Legislature(2025 - 2026)
2026-01-28 House Journal
Full Journal pdf2026-01-28 House Journal Page 1505 HOUSE JOURNAL ALASKA STATE LEGISLATURE THIRTY-FOURTH LEGISLATURE SECOND SESSION Juneau, Alaska Wednesday January 28, 2026 Ninth Day Pursuant to adjournment the House was called to order by Speaker Edgmon at 10:43 a.m. Roll call showed 39 members present. 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, Reverend Nancy Campbell of White Fields 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 respect for the religious beliefs of each person here, I offer this prayer: Dear Heavenly Father, Give ear to my words, O Lord, consider my meditation. Hearken unto the voice of my cry, my King, and my God: for unto to thee will I pray. My voice shalt thou hear in the morning, O Lord; in the morning will I direct my prayer unto thee, and will look up. (Psalms 5:1-3) I direct my prayer to you this day for these Representatives who are given the task of governing our state. Grant them wisdom as they reason together this session. May they come 2026-01-28 House Journal Page 1506 together in unity, excited to hear each others’ thoughts and then putting together a plan for our state as you lead them. I ask for your presence to be here now in this chamber. Bless them Lord, I pray this in Jesus' name, Amen. The Pledge of Allegiance was led by Representative Josephson. CERTIFICATION OF THE JOURNAL Representative Kopp moved and asked unanimous consent that the journal for the seventh and eighth legislative days and House Journal Supplement No. 9 and Senate and House Joint Journal Supplement No. 12 be approved as certified by the Chief Clerk. There being no objection, it was so ordered. * * * * * Representative Stutes introduced Crystaline Jones, Chief Clerk, and the following Clerk’s Staff: Krisztina Bury Christian Gruening Rhonda Jenkins-Gardinier Julie McDowell Jackie Schulz Lou Taylor Representative Stutes introduced Micaela Bradner, Sergeant-at-Arms of the House, and Zachary Kelly, Assistant Sergeant-at-Arms. MESSAGES FROM THE GOVERNOR A revised finance plan dated January 14 and accompanying letter dated January 28, regarding the October 2025 West Coast Storm Disaster, were received. The finance plan and letter were copied to the Finance Committee Co-chairs and are on file in the Chief Clerk's office. MESSAGES FROM THE SENATE A message dated January 26 was read stating the Senate accepted the invitation to meet in joint session in the House Chamber at 11:00 a.m., 2026-01-28 House Journal Page 1507 February 18 to hear the annual address by U.S. Senator Dan Sullivan. COMMUNICATIONS The following were received: Dept. of Labor & Workforce Development Technical and Vocational Education Program Annual Report FY 2025 January 2026 (as required by AS 23.15.835) Dept. of Natural Resources Division of Mining, Land and Water 2026 Reports to the Alaska Legislature on: Identified RS 2477 Rights-of-Way Availability of the Annual Mining Report Status of the Land Disposal Income Fund Status of Land in the Land Disposal Bank Water Removals and Exports Notification of Interim Classifications (Closing Land to Mineral Entry) Cooperative Resource Management or Development Agreements Efforts to Maintain or Enhance Access to and Along Fishing Streams Aquatic Farm Leasing Carbon Management Purpose Leasing January 2026 (as required by AS 19.30.400, 27.05.060, 38.04.022, 38.04.020, 46.15.020, 38.05.300, 38.05.027, 38.04.205, 38.05.035, and 38.05.081, respectively) The following audit reports were received from the Division of Legislative Audit, Legislative Budget & Audit Committee, as required by AS 24.20.311: 2025 Annual Report, Unabridged 2025 Annual Report, Condensed 2026-01-28 House Journal Page 1508 INTRODUCTION OF CITATIONS The following citation was introduced and referred to the Rules Committee for placement on the calendar: Honoring - Tanana Invitational Wrestling Tournament, 50th Anniversary By Representatives Tomaszewski, Stapp; Senator Myers INTRODUCTION, FIRST READING, AND REFERENCE OF HOUSE BILLS HB 284 HOUSE BILL NO. 284 by the House Rules Committee by request of