Legislature(2025 - 2026)
2026-01-23 House Journal
Full Journal pdf2026-01-23 House Journal Page 1465 HOUSE JOURNAL ALASKA STATE LEGISLATURE THIRTY-FOURTH LEGISLATURE SECOND SESSION Juneau, Alaska Friday January 23, 2026 Fourth Day Pursuant to adjournment the House was called to order by Speaker Edgmon at 10:43 a.m. Roll call showed 38 members present. Representative Vance was absent. Representative Kopp moved and asked unanimous consent that Representative Jimmie be excused from a call of the House today. There being no objection, it was so ordered. The invocation was offered by the Chaplain, Major Petr Janousek of the Salvation Army. Representative Story moved and asked unanimous consent that the invocation be spread on the journal. There being no objection, it was so ordered. In deepest respect for the religious beliefs of each person here, I invite you into a time of prayer and reflection. Let us pray: Almighty God, I thank you for your word which presents us your heart, full of grace and love. I thank you for this moment when we can all focus on your wisdom written in Psalm 37, verses 29-31: The righteous will inherit the land and dwell in it forever. 2026-01-23 House Journal Page 1466 The mouths of the righteous utter wisdom, and their tongues speak what is just. The law of their God is in their hearts; their feet do not slip. And so, I pray that the words of wisdom will be uttered here today, and that justice will flow from decisions made here. Remind us all today of your law and instructions as well as testimony of your grace and love within our own lives or in lives of those living around us. I pray for peace and prosperity of Alaska in Jesus' name, Amen. The Pledge of Allegiance was led by Representative Holland. CERTIFICATION OF THE JOURNAL Representative Kopp moved and asked unanimous consent that the journal for the second and third legislative days and House and Senate Joint Journal Supplement No. 11 be approved as certified by the Chief Clerk. There being no objection, it was so ordered. * * * * * Representative Stutes introduced the following House staff: Hanna Davis - Juneau Janessa Erickson - Wasilla Erin Parfet - Florida Zoe Foshee - Fairbanks Katie Skaggs - Juneau Lexi Serrano - Juneau * * * * * Representative Costello introduced Mr. Mark Daly, Cathaoirleach of the Seanad Éireann (President of the Senate of Ireland). Following a welcome by the Speaker, President Daly addressed the House. 2026-01-23 House Journal Page 1467 MESSAGES FROM THE SENATE A message dated January 20 was received stating the Senate accepted the invitation to meet in joint session in the House Chamber at 9:00 a.m. on Thursday, January 22 to consider the Governor's veto of the following: SENATE BILL NO. 113 "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." A message dated January 20 was received stating the Senate accepted the invitation to meet in joint session in the House Chamber at 7:00 p.m. on Thursday, January 22 to hear the Governor's State of the State address. A message dated January 22 was read stating the Senate accepted the invitation to meet in joint session in the House Chamber at 11:00 a.m. on Wednesday, February 11 to hear Chief Justice Susan Carney's State of the Judiciary address. COMMUNICATIONS Letters dated January 9 and 20 were read from Susan M. Carney, Chief Justice of the Alaska Supreme Court, stating that she nominated the following public members to serve on the Select Committee on Legislative Ethics pursuant to AS 24.60.130 and AS 24.60.131: Chase Berenson, alternate Deborah Fancher The Speaker referred the appointments to the Judiciary Committee. The following were received: 2026-01-23 House Journal Page 1468 Dept. of Commerce, Community, & Economic Development Division of Community & Regional Affairs Critical and Essential Minerals Report December 2025 (as required by Chapter 45, SLA 2024) Dept. of Corrections Alaska Federation of Natives Recommendations to Reduce the Overrepresentation of Alaska Native People in the Criminal Justice System Final Report 2025 (as required by Chapter 11, SLA 2024) Dept. of Natural Resources Division of Geological & Geophysical Surveys 2026 Critical Minerals Report (as required by Chapter 45, SLA 2024) Dept. of Natural Resources Division of Parks and Outdoor Recreation Incompatible Use in a Park, Area, or Preserve Disabled Veteran Campsite Permit Report January 20, 2026 (as required by AS 41.21.020 and AS 41.21.026) Dept. of Revenue Charitable Pledges Paid to Organizations in 2025 January 20, 2026 (as required by AS 