Legislature(2025 - 2026)
2025-01-22 House Journal
Full Journal pdf2025-01-22 House Journal Page 0027 HOUSE JOURNAL ALASKA STATE LEGISLATURE THIRTY-FOURTH LEGISLATURE FIRST SESSION Juneau, Alaska Wednesday January 22, 2025 Second Day Pursuant to adjournment the House was called to order by Speaker Edgmon at 10:37 a.m. Roll call showed 40 members present. The invocation was offered by the Chaplain, Stephanie Hall of St. Brendan's Episcopal Church. Representative Story moved and asked unanimous consent that the invocation be spread on the journal. There being no objection, it was so ordered. With the deepest respect for the religious beliefs of all Alaskans, I offer the following prayer: O God, we thank you for this new day at the beginning of the 34th legislature. Bless and watch over these representatives as they begin the important work for our great state. Give them courage, wisdom, and discernment to provide for the needs of all Alaskans. I pray that we may be a people of peace among ourselves and a blessing to all in the world. I pray in the name of Jesus. Amen. The Pledge of Allegiance was led by Representative Allard. 2025-01-22 House Journal Page 0028 CERTIFICATION OF THE JOURNAL Representative Kopp moved and asked unanimous consent that the journal for the first legislative day be approved as certified by the Chief Clerk. There being no objection, it was so ordered. MESSAGES FROM THE SENATE A message dated January 21 was read stating that the Senate ratified the following members to the Select Committee on Legislative Ethics: Senator Stevens Senator Yundt Senator Claman (alternate) Senator Cronk (alternate) COMMUNICATIONS The following were received: Dept. of Commerce, Community, & Economic Development Alaska Energy Authority Certification of Capital Reserve Fund Requirement Bradley Lake Hydroelectric Project (as required by AS 44.83.110) Office of the Governor Office of Management and Budget Executive Branch Lease Purchase Agreements Report FY 2024 (as required by AS 37.07.040) Legislative Agency Legislative Finance Division Inactive State Funds Report FY 2026 (as required by AS 24.20.231) Dept. of Natural Resources Carbon Offset Program 2024 Annual Report (as required by AS 38.95.450) 2025-01-22 House Journal Page 0029 Dept. of Public Safety 2024 Annual Drug Report (as required by AS 18.65.085) Dept. of Revenue Alaska ABLE Program FY 2025 Annual Report (as required by AS 06.65.350) Dept. of Revenue Charitable Pledges Paid to Organizations in 2024 January 8, 2025 (as required by AS 43.23.130) Dept. of Revenue Alaska Marine Highway System Fund Alaska Marine Highway Vessel Replacement Fund Investment Earnings Reports January 21, 2025 (as required by AS 19.65.070 and AS 37.05.550) Dept. of Revenue Alaska Retirement Management Board Investment Performance Report January 21, 2025 (as required by AS 37.10.220) INTRODUCTION, FIRST READING, AND REFERENCE OF HOUSE RESOLUTIONS HJR 1 HOUSE JOINT RESOLUTION NO. 1 by Representatives Stapp and Saddler: Proposing amendments to the Constitution of the State of Alaska relating to an appropriation limit. was read the first time and referred to the State Affairs, Judiciary, and Finance Committees. 2025-01-22 House Journal Page 0030 HJR 2 HOUSE JOINT RESOLUTION NO. 2 by Representatives Rauscher and Saddler: Urging the United States Congress and the Trump administration to reverse the outgoing presidential administration's administrative decision to ban offshore oil and gas leasing and to safeguard the state and national economy, energy security, and interests. was read the first time and referred to the Resources Committee. HJR 3 HOUSE JOINT RESOLUTION NO. 3 by Representative Carrick: Opposing efforts to change the name of the tallest mountain in North America from Denali to Mt. McKinley, and supporting efforts to recognize the heritage and continuing importance of the mountain and of Alaska Native peoples. was read the first time and referred to the Rules Committee. HJR 4 HOUSE JOINT RESOLUTION NO. 4 by Representative Dibert: Urging the President of the United States and the United States Secretary of the Interior to maintain Denali as the official name for the tallest mountain in North America. was read the first time and referred to the Rules Committee. HJR 5 HOUSE JOINT RESOLUTION NO. 5 by Representatives Bynum and Saddler: Urging the United States Congress and the President of the United States to reinstate the Secure Rural Schools and Community Self- Determination Act of 2000 and make the funding mechanism in the Act permanent. was read the first time and referred to the Education Committee. 