the Governor, entitled: "An Act relating to the Multistate Tax Compact; relating to apportionment of income to the state; establishing a state sales and use tax; relating to taxes levied by cities and boroughs; relating to the corporate income tax; authorizing the Department of Revenue to enter into the Streamlined Sales and Use Tax Agreement or substantially similar agreement; relating to the oil and gas production tax; establishing an infrastructure maintenance surcharge on oil; establishing a pipeline corridor maintenance fund; and providing for an effective date." was read the first time and referred to the Finance Committee. The following fiscal note(s) apply: 1. Fiscal, Dept. of Revenue The Governor's transmittal letter dated January 26 follows: "Dear Speaker Edgmon: Under the authority of Article III, Section 18 of the Alaska Constitution, I am transmitting a bill relating to a comprehensive fiscal plan. 2026-01-28 House Journal Page 1509 For too long, Alaska’s economic growth has been stymied by uncertainty and volatility. We are one of the few states that depend so heavily on a single commodity, subject to daily price swings, to fund state government. This bill is one part of a comprehensive fiscal plan to stabilize state finances, limit spending growth, share responsibility among Alaskans, major industries, and nonresidents, attract investment, and restore rules-based payment of the annual Permanent Fund Dividend. Alaska needs a better path than a simple “tax-and-spend” approach: raising taxes just to support government growth. Alongside this bill, I am proposing a one-percent spending cap to rein in growth and avoid unnecessary increases in the burden on Alaskans. The plan also includes a Government Sunset and Reauthorization process designed to review agencies on a consistent schedule to measure their performance and determine if they are meeting the needs of Alaskans. Finally, one of the most important features of this plan is a proposed constitutional amendment to implement the 50/50 split between the Permanent Fund Dividend and funding state government operations, returning to a rules-based system for paying Alaskans’ annual dividend. This bill contains a seasonal sales tax set at four percent from April 1 to September 30, and at two percent from October 1 through March 31. All who benefit from Alaska’s public services – residents, workers, and visitors – will share in supporting those services. The sales tax sunsets in 2034, as Alaska’s fiscal position improves. The bill also temporarily raises the minimum tax floor for oil and gas production from four percent to six percent. It returns to four percent in 2032 or the calendar year following average daily throughput reaching 650,000 barrels per day. Additionally, this bill contains a $0.15 per barrel surcharge to fund operations and maintenance costs related to the Trans Alaska Pipeline Corridor. Finally, this bill implements a market-based sourcing rule for corporate income tax and the corporate income tax is eliminated in 2031. These changes are intended to encourage investment in Alaska. Alaska has prosperous years ahead. Starting in Fiscal Year 2033, Alaska is projected to see higher revenue due to expected increases in pipeline throughput and the Alaska LNG Project. This comprehensive 2026-01-28 House Journal Page 1510 plan is designed to bridge the next seven years by stabilizing state finances, limiting spending growth, restoring a rules-based PFD, and sharing responsibility through targeted, time-limited revenue measures that support investment and predictability. I urge your prompt and favorable action on this measure. Sincerely, /s/ Mike Dunleavy Governor" HB 285 HOUSE BILL NO. 285 by the House Health and Social Services Committee, entitled: "An Act relating to the electronic health information exchange system; and providing for an effective date." was read the first time and referred to the Health & Social Services and Labor & Commerce Committees. HB 286 HOUSE BILL NO. 286 by Representative Elam, entitled: "An Act relating to an optional municipal tax exemption for