Legislature(2025 - 2026)
2025-05-12 House Journal
Full Journal pdf2025-05-12 House Journal Page 1135 HOUSE JOURNAL ALASKA STATE LEGISLATURE THIRTY-FOURTH LEGISLATURE FIRST SESSION Juneau, Alaska Monday May 12, 2025 One Hundred Twelfth Day Pursuant to adjournment the House was called to order by Speaker Edgmon at 10:45 a.m. Roll call showed 40 members present. The invocation was offered by the Chaplain, Pastor Greg White of First 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 the deepest respect for the religious beliefs of all Alaskans, I offer the following prayer according to my faith tradition: Heavenly Father, I come to you in Jesus’ name. Lord, I come asking you to bless the peoples of the State of Alaska with all good things. I ask you to provide guidance to this body, that they are able to effectively lead into all truth. I ask, in line with scripture (Colossians 1:9), that you fill our leaders with the knowledge of your will in all wisdom and spiritual understanding. Please protect our leadership and all our peoples in this great state. Help us all to love well. In Jesus' name I pray, Amen. The Pledge of Allegiance was led by Representative Eischeid. 2025-05-12 House Journal Page 1136 CERTIFICATION OF THE JOURNAL Representative Kopp moved and asked unanimous consent that the journal for the 110th and 111th legislative days be approved as certified by the Chief Clerk. There being no objection, it was so ordered. REPORTS OF STANDING COMMITTEES HJR 25 The Education Committee considered: HOUSE JOINT RESOLUTION NO. 25 Supporting and encouraging the continued recruitment and retention of international educators on J-1 and H-1B visas in the state. The report was signed by Representatives Himschoot and Story, Co- chairs, with the following individual recommendations: Do pass (6): Underwood, Schwanke, Dibert, Eischeid, Himschoot, Story The following fiscal note(s) apply: 1. Zero, Legislative Agency HJR 25 was referred to the Rules Committee. HB 191 The Resources Committee considered: HOUSE BILL NO. 191 "An Act establishing the Alaska Invasive Species Council in the Department of Fish and Game; relating to management of invasive species; and providing for an effective date." and recommends it be replaced with: CS FOR HOUSE BILL NO. 191(RES) (same title) 2025-05-12 House Journal Page 1137 The report was signed by Representatives Dibert and Burke, Co- chairs, with the following individual recommendations: Do pass (5): Fields, Hall, Mears, Dibert, Burke No recommendation (1): Elam Amend (3): Coulombe, Rauscher, Saddler The following fiscal note(s) apply to CSHB 191(RES): 1. Fiscal, Dept. of Fish & Game HB 191 was referred to the Finance Committee. REPORTS OF SPECIAL COMMITTEES In accordance with AS 24.55.020, the Ombudsman Selection Committee reviewed the qualifications of the following and recommends the appointment be forwarded to a joint session for consideration: Jacob Carbaugh as Ombudsman. The report was signed by Representatives Josephson, Kopp, Tomaszewski; Senators Stedman (Chair), Hughes, and Kiehl. The Speaker stated the nomination of the Ombudsman will be considered in the May 14 joint session. INTRODUCTION OF CITATIONS The following citations were introduced and taken up as a Special Order of Business: Honoring - 2025 House Floor Staff By Representative Stutes Honoring - 2025 Senate Floor Staff By Senator Wielechowski 2025-05-12 House Journal Page 1138 The following citation was introduced and referred to the Rules Committee for placement on the calendar: In Memoriam - Andrew Julian Aquino Representatives Stapp, Carrick; Senator Kawasaki SPECIAL ORDER OF BUSINESS Representative Kopp moved and asked unanimous consent that the notice and publication requirements be waived and the citations, Honoring - 2025 House Floor Staff and