43.23.130) Dept. of Revenue Alaska Housing Finance Corporation 2025 Annual Report (as required by AS 18.56.200) Dept. of Revenue Alaska Marine Highway System Fund Alaska Marine Highway Vessel Replacement Fund Investment Earnings Report (as required by AS 19.65.070 and AS 37.05.550) 2026-01-23 House Journal Page 1469 REPORTS OF STANDING COMMITTEES HB 147 The Health & Social Services Committee considered: HOUSE BILL NO. 147 "An Act relating to the practice of naturopathy." The report was signed by Representative Mina, Chair, with the following individual recommendations: Do pass (4): Schwanke, Mears, Prax, Gray Do not pass (1): Fields No recommendation (1): Mina The following fiscal note(s) apply: 1. Fiscal, Dept. of Commerce, Community, & Economic Development HB 147 was referred to the Labor & Commerce Committee. INTRODUCTION, FIRST READING, AND REFERENCE OF HOUSE RESOLUTIONS HR 6 HOUSE RESOLUTION NO. 6 by Representatives St. Clair and McCabe: Recognizing and commemorating the 250th anniversary of the founding of the United States of America; encouraging participation in commemorative events; and encouraging educational institutions to enhance civics education. was read the first time and referred to the State Affairs Committee. HCR 9 HOUSE CONCURRENT RESOLUTION NO. 9 by Representative Carrick: 2026-01-23 House Journal Page 1470 Honoring the 250th anniversary of the signing of the Declaration of Independence and celebrating the 250th birthday of the United States of America. was read the first time and referred to the State Affairs Committee. HJR 28 HOUSE JOINT RESOLUTION NO. 28 by Representative Eischeid: Calling on the United States Congress to pass the Kids Online Safety Act. was read the first time and referred to the Education and Judiciary Committees. HJR 29 HOUSE JOINT RESOLUTION NO. 29 by the House Special Committee on Fisheries: Supporting the extension of the national emergency declared in Executive Order 14024; supporting the continued national prohibition on Russian seafood imports effected by Executive Orders 14024, 14066, and 14068; and urging the President of the United States, federal agencies, and the United States Congress to maintain and strengthen federal measures that ensure fair trade, protect the state's seafood industry, and promote sustainable and ethical seafood production. was read the first time and referred to the House Special Committee on Fisheries. HJR 30 HOUSE JOINT RESOLUTION NO. 30 by the House Rules Committee by request of the Governor: Proposing amendments to the Constitution of the State of Alaska relating to the Alaska permanent fund; relating to appropriations from the Alaska permanent fund; relating to transfers out of the Alaska permanent fund; and requiring payment of a dividend to eligible state residents. 2026-01-23 House Journal Page 1471 was read the first time and referred to the Finance Committee. The following fiscal note(s) apply: 1. Zero, Office of the Governor The Governor's transmittal letter dated January 22 follows: "Dear Speaker Edgmon: Under the authority of Article III, Section 18 of the Alaska Constitution, I am transmitting a proposed amendment to the Constitution of the State of Alaska relating to the Alaska permanent fund. This constitutional amendment is designed to provide long-term fiscal certainty, extend constitutional protections to Permanent Fund earnings and establish durable rules for withdrawals, and place the Permanent Fund Dividend beyond annual political cycles. This amendment makes three reforms. First, it ends the current two- account structure by merging the earnings reserve account into the permanent fund corpus. Second, it establishes a limit on withdrawals by capping the annual draw at five percent of the fund’s average market value using the existing five-year formula. Third, it requires the annual draw to be split equally: half is guaranteed to eligible Alaskans as dividends – without political games or further appropriation – and half is available to fund essential operations of government. Alaskans deserve a Permanent Fund that is protected, predictable, and fair. This constitutional amendment allows the people of Alaska to decide that future directly. I urge your prompt and favorable action on this measure. Sincerely, /s/ Mike Dunleavy Governor" 2026-01-23 House Journal Page 1472 INTRODUCTION, FIRST READING, AND REFERENCE OF HOUSE BILLS HB 262 HOUSE BILL NO. 262 by the House Rules Committee by request, entitled: "An Act increasing the number of superior court judges in the third judicial district; and