Legislature(2023 - 2024)
2024-03-15 Senate Journal
Full Journal pdf2024-03-15 Senate Journal Page 1915 SENATE JOURNAL ALASKA STATE LEGISLATURE THIRTY-THIRD LEGISLATURE SECOND SESSION Juneau, Alaska Friday March 15, 2024 Sixtieth Day Pursuant to adjournment the Senate was called to order by President Stevens at 10:51 a.m. The roll showed eighteen members present. Senator Shower was excused from a call of the Senate. Senator Hoffman was absent. The prayer was offered by the Chaplain, Major Shane Halverson, The Salvation Army. Senator Olson moved and asked unanimous consent the prayer be spread. Without objection, it was so ordered. Loving and merciful Lord, thank you for bringing us through this busy and productive week, for the teamwork that has taken place, and for blessing us with the gifts of creativity and problem solving. We are reminded of the knowledge and direction you provide us to improve our lives. We are in awe, daily, of Alaska’s incredible landscape, filled with glaciers, rivers, the rugged terrain, the wonderful wildlife of the land and sea and for the vibrant cultural mosaic of our communities. I thank you for the progress that has already been made regarding healthcare and pray that even more Alaskans would enjoy greater access to quality health services. Continue to give us a strong vision to develop more and maintain our existing infrastructure, our roads, bridges, ports, and utilities. 2024-03-15 Senate Journal Page 1916 We are grateful for the brave police officers, firefighters, paramedics, and emergency responders who have dedicated their lives to serving our communities. We thank you for their sacrifice and I pray for your protection over them as they care for us. Keep them safe from harm and grant them wisdom, courage, and compassion. We are also grateful, once again, for the hard work and dedication of these elected leaders here today. I pray for their success and that you would watch over and protect them. Amen. Senator Stedman led the Senate in the Pledge of Allegiance. Certification Senator Giessel moved and asked unanimous consent the journals for the fifty-eighth and fifty-ninth legislative days be approved as certified by the Secretary. Without objection, it was so ordered. Senator Giessel moved and asked unanimous consent Senator Hoffman be excused from a call of the Senate today. Without objection, Senator Hoffman was excused. Messages from the Governor SB 140 Letter dated March 14 was received: Dear President Stevens: Under the authority vested in me by Article II, Section 15, of the Alaska Constitution, I have vetoed the following bill: 2024-03-15 Senate Journal Page 1917 CSSB 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.” While I support the basic idea of education funding reform, this bill fails to address the innovations necessary to allow Alaskan students to excel. Without a comprehensive plan to address the education issues of the state, simply increasing funding to the current system does nothing to increase the educational outcomes and potential of our youth. The bill ignores the teacher recruitment and retention issues facing the state. Attracting and retaining top quality educators to the state is vital to fulfilling Alaska’s obligation to provide an education to our children. However, due to the uniqueness of Alaska’s geography and the remoteness of some of our schools, we are experiencing a crisis in recruiting and retaining the best teachers for our children. It is imperative that the legislature take direct financial action to incentivize top quality educators to teach and remain in Alaska. The bill also fails to enhance charter school opportunities in a meaningful way. Charter schools