Legislature(2023 - 2024)
2024-04-02 Senate Journal
Full Journal pdf2024-04-02 Senate Journal Page 2047 SENATE JOURNAL ALASKA STATE LEGISLATURE THIRTY-THIRD LEGISLATURE SECOND SESSION Juneau, Alaska Tuesday April 2, 2024 Seventy-eighth Day Pursuant to adjournment the Senate was called to order by President Stevens at 2:04 p.m. The roll showed seventeen members present. Senator Hughes was excused from a call of the Senate. Senators Hoffman, Shower were absent. The prayer was offered by the Chaplain, Father Patrick Casey, Cathedral of the Nativity of the Blessed Virgin Mary. Senator Olson moved and asked unanimous consent the prayer be spread. Without objection, it was so ordered. God of the covenant you pledged your commitment to us into all your creation continue to keep us in your loving care and help us to care for each other as you hear the prayers we make for ourselves and each other to the source of our salvation. Amen. Senator Claman led the Senate in the Pledge of Allegiance. Certification Senator Giessel moved and asked unanimous consent the journals for the seventy-second through the seventy-seventh 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. 2024-04-02 Senate Journal Page 2048 Senator Myers moved and asked unanimous consent Senator Shower be excused from a call of the Senate today. Without objection, Senator Shower was excused. Messages from the Governor Amended Disaster Declaration dated March 28, for the city of Kotzebue and Northwest Arctic Borough, amended to include Individual Assistance and Temporary Housing with necessary administrative and disaster management expenses was received pursuant to AS 26.23.020. The amended declaration and letter had been copied to the Finance Committee Cochairs. Letter dated April 1 was read stating in accordance with Article III, sections 26 and 27 of the Alaska Constitution, and AS 39.05.080, I submit the following appointee(s) for confirmation: Board of Game Jake Garner - Anchorage Appointed: 7/1/2024 Term Expires: 7/1/2027 James Baichtal - Thorne Bay Appointed: 7/1/2024 Term Expires: 7/1/2027 Board of Fisheries Marit Carlson-Van Dort - Anchorage Appointed: 7/1/2021 Term Expires: 7/1/2024 Reappointed: 7/1/2024 Term Expires: 7/1/2027 Curtis Chamberlain - Anchorage Appointed: 7/1/2024 Term Expires: 7/1/2027 The appointments were referred to the Resources Committee. Board of Marine Pilots Andrew Mew - Anchorage Appointed: 3/31/2024 Term Expires: 3/1/2028 The appointment was referred to the Transportation Committee. Board of Barbers and Hairdressers Kevin McKinley - Fairbanks Appointed: 3/31/2024 Term Expires: 3/1/2028 2024-04-02 Senate Journal Page 2049 The appointment was referred to the Labor and Commerce Committee. The resumes for these appointments have been submitted to the Office of the Senate Secretary. Messages from the House Messages dated March 28 and April 1 were read stating the House passed and transmitted for consideration: First Reading and Reference of House Bills HB 155 CS FOR HOUSE BILL NO. 155(FIN) am BY THE HOUSE FINANCE COMMITTEE, entitled: "An Act establishing the Alaska Military Affairs Commission; and relating to the duties and powers of the Alaska Military Affairs Commission." was read the first time and referred to the Finance Committee. HB 253 HOUSE BILL NO. 253 BY REPRESENTATIVE WRIGHT, entitled: "An Act relating to refrigerants designated as acceptable for use under federal law." was read the first time and referred to the Labor and Commerce Committee. Concur Messages SB 46 Message dated March 27 was read stating the House passed and returned for consideration SENATE BILL NO. 46 "An Act establishing the month of March as Brain Injury Awareness Month" with the following amendment(s): 2024-04-02 Senate Journal Page 2050 HOUSE CS FOR SENATE BILL NO. 46(STA) "An Act establishing the month of March as Brain Injury Awareness Month; and providing for an effective date." (technical title change) Standing Committee Reports SB 60 The Judiciary Committee considered SENATE BILL NO. 60 "An Act repealing the Workers' Compensation Appeals Commission; relating to decisions and orders of the Workers' Compensation Appeals Commission; relating to superior court jurisdiction over appeals from Alaska