Legislature(2025 - 2026)
2026-01-20 House Journal
Full Journal pdf2026-01-20 House Journal Page 1435 HOUSE JOURNAL ALASKA STATE LEGISLATURE THIRTY-FOURTH LEGISLATURE SECOND SESSION Juneau, Alaska Tuesday January 20, 2026 First Day The House was called to order by Speaker Edgmon at 1:05 p.m. Roll call showed 40 members present. The following members of the Girl Scouts of Alaska presented the Colors and led the Pledge of Allegiance: Kimberly Klawonn, Zoe Bliss, Kaia Larson, Natalie Fortier, and Aamie Tollett. The invocation was offered by the Chaplain, Pastor Trenton Cooper of Glacier Valley Baptist Church. Representative Story moved and asked unanimous consent that the invocation be spread on the journal. There being no objection, it was so ordered. With the deepest respect for all people, including those with differing beliefs, I invite you into a time of prayer and reflection: Lord, your word says, “Righteousness exalts a nation, but sin is a disgrace to any people (Prov. 14:34).” My prayer for the leaders of our state is that they seek first the Kingdom of God and his righteousness. I pray that our leaders would lead us away from sin and toward righteousness, justice, and mercy so that the practices of this state would bring you glory. I lift up every member here, including their families, and I thank you for their willingness to serve and lead the people of 2026-01-20 House Journal Page 1436 this great state. I know your word says that you stitched together each one in their mother’s womb and that you love and care for them. I pray that they would not lean on their own understanding but trust in you. Lord, I pray over the decisions that will be made today and throughout this legislative session. I pray for what your word promises when it says, “Commit your activities to the Lord, and your plans will be established (Prov. 16:3).” I pray that the activities of this House be committed to you so that the plans made here will be established by you. I ask these things in Jesus’ name, Amen. CERTIFICATION OF THE JOURNAL Representative Kopp moved and asked unanimous consent that the journal for the first through 30th legislative days of the First Special Session, the Final Supplement of the First Session and First Special Session, House Journal Supplement No. 8, and House and Senate Joint Journal Supplement No. 10 be approved as certified by the Chief Clerk. There being no objection, it was so ordered. * * * * * Pursuant to Uniform Rule 1(e), the Speaker made the following appointment: Committee on Committees Johnson replaced Costello The Speaker appointed Representatives Mears and Prax to advise the Governor that the House is in session and ready to do business. The Speaker appointed Representatives Stutes and Saddler to advise the Senate that the House is in session and ready to do business. The Speaker stated that, without objection, the House would recess; and so, the House recessed at 1:25 p.m. 2026-01-20 House Journal Page 1437 AFTER RECESS The Speaker called the House back to order at 1:46 p.m. Representative Mears reported that the Governor had been notified that the House is in session and ready to do business. Representative Stutes reported that the Senate had been notified that the House is in session and ready to do business. A delegation from the Senate, composed of Senators Claman and Tilton, reported that the Senate is in session and ready to do business. MESSAGES FROM THE GOVERNOR A letter dated May 20, 2025, was read stating that, in accordance with AS 39.05.080 and art. III, sec. 25, Constitution of the State of Alaska, the Governor submits the following name for legislative confirmation of appointment to the position noted. The Speaker referred the following to the Resources Committee: Commissioner, Department of Environmental Conservation Randy Bates – Juneau Appointed: 5/19/2025 A resume for the appointment is on file in the Chief Clerk's office. A message dated December 10, 2025, was read stating under the provision of art. III, sec. 18, Constitution of the State of Alaska, the Governor requests the opportunity to address a joint session of the Thirty-Fourth Alaska State Legislature on Thursday, January 22 at 7:00 p.m. for presentation of the State of the State Address. A Declaration of Disaster Emergency dated October 9, 2025, accompanying letter dated October 16, and an amendment to the declaration dated October 23, regarding widespread flooding and storm damage to the west coast