Legislature(2025 - 2026)
2025-04-28 House Journal
Full Journal pdf2025-04-28 House Journal Page 0925 HOUSE JOURNAL ALASKA STATE LEGISLATURE THIRTY-FOURTH LEGISLATURE FIRST SESSION Juneau, Alaska Monday April 28, 2025 Ninety-eighth Day Pursuant to adjournment the House was called to order by Speaker Edgmon at 10:58 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 Lord, we thank you for this day to carry on the work you would have us do to fulfill your will. There are tough choices to be made for the well-being of our state. I ask for wisdom, courage, and discernment for each of these representatives to work together and find common ground to do the best for our people. Bless them with strength and courage to make wise decisions. 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. 2025-04-28 House Journal Page 0926 CERTIFICATION OF THE JOURNAL Representative Kopp moved and asked unanimous consent that the journal for the 95th, 96th, and 97th legislative days be approved as certified by the Chief Clerk. There being no objection, it was so ordered. RECONSIDERATION HB 70 Representative Costello brought up reconsideration of the vote on CSHB 70(L&C) am (page 911). The following was before the House in third reading: CS FOR HOUSE BILL NO. 70(L&C) am "An Act relating to emergency medical services for operational canines; relating to the powers, duties, and liability of emergency medical technicians and mobile intensive care paramedics; relating to the practice of veterinary medicine; and providing for an effective date." The question to be reconsidered: "Shall CSHB 70(L&C) am pass the House?" The roll was taken with the following result: CSHB 70(L&C) am Third Reading Final Passage Reconsideration YEAS: 32 NAYS: 8 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, McCabe, Mears, Mina, Moore, Nelson, Ruffridge, Schrage, Stapp, Story, Stutes, Underwood Nays: Allard, Prax, Rauscher, Saddler, Schwanke, Tilton, Tomaszewski, Vance And so, CSHB 70(L&C) am passed the House on reconsideration. 2025-04-28 House Journal Page 0927 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 70(L&C) am was referred to the Chief Clerk for engrossment. HJR 9 Representative Costello brought up reconsideration of the vote on CSHJR 9(HSS) (page 912). The following was before the House in third reading: CS FOR HOUSE JOINT RESOLUTION NO. 9(HSS) Urging the United States Congress to extend enhanced tax credits for health insurance premiums under the Affordable Care Act. The question to be reconsidered: "Shall CSHJR 9(HSS) pass the House?" The roll was taken with the following result: CSHJR 9(HSS) Third Reading Final Passage Reconsideration YEAS: 26 NAYS: 14 EXCUSED: 0 ABSENT: 0 Yeas: Burke, Bynum, Carrick, Dibert, Edgmon, Eischeid, Fields, Foster, Galvin, Gray, Hall, Hannan, Himschoot, Holland, Jimmie, Josephson, Kopp, Mears, Mina, Nelson, Prax, Ruffridge, Schrage, Stapp, Story, Stutes Nays: Allard, Costello, Coulombe, Elam, Johnson, McCabe, Moore, Rauscher, Saddler, Schwanke, Tilton, Tomaszewski, Underwood, Vance And so, CSHJR 9(HSS) passed the House on reconsideration and was referred to the Chief Clerk for engrossment. MESSAGES FROM THE GOVERNOR SB 15 A message dated April 25 was read stating the Governor allowed the following bill to become law without signature and is transmitting the 2025-04-28 House Journal Page 0928 engrossed and enrolled copies to the Lieutenant Governor's office for permanent filing: HOUSE CS FOR SENATE BILL NO. 15(L&C) "An Act relating to the sale of alcohol; relating to the posting of warning signs for alcoholic beverages; and providing for an effective date." Chapter No. 4, SLA 2025 Effective Date: See Chapter The Speaker stated that, without objection, the House would recess to a call of the Chair; and so, the House recessed at 11:09 a.m. AFTER RECESS The Speaker called the House back to order at 2:34 p.m. MESSAGES FROM THE SENATE HB 57 A message dated April 28 was read stating the Senate passed: CS FOR HOUSE BILL NO. 57(EDC) am "An Act relating to wireless telecommunications devices in public schools; and providing for an effective date." with the following amendment, and it is transmitted for consideration: SENATE CS FOR CS FOR HOUSE BILL NO. 57(FIN) am S "An Act relating to maximum classroom sizes in public schools; relating to education reports; relating to