Legislature(2025 - 2026)
2025-03-14 House Journal
Full Journal pdf2025-03-14 House Journal Page 0455 HOUSE JOURNAL ALASKA STATE LEGISLATURE THIRTY-FOURTH LEGISLATURE FIRST SESSION Juneau, Alaska Friday March 14, 2025 Fifty-third Day Pursuant to adjournment the House was called to order by Speaker Edgmon at 10:40 a.m. Roll call showed 39 members present. Representative Saddler had been excused from a call of the House today. The invocation was offered by the Chaplain, Pastor Trenton Cooper of Glacier Valley Baptist 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 respect for all people, including those with differing beliefs, I invite you to a time of prayer and reflection: Father, your word says in Micah 6:8, He has told you, O man, what is good; and what does the Lord require of you but to do justice, to love kindness, and to walk humbly with your God? That is my prayer today. I pray that our leaders would do justice, love kindness, and walk humbly with you. I thank you for our democracy. I thank you for the freedoms that our state and nation enjoy. Lord, please allow us to continue to enjoy these freedoms. And I pray that our leaders do all in their capacity, protect these freedoms. Lord, I pray that as our leaders deliberate important laws and make important decisions on behalf of the people of Alaska, 2025-03-14 House Journal Page 0456 please grant them grace and wisdom to know what is best for all people, especially the most vulnerable of our society. Father God, please bless our leaders and their families. I ask that you protect them and lead them. Be with their families as they spend time away from them in order to serve the people of this state. And Lord, in all that is said and done in these halls of government, my prayer is that you are glorified. It is in Jesus Christ’s name that I pray these things, Amen. The Pledge of Allegiance was led by Representative McCabe. CERTIFICATION OF THE JOURNAL Representative Kopp moved and asked unanimous consent that the journal for the 51st and 52nd legislative days be approved as certified by the Chief Clerk. There being no objection, it was so ordered. * * * * * Representative Mears introduced Maelea McFarland, Guest Page, from Anchorage. MESSAGES FROM THE GOVERNOR Letters dated March 11 and 13 were read stating that, in accordance with AS 39.05.080 and art. III, secs. 26 and 27, Constitution of the State of Alaska, the Governor submits the following names for legislative confirmation of appointment to the positions noted. The Speaker referred the following to the Education Committee: Professional Teaching Practices Commission Angie Alston – Fairbanks Appointed: 3/7/2025 Expires: 3/1/2027 Kathryn Baird – Fairbanks Appointed: 3/7/2025 Expires: 3/1/2028 Patrick Frymark – Fairbanks Appointed: 3/7/2025 Expires: 3/1/2028 2025-03-14 House Journal Page 0457 The Speaker referred the following to the House Special Committee on Fisheries and the Resources Committee. Board of Fisheries Thomas Carpenter – Cordova Appointed: 7/1/2022 Expires: 7/1/2025 Reappointed: 7/1/2025 Expires: 7/1/2028 The Speaker referred the following to the Health & Social Services Committee: State Medical Board Samantha Smith – Anchorage Appointed: 3/7/2025 Expires: 3/1/2029 The Speaker referred the following to the Labor & Commerce Committee: Alaska State Board of Public Accountancy James Doughty – Anchorage Appointed: 3/7/2025 Expires: 3/1/2029 State Board of Registration for Architects, Engineers, and Land Surveyors Samson Shepherd – Anchorage Appointed: 3/7/2025 Expires: 3/1/2029 Board of Dental Examiners Traci Elison – Wrangell Appointed: 3/7/2025 Expires: 3/1/2029 Marijuana Control Board Lacy Wilcox – Juneau Appointed: 3/7/2025 Expires: 3/1/2028 Board of Marital and Family Therapy Chantal Cohen – Anchorage Appointed: 3/7/2025 Expires: 3/1/2029 2025-03-14 House Journal Page 0458 State Physical Therapy and Occupational Therapy Board Michelle Scott-Weber – Wasilla Appointed: 3/7/2025 Expires: 3/1/2026 Board of Professional Counselors Carrie-Elaine Border – Anchorage Appointed: 3/7/2025 Expires: 3/1/2029 Ashley Martin – Anchorage Appointed: 3/7/2025 Expires: 3/1/2029 Board of Certified Real Estate Appraisers William McKean – Palmer Appointed: 3/1/2021 Expired: 3/1/2025 Reappointed: 3/1/2025 Expires: 3/1/2029 Workers’ Compensation Appeals Commission Andrew Hemenway – Juneau Appointed: 3/7/2025 Expires: 3/1/2030 Resumes for the appointments are on file in the Chief Clerk’s office. MESSAGES FROM THE SENATE A message dated March 12 was read stating the Senate accepted the invitation to meet in joint session in the House Chamber at 10:30 a.m., March 19 to consider SSCR 1 regarding Executive Order 136. COMMUNICATIONS A message dated March 12 