Legislature(2023 - 2024)
2024-04-30 Senate Journal
Full Journal pdf2024-04-30 Senate Journal Page 2371 SENATE JOURNAL ALASKA STATE LEGISLATURE THIRTY-THIRD LEGISLATURE SECOND SESSION Juneau, Alaska Tuesday April 30, 2024 One Hundred Sixth Day Pursuant to adjournment the Senate was called to order by President Stevens at 10:33 a.m. The roll showed nineteen members present. Senator Shower was absent. The prayer was offered by the Chaplain, Jared Leonard, Senate Page. Senator Hoffman moved and asked unanimous consent the prayer be spread. Without objection, it was so ordered. Lord, make us instruments of your peace. Where there is hatred, let us sow love; where there is injury, pardon; where there is discord, union; where there is doubt, faith; where there is despair, hope; where there is darkness, light; where there is sadness, joy. Grant that we may not so much seek to be consoled as to console; to be understood as to understand; to be loved as to love. For it is in giving that we receive; it is in pardoning that we are pardoned; and it is in dying that we are born to eternal life. Amen. Senator Bjorkman led the Senate in the Pledge of Allegiance. 2024-04-30 Senate Journal Page 2372 Certification Senator Giessel moved and asked unanimous consent the journal for the one hundred fifth legislative day be approved as certified by the Secretary. Without objection, it was so ordered. 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 SCR 9 Message dated April 29 was read stating the House passed and returned: 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. The resolution was referred to the Secretary for enrollment. Message dated April 29 was read stating pursuant to AS 24.60.130, the House has ratified the following public members to the Select Committee on Legislative Ethics: Dennis "Skip" Cook Joyce Anderson Message dated April 29 was read stating pursuant to AS 24.60.131, the House has failed to ratify the following public member to the Select Committee on Legislative Ethics: Rachel Kelly, alternate 2024-04-30 Senate Journal Page 2373 Message dated April 29 was read stating the House passed and transmitted for consideration: First Reading and Reference of House Bills HB 395 HOUSE BILL NO. 395 BY THE HOUSE TRANSPORTATION COMMITTEE, entitled: "An Act approving the transfer of land owned by the Alaska Railroad Corporation to the City of Nenana; and providing for an effective date." 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 Natural Resources 2023 Determination to Take Oil and Gas Royalty In-Value in accordance with AS 38.05.182 Board of Forestry 2023 Annual Report to the Governor in accordance with AS 41.17.047 Standing Committee Reports Report dated April 29 was read stating: In accordance with AS 39.05.080, the Labor and Commerce 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. 2024-04-30 Senate Journal Page 2374 Alaska Labor Relations Agency Emily Jackson-Hall Jennifer Yuhas Tammy Schultz Signing the report: Senator Bjorkman, Chair; Senators Dunbar, Gray- Jackson, Merrick. Report dated April 29 was read stating: In accordance with AS 39.05.080, the Education 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. Board of Education and Early Development Bob Griffin Signing the report: Senator Tobin, Chair; Senators Bjorkman, Gray- Jackson, Stevens, Kiehl. SB 211 The Labor and Commerce Committee considered SENATE BILL NO. 211 "An Act relating to the powers of the board of agriculture and conservation; relating to loans and limitations under the Alaska Agricultural Loan Act; relating to federal crop insurance contributions; relating to municipal and state procurement preferences for agricultural products harvested in the state and fisheries products harvested or processed in the state; and providing for an effective date" and recommended it be replaced with CS FOR SENATE BILL NO. 211(L&C) "An Act relating to the Board of Agriculture and Conservation; relating to loans and limitations under the Alaska Agricultural Loan Act; relating to federal crop insurance contributions; relating to a report to the