of Alaska, were received. Pursuant to AS 26.23.020, further letters dated October 28, November 8, 2026-01-20 House Journal Page 1438 December 8, 2025, and January 7, 2026, were received requesting a cost adjustment and extensions, respectively. The declaration, amendment, and letters were copied to the Finance Committee Co- chairs and are on file in the Chief Clerk's office. A Declaration of Disaster Emergency and accompanying letter dated November 3, 2025, regarding the disruption of the federal Supplemental Nutritional Assistance Program, were received. The declaration and letter were copied to the Finance Committee Co-chairs and are on file in the Chief Clerk's office. A letter dated November 14, 2025, was received regarding the 2025 October West Coast Storm Disaster. The letter stated that the disaster was declared a Federal Disaster on October 22. The revised finance plan was attached and the Governor requests concurrence from the legislature to increase the funding limitation to Federal Authorization and the State Disaster Relief Fund pursuant to AS 26.23.020 and AS 26.23.025. The letter, federal declaration, updated finance plan, and a draft letter of concurrence were copied to the Finance Committee Co-chairs and are on file in the Chief Clerk's office. A Declaration of Disaster Emergency and General Fund Supplemental Authority Request dated October 28, 2025, (Amendment to July 30 declaration) and accompanying letter dated November 26, regarding fire suppression costs, were received. The declaration and letter were copied to the Finance Committee Co-chairs and are on file in the Chief Clerk's office. A Declaration of Disaster Emergency dated December 9, 2025, and accompanying letter dated December 17, regarding windstorm damage in the Matanuska-Susitna Borough, were received. The declaration and letter were copied to the Finance Committee Co-chairs and are on file in the Chief Clerk's office. A Declaration of Disaster Emergency dated December 30, 2025, and accompanying letter dated December 31, regarding winter storm damage in the City of Napaskiak, were received. The declaration and letter were copied to the Finance Committee Co-chairs and are on file in the Chief Clerk's office. 2026-01-20 House Journal Page 1439 A Declaration of Disaster Emergency dated January 6 and accompanying letter dated January 13, regarding winter storm damage in northern Southeast Alaska communities, were received. The declaration and letter were copied to the Finance Committee Co-chairs and are on file in the Chief Clerk's office. The following letter dated December 24, 2025, was read: "Dear Speaker Edgmon: Three nominees were forwarded by the Alaska Republican Party. Pursuant to my authority under Article II, Section 4 of the Alaska Constitution and the process outlined in AS 15.40.320, I have appointed Stephan St. Clair to fill the vacancy in the Alaska House, District 26. Subject to confirmation by the House Republicans, Stephan St. Clair will hold this office for the remainder of the unexpired term of the 34th Legislature for House District 26. Sincerely, /s/ Mike Dunleavy Governor" The following letter dated December 24, 2025, was read: "Dear Speaker Edgmon: Three nominees were forwarded by the Alaska Republican Party. Pursuant to my authority under Article II, Section 4 of the Alaska Constitution and the process outlined in AS 15.40.320, I have appointed G. Garret Nelson to fill the vacancy in the Alaska House, District 29. Subject to confirmation by the House Republicans, G. Garret Nelson will hold this office for the remainder of the unexpired term of the 34th Legislature for House District 29. 2026-01-20 House Journal Page 1440 Sincerely, /s/ Mike Dunleavy Governor" COMMUNICATIONS The following were received: Dept. of Commerce, Community, & Economic Development Division of Community & Regional Affairs 2025 Alaska Taxable Report (as required by AS 14.17.510) Dept. of Commerce, Community, & Economic Development Alaska Gasline Development Corporation 2025 Annual Report (as required by AS 31.25.270) Dept. of Commerce, Community, & Economic Development Alaska Industrial Development & Export Authority Annual Report on Cook Inlet Oil and Gas Development Projects January 9, 2026 (as required by AS 44.88.855) Dept. of Commerce, Community, & Economic Development Alaska Industrial Development & Export Authority 2025 Annual Report January 2026 (as required by AS 44.88.210) Dept. of Commerce, Community, & Economic