Legislature(2023 - 2024)
2024-04-08 Senate Journal
Full Journal pdf2024-04-08 Senate Journal Page 2105 SENATE JOURNAL ALASKA STATE LEGISLATURE THIRTY-THIRD LEGISLATURE SECOND SESSION Juneau, Alaska Monday April 8, 2024 Eighty-fourth Day Pursuant to adjournment the Senate was called to order by President Stevens at 11:01 a.m. The roll showed eighteen members present. Senators Hoffman, Olson were absent. The prayer was offered by the Chaplain, Reverend Fred LaPlante, Church of the Nazarene. Senator Bishop moved and asked unanimous consent the prayer be spread. Without objection, it was so ordered. Father, I pray for these Senators today. You know each of them by name. You love them and wish the best for each of them. They desire to do the best they can for the State of Alaska, so I ask that you grant them the wisdom and the strength to do so. Help them as they deal with the various options and opinions of many of the pieces of legislation they work on. Help them to work together where they can. Where they cannot, help them to disagree in cordial ways so as to make it possible to be at peace at the end of the day. I ask that you grant them joy and peace as they seek to do the best they can do. In the name of Jesus, I pray. Amen. Senator Gray-Jackson led the Senate in the Pledge of Allegiance. 2024-04-08 Senate Journal Page 2106 Certification Senator Giessel moved and asked unanimous consent the journals for the eightieth through eighty-third legislative days be approved as certified by the Secretary. Without objection, it was so ordered. Senator Giessel moved and asked unanimous consent Senators Hoffman, Olson be excused from a call of the Senate today. Without objection, Senators Hoffman, Olson were excused. Standing Committee Reports Report dated April 4 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 Eric Nimmo Signing the report: Senator Wilson, Chair; Senators Giessel, Dunbar. Report dated April 4 was read stating: In accordance with AS 39.05.080, the State Affairs 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. Personnel Board Donald Handeland Signing the report: Senator Kawasaki, Chair; Senators Wielechowski, Claman, Merrick, Bjorkman. 2024-04-08 Senate Journal Page 2107 SB 115 The Labor and Commerce Committee considered SENATE BILL NO. 115 "An Act relating to physician assistants; relating to physicians; and relating to health care insurance policies" and recommended the adoption of the Health and Social Services Committee Substitute offered on page 1660. Signing amend: Senator Bjorkman, Chair. Signing do pass: Senators Dunbar, Bishop. Signing no recommendation: Senator Merrick. The following previously published fiscal information applies: Fiscal Note No. 1, zero, Department of Commerce, Community, and Economic Development The bill was referred to the Rules Committee. SB 135 The Labor and Commerce Committee considered SENATE BILL NO. 135 "An Act establishing the Alaska Work and Save Program; establishing the Alaska Retirement Savings Board; and providing for an effective date" and recommended it be replaced with CS FOR SENATE BILL NO. 135(L&C) Signing no recommendation: Senator Bjorkman, Chair; Senator Merrick. Signing do pass: Senators Dunbar, Bishop. The following fiscal information was published today: Fiscal Note No. 1, indeterminate, Department of Revenue Fiscal Note No. 2, Department of Revenue The bill was referred to the Finance Committee. SB 201 The State Affairs Committee considered SENATE BILL NO. 201 "An Act establishing the office of information technology; relating to information technology projects undertaken by state agencies; and providing for an effective date" and recommended it be replaced with CS FOR SENATE BILL NO. 201(STA) 2024-04-08 Senate Journal Page 2108 Signing amend: Senator Kawasaki, Chair. Signing do pass: Senators Bjorkman, Merrick. Signing no recommendation: Senator Wielechowski. The following fiscal information was published today: Fiscal Note No. 1, Department of Administration The bill was referred to the Finance Committee. SB 240 The Health and Social Services Committee considered SENATE BILL NO. 240 "An Act relating to medical assistance coverage for rehabilitative, mandatory, and optional services furnished or paid for by a school district on behalf of certain children" and recommended it be replaced with CS FOR SENATE BILL NO. 240(HSS) "An Act allowing minors 16 years of age or older to consent to behavioral health and mental health services; authorizing school personnel to recommend a behavioral health or mental health professional to a child 16 years of age or older; and relating to medical assistance coverage for rehabilitative, mandatory, and optional services furnished or paid for by a school district on behalf of certain children." Signing amend: Senator Wilson, Chair. Signing do pass: Senators Giessel, Dunbar. Signing no recommendation: Senator Kaufman. The following previously published fiscal information applies: Fiscal Note No. 1, zero, Department of Education and Early Development Fiscal Note No. 2, zero, Department of Health Fiscal Note No. 3, zero, Department of Health The bill was referred to the Rules Committee. 