Legislature(2025 - 2026)
2025-01-27 House Journal
Full Journal pdf2025-01-27 House Journal Page 0077 HOUSE JOURNAL ALASKA STATE LEGISLATURE THIRTY-FOURTH LEGISLATURE FIRST SESSION Juneau, Alaska Monday January 27, 2025 Seventh Day Pursuant to adjournment the House was called to order by Speaker Edgmon at 10:31 a.m. Roll call showed 38 members present. Representative Stapp had been excused from a call of the House today. Representative Kopp moved and asked unanimous consent that Representative Elam be excused from a call of the House from today to 10:00 p.m., January 29. There being no objection, it was so ordered. The invocation was offered by the Chaplain, Father Patrick Casey of the Cathedral of the Nativity of the Blessed Virgin Mary. Representative Story moved and asked unanimous consent that the invocation be spread on the journal. There being no objection, it was so ordered. Today we gather to ask God our creator to instill in us today concerns for our brothers and sisters in this community in Juneau who are in need, and to find ways to help them get employment so that they can be independent and live in their own home and not on our streets. We ask this through Christ our Lord. Amen. The Pledge of Allegiance was led by Representative Bynum. 2025-01-27 House Journal Page 0078 CERTIFICATION OF THE JOURNAL Representative Kopp moved and asked unanimous consent that the journal for the fourth, fifth, and sixth legislative days be approved as certified by the Chief Clerk. There being no objection, it was so ordered. MESSAGES FROM THE GOVERNOR A Declaration of Disaster Emergency dated January 14, and accompanying letter dated January 24, regarding the widespread damage to water utilities in the Northwest Arctic Borough, including the City of Selawik, were received and are on file in the Chief Clerk's office. COMMUNICATIONS Letters of disclosure received from the Select Committee on Legislative Ethics, as required by AS 24.60, were published in House Journal Supplement No. 1 and House and Senate Joint Journal Supplement No. 1. The following was received: Dept. of Natural Resources Division of Oil & Gas Carbon Storage Licensing and Leasing Program 2024 Annual Report (as required by AS 38.05.735) REPORTS OF STANDING COMMITTEES HJR 4 The Rules Committee considered: HOUSE JOINT RESOLUTION NO. 4 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. and recommends it be replaced with: 2025-01-27 House Journal Page 0079 CS FOR HOUSE JOINT RESOLUTION NO. 4(RLS) Urging the President of the United States, the United States Secretary of the Interior, the United States Board on Geographic Names, and the members of the state's delegation in Congress to maintain Denali as the official name for the tallest mountain in North America. The report was signed by Representative Stutes, Chair, with the following individual recommendations: Do pass (4): Edgmon, Kopp, Schrage, Stutes Amend (3): Vance, Costello, Tilton The following fiscal note(s) apply to CSHJR 4: 1. Zero, Legislative Agency HJR 4 is on today's calendar. INTRODUCTION, FIRST READING, AND REFERENCE OF HOUSE RESOLUTIONS HSCR 1 HOUSE SPECIAL CONCURRENT RESOLUTION NO. 1 by the House Rules Committee: Disapproving Executive Order No. 136. was read the first time and referred to the Resources and Finance Committees. INTRODUCTION, FIRST READING, AND REFERENCE OF HOUSE BILLS HB 70 HOUSE BILL NO. 70 by Representative Schrage, entitled: "An Act relating to emergency medical services for operational canines; relating to the powers, duties, and liability of emergency 2025-01-27 House Journal Page 0080 medical technicians and mobile intensive care paramedics; relating to the practice of veterinary medicine; and providing for an effective date." was read the first time and referred to the Health & Social Services and Labor & Commerce Committees. HB 71 HOUSE BILL NO. 71 by the House Rules Committee by request of the Governor, entitled: "An Act relating to obstruction; and providing for an effective date." was read the first time and referred to the Transportation and Judiciary Committees. The following fiscal note(s) apply: 1. Zero, Dept. of Public Safety The Governor's transmittal letter dated January 24 follows: "Dear Speaker Edgmon: Under the authority of Article III, Section 18 of the Alaska Constitution, I am transmitting a bill relating to obstruction of access to public places. Alaskans have a constitutional liberty interest in freely moving about the State. This bill will protect the right to freedom of movement against infringement by increasing and expanding existing criminal prohibitions on obstructing public places and rights-of-way and by establishing new civil liability for obstruction of public places. This bill establishes a new crime of obstruction in public places, which involves the obstructing or blocking a public place, or dropping a substance that creates a substantial risk of physical injury. The bill also increases the penalties for obstructing public places, including airport runways and navigable waterways, where there is substantial risk of physical harm or interference with emergency response. 