providing for an effective date." was read the first time and referred to the Judiciary and Finance Committees. HB 263 HOUSE BILL NO. 263 by the House Rules Committee by request of the Governor, entitled: "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." was read the first time and referred to the Finance Committee. The Governor's transmittal letter dated January 19 follows: "Dear Speaker Edgmon: Under the authority of Article III, Section 18 of the Alaska Constitution, I am transmitting a bill relating to appropriations for the State’s operating expenses for Fiscal Year (FY) 2027. This appropriation bill totals $14.3 billion and includes $7.4 billion in unrestricted general funds, $1.0 billion in designated general funds, $2.0 billion in other state funds, and $3.9 billion in federal funds. The FY 2027 budget continues important investments in public safety, prioritizing educating our children, and strategically developing the 2026-01-23 House Journal Page 1473 economy of our State. It also continues my commitment to providing a full statutory dividend to our residents. I look forward to working with the Legislature on the timely passage and implementation of the FY 2027 operating budget. Sincerely, /s/ Mike Dunleavy Governor" HB 264 HOUSE BILL NO. 264 by the House Rules Committee by request of the Governor, entitled: "An Act making appropriations, including capital appropriations, supplemental appropriations, and reappropriations; making appropriations to capitalize funds; and providing for an effective date." was read the first time and referred to the Finance Committee. The Governor's transmittal letter dated January 19 follows: "Dear Speaker Edgmon: Under the authority of Article III, Section 18 of the Alaska Constitution, I am transmitting a bill relating to appropriations for the State’s capital budget for Fiscal Year (FY) 2027. This appropriation bill totals $2.1 billion and includes $148.9 million in unrestricted general funds, $60.2 million in designated general funds, $182.3 million in other state funds, and $1.7 billion in federal funds. The FY 2027 proposed capital budget invests in projects that enhance public protection and Alaska’s natural resources, provides matching funds for federal surface transportation and aviation, water and wastewater programs, and promotes economic development projects across the state to generate economic activity. 2026-01-23 House Journal Page 1474 I look forward to working with the Legislature on the timely passage and implementation of the FY 2027 capital budget. Sincerely, /s/ Mike Dunleavy Governor" HB 265 HOUSE BILL NO. 265 by the House Rules Committee by request of the Governor, entitled: "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." was read the first time and referred to the Finance Committee. A letter dated December 11, 2025, with accompanying spreadsheets, to the Alaska Mental Health Trust Authority from Lacey Sanders, Director of Office of Management and Budget, was attached (as required by AS 37.14.003) and is on file in the Chief Clerk's Office. The Governor's transmittal letter dated January 19 follows: "Dear Speaker Edgmon: Under the authority of Article III, Section 18 of the Alaska Constitution, I am transmitting a bill relating to the State’s comprehensive mental health program for Fiscal Year (FY) 2027. As required by statute, this bill includes both operating and capital appropriations. This budget totals $244.7 million and includes $181.2 million in unrestricted general funds, $39.6 million in designated general funds, and $23.9 million in Mental Health Trust Authority funds. The FY 2027 proposed mental health budget includes requests that were put forward to the Office of Management and Budget by the Alaska Mental Health Trust (Trust). The requests support programs and activities in Trust focus areas that meet the identified treatment and service needs of Trust beneficiaries and areas of system change to improve the lives of beneficiaries. 