Legislature(2023 - 2024)
2024-04-04 Senate Journal
Full Journal pdf2024-04-04 Senate Journal Page 2081 SENATE JOURNAL ALASKA STATE LEGISLATURE THIRTY-THIRD LEGISLATURE SECOND SESSION Juneau, Alaska Thursday April 4, 2024 Eightieth Day Pursuant to adjournment the Senate was called to order by President Stevens at 11:02 a.m. The roll showed sixteen members present. Senator Gray-Jackson was excused from a call of the Senate. Senators Shower, Tobin, Wilson were absent. The prayer was offered by the Chaplain, Reverend Fred LaPlante, Church of the Nazarene. Senator Hoffman moved and asked unanimous consent the prayer be spread. Without objection, it was so ordered. Father, I thank you for these leaders who gathered today to advocate for the State of Alaska and its people. I lift them to you and ask that you grant them your wisdom and grace to do the work of legislation. Please help them work through the difficulties they face in leading the State of Alaska. Help them to remember when they first came to the office they desired to help others, to right wrongs and to make Alaska a more beautiful place. I ask you to help them with any difficulties they face, either professionally or personally. When they struggle to see the way through an issue, please help them to focus on the issue and not the distractions whatever they may be. In the name of Jesus, I pray. Amen. 2024-04-04 Senate Journal Page 2082 Senator Giessel led the Senate in the Pledge of Allegiance. Certification Senator Giessel moved and asked unanimous consent the journal for the seventy-ninth legislative day, Senate Journal Supplement No. 8 and House and Senate Joint Journal Supplement No. 17 be approved as certified by the Secretary. Without objection, it was so ordered. Senator Giessel moved and asked unanimous consent Senator Tobin be excused from a call of the Senate today. Without objection, Senator Tobin was excused. 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 House Message dated April 3 was read stating the House passed and transmitted for consideration: First Reading and Reference of House Resolutions HCR 15 HOUSE CONCURRENT RESOLUTION NO. 15 BY THE HOUSE HEALTH AND SOCIAL SERVICES COMMITTEE, Designating May 2024 as Mental Health Awareness Month; and designating May 5 - 11, 2024, as Tardive Dyskinesia Awareness Week. was read the first time and referred to the Health and Social Services Committee. 2024-04-04 Senate Journal Page 2083 Standing Committee Reports Report dated April 3 was read stating: In accordance with AS 39.05.080, the Resources 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. Commissioner, Department of Environmental Conservation Emma Pokon Signing the report: Senators Bishop, Giessel, Cochairs; Senators Dunbar, Kaufman, Kawasaki, Claman, Wielechowski. SB 204 The Labor and Commerce Committee considered SENATE BILL NO. 204 "An Act relating to the issuance of certificates of fitness for plumbers and electricians; relating to fees for certificates of fitness for plumbers and electricians; and providing for an effective date." Signing no recommendation: Senator Bjorkman, Chair; Senator Merrick. Signing do pass: Senators Dunbar, Gray-Jackson. The following fiscal information was published today: Fiscal Note No. 2, Department of Labor and Workforce Development The bill was referred to the Finance Committee. SB 228 The Finance Committee considered SENATE BILL NO. 228 "An Act extending the termination date of the Board of Massage Therapists; and providing for an effective date." Signing do pass: Senator Olson, Cochair; Senators Kiehl, Merrick, Bishop. Signing no recommendation: Senator Stedman, Cochair. 