Honoring - 2025 Senate Floor Staff, 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 Stutes objected to the citation, Honoring - 2025 House Floor Staff, offered remarks, and withdrew the objection. There being no further objection, the following citations were approved and sent to enrolling: Honoring - 2025 House Floor Staff By Representative Stutes Honoring - 2025 Senate Floor Staff By Senator Wielechowski INTRODUCTION, FIRST READING, AND REFERENCE OF HOUSE BILLS HB 226 HOUSE BILL NO. 226 by Representative Foster, entitled: "An Act increasing the loan amount that is eligible for lower interest rates on certain Alaska Housing Finance Corporation loans." was read the first time and referred to the State Affairs and Finance Committees. 2025-05-12 House Journal Page 1139 CONSIDERATION OF THE DAILY CALENDAR SECOND READING OF HOUSE BILLS HB 33 The following was read the second time: HOUSE BILL NO. 33 "An Act relating to participation in matters before the Board of Fisheries and the Board of Game by the members of the respective boards; and providing for an effective date." with the: Journal Page FSH RPT 7DP 211 FN1: ZERO(DFG) 211 RES RPT 5DP 1NR 3AM 500 FN1: ZERO(DFG) 500 Representative Kopp moved and asked unanimous consent that HB 33 be considered engrossed, advanced to third reading, and placed on final passage. There was objection. HB 33 will advance to third reading on the May 13 calendar. HB 123 The following was read the second time: HOUSE BILL NO. 123 "An Act relating to vehicle rental taxes; relating to the issuance of subpoenas related to tax records; and providing for an effective date." with the: Journal Page L&C RPT 6DP 1AM 504 FN1: INDETERMINATE(REV) 504 FIN RPT CS(FIN) 7DP 2NR 2AM 1066 FN1: INDETERMINATE(REV) 1066 2025-05-12 House Journal Page 1140 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. 123(FIN) (same title) There being no objection, it was so ordered. Representative Kopp moved and asked unanimous consent that CSHB 123(FIN) be considered engrossed, advanced to third reading, and placed on final passage. There being no objection, it was so ordered. CSHB 123(FIN) was read the third time. The question being: "Shall CSHB 123(FIN) pass the House?" The roll was taken with the following result: CSHB 123(FIN) Third Reading Final Passage YEAS: 38 NAYS: 2 EXCUSED: 0 ABSENT: 0 Yeas: Allard, Burke, Bynum, Costello, Coulombe, Dibert, Edgmon, Eischeid, Elam, Fields, Foster, Galvin, Gray, Hall, Hannan, Himschoot, Holland, Jimmie, Johnson, Josephson, Kopp, McCabe, Mears, Mina, Moore, Nelson, Prax, Ruffridge, Saddler, Schrage, Schwanke, Stapp, Story, Stutes, Tilton, Tomaszewski, Underwood, Vance Nays: Carrick, Rauscher And so, CSHB 123(FIN) 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. CSHB 123(FIN) was referred to the Chief Clerk for engrossment. 2025-05-12 House Journal Page 1141 SENATE BILLS IN SECOND READING SB 57 The following, which was held in second reading from the May 10 calendar (page 1127), was before the House: HOUSE CS FOR CS FOR SENATE BILL NO. 57(FIN) "An Act making appropriations, including capital appropriations, supplemental appropriations, reappropriations, and other appropriations; amending appropriations; making appropriations to capitalize funds; repealing appropriations; and providing for an effective date." Amendment No. 1 was offered by Representative Schrage: Page 47, before line 1: Insert a new bill section to read: "* Sec. 7. SUPPLEMENTAL DEPARTMENT OF COMMERCE, COMMUNITY, AND ECONOMIC DEVELOPMENT. The unexpended and unobligated balance, estimated to be $234,500, of the appropriation made in sec. 1, ch. 16, SLA 2013, page 4, lines 11 - 13 (Department of Commerce, Community, and Economic Development, Alaska Energy Authority, energy programs, alternative energy and energy efficiency programs - $2,000,000), is reappropriated to the Alaska Energy Authority for the electrical emergencies program." Renumber the following bill sections accordingly. Page 57, lines 4 - 5: Delete "8(2), 9, 10(b), 11(a), 12 - 14, 16 - 18, 19(b) and (c), and 20(b)" Insert "7, 9(2), 10, 11(b), 12(a), 13 - 15, 17 - 19, 20(b) and (c), and 21(b)" Page 57, line 7: Delete "secs. 8(1) and 11(b)" Insert "secs. 9(1) and 12(b)" Page 57, line 9: Delete "Sections 4 - 6, 15, and 21" Insert "Sections 4 - 7, 16, and 22" 2025-05-12 House Journal Page 1142 Page 57, line 11: Delete "Sections 12, 14(1), 16, and 18 - 20" Insert "Sections 13, 15(1), 17, and 19 - 21" Page 57, line 12: Delete "7 - 11, 13, 14(2), and 17" Insert "8 - 12, 14, 15(2), and 18 of this Act" Page 57, line 20: Delete "sec. 10(a)" Insert "sec. 11(a)" Page 57, line 22: Delete "sec. 11(a)" Insert "sec. 12(a)" Page 57, line 24: Delete "sec. 17" Insert "sec. 18" Page 57, line 27: Delete "Sections 4 - 6, 15, 21, and 23" Insert "Sections 4 - 7, 16, 22, and 24" Page 57, line 29: Delete "Sections 12, 14(1), 16, and 18 - 20" Insert "Sections 13, 15(1), 17, and 19 - 21" Page 57, line 30: Delete "secs. 25 and 26" Insert "secs. 26 and 27" Representative Schrage moved and asked unanimous consent that Amendment No. 1 be adopted. Representative Stapp objected and withdrew the objection. There being no further objection, Amendment No. 1 was adopted. Amendment No. 2 was offered by Representative Ruffridge: 2025-05-12 House Journal Page 1143 Page 3, following line 11: Insert new material to read: "APPROPRIATION GENERAL ITEMS FUND Grants to Municipalities (AS 37.05.315) Kenai Peninsula Borough Seward 500,000 500,000 Highway and Sterling Highway Corridor Critical Communications Upgrades (HD 6-8)" Adjust fund sources and totals accordingly. Representative Ruffridge moved and asked unanimous consent that Amendment No. 2 be adopted. Representative Schrage objected. The Speaker stated that, without objection, the House would recess to 12:30 p.m.; and so, the House recessed at 11:55 a.m. AFTER RECESS The Speaker called the House back to order at 12:56 p.m. SENATE BILLS IN SECOND READING SB 57 The following was before the House with Amendment No. 2 (page 1142) moved and pending: HOUSE CS FOR CS FOR SENATE BILL NO. 57(FIN) am H "An Act making appropriations, including capital appropriations, supplemental appropriations, reappropriations, and other appropriations; amending appropriations; making appropriations to capitalize funds; repealing appropriations; and providing for an effective date." Amendment No. 1 to Amendment No. 2 was offered by Representatives Vance, Ruffridge, and Elam: 2025-05-12 House Journal Page 1144 Page 1, following line 10 of the amendment: Insert new material to read: "Page 3, line 14: APPROPRIATION GENERAL ITEMS FUND Alaska Travel Industry Association Delete 5,000,000 5,000,000 Insert 4,500,000 4,500,000" Representative Vance moved and asked unanimous consent that Amendment No. 1 to Amendment No. 2 be adopted. Representative Schrage objected. The question being: "Shall Amendment No. 1 to Amendment No. 2 be adopted?" The roll was taken with the following result: HCS CSSB 57(FIN) am H Second Reading Amendment No. 1 to Amendment No. 2 YEAS: 17 NAYS: 22 EXCUSED: 0 ABSENT: 1 Yeas: Allard, Bynum, Costello, Coulombe, Elam, Johnson, McCabe, Moore, Prax, Rauscher, Ruffridge, Saddler, 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, Schwanke, Story, Stutes Absent: Nelson And so, Amendment No. 1 to Amendment No. 2 was not adopted. The question being: "Shall Amendment No. 2 be adopted?" The roll was taken with the following result: HCS CSSB 57(FIN) am H Second Reading Amendment No. 2 YEAS: 18 NAYS: 21 EXCUSED: 0 ABSENT: 1 2025-05-12 House Journal Page 1145 Yeas: Allard, Bynum, Costello, Coulombe, Elam, Johnson, McCabe, Moore, 