Legislature(2023 - 2024)
2024-03-25 Senate Journal
Full Journal pdf2024-03-25 Senate Journal Page 1997 SENATE JOURNAL ALASKA STATE LEGISLATURE THIRTY-THIRD LEGISLATURE SECOND SESSION Juneau, Alaska Monday March 25, 2024 Seventieth 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 Gray-Jackson was excused from a call of the Senate. The prayer was offered by the Chaplain, Reverend Karen Perkins, Resurrection Lutheran Church. Senator Hoffman moved and asked unanimous consent the prayer be spread. Without objection, it was so ordered. God of all that exists, you lavish the earth with extravagant beauty. Renew your good creation and protect the balance of life on earth, preserving the rich and complex diversity of living things. Encourage the work of foresters, scientists, arborists, oceanographers, and river keepers. Support local, national, and international efforts to protect the environment for future generations. God of the nations, you desire peace and plenty for all people. Defend those who challenge oppression and expose corruption. Support advocates for human rights, social justice, and the welfare of children, establishing peace and justice among the nations. Hold to account any with authority to judge treaties or those we may consider “others.” Grant that courts, legislatures, and local governments will serve with integrity and compassion. 2024-03-25 Senate Journal Page 1998 Trusting in your goodness, I pray in your Holy Name. Amen. Senator Bishop led the Senate in the Pledge of Allegiance. Certification Senator Giessel moved and asked unanimous consent the journals for the sixty-seventh through sixty-ninth legislative days be approved as certified by the Secretary. Without objection, it was so ordered. Messages from the House Message dated March 22 was read stating the House passed and transmitted for consideration: First Reading and Reference of House Bills HB 17 CS FOR HOUSE BILL NO. 17(HSS) am(efd fld) BY THE HOUSE HEALTH AND SOCIAL SERVICES COMMITTEE, entitled: "An Act relating to insurance coverage for contraceptives and related services; and relating to medical assistance coverage for contraceptives and related services." was read the first time and referred to the Health and Social Services and Labor and Commerce Committees. Standing Committee Reports SB 185 The State Affairs Committee considered SENATE BILL NO. 185 "An Act establishing the Alaska Military Affairs Commission; and relating to the duties and powers of the Alaska Military Affairs Commission" and recommended it be replaced with 2024-03-25 Senate Journal Page 1999 CS FOR SENATE BILL NO. 185(STA) Signing do pass: Senator Kawasaki, Chair; Senators Claman, Bjorkman. Signing no recommendation: Senators Wielechowski, Merrick. The following fiscal information was published today: Fiscal Note No. 1, Office of the Governor The bill was referred to the Finance Committee. HB 193 The Finance Committee considered HOUSE BILL NO. 193 "An Act relating to funding for Internet services for school districts; and providing for an effective date." Signing do pass: Senators Stedman, Hoffman, Olson, Cochairs; Senators Kiehl, Merrick, Bishop. Signing no recommendation: Senator Wilson. The following previously published fiscal information applies: Fiscal Note No. 1, Department of Education and Early Development The bill is on today's calendar. Consideration of the Calendar Second Reading of House Bills HB 193 HOUSE BILL NO. 193 "An Act relating to funding for Internet services for school districts; and providing for an effective date" was read the second time. Senator Shower offered Amendment No. 1 : Page 1, following line 9: Insert a new bill section to read: 2024-03-25 Senate Journal Page 2000 "* Sec. 2. AS 14.03.127 is amended