legislature on municipal and state procurement preferences for agricultural products harvested in the state and fisheries products harvested or processed in the state; and providing for an effective date." 2024-04-30 Senate Journal Page 2375 Signing do pass: Senator Bjorkman, Chair. Signing no recommendation: Senators Dunbar, Merrick, Gray-Jackson. The following fiscal information was published today: Fiscal Note No. 4, Department of Natural Resources The bill was referred to the Finance Committee. SB 217 The Resources Committee considered SENATE BILL NO. 217 "An Act relating to the taxation of independent power producers; and increasing the efficiency of integrated transmission system charges and use for the benefit of ratepayers" and recommended it be replaced with CS FOR SENATE BILL NO. 217(RES) "An Act relating to the Regulatory Commission of Alaska; relating to regulation of public utilities and pipeline carriers; relating to net metering; relating to approval of wholesale power agreements; relating to preapproval for construction of energy facilities; relating to electric reliability organizations; relating to the taxation of independent power producers; relating to the Alaska Energy Authority; relating to the Railbelt Transmission Organization; and providing for an effective date." Signing amend: Senators Bishop, Giessel, Cochairs; Senators Kawasaki, Claman, Kaufman. Signing do pass: Senator Dunbar. Signing no recommendation: Senator Wielechowski. The following previously published fiscal information applies: Fiscal Note No. 1, zero, Department of Commerce, Community, and Economic Development Fiscal Note No. 2, Department of Commerce, Community, and Economic Development President Stevens removed the Labor and Commerce referral from the bill. The bill was referred to the Finance Committee. 2024-04-30 Senate Journal Page 2376 SB 257 The Labor and Commerce Committee considered SENATE BILL NO. 257 "An Act relating to the Regulatory Commission of Alaska; relating to public utilities; relating to electric reliability organizations; relating to the Alaska Energy Authority; relating to the Railbelt Transmission Organization; and providing for an effective date" and recommended it be replaced with CS FOR SENATE BILL NO. 257(L&C) Signing no recommendation: Senator Bjorkman, Chair; Senator Merrick. Signing do pass: Senator Gray-Jackson. Signing amend: Senator Dunbar. The following fiscal information was published today: Fiscal Note No. 1, Department of Commerce, Community, and Economic Development Fiscal Note No. 2, Department of Commerce, Community, and Economic Development Fiscal Note No. 3, Department of Commerce, Community, and Economic Development Senator Giessel, Cochair, moved and asked unanimous consent the Resources Committee referral be waived on the bill. Without objection, the bill was referred to the Finance Committee. Consideration of the Calendar Third Reading of House Bills HB 268 SENATE CS FOR CS FOR HOUSE BILL NO. 268(FIN) "An Act making appropriations for the operating and loan program expenses of state government and for certain programs; capitalizing funds; repealing appropriations; amending appropriations; making supplemental appropriations and reappropriations; and providing for an effective date" was read the third time. President Stevens stated SENATE CS FOR CS FOR HOUSE BILL NO. 268(FIN) would be held in third reading to the May 1 calendar. There being no objection, it was so ordered. 2024-04-30 Senate Journal Page 2377 HB 270 SENATE CS FOR CS FOR HOUSE BILL NO. 270(FIN) "An Act making appropriations for the operating and capital expenses of the state's integrated comprehensive mental health program; and providing for an effective date" was read the third time. President Stevens stated SENATE CS FOR CS FOR HOUSE BILL NO. 270(FIN) would be held in third reading to the May 1 calendar. There being no objection, it was so ordered. Citations Honoring - Portugal. The Man Representative(s) Armstrong, McCormick, Mina Honoring - Luc Mehl and Sarah Glaser for The Packraft Handbook Representative(s) Mina, Fields