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 Absent: Nelson And so, Amendment No. 2 was not adopted. Amendment No. 3 was not offered. Amendment No. 4 was offered by Representatives Coulombe and Costello: Page 3, following line 13: Insert new material to read: "APPROPRIATION GENERAL ITEMS FUND Alaska Center for the Performing Arts, Inc. - 500,000 500,000 Rehabilitation Project and Elevator Maintenance and Safety Improvements (HD 17)" Adjust fund sources and totals accordingly. Representative Coulombe moved and asked unanimous consent that Amendment No. 4 be adopted. Representative Schrage objected. The question being: "Shall Amendment No. 4 be adopted?" The roll was taken with the following result: HCS CSSB 57(FIN) am H Second Reading Amendment No. 4 YEAS: 16 NAYS: 24 EXCUSED: 0 ABSENT: 0 2025-05-12 House Journal Page 1146 Yeas: Bynum, Costello, Coulombe, Elam, Johnson, McCabe, Moore, Nelson, Rauscher, Ruffridge, Schwanke, Stapp, Tilton, Tomaszewski, Underwood, Vance Nays: Allard, Burke, Carrick, Dibert, Edgmon, Eischeid, Fields, Foster, Galvin, Gray, Hall, Hannan, Himschoot, Holland, Jimmie, Josephson, Kopp, Mears, Mina, Prax, Saddler, Schrage, Story, Stutes And so, Amendment No. 4 was not adopted. Amendment No. 5 was offered by Representative Rauscher: Page 57, lines 2 - 3: Delete all material and insert: "* Sec. 21. Section 14, ch. 11, SLA 2022, page 125, lines 31 - 33; sec. 14, ch. 11, SLA 2022, page 126, lines 6 - 7; sec. 14, ch. 11, SLA 2022, page 126, lines 22 - 23; sec. 14, ch. 11, SLA 2022, page 126, lines 27 - 28; sec. 1, ch. 8, SLA 2024, page 13, lines 31 - 32, and allocated on page 14, lines 5 - 7; sec. 4, ch. 8, SLA 2024, page 40, lines 29 - 31; and sec. 4, ch. 8, SLA 2024, page 50, line 33, through page 51, line 3, are repealed." Representative Rauscher moved and asked unanimous consent that Amendment No. 5 be adopted. Representative Schrage objected. The question being: "Shall Amendment No. 5 be adopted?" The roll was taken with the following result: HCS CSSB 57(FIN) am H Second Reading Amendment No. 5 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 2025-05-12 House Journal Page 1147 And so, Amendment No. 5 was not adopted. Amendment No. 6 was offered by Representative Tilton: Page 49, line 30: Delete "$41,095,007" Insert "$40,893,786" Page 50, lines 3 - 5: Delete all material. Renumber the following paragraphs accordingly. Representative Tilton moved and asked unanimous consent that Amendment No. 6 be adopted. Representative Schrage objected. The question being: "Shall Amendment No. 6 be adopted?" The roll was taken with the following result: HCS CSSB 57(FIN) am H Second Reading Amendment No. 6 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. 6 was not adopted. Amendment No. 7 was offered by Representative Coulombe: Page 8, following line 23: Insert new material to read: 2025-05-12 House Journal Page 1148 "APPROPRIATION GENERAL ITEMS FUND Birch Road/Abbott Road Intersection 200,000 200,000 Realignment (HD 11)" Adjust fund sources and totals accordingly. Representative Coulombe moved and asked unanimous consent that Amendment No. 7 be adopted. Representative Schrage objected. Representative Costello rose to a point of order regarding confining remarks to the amendment. The Speaker stated that the point was well taken. The question being: "Shall Amendment No. 7 be adopted?" The roll was taken with the following result: HCS CSSB 57(FIN) am H Second Reading Amendment No. 7 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. 