2025-01-22 House Journal Page 0031 INTRODUCTION, FIRST READING, AND REFERENCE OF HOUSE BILLS HB 1 (Prefile released January 10) HOUSE BILL NO. 1 by Representatives McCabe, Underwood, and Johnson, entitled: "An Act relating to specie as legal tender in the state; and relating to borough and city sales and use taxes on specie." was read the first time and referred to the State Affairs and Finance Committees. HB 2 (Prefile released January 10) HOUSE BILL NO. 2 by Representative Prax, entitled: "An Act establishing the driving while under the influence diversion program for eligible persons charged with driving while under the influence or refusal to submit to a chemical test; relating to judgment for restitution; relating to suspended imposition of sentence; relating to records kept by the Department of Administration; relating to operating a vehicle, aircraft, or watercraft while under the influence of an alcoholic beverage, inhalant, or controlled substance; relating to refusal to submit to a chemical test; amending Rule 9, Alaska Rules of Administration, and Rule 39, Alaska Rules of Criminal Procedure; and providing for an effective date." was read the first time and referred to the State Affairs and Judiciary Committees. HB 3 (Prefile released January 10) HOUSE BILL NO. 3 by Representatives Rauscher, Underwood, Saddler, Tilton, McCabe, and Elam, entitled: "An Act relating to convening the legislature in Anchorage; relating to the regulation of lobbying; relating to annual student 2025-01-22 House Journal Page 0032 guests of the legislature; relating to locations of sessions of the legislature; relating to the Legislative Ethics Act; relating to the relocation of functions of state government; and providing for an effective date." was read the first time and referred to the Community & Regional Affairs, State Affairs, and Finance Committees. HB 4 (Prefile released January 10) HOUSE BILL NO. 4 by Representative Saddler, entitled: "An Act relating to write-in candidates for President and Vice- President of the United States." was read the first time and referred to the State Affairs and Judiciary Committees. HB 5 (Prefile released January 10) HOUSE BILL NO. 5 by Representatives McCabe and Rauscher, entitled: "An Act prohibiting certain insurance decisions based solely on a person's status as an elected official." was read the first time and referred to the State Affairs and Labor & Commerce Committees. HB 6 (Prefile released January 10) HOUSE BILL NO. 6 by Representative McCabe, entitled: "An Act restricting fiduciary actions by a fiduciary of a state fund, the Alaska Retirement Management Board, and the Alaska Permanent Fund Corporation Board that have the purpose of furthering social, political, or ideological interests." was read the first time and referred to the Judiciary and Finance Committees. 2025-01-22 House Journal Page 0033 HB 7 (Prefile released January 10) HOUSE BILL NO. 7 by Representatives McCabe, Underwood, and Rauscher, entitled: "An Act relating to the Port of Southcentral Alaska; establishing the Port of Southcentral Alaska Authority to manage and operate the Port of Southcentral Alaska; and providing for an effective date." was read the first time and referred to the Transportation and Finance Committees. HB 8 (Prefile released January 10) HOUSE BILL NO. 8 by Representatives Saddler and Johnson, entitled: "An Act relating to legal holidays." was read the first time and referred to the Community & Regional Affairs and State Affairs Committees. HB 9 (Prefile released January 10) HOUSE BILL NO. 9 by Representative Carrick, entitled: "An Act relating to education; relating to funding for charter schools; and relating to services for children with disabilities." was read the first time and referred to the Education and Finance Committees. HB 10 (Prefile released January 10) HOUSE BILL NO. 10 by Representative Carrick, entitled: "An Act relating to the Board of Regents of the University of Alaska." 2025-01-22 House Journal Page 0034 was read the first time and referred to the State Affairs and Finance Committees. HB 11 (Prefile released January 10) HOUSE BILL NO. 11 by Representatives Prax, Saddler, and Johnson, entitled: "An Act relating to contributions and donations from permanent fund dividends." was read the first time and referred to the State Affairs and Finance Committees. HB 12 (Prefile released January 10) HOUSE BILL NO. 12 by Representative Dibert, entitled: "An Act relating to free breakfast and lunch in public schools." was read the first time and referred to the Education and Finance Committees. HB 13 (Prefile released January 10) HOUSE BILL NO. 13 by Representative Gray, entitled: "An Act relating to optional municipal property tax exemptions for certain long-term rental units, certain mobile home parks, and real property rented to low-income families." was read the first time and referred to the Community & Regional Affairs and Finance Committees. HB 14 (Prefile released January 10) HOUSE BILL NO. 14 by Representatives Stapp and Johnson, entitled: "An Act repealing programs for catastrophic illness assistance and medical assistance for chronic and acute medical conditions." 