2025-01-27 House Journal Page 0081 Finally, the bill creates a new civil cause of action by any person who is obstructed and provides for statutory damages in addition to compensatory and other damages. Liability extends to persons and organizations that conspire with or encourage, with actual malice, anyone who engages in public obstruction. There is no liability for those who obtain a permit or other appropriate authorization to utilize a public place, nor are governmental entities subject to liability for obstructing public places in the course of their management and control of such places. I urge your prompt and favorable action on this measure. Sincerely, /s/ Mike Dunleavy Governor" HB 72 HOUSE BILL NO. 72 by the House Rules Committee by request of the Governor, entitled: "An Act relating to timber on state lands; relating to timber management leases; and providing for an effective date." was read the first time and referred to the Resources and Finance Committees. The following fiscal note(s) apply: 1. Indeterminate, Dept. of Natural Resources The Governor's transmittal letter dated January 24 follows: "Dear Speaker Edgmon: Under the authority of Article III, Section 18 of the Alaska Constitution, I am transmitting a bill relating to timber management leases. 2025-01-27 House Journal Page 0082 This bill will authorize timber management leases with private entities on State forest land for the purpose of active forest management, including afforestation, timber harvest, reforestation, fire prevention, and forest road construction and maintenance. In establishing a new program for timber management leasing and providing for industry-led forest management and harvest consistent with the Alaska Constitution and with State oversight, this bill will augment the State's ability to manage, market, and protect its forest resources. Under this bill, the Commissioner of Natural Resources will be empowered to identify State forested land suitable for timber management leasing and to accept nominations of such land by private parties. After competitive solicitation, the Commissioner may enter into a renewable 55-year timber management lease with the best eligible applicant. This bill requires that the lease agreement provide for compliance with constitutionally mandated forest management practices and appropriate State oversight and compliance, while also leaving flexibility for the design of individual projects. I urge your prompt and favorable action on this measure. Sincerely, /s/ Mike Dunleavy Governor" HB 73 HOUSE BILL NO. 73 by the House Rules Committee by request of the Governor, entitled: "An Act relating to complex care residential homes; and providing for an effective date." was read the first time and referred to the Health & Social Services and Finance Committees. The following fiscal note(s) apply: 1. Fiscal, Dept. of Health 2. Fiscal, Dept. of Health 3. Zero, Dept. of Health 2025-01-27 House Journal Page 0083 The Governor's transmittal letter dated January 24 follows: "Dear Speaker Edgmon: Under the authority of Article III, Section 18 of the Alaska Constitution, I am transmitting a bill establishing a new health facility license type for "complex care residential homes" to address a gap in Alaska's system of care for individuals with complex needs. This bill authorizes the Department of Health (DOH) to license and regulate complex care residential homes to serve the health care needs of some of the most vulnerable Alaskans - those with complex behavioral and medical, or disability-related needs. By authorizing this new license type, these individuals could receive ongoing care in a long-term, home-like environment that is suited to facilitate the monitoring and care of each resident. This will provide an additional option for the State to meet the complex care needs of these individuals, many of whom currently cycle in and out of outpatient facilities or reside at treatment facilities, such as the Alaska Psychiatric Institute, which may not be the most appropriate clinical setting for them. The bill leaves the program to be largely determined and set by DOH in regulation. The bill does not however, limit complex care residential homes to adult residents, making this new type of facility a potential means of reducing the use of facilities in other states for children who require complex care. I urge your prompt and favorable action on this measure. Sincerely, /s/ Mike Dunleavy Governor" CONSIDERATION OF THE DAILY CALENDAR SECOND READING OF HOUSE RESOLUTIONS HJR 4 The following was read the second time: 2025-01-27 House Journal Page 0084 HOUSE JOINT RESOLUTION NO. 4 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. with the: Journal Page RLS RPT CS(RLS) NEW TITLE 4DP 3AM 78 FN1: ZERO(LEG) 78 Representative Kopp moved and asked unanimous consent that the following committee substitute be adopted in lieu of the original resolution: CS FOR HOUSE JOINT RESOLUTION NO. 4(RLS) Urging the President of the United States, the United States Secretary of the Interior, the United States Board on Geographic Names, and the members of the state's delegation in Congress to maintain Denali as the official name for the tallest mountain in North America. There being no objection, it was so ordered. Amendment No. 1 was offered by Representatives