charter schools; relating to student transportation funding; relating to secondary school vocational and technical instruction funding; relating to the base student allocation; relating to reading proficiency incentive grants; relating to wireless telecommunications devices in public schools; relating to the use of tax revenue from highly digitized businesses; relating to the duties of the Department of Labor and Workforce Development; establishing the Task Force on Education Funding; and providing for an effective date." 2025-04-28 House Journal Page 0929 (SCR 5 - title change resolution) SCS CSHB 57(FIN) am S is under Unfinished Business. A message dated April 28 was read stating the Senate passed the following, and it is transmitted for consideration: FIRST READING AND REFERENCE OF SENATE RESOLUTIONS SCR 5 SENATE CONCURRENT RESOLUTION NO. 5 by Senator Olson: Suspending Rules 24(c), 35, 41(b), and 42(e), Uniform Rules of the Alaska State Legislature, concerning House Bill No. 57, relating to wireless telecommunications devices in public schools. was read the first time. CONCUR IN SENATE AMENDMENTS HB 57 Representative Kopp moved and asked unanimous consent that the House consider the Senate message (page 928) on the following: CS FOR HOUSE BILL NO. 57(EDC) am "An Act relating to wireless telecommunications devices in public schools; and providing for an effective date." and SENATE CS FOR CS FOR HOUSE BILL NO. 57(FIN) am S "An Act relating to maximum classroom sizes in public schools; relating to education reports; relating to charter schools; relating to student transportation funding; relating to secondary school vocational and technical instruction funding; relating to the base student allocation; relating to reading proficiency incentive grants; relating to wireless telecommunications devices in public schools; relating to the use of tax revenue from highly digitized businesses; relating to the duties of the Department of Labor and Workforce 2025-04-28 House Journal Page 0930 Development; establishing the Task Force on Education Funding; and providing for an effective date." (SCR 5 - title change resolution) There being no objection, it was so ordered. Representative Johnson placed a call of the House and lifted the call. Representative Kopp moved and asked unanimous consent to withdraw the motion to consider the Senate message. There being no objection, it was so ordered. MESSAGES FROM THE SENATE HB 57 A message dated April 28 was read stating the President respectfully requests the following be returned: CS FOR HOUSE BILL NO. 57(EDC) am "An Act relating to wireless telecommunications devices in public schools; and providing for an effective date." and SENATE CS FOR CS FOR HOUSE BILL NO. 57(FIN) am S "An Act relating to maximum classroom sizes in public schools; relating to education reports; relating to charter schools; relating to student transportation funding; relating to secondary school vocational and technical instruction funding; relating to the base student allocation; relating to reading proficiency incentive grants; relating to wireless telecommunications devices in public schools; relating to the use of tax revenue from highly digitized businesses; relating to the duties of the Department of Labor and Workforce Development; establishing the Task Force on Education Funding; and providing for an effective date." CSHB 57(EDC) am and SCS CSHB 57(FIN) am S were returned to the Senate. 2025-04-28 House Journal Page 0931 COMMUNICATIONS The following was received: Dept. of Labor & Workforce Development Alaska Training Program Performance Report Participants exiting FY2023 January 2025 (as required by AS 23.15.580) REPORTS OF STANDING COMMITTEES The Labor & Commerce Committee reviewed the qualifications of the following and recommends the appointments be forwarded to a joint session for consideration: James Doughty Donovan Neal as members of the Alaska State Board of Public Accountancy. Samson Shepherd as a member of the State Board of Registration for Architects, Engineers, and Land Surveyors. Lacy Wilcox as a member of the Marijuana Control Board. Isaac Diboue Zachery Schasteen Ryan Sharratt as members of the Occupational Safety and Health Review Board. Victoria Daugherty Jonathan Gates as members of the State Physical Therapy and Occupational Therapy Board. 