Legislature(2025 - 2026)
2025-04-09 House Journal
Full Journal pdf2025-04-09 House Journal Page 0633 HOUSE JOURNAL ALASKA STATE LEGISLATURE THIRTY-FOURTH LEGISLATURE FIRST SESSION Juneau, Alaska Wednesday April 9, 2025 Seventy-ninth Day Pursuant to adjournment the House was called to order by Speaker Edgmon at 10:33 a.m. Roll call showed 40 members present. The invocation was offered by the Chaplain, Pastor Dani Cherian of Valley Church. Representative Story moved and asked unanimous consent that the invocation be spread on the journal. There being no objection, it was so ordered. Dear Lord Jesus, I thank you for this morning, and I give you praise, for having called each representative here today. In your scriptures, your word is like a light which illuminates our path, and you provide answers to our deepest questions. Please shine your radiant light in this room. Please answer our prayers and bring light to our deepest issues. Give wisdom to our representatives as they protect the people of Alaska. Your Holy Bible says, in Daniel 2:20, 22 ESV: Daniel answered and said: "Blessed be the name of God forever and ever, to whom belong wisdom and might. ... [God] reveals deep and hidden things; he knows what is in the darkness, and the light dwells with him." 2025-04-09 House Journal Page 0634 Today, as our representatives gather, help them to find the solutions that will help bring light to every community in Alaska. Please help protect our representatives, their staff, and their families, as they make decisions for the people in Alaska. In Jesus' name, Amen. The Pledge of Allegiance was led by Representative Schwanke. CERTIFICATION OF THE JOURNAL Representative Kopp moved and asked unanimous consent that the journal for the 77th and 78th legislative days and House Journal Supplement No. 4 be approved as certified by the Chief Clerk. There being no objection, it was so ordered. COMMUNICATIONS The following was received: Dept. of Revenue Alaska Retirement Management Board Quarterly Report March 12, 2025 (as required by AS 37.10.220) REPORTS OF STANDING COMMITTEES HJR 15 The Community & Regional Affairs Committee considered: HOUSE JOINT RESOLUTION NO. 15 Urging the Governor, the Department of Natural Resources, division of forestry and fire protection, the Department of Public Safety, municipalities of the state and relevant wildfire planning and response agencies, and the Alaska delegation in Congress to prepare for the 2025 wildfire season. and recommends it be replaced with: CS FOR HOUSE JOINT RESOLUTION NO. 15(CRA) (same title) 2025-04-09 House Journal Page 0635 The report was signed by Representatives Mears and Himschoot, Co- chairs, with the following individual recommendations: Do pass (6): Holland, Prax, Ruffridge, Hall, Mears, Himschoot The following fiscal note(s) apply to CSHJR 15(CRA): 1. Zero, Legislative Agency HJR 15 was referred to the Rules Committee. HB 17 The Finance Committee considered: HOUSE BILL NO. 17 "An Act relating to retirement benefits and military service." The report was signed by Representatives Foster, Josephson, and Schrage, Co-chairs, with the following individual recommendations: Do pass (10): Bynum, Johnson, Hannan, Allard, Tomaszewski, Galvin, Jimmie, Stapp, Foster, Schrage No recommendation (1): Josephson The following fiscal note(s) apply: 1. Indeterminate, Dept. of Administration HB 17 was referred to the Rules Committee. HB 35 The State 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: 2025-04-09 House Journal Page 0636 CS FOR HOUSE BILL NO. 35(STA) (same title) The report was signed by Representative Carrick, Chair, with the following individual recommendations: Do pass (5): Moore, Holland, Himschoot, Story, Carrick Do not pass (1): McCabe No recommendation (1): Vance The following fiscal note(s) apply to CSHB 35(STA): 1. Zero, Dept. of Corrections HB 35 was referred to the Rules Committee. HB 48 The Finance Committee considered: HOUSE BILL NO. 48 "An Act relating to appropriations to the civil legal services fund." The report was signed by Representatives Foster, Josephson, and Schrage, Co-chairs, with the following individual recommendations: Do pass (6): Hannan, Galvin, Jimmie, Foster, Josephson, Schrage Do not pass (2): Allard, Stapp No recommendation (2): Bynum, Tomaszewski The following fiscal note(s) apply: 1. Zero, Alaska Judiciary System 2. Fiscal, Dept. of Commerce, Community, & Economic Development HB 48 was referred to the Rules Committee. 