Workers' Compensation Board decisions; repealing Rules 201.1, 401.1, and 501.1, Alaska Rules of Appellate Procedure, and amending Rules 202(a), 204(a) - (c), 210(e), 601(b), 602(c) and (h), and 603(a), Alaska Rules of Appellate Procedure; and providing for an effective date" and recommended it be replaced with CS FOR SENATE BILL NO. 60(JUD) Signing do pass: Senator Claman, Chair; Senator Kiehl. Signing no recommendation: Senators Tobin, Kaufman. The following fiscal information was published today: Fiscal Note No. 3, Department of Labor and Workforce Development Fiscal Note No. 4, zero, Alaska Judiciary System President Stevens added a Finance Committee referral to the bill. The bill was referred to the Finance Committee. Introduction and Reference of Senate Bills SB 262 SENATE BILL NO. 262 BY THE SENATE STATE AFFAIRS COMMITTEE, entitled: 2024-04-02 Senate Journal Page 2051 "An Act relating to the state Artificial Intelligence Task Force; and providing for an effective date." was read the first time and referred to the State Affairs Committee. Consideration of the Calendar Second Reading of Senate Bills SB 154 SENATE BILL NO. 154 "An Act relating to bidder preferences in state procurement" was read the second time. President Stevens stated SENATE BILL NO. 154 will advance to third reading on the April 3 calendar. SB 179 SENATE BILL NO. 179 "An Act prohibiting municipalities from levying a tax on the transfer of real property; prohibiting the state from levying a tax on the transfer of real property; and relating to municipal taxation of mobile telecommunications services" was read the second time. Senator Dunbar, Chair, moved and asked unanimous consent for the adoption of the Community and Regional Affairs Committee Substitute offered on page 1795. Without objection, CS FOR SENATE BILL NO. 179(CRA) was adopted. President Stevens stated CS FOR SENATE BILL NO. 179(CRA) will advance to third reading on the April 3 calendar. Second Reading of Senate Resolutions SCR 9 SENATE CONCURRENT RESOLUTION NO. 9 Recognizing the need for parity in the provision of mental health and substance use disorder medical assistance benefits in the state; and urging the Department of Health to adopt regulations that ensure parity in the provision of mental health and substance use disorder medical assistance benefits in the state, was read the second time. 2024-04-02 Senate Journal Page 2052 Citations Honoring - Megan Eilers Representative(s) Stapp, Carrick Senator(s) Myers Honoring - Joelene Fortin Representative(s) Gray, Groh Senator(s) Tobin In Memoriam - Shad Eric McCune Representative(s) Sumner In Memoriam - Carl Cogland Behnert Representative(s) Story, Hannan Senator(s) Kiehl In Memoriam - Evelyn "Evie" J. Mielke Representative(s) D. Johnson In Memoriam - Maria Greulich Representative(s) Stapp Senator(s) Kawasaki, Bishop In Memoriam - Donald "Don" Martin Representative(s) Stapp, Prax Senator(s) Myers 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 Senator Kawasaki moved and asked unanimous consent to be excused from a call of the Senate on April 5. Without objection, Senator Kawasaki was excused. 2024-04-02 Senate Journal Page 2053 HB 155 Senators Kawasaki, Myers, Dunbar, Bjorkman moved and asked unanimous consent to be shown as cross sponsors on CS FOR HOUSE BILL NO. 155(FIN) am "An Act establishing the Alaska Military Affairs Commission; and relating to the duties and powers of the Alaska Military Affairs Commission." Without objection, it was so ordered. HB 28 Senators Tobin, Gray-Jackson moved and asked unanimous consent to be shown as cross sponsors on CS FOR HOUSE BILL NO. 28(FIN) "An Act restricting the release of certain records of convictions; and providing for an effective date." Without objection, it was so ordered. Announcements SB 174 Senator Dunbar, Chair, moved and asked unanimous consent Uniform Rule 23 be waived on SENATE BILL NO. 174 "An Act relating to the Honor and Remember Flag and the Honor and Sacrifice Flag" for the Community and Regional Affairs Committee meeting on April 4. Without objection, it was so ordered. 