by adding a new subsection to read: (d) If the total cost to a school district for Internet services from an Internet services provider that provides more than 100 megabits of download a second is equal to or less than the amount that would have been awarded to the school under (a) or (b) of this section, the school district is eligible to receive an amount equal to the actual cost for Internet services, up to the amount that the school district would have been awarded under (a) or (b) of this section." Renumber the following bill section accordingly. Senator Shower moved for the adoption of Amendment No. 1. Objections were heard. The question being: "Shall Amendment No. 1 be adopted?" The roll was taken with the following result: HB 193 Second Reading Amendment No. 1? YEAS: 3 NAYS: 16 EXCUSED: 1 ABSENT: 0 Yeas: Hughes, Myers, Shower Nays: Bishop, Bjorkman, Claman, Dunbar, Giessel, Hoffman, Kaufman, Kawasaki, Kiehl, Merrick, Olson, Stedman, Stevens, Tobin, Wielechowski, Wilson Excused: Gray-Jackson and so, Amendment No. 1 failed. Senator Giessel moved and asked unanimous consent the bill be advanced to third reading and placed on final passage. Without objection, it was so ordered. HOUSE BILL NO. 193 was read the third time. 2024-03-25 Senate Journal Page 2001 The question being: "Shall HOUSE BILL NO. 193 "An Act relating to funding for Internet services for school districts; and providing for an effective date" pass the Senate?" The roll was taken with the following result: HB 193 Third Reading - Final Passage Effective Date(s) YEAS: 18 NAYS: 1 EXCUSED: 1 ABSENT: 0 Yeas: Bishop, Bjorkman, Claman, Dunbar, Giessel, Hoffman, Hughes, Kaufman, Kawasaki, Kiehl, Merrick, Myers, Olson, Stedman, Stevens, Tobin, Wielechowski, Wilson Nays: Shower Excused: Gray-Jackson and so, HOUSE BILL NO. 193 passed the Senate. Senator Giessel moved and asked unanimous consent the vote on the passage of the bill be considered the vote on the effective date clause(s). Without objection, it was so ordered and the bill was signed by the President and Secretary and returned to the House. Third Reading of Senate Bills SB 256 SENATE BILL NO. 256 "An Act establishing May as Amyotrophic Lateral Sclerosis Awareness Month; and providing for an effective date" was read the third time. The question being: "Shall SENATE BILL NO. 256 "An Act establishing May as Amyotrophic Lateral Sclerosis Awareness Month; and providing for an effective date" pass the Senate?" The roll was taken with the following result: SB 256 Third Reading - Final Passage Effective Date(s) YEAS: 19 NAYS: 0 EXCUSED: 1 ABSENT: 0 2024-03-25 Senate Journal Page 2002 Yeas: Bishop, Bjorkman, Claman, Dunbar, Giessel, Hoffman, Hughes, Kaufman, Kawasaki, Kiehl, Merrick, Myers, Olson, Shower, Stedman, Stevens, Tobin, Wielechowski, Wilson Excused: Gray-Jackson and so, SENATE BILL NO. 256 passed the Senate. Senator Giessel moved and asked unanimous consent the vote on the passage of the bill be considered the vote on the effective date clause(s). Without objection, it was so ordered and the bill was referred to the Secretary for engrossment. Citations Honoring - Matanuska-Susitna Borough 60th Anniversary Senator(s) Wilson Representative(s) Sumner Honoring - Rolland Benn-Ingles Curtis Representative(s) Ortiz Senator(s) Stedman Honoring - Kodiak High School Shakesbears Drama, Debate, and Forensics Team Division I State Champions Representative(s) Stutes Senator(s) Stevens Senator Giessel moved and asked unanimous consent the citations be adopted. Without objection, the citations were adopted and referred to the Secretary for transmittal. Unfinished Business HB 17 Senators Tobin, Kawasaki, Kiehl, Dunbar, Claman moved and asked unanimous consent to be shown as cross sponsors on CS FOR HOUSE BILL NO. 17(HSS) am(efd fld) "An Act relating to insurance coverage for contraceptives and related services; and relating to medical assistance coverage for contraceptives and related services." Without objection, it was so ordered. 