the homes of volunteer firefighters and volunteer providers of emergency medical services or mobile intensive care paramedic services; and providing for an effective date." was read the first time and referred to the Community & Regional Affairs and Finance Committees. HB 287 HOUSE BILL NO. 287 by Representatives Mina and Fields, entitled: "An Act establishing a community health worker certification; relating to medical assistance coverage for certified community health worker services; and providing for an effective date." 2026-01-28 House Journal Page 1511 was read the first time and referred to the Health & Social Services and Finance Committees. CONSIDERATION OF THE DAILY CALENDAR SECOND READING OF HOUSE BILLS HB 93 The following was read the second time: HOUSE BILL NO. 93 "An Act changing the residency requirements for hunting, trapping, and sport fishing privileges; and providing for an effective date." with the: Journal Page FSH RPT 4DP 1NR 237 FN1: ZERO(DFG) 237 RES RPT 5DP 1DNP 2NR 1AM 560 FN1: ZERO(DFG) 560 The Rules Committee submitted the following updated fiscal note(s): 2. Zero, Dept. of Fish & Game Amendment No. 1 was offered by Representative Schwanke: Page 2, line 1: Delete "at all times" Insert "for at least 180 days" Page 2, line 3: Delete "in AS 43.23.008" Insert "under (j) of this section" Page 2, line 14: Delete "at all times" Insert "for at least 180 days" 2026-01-28 House Journal Page 1512 Page 2, line 16: Delete "in AS 43.23.008" Insert "under (j) of this section" Page 2, lines 21 - 27: Delete all material and insert: "(j) A person on active duty in the armed forces of the United States, the United States Coast Guard, the Alaska National Guard, the Alaska Naval Militia, or the Alaska State Defense Force is not subject to the requirement in (a)(3) or (e)(3) of this section that the person be physically present in the state for at least 180 days during the 12 consecutive months immediately preceding the application for a license." Representative Schwanke moved and asked unanimous consent that Amendment No. 1 be adopted. Representative Himschoot objected. The question being: "Shall Amendment No. 1 be adopted?" The roll was taken with the following result: HB 93 Second Reading Amendment No. 1 YEAS: 9 NAYS: 30 EXCUSED: 1 ABSENT: 0 Yeas: Coulombe, Johnson, McCabe, Moore, Prax, Schwanke, St. Clair, Stapp, Tomaszewski Nays: Allard, Bynum, Carrick, Costello, Dibert, Edgmon, Eischeid, Elam, Fields, Foster, Frier, Galvin, Gray, Hall, Hannan, Himschoot, Holland, Josephson, Kopp, Mears, Mina, D.Nelson, G.Nelson, Ruffridge, Saddler, Schrage, Story, Stutes, Underwood, Vance Excused: Jimmie And so, Amendment No. 1 was not adopted. Amendment No. 2 was offered by Representative McCabe: 2026-01-28 House Journal Page 1513 Page 2, line 2: Delete "only" Insert "(A) because the person was serving as a pilot for a United States airline certified as an air carrier by the Federal Aviation Administration; or (B)" Page 2, line 15: Delete "only" Insert "(A) because the person was serving as a pilot for a United States airline certified as an air carrier by the Federal Aviation Administration; or (B)" Representative McCabe moved and asked unanimous consent that Amendment No. 2 be adopted. Representative Himschoot objected. The question being: "Shall Amendment No. 2 be adopted?" The roll was taken with the following result: HB 93 Second Reading Amendment No. 2 YEAS: 18 NAYS: 21 EXCUSED: 1 ABSENT: 0 Yeas: Allard, Bynum, Costello, Coulombe, Elam, Johnson, McCabe, Moore, D.Nelson, G.Nelson, Prax, Ruffridge, Schwanke, St. Clair, Stapp, Tomaszewski, Underwood, Vance Nays: Carrick, Dibert, Edgmon, Eischeid, Fields, Foster, Frier, Galvin, Gray, Hall, Hannan, Himschoot, Holland, Josephson, Kopp, Mears, Mina, Saddler, Schrage, Story, Stutes Excused: Jimmie And so, Amendment No. 2 was not adopted. Amendment No. 3 was offered by Representative McCabe: Page 1, line 1, following "Act"(title amendment): Insert "relating to the duties of the commissioner of fish and 2026-01-28 House Journal Page 1514 game; establishing the sport fishing angler access account; establishing