Legislature(2025 - 2026)
2025-04-16 House Journal
Full Journal pdf2025-04-16 House Journal Page 0807 HOUSE JOURNAL ALASKA STATE LEGISLATURE THIRTY-FOURTH LEGISLATURE FIRST SESSION Juneau, Alaska Wednesday April 16, 2025 Eighty-sixth Day Pursuant to adjournment the House was called to order by Speaker Edgmon at 10:07 a.m. Roll call showed 40 members present. The invocation was offered by the Chaplain, Reverend Fred La Plante of the Church of the Nazarene. Representative Story moved and asked unanimous consent that the invocation be spread on the journal. There being no objection, it was so ordered. In my faith tradition, this week is Holy Week. I offer the following prayer for the Alaska State House of Representatives: Father, I ask for your grace today for each of these leaders in this chamber. You know and care for them. You have placed them here to lead the people of Alaska into the future of our state. They have tough decisions to make where there are differences of opinion on many issues. Help them today to see how to work through those differences and come to a consensus to guide the people they serve in their respective areas. Grant them peace and grace along with the wisdom to find common ground even when they cannot see any. Strengthen them in all they do. Lastly, touch those who need special grace today in any struggle they may face. In Jesus’ name, I pray. Amen. 2025-04-16 House Journal Page 0808 The Pledge of Allegiance was led by Representative Tilton. CERTIFICATION OF THE JOURNAL Representative Kopp moved and asked unanimous consent that the journal for the 85th legislative day and House Journal Supplement Nos. 5, 6, and 7 be approved as certified by the Chief Clerk. There being no objection, it was so ordered. MESSAGES FROM THE GOVERNOR A letter dated April 15 was 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: University of Alaska Board of Regents Fernando Escobar – Fairbanks Appointed: 6/1/2025 Expires: 5/31/2027 The Speaker referred the following to the Labor & Commerce Committee: Board of Certified Direct-Entry Midwives Stacia Miller - Valdez Appointed: 4/14/2025 Expires: 3/1/2026 Board of Pharmacy Julie McDonald – Craig Appointed: 4/14/2025 Expires: 3/1/2029 Real Estate Commission Yolonda Logan – Anchorage Appointed: 4/14/2025 Expires: 3/1/2029 Resumes for the appointments are on file in the Chief Clerk's office. 2025-04-16 House Journal Page 0809 MESSAGES FROM THE SENATE A message dated April 15 was read stating the Senate passed the following, and they are transmitted for consideration: FIRST READING AND REFERENCE OF SENATE BILLS SB 39 CS FOR SENATE BILL NO. 39(FIN) by the Senate Finance Committee, entitled: "An Act relating to loans in an amount of $25,000 or less; relating to financial institutions; relating to the Nationwide Multistate Licensing System and Registry; relating to pawnbroker licensing exemptions; relating to deferred deposit advances; relating to computing interest; and providing for an effective date." was read the first time and referred to the Finance Committee. SB 113 SENATE BILL NO. 113 by the Senate Rules Committee, entitled: "An Act relating to the Multistate Tax Compact; relating to apportionment of income to the state; relating to highly digitized businesses subject to the Alaska Net Income Tax Act; and providing for an effective date." was read the first time and referred to the Finance Committee. INTRODUCTION OF CITATIONS The following citations were introduced and referred to the Rules Committee for placement on the calendar: Honoring – Vera Starbard By Senator Kiehl; Representatives Hannan, Story Honoring – Norma Aldefer By Senator Tobin; Representative Fields 2025-04-16 House Journal Page 0810 In Memoriam – Virgil Dean Severns By Representative Tomaszewski; Senator Myers In Memoriam – Louise Thompson By Senator Kawasaki; Representatives Carrick, Dibert In Memoriam – Richard Polzin By Senator Kawasaki; Representative Dibert In Memoriam – Rita Elizabeth McGrath By Senator Kawasaki; Representative Dibert INTRODUCTION, FIRST