2024-03-25 Senate Journal Page 2003 Announcements Announcements are at the end of the journal. Engrossment SB 256 SENATE BILL NO. 256 "An Act establishing May as Amyotrophic Lateral Sclerosis Awareness Month; and providing for an effective date" was engrossed, signed by the President and Secretary and transmitted to the House for consideration. Adjournment Senator Giessel moved and asked unanimous consent the Senate stand in adjournment until 10:30 a.m., March 27, 2024. Without objection, the Senate adjourned at 12:01 p.m. Liz Clark Secretary of the Senate 2024-03-25 Senate Journal Page 2004 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 26 Tuesday Beltz 105 (tsbldg) 1:30 PM + HCR 8 HONORING VIETNAM WAR VETERANS + Bills Previously Heard/Scheduled Mar 28 Thursday Beltz 105 (tsbldg) 1:30 PM No Meeting Scheduled ---------------------------------------- EDUCATION Mar 25 Monday Beltz 105 (tsbldg) 3:30 PM + SB 178 SCHOOL TERMS -- Invited & Public Testimony -- + Bills Previously Heard/Scheduled **Streamed live on AKL.tv** Mar 27 Wednesday Beltz 105 (tsbldg) 3:30 PM -- MEETING CANCELED -- + Bills Previously Heard/Scheduled **Streamed live on AKL.tv** Mar 29 Friday Beltz 105 (tsbldg) 3:30 PM No Meeting Scheduled 2024-03-25 Senate Journal Page 2005 FINANCE Mar 25 Monday Senate Finance 532 9:00 AM += HB 193 INTERNET FOR SCHOOLS + SB 259 COMPENSATION FOR CERTAIN STATE EMPLOYEES += SB 113 REAA FUND: MT. EDGECUMBE, TEACHER HOUSING + SB 73 REGISTER INTERIOR DESIGNERS -- Testimony <Invitation Only> -- + Bills Previously Heard/Scheduled Mar 26 Tuesday Senate Finance 532 9:00 AM + Presentation: Federal Infrastructure Funding Update by Shareen Crosby, Infrastructure Investment Coordinator + Bills Previously Heard/Scheduled ---------------------------------------- HEALTH & SOCIAL SERVICES Mar 26 Tuesday Butrovich 205 3:30 PM + SB 231 MINORS & RESIDENT PSYCH TREATMENT CENTERS -- Invited & Public Testimony -- + Bills Previously Heard/Scheduled: += SCR 9 MENTAL HEALTH/SUBSTANCE ASSISTANCE PARITY Mar 28 Thursday Butrovich 205 3:30 PM No Meeting Scheduled ---------------------------------------- JUDICIARY Mar 25 Monday Butrovich 205 1:30 PM += HJR 3 CONCEALED HANDGUN RECIPROCITY B/W STATES + SB 258 CRIM. CONV. OVERTURNED: RECEIVE PAST PFD -- Invited & Public Testimony -- + Bills Previously Heard/Scheduled Mar 27 Wednesday Butrovich 205 1:30 PM += SB 60 REPEAL WORKERS' COMP APPEALS COMMISSION -- Testimony <Invitation Only> -- += HB 28 ACCESS TO MARIJUANA CONVICTION RECORDS + Bills Previously Heard/Scheduled 2024-03-25 Senate Journal Page 2006 JUDICIARY (continued) Mar 29 Friday Butrovich 205 1:30 PM No Meeting Scheduled ---------------------------------------- LABOR & COMMERCE Mar 25 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> -- + SB 153 OVERTIME PAY EXEMPTION -- Testimony <Invitation Only> -- **Streamed live on AKL.tv** Mar 27 Wednesday Beltz 105 (tsbldg) 1:30 PM + SB 239 AIDEA WORKFORCE HOUSING DEVELOPMENT -- Testimony <Invitation Only> -- += SB 257 ELECTRIC UTILITY REGULATION -- Testimony <Invitation Only> -- + Bills Previously Heard/Scheduled: += SB 154 BIDDER PREF MILITARY CAREER SKILLS PROG -- Invited & Public Testimony -- -- Testimony <Time Limit May Be Set> -- **Streamed live on AKL.tv** Mar 29 Friday Beltz 105 (tsbldg) 1:30 PM No Meeting Scheduled ---------------------------------------- RESOURCES Mar 25 Monday Butrovich 205 3:30 PM += SB 217 INTEGRATED TRANSMISSION SYSTEMS -- Testimony <Invitation Only> -- + Bills Previously Heard/Scheduled **Streamed live on AKL.tv** Mar 27 Wednesday Butrovich 205 3:30 PM No Meeting Scheduled 2024-03-25 Senate Journal Page 2007 RESOURCES (continued) Mar 29 Friday Butrovich 205 3:30 PM No Meeting Scheduled ---------------------------------------- STATE AFFAIRS Mar 26 Tuesday Beltz 105 (tsbldg) 3:30 PM No Meeting Scheduled Mar 28 Thursday Beltz 105 (tsbldg) 3:30 PM + Bills Previously Heard/Scheduled **Streamed live on AKL.tv** ---------------------------------------- TRANSPORTATION Mar 26 Tuesday Butrovich 205 1:30 PM + HB 341 MARVIN THURMOND GALENA MAINT. STATION + Bills Previously Heard/Scheduled: += HB 81 VEHICLES/BOATS: TRANSFER ON DEATH TITLE += SB 255 OBSTRUCTION OF PUBLIC PLACES; TRESPASSING Mar 28 Thursday Butrovich 205 1:30 PM No Meeting Scheduled ---------------------------------------- FINANCE SUBCOMMITTEES ADMINISTRATION Apr 11 Thursday Butrovich 205 5:30 PM + Budget Closeout ---------------------------------------- COMMERCE, COMMUNITY & ECONOMIC DEV Mar 27 Wednesday Senate Finance 532 12:15 PM + Department of Commerce, Community & Economic Development Budget **Streamed live on AKL.tv** 2024-03-25 Senate Journal Page 2008 FINANCE SUBCOMMITTEES (continued) CORRECTIONS Apr 11 Thursday Butrovich 205 5:45 PM + Budget Closeout ---------------------------------------- FISH & GAME Mar 26 Tuesday Senate Finance 532 12:15 PM + Department of Fish & Game Budget **Streamed live on AKL.tv** ---------------------------------------- JUDICIARY Apr 11 Thursday Butrovich 205 5:15 PM + Budget Closeout ---------------------------------------- TRANSPORTATION & PUBLIC FACILITIES Mar 26 Tuesday Senate Finance 532 7:30 AM + FY25 Budget ---------------------------------------- JOINT COMMITTEES JOINT ARMED SERVICES COMMITTEE Mar 26 Tuesday Senate Finance 532 3:15 PM + Presentation: Update on Military Activity in Alaska by Lieutenant General David S. Nahom, Commander, Alaskan Command, United States Northern Command; Commander, Eleventh Air Force, Pacific Air Forces; and Commander, North American Aerospace Defense Command Region, North American Aerospace Defense Command, Joint Base Elmendorf-Richardson, Alaska (Continued on Next Page) 2024-03-25 Senate Journal Page 2009 JOINT COMMITTEES (continued) JOINT ARMED SERVICES COMMITTEE (continued) (Continued from Previous Page) Brigadier General Thomas E. Burke, 11th Airborne Division Deputy Commander for Support, US Army Alaska Captain John D. Cole, Chief of Staff, District 17 United States Coast Guard Rear Admiral Mark B. Sucato, Commander, Navy Region Northwest George Tolar and Team, Alaska Command (ALCOM) Craig Fleener, Deputy Director Ted Stevens Center for Alaska Security Studies Lieutenant General (AK) Torrence W. Saxe, Adjutant General of the Alaska Department of Military and Veterans Affairs ---------------------------------------- LEGISLATIVE BUDGET & AUDIT Apr 04 Thursday Adams 519 5:00 PM + I. Approval of Minutes a. March 6, 2024 II. Executive Session (Audit) a. Preliminary Release of the FY23 State Single Audit Juneau (907) 586-9085, Anchorage (907) 563-9085 All other 844-586-9085 ---------------------------------------- OTHER MEETINGS MISCELLANEOUS MEETINGS Mar 25 Monday Beltz 105 (tsbldg) 6:00 PM + Alaska Children's Caucus Organizational Meeting Presentation: How States Have Used Early Childhood Caucuses by Dan Wuori, Senior Early Childhood Advisor, The Hunt Institute **Streamed live on AKL.tv** 2024-03-25 Senate Journal Page 2010 OTHER MEETINGS (continued) MISCELLANEOUS MEETINGS (continued) Mar 26 Tuesday Butrovich 205 12:00 PM + Lunch & Learn Presentation: Global Military Outlook: What's Going On Around the World and its Impact to Alaska Presented by the Joint Staff of the National Guard Sponsored by Senator Kawasaki and Representative Shaw