7 was not adopted. Amendment No. 8 was offered by Representative Ruffridge: Page 49, lines 23 - 24: Delete "enhancements for the Rabinowitz Courthouse in Fairbanks" Insert "upgrades along the Seward Highway" 2025-05-12 House Journal Page 1149 Representative Ruffridge moved and asked unanimous consent that Amendment No. 8 be adopted. Representative Schrage objected. The question being: "Shall Amendment No. 8 be adopted?" The roll was taken with the following result: HCS CSSB 57(FIN) am H Second Reading Amendment No. 8 YEAS: 20 NAYS: 20 EXCUSED: 0 ABSENT: 0 Yeas: Allard, Burke, Bynum, Costello, Coulombe, Elam, Johnson, McCabe, Moore, Nelson, Prax, Rauscher, Ruffridge, Saddler, Schwanke, Stapp, Tilton, Tomaszewski, Underwood, Vance Nays: Carrick, Dibert, Edgmon, Eischeid, Fields, Foster, Galvin, Gray, Hall, Hannan, Himschoot, Holland, Jimmie, Josephson, Kopp, Mears, Mina, Schrage, Story, Stutes And so, Amendment No. 8 was not adopted. Amendment No. 9 was not offered. Amendment No. 10 was offered by Representative Vance: Page 3, lines 12 - 17: Delete all material. Adjust fund sources and totals accordingly. Representative Vance moved and asked unanimous consent that Amendment No. 10 be adopted. Representative Schrage objected. The question being: "Shall Amendment No. 10 be adopted?" The roll was taken with the following result: 2025-05-12 House Journal Page 1150 HCS CSSB 57(FIN) am H Second Reading Amendment No. 10 YEAS: 15 NAYS: 25 EXCUSED: 0 ABSENT: 0 Yeas: Allard, Costello, Elam, Johnson, McCabe, Moore, Nelson, Prax, Rauscher, Saddler, Schwanke, Tilton, Tomaszewski, Underwood, Vance Nays: Burke, Bynum, Carrick, Coulombe, Dibert, Edgmon, Eischeid, Fields, Foster, Galvin, Gray, Hall, Hannan, Himschoot, Holland, Jimmie, Josephson, Kopp, Mears, Mina, Ruffridge, Schrage, Stapp, Story, Stutes Allard changed from "NAY" to "YEA" And so, Amendment No. 10 was not adopted. Amendment No. 11 was offered by Representative Johnson: Page 37, following line 9: Insert new material to read: "APPROPRIATION GENERAL ITEMS FUND Palmer Courthouse Expansion (HD 25) 7,500,000 7,500,000" Adjust fund sources and totals accordingly. Representative Johnson moved and asked unanimous consent that Amendment No. 11 be adopted. Representative Schrage objected. Representative Johnson moved and asked unanimous consent to withdraw Amendment No. 11. There being no objection, it was so ordered. Amendment No. 3 was offered by Representative McCabe: Page 7, lines 3 - 4: Delete all material. 2025-05-12 House Journal Page 1151 Adjust fund sources and totals accordingly. Representative McCabe moved and asked unanimous consent that Amendment No. 3 be adopted. Representative Schrage objected. The question being: "Shall Amendment No. 3 be adopted?" The roll was taken with the following result: HCS CSSB 57(FIN) am H Second Reading Amendment No. 3 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. 3 was not adopted. Representative Kopp moved and asked unanimous consent that HCS CSSB 57(FIN) am H be considered engrossed, advanced to third reading, and placed on final passage. There was objection. HCS CSSB 57(FIN) am H will advance to third reading on the May 13 calendar. THIRD READING OF HOUSE BILLS HB 13 The following, which was advanced to third reading from the May 10 calendar (page 1126), was read the third time: 2025-05-12 House Journal Page 1152 CS FOR SPONSOR SUBSTITUTE FOR HOUSE BILL NO. 13(CRA) "An Act relating to optional municipal property tax exemptions for certain long-term rental units, certain mobile home parks, real property rented to low-income families, real property owned and occupied as a permanent place of abode, and real property owned by first-time homebuyers." Representative Tomaszewski moved and asked unanimous consent to abstain from voting because of a conflict of interest. Objection was heard, and he was required to vote. The Speaker stated that many members may have a conflict of interest and ruled that all members were required to vote. The question being: "Shall CSSSHB 13(CRA) pass the House?" The roll was taken with the