Development Alaska Industrial Development & Export Authority 2025 Annual Report on the Nature and Extent of Tax Exemptions Devoted to an Essential Public and Governmental Function and Purpose January 10, 2026 (as required by AS 44.88.140) 2026-01-20 House Journal Page 1441 Dept. of Commerce, Community, & Economic Development Alaska Industrial Development & Export Authority Certification of Capital Reserve Fund Requirement January 2, 2026 (as required by AS 44.88.105) Dept. of Education & Early Development Reported Incidents of Harassment, Intimidation, or Bullying Resulting in Suspension or Expulsion School Years 2007-2025 (as required by AS 14.33.210) Dept. of Family & Community Services Office of Children's Services Annual Report to the Legislature on Caseloads, Staffing, Recruitment, Retention, and the Impacts on Child Welfare Outcomes November 15, 2025 (as required by AS 47.14.112) Office of the Governor Office of Management and Budget Executive Branch Lease Purchase Agreements Report FY 2025 (as required by AS 37.07.040) Dept. of Health Annual Report SFY 2025 (as required by AS 18.05.020) Dept. of Health Annual Medicaid Reform Report FY 2025 (as required by AS 47.05.270) Dept. of Health Dept. of Law Joint Legislative Fraud, Waste, and Abuse Report December 10, 2025 (as required by AS 47.07.076) 2026-01-20 House Journal Page 1442 Alaska Judicial Council Alaska Criminal Justice Data Analysis Commission 2025 Annual Report November 1, 2025 (as required by AS 44.19.647) Dept. of Labor & Workforce Development Research and Analysis Section Alaska Training Program Performance For Participants Exiting Programs in State Fiscal Year 2024 January 2026 (as required by AS 23.15.580 Legislative Affairs Agency Division of Legal and Research Services Report Listing Alaska Statutes with Delayed Repeals or Delayed Amendments and Examining Court Decisions and Opinions of the Attorney General Construing Alaska Statutes December 2025 (as required by AS 24.20.065) Alaska Permanent Fund Corporation 2025 Annual Report (as required by AS 37.13.170) Dept. of Public Safety 2025 Report on Untested Sexual Assault Examination Kits November 12, 2025 (as required by AS 44.41.070) Dept. of Public Safety Violent Crimes Compensation Board Annual Report FY 2025 (as required by AS 18.67.170) Dept. of Revenue Alaska Municipal Bond Bank Authority Certificate of Debt Service Reserves (as required by AS 44.85.270) 2026-01-20 House Journal Page 1443 Dept. of Revenue Alaska Municipal Bond Bank Authority FY 2025 Annual Report (as required by AS 44.85.100) Dept. of Revenue Alaska Retirement Management Board Investment Performance Report January 20, 2025 (as required by AS 37.10.220) Dept. of Revenue Alaska Retirement Management Board Quarterly Reports June 18 and September 17, 2025 (as required by AS 37.10.220) Dept. of Revenue Treasury Division Alaska ABLE Program FY 2026 Annual Report (as required by AS 06.65.350) HB 53 Dept. of Public Safety Intent Language Report December 19, 2025 (as required by Chapter 10, SLA 2025) Messages dated September 3 and 23, 2025 were received stating the Speaker made the following appointments: Alaska Marine Highway Operations Board (AS 19.65.120) Glen Gardner, Jr. Citizens' Advisory Commission on Federal Management Areas in Alaska (AS 41.37.170) Frank Woods 2026-01-20 House Journal Page 1444 A letter dated November 29, 2025, from Representative Rauscher, House District 29, to Speaker Edgmon, was received tendering his resignation from the House effective November 29, 2025. A letter dated November 29, 2025, from Representative Tilton, House District 26, to Speaker Edgmon, was received tendering her resignation from the House effective November 29, 2025. The following letter dated December 30, 2025, was read: "Dear Speaker Edgmon: This letter affirms that the Republican members of the House of Representatives confirmed the Governor's appointment of Stephan St. Clair to fill the vacant seat in House District 26 on December 30, 2025. I sign this letter on behalf of the House Minority Caucus and the other Republican members of the House of Representatives. Sincerely, /s/ Representative DeLena Johnson House Minority Leader" The following letter dated December 30, 2025, was read: "Dear Speaker Edgmon: This letter affirms that the Republican members of the House of Representatives confirmed the Governor's appointment of Garret Nelson to fill the vacant seat in House District 29 on December 30, 2025. I sign