Legislature(2025 - 2026)

2026-01-26 House Journal

Full Journal pdf

2026-01-26                     House Journal                      Page 1491
                                                                                                                                
                             HOUSE JOURNAL                                                                                   
                                                                                                                                
                        ALASKA STATE LEGISLATURE                                                                             
                                                                                                                                
                       THIRTY-FOURTH LEGISLATURE                                                                             
                                                                                                                                
                             SECOND SESSION                                                                                  
                                                                                                                                
                                                                                                                                
Juneau, Alaska                   Monday               January 26, 2026                                                        
                                                                                                                                
                              Seventh Day                                                                                  
                                                                                                                                
Pursuant to adjournment the House was called to order by Speaker                                                                
Edgmon at 10:38 a.m.                                                                                                            
                                                                                                                                
Roll call showed 38 members present.                                                                                            
                                                                                                                                
Representative Kopp moved and asked unanimous consent that                                                                      
Representatives Jimmie and Vance be excused from a call of the                                                                  
House today.  There being no objection, it was so ordered.                                                                      
                                                                                                                                
The invocation was offered by the Chaplain, Representative                                                                      
Underwood. 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:                                                             
                                                                                                                                
    Heavenly Father,                                                                                                            
                                                                                                                                
    We come before you grateful for the opportunity to serve. We                                                                
    ask for wisdom and discernment as we make decisions that                                                                    
    will shape the future of Alaska. Your word reminds us in                                                                    
    James 1:5 that if any of us lacks wisdom, we should ask you -                                                               
    because you give generously to all without finding fault.                                                                   
    Today, we ask for just that. That we would align ourselves                                                                  
    with your perfect will for this land.                                                                                       
                                                                                                                                
    Help us to see clearly, to listen well, and to act with integrity.                                                          
    Where challenges feel complex, give us creative and practical                                                               

2026-01-26                     House Journal                      Page 1492
    solutions. Where there is division, bring humility,                                                                         
    understanding, and unity. Remind us that we are here not for                                                                
    ourselves, but to faithfully steward this responsibility for the                                                            
    good of all Alaskans, today and for generations to come.                                                                    
                                                                                                                                
    Guide our words, our votes, and our actions. May they reflect                                                               
    courage, compassion, and a commitment to what is right. I ask                                                               
    that you would cover and protect each of my colleagues and                                                                  
    their families while they settle into this session, to do this                                                              
    work.                                                                                                                       
                                                                                                                                
    In Jesus’ name I pray, Amen.                                                                                                
                                                                                                                                
The Pledge of Allegiance was led by Representative Johnson.                                                                     
                                                                                                                                
                      CERTIFICATION OF THE JOURNAL                                                                           
                                                                                                                                
Representative Kopp moved and asked unanimous consent that the                                                                  
journal for the fourth, fifth, and sixth legislative days be approved as                                                        
certified by the Chief Clerk. There being no objection, it was so                                                               
ordered.                                                                                                                        
                                                                                                                                
                       MESSAGES FROM THE GOVERNOR                                                                            
                                                                                                                                
A letter dated January 22 was read stating that, in accordance with                                                             
AS 39.05.080 and art. III, secs. 25 and 26, Constitution of the State of                                                        
Alaska, the Governor submits the following names for legislative                                                                
confirmation of appointment to the positions noted.                                                                             
                                                                                                                                
The Speaker referred the following to the Judiciary Committee:                                                                  
                                                                                                                                
Attorney General, Department of Law                                                                                           
Stephen CoxAnchorage                                                                                                       
Appointed: 8/29/2025                                                                                                            
                                                                                                                                
The Speaker referred the following to the Resources Committee:                                                                  
                                                                                                                                
Commissioner, Department of Natural Resources                                                                                 
John Crowther – Anchorage                                                                                                       
Appointed: 12/1/2025                                                                                                            

2026-01-26                     House Journal                      Page 1493
The Speaker referred the following to the Education Committee:                                                                  
                                                                                                                                
Board of Education and Early Development                                                                                      
Pamela Dupras – Anchorage                                                                                                       
Appointed: 7/7/2023   Term Expired: 3/1/2025                                                                                    
Reappointed: 9/29/2025  Term Expires: 3/1/2030                                                                                  
                                                                                                                                