2025-04-28 House Journal Page 0932 Carrie-Elaine Border Mary Elkins Crystal Herring Ashley Martin as members of the Board of Professional Counselors. Jimi Cash Yolonda Logan as members of the Real Estate Commission. Robert Gerlach as a member of the Board of Veterinary Examiners. The report was signed by Representatives Fields and Hall, Co-Chairs; and Representatives Burke, Coulombe, Carrick, and Saddler. HB 101 The Finance Committee considered: 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." and recommends it be replaced with: CS FOR HOUSE BILL NO. 101(FIN) "An Act relating to civil claims by victims of sexual abuse of a minor; relating to homicide; relating to assault in the third degree; relating to stalking; relating to sexual abuse of a minor; relating to 2025-04-28 House Journal Page 0933 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." The report was signed by Representatives Foster, Josephson, and Schrage, Co-chairs, with the following individual recommendations: Do pass (4): Jimmie, Foster, Josephson, Schrage No recommendation (3): Johnson, Hannan, Stapp Amend (2): Bynum, Galvin The following fiscal note(s) apply to CSHB 101(FIN): 1. Zero, Dept. of Family & Community Services 5. Zero, Dept. of Corrections 8. Zero, Dept. of Administration 9. Zero, Dept. of Administration 10. Zero, Dept. of Law 11. Zero, Dept. of Public Safety 12. Zero, Dept. of Public Safety 13. Zero, Alaska Judiciary System HB 101 was referred to the Rules Committee. HB 137 The Judiciary Committee considered: HOUSE BILL NO. 137 "An Act relating to permanent fund dividends for individuals owing child support; and relating to applications and qualifications for permanent fund dividends for individuals owing child support." 2025-04-28 House Journal Page 0934 The report was signed by Representative Gray, Chair, with the following individual recommendations: Do pass (4): Eischeid, Mina, Kopp, Gray Do not pass (1): Vance Amend (1): Underwood The following fiscal note(s) apply: 1. Zero, Dept. of Labor & Workforce Development 2. Zero, Dept. of Revenue 3. Indeterminate, Dept. of Revenue 4. Indeterminate, University of Alaska 5. Zero, Dept. of Family & Community Services HB 137 was referred to the Finance Committee. HB 174 The Education Committee considered: HOUSE BILL NO. 174 "An Act relating to the regional educational attendance area and small municipal school district fund; relating to Mt. Edgecumbe High School; and relating to teacher housing." The report was signed by Representatives Himschoot and Story, Co- chairs, with the following individual recommendations: Do pass (7): Underwood, Eischeid, Schwanke, Dibert, Elam, Himschoot, Story The following fiscal note(s) apply: 1. Fiscal, Dept. of Education & Early Development HB 174 was referred to the Finance Committee. HB 180 The Judiciary Committee considered: 2025-04-28 House Journal Page 0935 HOUSE BILL NO. 180 "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." The report was signed by Representative Gray, Chair, with the following individual recommendations: Do pass (3): Underwood, Eischeid, Kopp Do not pass (1): Vance No recommendation (1): Gray The following fiscal note(s) apply: 1. Zero, Dept. of Administration 2. Zero, Dept. of Public Safety HB 180 was referred to the State Affairs Committee. INTRODUCTION OF CITATIONS The following citations were introduced and referred to the Rules Committee for placement on the calendar: Honoring - Scott McMurren By Representatives Galvin, Mina, Fields Honoring - Rose Pak By Representative Galvin Honoring - David Hulen By Representatives Hall, Galvin; Senator Gray-Jackson Honoring - Debbie Sis By Representatives Hall, Costello; Senator Claman Honoring - Tim Davis By Representatives Hall, Costello; Senator Claman 2025-04-28 House Journal Page 0936 Honoring - John Tracy By Representative Hall Honoring - Stan Eliason By Representative Himschoot Honoring - The Alaska Rock Gym By Representative Galvin Honoring - Off the Chain Bicycle Collective By Representatives Galvin, Mina, Fields Honoring - Thomas Sterling Sparks By Senators Tobin, Olson; Representative Foster INTRODUCTION, FIRST READING, AND REFERENCE OF HOUSE RESOLUTIONS HJR 23 HOUSE JOINT RESOLUTION NO. 23 by Representatives Underwood, Vance, and Fields: Proposing an amendment to the Constitution of the State of Alaska requiring the governor to submit a balanced budget to the legislature. was read the first time and referred to the State Affairs, Judiciary, and Finance Committees. INTRODUCTION, FIRST READING, AND REFERENCE OF HOUSE BILLS HB 208 HOUSE BILL NO. 208 by Representatives Mears and Holland, entitled: "An Act relating to the regulation of liquefied natural gas import facilities by the Regulatory Commission of Alaska." was read the first time and referred to the Resources and Labor & Commerce Committees. 