this letter on behalf of the House Minority Caucus and the other Republican members of the House of Representatives. Sincerely, /s/ Representative DeLena Johnson House Minority Leader" 2026-01-20 House Journal Page 1445 OATH OF OFFICE Letters dated December 30, 2025, were received affirming that Speaker Edgmon administered the oath of office to the following members: District 26 Steve St. Clair District 29 Garret Nelson REPORTS OF SPECIAL COMMITTEES A report of the Committee on Committees dated January 20 was read submitting amendments to the January 21, 2025, report (pages 17-20). The amendments follow: Rules: Johnson replaced Tilton Finance: Moore replaced Johnson Community & Regional Affairs: St. Clair and G. Nelson replaced Ruffridge Resources: Prax replaced Rauscher State Affairs: St. Clair replaced Moore Transportation: St. Clair and G. Nelson replaced Tilton and Moore HR 2 House Special Committee on Tribal Affairs: Ruffridge replaced Moore; Name change: Burke to Frier HR 3 House Special Committee on Energy: Ruffridge and Johnson replaced Tilton and Rauscher The report was signed by Representative Edgmon, Chair; and Representatives Stutes, Kopp, Schrage, and Johnson. Representative Kopp moved and asked unanimous consent that the House adopt the Committee on Committees report. There being no objection, it was so ordered. 2026-01-20 House Journal Page 1446 INTRODUCTION, FIRST READING, AND REFERENCE OF HOUSE BILLS HB 234 (Prefile released January 9) HOUSE BILL NO. 234 by Representative Hall, entitled: "An Act relating to emergency medical dispatchers." was read the first time and referred to the Community & Regional Affairs and Labor & Commerce Committees. HB 235 (Prefile released January 9) HOUSE BILL NO. 235 by Representative Hall, entitled: "An Act relating to perfluoroalkyl and polyfluoroalkyl substances; relating to thermal remediation of perfluoroalkyl and polyfluoroalkyl substance contamination; and providing for an effective date." was read the first time and referred to the State Affairs and Finance Committees. HB 236 (Prefile released January 9) HOUSE BILL NO. 236 by Representative Galvin, entitled: "An Act relating to the sale of weight-loss drugs and muscle- building supplements to minors; and relating to the regulation of weight-loss drugs and muscle-building supplements by municipalities." was read the first time and referred to the Health & Social Services and Finance Committees. HB 237 (Prefile released January 9) HOUSE BILL NO. 237 by Representatives Underwood, Moore, and Johnson, entitled: 2026-01-20 House Journal Page 1447 "An Act relating to mathematics education; relating to the duties of the Department of Education and Early Development; and relating to the duties of school districts." was read the first time and referred to the Education and Finance Committees. HB 238 (Prefile released January 9) HOUSE BILL NO. 238 by Representatives Gray and Dibert, entitled: "An Act relating to the statewide immunization program; and relating to medical assistance for immunizations for children and adolescents 18 years of age or younger." was read the first time and referred to the Health & Social Services and Judiciary Committees. HB 239 (Prefile released January 9) HOUSE BILL NO. 239 by Representatives Kopp and Fields, entitled: "An Act relating to criminally negligent homicide; relating to the duty of an operator immediately after an accident; and providing for an effective date." was read the first time and referred to the Judiciary and Finance Committees. HB 240 (Prefile released January 9) HOUSE BILL NO. 240 by Representative D. Nelson, entitled: "An Act requiring school districts to adopt a digital harassment and nonconsensual digital impersonation policy; and providing for an effective date." was read the first time and referred to the Education and Finance Committees. 2026-01-20 House Journal Page 1448 HB 241 (Prefile released January 9) HOUSE BILL NO. 241 by Representative D. Nelson, entitled: "An Act relating to a psychology interjurisdictional compact; and relating to the practice of psychology." was read the first time and referred to the Health & Social Services and Labor & Commerce Committees. HB 242 (Prefile released January 9) HOUSE BILL NO. 242 by Representative Hannan, entitled: "An Act relating to sexual assault." was read the first time and referred to the Health & Social Services and Judiciary Committees. HB 243 (Prefile released January 9) HOUSE BILL NO. 243 by Representative Carrick by request, entitled: "An Act relating to the powers and duties of the Board of Barbers and Hairdressers and the Department of Commerce, Community, and Economic Development; and providing for an effective date." was read the first time and referred to the Labor & Commerce Committee. HB 244 (Prefile released January 9) HOUSE BILL NO. 244 by Representative Underwood, entitled: "An Act relating to certified nurse aide training; and providing for an effective date." was read the first time and referred to the Health & Social Services and Labor & Commerce Committees. 