2026-01-23 House Journal Page 1475 I look forward to working with the Legislature on the timely passage and implementation of the FY 2027 budget for Alaska’s comprehensive mental health program. Sincerely, /s/ Mike Dunleavy Governor" HB 266 HOUSE BILL NO. 266 by the House Rules Committee by request of the Governor, entitled: "An Act relating to the transfer of big game hunting permits; and providing for an effective date." was read the first time and referred to the Resources and Finance Committees. The following fiscal note(s) apply: 1. Indeterminate, Dept. of Fish & Game The Governor's transmittal letter dated January 19 follows: "Dear Speaker Edgmon: Under the authority of Article III, Section 18 of the Alaska Constitution, I am transmitting a bill relating to the limited-entry big game drawing permit program. When a drawing permit will not be used, the opportunity is lost, and the resource goes unused. This bill creates a narrow, regulated process allowing the original recipient of a big game drawing permit to transfer the permit one time to another eligible hunter, subject to conditions that preserve fairness and protect the integrity of the drawing system. The bill integrates this new transfer authority with existing law for transfers to a family member following a hunter’s death, with only 2026-01-23 House Journal Page 1476 minimal technical changes, and includes safeguards to protect the public interest, including a clear state liability shield. The bill is anticipated to increase participation in the draw hunt system and state revenue from application fees without a significant increase in administrative costs to the department. I urge your prompt and favorable action on this measure. Sincerely, /s/ Mike Dunleavy Governor" HB 267 HOUSE BILL NO. 267 by the House Rules Committee by request of the Governor, entitled: "An Act relating to employer contributions to the unemployment compensation fund; establishing an employer contribution for the state training and employment program; and providing for an effective date." was read the first time and referred to the Labor & Commerce and Finance Committees. The following fiscal note(s) apply: 1. Fiscal, Dept. of Labor & Workforce Development 2. Fiscal, Dept. of Labor & Workforce Development 3. Fiscal, Dept. of Labor & Workforce Development The Governor's transmittal letter dated January 19 follows: "Dear Speaker Edgmon: Under the authority of Article III, Section 18 of the Alaska Constitution, I am transmitting a bill relating to unemployment insurance contribution rates and the funding of workforce training programs. 2026-01-23 House Journal Page 1477 Alaska’s workforce requires consistent, high-quality training to meet the demands of a modern economy. Stable, predictable funding ensures Alaskans gain in-demand skills and employers can fill jobs. This bill solves this challenge by restructuring the allocation of unemployment insurance contributions to improve long-term stability without increasing the overall tax burden on employers. It directs a specific portion of collected revenue to these training accounts before the funds are deposited into the Unemployment Compensation Fund. This approach secures funding for workforce development while preserving the core purpose of unemployment insurance and maintaining the solvency of the unemployment insurance system. I urge your prompt and favorable action on this measure. Sincerely, /s/ Mike Dunleavy Governor" HB 268 HOUSE BILL NO. 268 by the House Rules Committee by request of the Governor, entitled: "An Act relating to the taxation of electric cooperatives; relating to the taxation of electricity generation and electricity storage facilities; and providing for an effective date." was read the first time and referred to the Labor & Commerce and Finance Committees. The following fiscal note(s) apply: 1. Zero, Dept. of Commerce, Community, & Economic Development 2. Fiscal, Dept. of Revenue The Governor's transmittal letter dated January 19 follows: "Dear Speaker Edgmon: 2026-01-23 House Journal Page 1478 Under the authority of Article III, Section 18 of the Alaska Constitution, I am transmitting a bill relating to taxation of electricity and the tax treatment of qualifying electricity generation and storage facilities. Affordable and reliable power is foundational to Alaska’s economy. This bill reduces tax burdens that affect electric rates and improves the tax framework for new generation and storage investment by eliminating the current tax on electricity sold by electric cooperatives and expanding the existing exemption from state and local property, income, and excise taxes for qualifying electricity generation and storage facilities operated by independent power producers. Under current law, the exemption applies only when a facility is operated by a public utility or by a power producer that serves only public utilities. This bill would extend eligibility to facilities serving customers other than public utilities, so long as those customers first begin receiving electric service on or after July 1, 2026. I urge your prompt and favorable action on this measure. Sincerely, /s/ Mike Dunleavy Governor" HB 269 HOUSE BILL NO. 269 by Representative Saddler by request, entitled: "An Act relating to failure to use headlights." was read the first time and referred to the State Affairs and Judiciary Committees. HB 270 HOUSE BILL NO. 270 by Representative Tomaszewski, entitled: "An Act relating to the prescription of opioid overdose drugs." was read the first time and referred to the Health & Social Services and Labor & Commerce Committees. 