following result: CSSSHB 13(CRA) Third Reading Final Passage YEAS: 25 NAYS: 15 EXCUSED: 0 ABSENT: 0 Yeas: Burke, Bynum, Carrick, Dibert, Edgmon, Eischeid, Fields, Foster, Galvin, Gray, Hall, Hannan, Himschoot, Holland, Jimmie, Josephson, Kopp, Mears, Mina, Rauscher, Schrage, Stapp, Story, Stutes, Tomaszewski Nays: Allard, Costello, Coulombe, Elam, Johnson, McCabe, Moore, Nelson, Prax, Ruffridge, Saddler, Schwanke, Tilton, Underwood, Vance And so, CSSSHB 13(CRA) passed the House and was referred to the Chief Clerk for engrossment. HB 78 The following, which was advanced to third reading from the May 10 calendar (page 1118), was read the third time: CS FOR HOUSE BILL NO. 78(FIN) am "An Act relating to the public employees' retirement system and the teachers' retirement system; providing certain employees an 2025-05-12 House Journal Page 1153 opportunity to choose between the defined benefit and defined contribution plans of the public employees' retirement system and the teachers' retirement system; and providing for an effective date." The Speaker stated that, without objection, the House would recess to a call of the chair; and so, the House recessed at 3:27 p.m. AFTER RECESS The Speaker called the House back to order at 4:34 p.m. THIRD READING OF HOUSE BILLS HB 78 The following was before the House: CS FOR HOUSE BILL NO. 78(FIN) am "An Act relating to the public employees' retirement system and the teachers' retirement system; providing certain employees an opportunity to choose between the defined benefit and defined contribution plans of the public employees' retirement system and the teachers' retirement system; and providing for an effective date." Representative McCabe, citing Section 522 of Mason's Manual, rose to a point of order challenging the vote due to a conflict of interest. The Speaker ruled the point out of order. Representative McCabe appealed the ruling of the chair. The question being: "Shall the ruling of the chair be sustained?" The roll was taken with the following result: CSHB 78(FIN) am Point of Order/Ruled Out of Order Sustain Ruling of the Chair 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 2025-05-12 House Journal Page 1154 Nays: Allard, Bynum, Costello, Coulombe, Elam, Johnson, McCabe, Moore, Nelson, Prax, Rauscher, Ruffridge, Saddler, Schwanke, Stapp, Tilton, Tomaszewski, Underwood, Vance And so, the ruling of the chair was sustained. The question being: "Shall CSHB 78(FIN) am pass the House?" The roll was taken with the following result: CSHB 78(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 78(FIN) am 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 78(FIN) am Third Reading Effective Date 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 2025-05-12 House Journal Page 1155 And so, lacking the required 27 votes, the effective date clause was not adopted, and the new title follows: CS FOR HOUSE BILL NO. 78(FIN) am(efd fld) "An Act relating to the public employees' retirement system and the teachers' retirement system; and providing certain employees an opportunity to choose between the defined benefit and defined contribution plans of the public employees' retirement system and the teachers' retirement system." CSHB 78(FIN) am(efd fld) was referred to the Chief Clerk for engrossment. HB 173 The following, which was advanced to third reading from the May 10 calendar (page 1119), was read the third time: CS FOR HOUSE BILL NO. 173(L&C) "An Act relating to occupational therapist licensure; relating to occupational therapy assistant licensure; and relating to an occupational therapist licensure compact." The question being: "Shall CSHB 173(L&C) pass the House?" The roll was taken with the following result: CSHB 173(L&C) Third Reading Final Passage 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, CSHB 173(L&C) passed the House and was referred to the Chief Clerk for engrossment. 