Rauscher, Allard, Bynum, Costello, Coulombe, Johnson, McCabe, Moore, Nelson, Prax, Ruffridge, Saddler, Schwanke, Tilton, Tomaszewski, Underwood, and Vance: Page 1, line 4, following "America": (title amendment) Insert "; and supporting and expressing gratitude to President Donald J. Trump for the Executive Order titled "Unleashing Alaska's Extraordinary Resource Potential" and for the president's recognition of the role of the federal government in revitalizing the state's economy, energy production, and resource development" Page 2, line 24, following "culture;": Insert "and WHEREAS the state holds an abundant and largely untapped supply of natural resources, including minerals, timber, and seafood, 2025-01-27 House Journal Page 0085 which are critical to the state's economy and the prosperity of its citizens; and WHEREAS the Executive Order titled "Unleashing Alaska's Extraordinary Resource Potential" provides that, to the benefit of the nation and state residents, the policy of the United States shall be to fully avail itself of the state's land and resources; and WHEREAS that Executive Order demonstrates that the federal government understands the importance of the state to national energy security and global energy markets and how advancing responsible resource development in the state will bolster the nation's economic and strategic interests; and WHEREAS the President of the United States has directed the agencies of the federal government to work to maximize the development and production of natural resources from federal and state land in the state and to expedite associated permitting and leasing procedures; and WHEREAS the President of the United States has directed that the development of the state's liquefied natural gas potential should be prioritized, as should sale and transportation of that gas to other regions of the nation and to the nation's allies; and WHEREAS the President of the United States has directed the heads of all federal executive departments and agencies, including the Secretary of the Interior, the Secretary of Commerce, and the Secretary of the Army, to exercise their authority to advance resource development projects in the state; and WHEREAS the President of the United States has directed federal agencies to rescind, revoke, revise, amend, defer, or grant exemptions from any regulations, orders, guidance documents, and policies inconsistent with the development policies set out in the Executive Order titled "Unleashing Alaska's Extraordinary Resource Potential"; and WHEREAS, in the Executive Order titled "Unleashing Alaska's Extraordinary Resource Potential," the President of the United States has directed the Secretary of the Interior (1) to withdraw Secretarial Order 3401, dated June 1, 2021, which suspended oil and gas leases in the Arctic National Wildlife Refuge; (2) to rescind the cancellation of certain mineral leases in the Arctic National Wildlife Refuge, initiate additional mineral leasing activity, and issue permits and easements necessary for oil 2025-01-27 House Journal Page 0086 and gas exploration, development, and production in the Arctic National Wildlife Refuge; (3) to rescind the final supplemental environmental impact statement titled "Coastal Plain Oil and Gas Leasing Program Supplemental Environmental Impact Statement"; (4) to place a temporary moratorium on all activities and privileges granted to a party under a 2020 record of decision titled "Coastal Plain Oil and Gas Leasing Program Record of Decision," to review the decision, and, as appropriate, to conduct a new analysis; (5) to reinstate a final environmental impact statement titled "Final Environmental Impact Statement for the Coastal Plain Oil and Gas Leasing Program"; (6) to reinstate a 2020 record of decision titled "Coastal Plain Oil and Gas Leasing Program Record of Decision," referenced in the notice for the 2021 Coastal Plain Alaska Oil and Gas Lease Sale; (7) to evaluate changes to and the potential recission of Public Land Order 5150, signed by the Assistant Secretary of the Interior on December 28, 1971, and any later amendments, modifications, or corrections to Public Land Order 5150; (8) to place a temporary moratorium on all activities and privileges granted to a party under the record of decision signed on June 27, 2024, titled "Ambler Road Supplemental Environmental Impact Statement Record of Decision," to review that decision, and to reinstate the record of decision signed on July 23, 2020, by the Bureau of Land Management and United States Army Corps of Engineers titled "Ambler Road Environmental Impact Statement Joint Record of Decision"; (9) to rescind a 2024 Bureau of Land Management final rule titled "Management and Protection of the National Petroleum Reserve in Alaska"; (10) to rescind certain guidance issued by the Bureau of Land Management related to the protection of subsistence resource values in the National Petroleum Reserve in Alaska; (11) to facilitate the expedited development of a road corridor between the community of King Cove and the Cold Bay Airport; (12) to place a temporary moratorium on all activities and privileges granted to a party under the record of decision 2025-01-27 House Journal