READING, AND REFERENCE OF HOUSE BILLS HB 197 HOUSE BILL NO. 197 by Representative Tomaszewski, entitled: "An Act relating to the practice of dental hygiene; establishing an executive administrator position for the Board of Dental Examiners; and relating to the ownership of dental offices and clinics." was read the first time and referred to the Labor & Commerce and Finance Committees. HB 198 HOUSE BILL NO. 198 by Representative Josephson, entitled: "An Act relating to the obstruction or hindrance of lawful trapping of game; and providing for an effective date." was read the first time and referred to the Judiciary and Resources Committees. HB 199 HOUSE BILL NO. 199 by the House Special Committee on Fisheries by request of the Joint Legislative Task Force Evaluating Alaska’s Seafood Industry, entitled: 2025-04-16 House Journal Page 0811 "An Act relating to the Department of Commerce, Community, and Economic Development; relating to the Alaska Commercial Fishing and Agriculture Bank; relating to certain loans made by the Alaska Commercial Fishing and Agriculture Bank; and providing for an effective date." was read the first time and referred to the House Special Committee on Fisheries and the Finance Committee. HB 200 HOUSE BILL NO. 200 by the House Rules Committee by request of the Governor, entitled: "An Act relating to the elimination or modification of state agency publications that are outdated, duplicative, or excessive." was read the first time and referred to the State Affairs and Finance Committees. The following fiscal note(s) apply: 1. Zero, Office of the Governor/Combined The Governor's transmittal letter dated April 15 follows: "Dear Speaker Edgmon: Under the authority of Article III, Section 18 of the Alaska Constitution, I am transmitting a bill relating to the elimination or modification of state agency publications that are outdated, duplicative, or excessive. This bill is being introduced pursuant to AS 44.99.220(b), which requires the governor to submit legislation to eliminate or modify publication requirements identified by state agencies under AS 44.99.220(a). Sincerely, /s/ Mike Dunleavy Governor" 2025-04-16 House Journal Page 0812 CONSIDERATION OF THE DAILY CALENDAR HOUSE BILLS IN SECOND READING HB 55 The following, which was held in second reading from the April 15 calendar (page 802), was before the House: HOUSE BILL NO. 55 "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." Representative Kopp moved and asked unanimous consent that the following committee substitute be adopted in lieu of the original bill: CS FOR HOUSE BILL NO. 55(FIN) (same title) Representative Stapp objected and withdrew the objection. There being no further objection, CSHB 55(FIN) was adopted. Amendment No. 1 was offered by Representative Coulombe: Page 3, line 29: Delete "54,444,200" Insert "53,953,500" Delete "52,853,500" Insert "52,362,800" Page 4, line 8: Delete "988,900" Insert "498,200" Page 8, line 22: Delete "126,274,500" Insert "125,783,800" Adjust fund sources and totals accordingly. 2025-04-16 House Journal Page 0813 Representative Coulombe moved and asked unanimous consent that Amendment No. 1 be adopted. Representative Galvin objected. The question being: "Shall Amendment No. 1 be adopted?" The roll was taken with the following result: CSHB 55(FIN) Second Reading Amendment No. 1 YEAS: 23 NAYS: 17 EXCUSED: 0 ABSENT: 0 Yeas: Allard, Bynum, Costello, Coulombe, Elam, Gray, Himschoot, Johnson, Kopp, McCabe, Moore, Nelson, Prax, Rauscher, Ruffridge, Saddler, Schrage, Schwanke, Stapp, Tilton, Tomaszewski, Underwood, Vance Nays: Burke, Carrick, Dibert, Edgmon, Eischeid, Fields, Foster, Galvin, Hall, Hannan, Holland, Jimmie, Josephson, Mears, Mina, Story, Stutes And so, Amendment No. 1 was adopted. Amendment No. 2 was offered by Representative Coulombe: Page 3, line 29: Delete "52,853,500" Insert "42,885,900" Delete "1,590,700" Insert "11,558,300" Page 8, line 22: Delete "126,274,500" Insert "116,306,900" Page 8, line 23: Delete "3,925,700" Insert "13,893,300" Adjust fund sources and totals accordingly. 