2025-05-12 House Journal Page 1156 SECOND READING OF HOUSE RESOLUTIONS HJR 18 The following was read the second time: HOUSE JOINT RESOLUTION NO. 18 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. with the: Journal Page RES RPT CS(RES) 7DP 1DNP 1AM 981 FN1: ZERO(H.RES) 981 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. 18(RES) (same title) There being no objection, it was so ordered. Amendment No. 1 was offered by Representative Mears: Page 1, following line 13: Insert new clauses to read: "WHEREAS the state is rich in natural resources but also immense in size, which makes supplying reliable, cost-effective energy a challenge; and WHEREAS residents from Fairbanks to Fort Yukon face tremendous energy costs that could be alleviated by the completion of the Alaska Liquefied Natural Gas Project and the exportation of liquefied natural gas around the world; and" 2025-05-12 House Journal Page 1157 Representative Mears moved and asked unanimous consent that Amendment No. 1 be adopted. There being no objection, Amendment No. 1 was adopted. Representative Kopp moved and asked unanimous consent that CSHJR 18(RES) am 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 18(RES) am was read the third time. Representatives Galvin and Moore 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 CSHJR 18(RES) am pass the House?" The roll was taken with the following result: CSHJR 18(RES) am Third Reading Final Passage YEAS: 36 NAYS: 4 EXCUSED: 0 ABSENT: 0 Yeas: Allard, Burke, Bynum, Carrick, Costello, Coulombe, Dibert, Edgmon, Eischeid, Elam, Foster, Galvin, Gray, Hall, Himschoot, Holland, Jimmie, Johnson, Kopp, McCabe, Mears, Moore, Nelson, Prax, Rauscher, Ruffridge, Saddler, Schrage, Schwanke, Stapp, Story, Stutes, Tilton, Tomaszewski, Underwood, Vance Nays: Fields, Hannan, Josephson, Mina And so, CSHJR 18(RES) am passed the House and was referred to the Chief Clerk for engrossment. 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: 2025-05-12 House Journal Page 1158 Honoring - University of Alaska Anchorage Wendy Williamson Auditorium, 50th Anniversary By Representatives Schrage, Gray Honoring - Service High School Baseball, 2024 Cook Inlet Conference and ASAA State Champions By Representative Schrage RECONSIDERATION SB 183 Representative Costello brought up reconsideration of the vote on SB 183 (page 1127). The following was before the House in third reading: SENATE BILL NO. 183 "An Act relating to hindering the Legislative Budget and Audit Committee; relating to the powers of the Legislative Budget and Audit Committee and the legislative audit division; and providing for an effective date." The question to be reconsidered: "Shall SB 183 pass the House?" The roll was taken with the following result: SB 183 Third Reading Final Passage Reconsideration YEAS: 30 NAYS: 10 EXCUSED: 0 ABSENT: 0 Yeas: Burke, Bynum, Carrick, Costello, Coulombe, Dibert, Edgmon, Eischeid, Elam, Fields, Foster, Galvin, Gray, Hall, Hannan, Himschoot, Holland, Jimmie, Josephson, Kopp, Mears, Mina, Nelson, Ruffridge, Saddler, Schrage, Stapp, Story, Stutes, Tomaszewski Nays: Allard, Johnson, McCabe, Moore, Prax, Rauscher, Schwanke, Tilton, Underwood, Vance And so, SB 183 passed the House on reconsideration. 