2025-01-22 House Journal Page 0035 was read the first time and referred to the Health & Social Services and Finance Committees. HB 15 (Prefile released January 10) HOUSE BILL NO. 15 by Representative Rauscher, entitled: "An Act relating to royalty rates and payments for certain oil and gas; and providing for an effective date." was read the first time and referred to the Resources and Finance Committees. HB 16 (Prefile released January 10) HOUSE BILL NO. 16 by Representative Schrage, entitled: "An Act amending campaign contribution limits for state and local office; directing the Alaska Public Offices Commission to adjust campaign contribution limits for state and local office once each decade beginning in 2031; and relating to campaign contribution reporting requirements." was read the first time and referred to the State Affairs and Finance Committees. HB 17 (Prefile released January 10) HOUSE BILL NO. 17 by Representative Rauscher, entitled: "An Act relating to retirement benefits and military service." was read the first time and referred to the House Special Committee on Military & Veterans' Affairs and the Finance Committee. HB 18 (Prefile released January 10) HOUSE BILL NO. 18 by Representatives Rauscher and Johnson, entitled: 2025-01-22 House Journal Page 0036 "An Act relating to the transfer of a title on the death of the owner; and providing for an effective date." was read the first time and referred to the Transportation and State Affairs Committees. HB 19 (Prefile released January 10) HOUSE BILL NO. 19 by Representative Rauscher, entitled: "An Act relating to elections." was read the first time and referred to the State Affairs and Judiciary Committees. HB 20 (Prefile released January 10) HOUSE BILL NO. 20 by Representative Saddler, entitled: "An Act relating to fees for paper documents; and relating to unfair trade practices." was read the first time and referred to the Labor & Commerce and Judiciary Committees. HB 21 (Prefile released January 10) HOUSE BILL NO. 21 by Representative Story, entitled: "An Act relating to voter preregistration for minors at least 16 years of age; and relating to confidentiality of voter registration and preregistration records of minors at least 16 years of age." was read the first time and referred to the State Affairs and Judiciary Committees. HB 22 (Prefile released January 10) HOUSE BILL NO. 22 by Representatives Stapp and Johnson, entitled: 2025-01-22 House Journal Page 0037 "An Act relating to general relief and burial assistance; and providing for an effective date." was read the first time and referred to the Health & Social Services and Finance Committees. HB 23 (Prefile released January 10) HOUSE BILL NO. 23 by Representative Josephson, entitled: "An Act relating to the definition of 'employer' for the purposes of the State Commission for Human Rights." was read the first time and referred to the Labor & Commerce and Finance Committees. HB 24 (Prefile released January 10) HOUSE BILL NO. 24 by Representative Josephson, entitled: "An Act relating to aggravating factors considered at sentencing." was read the first time and referred to the State Affairs and Judiciary Committees. HB 25 (Prefile released January 10) HOUSE BILL NO. 25 by Representative Josephson, entitled: "An Act relating to disposable food service ware; and providing for an effective date." was read the first time and referred to the State Affairs and Labor & Commerce Committees. HB 26 (Prefile released January 10) HOUSE BILL NO. 26 by Representative Mina, entitled: 2025-01-22 House Journal Page 0038 "An Act relating to the duties of the Department of Transportation and Public Facilities; and relating to a statewide public and community transit plan." was read the first time and referred to the Community & Regional Affairs and Transportation Committees. HB 27 (Prefile released January 10) HOUSE BILL NO. 27 by Representative Mina, entitled: "An Act relating to medical care for major emergencies." was read the first time and referred to the Health & Social Services and Finance Committees. HB 28 (Prefile released January 10) HOUSE BILL NO. 28 by Representative Story, entitled: "An Act establishing a student loan repayment pilot program; and providing for an effective date." was read the first time and referred to the Education and Finance Committees. HB 29 (Prefile released January 10) HOUSE BILL NO. 29 by Representatives Vance and Underwood, entitled: "An Act relating to group insurance coverage and self-insurance coverage for school district employees, employees of the University of Alaska, and employees of other governmental units in the state; and providing for an effective date." was read the first time and referred to the Education and Labor & Commerce Committees. 2025-01-22 House Journal Page 0039 HB 30 (Prefile released January 10) HOUSE BILL NO. 30 by Representative Holland, entitled: "An Act establishing the office of entrepreneurship; relating to new businesses in the state; relating to reports concerning procurements by agencies; and relating to initial business license fees for new businesses in the state." was read the first time and referred to the State Affairs and Labor & Commerce Committees. HB 31 (Prefile released January 10) HOUSE BILL NO. 31 by Representative Stutes, entitled: "An Act relating to the registration of commercial vessels; and relating to the derelict vessel prevention program fund." was read the first time and referred to the House Special Committee on Fisheries and the Finance Committee. HB 32 This prefile was not introduced. HB 33 (Prefile released January 10) HOUSE BILL NO. 33 by Representative Stutes, entitled: "An Act relating to participation in matters before the Board of Fisheries and the Board of Game by the members of the respective