was received stating pursuant to AS 44.33.431 Speaker Edgmon reappointed the following to the Alaska Minerals Commission: Justin Seavey A message dated March 12 was received stating pursuant to AS 41.37.170 Speaker Edgmon appointed the following to the Citizens’ Advisory Commission on Federal Management Areas in Alaska: Charlie Lean 2025-03-14 House Journal Page 0459 The following were received: Dept. of Commerce, Community, & Economic Development Division of Community and Regional Affairs Designated Legislative Lapsing Grant Report Fiscal Year 2025 Alaska Court System Travel for Justices, Judges, Magistrate Judges & Affidavit Information FY 2024 (as required by AS 22.20.310) Dept. of Revenue Oil and Gas Tax Credit Certificates Purchased in 2024 March 12, 2025 (as required by AS 43.05.230) Dept. of Revenue Treasury Division Annual Report on the Constitutional Budget Reserve Fund March 12, 2025 (as required by AS 37.10.430) REPORTS OF STANDING COMMITTEES The Judiciary Committee reviewed the qualifications of the following and recommends the appointments be forwarded to a joint session for consideration: Joan Wilson as Chief Administrative Law Judge. Leitoni Tupou as a member of the State Board of Parole. The report was signed by Representative Gray, Chair; and Representatives Underwood, Eischeid, Vance, Kopp, and Mina. 2025-03-14 House Journal Page 0460 HB 27 The Health & Social Services Committee considered: HOUSE BILL NO. 27 “An Act relating to medical care for major emergencies.” and recommends it be replaced with: CS FOR HOUSE BILL NO. 27(HSS) (same title) The report was signed by Representative Mina, Chair, with the following individual recommendations: Do pass (5): Fields, Schwanke, Ruffridge, Mears, Mina The following fiscal note(s) apply to CSHB 27(HSS): 1. Fiscal, Dept. of Health HB 27 was referred to the Finance Committee. HB 31 The Finance Committee considered: HOUSE BILL NO. 31 “An Act relating to the registration of commercial vessels; and relating to the derelict vessel prevention program fund.” The report was signed by Representatives Foster, Josephson, and Schrage, Co-chairs, with the following individual recommendations: Do pass (8): Bynum, Hannan, Tomaszewski, Galvin, Jimmie, Foster, Josephson, Schrage No recommendation (3): Johnson, Allard, Stapp The following fiscal note(s) apply: 1. Zero, Dept. of Fish & Game 2. Fiscal, Dept. of Administration 2025-03-14 House Journal Page 0461 3. Zero, Dept. of Natural Resources 4. Zero, Dept. of Commerce, Community, & Economic Development HB 31 was referred to the Rules Committee. HB 35 The Community & Regional Affairs Committee considered: HOUSE BILL NO. 35 “An Act relating to the use and possession of electronic devices by prisoners.” and recommends it be replaced with: CS FOR HOUSE BILL NO. 35(CRA) (same title) The report was signed by Representatives Mears and Himschoot, Co- chairs, with the following individual recommendations: Do pass (3): Hall, Mears, Himschoot Amend (3): Holland, Prax, Ruffridge The following fiscal note(s) apply to CSHB 35(CRA): 1. Zero, Dept. of Corrections HB 35 was referred to the State Affairs Committee. HB 57 The Education Committee considered: HOUSE BILL NO. 57 “An Act relating to wireless telecommunications devices in public schools; and providing for an effective date.” and recommends it be replaced with: CS FOR HOUSE BILL NO. 57(EDC) (same title) 2025-03-14 House Journal Page 0462 The report was signed by Representatives Himschoot and Story, Co- chairs, with the following individual recommendations: Do pass (7): Eischeid, Underwood, Elam, Dibert, Schwanke, Himschoot, Story The following fiscal note(s) apply to CSHB 57(EDC): 1. Zero, Dept. of Education & Early Development HB 57 was referred to the Rules Committee. INTRODUCTION OF CITATIONS The following citations were introduced and referred to the Rules Committee for placement on the calendar: Honoring - Ticasuk Brown Elementary School By Representatives Stapp, Dibert; Senator Kawasaki Honoring - Urbach’s Clothier By Senator Stevens; Representative Stutes Honoring - 2025 Alaska Journal of Commerce, Top 40 Under 40 Recipients By Senator Kawasaki In Memoriam - James Martin Lindoff Jr., L’too da xaan Representative Himschoot; Senators Kiehl, Stedman INTRODUCTION, FIRST READING, AND REFERENCE OF HOUSE BILLS HB 134 HOUSE BILL NO. 134 by Representative Carrick, entitled: "An Act relating to misconduct involving weapons in the fourth degree; and establishing the offense of misconduct involving weapons in the sixth degree." 