2026-01-23 House Journal Page 1479 HB 271 HOUSE BILL NO. 271 by Representative Fields, entitled: "An Act relating to the royalty rate for the Kitchen Lights Unit; and providing for an effective date." was read the first time and referred to the Resources and Finance Committees. HB 272 HOUSE BILL NO. 272 by Representative Josephson, entitled: "An Act relating to insurance coverage for prosthetic and orthotic devices; relating to medical assistance for prosthetic and orthotic devices; and providing for an effective date." was read the first time and referred to the Health & Social Services and Finance Committees. HB 273 HOUSE BILL NO. 273 by Representative Ruffridge, entitled: "An Act relating to direct health care agreements; relating to dental health care insurance plans and dental loss ratios; and providing for an effective date." was read the first time and referred to the Health & Social Services and Labor & Commerce Committees. HB 274 HOUSE BILL NO. 274 by the House Rules Committee by request of the Governor, entitled: "An Act relating to the powers and duties of the Legislative Budget and Audit Committee; relating to the powers and duties of the legislative audit division; providing for a sunset review of executive branch agencies; and providing for an effective date." was read the first time and referred to the Labor & Commerce and Finance Committees. 2026-01-23 House Journal Page 1480 The following fiscal note(s) apply: 1. Zero, Office of the Governor The Governor's transmittal letter dated January 22 follows: "Dear Speaker Edgmon: Under the authority of Article III, Section 18 of the Alaska Constitution, I am transmitting a bill relating to the sunset review of government agencies. This bill establishes a process of sunset review for most state agencies on a six-year cycle, to assess performance and continued need. When an agency is under review, the legislative audit division will submit a report to the legislative budget and audit committee with recommendations on whether to continue, terminate, or reorganize the agency. If the legislature does not enact legislation to continue or reorganize the agency in the regular session following a sunset review, the agency will automatically terminate and wind down over the next fiscal year. Any statutory functions will be absorbed by the department in which the agency is established. I urge your prompt and favorable action on this measure. Sincerely, /s/ Mike Dunleavy Governor" HB 275 HOUSE BILL NO. 275 by the House Rules Committee by request of the Governor, entitled: "An Act relating to an appropriation limit; and providing for an effective date." was read the first time and referred to the Finance Committee. 2026-01-23 House Journal Page 1481 The following fiscal note(s) apply: 1. Zero, Office of the Governor The Governor's transmittal letter dated January 22 follows: "Dear Speaker Edgmon: Under the authority of Article III, Section 18 of the Alaska Constitution, I am transmitting a bill relating to the statutory appropriation limit. Current law allows total appropriations to grow by up to five percent plus population and inflation. This bill sets a more disciplined standard by limiting appropriations in a fiscal year to no more than one percent above the prior fiscal year. Alaskans deserve a stable, rules-based fiscal system that avoids the boom-and-bust cycle and reduces pressure for new taxes. A meaningful limit on spending growth will protect essential services, improve budget predictability, and keep the size of government aligned with what Alaskans can sustain over time. This measure is part of a broader approach to restoring trust in state finances, controlling growth in government, and ensuring long-term fiscal certainty. I urge your prompt and favorable action on this measure. Sincerely, /s/ Mike Dunleavy Governor" HB 276 HOUSE BILL NO. 276 by the House Rules Committee by request of the Governor, entitled: "An Act relating to state land; relating to contracts for the sale and lease of state land; relating to commercial development parks; and providing for an effective date." was read the first time and referred to the Resources and Finance Committees. 