Professional Teaching Practices Commission                                                                                    
Michael Robbins – Ketchikan                                                                                                     
Appointed: 11/6/2023  Term Expires: 3/1/2026                                                                                    
Reappointed: 3/1/2026  Term Expires: 3/1/2029                                                                                   
                                                                                                                                
The Speaker referred the following to the House Special Committee                                                               
on Fisheries:                                                                                                                   
                                                                                                                                
Fishermen's Fund Advisory and Appeals Council                                                                                 
Renee Alward – Homer                                                                                                            
Appointed: 3/1/2016   Term Expired: 3/1/2021                                                                                    
Reappointed: 3/1/2021  Term Expires: 3/1/2026                                                                                   
Reappointed: 3/1/2026  Term Expires: 3/1/2031                                                                                   
                                                                                                                                
The Speaker referred the following to the Health & Social Services                                                              
Committee:                                                                                                                      
                                                                                                                                
State Medical Board                                                                                                           
Michael McNamara – Anchorage                                                                                                    
Appointed: 11/20/2025  Term Expires: 3/1/2026                                                                                   
Reappointed: 3/1/2026  Term Expires: 3/1/2030                                                                                   
                                                                                                                                
Norman Walker – Wrangell                                                                                                        
Appointed: 12/30/2025  Term Expires: 3/1/2029                                                                                   
                                                                                                                                
The Speaker referred the following to the Judiciary Committee:                                                                  
                                                                                                                                
Commission on Judicial Conduct                                                                                                
Aldean Kilbourn – Fairbanks                                                                                                     
Appointed: 3/1/2021   Term Expired: 7/9/2025                                                                                    
Reappointed: 7/9/2025  Term Expires: 3/1/2029                                                                                   
                                                                                                                                
Donald McClintock III – Anchorage                                                                                               
Appointed: 3/1/2017   Term Expired: 3/1/2021                                                                                    
Reappointed: 3/1/2021  Term Expired: 7/9/2025                                                                                   
Reappointed: 7/9/2025  Term Expires: 3/1/2029                                                                                   

2026-01-26                     House Journal                      Page 1494
Jane Mores – Juneau                                                                                                             
Appointed: 4/2/2019   Term Expired: 3/1/2020                                                                                    
Reappointed: 3/1/2020  Term Expired: 3/1/2024                                                                                   
Reappointed: 7/9/2025  Term Expires: 3/1/2028                                                                                   
                                                                                                                                
Alaska Judicial Council                                                                                                       
John Wood – Willow                                                                                                              
Appointed: 5/2/2025   Term Expires: 3/1/2031                                                                                    
                                                                                                                                
Violent Crimes Compensation Board                                                                                             
Anna Cometa - Anchorage                                                                                                         
Appointed: 5/30/2023  Term Expires: 3/1/2026                                                                                    
Reappointed: 3/1/2026  Term Expires: 3/1/2029                                                                                   
                                                                                                                                
Joel Hard – Palmer                                                                                                              
Appointed: 11/12/2025  Term Expires: 3/1/2028                                                                                   
                                                                                                                                
The Speaker referred the following to the Labor & Commerce                                                                      
Committee:                                                                                                                      
                                                                                                                                
Alaska State Board of Public Accountancy                                                                                      
Elizabeth Stuart – Anchorage                                                                                                    
Appointed: 3/1/2022   Term Expires: 3/1/2026                                                                                    
Reappointed: 3/1/2026  Term Expires: 3/1/2030                                                                                   
                                                                                                                                
Alcoholic Beverage Control Board                                                                                              
Dana Walukiewicz – Anchorage                                                                                                    
Appointed: 3/1/2020   Term Expired: 3/10/2023                                                                                   
Reappointed: 3/10/2023  Term Expires: 3/1/2026                                                                                  
Reappointed: 3/1/2026  Term Expires: 3/1/2029                                                                                   
                                                                                                                                
Board of Barbers and Hairdressers                                                                                             
Danielle Hager – Galena                                                                                                         
Appointed: 6/11/2025  Term Expires: 3/1/2028                                                                                    
                                                                                                                                
Board of Chiropractic Examiners                                                                                               
Edward Barrington – Anchorage                                                                                                   
Appointed: 6/30/2025  Term Expires: 3/1/2029                                                                                    
                                                                                                                                