are an innovative and proven alternative to traditional education for many children. Education reform is more than funding. True reform must embrace a willingness to provide alternative methods of education to meet the varying needs of our student population. Sincerely, /s/ Mike Dunleavy Governor 2024-03-15 Senate Journal Page 1918 Messages from the House Message dated March 15 was read stating: The House of Representatives respectfully invites the Senate to a Joint Session of the Thirty-Third Alaska Legislature at 2:15 p.m. on Monday, March 18 for the purpose of considering the Governor's veto of Senate Bill 140 (EDU: Internet/Charter/Transp./Funding/BSA). 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. Messages dated March 13 and March 14 were read stating the House passed and transmitted for consideration: First Reading and Reference of House Bills HB 237 HOUSE BILL NO. 237 BY REPRESENTATIVES PRAX, Himschoot, Wright, Saddler, Galvin, Josephson, Rauscher, Carpenter, Ortiz, Tomaszewski, Mears, Tilton, entitled: "An Act relating to temporary permits for nurses with lapsed licenses." was read the first time and referred to the Labor and Commerce Committee. HB 265 HOUSE BILL NO. 265 BY REPRESENTATIVES VANCE, Rauscher, Wright, Carpenter, Josephson, Allard, Gray, Saddler, entitled: "An Act changing the term 'child pornography' to 'child sexual abuse material.'" was read the first time and referred to the State Affairs and Judiciary Committees. 2024-03-15 Senate Journal Page 1919 HB 272 HOUSE BILL NO. 272 BY THE HOUSE RULES COMMITTEE BY REQUEST OF THE GOVERNOR, entitled: "An Act relating to big game hunts for persons with physical disabilities; and providing for an effective date." was read the first time and referred to the Resources Committee. HB 286 CS FOR HOUSE BILL NO. 286(STA) BY THE HOUSE STATE AFFAIRS COMMITTEE, entitled: "An Act relating to victim restitution and compensation." was read the first time and referred to the State Affairs Committee. HB 341 HOUSE BILL NO. 341 BY REPRESENTATIVES CRONK, Rauscher, entitled: "An Act naming the Marvin Thurmond Galena Maintenance and Operation Station." was read the first time and referred to the Transportation Committee. Communications The following reports are on file in the Office of the Secretary of the Senate: Department of Revenue Annual Report on the Constitutional Budget Reserve Fund Calendar Year 2023 in accordance with AS 37.10.430 2024-03-15 Senate Journal Page 1920 Notice of Availability: Alaska Salmon Price and Production Report Calendar Year 2023 in accordance with AS 43.80.060 Alaska Energy Authority Power Cost Equalization Program Statistical Report FY 2023 in accordance with AS 44.83.940 Department of Commerce, Community, and Economic Development Alaska Seafood Marketing Institute Annual Report FY 2023 in accordance with AS 16.51.100 Standing Committee Reports Report dated March 14 was read stating: In accordance with AS 39.05.080, the Health and Social Services Committee held a hearing on the following appointee(s). A signature on this report does not reflect an intent by any of the members to vote for or against the confirmation of the individual(s) during any further sessions. State Medical Board David Paulson Signing the report: Senator Wilson, Chair; Senators Kaufman, Giessel, Dunbar. SB 151 The State Affairs Committee considered SENATE BILL NO. 151 "An Act establishing the Missing and Murdered Indigenous Persons Review Commission; relating to missing and murdered indigenous persons; relating to the duties of the Department of Public Safety; and providing for an effective date" and recommended it be replaced with 2024-03-15 Senate Journal Page 1921 CS FOR SENATE