Page 0087 signed on April 25, 2022, titled "National Petroleum Reserve in Alaska Integrated Activity Plan Record of Decision" and to review that decision; (13) to rescind a 2024 Bureau of Land Management final rule titled "Management and Protection of the National Petroleum Reserve in Alaska" and rescind a 2024 Bureau of Land Management notice titled "Special Areas Within the National Petroleum Reserve in Alaska"; (14) to reinstate Secretarial Order 3352 dated May 17, 2017 (National Petroleum Reserve - Alaska) and the record of decision signed on December 31, 2020, titled "National Petroleum Reserve in Alaska Integrated Activity Plan Record of Decision"; (15) to reinstate Public Land Orders that further the policy interests described in the Executive Order; (16) to review all guidance from the Department of the Interior regarding the taking of Alaska Native land into trust and all Public Land Orders withdrawing land for selection by Alaska Native corporations to determine whether an action of the department should be revoked to ensure consistency with the Alaska Statehood Act of 1958, the Alaska National Interest Lands Conservation Act, the Alaska Native Claims Settlement Act of 1971, the Alaska Land Transfer Acceleration Act, and the Alaska Native Vietnam-era Veterans Land Allotment Program; (17) to rescind the record of decision signed on November 12, 2024, titled "Central Yukon Record of Decision and Approved Resource Management Plan"; (18) to reimplement a draft resource management plan and environmental impact statement referenced in the National Park Service notice titled "Notice of Availability for the Central Yukon Draft Resource Management Plan/Environmental Impact Statement, Alaska"; (19) to rescind a 2024 National Park Service final rule titled "Alaska; Hunting and Trapping in National Preserves" and reinstate a 2020 National Park Service final rule titled "Alaska; Hunting and Trapping in National Preserves" in its original form; (20) to deny a request relating to recognition of an Indigenous sacred site in the coastal plain of the Arctic National Wildlife Refuge; and (21) to review waterways in the state, to direct the Bureau of Land Management, in consultation with the state, to 2025-01-27 House Journal Page 0088 recommend the navigable waterways in the state that should be subject to state jurisdiction under the equal footing doctrine and the Submerged Lands Act of 1953, and to disclaim federal interests in and restore state ownership of certain waterways in the state; and WHEREAS the President of the United States has directed that each bureau in the Department of the Interior consider the cultural significance of hunting and fishing in the state, evaluate how subsistence use of certain resources should be prioritized under the provisions of the Alaska National Interest Lands Conservation Act, consult with state fish and wildlife management agencies before enacting land management plans or other regulations that affect the ability of state residents to hunt and fish on public land, and ensure that hunting and fishing opportunities on federal land are consistent with the opportunities offered on state land; and WHEREAS, to advance the nation's domestic and regional energy dominance, the President of the United States has directed the Secretary of the Interior to identify and assess, with the Secretary of Defense, what is necessary to immediately develop and export the state's energy resources, including an assessment of the long-term viability of the Trans Alaska Pipeline System and the development of the associated federal right-of-way as an energy corridor of critical national importance; and WHEREAS the President of the United States has directed the Secretary of Agriculture to place a temporary moratorium on all activities and privileges authorized by a 2023 final rule and record of decision titled "Special Areas; Roadless Area Conservation; National Forest System Lands in Alaska," to review the rule and record of decision, and, as appropriate, to conduct a new analysis; and WHEREAS the President of the United States has directed the Secretary of Agriculture to reinstate a 2020 final rule titled "Special Areas; Roadless Area Conservation; National Forest System Lands in Alaska"; and WHEREAS the President of the United States has directed the Secretary of the Army, acting through the Assistant Secretary of the Army for Civil Works, to render all assistance requested by the Governor of the state to facilitate the clearing and maintenance of transportation infrastructure; and WHEREAS the President of the United States has directed the Assistant Secretary of the Army for Civil Works to immediately 2025-01-27 House Journal Page 0089 review, revise, or rescind an agency action that could delay any critical project in the state;" Page 2, line 31, following "America": Insert "; and be it FURTHER RESOLVED that the Alaska State Legislature expresses its gratitude to President Donald J. Trump for the Executive Order titled "Unleashing Alaska's Extraordinary Resource Potential," which recognizes the essential role of the state's resources in supporting national prosperity, energy independence, and economic growth; and be it FURTHER