2025-04-16 House Journal Page 0814 Representative Coulombe moved and asked unanimous consent that Amendment No. 2 be adopted. There was objection. Representative Coulombe moved and asked unanimous consent to table Amendment No. 2. There being no objection, it was so ordered. Representative Coulombe moved and asked unanimous consent that the House rescind prior action in adopting Amendment No. 1 (page 813). There being no objection, it was so ordered. Amendment No. 1 (page 812) was before the House. The question being: "Shall Amendment No. 1 be adopted?" The roll was taken with the following result: CSHB 55(FIN) Second Reading Amendment No. 1 YEAS: 19 NAYS: 21 EXCUSED: 0 ABSENT: 0 Yeas: Allard, Bynum, Costello, Coulombe, Elam, Johnson, McCabe, Moore, Nelson, Prax, Rauscher, Ruffridge, Saddler, 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 And so, Amendment No. 1 was not adopted. Representative Coulombe moved and asked unanimous consent that Amendment No. 2 (page 813) be taken from the table. There being no objection, it was so ordered. The question being: "Shall Amendment No. 2 be adopted?" The roll was taken with the following result: CSHB 55(FIN) Second Reading Amendment No. 2 2025-04-16 House Journal Page 0815 YEAS: 19 NAYS: 21 EXCUSED: 0 ABSENT: 0 Yeas: Allard, Bynum, Costello, Coulombe, Elam, Johnson, McCabe, Moore, Nelson, Prax, Rauscher, Ruffridge, Saddler, 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 And so, Amendment No. 2 was not adopted. Representative Kopp moved and asked unanimous consent that CSHB 55(FIN) be considered engrossed, advanced to third reading, and placed on final passage. There was objection. CSHB 55(FIN) will advance to third reading on the next calendar. THIRD READING OF HOUSE BILLS HB 53 The following, which was advanced to third reading from the April 15 calendar (page 802), was read the third time: CS FOR HOUSE BILL NO. 53(FIN) am "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 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." Representatives Stutes and McCabe rose to points of order regarding impugning the motives of others. The Speaker directed members to confine their remarks to the question before the House. 2025-04-16 House Journal Page 0816 Representative Stapp rose to a point of order regarding references not under debate. The Speaker stated that the point was well taken. Representative Costello rose to a point of order regarding engaging in personalities during debate. The Speaker cautioned members to refrain from engaging in personalities. The question being: "Shall CSHB 53(FIN) am pass the House?" The roll was taken with the following result: CSHB 53(FIN) am Third Reading Final Passage YEAS: 21 NAYS: 19 EXCUSED: 0 ABSENT: 0 Yeas: Burke, Carrick, Dibert, Edgmon, Eischeid, Fields, Foster, Galvin, Gray, Hall, Hannan, Himschoot, Holland, Jimmie, Josephson, Kopp, Mears, Mina, Schrage, Story, Stutes Nays: Allard, Bynum, Costello, Coulombe, Elam, Johnson, McCabe, Moore, Nelson, Prax, Rauscher, Ruffridge, Saddler, Schwanke, Stapp, Tilton, Tomaszewski, Underwood, Vance And so, CSHB 53(FIN) am passed the House. Representative Kopp moved and asked unanimous consent that the appropriations from the constitutional budget reserve fund (Article IX, Section 17(c), Constitution of the State of Alaska) be adopted. The question being: "Shall the constitutional budget reserve fund appropriations be adopted?" The roll was taken with the following result: CSHB 53(FIN) am Third Reading Constitutional Budget Reserve Appropriations YEAS: 21 NAYS: 19 EXCUSED: 0 ABSENT: 0 2025-04-16 House Journal Page 0817 Yeas: Burke, Carrick, Dibert, Edgmon, Eischeid, Fields, Foster, Galvin, Gray, Hall, Hannan, Himschoot, Holland, Jimmie, Josephson, Kopp, Mears, Mina, Schrage, Story, Stutes Nays: Allard, Bynum, Costello, Coulombe, Elam, Johnson, McCabe, Moore, Nelson, Prax, Rauscher, Ruffridge, Saddler, Schwanke, Stapp, Tilton, Tomaszewski, Underwood, Vance And so, lacking the required 30 votes, the