2025-04-09 House Journal Page 0637 HB 58 The State Affairs Committee considered: HOUSE BILL NO. 58 "An Act relating to the office of public advocacy; and relating to the public advocate." The report was signed by Representative Carrick, Chair, with the following individual recommendations: Do pass (5): Moore, Holland, Himschoot, Story, Carrick No recommendation (2): Vance, McCabe The following fiscal note(s) apply: 1. Zero, Dept. of Administration 2. Zero, Alaska Judiciary System HB 58 was referred to the Rules Committee. HB 96 The Health & Social Services Committee considered: HOUSE BILL NO. 96 "An Act establishing the Home Care Employment Standards Advisory Board; relating to payment for personal care services; and providing for an effective date." and recommends it be replaced with: CS FOR HOUSE BILL NO. 96(HSS) (same title) The report was signed by Representative Mina, Chair, with the following individual recommendations: Do pass (6): Prax, Fields, Schwanke, Ruffridge, Mears, Mina 2025-04-09 House Journal Page 0638 The following fiscal note(s) apply to CSHB 96(HSS): 1. Fiscal, Dept. of Health HB 96 was referred to the Labor & Commerce Committee. HB 144 The Health & Social Services Committee considered: HOUSE BILL NO. 144 "An Act relating to prior authorization requests for medical care covered by a health care insurer; relating to a prior authorization application programming interface; relating to step therapy; and providing for an effective date." and recommends it be replaced with: CS FOR HOUSE BILL NO. 144(HSS) (same title) The report was signed by Representative Mina, Chair, with the following individual recommendations: Do pass (5): Prax, Fields, Ruffridge, Mears, Schwanke No recommendation (2): Gray, Mina The following fiscal note(s) apply to CSHB 144(HSS): 1. Zero, Dept. of Commerce, Community, & Economic Development HB 144 was referred to the Labor & Commerce Committee. SB 47 The Resources Committee considered: CS FOR SENATE BILL NO. 47(RES) "An Act relating to Chugach State Park; and providing for an effective date." 2025-04-09 House Journal Page 0639 The report was signed by Representatives Dibert and Burke, Co- chairs, with the following individual recommendations: Do pass (9): Coulombe, Hall, Rauscher, Elam, Mears, Fields, Saddler, Dibert, Burke The following fiscal note(s) apply: 1. Zero, Dept. of Natural Resources CSSB 47(RES) was referred to the Rules Committee. REPORTS OF SPECIAL COMMITTEES HB 125 The House Special Committee on Fisheries considered: HOUSE BILL NO. 125 "An Act relating to membership of the Board of Fisheries." and recommends it be replaced with: CS FOR HOUSE BILL NO. 125(FSH) (same title) The report was signed by Representative Stutes, Chair, with the following individual recommendations: Do pass (4): Kopp, Edgmon, McCabe, Stutes No recommendation (2): Vance, Himschoot The following fiscal note(s) apply to CSHB 125(FSH): 1. Zero, Dept. of Fish & Game HB 125 was referred to the Resources Committee. SJR 10 The House Special Committee on Military & Veterans' Affairs considered: 2025-04-09 House Journal Page 0640 SENATE JOINT RESOLUTION NO. 10 Encouraging the United States Congress to award Hmong veterans of the Vietnam War the Congressional Gold Medal. The report was signed by Representative Eischeid, Chair, with the following individual recommendations: Do pass (6): Saddler, Hall, Nelson, Gray, Allard, Eischeid The following fiscal note(s) apply: 1. Zero, Legislative Agency SJR 10 was referred to the Rules Committee. INTRODUCTION OF CITATIONS The following citations were introduced and taken up as a Special Order of Business: Honoring - Education and Sharing Day 2025 By Senator Hughes; Representatives Underwood, Moore Honoring - The Resource Development Council, 50th Anniversary By Representatives Saddler, Fields; Senator Giessel The following citations were introduced and referred to the Rules Committee for placement on the calendar: Honoring - Hospice of Homer, 40th Anniversary By Senator Stevens; Representative Vance In Memoriam - David Witt By Senators Myers, Cronk; Representative Schwanke In Memoriam - Joyanna Geisler By Senator Stevens; Representative Vance 2025-04-09 House Journal Page 0641 SPECIAL ORDER OF BUSINESS Representative Kopp moved and asked unanimous consent that the notice and publication requirements be waived and the citations, Honoring - Education and Sharing Day 2025 and Honoring - The Resource Development Council, 50th Anniversary, be taken up as a Special Order of Business. There being no objection, it was so ordered. Representative Kopp moved and asked unanimous consent that the House approve the citations. Representative Saddler objected to the citation, Honoring - The Resource Development Council, 50th Anniversary, offered remarks, and withdrew the objection. Representative Underwood objected to the citation Honoring - Education and Sharing Day 