2026-01-20 House Journal Page 1449 HB 245 (Prefile released January 9) HOUSE BILL NO. 245 by Representative Josephson, entitled: "An Act relating to workers' compensation tax rate and service fees; and relating to electronic service of workers' compensation documents." was read the first time and referred to the Labor & Commerce and Finance Committees. HB 246 (Prefile released January 9) HOUSE BILL NO. 246 by Representative Josephson, entitled: "An Act relating to allocations for the special education service agency; and providing for an effective date." was read the first time and referred to the Education and Finance Committees. HB 247 (Prefile released January 9) HOUSE BILL NO. 247 by Representative Josephson, entitled: "An Act relating to the climate change response fund and grant program; relating to a new oil surcharge; and providing for an effective date." was read the first time and referred to the Resources and Finance Committees. HB 248 (Prefile released January 9) HOUSE BILL NO. 248 by Representative Galvin, entitled: "An Act relating to correspondence study program student assessment participation; and providing for an effective date." was read the first time and referred to the Education and Finance Committees. 2026-01-20 House Journal Page 1450 HB 249 (Prefile released January 9) HOUSE BILL NO. 249 by Representative Moore, entitled: "An Act relating to the transfer of a vehicle to an insurance company." was read the first time and referred to the Labor & Commerce Committee. HB 250 (Prefile released January 9) HOUSE BILL NO. 250 by Representatives Hannan and Fields, entitled: "An Act establishing the crime of wearing a mask in public while acting as a peace officer; and providing for an effective date." was read the first time and referred to the State Affairs and Judiciary Committees. HB 251 (Prefile released January 16) HOUSE BILL NO. 251 by Representative McCabe, entitled: "An Act relating to the definition of 'person' in Alaska Statutes; relating to criminal law definitions; and providing for an effective date." was read the first time and referred to the Health & Social Services and Judiciary Committees. HB 252 (Prefile released January 16) HOUSE BILL NO. 252 by Representative Holland, entitled: "An Act relating to liability of an electric utility for contact between vegetation and the utility's facilities; and relating to electric utility wildland fire mitigation plans." was read the first time and referred to the House Special Committee on Energy and the Labor & Commerce Committee. 2026-01-20 House Journal Page 1451 HB 253 (Prefile released January 16) HOUSE BILL NO. 253 by Representative Bynum, entitled: "An Act relating to the fisheries enhancement loan program; 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 254 (Prefile released January 16) HOUSE BILL NO. 254 by Representative Vance, entitled: "An Act relating to increases in property assessments." was read the first time and referred to the Community & Regional Affairs and Labor & Commerce Committees. HB 255 (Prefile released January 16) HOUSE BILL NO. 255 by Representative Stapp, entitled: "An Act relating to permanent fund dividend raffles; creating the senior citizen grants endowment fund and the senior citizen grants dividend raffle fund; authorizing donations from permanent fund dividends for grants to organizations that provide support for senior citizens and for entry into the senior citizen grants dividend raffle; relating to transfers from the senior citizen grants endowment fund and the senior citizen grants dividend raffle fund; relating to the duties of the Department of Revenue; and relating to the definition of 'gambling.'" was read the first time and referred to the Community & Regional Affairs and Finance Committees. HB 256 (Prefile released January 16) HOUSE BILL NO. 256 by Representatives Stapp and Allard, entitled: 