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., April 3, 2024. Without objection, the Senate adjourned at 2:17 p.m. Liz Clark Secretary of the Senate 2024-04-02 Senate Journal Page 2054 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 Apr 02 Tuesday Beltz 105 (tsbldg) 1:30 PM No Meeting Scheduled Apr 04 Thursday Beltz 105 (tsbldg) 1:30 PM Presentation: Local Boundary Commission += HCR 8 HONORING VIETNAM WAR VETERANS + SB 252 ARBOR DAY + SB 174 HONOR & REMEMBER/HONOR & SACRIFICE FLAGS Uniform Rule 23(a) Waived + Bills Previously Heard/Scheduled ---------------------------------------- EDUCATION Apr 03 Wednesday Davis 106 8:00 AM -- Please Note Time & Location Change -- Meeting Jointly with the House Education Committee + Presentation: Alaska Board of Education and Early Development by James Fields, State Board Chair DEED Commissioner Deena Bishop Members of the State Board of Education and Early Development + Bills Previously Heard/Scheduled **Streamed live on AKL.tv** 2024-04-02 Senate Journal Page 2055 EDUCATION (continued) Apr 03 Wednesday Beltz 105 (tsbldg) 3:30 PM + Presentation: Summary of the Implementation of the Federal 'Maintenance of Equity' by Austin Reid, Senior Legislative Director for Federal Education Policy, National Conference of State Legislatures -- Testimony <Invitation Only> -- Legislative Finance Division **Streamed live on AKL.tv** + Bills Previously Heard/Scheduled Apr 05 Friday Beltz 105 (tsbldg) 3:30 PM No Meeting Scheduled ---------------------------------------- FINANCE Apr 03 Wednesday Senate Finance 532 9:00 AM + SB 28 WORKPLACE VIOLENCE PROTECTIVE ORDERS -- Testimony <Invitation Only> -- + SB 181 CHILD PLACEMENT; DILIGENT SEARCH -- Testimony <Invitation Only> -- + SB 228 EXTEND BOARD OF MASSAGE THERAPISTS -- Testimony <Time Limit May Be Set> -- -- Invited & Public Testimony -- + SB 234 EXTEND MARIJUANA CONTROL BOARD -- Testimony <Time Limit May Be Set> -- -- Invited & Public Testimony -- + Bills Previously Heard/Scheduled Apr 04 Thursday Senate Finance 532 9:00 AM SB 187 APPROP: CAP; REAPPROP + Bills Previously Heard/Scheduled Apr 04 Thursday Senate Finance 532 1:30 PM -- Please Note Time Change -- + Bills Previously Heard/Scheduled Apr 05 Friday Senate Finance 532 9:00 AM += SB 187 APPROP: CAP; REAPPROP + Bills Previously Heard/Scheduled 2024-04-02 Senate Journal Page 2056 HEALTH & SOCIAL SERVICES Apr 02 Tuesday Butrovich 205 3:30 PM + Bills Previously Heard/Scheduled: += HB 57 EMERGENCY MED. SVCS: REVIEW ORGANIZATIONS += HB 344 MEDICAL ASSIST. DEMONSTRATION PROJECTS Apr 04 Thursday Butrovich 205 3:30 PM + Consideration of Governor’s Appointees: Eric Nimmo, State Medical Board -- Invited & Public Testimony -- Presentation: Department of Health - Child Care Task Force -- Testimony <Invitation Only> -- + Bills Previously Heard/Scheduled: += HB 89 CHILD CARE: TAX CREDITS/ASSISTANCE/GRANTS ---------------------------------------- JUDICIARY Apr 03 Wednesday Butrovich 205 1:30 PM + HB 238 CRIMINAL MISCHIEF 3RD DEGREE -- Invited & Public Testimony -- += SB 165 DEFENSE OF PUB. OFFICER: ETHICS COMPLAINT + Bills Previously Heard/Scheduled Apr 05 Friday Butrovich 205 1:30 PM += SB 134 INS. DATA SECURITY; INFO. SECURITY PRGRMS + Bills Previously Heard/Scheduled ---------------------------------------- LABOR & COMMERCE Apr 03 Wednesday Beltz 105 (tsbldg) 1:30 PM += SB 204 CERT. OF FITNESS: PLUMBERS/ELECTRICIANS -- Invited & Public Testimony -- -- Public Testimony <Time Limit May Be Set> -- += SB 44 NATUROPATHS: LICENSING; PRACTICE -- Testimony <Invitation Only> -- + Bills Previously Heard/Scheduled **Streamed live on AKL.tv** 2024-04-02 Senate Journal Page 2057 LABOR & COMMERCE (continued) Apr 05 Friday Beltz 105 (tsbldg) 1:30 PM Bills Previously Heard/Scheduled: += SB 115 PHYSICIAN ASSISTANT SCOPE OF PRACTICE -- 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> -- += SB 257 ELECTRIC UTILITY REGULATION -- Invited & Public Testimony -- -- Public Testimony <Time Limit May Be Set> -- **Streamed live on AKL.tv** ---------------------------------------- RESOURCES Apr 03 Wednesday Butrovich 205 3:30 PM + Consideration of Governor’s Appointees: Commissioner, Department of Environment Conservation: Emma Pokon Alaska Commercial Fisheries Entry Commission: Michael Porcaro <Above Appointee Removed from Agenda> -- Invited & Public Testimony -- + Presentation: Graphite Creek Project Update by Kevin Torpy, Vice