boards; and providing for an effective date." was read the first time and referred to the House Special Committee on Fisheries and the Resources Committee. HB 34 (Prefile released January 10) HOUSE BILL NO. 34 by Representative Holland, entitled: 2025-01-22 House Journal Page 0040 "An Act establishing the Alaska Innovation Council; and relating to financial disclosures for members of the Alaska Innovation Council." was read the first time and referred to the Labor & Commerce and Finance Committees. HB 35 (Prefile released January 10) HOUSE BILL NO. 35 by Representative Himschoot, entitled: "An Act relating to the use and possession of electronic devices by prisoners." was read the first time and referred to the Community & Regional Affairs and State Affairs Committees. HB 36 (Prefile released January 10) HOUSE BILL NO. 36 by Representative Gray, entitled: "An Act relating to the placement of foster children in psychiatric hospitals; relating to the care of children in state custody placed in residential facilities outside the state; and amending Rule 12.1(b), Alaska Child in Need of Aid Rules of Procedure." was read the first time and referred to the Health & Social Services and Finance Committees. HB 37 (Prefile released January 10) HOUSE BILL NO. 37 by Representative Gray, entitled: "An Act relating to the posting of warning signs for alcoholic beverages." was read the first time and referred to the Labor & Commerce and Finance Committees. 2025-01-22 House Journal Page 0041 HB 38 (Prefile released January 17) HOUSE BILL NO. 38 by Representative Saddler, entitled: "An Act relating to eligibility of employers in the teachers' retirement system to participate in a supplemental employee benefits program; and providing for an effective date." was read the first time and referred to the Labor & Commerce and Finance Committees. HB 39 (Prefile released January 17) HOUSE BILL NO. 39 by Representatives Allard, Underwood, and Johnson, entitled: "An Act relating to public school students who are deaf or hard of hearing." was read the first time and referred to the Education and Finance Committees. HB 40 (Prefile released January 17) HOUSE BILL NO. 40 by Representatives Allard and Underwood, entitled: "An Act relating to school athletics, recreation, athletic teams, and sports." was read the first time and referred to the Judiciary and Education Committees. HB 41 (Prefile released January 17) HOUSE BILL NO. 41 by Representative Allard by request, and Representatives Gray and Vance, entitled: "An Act relating to daylight saving time; and providing for an effective date." 2025-01-22 House Journal Page 0042 was read the first time and referred to the State Affairs and Finance Committees. HB 42 (Prefile released January 17) HOUSE BILL NO. 42 by Representative Allard, entitled: "An Act relating to funding for school construction and major maintenance; relating to school bond debt reimbursement; and providing for an effective date." was read the first time and referred to the Education and Finance Committees. HB 43 (Prefile released January 17) HOUSE BILL NO. 43 by Representatives Schrage and Edgmon, entitled: "An Act relating to elections; relating to voters; relating to the crime of unlawful interference with voting; and providing for an effective date." was read the first time and referred to the State Affairs and Finance Committees. HB 44 (Prefile released January 17) HOUSE BILL NO. 44 by Representative Josephson, entitled: "An Act relating to workers' compensation death benefits; and providing for an effective date." was read the first time and referred to the Labor & Commerce and Finance Committees. HB 45 (Prefile released January 17) HOUSE BILL NO. 45 by Representative Allard, entitled: 2025-01-22 House Journal Page 0043 "An Act relating to the display of flags by governmental entities; and providing for an effective date." was read the first time and referred to the Community & Regional Affairs and Judiciary Committees. HB 46 (Prefile released January 17) HOUSE BILL NO. 46 by Representatives Vance and Underwood, entitled: "An Act relating to minors; and relating to the distribution and use of electronic applications." was read the first time and referred to the Labor & Commerce and Judiciary Committees. HB 47 (Prefile released January 17) HOUSE BILL NO. 47 by Representatives Vance and Underwood, entitled: "An Act relating to crime and criminal procedure; relating to generated obscene child sexual abuse material; relating to the powers of district judges and magistrates; relating to teaching certificates; and relating to licensing of school bus drivers." was read the first time and referred to the Community & Regional Affairs and Judiciary Committees. HB 48 HOUSE BILL NO. 48 by Representative Hannan, entitled: "An Act relating to appropriations to the civil legal services fund." was read the first time and referred to the Judiciary and Finance Committees. HB 49 HOUSE BILL NO. 49 by Representative Hannan, entitled: 2025-01-22 House Journal Page 0044 "An Act relating to tobacco, tobacco products, electronic smoking products, nicotine, and products containing nicotine; raising the minimum age to purchase, exchange, or