testimony -- -- Public Testimony <Time Limit May Be Set> -- + SB 115 PHYSICIAN ASSISTANT SCOPE OF PRACTICE -- Invited & Public Testimony -- -- Public Testimony <Time Limit May Be Set> -- **Streamed live on AKL.tv** 2024-02-23 Senate Journal Page 1723 LABOR & COMMERCE (continued) Mar 01 Friday Beltz 105 (tsbldg) 1:30 PM += SB 173 AUTHORIZE HANDGUNS SCHOOL EMPLOYEE/VOLUNT -- Public Testimony <Time Limit May Be Set> -- + SB 211 AGRICULTURAL PRODUCTS/LOANS/SALES -- Invited & Public Testimony -- -- Public Testimony <Time Limit May Be Set> -- **Streamed live on AKL.tv** ---------------------------------------- RESOURCES Feb 23 Friday Butrovich 205 3:30 PM + SB 220 RCA REGULATE NATURAL GAS STORAGE FACILITY -- Invited & Public Testimony -- + SB 194 REDUCE ROYALTY ON COOK INLET OIL & GAS -- Testimony <Invitation Only> -- + Bills Previously Heard/Scheduled **Streamed live on AKL.tv** Feb 26 Monday Butrovich 205 3:30 PM + Presentation: Mining Industry Update by Karen Matthias, Executive Director, Alaska Metal Mines Deantha Skibinski, Executive Director, Alaska Miners Association Katie Sweeney, Executive Vice President and Chief Operating Officer, National Mining Association + SB 243 ALASKA ENERGY AUTHORITY GOVERNANCE -- Testimony <Invitation Only> -- + Bills Previously Heard/Scheduled **Streamed live on AKL.tv** Feb 28 Wednesday Butrovich 205 3:30 PM Presentation: Alaska Industrial Development and Export Authority (AIDEA) Update by Randy Ruaro, Executive Director, AIDEA Brandon Brefczynski, Deputy Director, AIDEA += SB 220 RCA REGULATE NATURAL GAS STORAGE FACILITY -- Testimony <Invitation Only> -- + SB 243 ALASKA ENERGY AUTHORITY GOVERNANCE -- Invited & Public Testimony -- + Bills Previously Heard/Scheduled **Streamed live on AKL.tv** 2024-02-23 Senate Journal Page 1724 RESOURCES (continued) Mar 01 Friday Butrovich 205 3:30 PM += SB 210 SALMON HATCHERY PERMITS -- Testimony <Invitation Only> -- += SB 199 STATE LAND: DISPOSAL/SALE/LEASE/RESTRICT -- Invited & Public Testimony -- += SB 171 RESIDENCY REQ: HUNTING, TRAPPING, FISHING -- Public Testimony -- Bills Previously Heard/Scheduled **Streamed live on AKL.tv** ---------------------------------------- STATE AFFAIRS Feb 27 Tuesday Beltz 105 (tsbldg) 3:30 PM + SB 223 ASSISTANT ADJUTANT GENERAL APPOINTMENT -- Invited & Public Testimony -- + SB 185 ESTABLISH AK MILITARY AFFAIRS COMMISSION -- Invited & Public Testimony -- **Streamed live on AKL.tv** + Bills Previously Heard/Scheduled Feb 29 Thursday Beltz 105 (tsbldg) 3:30 PM + SJR 15 CONST. AM: VOTES NEEDED FOR VETO OVERRIDE -- Invited & Public Testimony -- **Streamed live on AKL.tv** + Bills Previously Heard/Scheduled ---------------------------------------- TRANSPORTATION Feb 27 Tuesday Butrovich 205 1:30 PM No Meeting Scheduled Feb 29 Thursday Butrovich 205 1:30 PM No Meeting Scheduled 2024-02-23 Senate Journal Page 1725 FINANCE SUBCOMMITTEES ADMINISTRATION Feb 27 Tuesday Adams 519 4:00 PM -- Please Note Time Change -- + Jointly Meeting with House Subcommittee on Department of Administration Budget Mar 05 Tuesday Beltz 105 (tsbldg) 11:00 AM + Department of Administration Budget Mar 19 Tuesday Butrovich 205 5:15 PM + Department of Administration Budget ---------------------------------------- COMMERCE, COMMUNITY & ECONOMIC DEV Feb 28 Wednesday Senate Finance 532 8:00 AM + Department of Commerce, Community and Economic Development Budget **Streamed live on AKL.tv** ---------------------------------------- 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 ---------------------------------------- FISH & GAME Feb 26 Monday Senate Finance 532 8:00 AM + Department of Fish & Game Budget **Streamed live on AKL.tv** 2024-02-23 Senate Journal Page 1726 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 ---------------------------------------- MILITARY & VETERANS' AFFAIRS Feb 29 Thursday Beltz 105 (tsbldg) 11:00 AM + Overview: Department of Military & Veterans' Affairs Budget ---------------------------------------- TRANSPORTATION & PUBLIC FACILITIES Feb 29 Thursday Senate Finance 532 7:30 AM + FY25 Request ---------------------------------------- JOINT COMMITTEES LEGISLATIVE COUNCIL Feb 28 Wednesday Senate Finance 532 5:30 PM + 1. Approval of the Agenda + 2. Approval of Minutes - December 14, 2023 + 3. Ratification of Charity Events a. Alaska SeaLife Center Soiree -February 3, 2024 b. Trend Alaska Fashion Show - February 17, 2024 c. Juneau Animal Rescue Extravaganza -February 17, 2024 d. Sham Jam - March 23, 2024 e. Kenai River Junior Classic -August 21, 22, 23, 2024 f. Ted Stevens Kenai River Classic -August 21, 22, 23, 2024 g. Kenai River Women's Classic -September 12, 13, 14, 2024 + 4. Contract Approvals a. Cybersecurity Licensing, Maintenance and Technical Support Renewal (Continued on Next Page) 2024-02-23 Senate Journal Page 1727 JOINT COMMITTEES (continued) LEGISLATIVE COUNCIL (continued) (Continued from Previous Page) 5. Executive Session a. Legal Update (LAW/Janus) b. Security Update c. Salary Schedule Discussion + 6. Committee Business a. FY23 Legislature Independent Audit b. FY25 Legislative Council Budget c. Print Shop Policy d. Subcommittee Updates e. Preview of Upcoming Items + 7. Adjourn **Streamed live on AKL.tv** ---------------------------------------- OTHER MEETINGS JOINT SESSION Feb 26 Monday House Chamber 11:00 AM + Address by Mary Sattler Peltola, U.S. Representative ---------------------------------------- MISCELLANEOUS MEETINGS Feb 26 Monday Butrovich 205 12:00 PM + Lunch & Learn Presentation: Complete Streets Presented by Beth Osborne, Director of Transportation for America and Julius Adolfsson, Active Transportation Planner at DOTPF Sponsored by Senator Kiehl 2024-02-23 Senate Journal Page 1728 MISCELLANEOUS MEETINGS (continued) Feb 26 Monday Davis 106 12:01 PM + Lunch & Learn Presentation: The Alaska Trucking Association will be Presenting on the Trucking Industry in Alaska by Joe Michel, Executive Director, Alaska Trucking Association Kelly Droop, Pape Kenworth Samantha Brown, United Freight & Transport Darren Kessler, Odyssey Alaska Brooke Sillers, Alaska West Express Randy Efrid, Weaver Bros. Sponsored by Senator Myers Feb 27 Tuesday Butrovich 205 12:00 PM + Lunch & Learn Presentation: Alaska Long Trail by Alaska Trails Deputy Director, Haley Johnston Sponsored by Senator Merrick