2025-04-28 House Journal Page 0937 HB 209 HOUSE BILL NO. 209 by Representative Fields, entitled: "An Act relating to the Alaska permanent fund; relating to income of the Alaska permanent fund; relating to the amount available for appropriation and appropriations from the earnings reserve account; relating to the permanent fund dividend; and providing for an effective date." was read the first time and referred to the Judiciary and Finance Committees. CONSIDERATION OF THE DAILY CALENDAR SECOND READING OF HOUSE BILLS HB 17 The following was read the second time: HOUSE BILL NO. 17 "An Act relating to retirement benefits and military service." with the: Journal Page MLV RPT 7DP 249 FN1: INDETERMINATE(ADM) 249 FIN RPT 10DP 1NR 635 FN1: INDETERMINATE(ADM) 635 Representative Kopp moved and asked unanimous consent that HB 17 be considered engrossed, advanced to third reading, and placed on final passage. There being no objection, it was so ordered. HB 17 was read the third time. The question being: "Shall HB 17 pass the House?" The roll was taken with the following result: HB 17 Third Reading Final Passage 2025-04-28 House Journal Page 0938 YEAS: 40 NAYS: 0 EXCUSED: 0 ABSENT: 0 Yeas: Allard, Burke, Bynum, Carrick, Costello, Coulombe, Dibert, Edgmon, Eischeid, Elam, Fields, Foster, Galvin, Gray, Hall, Hannan, Himschoot, Holland, Jimmie, Johnson, Josephson, Kopp, McCabe, Mears, Mina, Moore, Nelson, Prax, Rauscher, Ruffridge, Saddler, Schrage, Schwanke, Stapp, Story, Stutes, Tilton, Tomaszewski, Underwood, Vance And so, HB 17 passed the House and was referred to the Chief Clerk for engrossment. HB 58 The following was read the second time: HOUSE BILL NO. 58 "An Act relating to the office of public advocacy; and relating to the public advocate." with the: Journal Page CRA RPT 4DP 1NR 501 FN1: ZERO(ADM) 501 FN2: ZERO(AJS) 501 STA RPT 5DP 2NR 637 FN1: ZERO(ADM) 637 FN2: ZERO(AJS) 637 Representative Kopp moved and asked unanimous consent that HB 58 be considered engrossed, advanced to third reading, and placed on final passage. There was objection. HB 58 will advance to third reading on the April 30 calendar. THIRD READING OF HOUSE BILLS HB 16 The following, which was advanced to third reading from the April 25 calendar (page 910), was read the third time: 2025-04-28 House Journal Page 0939 CS FOR HOUSE BILL NO. 16(STA) "An Act requiring a group supporting or opposing a candidate or ballot proposition in a state or local election to maintain an address in the state; 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; relating to campaign contribution reporting requirements; relating to administrative complaints filed with the Alaska Public Offices Commission; relating to state election expenditures and contributions made by a foreign-influenced corporation or foreign national; and providing for an effective date." The question being: "Shall CSHB 16(STA) pass the House?" The roll was taken with the following result: CSHB 16(STA) Third Reading Final Passage YEAS: 22 NAYS: 18 EXCUSED: 0 ABSENT: 0 Yeas: Burke, Carrick, Dibert, Edgmon, Eischeid, Fields, Foster, Galvin, Gray, Hall, Hannan, Himschoot, Holland, Jimmie, Josephson, Kopp, Mears, Mina, Ruffridge, Schrage, Story, Stutes Nays: Allard, Bynum, Costello, Coulombe, Elam, Johnson, McCabe, Moore, Nelson, Prax, Rauscher, Saddler, Schwanke, Stapp, Tilton, Tomaszewski, Underwood, Vance And so, CSHB 16(STA) passed the House. 