possess tobacco, a product containing nicotine, or an electronic smoking product; relating to the tobacco use education and cessation fund; relating to the taxation of electronic smoking products and vapor products; and providing for an effective date." was read the first time and referred to the Labor & Commerce and Finance Committees. HB 50 HOUSE BILL NO. 50 by Representative Hannan, entitled: "An Act relating to snow classics." was read the first time and referred to the Community & Regional Affairs and Labor & Commerce Committees. HB 51 HOUSE BILL NO. 51 by Representative Stapp, entitled: "An Act relating to an appropriation limit; relating to the budget responsibilities of the governor; and providing for an effective date." was read the first time and referred to the Judiciary and Finance Committees. HB 52 HOUSE BILL NO. 52 by Representative Dibert, entitled: "An Act relating to the rights of minors undergoing evaluation or inpatient treatment at psychiatric hospitals; relating to the use of seclusion or restraint of minors at psychiatric hospitals; relating to a report published by the Department of Health; relating to inspections by the Department of Health of certain psychiatric hospitals; and providing for an effective date." was read the first time and referred to the Health & Social Services and Labor & Commerce Committees. 2025-01-22 House Journal Page 0045 HB 53 HOUSE BILL NO. 53 by the House Rules Committee by request of the Governor, entitled: "An Act making appropriations for the operating and loan program expenses of state government and for certain programs; capitalizing funds; amending appropriations; making supplemental appropriations; making reappropriations; making appropriations under art. IX, sec. 17(c), Constitution of the State of Alaska, from the constitutional budget reserve fund; and providing for an effective date." was read the first time and referred to the Finance Committee. The Governor's transmittal letter dated January 20 follows: "Dear Speaker-Elect Edgmon: Under the authority of Article III, Section 18 of the Alaska Constitution, I am transmitting a bill relating to appropriations for the State’s operating expenses for Fiscal Year (FY) 2026. This appropriation bill totals $11.3 billion and includes $4.9 billion in unrestricted general funds, $0.9 billion in designated general funds, $1.9 billion in other state funds, and $3.6 billion in federal funds. The FY 2026 budget continues important investments in public safety, prioritizing educating our children, and strategically developing the economy of our State. It also continues my commitment to providing a full statutory dividend to our residents. I look forward to working with the Legislature on the timely passage and implementation of the FY 2026 operating budget. Sincerely, /s/ Mike Dunleavy Governor" 2025-01-22 House Journal Page 0046 HB 54 HOUSE BILL NO. 54 by the House Rules Committee by request of the Governor, entitled: "An Act making appropriations, including capital appropriations and other appropriations; making reappropriations; making appropriations to capitalize funds; and providing for an effective date." was read the first time and referred to the Finance Committee. The Governor's transmittal letter dated January 20 follows: "Dear Speaker-Elect Edgmon: Under the authority of Article III, Section 18 of the Alaska Constitution, I am transmitting a bill relating to appropriations for the State’s capital budget for Fiscal Year (FY) 2026. This appropriation bill totals $2.8 billion and includes $282.4 million in unrestricted general funds, $55.9 million in designated general funds, $215.9 million in other state funds, and $2.2 billion in federal funds. The FY 2026 proposed capital budget invests in projects that enhance public protection and Alaska’s natural resources, provides matching funds for federal surface transportation and aviation, water and wastewater programs, and promotes economic development projects across the state to generate economic activity. I look forward to working with the Legislature on the timely passage and implementation of the FY 2026 capital budget. Sincerely, /s/ Mike Dunleavy Governor" HB 55 HOUSE BILL NO. 55 by the House Rules Committee by request of the Governor, entitled: 2025-01-22 House Journal Page 0047 "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 first time and referred to the Finance Committee. A letter dated December 12, 2024, with accompanying spreadsheets, to the Alaska Mental Health Trust Authority from Lacey Sanders, Director of Office of Management and Budget, was attached (as required by AS 37.14.003) and is on file in the Chief Clerk's Office. The Governor's transmittal letter dated January 20 follows: "Dear Speaker-Elect Edgmon: Under the authority of Article III, Section 18 of the Alaska Constitution, I am transmitting a bill relating to the State’s comprehensive mental health program for Fiscal Year (FY) 2026. As required by statute, this bill includes both operating and capital appropriations. This budget totals $245.5 million and includes $184.5 million in unrestricted general funds, $39.6 million in designated general funds, and $21.4 million in