2024-04-04 Senate Journal Page 2084 The following previously published fiscal information applies: Fiscal Note No. 1, Department of Commerce, Community, and Economic Development The bill was referred to the Rules Committee. Consideration of the Calendar Citations Honoring - United Fishermen of Alaska Senator(s) Stevens, Kiehl, Bjorkman Representative(s) Stutes Honoring - Chugiak High School 60th Anniversary Senator(s) Merrick Representative(s) Saddler Honoring - Chief Thomas R. Opie Senator(s) Olson Representative(s) Baker Honoring - Lora Volden Representative(s) Saddler Honoring - Alan Rockwood Representative(s) Ortiz Honoring - Metlakatla High School Miss Chiefs Girls' Basketball Team 2024 ASAA 2A State Champions Representative(s) Ortiz Senator(s) Stedman Honoring - Alaska Broadcasters Association 60th Anniversary Representative(s) Galvin Senator(s) Gray-Jackson In Memoriam - Bob Summer Senator(s) Bjorkman 2024-04-04 Senate Journal Page 2085 In Memoriam - Steven Ross Gibson Senator(s) Stevens, Bjorkman Representative(s) Vance In Memoriam - Juliana Mary "Emuguak" & Howard Farley, Sr. Representative(s) Foster, Cronk Senator(s) Olson 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 SB 131 Senator Dunbar moved and asked unanimous consent to be shown as a cosponsor on SENATE BILL NO. 131 "An Act requiring education in the history and contributions of Asian Americans and Pacific Islanders." 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., April 8, 2024. Without objection, the Senate adjourned at 11:17 a.m. Sarah Ritter Deputy Senate Secretary 2024-04-04 Senate Journal Page 2086 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 04 Thursday Beltz 105 (tsbldg) 1:30 PM + Presentation: Local Boundary Commission += HCR 8 HONORING VIETNAM WAR VETERANS + SB 252 ARBOR DAY <Above Item Removed from Agenda> + SB 174 HONOR & REMEMBER/HONOR & SACRIFICE FLAGS -- Invited & Public Testimony -- Uniform Rule 23(a) Waived + Bills Previously Heard/Scheduled Apr 09 Tuesday Beltz 105 (tsbldg) 1:30 PM += HCR 8 HONORING VIETNAM WAR VETERANS + SJR 20 WEATHER OBSERVING SYSTEM STATION OUTAGES -- Invited & Public Testimony -- + Bills Previously Heard/Scheduled Apr 11 Thursday Beltz 105 (tsbldg) 1:30 PM + Bills Previously Heard/Scheduled ---------------------------------------- EDUCATION Apr 05 Friday Beltz 105 (tsbldg) 3:30 PM No Meeting Scheduled 2024-04-04 Senate Journal Page 2087 EDUCATION (continued) Apr 08 Monday Beltz 105 (tsbldg) 3:30 PM -- Testimony <Invitation Only> -- + Presentation: Education Funding Research Review and Legal Considerations by Justin Silverstein, CO-CEO of APA Consultants Dr. Larry Picus, Professor of Education, Finance and Policy at the University of Southern California Howard Trickey, Attorney with Schwabe, Williamson & Wyatt + Bills Previously Heard/Scheduled **Streamed live on AKL.tv** Apr 10 Wednesday Beltz 105 (tsbldg) 3:30 PM += SB 221 CPR CURRICULUM += SB 158 SCHOOL GRANTS AND BOND DEBT REIMBURSEMENT + SB 143 EDUCATION FOR DEAF & HEARING IMPAIRED -- Invited & Public Testimony -- + Bills Previously Heard/Scheduled **Streamed live on AKL.tv** Apr 12 Friday Beltz 105 (tsbldg) 3:30 PM + Briefing on the Federal "Maintenance of Equity" Requirements -- Testimony <Invitation Only> -- + Bills Previously Heard/Scheduled **Streamed live on AKL.tv** ---------------------------------------- FINANCE Apr 04 Thursday Senate Finance 532 9:00 AM SB 187 APPROP: CAP; REAPPROP <Bill Hearing Canceled> + Bills Previously Heard/Scheduled: += SB 234 EXTEND MARIJUANA CONTROL BOARD -- Invited & Public Testimony -- += SB 243 ALASKA ENERGY AUTHORITY GOVERNANCE -- Above Item Removed from Agenda -- += SB 228 EXTEND BOARD OF MASSAGE THERAPISTS 2024-04-04 Senate Journal Page 2088 FINANCE (continued) Apr 04 Thursday Senate Finance 532 1:30 PM -- MEETING CANCELED -- -- 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 Apr 08 Monday Senate Finance 532 9:00 AM No Meeting Scheduled Apr 09 Tuesday Senate Finance 532 9:00 AM + SB 60 REPEAL WORKERS' COMP APPEALS COMMISSION -- Invited & Public Testimony -- <Time Limit May Be Set> + SB 182 EXTEND BIG GAME COMM SERVICES BOARD -- Invited & Public Testimony -- <Time Limit May Be Set> + SJR 15 CONST. AM: VOTES NEEDED FOR VETO OVERRIDE -- Testimony <Invitation Only> -- + Bills Previously Heard/Scheduled Apr 09 Tuesday Senate Finance 532 1:30 PM -- Please Note Time Change -- + Bills Previously Heard/Scheduled Apr 