RESOLVED that the Alaska State Legislature acknowledges the positive economic, social, and strategic effects of the Executive Order on the state and supports its full implementation; and be it FURTHER RESOLVED that the Alaska State Legislature urges all relevant federal agencies to act swiftly and efficiently to carry out the provisions of the Executive Order, ensuring timely permitting, leasing, and project development in the state; and be it FURTHER RESOLVED that the Alaska State Legislature reaffirms the state's commitment to working collaboratively with federal, state, and local partners to maximize the benefits of the state's resources for all citizens, while safeguarding environmental and cultural values" Representative Rauscher moved and asked unanimous consent that Amendment No. 1 be adopted. Representative Kopp objected. Representative Stutes, citing Mason’s Manual 111, rose to a point of order stating that, during debate, reference to the office of the executive is not appropriate. The Speaker cautioned the member to confine their remarks to the amendment before the body. Representative Stutes, citing Mason’s Manual 112, rose to a point of order regarding reading written remarks during debate. 2025-01-27 House Journal Page 0090 The Speaker reminded members to maintain proper decorum during debate. The question being: "Shall Amendment No. 1 be adopted?" The roll was taken with the following result: CSHJR 4(RLS) Second Reading Amendment No. 1 YEAS: 17 NAYS: 21 EXCUSED: 2 ABSENT: 0 Yeas: Allard, Bynum, Costello, Coulombe, Johnson, McCabe, Moore, Nelson, Prax, Rauscher, Ruffridge, Saddler, Schwanke, Tilton, Tomaszewski, Underwood, Vance Nays: Burke, Carrick, Dibert, Edgmon, Eischeid, Fields, Foster, Galvin, Gray, Hall, Hannan, Himschoot, Holland, Jimmie, Josephson, Kopp, Mears, Mina, Schrage, Story, Stutes Excused: Elam, Stapp And so, Amendment No. 1 was not adopted. Representative Kopp moved and asked unanimous consent that CSHJR 4(RLS) be considered engrossed, advanced to third reading, and placed on final passage. Objection was heard and withdrawn. There being no further objection, it was so ordered. CSHJR 4(RLS) was read the third time. The question being: "Shall CSHJR 4(RLS) pass the House?" The roll was taken with the following result: CSHJR 4(RLS) Third Reading Final Passage YEAS: 28 NAYS: 10 EXCUSED: 2 ABSENT: 0 2025-01-27 House Journal Page 0091 Yeas: Burke, Bynum, Carrick, Costello, Dibert, Edgmon, Eischeid, Fields, Foster, Galvin, Gray, Hall, Hannan, Himschoot, Holland, Jimmie, Johnson, Josephson, Kopp, Mears, Mina, Nelson, Rauscher, Ruffridge, Schrage, Schwanke, Story, Stutes Nays: Allard, Coulombe, McCabe, Moore, Prax, Saddler, Tilton, Tomaszewski, Underwood, Vance Excused: Elam, Stapp And so, CSHJR 4(RLS) passed the House. Representative McCabe gave notice of reconsideration of the vote on CSHJR 4(RLS). LEGISLATIVE CITATIONS Representative Kopp moved and asked unanimous consent that the House approve the citations on the calendar. There being no objection, the following citations were approved and sent to enrolling: In Memoriam - Reginald M. "Luke" Okitkon By Representative Foster; Senator Olson In Memoriam - Wallace James "Utch" Amaktoolik Jr. By Representative Foster; Senator Olson In Memoriam - Jacob Axel Johnson Sr. By Representative Foster; Senator Olson UNFINISHED BUSINESS Representative Kopp moved and asked unanimous consent that the following member be excused from a call of the House. There being no objection, the member was excused as noted: Representative Saddler – from 11:45 a.m., January 31 to 10:30 a.m., February 3 HJR 4 Representatives Galvin and Mina added as cosponsors to: 2025-01-27 House Journal Page 0092 CS FOR HOUSE JOINT RESOLUTION NO. 4(RLS) Urging the President of the United States, the United States Secretary of the Interior, the United States Board on Geographic Names, and the members of the state's delegation in Congress to maintain Denali as the official name for the tallest mountain in North America. HB 10 Representative Fields added as a cosponsor to: HOUSE BILL NO. 10 "An Act relating to the Board of Regents of the University of Alaska." HB 28 Representative Fields added as a cosponsor to: HOUSE BILL NO. 28 "An Act establishing a student loan repayment pilot program; and providing for an effective date." HB 36 Representative Fields added as a cosponsor to: HOUSE BILL NO. 36 "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." HB 48 Representative Fields added as a cosponsor to: HOUSE BILL NO. 48 "An Act relating to appropriations to the civil legal services fund." HB 52 Representative Fields added as a cosponsor to: 2025-01-27 House Journal Page 0093 HOUSE BILL NO. 52 "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." HB 69 Representatives Holland, Galvin, Mina, and Fields added as cosponsors to: HOUSE BILL NO. 69 "An Act relating to education funding; and providing for an effective date." ANNOUNCEMENTS House committee schedules are published under separate cover. ADJOURNMENT Representative Kopp moved and asked unanimous consent that the House adjourn until 6:45 p.m., January 28 for a joint session. There being no objection, the House adjourned at 12:32 p.m. Crystaline Jones Chief Clerk