2025-05-12 House Journal Page 1159 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. SB 183 was signed by the Speaker and Chief Clerk and returned to the Senate. CONCUR IN SENATE AMENDMENTS HJR 15 Representative Kopp moved and asked unanimous consent that the House consider the Senate message (page 1086) on the following: CS FOR HOUSE JOINT RESOLUTION NO. 15(CRA) 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 CS FOR HOUSE JOINT RESOLUTION NO. 15(CRA) am S (same title) There being no objection, it was so ordered. Representative Kopp moved that the House concur in the Senate amendment and recommended that the members vote yes. The question being: "Shall the House concur in the Senate amendment?" The roll was taken with the following result: CSHJR 15(CRA) am S Concur 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 2025-05-12 House Journal Page 1160 And so, the House concurred in the Senate amendment, thus adopting CSHJR 15(CRA) am S. The Chief Clerk notified the Senate. The bill was referred to the Chief Clerk for enrollment. 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 Costello – from 7:00 p.m., May 14 to 10:00 a.m., May 16 HB 53 The Speaker appointed the following members to a Conference Committee: Representative Josephson, Chair Representative Schrage Representative Johnson to meet with a like committee from the Senate on the following: 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." and SENATE CS FOR CS FOR HOUSE BILL NO. 53(FIN) am S "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." (technical title change) 2025-05-12 House Journal Page 1161 The Chief Clerk notified the Senate. HB 55 The Speaker appointed the following members to a Conference Committee: Representative Josephson, Chair Representative Schrage Representative Johnson to meet with a like committee from the Senate on the following: CS FOR HOUSE BILL NO. 55(FIN) "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." and SENATE CS FOR CS FOR HOUSE BILL NO. 55(FIN) am S (same title) The Chief Clerk notified the Senate. HJR 15 Representative Galvin added as a cosponsor to: CS FOR HOUSE JOINT RESOLUTION NO. 15(CRA) am S 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. HJR 18 Representatives Bynum, Underwood, Vance, Ruffridge, Allard, and Burke added as cosponsors to: CS FOR HOUSE JOINT RESOLUTION NO. 18(RES) am Supporting the continued development of the Alaska Liquefied 2025-05-12 House Journal Page 1162 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. HB 161 Representative Elam added as a cosponsor to: HOUSE BILL NO. 161 "An Act relating to minimum paid sick leave requirements; and providing for an effective date." HB 173 Representatives Gray and Schrage added as cosponsors to: CS FOR HOUSE BILL NO. 173(L&C) "An Act relating to occupational therapist licensure; relating to occupational therapy assistant licensure; and relating to an occupational therapist licensure compact." HB 202 Representative Prax added as a cosponsor to: HOUSE BILL NO. 202 "An Act designating giant cabbage as the official state vegetable; and providing for an effective date." ENGROSSMENT HJR 18 CSHJR 18(RES) am was engrossed, signed by the Speaker and Chief Clerk, and transmitted to the Senate for consideration. HB 13 CSSSHB 13(CRA) was engrossed, signed by the Speaker and Chief Clerk, and transmitted to the Senate for consideration. 2025-05-12 House Journal Page 1163 HB 78 CSHB 78(FIN) am(efd fld) was engrossed, signed by the Speaker and Chief Clerk, and transmitted to the Senate for consideration. HB 123 CSHB 123(FIN) was engrossed, signed by the Speaker and Chief Clerk, and transmitted to the Senate for consideration. HB 173 CSHB 173(L&C) was engrossed, signed by the Speaker and Chief Clerk, and transmitted to the Senate for consideration. ANNOUNCEMENTS With appointment of the Conference Committee on the operating budget, Uniform Rule 23(d) is in effect as of May 12. House committee schedules are published under separate cover. The following meetings today were changed: Judiciary Committee CANCELED Resources Committee CANCELED ADJOURNMENT Representative Kopp moved and asked unanimous consent that the House adjourn until 10:30 a.m., May 13. There being no objection, the House adjourned at 7:54 p.m. Crystaline Jones Chief Clerk