BILL NO. 151(STA) "An Act relating to police officer training; establishing the Missing and Murdered Indigenous Persons Review Commission; relating to missing and murdered indigenous persons; relating to the duties of the Department of Public Safety; and providing for an effective date." Signing amend: Senator Kawasaki, Chair. Signing do pass: Senators Wielechowski, Claman. Signing no recommendation: Senators Bjorkman, Merrick. The following fiscal information was published today: Fiscal Note No. 1, Department of Public Safety The bill was referred to the Finance Committee. SB 181 The Health and Social Services Committee considered SENATE BILL NO. 181 "An Act relating to placement of a child in need of aid; relating to adoption; and providing for an effective date" and recommended it be replaced with CS FOR SENATE BILL NO. 181(HSS) "An Act relating to placement of a child in need of aid; relating to adoption; relating to variances for foster care licenses; and providing for an effective date." Signing no recommendation: Senator Wilson, Chair; Senator Dunbar. Signing do pass: Senators Kaufman, Giessel. The following fiscal information was published today: Fiscal Note No. 1, Department of Administration Fiscal Note No. 2, Department of Administration Fiscal Note No. 3, Department of Family and Community Services Fiscal Note No. 4, indeterminate, Alaska Judiciary System President Stevens added a Finance Committee referral to the bill. The bill was referred to the Finance Committee. 2024-03-15 Senate Journal Page 1922 SB 234 The Labor and Commerce Committee considered SENATE BILL NO. 234 "An Act relating to the Marijuana Control Board; and providing for an effective date." Signing do pass: Senator Bjorkman, Chair; Senators Dunbar, Gray- Jackson. The following fiscal information was published today: Fiscal Note No. 1, Department of Commerce, Community, and Economic Development The bill was referred to the Finance Committee. SB 256 The Community and Regional Affairs Committee considered SENATE BILL NO. 256 "An Act establishing May as Amyotrophic Lateral Sclerosis Awareness Month; and providing for an effective date." Signing do pass: Senator Dunbar, Chair; Senators Gray-Jackson, Bjorkman. The following fiscal information was published today: Fiscal Note No. 1, zero, Office of the Governor The bill was referred to the Rules Committee. Consideration of the Calendar Second Reading of Senate Bills SB 127 SENATE BILL NO. 127 "An Act relating to vehicle rental taxes; relating to the issuance of subpoenas related to tax records; and providing for an effective date" was read the second time. 2024-03-15 Senate Journal Page 1923 Senator Olson, Cochair, moved and asked unanimous consent for the adoption of the Finance Committee Substitute offered on page 1902. Without objection, CS FOR SENATE BILL NO. 127(FIN) was adopted. President Stevens stated CS FOR SENATE BILL NO. 127(FIN) will advance to third reading on the March 18 calendar. Third Reading of Senate Bills SB 161 CS FOR SENATE BILL NO. 161(CRA) "An Act relating to municipal taxation of farm land and farm structures; and providing for an effective date" was read the third time. Senator Bjorkman moved and asked unanimous consent the bill be held in third reading to the March 18 calendar. Without objection, it was so ordered. Second Reading of House Resolutions HJR 20 HOUSE JOINT RESOLUTION NO. 20 Urging withdrawal of proposed Bureau of Land Management regulations affecting the National Petroleum Reserve in Alaska; and urging meaningful engagement with tribes, local governments, and affected communities, was read the second time. Senator Giessel moved and asked unanimous consent the resolution be