10 Wednesday Senate Finance 532 9:00 AM + Overview: Governor's Amendments by Office of Management and Budget Department of Transportation + Bills Previously Heard/Scheduled Apr 10 Wednesday Senate Finance 532 1:30 PM -- Please Note Time Change -- += SB 187 APPROP: CAP; REAPPROP + Bills Previously Heard/Scheduled Apr 11 Thursday Senate Finance 532 9:00 AM + Bills Previously Heard/Scheduled 2024-04-04 Senate Journal Page 2089 FINANCE (continued) Apr 11 Thursday Senate Finance 532 1:30 PM -- Please Note Time Change -- + Bills Previously Heard/Scheduled Apr 12 Friday Senate Finance 532 9:00 AM + Bills Previously Heard/Scheduled ---------------------------------------- HEALTH & SOCIAL SERVICES 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 <Above Item Removed from Agenda> += HB 57 EMERGENCY MED. SVCS: REVIEW ORGANIZATIONS += SB 240 SCHOOL DISTRICT MEDICAL ASSISTANCE Apr 09 Tuesday Butrovich 205 3:30 PM No Meeting Scheduled Apr 11 Thursday Butrovich 205 3:30 PM + Presentation: Department of Health - Behavioral Health Roadmap for Alaska Youth -- Testimony <Invitation Only> -- + HB 371 MEDICAL REVIEW ORGANIZATIONS -- Invited & Public Testimony -- + HCR 15 MENTAL HEALTH MONTH; TARDIVE DYSK WEEK + Bills Previously Heard/Scheduled ---------------------------------------- JUDICIARY Apr 05 Friday Butrovich 205 1:30 PM += SB 134 INS. DATA SECURITY; INFO. SECURITY PRGRMS + Bills Previously Heard/Scheduled 2024-04-04 Senate Journal Page 2090 JUDICIARY (continued) Apr 08 Monday Butrovich 205 1:30 PM + Bills Previously Heard/Scheduled Apr 10 Wednesday Butrovich 205 1:30 PM += SB 258 CRIM. CONV. OVERTURNED: RECEIVE PAST PFD + SB 255 OBSTRUCTION OF PUBLIC PLACES; TRESPASSING -- Invited & Public Testimony -- + Bills Previously Heard/Scheduled Apr 12 Friday Butrovich 205 1:30 PM += SB 20 APPROPRIATION LIMIT; GOV BUDGET += SJR 4 CONST. AM: APPROP LIMIT += SB 165 DEFENSE OF PUB. OFFICER: ETHICS COMPLAINT + Bills Previously Heard/Scheduled ---------------------------------------- LABOR & COMMERCE 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** Apr 08 Monday Beltz 105 (tsbldg) 1:30 PM += SB 102 REFUSE UTILITY REGULATIONS -- Invited & Public Testimony -- -- Testimony <Time Limit May Be Set> -- += SB 219 PRIOR AUTH EXEMPT FOR HEALTH PROVIDERS -- Invited & Public Testimony -- -- Testimony <Time Limit May Be Set> -- + HB 97 SELF-STORAGE UNITS: LIENS; SALES -- Testimony <Invitation Only> -- **Streamed live on AKL.tv** 2024-04-04 Senate Journal Page 2091 LABOR & COMMERCE (continued) Apr 10 Wednesday Beltz 105 (tsbldg) 1:30 PM += SB 152 COMMUNITY ENERGY FACILITIES; NET METERING -- Invited & Public Testimony -- -- Testimony <Time Limit May Be Set> -- += SB 257 ELECTRIC UTILITY REGULATION -- Invited & Public Testimony -- -- Testimony <Time Limit May Be Set> -- **Streamed live on AKL.tv** Apr 12 Friday Beltz 105 (tsbldg) 1:30 PM += SB 239 AIDEA WORKFORCE HOUSING DEVELOPMENT -- Invited & Public Testimony -- -- Testimony <Time Limit May Be Set> -- += SB 211 AGRICULTURAL PRODUCTS/LOANS/SALES -- Invited & Public Testimony -- -- Testimony <Time Limit May Be Set> -- **Streamed live on AKL.tv** ---------------------------------------- RESOURCES 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** Apr 08 Monday Butrovich 205 3:30 PM += SB 164 STATE PARK PERMITS FOR DISABLED VETERANS + SB 253 DNR BIG GAME HUNTING PRGRM/PILOT PROJECT -- Testimony <Invitation Only> -- + SB 248 BIG GAME COMMERCIAL SERVICES BOARD -- Testimony <Invitation Only> -- + Bills Previously Heard/Scheduled **Streamed live on AKL.tv** 2024-04-04 Senate Journal Page 2092 RESOURCES (continued) Apr 10 Wednesday Butrovich 205 3:30 PM + Consideration of Governor’s Appointees: Board of Game: Jake Garner, James Baichtal Board of Fisheries: Curtis Chamberlain -- Invited & Public Testimony -- + HB 272 BIG GAME HUNTING BY PERSON W/ DISABILITY += SB 253 DNR BIG GAME HUNTING PRGRM/PILOT PROJECT -- Public Testimony -- + Bills Previously Heard/Scheduled **Streamed live on AKL.tv** Apr 12 Friday Butrovich 205 3:30 PM + Consideration of