Senator(s) Claman Honoring - Roscoe Wyche, Roscoe's Catfish and Barbeque Representative(s) Mina, Wright Senator(s) Tobin Honoring - Professor Shawnalee Whitney Representative(s) Mina, Gray Honoring - Mary Ann McCall Representative(s) D. Johnson Honoring - Dr. James W. Muller Representative(s) Mina, Galvin, Josephson Honoring - Anchorage People Mover 50th Anniversary Representative(s) Mina, Fields Senator(s) Tobin Honoring - University of Alaska Fairbanks Community and Technical College 50th Anniversary Representative(s) Carrick 2024-04-30 Senate Journal Page 2378 In Memoriam - Frank Edward Rick Senator(s) Wielechowski Representative(s) Mears In Memoriam - Major Gary "Reagan" Russey Senator(s) Wielechowski Representative(s) Mears In Memoriam - Frances "Jody" Reed Senator(s) Wielechowski Representative(s) Mears In Memoriam - Preston R. Kester Collier Senator(s) Wielechowski Representative(s) Wright In Memoriam - Linda Fuller Senator(s) Wielechowski Representative(s) Mears Senator Giessel moved and asked unanimous consent the citations be adopted. Without objection, the citations were adopted and referred to the Secretary for transmittal. 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., May 1, 2024. Without objection, the Senate adjourned at 10:48 a.m. Liz Clark Secretary of the Senate 2024-04-30 Senate Journal Page 2379 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 30 Tuesday Beltz 105 (tsbldg) 1:30 PM += HB 347 PROPERTY ASSESSMENT + SB 264 LOANS UNDER $25,000; PAYDAY LOANS + Bills Previously Heard/Scheduled May 02 Thursday Beltz 105 (tsbldg) 1:30 PM + Bills Previously Heard/Scheduled ---------------------------------------- EDUCATION May 01 Wednesday Beltz 105 (tsbldg) 3:30 PM += SB 266 CORRESPONDENCE STUDY PROG; STUDENT ACCTS -- Invited & Public Testimony -- + Bills Previously Heard/Scheduled: **Streamed live on AKL.tv** May 03 Friday Beltz 105 (tsbldg) 3:30 PM -- Testimony <Invitation Only> -- + Bills Previously Heard/Scheduled **Streamed live on AKL.tv** 2024-04-30 Senate Journal Page 2380 FINANCE Apr 30 Tuesday Senate Finance 532 9:00 AM -- MEETING CANCELED -- + Bills Previously Heard/Scheduled Apr 30 Tuesday Senate Finance 532 1:30 PM -- Please Note Time Change -- Presentation: Integrated Railbelt Transmission System + HB 307 INTEGRATED TRANSMISSION SYSTEMS <Pending Referral> + SB 217 INTEGRATED TRANSMISSION SYSTEMS <Bill Hearing Rescheduled to 05/01/24 1:30pm > -- Testimony <Invitation Only> -- + Bills Previously Heard/Scheduled May 01 Wednesday Senate Finance 532 9:00 AM + HB 219 REPEAL ASSISTIVE TECHNOLOGY LOAN PROGRAM -- Invited & Public Testimony -- Presentation: Integrated Railbelt Transmission Systems by Joel Groves, Chair, Railbelt Reliability Council + Bills Previously Heard/Scheduled May 01 Wednesday Senate Finance 532 1:30 PM -- Please Note Time Change -- + Bills Previously Heard/Scheduled: += SB 217 INTEGRATED TRANSMISSION SYSTEMS May 02 Thursday Senate Finance 532 9:00 AM + HB 50 CARBON STORAGE <Pending Referral> -- Testimony <Invitation Only> -- + Bills Previously Heard/Scheduled May 02 Thursday Senate Finance 532 1:30 PM -- Please Note Time Change -- + Bills Previously Heard/Scheduled May 03 Friday Senate Finance 532 9:00 AM + HB 66 CONTROLLED SUB;HOMICIDE;CRIMES;SENTENCING <Pending Referral> -- Testimony <Invitation Only> -- + Bills Previously Heard/Scheduled 2024-04-30 Senate Journal Page 2381 FINANCE (continued) May 04 Saturday Senate Finance 532 10:00 AM -- Please Note Time Change -- + Bills Previously Heard/Scheduled ---------------------------------------- HEALTH & SOCIAL SERVICES Apr 30 Tuesday Butrovich 205 3:30 PM + Bills Previously Heard/Scheduled: += SB 231 MINORS & RESIDENT PSYCH TREATMENT CENTERS May 02 Thursday Butrovich 205 3:30 PM + Bills Previously Heard/Scheduled ---------------------------------------- JUDICIARY Apr 30 Tuesday Butrovich 205 5:15 PM -- MEETING CANCELED -- -- Please Note Time Change -- + Bills Previously Heard/Scheduled **Streamed live on AKL.tv** May 01 Wednesday Butrovich 205 1:30 PM + SB 223 ASSISTANT ADJUTANT GENERAL APPOINTMENT -- Invited & Public Testimony -- + Bills Previously Heard/Scheduled **Streamed live on AKL.tv** May 02 Thursday Beltz 105 (tsbldg) 5:15 PM -- Please Note Time & Location Change -- + Bills Previously Heard/Scheduled **Streamed live on AKL.tv** 2024-04-30 Senate Journal Page 2382 JUDICIARY (continued) May 03 Friday Butrovich 205 1:30 PM + HB 29 INSURANCE DISCRIMINATION <Pending Referral> -- Invited & Public Testimony -- + HB 97 SELF-STORAGE UNITS: LIENS; SALES <Pending Referral> -- Invited & Public Testimony -- + Bills Previously Heard/Scheduled **Streamed live on AKL.tv** ---------------------------------------- LABOR & COMMERCE May 01 Wednesday Beltz 105 (tsbldg) 1:30 PM + HB 237 TEMPORARY PERMIT FOR LAPSED NURSE LICENSE -- Testimony <Invitation Only> -- += HB 97 SELF-STORAGE UNITS: LIENS; SALES += HB 29 INSURANCE DISCRIMINATION -- Public Testimony <Time Limit May Be Set> -- + HB 226 PHARMACIES/PHARMACISTS/BENEFITS MANAGERS <Pending Referral> -- Testimony <Invitation Only> -- + HB 309 DELEGATION OF ROUTINE OPTOMETRY SERVICES -- Testimony <Invitation Only> -- + HB 285 MAMMOGRAMS: INSURANCE COVERAGE <Pending Referral> <Bill Hearing Canceled> -- Testimony <Invitation Only> -- + HB 254 BLOCK PORNOGRAPHY TO MINORS; SOCIAL MEDIA -- Testimony <Invitation Only> -- + Bills Previously Heard/Scheduled **Streamed live on AKL.tv** May 03 Friday Beltz 105 (tsbldg) 1:30 PM += SB 225 OCCUPATIONAL LICENSING FEES -- Public Testimony <Time Limit May Be Set> -- + Bills Previously Heard/Scheduled **Streamed live on AKL.tv** 2024-04-30 Senate Journal Page 2383 RESOURCES May 01 Wednesday Butrovich 205 3:30 PM += HB 50 CARBON STORAGE -- Testimony <Invitation Only> -- + Bills Previously Heard/Scheduled **Streamed live on AKL.tv** May 03 Friday Butrovich 205 3:30 PM + Bills Previously Heard/Scheduled **Streamed live on AKL.tv** ---------------------------------------- STATE AFFAIRS Apr 30 Tuesday Beltz 105 (tsbldg) 3:30 PM += HB 265 CHILD SEXUAL ABUSE MATERIAL <Bill Hearing Canceled> -- Public Testimony -- + HB 316 EMERG WIRELESS DEVICE LOCATION DISCLOSURE -- Invited & Public Testimony -- + SB 229 GUN VIOLENCE PROTECTIVE ORDERS -- Invited & Public Testimony -- + HB 293 VEHICLES:REGISTER;TRANSFER; INS.; LICENSE <Pending Referral> <Bill Hearing Canceled> += SB 208 VEHICLES:REGISTER;TRANSFER; INS.; LICENSE -- Public Testimony <Time Limit May Be Set> -- + Bills Previously Heard/Scheduled **Streamed live on AKL.tv** May 02 Thursday Beltz 105 (tsbldg) 3:30 PM + HB 293 VEHICLES:REGISTER;TRANSFER; INS.; LICENSE <Pending Referral> += SB 208 VEHICLES:REGISTER;TRANSFER; INS.; LICENSE -- Public Testimony -- + Bills Previously Heard/Scheduled **Streamed live on AKL.tv** 2024-04-30 Senate Journal Page 2384 TRANSPORTATION Apr 30 Tuesday Butrovich 205 1:30 PM += SB 263 ROADS & HWYS ADV BOARD; IMPROVEMENT PRGM -- Invited & Public Testimony -- + HB 395 TRANSFER OF RAILROAD PROPERTY -- Testimony <Invitation Only> -- + Bills Previously Heard/Scheduled May 02 Thursday Butrovich 205 1:30 PM + Bills Previously Heard/Scheduled: += HB 395 TRANSFER OF RAILROAD PROPERTY -- Public Testimony -- ---------------------------------------- JOINT COMMITTEES LEGISLATIVE BUDGET & AUDIT May 09 Thursday Adams 519 5:00 PM + I. Approval of Minutes - April 4, 2024 II. Executive Session - Audit a. Release of the FY23 State Single Audit Teleconferenced: Juneau (907)586-9085, Anchorage (907)563-9085, Outside Juneau & Anchorage (844)586-9085 ---------------------------------------- LEGISLATIVE COUNCIL Apr 30 Tuesday Senate Finance 532 5:30 PM + I. Approval of Minutes a. February 28, 2024 + II. Ratification of Charity Events a. Legislative Skits - April 27 b. Victim Services Awards - April 25 + III. Contract Approvals a. FY25 Hardware Refresh IV. Executive Session a. RFP 672 Office Space in Anchorage (OVR) + V. Committee Business a. Travel and Per Diem Policy Amendment re: Wallet Funds b. Four-Year Technology Plan, 2024-2027 c. Social Media Policy Update 2024-04-30 Senate Journal Page 2385 OTHER MEETINGS JOINT SESSION May 07 Tuesday House Chamber 11:00 AM + Consideration of Governor's Appointments to Boards & Commissions