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 16(STA) Third Reading Effective Date YEAS: 28 NAYS: 12 EXCUSED: 0 ABSENT: 0 2025-04-28 House Journal Page 0940 Yeas: Burke, Bynum, Carrick, Costello, Dibert, Edgmon, Eischeid, Fields, Foster, Galvin, Gray, Hall, Hannan, Himschoot, Holland, Jimmie, Johnson, Josephson, Kopp, Mears, Mina, Moore, Ruffridge, Schrage, Schwanke, Stapp, Story, Stutes Nays: Allard, Coulombe, Elam, McCabe, Nelson, Prax, Rauscher, Saddler, Tilton, Tomaszewski, Underwood, Vance And so, the effective date clause was adopted. CSHB 16(STA) was referred to the Chief Clerk for engrossment. SECOND READING OF SENATE RESOLUTIONS SJR 10 The following was read the second time: SENATE JOINT RESOLUTION NO. 10 Encouraging the United States Congress to award Hmong veterans of the Vietnam War the Congressional Gold Medal. with the: Journal Page MLV RPT 6DP 639 FN1: ZERO(LEG) 639 Amendment No. 1 was offered by Representative Mina: Page 2, line 31: Delete "and Hmong-Laotians" Representative Mina moved and asked unanimous consent that Amendment No. 1 be adopted. Representative Stapp objected. Representative Mina moved and asked unanimous consent to withdraw Amendment No. 1. There being no objection, it was so ordered. 2025-04-28 House Journal Page 0941 Amendment No. 2 was offered by Representative Mina: Page 2, line 31: Delete "-Americans and Hmong-Laotians" Representative Mina moved and asked unanimous consent that Amendment No. 2 be adopted. There being no objection, Amendment No. 2 was adopted. Representative Kopp moved and asked unanimous consent that SJR 10 am H be considered engrossed, advanced to third reading, and placed on final passage. There was objection. SJR 10 am H will advance to third reading on the April 30 calendar. 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 Nelson – from 5:00 p.m., April 28 to 9:30 a.m., May 5 HB 1 Representative Moore added as a cosponsor to: HOUSE BILL NO. 1 "An Act relating to specie as legal tender in the state; and relating to borough and city sales and use taxes on specie." HB 12 Representative Himschoot added as a cosponsor to: HOUSE BILL NO. 12 "An Act relating to free breakfast and lunch in public schools." HB 14 Representative Schrage added as a cosponsor to: 2025-04-28 House Journal Page 0942 HOUSE BILL NO. 14 "An Act repealing programs for catastrophic illness assistance and medical assistance for chronic and acute medical conditions." HB 16 Representatives Fields, Mears, and Carrick added as cosponsors to: CS FOR HOUSE BILL NO. 16(STA) "An Act requiring a group supporting or opposing a candidate or ballot proposition in a state or local election to maintain an address in the state; 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; relating to campaign contribution reporting requirements; relating to administrative complaints filed with the Alaska Public Offices Commission; relating to state election expenditures and contributions made by a foreign-influenced corporation or foreign national; and providing for an effective date." HB 17 Representatives Saddler, Bynum, and Nelson added as cosponsors to: HOUSE BILL NO. 17 "An Act relating to retirement benefits and military service." HB 26 Representative Eischeid added as a cosponsor to: HOUSE BILL NO. 26 "An Act relating to the duties of the Department of Transportation and Public Facilities; and relating to a statewide public and community transit plan." HB 57 Representative Carrick added as a cosponsor 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." 2025-04-28 House Journal Page 0943 HB 58 Representative Josephson added as a cosponsor to: HOUSE BILL NO. 58 "An Act relating to the office of public advocacy; and relating to the public advocate." HB 101 Representative Schrage 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 Himschoot 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." SJR 10 Representatives Galvin, Josephson, and Eischeid added as cosponsors to: SENATE JOINT RESOLUTION NO. 10 am H Encouraging the United States Congress to award Hmong veterans of the Vietnam War the Congressional Gold Medal. 2025-04-28 House Journal Page 0944 ENGROSSMENT HJR 9 CSHJR 9(HSS) was engrossed, signed by the Speaker and Chief Clerk, and transmitted to the Senate for consideration. HB 16 CSHB 16(STA) was engrossed, signed by the Speaker and Chief Clerk, and transmitted to the Senate for consideration. HB 17 HB 17 was engrossed, signed by the Speaker and Chief Clerk, and transmitted to the Senate for consideration. HB 70 CSHB 70(L&C) am 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: Finance Committee CHANGED TO: 10 min. after adjournment 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 30. There being no objection, the House adjourned at 4:07 p.m. Crystaline Jones Chief Clerk