2025, offered remarks, and withdrew the objection. There being no further objection, the following citations were approved and sent to enrolling: Honoring - Education and Sharing Day 2025 By Senator Hughes; Representatives Underwood, Moore Honoring - The Resource Development Council, 50th Anniversary By Representatives Saddler, Fields; Senator Giessel INTRODUCTION, FIRST READING, AND REFERENCE OF HOUSE RESOLUTIONS HJR 17 HOUSE JOINT RESOLUTION NO. 17 by Representative Galvin: Urging the United States Congress to pass the Ensuring Lasting Smiles Act; and urging lawmakers to advocate for policies that guarantee equitable access to vital healthcare. was read the first time and referred to the Health & Social Services Committee. 2025-04-09 House Journal Page 0642 HJR 18 HOUSE JOINT RESOLUTION NO. 18 by Representatives Costello, Rauscher, Tilton, Elam, McCabe, and Tomaszewski: Supporting the continued development of the Alaska Liquefied Natural Gas Project; recognizing the importance of the Alaska Liquefied Natural Gas Project to the economy of the state, energy independence, and national security; and urging the United States Congress, President Donald J. Trump, Secretary of the Interior Douglas Burgum, and relevant federal agencies to take all necessary actions to expedite the success of the Alaska Liquefied Natural Gas Project. was read the first time and referred to the Resources Committee. INTRODUCTION, FIRST READING, AND REFERENCE OF HOUSE BILLS HB 175 HOUSE BILL NO. 175 by Representative Burke, entitled: "An Act relating to the term of the chair of the Regulatory Commission of Alaska; and relating to the qualifications of members of the Regulatory Commission of Alaska." was read the first time and referred to the Labor & Commerce and Resources Committees. HB 176 HOUSE BILL NO. 176 by Representative Carrick, entitled: "An Act relating to notice of new fees and fee increases from the University of Alaska; relating to billing statements from the University of Alaska; and providing for an effective date." was read the first time and referred to the Education and Finance Committees. 2025-04-09 House Journal Page 0643 HB 177 HOUSE BILL NO. 177 by Representative Elam, entitled: "An Act relating to meetings of the Board of Fisheries and the Board of Game; 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 178 HOUSE BILL NO. 178 by Representative Mina, entitled: "An Act relating to medical debt and consumer credit reporting agencies; relating to discriminatory practices based on the medical debt of a person; and providing for an effective date." was read the first time and referred to the Labor & Commerce and Finance Committees. HB 179 HOUSE BILL NO. 179 by the House Rules Committee by request of the Governor, entitled: "An Act relating to notice requirements for certain state actions." was read the first time and referred to the State Affairs and Resources Committees. The following fiscal note(s) apply: 1. Zero, Dept. of Environmental Conservation 2. Zero, Dept. of Natural Resources The Governor's transmittal letter dated April 8 follows: "Dear Speaker Edgmon: Under the authority of Article III, Section 18 of the Alaska Constitution, I am transmitting a bill relating to public notice requirements. 2025-04-09 House Journal Page 0644 This bill would amend public notice requirements for state entities, including notices issued by the Department of Environmental Conservation and the Department of Natural Resources related to land and water use, as well as general notice requirements under the Administrative Procedure Act. The intent is to modernize public notice practices without changing the underlying processes. Under the bill, public notices could be posted on the Alaska Online Public Notice System, with newspaper publication made discretionary. It would also remove requirements for repeated or region-specific newspaper publications, allowing state agencies to determine if additional advertising is necessary after initial publication. By prioritizing the use of the widely accessible Online Public Notice System, this bill aims to reduce costs and streamline the public notice process. I urge your prompt and favorable action on this measure. Sincerely, /s/ Mike Dunleavy Governor" HB 180 HOUSE BILL NO. 180 by the House Rules Committee by request of the Governor, entitled: "An Act relating to the powers of the commissioner of administration with respect to motor vehicles; relating to electronic identification cards; relating to electronic driver's licenses and permits; and providing for an effective date." was read the first time and referred to the Judiciary and State Affairs Committees. The following fiscal