Governor’s Appointees: Regulatory Commission of Alaska: John Espindola Board of Fisheries: Märit Carlson-Van Dort -- Invited & Public Testimony -- + Presentation: Cook Inlet Region Low Carbon Power Generation With Carbon Capture, Transport, and Storage Feasibility Study by Frank Paskvan, Affiliate Professor, University of Alaska Fairbanks, Institute of Northern Engineering + Bills Previously Heard/Scheduled **Streamed live on AKL.tv** ---------------------------------------- STATE AFFAIRS 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** 2024-04-04 Senate Journal Page 2093 STATE AFFAIRS (continued) Apr 09 Tuesday Beltz 105 (tsbldg) 3:30 PM + Bills Previously Heard/Scheduled **Streamed live on AKL.tv** Apr 11 Thursday Beltz 105 (tsbldg) 3:30 PM + SCR 3 HOUSING SHORTAGE;PUBLIC-PRIV. PARTNERSHIP -- Invited & Public Testimony -- + Bills Previously Heard/Scheduled **Streamed live on AKL.tv** ---------------------------------------- TRANSPORTATION Apr 04 Thursday Butrovich 205 1:30 PM += HJR 19 PORT MACKENZIE & NORTHERN RAIL EXTENSIONS -- Invited & Public Testimony -- SENATE BILL: ROADS & HIGHWAYS ADVISORY BOARD AND THE STATEWIDE TRANSPORTATION IMPROVEMENT PLAN <Above Item Removed from Agenda> <Pending Introduction & Referral> Apr 09 Tuesday Butrovich 205 1:30 PM + Bills Previously Heard/Scheduled Apr 11 Thursday Butrovich 205 1:30 PM + Presentation: Statewide Transportation Improvement Program Approval Update by the Department of Transportation and Public Facilities + Bills Previously Heard/Scheduled ---------------------------------------- FINANCE SUBCOMMITTEES ADMINISTRATION Apr 11 Thursday Butrovich 205 5:30 PM + Budget Closeout 2024-04-04 Senate Journal Page 2094 FINANCE SUBCOMMITTEES (continued) COMMERCE, COMMUNITY & ECONOMIC DEV Apr 09 Tuesday Senate Finance 532 12:35 PM + Department of Commerce, Community & Economic Development Budget Closeout **Streamed live on AKL.tv** ---------------------------------------- CORRECTIONS Apr 11 Thursday Butrovich 205 5:45 PM + Budget Closeout ---------------------------------------- EDUCATION & EARLY DEVELOPMENT Apr 09 Tuesday Senate Finance 532 12:55 PM + Department of Education & Early Development Budget Closeout **Streamed live on AKL.tv** ---------------------------------------- ENVIRONMENTAL CONSERVATION Apr 10 Wednesday Beltz 105 (tsbldg) 12:00 PM + Overview: Department of Environmental Conservation Senate Finance Subcommittee Closeout ---------------------------------------- FAMILY & COMMUNITY SERVICES Apr 09 Tuesday Butrovich 205 3:30 PM + Department of Family and Community Services Senate Finance Subcommittee Closeout 2024-04-04 Senate Journal Page 2095 FINANCE SUBCOMMITTEES (continued) FISH & GAME Apr 09 Tuesday Senate Finance 532 12:15 PM + Department of Fish & Game Budget Closeout **Streamed live on AKL.tv** ---------------------------------------- GOVERNOR Apr 11 Thursday Senate Finance 532 3:00 PM + Subcommitee Budget Closeout ---------------------------------------- HEALTH Apr 09 Tuesday Butrovich 205 3:50 PM -- Please Note Time Change -- + Department of Health Budget Item Discussion 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 ---------------------------------------- LEGISLATURE Apr 11 Thursday Senate Finance 532 3:05 PM + Subcommittee Budget Closeout 2024-04-04 Senate Journal Page 2096 FINANCE SUBCOMMITTEES (continued) MILITARY & VETERANS' AFFAIRS Apr 10 Wednesday Beltz 105 (tsbldg) 12:20 PM + Overview: Department of Military and Veterans' Affairs Senate Finance Subcommittee Closeout ---------------------------------------- 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 (Procurement) b. Consideration of Contract Award Juneau (907) 586-9085, Anchorage (907) 563-9085 All other 844-586-9085 2024-04-04 Senate Journal Page 2097 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 11 Thursday Beltz 105 (tsbldg) 6:00 PM + Alaska Children's Caucus Meeting Stakeholder Presentations with Recommendations for Consideration by the Children's Caucus -- Invited Testimony -- **Streamed live on AKL.tv**