Mental Health Trust Authority funds. The FY 2026 proposed mental health budget includes requests that were put forward to the Office of Management and Budget by the Alaska Mental Health Trust (Trust). The requests support programs and activities in Trust focus areas that meet the identified treatment and service needs of Trust beneficiaries and areas of system change to improve the lives of beneficiaries. I look forward to working with the Legislature on the timely passage and implementation of the FY 2026 budget for Alaska’s comprehensive mental health program. Sincerely, /s/ Mike Dunleavy Governor" 2025-01-22 House Journal Page 0048 HB 56 HOUSE BILL NO. 56 by the House Rules Committee by request of the Governor, entitled: "An Act making supplemental appropriations; making appropriations to capitalize funds; and providing for an effective date." was read the first time and referred to the Finance Committee. The Governor's transmittal letter dated January 20 follows: "Dear Speaker-Elect Edgmon: Under the authority of Article III, Section 18 of the Alaska Constitution, I am transmitting a bill relating to supplemental appropriations for the State’s operating budget for Fiscal Year (FY) 2025. This appropriation bill includes $65.0 million in unrestricted general funds. The items in this supplemental appropriation bill are time sensitive to ensure adequate and available funding for disaster response, as well as investment in the development of the Alaska liquified natural gas project. I look forward to working with the Legislature on the immediate passage and implementation of this supplemental appropriation bill. Sincerely, /s/ Mike Dunleavy Governor" HB 57 HOUSE BILL NO. 57 by Representative Fields, entitled: "An Act relating to wireless telecommunications devices in public schools; and providing for an effective date." 2025-01-22 House Journal Page 0049 was read the first time and referred to the Labor & Commerce and Education Committees. HB 58 HOUSE BILL NO. 58 by Representative Fields, entitled: "An Act relating to the office of public advocacy; and relating to the public advocate." was read the first time and referred to the Community & Regional Affairs and State Affairs Committees. HB 59 HOUSE BILL NO. 59 by the House Rules Committee by request of the Governor, entitled: "An Act relating to demonstration state-tribal education compacts; relating to demonstration state-tribal education compact schools; and providing for an effective date." was read the first time and referred to the House Special Committee on Tribal Affairs and the Education Committee. The following fiscal note(s) apply: 1. Zero, Dept. of Administration 2. Zero, Dept. of Education & Early Development 3. Zero, Dept. of Education & Early Development 4. Fiscal, Dept. of Education & Early Development/Fund Capitalization The Governor's transmittal letter dated January 21 follows: "Dear Speaker-Elect Edgmon: Under the authority of Article III, Section 18 of the Alaska Constitution, I am transmitting a bill establishing a pilot program for demonstration state-tribal education compact (STEC) schools. Senate Bill 34 (2022) directed the Department of Education and Early Development (DEED) to negotiate a demonstration state-tribal 2025-01-22 House Journal Page 0050 education compact with federally recognized tribes and tribal organizations and to submit a report to the legislature relating to the demonstration state-tribal education compact and state-tribal education compact schools. On January 31, 2024, DEED submitted its State Tribal Education Compact Schools Demonstration Legislative Report, based on its negotiations with five federally recognized tribes or tribal organizations that applied to participate: Central Council of the Tlingit & Haida Indian Tribes of Alaska, the Inupiat Community of the Arctic Slope, the Ketchikan Indian Community, the Knik Tribe, and the King Island Native Community in partnership with the Village of Solomon. This bill takes the next step in launching STEC schools in Alaska by setting up a five-year pilot program for the five participating tribes and tribal organizations to enter into education compacts with DEED for the establishment of tribally operated Alaska public schools. The bill designates mandatory subjects that must be addressed in each compact but allows DEED and the participating tribes and tribal organizations to negotiate the details of each mandatory provision based on their individual needs and circumstances. Demonstration STEC schools may be funded by the legislature as if they were schools in a regional education attendance area. Participating tribes and tribal organizations must report on student data and enrollment at their demonstration STEC schools to DEED on an annual basis and DEED will provide that information to the legislature in its annual progress reports. At the completion of the pilot program, DEED will provide a written report to the legislature summarizing the student data over the entire project period. I urge your prompt and favorable action on this measure. Sincerely, /s/ Mike Dunleavy Governor" HB 60 HOUSE BILL NO. 60 by the House Rules Committee by request of the Governor, entitled: 