2026-01-23 House Journal Page 1482 The following fiscal note(s) apply: 1. Fiscal, Dept. of Natural Resources The Governor's transmittal letter dated January 22 follows: "Dear Speaker Edgmon: Under the authority of Article III, Section 18 of the Alaska Constitution, I am transmitting a bill establishing commercial development parks. This bill enables the Department of Natural Resources to complete the required public notice and best-interest finding at the time a park is designated and then allows leasing or sale of land within the park for commercial use without repeating that process for each individual transaction. Alaska’s private-sector growth is often slowed by delay and uncertainty in land availability. This bill ensures public notice and a best interest finding occur at the outset, creating clarity for Alaskans and predictable timelines for responsible development. In addition, this bill is intended to facilitate commercial development of state land by authorizing novel and innovative compensation structures for sales and leasing in commercial development parks. Finally, this bill includes several amendments to existing general leasing statutes intended to streamline and update existing procedures for the leasing of public land. I urge your prompt and favorable action on this measure. Sincerely, /s/ Mike Dunleavy Governor" HB 277 HOUSE BILL NO. 277 by the House Rules Committee by request of the Governor, entitled: 2026-01-23 House Journal Page 1483 "An Act relating to trusts; relating to trust proceedings; relating to nonjudicial settlement agreements in trust matters; relating to the powers of trustees; and providing for an effective date." was read the first time and referred to the Labor & Commerce and Finance Committees. The following fiscal note(s) apply: 1. Zero, Dept. of Commerce, Community, & Economic Development The Governor's transmittal letter dated January 22 follows: "Dear Speaker Edgmon: Under the authority of Article III, Section 18 of the Alaska Constitution, I am transmitting a bill enacting trust law reform in Alaska. This bill modernizes Alaska trust law to provide clearer, more efficient trust administration. It (1) requires automatic sealing of trust administration cases; (2) permits non-judicial settlement agreements for trust administration matters; (3) adopts notice-based procedures that can reduce fiduciary liability for trust administration actions; (4) updates Alaska’s decanting statutes to expand trustee powers and clarify definitions and tax guardrails; and (5) shortens creditor-notice time periods and clarifies solvency affidavit provisions. These updates help keep Alaska competitive as a premier trust jurisdiction and provide Alaskans with modern options for managing and protecting assets across generations. I urge your prompt and favorable action on this measure. Sincerely, /s/ Mike Dunleavy Governor" 2026-01-23 House Journal Page 1484 HB 278 HOUSE BILL NO. 278 by Representatives Costello and McCabe, entitled: "An Act establishing the Alaska-Ireland Trade Commission; and providing for an effective date." was read the first time and referred to the State Affairs Committee. HB 279 HOUSE BILL NO. 279 by Representative Schwanke, entitled: "An Act relating to the power of the commissioner of health to require certain immunizations; relating to immunizations required to participate in youth athletics; relating to immunizations required by the University of Alaska; relating to the provision of vaccine information to the parents of minor patients; and providing for an effective date." was read the first time and referred to the Health & Social Services and Judiciary Committees. HB 280 HOUSE BILL NO. 280 by the House 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. CONSIDERATION OF THE DAILY CALENDAR UNFINISHED BUSINESS HB 25 Representative Mina added as a cosponsor to: HOUSE BILL NO. 25 "An Act relating to disposable food service ware; and providing for an effective date." 2026-01-23 House Journal Page 1485 HB 254 Representative Coulombe added as a cosponsor to: HOUSE BILL NO. 254 "An Act relating to increases in property assessments." ANNOUNCEMENTS House committee schedules are published under separate cover. ADJOURNMENT Representative Kopp moved and asked unanimous consent that the House adjourn until 10:30 a.m., January 26. There being no objection, the House adjourned at 11:47 a.m. Crystaline Jones Chief Clerk