2025-03-14 House Journal Page 0463 was read the first time and referred to the State Affairs and Judiciary Committees. HB 135 HOUSE BILL NO. 135 by the House Rules Committee by request of the Governor, entitled: "An Act relating to the duties of the Alaska Seafood Marketing Institute; and relating to the seafood marketing assessment." was read the first time and referred to the House Special Committee on Fisheries and the Resources Committee. The following fiscal note(s) apply: 1. Zero, Dept. of Commerce, Community, & Economic Development 2. Zero, Dept. of Commerce, Community, & Economic Development The Governor's transmittal letter dated March 13 follows: "Dear Speaker Edgmon: Under the authority of Article III, Section 18 of the Alaska Constitution, I am transmitting a bill modifying the duties of the Alaska Seafood Marketing Institute (ASMI) and expanding the definition of “seafood.” Specifically, the bill allows ASMI to promote Alaskan mariculture products by revising the definition of “seafood” to include “aquatic farm products.” This revision permits the marketing of propagated Alaskan aquatic plants and shellfish that are either native to state waters or lawfully imported under a permit issued by the Commissioner of the Department of Fish and Game. I respectfully request your prompt and favorable consideration of this measure. 2025-03-14 House Journal Page 0464 Sincerely, /s/ Mike Dunleavy Governor" HB 136 HOUSE BILL NO. 136 by Representatives Kopp, McCabe, and Costello, entitled: "An Act relating to use of railroad easements." was read the first time and referred to the Transportation and Judiciary Committees. CONSIDERATION OF THE DAILY CALENDAR SECOND READING OF HOUSE RESOLUTIONS HJR 6 The following was read the second time: HOUSE JOINT RESOLUTION NO. 6 Urging the United States Congress to safeguard the Universal Service Fund to ensure continued funding for essential programs that support critical broadband and telecommunication infrastructure and services for low-income rural residents of the state. with the: Journal Page L&C RPT 3DP 2NR 1AM 154 FN1: ZERO(H.L&C) 154 Amendment No. 1 was offered by Representative Stapp: Page 1, line 4, following "state"(title amendment): Insert "; and urging the United States Congress to expand the Universal Service Fund to ensure that providers of low Earth orbit satellite services and all other types of Internet service providers have equal support" 2025-03-14 House Journal Page 0465 Page 2, following line 27: Insert a new clause to read: "FURTHER RESOLVED that the Alaska State Legislature respectfully urges that the Universal Service Fund be expanded to ensure that all types of Internet service providers, including providers of low Earth orbit satellite services, have equal support in order to provide the lowest possible prices for Internet services; and be it" Representative Stapp moved and asked unanimous consent that Amendment No. 1 be adopted. Representative Fields objected. Representatives Elam and Bynum moved and asked unanimous consent to abstain from voting because of a conflict of interest. Objection was heard, and they were required to vote. The question being: "Shall Amendment No. 1 be adopted?" The roll was taken with the following result: HJR 6 Second Reading Amendment No. 1 YEAS: 18 NAYS: 21 EXCUSED: 1 ABSENT: 0 Yeas: Allard, Bynum, Costello, Coulombe, Elam, Johnson, McCabe, Moore, Nelson, Prax, Rauscher, Ruffridge, Schwanke, Stapp, 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: Saddler And so, Amendment No. 1 was not adopted. Representative Kopp moved and asked unanimous consent that HJR 6 be considered engrossed, advanced to third reading, and placed on final passage. There was objection. HJR 6 will advance to third reading on the March 17 calendar. 2025-03-14 House Journal Page 0466 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: Honoring - Dimond High School Football Team, 2024 Division I State Champions By Representatives Costello, Kopp In Memoriam - Trygve "Trig" Bjorklund By Representatives Allard, Saddler UNFINISHED BUSINESS HJR 9 Representative Gray added as a cosponsor to: HOUSE JOINT RESOLUTION NO. 9 Urging the United States Congress to extend enhanced tax credits for health insurance premiums under the Affordable Care Act. HJR 11 Representatives Dibert, Fields, and Rauscher added as cosponsors to: HOUSE JOINT RESOLUTION NO. 11 Recognizing and honoring the relationship between Canada and Alaska. HB 121 Representative Coulombe added as a cosponsor to: HOUSE BILL NO. 121 "An Act relating to the practice of accounting; and providing for an effective date." ANNOUNCEMENTS House committee schedules are published under separate cover. 2025-03-14 House Journal Page 0467 ADJOURNMENT Representative Kopp moved and asked unanimous consent that the House adjourn until 10:30 a.m., March 17. There being no objection, the House adjourned at 11:36 a.m. Crystaline Jones Chief Clerk