2025-01-22 House Journal Page 0051 "An Act 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." was read the first time and referred to the House Special Committee on Fisheries and the Labor & Commerce Committee. The following fiscal note(s) apply: 1. Zero, Dept. of Administration 2. Zero, Dept. of Commerce, Community, & Economic Development The Governor's transmittal letter dated January 21 follows: "Dear Speaker-Elect Edgmon: Under the authority of Article III, Section 18 of the Alaska Constitution, I am transmitting a bill to increase purchase limits under the Alaska-grown procurement policy and preference. In order to support Alaska businesses and to foster food security in the state, this bill would increase allowable price differentials for the state, municipalities, and school districts to purchase more Alaskan agricultural and fisheries products. Alaskan food producers often face cost barriers to market access and have long advocated for increased institutional purchases as a means to scale up production and keep state dollars circulating in the Alaska economy. Expanding access to institutional markets has also been supported by stakeholder groups and was among the recommendations of the Governor’s Food Security and Independence Task Force final report released in February 2023. When state agencies, municipalities, and school districts that receive state funds purchase agricultural and fisheries products, state law requires that they purchase in-state products so long as those products are priced no more than seven percent higher than equivalent products available from out-of-state sellers. State law further authorizes state agencies and corporations, municipalities, and school districts to purchase in-state products that are priced up to 15 percent higher than out-of-state equivalents. 2025-01-22 House Journal Page 0052 This bill would increase the purchase price differential for required in- state purchases by state agencies, municipalities, and school districts from seven percent to 10 percent and the differential for permissible in-state purchases from 15 percent to 25 percent. I urge your prompt and favorable action on this measure. Sincerely, /s/ Mike Dunleavy Governor" HB 61 HOUSE BILL NO. 61 by the House Rules Committee by request of the Governor, entitled: "An Act relating to employment; relating to voluntary flexible work hour plans; relating to the employment of minors; and relating to hours worked by minors employed in the state." was read the first time and referred to the State Affairs and Labor & Commerce Committees. The following fiscal note(s) apply: 1. Zero, Dept. of Labor & Workforce Development The Governor's transmittal letter dated January 21 follows: "Dear Speaker-Elect Edgmon: Under the authority of Article III, Section 18 of the Alaska Constitution, I am transmitting a bill relating to employment, overtime pay, and the employment of minors. This bill would authorize additional options for voluntary flexible work hour plans and ease the conditions under which employers may obtain permission from the commissioner of labor and workforce development to employ minors. State law requires that employers pay overtime to hourly employees when they work more than eight hours in one day, subject to certain 2025-01-22 House Journal Page 0053 exceptions. One exception is a flexible work hour plan. In a flexible work hour plan, an employee may agree to work up to 10 hours in one day so long as the employee does not exceed 40 hours in one week. This bill would increase the daily hour limit to 12 hours in one day, thereby allowing an employee to work three 12-hour workdays in one week, totaling 36 hours, instead of the standard five days of eight hour shifts. In addition, the bill would ease conditions under which employers may obtain permission from the Commissioner of the Department of Labor and Workforce Development to employ minors. The restriction on youth employment would be lowered from under 17 years of age to under 16 years of age. The bill would allow the Commissioner to issue general written authorizations to employers to employ minors without requiring that each job duty be specifically approved or each minor individually authorized or provided with written parental consent. Minors working in a family business under the supervision of a family member would be exempted from the written authorization requirement altogether. Finally, the bill would increase the hours that minors under 16 years of age may work. I urge your prompt and favorable action on this measure. Sincerely, /s/ Mike Dunleavy Governor" HB 62 HOUSE BILL NO. 62 by the House Rules Committee by request of the Governor, entitled: "An Act relating to sexual assault examination kits; establishing the sexual assault examination kit tracking system; and providing for an effective date." was read the first time and referred to the Judiciary and Finance Committees. 