2026-01-20 House Journal Page 1452 "An Act relating to public school students connected to the military; relating to school funding for purple star designations; and providing for an effective date." was read the first time and referred to the House Special Committee on Military & Veterans' Affairs and the Education and Finance Committees. HB 257 (Prefile released January 16) HOUSE BILL NO. 257 by Representative Eischeid, entitled: "An Act relating to the regulation of residential solar energy generation and portable solar generation devices." was read the first time and referred to the House Special Committee on Energy and the Community & Regional Affairs Committee. HB 258 (Prefile released January 16) HOUSE BILL NO. 258 by Representatives Stapp and Moore, entitled: "An Act establishing a statewide spay and neuter assistance fund; establishing the statewide spay and neuter assistance program; relating to municipal control of feral domestic dogs and cats; relating to companion animal spay and neuter special request registration plates; relating to contributions from permanent fund dividends; and providing for an effective date." was read the first time and referred to the Resources and Finance Committees. HB 259 (Prefile released January 16) HOUSE BILL NO. 259 by Representative Mears, entitled: "An Act relating to large energy use facilities; relating to electric and gas utilities; relating to community benefit agreements with municipalities; and relating to the duties of the Regulatory Commission of Alaska." 2026-01-20 House Journal Page 1453 was read the first time and referred to the House Special Committee on Energy and the Community & Regional Affairs Committee. HB 260 (Prefile released January 16) HOUSE BILL NO. 260 by Representative Josephson, entitled: "An Act relating to penalties for violating a requirement for a certificate of fitness; relating to joint and several liability for unpaid construction wages; and relating to the jurisdiction of the office of administrative hearings over certificate of fitness administrative fine hearings." was read the first time and referred to the Labor & Commerce and Finance Committees. HB 261 (Prefile released January 16) HOUSE BILL NO. 261 by Representative Story, entitled: "An Act relating to education funding; and providing for an effective date." was read the first time and referred to the Education and Finance Committees. UNFINISHED BUSINESS The Speaker made the following appointments: Legislative Budget & Audit Committee: Coulombe replaced Tilton Legislative Council: Johnson replaced Prax HJR 22 Representatives Bynum and Frier added as cosponsors to: HOUSE JOINT RESOLUTION NO. 22 Requesting the United States Congress to propose an amendment to the Constitution of the United States to set a limit on the 2026-01-20 House Journal Page 1454 number of terms that a person may be elected as a member of the United States House of Representatives and as a member of the United States Senate; and requesting the United States Congress to call for a constitutional convention of the states to propose a single amendment to the Constitution of the United States to set a limit on the number of terms that a person may be elected as a member of the United States House of Representatives and as a member of the United States Senate. HB 229 Representative Schrage added as a cosponsor to: HOUSE BILL NO. 229 "An Act exempting the state from daylight saving time; and providing for an effective date." HB 233 Representative Stutes added as a cosponsor to: HOUSE BILL NO. 233 "An Act prohibiting certain mining activities within the watershed of the Bristol Bay Fisheries Reserve." ENGROSSMENT HCR 7 The following, which failed to pass the House May 13, 2025 (page 1179), was engrossed and permanently filed in the Chief Clerk's office: HOUSE CONCURRENT RESOLUTION NO. 7(fld H) Suspending Rules 24(c), 35, 41(b), and 42(e), Uniform Rules of the Alaska State Legislature, concerning Senate Bill No. 57, making appropriations, including capital appropriations and other appropriations; making reappropriations; and making appropriations to capitalize funds. ANNOUNCEMENTS House committee schedules are published under separate cover. 2026-01-20 House Journal Page 1455 ADJOURNMENT Representative Kopp moved and asked unanimous consent that the House adjourn until 8:45 a.m., January 22 for a joint session. There being no objection, the House adjourned at 2:06 p.m. Crystaline Jones Chief Clerk