                                                                                                                                

2026-01-26                     House Journal                      Page 1495
Walter Campbell – Palmer                                                                                                        
Appointed: 3/1/2010   Term Expired: 3/1/2014                                                                                    
Reappointed: 3/1/2014  Term Expired: 3/1/2018                                                                                   
Reappointed: 3/1/2018  Term Expired: 3/1/2022                                                                                   
Reappointed: 3/1/2022  Term Expires: 3/1/2026                                                                                   
Reappointed: 3/1/2026  Term Expires: 3/1/2030                                                                                   
                                                                                                                                
Board of Dental Examiners                                                                                                     
Travis Perkins – Soldotna                                                                                                       
Appointed: 12/23/2025  Term Expires: 3/1/2027                                                                                   
                                                                                                                                
Alaska Labor Relations Agency                                                                                                 
Jennifer McConnel – Girdwood                                                                                                    
Appointed: 3/1/2023   Term Expires: 3/1/2026                                                                                    
Reappointed: 3/1/2026  Term Expires: 3/1/2029                                                                                   
                                                                                                                                
Tammy Schultz – Homer                                                                                                           
Appointed: 5/12/2023  Term Expires: 3/1/2026                                                                                    
Reappointed: 3/1/2026  Term Expires: 3/1/2029                                                                                   
                                                                                                                                
Marijuana Control Board                                                                                                       
Daron Cooper – Anchorage                                                                                                        
Appointed: 3/1/2026   Term Expires: 3/1/2029                                                                                    
                                                                                                                                
Ely Cyrus – Kiana                                                                                                               
Appointed: 1/4/2022   Term Expired: 3/1/2023                                                                                    
Reappointed: 3/1/2023  Term Expires: 3/1/2026                                                                                   
Reappointed: 3/1/2026  Term Expires: 3/1/2029                                                                                   
                                                                                                                                
Board of Massage Therapists                                                                                                   
Victoria Acree – North Pole                                                                                                     
Appointed: 11/12/2025  Term Expires: 3/1/2029                                                                                   
                                                                                                                                
Annetta Atwell – North Pole                                                                                                     
Appointed: 5/25/2022  Term Expires: 3/1/2026                                                                                    
Reappointed: 3/1/2026  Term Expires: 3/1/2030                                                                                   
                                                                                                                                
Scherri Hoopes – Fairbanks                                                                                                      
Appointed: 10/13/2025  Term Expires: 3/1/2029                                                                                   
                                                                                                                                

2026-01-26                     House Journal                      Page 1496
Board of Certified Direct-Entry Midwives                                                                                      
Stacia Miller – Valdez                                                                                                          
Appointed: 4/14/2025  Term Expires: 3/1/2026                                                                                    
Reappointed: 3/1/2026  Term Expires: 3/1/2030                                                                                   
                                                                                                                                
Board of Nursing                                                                                                              
Heather Crivello – Kodiak                                                                                                       
Appointed: 3/1/2026   Term Expires: 3/1/2030                                                                                    
                                                                                                                                
Board of Examiners in Optometry                                                                                               
Damien Delzer – Fairbanks                                                                                                       
Appointed: 1/12/2026  Term Expires: 3/1/2028                                                                                    
                                                                                                                                
Kathleen Rice – Kenai                                                                                                           
Appointed: 3/1/2022   Term Expires: 3/1/2026                                                                                    
Reappointed: 3/1/2026  Term Expires: 3/1/2030                                                                                   
                                                                                                                                
Charles Rudstrom – Soldotna                                                                                                     
Appointed: 5/22/2024  Term Expires: 3/1/2026                                                                                    
Reappointed: 3/1/2026  Term Expires: 3/1/2030                                                                                   
                                                                                                                                
Board of Pharmacy                                                                                                             
Rebekah Balmes – Anchorage                                                                                                      
Appointed: 12/30/2025  Term Expires: 3/1/2028                                                                                   
                                                                                                                                
State Physical Therapy and Occupational Therapy Board                                                                         
Eliza Ellsworth – Bethel                                                                                                        
Appointed: 6/11/2025  Term Expires: 3/1/2026                                                                                    
Reappointed: 3/1/2026  Term Expires: 3/1/2030                                                                                   
                                                                                                                                