the sport fishing angler access surcharge; " Page 1, following line 3: Insert new bill sections to read: "* Section 1. The uncodified law of the State of Alaska is amended by adding a new section to read: LEGISLATIVE INTENT. It is the intent of the legislature that the commissioner model the biennial report required under AS 16.05.050(c), added by sec. 2 of this Act, on the Department of Fish and Game's Professional Publication No. 08-01, titled "Economic Impacts and Contributions of Sportfishing in Alaska, 2007. * Sec. 2. AS 16.05.050 is amended by adding a new subsection to read: (c) The commissioner shall produce and disseminate to the public a biennial report on the economic impacts of sport fishing in the state. * Sec. 3. AS 16.05.130 is amended by adding a new subsection to read: (i) Money accruing to the state from the sport fishing angler access surcharge imposed by AS 16.05.340(l) shall be deposited in a separate account known as the sport fishing angler access account within the fish and game fund. The department shall allocate money in the angler access account to production and dissemination of the biennial report on the economic impacts of sport fishing in the state required under AS 16.05.050(c) and programs intended to directly benefit license purchasers through the development and improvement of access to and services and facilities for lakes, ponds, or waterways not related to motor or power boat use. In allocating money from the account, the department shall apportion $1 from the surcharge imposed on each license by AS 16.05.340(l) to the production and dissemination of the biennial report required under AS 16.05.050(c). * Sec. 4. AS 16.05.340(i) is amended to read: (i) If the commissioner determines that residents of the state are entitled to obtain licenses for sport fishing, including sport fishing for anadromous king salmon, in Yukon, Canada, for the same fees that are charged to residents of Yukon for comparable sport fishing licenses, the commissioner may adopt regulations authorizing residents of Yukon to receive 2026-01-28 House Journal Page 1515 (1) nonresident annual sport fishing licenses for the fees charged to residents under (a) and (l) of this section for a resident sport fishing license; and (2) nonresident anadromous king salmon annual tags for the fee charged to residents under (a) of this section for a resident anadromous king salmon tag. * Sec. 5. AS 16.05.340 is amended by adding a new subsection to read: (l) In addition to the fees for a sport fishing license set out in (a) and (d) of this section, each person who purchases a sport fishing license shall pay a sport fishing angler access surcharge as set out in this subsection. The purpose of the surcharge is to provide funding for angler access of sport fisheries not related to motor or power boat use. A person who is eligible for a $5 resident hunting, trapping, and sport fishing license under (a)(6) of this section or a free license under AS 16.05.341 is exempt from payment of the surcharge imposed under this subsection. The surcharge authorized by this subsection shall take effect on the date established by regulation by the commissioner. The amount of the surcharge attached to each sport fishing license must be clearly disclosed on the sport fishing license. The amount of the sport fishing angler access surcharge to be paid under this subsection for each sport fishing license is as follows: (1) resident sport fishing license $5 (2) resident hunting and sport fishing license 5 (3) resident hunting, trapping, and sport fishing license 5 (4) nonresident 14-day sport fishing license 26 (5) nonresident seven-day sport fishing license 21 (6) nonresident three-day sport fishing license 11 (7) nonresident one-day sport fishing license 6 (8) nonresident annual sport fishing license 41 (9) special nonresident military small game and sport fishing license 5 (10) special nonresident military sport fishing license 5" Page 1, line 4: Delete "Section 1" Insert "Sec. 6" 2026-01-28 House Journal Page 1516 Renumber the following bill sections accordingly. Page 