advanced to third reading and placed on final passage. Without objection, it was so ordered. HOUSE JOINT RESOLUTION NO. 20 was read the third time. The question being: "Shall HOUSE JOINT RESOLUTION NO. 20 Urging withdrawal of proposed Bureau of Land Management regulations affecting the National Petroleum Reserve in Alaska; and urging meaningful engagement with tribes, local governments, and affected communities, pass the Senate?" The roll was taken with the following result: 2024-03-15 Senate Journal Page 1924 HJR 20 Third Reading - Final Passage YEAS: 18 NAYS: 0 EXCUSED: 2 ABSENT: 0 Yeas: Bishop, Bjorkman, Claman, Dunbar, Giessel, Gray-Jackson, Hughes, Kaufman, Kawasaki, Kiehl, Merrick, Myers, Olson, Stedman, Stevens, Tobin, Wielechowski, Wilson Excused: Hoffman, Shower and so, HOUSE JOINT RESOLUTION NO. 20 passed the Senate, was signed by the President and Secretary and returned to the House. Citations In Memoriam - Daphne Gustafson Senator(s) Bishop 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 SB 118 Senators Kaufman, Kawasaki moved and asked unanimous consent to be shown as cosponsors on SENATE BILL NO. 118 "An Act relating to critical and essential minerals and the global energy transition." Without objection, it was so ordered. HB 265 Senators Kiehl, Myers, Hughes, Gray-Jackson, Merrick, Bjorkman, Stevens moved and asked unanimous consent to be shown as cross sponsors on HOUSE BILL NO. 265 "An Act changing the term 'child pornography' to 'child sexual abuse material.'" Without objection, it was so ordered. 2024-03-15 Senate Journal Page 1925 HB 237 Senators Myers, Hughes, Wilson moved and asked unanimous consent to be shown as cross sponsors on HOUSE BILL NO. 237 "An Act relating to temporary permits for nurses with lapsed licenses." Without objection, it was so ordered. 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., March 18, 2024. Without objection, the Senate adjourned at 11:28 a.m. Liz Clark Secretary of the Senate 2024-03-15 Senate Journal Page 1926 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 Mar 19 Tuesday Beltz 105 (tsbldg) 1:30 PM + HB 279 LOCAL BOUNDARY COMMISSION -- Invited & Public Testimony -- + Bills Previously Heard/Scheduled Mar 21 Thursday Beltz 105 (tsbldg) 1:30 PM + Bills Previously Heard/Scheduled ---------------------------------------- EDUCATION Mar 15 Friday Beltz 105 (tsbldg) 3:30 PM -- MEETING CANCELED -- + Bills Previously Heard/Scheduled **Streamed live on AKL.tv** Mar 18 Monday Beltz 105 (tsbldg) 3:30 PM + SB 178 SCHOOL TERMS -- Invited & Public Testimony -- + Bills Previously Heard/Scheduled **Streamed live on AKL.tv** 2024-03-15 Senate Journal Page 1927 EDUCATION (continued) Mar 20 Wednesday Beltz 105 (tsbldg) 3:30 PM + Consideration of Governor’s Appointees - University of Alaska Board of Regents: Seth Church - Fairbanks Stephen Colligan - Wasilla Board of Education and Early Development: Pamela Dupras - Anchorage Barbara Tyndall - Fairbanks Professional Teaching Practices Commission: Michael Robbins - Ketchikan -- Invited & Public Testimony -- + Bills Previously Heard/Scheduled **Streamed live on AKL.tv** Mar 22 Friday Beltz 105 (tsbldg) 3:30 PM + Bills Previously Heard/Scheduled **Streamed live on AKL.tv** ---------------------------------------- FINANCE Mar 15 Friday Senate Finance 532 9:00 AM -- MEETING CANCELED -- + Bills Previously Heard/Scheduled Mar 18 Monday Senate Finance 532 9:00 AM + Presentation: Fiscal Update by Legislative Finance Division + Bills Previously Heard/Scheduled Mar 19 Tuesday Senate Finance 532 9:00 AM + HB 125 TRAPPING CABINS ON STATE LAND -- Testimony <Invitation Only> -- + SB 207 MILITARY AND VETERAN FAMILY HELP DESK -- Testimony <Invitation