note(s) apply: 1. Zero, Dept. of Administration 2. Zero, Dept. of Public Safety 2025-04-09 House Journal Page 0645 The Governor's transmittal letter dated April 8 follows: "Dear Speaker Edgmon: Under the authority of Article III, Section 18 of the Alaska Constitution, I am transmitting a bill to update the powers of the Commissioner of Administration with respect to motor vehicles, including the issuance of electronic identification cards, driver's licenses, and permits. This bill authorizes the Division of Motor Vehicles (DMV) to issue electronic identification cards and electronic driver's licenses and permits. Because an electronic identification card or driver's license may be displayed to a peace officer on a mobile device, the bill includes provisions that limit a peace officer's access to an individual's mobile device and provide civil immunity for unintentional damage to such devices. Additionally, the bill permits the Commissioner of Administration to enter into data-sharing agreements with law enforcement agencies, governmental agencies or programs, or data exchange services – such as the National Driver Register, Problem Driver Pointer System, Commercial Driver's License Information System, State-to-State National Verification Service, and the Driver License Data Verification Service. These changes will equip the DMV with the necessary tools to keep its systems current with modern technology and ensure that its communications and practices remain effective in both state and national contexts. I urge your prompt and favorable action on this measure. Sincerely, /s/ Mike Dunleavy Governor" 2025-04-09 House Journal Page 0646 HB 181 HOUSE BILL NO. 181 by Representatives Prax and Tomaszewski, entitled: "An Act relating to bond requirements for contractors." was read the first time and referred to the Labor & Commerce Committee. CONSIDERATION OF THE DAILY CALENDAR SECOND READING OF HOUSE BILLS HB 31 The following was read the second time: HOUSE BILL NO. 31 "An Act relating to the registration of commercial vessels; and relating to the derelict vessel prevention program fund." with the: Journal Page FSH RPT 7DP 171 FN1: ZERO(DFG) 171 FN2: (ADM) 171 FN3: ZERO(DNR) 171 FIN RPT 8DP 3NR 460 FN1: ZERO(DFG) 460 FN2: (ADM) 460 FN3: ZERO(DNR) 460 FN4: ZERO(CED) 460 Representative Kopp moved and asked unanimous consent that HB 31 be considered engrossed, advanced to third reading, and placed on final passage. There was objection. HB 31 will advance to third reading on the April 11 calendar. 2025-04-09 House Journal Page 0647 HB 50 The following was read the second time: HOUSE BILL NO. 50 "An Act relating to snow classics." with the: Journal Page CRA RPT 6DP 501 FN1: ZERO(REV) 501 L&C RPT 6DP 590 FN1: ZERO(REV) 590 Representative Kopp moved and asked unanimous consent that HB 50 be considered engrossed, advanced to third reading, and placed on final passage. There was objection. HB 50 will advance to third reading on the April 11 calendar. HB 75 The Speaker stated that, without objection, the following would be held to the April 11 calendar: HOUSE BILL NO. 75 "An Act relating to national criminal history record checks for certain employees of the Department of Revenue; relating to allowable absences for eligibility for a permanent fund dividend; relating to the confidentiality of certain information provided on a permanent fund dividend application; relating to electronic notice of debt collection executed on a permanent fund dividend; and providing for an effective date." HB 79 The following was read the second time: HOUSE BILL NO. 79 "An Act naming the Vic Fischer Shoup Bay State Marine Park." 2025-04-09 House Journal Page 0648 with the: Journal Page RES RPT 8DP 476 FN1: ZERO(DNR) 476 Representative Kopp moved and asked unanimous consent that HB 79 be considered engrossed, advanced to third reading, and placed on final passage. There was objection. HB 79 will advance to third reading on the April 11 calendar. 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 - Edra Morledge By Representatives Coulombe, McCabe, Tomaszewski In Memoriam - Samuel "Sam" Wright III By Representatives Story, Hannan; Senator Kiehl In Memoriam - Erna Cucurull By Senators Wielechowski, Dunbar; Representative Mears In Memoriam - Ronald "Ron" Keith Sternberg By Senator Wielechowski; Representatives Mears, Stutes In Memoriam - Adriana Pérez Brooks By Senator Wielechowski; Representative Mears In Memoriam - Julius Pleasant Sr. By Senators Olson, Hoffman; Representative Foster UNFINISHED BUSINESS HB 96 The Speaker added a Finance Committee referral for the following: 2025-04-09 House Journal Page 0649 HOUSE BILL NO. 96 "An Act establishing