2025-01-22 House Journal Page 0054 The following fiscal note(s) apply: 1. Fiscal, Dept. of Public Safety The Governor's transmittal letter dated January 21 follows: "Dear Speaker-Elect Edgmon: Under the authority of Article III, Section 18 of the Alaska Constitution, I am transmitting a bill to establish timelines for submitting sexual assault examination kits to the lab for testing and to establish a sexual assault examination kit tracking system. This bill will assist in the timely transmission and testing of sexual assault examination kits, as well as assist victims in tracking the kits associated with their cases. When a sexual assault examination kit is used to collect evidence, it is the responsibility of law enforcement to submit that kit to the lab for testing. This means that if a health care provider uses a sexual assault examination kit to collect evidence, law enforcement is responsible for picking up the kit from the health care provider and submitting it to the lab. This legislation establishes timelines for health care providers to notify law enforcement that a kit is available for pickup and ready for the laboratory to test. It also shortens the current timelines for law enforcement to submit the kit for testing. Restructuring these timelines will help ensure that sexual assault examination kits are processed in a more timely manner as intended by the underlying statute. Additionally, this legislation establishes a sexual assault examination kit tracking system. The tracking system will be used throughout the collection and testing process. Health care providers and law enforcement will be able to upload information about when a kit was collected and sent to the lab. The lab will also be able to update the information as the kit is processed for testing. Victims will have the ability to log into the system and see where the kit associated with their case is in the process. They may even elect to receive automated notifications as the kit moves through the process. Requiring the use of the sexual assault examination kit tracking system at every phase of the process will go a long way towards helping victims stay informed. 2025-01-22 House Journal Page 0055 These changes will help ensure timely processing of important evidence and will help increase transparency and accountability as sexual assault examination kits moves through the process. This is the least we can do for the victims of these horrendous crimes. I urge your prompt and favorable action on this measure. Sincerely, /s/ Mike Dunleavy Governor" HB 63 HOUSE BILL NO. 63 by the House Rules Committee by request of the Governor, entitled: "An Act relating to regional educational attendance area elections; relating to terms for members of regional school boards; relating to voter residence; relating to voter registration; relating to the inclusion of voter registration forms in permanent fund dividend applications; relating to election administration; relating to ballot counting; relating to absentee voting; relating to early voting; relating to voting by mail; relating to publication of election pamphlets; and relating to confidential information in voter registration records." was read the first time and referred to the State Affairs and Finance Committees. The following fiscal note(s) apply: 1. Fiscal, Office of the Governor The Governor's transmittal letter dated January 21 follows: "Dear Speaker-Elect Edgmon: Under the authority of Article III, Section 18 of the Alaska Constitution, I am transmitting a bill to improve election efficiency and integrity and to increase the flexibility of the Alaska Division of Elections in the administration of elections in the State. This bill will improve timelines, logistics, and processes for the public and the division. 2025-01-22 House Journal Page 0056 The Alaska division of elections strives to ensure the integrity and transparency of elections. Nevertheless, many Alaskans have legitimate concerns about the reliability of elections due to outdated and impractical provisions of our election code. This bill aims to reform certain aspects of the Alaska election code in order to bolster the public's trust in our election system. To that end, this bill will repeal provisions of Ballot Measure No. 1 from 2016 that authorized voters to register as part of their permanent fund dividend application. It will close early voting five days prior to Election Day and will authorize the Division to conduct elections by mail for communities with a population of 750 or less. It provides for postage-paid return envelopes for absentee ballots, requires absentee ballots to be received by the Division on or before Election Day, and authorizes the counting of absentee ballots to begin sooner. The bill will give the Division greater flexibility in adjusting the pay of election workers, setting the standards for voting booths, and in printing and distributing election pamphlets. It will increase the terms of regional school board members while decreasing the frequency of regional school board elections. I urge your prompt and favorable action on this measure. Sincerely, /s/ Mike Dunleavy Governor" ANNOUNCEMENTS House committee schedules are published under separate cover. ADJOURNMENT Representative Kopp moved and asked unanimous consent that the House adjourn until 10:30 a.m., January 24. There being no objection, the House adjourned at 11:48 a.m. Crystaline Jones Chief Clerk