appropriations from the constitutional budget reserve fund were not adopted, and the new title follows: CS FOR HOUSE BILL NO. 53(FIN) am(brf sup maj fld) "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; and providing for an effective date." Representative Kopp moved the effective date clause. The question being: "Shall the effective date clause be adopted?" The roll was taken with the following result: CSHB 53(FIN) am(brf sup maj fld) Third Reading Effective Date YEAS: 25 NAYS: 15 EXCUSED: 0 ABSENT: 0 Yeas: Burke, Bynum, Carrick, Costello, Dibert, Edgmon, Eischeid, Fields, Foster, Galvin, Gray, Hall, Hannan, Himschoot, Holland, Jimmie, Josephson, Kopp, Mears, Mina, Nelson, Ruffridge, Schrage, Story, Stutes Nays: Allard, Coulombe, Elam, Johnson, McCabe, Moore, Prax, Rauscher, Saddler, Schwanke, Stapp, Tilton, Tomaszewski, Underwood, Vance And so, lacking the required 27 votes, the effective date clause was not adopted, and the new title follows: 2025-04-16 House Journal Page 0818 CS FOR HOUSE BILL NO. 53(FIN) am(brf sup maj fld)(efd fld) "An Act making appropriations for the operating and loan program expenses of state government and for certain programs; capitalizing funds; amending appropriations; and making supplemental appropriations." CSHB 53(FIN) am(brf sup maj fld)(efd fld) was referred to the Chief Clerk for engrossment. The Speaker stated that, without objection, the House would recess to 2:00 p.m.; and so, the House recessed at 1:21 p.m. AFTER RECESS The Speaker called the House back to order at 2:26 p.m. THIRD READING OF HOUSE BILLS HB 57 The following, which was held from the April 15 calendar (page 803), was read the third time: CS FOR HOUSE BILL NO. 57(EDC) am "An Act relating to wireless telecommunications devices in public schools; and providing for an effective date." The question being: "Shall CSHB 57(EDC) am pass the House?" The roll was taken with the following result: CSHB 57(EDC) am Third Reading Final Passage YEAS: 34 NAYS: 6 EXCUSED: 0 ABSENT: 0 Yeas: Allard, Burke, Bynum, Carrick, Costello, Coulombe, Dibert, Edgmon, Eischeid, Elam, Fields, Foster, Galvin, Gray, Hall, Himschoot, Holland, Johnson, Josephson, Kopp, McCabe, Mears, Mina, Moore, Prax, Rauscher, Saddler, Schrage, Story, Stutes, Tilton, Tomaszewski, Underwood, Vance Nays: Hannan, Jimmie, Nelson, Ruffridge, Schwanke, Stapp 2025-04-16 House Journal Page 0819 And so, CSHB 57(EDC) am passed the House. Representative Kopp moved and asked unanimous consent that the roll call on the passage of the bill be considered the roll call on the effective date clause. There being no objection, it was so ordered. Representative Stapp gave notice of reconsideration of the vote on CSHB 57(EDC) am. HB 75 The following, which was held from the April 15 calendar (page 803), was read the third time: CS FOR HOUSE BILL NO. 75(STA) "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." The question being: "Shall CSHB 75(STA) pass the House?" The roll was taken with the following result: CSHB 75(STA) Third Reading Final Passage YEAS: 35 NAYS: 5 EXCUSED: 0 ABSENT: 0 Yeas: Burke, Bynum, Carrick, Costello, Coulombe, Dibert, Edgmon, Eischeid, Elam, Fields, Foster, Galvin, Gray, Hall, Hannan, Himschoot, Holland, Jimmie, Johnson, Josephson, Kopp, Mears, Mina, Moore, Nelson, Prax, Ruffridge, Saddler, Schrage, Schwanke, Stapp, Story, Stutes, Tomaszewski, Underwood Nays: Allard, McCabe, Rauscher, Tilton, Vance And so, CSHB 75(STA) passed the House. 2025-04-16 House Journal Page 0820 Representative Kopp moved and asked unanimous consent that the roll call on the passage of the bill be considered the roll call on the effective date clause. There being no objection, it was so ordered. Representative McCabe gave notice of reconsideration of the vote on CSHB 75(STA), and reconsideration was taken up later. 