Only> -- + Bills Previously Heard/Scheduled Mar 20 Wednesday Senate Finance 532 9:00 AM + SB 84 MONEY TRANSMISSION; VIRTUAL CURRENCY -- Testimony <Invitation Only> -- + SB 206 WORKERS' COMP. STAY-AT-WORK PROGRAM -- Testimony <Invitation Only> -- + Bills Previously Heard/Scheduled 2024-03-15 Senate Journal Page 1928 FINANCE (continued) Mar 21 Thursday Senate Finance 532 9:00 AM + SB 151 MISSING/MURDERED INDIGENOUS PEOPLE;REPORT -- Testimony <Invitation Only> -- + Bills Previously Heard/Scheduled Mar 22 Friday Senate Finance 532 9:00 AM + Presentation: Forthcoming Labor Contracts and Monetary Terms by - Department of Administration - Department of Law + Bills Previously Heard/Scheduled ---------------------------------------- HEALTH & SOCIAL SERVICES Mar 19 Tuesday Butrovich 205 3:30 PM + SB 233 CHILD CARE PROVIDER EDUCATION REQUIREMENT += SB 241 MEDICAL ASSIST. DEMONSTRATION PROJECTS + HB 344 MEDICAL ASSIST. DEMONSTRATION PROJECTS <Pending Referral> + Bills Previously Heard/Scheduled Mar 21 Thursday Butrovich 205 3:30 PM + HB 89 CHILD CARE: TAX CREDITS/ASSISTANCE/GRANTS + Bills Previously Heard/Scheduled ---------------------------------------- JUDICIARY Mar 15 Friday Butrovich 205 1:30 PM + Consideration of Governor’s Appointees: Dusty Dumont, Alaska Police Standards Council Rebecca Carrillo & William Craig, State Commission for Human Rights -- Invited & Public Testimony -- + Bills Previously Heard/Scheduled 2024-03-15 Senate Journal Page 1929 JUDICIARY (continued) Mar 18 Monday Butrovich 205 1:30 PM += SB 17 CAMPAIGN CONTRIBUTIONS + SB 134 INS. DATA SECURITY; INFO. SECURITY PRGRMS <Bill Hearing Rescheduled to 03/20/24> -- Invited & Public Testimony -- Consideration of Governor’s Appointees: Richard Larson, State Board of Parole -- Invited & Public Testimony -- + Bills Previously Heard/Scheduled Mar 20 Wednesday Butrovich 205 1:30 PM += SB 60 REPEAL WORKERS' COMP APPEALS COMMISSION + HJR 3 CONCEALED HANDGUN RECIPROCITY B/W STATES -- Invited & Public Testimony -- + Bills Previously Heard/Scheduled: += SB 134 INS. DATA SECURITY; INFO. SECURITY PRGRMS <Bill Hearing Rescheduled from 03/18/24> -- Invited & Public Testimony -- Mar 22 Friday Butrovich 205 1:30 PM += SB 165 DEFENSE OF PUB. OFFICER: ETHICS COMPLAINT + Bills Previously Heard/Scheduled ---------------------------------------- LABOR & COMMERCE Mar 15 Friday Beltz 105 (tsbldg) 1:30 PM += SB 44 NATUROPATHS: LICENSING; PRACTICE -- Testimony <Invitation Only> -- + SB 225 OCCUPATIONAL LICENSING FEES -- Testimony <Invitation Only> -- + SB 237 TAX CREDIT CHILD CARE/UTILITY/HOUSE/FOOD -- Testimony <Invitation Only> -- **Streamed live on AKL.tv** Mar 18 Monday Beltz 105 (tsbldg) 1:30 PM + SB 203 BUSINESS LICENSE FEES -- Testimony <Invitation Only> -- + SB 200 TRS CONTR RATE; PERS SOC SECURITY OR SBS -- Testimony <Invitation Only> -- **Streamed live on AKL.tv** 2024-03-15 Senate Journal Page 1930 LABOR & COMMERCE (continued) Mar 20 Wednesday Beltz 105 (tsbldg) 1:30 PM += SB 196 EMPLOYER DRUG AND ALCOHOL TESTING -- Public Testimony <Time Limit May Be Set> -- += SB 121 PHARMACIES/PHARMACISTS/BENEFITS MANAGERS -- Invited & Public Testimony -- -- Public Testimony <Time Limit May Be Set> -- **Streamed live on AKL.tv** Mar 22 Friday Beltz 105 (tsbldg) 1:30 PM No Meeting Scheduled ---------------------------------------- RESOURCES Mar 15 Friday Butrovich 205 3:30 PM + SB 164 STATE PARK PERMITS FOR DISABLED VETERANS -- Public Testimony -- + SB 175 ELECTRONIC DEVICE RECYCLING -- Testimony <Invitation Only> -- + HB 143 ADVANCED RECYCLING AND FACILITIES -- Testimony <Invitation Only> -- + Bills Previously Heard/Scheduled **Streamed live on AKL.tv** Mar 18 Monday Butrovich 205 3:30 PM += SB 168 COMPENSATION FOR