the Home Care Employment Standards Advisory Board; relating to payment for personal care services; and providing for an effective date." HB 96 is in the Labor & Commerce Committee with further referral to the Finance Committee. Representative Kopp moved and asked unanimous consent that the following members be excused from a call of the House. There being no objection, the members were excused as noted: Representative Prax – from 1:00 p.m., April 10 to 10:00 p.m., April 13 Representative Saddler – from 12:30 p.m., April 17 to 2:00 p.m., April 22 Representative Tomaszewski – from 6:00 a.m., June 1 to 10:00 p.m., June 17 HJR 13 Representatives Hall and Allard added as cosponsors to: HOUSE JOINT RESOLUTION NO. 13 Urging the President of the United States to expand evacuation efforts for applicants with approved Special Immigrant Visas, including resumption of evacuation flights organized by the Coordinator for Afghan Relocation Efforts; urging the United States Department of State to secure legal protections and humanitarian assistance for Special Immigrant Visa applicants; and requesting that the United States Secretary of State provide a report to Congress regarding efforts to reinstate evacuation flights for applicants with approved Special Immigrant Visas. HJR 14 Representatives Prax, Underwood, Stapp, Coulombe, Johnson, Rauscher, and Moore added as cosponsors to: HOUSE JOINT RESOLUTION NO. 14 Supporting the completion of the Port MacKenzie Rail Extension 2025-04-09 House Journal Page 0650 and the Northern Rail Extension; supporting the increase in defensive capabilities at Fort Greely, Alaska; encouraging a renewed commitment by the Alaska Railroad to a community- minded approach to future rail expansion; and encouraging the development of critical Arctic infrastructure. HJR 15 Representatives Kopp, Elam, and Bynum added as cosponsors to: HOUSE JOINT RESOLUTION NO. 15 Urging the Governor, the Department of Natural Resources, division of forestry and fire protection, the Department of Public Safety, municipalities of the state and relevant wildfire planning and response agencies, and the Alaska delegation in Congress to prepare for the 2025 wildfire season. HB 17 Representative Costello added as a cosponsor to: HOUSE BILL NO. 17 "An Act relating to retirement benefits and military service." HB 28 Representative Galvin 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 31 Representatives Galvin and Schrage added as cosponsors to: HOUSE BILL NO. 31 "An Act relating to the registration of commercial vessels; and relating to the derelict vessel prevention program fund." HB 75 Representatives Hall, Galvin, Moore, and Fields added as cosponsors to: 2025-04-09 House Journal Page 0651 HOUSE BILL NO. 75 "An Act relating to national criminal history record checks for certain employees of the Department of Revenue; relating to allowable absences for eligibility for a permanent fund dividend; relating to the confidentiality of certain information provided on a permanent fund dividend application; relating to electronic notice of debt collection executed on a permanent fund dividend; and providing for an effective date." HB 79 Representatives Galvin and Josephson added as cosponsors to: HOUSE BILL NO. 79 "An Act naming the Vic Fischer Shoup Bay State Marine Park." HB 101 Representative Galvin added as a cosponsor to: HOUSE BILL NO. 101 "An Act relating to civil claims by victims of sexual abuse to a minor; relating to homicide; relating to assault in the third degree; relating to stalking; relating to sexual abuse of a minor; relating to enticement of a minor; relating to endangering the welfare of a child; relating to indecent exposure; relating to sending an explicit image of a minor; relating to solicitation or production of an indecent picture of a minor; relating to distribution of indecent material to minors; relating to the testimony of children in criminal proceedings; relating to sentencing; and providing for an effective date." HB 144 Representative Prax added as a cosponsor to: HOUSE BILL NO. 144 "An Act relating to prior authorization requests for medical care covered by a health care insurer; relating to a prior authorization application programming interface; relating to step therapy; and providing for an effective date." 2025-04-09 House Journal Page 0652 HB 165 Representative Saddler added as a cosponsor to: HOUSE BILL NO. 165 "An Act relating to maximum classroom sizes in public schools; relating to the duties of school districts; 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 10:30 a.m., April 11. There being no objection, the House adjourned at 11:34 a.m. Crystaline Jones Chief Clerk