Michelle Scott-Weber – Wasilla                                                                                                  
Appointed: 3/1/2025   Term Expires: 3/1/2026                                                                                    
Reappointed: 3/1/2026  Term Expires: 3/1/2030                                                                                   
                                                                                                                                
Board of Professional Counselors                                                                                              
Crystal Herring – Anchorage                                                                                                     
Appointed: 9/19/2024  Term Expires: 3/1/2026                                                                                    
Reappointed: 3/1/2026  Term Expires: 3/1/2030                                                                                   
                                                                                                                                
                                                                                                                                

2026-01-26                     House Journal                      Page 1497
Board of Psychologists and Psychological Associate Examiners                                                                  
Chad Scott – Wasilla                                                                                                            
Appointed: 6/11/2025  Term Expires: 3/1/2028                                                                                    
                                                                                                                                
Board of Certified Real Estate Appraisers                                                                                     
McKenzie LaBuda – Wasilla                                                                                                       
Appointed: 11/1/2025  Term Expires: 3/1/2026                                                                                    
Reappointed: 3/1/2026  Term Expires: 3/1/2030                                                                                   
                                                                                                                                
Board of Social Work Examiners                                                                                                
Ivy Villani – Wasilla                                                                                                           
Appointed: 6/11/2025  Term Expires: 3/1/2029                                                                                    
                                                                                                                                
Board of Veterinary Examiners                                                                                                 
Ciara Vollaro – Wasilla                                                                                                         
Appointed: 3/1/2022   Term Expires: 3/1/2026                                                                                    
Reappointed: 3/1/2026  Term Expires: 3/1/2030                                                                                   
                                                                                                                                
Alaska Workers' Compensation Board                                                                                            
Anthony Ladd – Anchorage                                                                                                        
Appointed: 11/5/2020  Term Expired: 3/10/2023                                                                                   
Reappointed: 3/10/2023  Term Expires: 3/1/2026                                                                                  
Reappointed: 3/1/2026  Term Expires: 3/1/2029                                                                                   
                                                                                                                                
Randall McLellan II – Wasilla                                                                                                   
Appointed: 10/13/2025  Term Expires: 3/1/2026                                                                                   
Reappointed: 3/1/2026  Term Expires: 3/1/2029                                                                                   
                                                                                                                                
Brian Zematis – Anchorage                                                                                                       
Appointed: 3/11/2024  Term Expires: 3/1/2026                                                                                    
Reappointed: 3/1/2026  Term Expires: 3/1/2029                                                                                   
                                                                                                                                
The Speaker referred the following to the Resources Committee:                                                                  
                                                                                                                                
Big Game Commercial Services Board                                                                                            
Brianna Hauch – North Pole                                                                                                      
Appointed: 8/25/2025  Term Expires: 3/1/2028                                                                                    
                                                                                                                                
Larry Kunder – Anchorage                                                                                                        
Appointed: 5/25/2022  Term Expires: 3/1/2026                                                                                    
Reappointed: 3/1/2026  Term Expires: 3/1/2030                                                                                   

2026-01-26                     House Journal                      Page 1498
Robert Mumford – Anchorage                                                                                                      
Appointed: 8/25/2025  Term Expires: 3/1/2029                                                                                    
                                                                                                                                
Alaska Oil and Gas Conservation Commission                                                                                    
Tom McKay – Anchorage                                                                                                           
Appointed: 1/22/2026  Term Expires: 3/1/2027                                                                                    
                                                                                                                                
The Speaker referred the following to the State Affairs Committee:                                                              
                                                                                                                                
State Commission for Human Rights                                                                                             
Mary Salazar – Anchorage                                                                                                        
Appointed: 10/13/2025  Term Expires: 3/1/2030                                                                                   
                                                                                                                                
State Board of Parole                                                                                                         
Steve Meyer – Kenai                                                                                                             
Appointed: 3/1/2021   Term Expires: 3/1/2026                                                                                    
Reappointed: 3/1/2026  Term Expires: 3/1/2031                                                                                   
                                                                                                                                
The Speaker referred the following to the State Affairs and Judiciary                                                           
Committees:                                                                                                                     
                                                                                                                                