President of Mining, Graphite One Inc. + Presentation: Donlin Project Update by Kristina Woolston, External Affairs Manager, Donlin Gold + SB 253 DNR BIG GAME HUNTING PRGRM/PILOT PROJECT <Bill Hearing Canceled> -- Testimony <Invitation Only> -- + Bills Previously Heard/Scheduled **Streamed live on AKL.tv** Apr 05 Friday Butrovich 205 3:30 PM + Presentation: Achieving an 80% Renewable Portfolio in Alaska's Railbelt by Paul Denholm, Senior Research Fellow, National Renewable Energy Laboratory + Bills Previously Heard/Scheduled **Streamed live on AKL.tv** 2024-04-02 Senate Journal Page 2058 STATE AFFAIRS Apr 02 Tuesday Beltz 105 (tsbldg) 3:30 PM + Consideration of Governor’s Appointees: Personnel Board - Donald Handeland <Above Item Rescheduled to 4/4/24> Consideration of Governor’s Appointees: Alaska Police Standards Council - Ron Dupee Dusty Dumont Jeff Brown + Bills Previously Heard/Scheduled **Streamed live on AKL.tv** Apr 04 Thursday Beltz 105 (tsbldg) 3:30 PM += SB 201 OFFICE OF INFORMATION TECHNOLOGY -- Public Testimony -- += SB 177 AI, DEEPFAKES, CYBERSECURITY, DATA XFERS + SB 262 ARTIFICIAL INTELLIGENCE TASK FORCE Consideration of Governor’s Appointees: Donald Handeland <Above Item Rescheduled from 4/2/24> -- Public Testimony -- + Bills Previously Heard/Scheduled **Streamed live on AKL.tv** ---------------------------------------- TRANSPORTATION Apr 02 Tuesday Butrovich 205 1:30 PM No Meeting Scheduled Apr 04 Thursday Butrovich 205 1:30 PM += HJR 19 PORT MACKENZIE & NORTHERN RAIL EXTENSIONS -- Invited & Public Testimony -- SENATE BILL: ROADS & HIGHWAYS ADVISOR BOARD AND THE STATEWIDE TRANSPORTATION IMPROVEMENT PLAN <Pending Introduction & Referral> 2024-04-02 Senate Journal Page 2059 FINANCE SUBCOMMITTEES ADMINISTRATION Apr 11 Thursday Butrovich 205 5:30 PM + Budget Closeout ---------------------------------------- CORRECTIONS Apr 11 Thursday Butrovich 205 5:45 PM + Budget Closeout ---------------------------------------- ENVIRONMENTAL CONSERVATION Apr 10 Wednesday Beltz 105 (tsbldg) 12:00 PM + Overview: Department of Environmental Conservation Senate Finance Subcommittee Closeout ---------------------------------------- JUDICIARY Apr 11 Thursday Butrovich 205 5:15 PM + Budget Closeout ---------------------------------------- LABOR & WORKFORCE DEVELOPMENT Apr 11 Thursday Senate Finance 532 7:30 AM + FY25 Budget Closeout ---------------------------------------- MILITARY & VETERANS' AFFAIRS Apr 10 Wednesday Beltz 105 (tsbldg) 12:20 PM + Overview: Department of Military and Veterans' Affairs Senate Finance Subcommittee Closeout 2024-04-02 Senate Journal Page 2060 FINANCE SUBCOMMITTEES (continued) NATURAL RESOURCES Apr 04 Thursday Senate Finance 532 7:30 AM + FY25 Budget Closeout ---------------------------------------- REVENUE Apr 10 Wednesday Beltz 105 (tsbldg) 12:40 PM + Overview: Department of Revenue Senate Finance Subcommittee Closeout ---------------------------------------- TRANSPORTATION & PUBLIC FACILITIES Apr 09 Tuesday Senate Finance 532 7:30 AM + FY25 Closeout ---------------------------------------- JOINT COMMITTEES 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 2024-04-02 Senate Journal Page 2061 JOINT COMMITTEES (continued) SELECT COMMITTEE ON LEGISLATIVE ETHICS Apr 04 Thursday Barnes 124 9:00 AM -- Please Note Time Change -- + I. Update on Committee Member Nominees/Welcome Members + II. Approval of the Agenda + III. Approval of the Minutes a. House Subcommittee - November 29, 2023 IV. Public Comment + V. Chairs/Staff Reports a. Revised Staff Report - February 16, 2024 b. Staff Report - Informal Advice + VI. Budget + VII. Advisory Opinion a. AO 24-01 b. AO 24-02 Confidentiality Waived by Representative Eastman VIII. Executive Session IX. Public Session X. Other Business (Public Segment of the Meeting will be Teleconferenced) Anchorage Only: 907-563-9085 Juneau Only: 907-586-9085 Outside Anchorage or Juneau: 1-844-586-9085 ---------------------------------------- OTHER MEETINGS MISCELLANEOUS MEETINGS Apr 03 Wednesday Butrovich 205 12:00 PM + Lunch & Learn Presentation: The Presentation will Explore the Shared Commercial Kitchen "Incubator" Model by Kirk Rose, CEO of Anchorage Community Land Trust Sponsored by Senator Dunbar & Representative Mina