2024-04-08 Senate Journal Page 2109 HB 57 The Health and Social Services 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" and recommended it be replaced with SENATE CS FOR HOUSE BILL NO. 57(HSS) "An Act relating to review organizations and permitting an emergency medical services provider to establish a review organization; relating to patient records; and relating to disclosure and reporting of health care services, prices, and fee information." (Title Change SCR 12) Signing do pass: Senator Wilson, Chair; Senator Kaufman. Signing no recommendation: Senators Giessel, Dunbar. The following previously published fiscal information applies: Fiscal Note No. 2, zero, Department of Health The bill was referred to the Rules Committee. HJR 3 The Judiciary Committee considered CS FOR HOUSE JOINT RESOLUTION NO. 3(JUD) am Encouraging Congress to pass the Concealed Carry Reciprocity Act or a similar bill, and recommended it be replaced with SENATE CS FOR CS FOR HOUSE JOINT RESOLUTION NO. 3(JUD) Signing no recommendation: Senator Claman, Chair; Signing do pass: Senator Kaufman. Signing do not pass: Senator Kiehl. The following fiscal information was published today: Fiscal Note No. 2, zero, Senate Judiciary Committee The resolution was referred to the Rules Committee. 2024-04-08 Senate Journal Page 2110 Introduction and Reference of Senate Resolutions SCR 12 SENATE CONCURRENT RESOLUTION NO. 12 BY THE SENATE HEALTH & SOCIAL SERVICES COMMITTEE, Suspending Rules 24(c), 35, 41(b), and 42(e), Uniform Rules of the Alaska State Legislature, concerning House Bill No. 57, relating to review organizations and permitting an emergency medical services provider to establish a review organization; and relating to patient records. was read the first time and held on the Secretary's desk. SCR 13 SENATE CONCURRENT RESOLUTION NO. 13 BY THE SENATE JUDICIARY COMMITTEE, Relating to the procedure that the Thirty-Third Alaska State Legislature will use to reconsider bills and items vetoed by the governor. was read the first time and referred to the Community and Regional Affairs Committee. SB 253 SPONSOR SUBSTITUTE FOR SENATE BILL NO. 253 BY SENATOR KAUFMAN, entitled: "An Act establishing a big game guide concession area permit program on land in the state; relating to the duties of the Big Game Commercial Services Board, the Board of Game, the Department of Fish and Game, and the Department of Natural Resources; requiring the Board of Game to establish an initial big game guide concession area; and providing for an effective date." was read the first time and referred to the Resources and Finance Committees. 2024-04-08 Senate Journal Page 2111 Consideration of the Calendar Second Reading of Senate Bills SB 196 SENATE BILL NO. 196 "An Act relating to drug and alcohol testing by employers" was read the second time. President Stevens stated SENATE BILL NO. 196 will advance to third reading on the April 10 calendar. Citations Honoring - Bettye Davis East Anchorage High School 2024 Boys Basketball Team 4A State Champions Senator(s) Dunbar Representative(s) Mears, Mina Honoring - Dian Gurtler Senator(s) Bishop Honoring - Fort Yukon Eagles Girls' Basketball ASAA 1A Championship Senator(s) Bishop Representative(s) Cronk Honoring - Chugiak High School Mustangs 2023 Division I Softball Champions Senator(s) Merrick Representative(s) Saddler Honoring - Chugiak High School Mustangs 2023 Girls Track & Field Champions Senator(s) Merrick Representative(s) Saddler Honoring - Keet Gooshi Heen Elementary School Representative(s) Himschoot Senator(s) Stedman 2024-04-08 Senate Journal Page 2112 In Memoriam - M. Susan Condon Senator(s) Dunbar, Tobin Representative(s) Gray In Memoriam - Jim "Clutch" Lounsbury Senator(s) Bishop, Kawasaki Representative(s) Carrick In Memoriam - Malachy McCourt Representative(s) Gray, Himschoot, Galvin 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 Hughes moved and asked unanimous consent to be excused from a call of the Senate on April 19. Without objection, Senator Hughes was excused. Announcements SCR 13 Senator Dunbar, Chair, moved and asked unanimous consent Uniform Rule 23 be waived on SENATE CONCURRENT RESOLUTION NO. 13 Relating to the procedure that the Thirty-Third Alaska State Legislature will use to reconsider bills and items vetoed by the governor, for the Community and Regional Affairs Committee meeting on April 11. Without objection, it was so ordered. Announcements are at the end of the journal. 