Alaska Police Standards Council                                                                                               
Veronica Lambertsen – Bird Creek                                                                                                
Appointed: 8/25/2025  Term Expires: 3/1/2028                                                                                    
                                                                                                                                
Resumes for the appointments are on file in the Chief Clerk's office.                                                           
                                                                                                                                
                             COMMUNICATIONS                                                                                  
                                                                                                                                
Letters of disclosure received from the Select Committee on                                                                     
Legislative Ethics, as required by AS 24.60, were published in House                                                            
Journal Supplement No. 9 and Senate and House Joint Journal                                                                     
Supplement No. 12.                                                                                                              
                                                                                                                                
                       INTRODUCTION OF CITATIONS                                                                             
                                                                                                                                
The following citations were introduced and referred to the Rules                                                               
Committee for placement on the calendar:                                                                                        
                                                                                                                                
Honoring - Hmong American Veterans Day                                                                                          
By Representatives Fields, Eischeid; Senator Dunbar                                                                             

2026-01-26                     House Journal                      Page 1499
Honoring - The Alaska Permanent Fund, 50th Anniversary                                                                          
By Senator Stevens; Representative Edgmon                                                                                       
                                                                                                                                
Honoring - The League of Women Voters of Anchorage, 75th                                                                        
Anniversary                                                                                                                     
By Senator Gray-Jackson; Representatives Eischeid, Hall                                                                         
                                                                                                                                
In Memoriam - Raymond "Ray" Lee                                                                                                 
By Representatives Fields, Galvin; Senator Merrick                                                                              
                                                                                                                                
In Memoriam - Marilyn Delores Fly                                                                                               
By Senators Gray-Jackson, Wielechowski; Representative Mears                                                                    
                                                                                                                                
               INTRODUCTION, FIRST READING, AND REFERENCE                                                                    
                             OF HOUSE BILLS                                                                                  
                                                                                                                                
HB 281                                                                                                                        
HOUSE BILL NO. 281 by Representative Saddler, entitled:                                                                         
                                                                                                                                
         "An Act relating to rounding cash transactions to the nearest                                                          
         five cents."                                                                                                           
                                                                                                                                
was read the first time and referred to the State Affairs and Finance                                                           
Committees.                                                                                                                     
                                                                                                                                
HB 282                                                                                                                        
HOUSE BILL NO. 282 by Representative Fields, entitled:                                                                          
                                                                                                                                
         "An Act relating to municipal regulation of automated traffic                                                          
         safety cameras."                                                                                                       
                                                                                                                                
was read the first time and referred to the Community & Regional                                                                
Affairs and Transportation Committees.                                                                                          
                                                                                                                                
HB 283                                                                                                                        
HOUSE BILL NO. 283 by the House Finance Committee, entitled:                                                                    
                                                                                                                                
         "An Act 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.                                                                  

2026-01-26                     House Journal                      Page 1500
                  CONSIDERATION OF THE DAILY CALENDAR                                                                        
                                                                                                                                
                          UNFINISHED BUSINESS                                                                                
                                                                                                                                
HJR 22                                                                                                                        
Representative Holland added as a cosponsor 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                                                              
    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 202                                                                                                                        
Representative Carrick 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."                                                                                       
                                                                                                                                
HB 270                                                                                                                        
Representative Underwood added as a cosponsor to:                                                                               
                                                                                                                                
    HOUSE BILL NO. 270                                                                                                          
    "An Act relating to the prescription of opioid overdose drugs."                                                            
                                                                                                                                
SB 6                                                                                                                          
Representative Carrick added as a cross sponsor to:                                                                             
                                                                                                                                
    CS FOR SENATE BILL NO. 6(EDC)                                                                                               
    "An Act requiring education in the history and contributions of                                                             
    Asian Americans and Pacific Islanders."                                                                                     
                                                                                                                                
                                                                                                                                

2026-01-26                     House Journal                      Page 1501
                              ADJOURNMENT                                                                                    
                                                                                                                                
Representative Kopp moved and asked unanimous consent that the                                                                  
House adjourn until 10:30 a.m., January 28.  There being no objection,                                                          
the House adjourned at 10:55 a.m.                                                                                               
                                                                                                                                
                                            Crystaline Jones                                                                    
                                            Chief Clerk