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 - Dr. Brian Barnes By Representative Tomaszewski; Senator Myers Honoring - Craig Heinselman By Representative Tomaszewski; Senator Myers Honoring - Kiann Williams By Representatives Tomaszewski, Prax; Senator Myers Honoring - Joseph "Joe" Want By Representative Tomaszewski; Senator Myers Honoring - Jenny McAvoy-Anteau By Representatives Gray, Mears; Senator Wielechowski Honoring - Joe Nedland By Representative Gray; Senator Dunbar Honoring - Steve Cleary By Representative Fields; Senators Wielechowski, Merrick Honoring - Bryce Ward By Representatives Carrick, Dibert Honoring - Dan Bross By Representative Carrick; Senator Kawasaki 2025-04-16 House Journal Page 0821 Honoring - Erin Morotti By Representative Carrick Honoring - Kendall Kramer By Representative Carrick; Senators Kawasaki, Myers Honoring - Lael Wilcox By Representatives Galvin, Fields; Senator Gray-Jackson In Memoriam - Cathy Ann Griseto By Representative Carrick Honoring - Megan Hatswell By Senator Merrick; Representative Saddler In Memoriam - Charles Sux aa haan Patrick Johnnie By Senators Hoffman, Bjorkman RECONSIDERATION HB 75 Representative Bynum moved and asked unanimous consent that reconsideration of CSHB 75(STA) be taken up on the same day. There was objection. The question being: "Shall reconsideration of CSHB 75(STA) be taken up on the same day?" The roll was taken with the following result: CSHB 75(STA) Third Reading Take Up Reconsideration on the Same Day YEAS: 35 NAYS: 5 EXCUSED: 0 ABSENT: 0 Yeas: Burke, Bynum, Carrick, Costello, Coulombe, Dibert, Edgmon, Eischeid, Elam, Fields, Foster, Galvin, Gray, Hall, Hannan, Himschoot, Holland, Jimmie, Johnson, Josephson, Kopp, Mears, Mina, Moore, Nelson, Prax, Ruffridge, Saddler, Schrage, Schwanke, Stapp, Story, Stutes, Tomaszewski, Underwood 2025-04-16 House Journal Page 0822 Nays: Allard, McCabe, Rauscher, Tilton, Vance And so, the motion passed. The following was before the House in third reading: CS FOR HOUSE BILL NO. 75(STA) "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." The question to be reconsidered: "Shall CSHB 75(STA) pass the House?" The roll was taken with the following result: CSHB 75(STA) Third Reading Final Passage Reconsideration YEAS: 35 NAYS: 5 EXCUSED: 0 ABSENT: 0 Yeas: Burke, Bynum, Carrick, Costello, Coulombe, Dibert, Edgmon, Eischeid, Elam, Fields, Foster, Galvin, Gray, Hall, Hannan, Himschoot, Holland, Jimmie, Johnson, Josephson, Kopp, Mears, Mina, Moore, Nelson, Prax, Ruffridge, Saddler, Schrage, Schwanke, Stapp, Story, Stutes, Tomaszewski, Underwood Nays: Allard, McCabe, Rauscher, Tilton, Vance And so, CSHB 75(STA) passed the House on reconsideration. Representative Kopp moved and asked unanimous consent that the roll call on the passage of the bill be considered the roll call on the effective date clause. There being no objection, it was so ordered. CSHB 75(STA) was referred to the Chief Clerk for engrossment. 2025-04-16 House Journal Page 0823 UNFINISHED BUSINESS HB 15 Representative Prax added as a cosponsor to: HOUSE BILL NO. 15 "An Act relating to royalty rates and payments for certain oil and gas; and providing for an effective date." HB 16 Representatives Hall, Mina, and Burke added as cosponsors to: HOUSE BILL NO. 16 "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." HB 57 Representatives Josephson and Schrage added as cosponsors to: CS FOR HOUSE BILL NO. 57(EDC) am "An Act relating to wireless telecommunications devices in public schools; and providing for an effective date." ENGROSSMENT HB 53 CSHB 53(FIN) am(brf sup maj fld)(efd fld) was engrossed. HB 75 CSHB 75(STA) was engrossed, signed by the Speaker and Chief Clerk, and transmitted to the Senate for consideration. ANNOUNCEMENTS House committee schedules are published under separate cover. The following meetings today were changed: 2025-04-16 House Journal Page 0824 Finance Committee CANCELED Judiciary Committee CHANGED TO: 4:30 p.m. Labor & Commerce Committee CHANGED TO: 15 min. after adjournment ADJOURNMENT Representative Kopp moved and asked unanimous consent that the House adjourn until 10:30 a.m., April 18 for a technical session. There being no objection, the House adjourned at 4:17 p.m. Crystaline Jones Chief Clerk