2024-04-08 Senate Journal Page 2113 Enrollment SB 46 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" was enrolled, signed by the President and Secretary, Speaker and Chief Clerk and the engrossed and enrolled copies transmitted to the Office of the Governor at 1:16 p.m., April 8, 2024. SB 93 CS FOR SENATE BILL NO. 93(L&C) am "An Act relating to claims for injury, disability, or heart attack payable from the fishermen's fund; relating to claims against protection and indemnity insurance policies of vessel owners; relating to the definition of 'occupational disease'; and providing for an effective date" was enrolled, signed by the President and Secretary, Speaker and Chief Clerk and the engrossed and enrolled copies transmitted to the Office of the Governor at 8:45 a.m., April 8, 2024. Adjournment Senator Giessel moved and asked unanimous consent the Senate stand in adjournment until 11:00 a.m., April 10, 2024. Without objection, the Senate adjourned at 11:13 a.m. Liz Clark Secretary of the Senate 2024-04-08 Senate Journal Page 2114 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 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 + SCR 13 ART. II, SEC. 16, CONST:AFFIRM COMPLIANCE Uniform Rule 23 Waived + Bills Previously Heard/Scheduled ---------------------------------------- EDUCATION 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** 2024-04-08 Senate Journal Page 2115 EDUCATION (continued) 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 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 2024-04-08 Senate Journal Page 2116 FINANCE (continued) 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 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 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 08 Monday Butrovich 205 1:30 PM -- MEETING CANCELED -- + 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 2024-04-08 Senate Journal Page 2117 JUDICIARY (continued) 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 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** 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** 2024-04-08 Senate Journal Page 2118 RESOURCES 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** 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 09 Tuesday Beltz 105 (tsbldg) 3:30 PM + Bills Previously Heard/Scheduled **Streamed live on AKL.tv** 2024-04-08 Senate Journal Page 2119 STATE AFFAIRS (continued) 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 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 ---------------------------------------- COMMERCE, COMMUNITY & ECONOMIC DEV Apr 09 Tuesday Senate Finance 532 12:15 PM -- Please Note Time Change -- + Department of Commerce, Community & Economic Development Budget Closeout **Streamed live on AKL.tv** ---------------------------------------- CORRECTIONS Apr 11 Thursday Butrovich 205 5:45 PM + Budget Closeout 2024-04-08 Senate Journal Page 2120 FINANCE SUBCOMMITTEES (continued) EDUCATION & EARLY DEVELOPMENT Apr 09 Tuesday Senate Finance 532 12:30 PM -- Please Note Time Change -- + 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 ---------------------------------------- FISH & GAME Apr 09 Tuesday Senate Finance 532 12:05 PM -- Please Note Time Change -- + Department of Fish & Game Budget Closeout **Streamed live on AKL.tv** ---------------------------------------- GOVERNOR Apr 11 Thursday Senate Finance 532 3:00 PM + Subcommitee Budget Closeout 2024-04-08 Senate Journal Page 2121 FINANCE SUBCOMMITTEES (continued) 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 ---------------------------------------- LAW Apr 10 Wednesday Senate Finance 532 5:45 PM + Budget Closeout Meeting ---------------------------------------- LEGISLATURE Apr 11 Thursday Senate Finance 532 3:05 PM + Subcommittee 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 2024-04-08 Senate Journal Page 2122 FINANCE SUBCOMMITTEES (continued) PUBLIC SAFETY Apr 10 Wednesday Senate Finance 532 5:00 PM + Budget Closeout Meeting ---------------------------------------- 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 -- MEETING CANCELED -- + FY25 Closeout ---------------------------------------- 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**