WRONGFULLY SEIZED GAME Presentation: Micro-reactor Pilot Program at Eielson Air Force Base by Ms. Nancy Balkus, Deputy Assistant Secretary of the Air Force for Environment, Safety and Infrastructure + Bills Previously Heard/Scheduled **Streamed live on AKL.tv** Mar 20 Wednesday Butrovich 205 3:30 PM += SB 194 REDUCE ROYALTY ON COOK INLET OIL & GAS -- Public Testimony -- += HB 143 ADVANCED RECYCLING AND FACILITIES -- Public Testimony -- += SB 175 ELECTRONIC DEVICE RECYCLING -- Public Testimony -- + Bills Previously Heard/Scheduled **Streamed live on AKL.tv** 2024-03-15 Senate Journal Page 1931 RESOURCES (continued) Mar 22 Friday Butrovich 205 3:30 PM + Bills Previously Heard/Scheduled **Streamed live on AKL.tv** ---------------------------------------- STATE AFFAIRS Mar 19 Tuesday Beltz 105 (tsbldg) 3:30 PM += SB 195 STATE AGENCY PERFORMANCE IMPROVEMENT -- Public Testimony -- Presentation: Department of Administration Online Checkbook Implementation by TBD + Bills Previously Heard/Scheduled: += SJR 15 CONST. AM: VOTES NEEDED FOR VETO OVERRIDE **Streamed live on AKL.tv** Mar 21 Thursday Beltz 105 (tsbldg) 3:30 PM += SB 185 ESTABLISH AK MILITARY AFFAIRS COMMISSION -- Public Testimony -- += SB 223 ASSISTANT ADJUTANT GENERAL APPOINTMENT -- Public Testimony -- Consideration of Governor’s Appointees: Lt. Governor Successor, Major General Torrence Saxe -- Invited & Public Testimony -- + Bills Previously Heard/Scheduled **Streamed live on AKL.tv** ---------------------------------------- TRANSPORTATION Mar 19 Tuesday Barnes 124 1:30 PM -- Please Note Location Change -- Meeting Jointly with the House Transportation Committee + Presentation: Innovations in Autonomous and Uncrewed Systems by Department of Transportation and Public Facilities 2024-03-15 Senate Journal Page 1932 TRANSPORTATION (continued) Mar 21 Thursday Butrovich 205 1:30 PM + HB 81 VEHICLES/BOATS: TRANSFER ON DEATH TITLE -- Invited & Public Testimony -- += SB 255 OBSTRUCTION OF PUBLIC PLACES; TRESPASSING -- Public Testimony -- + Bills Previously Heard/Scheduled ---------------------------------------- FINANCE SUBCOMMITTEES ADMINISTRATION Mar 19 Tuesday Butrovich 205 5:15 PM + Department of Administration Budget ---------------------------------------- CORRECTIONS Mar 21 Thursday Butrovich 205 5:15 PM + Department of Corrections Budget ---------------------------------------- MILITARY & VETERANS' AFFAIRS Mar 19 Tuesday Beltz 105 (tsbldg) 11:00 AM + Overview: Alaska Military Youth Academy ---------------------------------------- TRANSPORTATION & PUBLIC FACILITIES Mar 19 Tuesday Senate Finance 532 7:30 AM -- Rescheduled from 03/14/24 -- + FY25 AMHS Request ---------------------------------------- OTHER MEETINGS JOINT SESSION Mar 18 Monday House Chamber 2:15 PM + Consideration of the Governor's Veto of SB 140 (EDU: Internet/Charter/Transp./Funding/BSA) 2024-03-15 Senate Journal Page 1933 OTHER MEETINGS (continued) MISCELLANEOUS MEETINGS Mar 19 Tuesday Butrovich 205 12:00 PM + Lunch & Learn Presentation: Housing Alaskans - A Public Private Partnership (HAPPP) Addressing Alaska’s Housing Crisis Through Partnerships, Advocacy, Technical Support and Creative Funding Solutions Presented by Michele Brown and other HAPPP Representatives Sponsored by Senator Dunbar Mar 21 Thursday Butrovich 205 12:00 PM + Lunch & Learn Presentation: The Alaska Just Transition Collective - Aligned Vision for a Just and Equitable Transition Away from an Extractive Economy Into a Resilient One Based in Care Presenters Include: Faith Tyson, Alaska Renewables Doug Tansy, Business Manager of IBEW Local 1547 Wayne Morgan, Aniak Traditional Council Sponsored by Senator Claman, Senator Dunbar, and Representative McCormick