2, following line 27: Insert new bill sections to read: "* Sec. 10. The uncodified law of the State of Alaska is amended by adding a new section to read: TRANSITION: REGULATIONS. The commissioner of fish and game may adopt regulations necessary to implement the changes made by secs. 2 - 5 of this Act. The regulations take effect under AS 44.62 (Administrative Procedure Act), but not before the law implemented by the regulations. * Sec. 11. Section 10 of this Act takes effect immediately under AS 01.10.070(c)." Renumber the following bill section accordingly. Page 2, line 28: Delete "This" Insert "Except as provided in sec. 11 of this Act, this" Representative McCabe moved and asked unanimous consent that Amendment No. 3 be adopted. Representative Himschoot objected. The question being: "Shall Amendment No. 3 be adopted?" The roll was taken with the following result: HB 93 Second Reading Amendment No. 3 YEAS: 17 NAYS: 22 EXCUSED: 1 ABSENT: 0 Yeas: Allard, Bynum, Costello, Coulombe, Elam, McCabe, Moore, D.Nelson, G.Nelson, Prax, Saddler, Schwanke, St. Clair, Stapp, Tomaszewski, Underwood, Vance Nays: Carrick, Dibert, Edgmon, Eischeid, Fields, Foster, Frier, Galvin, Gray, Hall, Hannan, Himschoot, Holland, Johnson, Josephson, Kopp, Mears, Mina, Ruffridge, Schrage, Story, Stutes Excused: Jimmie Galvin changed from "YEA" to "NAY" 2026-01-28 House Journal Page 1517 And so, Amendment No. 3 was not adopted. Representative Kopp moved and asked unanimous consent that HB 93 be considered engrossed, advanced to third reading, and placed on final passage. There was objection. HB 93 will advance to third reading on the January 30 calendar. LEGISLATIVE CITATIONS Representative Kopp moved and asked unanimous consent that the House approve the citations on the calendar. There being no objection, the following citations were approved and sent to enrolling: Honoring - Hmong American Veterans Day By Representatives Fields, Eischeid, D. Nelson 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 UNFINISHED BUSINESS Representative Kopp moved and asked unanimous consent that the following member be excused from a call of the House. There being no objection, the member was excused as noted: Representative Costello – from 6:30 p.m., February 16 to 10:00 p.m., February 22 2026-01-28 House Journal Page 1518 The Speaker removed the State Affairs Committee referral and added a Judiciary Committee referral for the following: State Commission for Human Rights Mary Salazar – Anchorage Appointed: 10/13/2025 Term Expires: 3/1/2030 HR 6 Representative Prax added as a cosponsor to: HOUSE RESOLUTION NO. 6 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. HJR 22 Representative Moore 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 93 Representative Josephson added as a cosponsor to: HOUSE BILL NO. 93 "An Act changing the residency requirements for hunting, trapping, and sport fishing privileges; and providing for an effective date." HB 147 Representatives Gray and Tomaszewski added as cosponsors to: 2026-01-28 House Journal Page 1519 HOUSE BILL NO. 147 "An Act relating to the practice of naturopathy." HB 239 Representative Galvin added as a cosponsor to: HOUSE BILL NO. 239 "An Act relating to criminally negligent homicide; relating to the duty of an operator immediately after an accident; and providing for an effective date." HB 258 Representative Dibert added as a cosponsor to: HOUSE BILL NO. 258 "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." HB 270 Representative Kopp added as a cosponsor to: HOUSE BILL NO. 270 "An Act relating to the prescription of opioid overdose drugs." HB 278 Representative Edgmon added as a cosponsor to: HOUSE BILL NO. 278 "An Act establishing the Alaska-Ireland Trade Commission; and providing for an effective date." ANNOUNCEMENTS House committee schedules are published under separate cover. 2026-01-28 House Journal Page 1520 ADJOURNMENT Representative Kopp moved and asked unanimous consent that the House adjourn until 10:30 a.m., January 30. There being no objection, the House adjourned at 11:58 a.m. Crystaline Jones Chief Clerk