Legislature(2025 - 2026)
2026-02-09 House Journal
Full Journal pdf2026-02-09 House Journal Page 1581 HOUSE JOURNAL ALASKA STATE LEGISLATURE THIRTY-FOURTH LEGISLATURE SECOND SESSION Juneau, Alaska Monday February 9, 2026 Twenty-first 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 Vance and Allard be excused from a call of the House today. There being no objection, it was so ordered. The invocation was offered by the Chaplain, Bishop Tim Olslovich of Alaska Synod of Evangelical Lutheran Church in America. Representative Story moved and asked unanimous consent that the invocation be spread on the journal. There being no objection, it was so ordered. With the deepest respect for the religious beliefs of all Alaskans, I offer the following prayer: Gracious and Loving God, We come before you to lift up the representatives of this house. We seek your grace to surround them as they deliberate on matters that impact the lives of so many. Grant them wisdom and discernment, that they may navigate the complexities of governance with integrity and compassion. Help them to work for justice for all Alaskans, especially for our immigrant brothers and sisters who seek safety and opportunity, for people who are unhoused, for people 2026-02-09 House Journal Page 1582 struggling with food insecurity, and for our Native Alaskan communities, whose heritage and rights are integral to our shared identity. May their hearts be open to the stories of those they serve, leading them to create policies that reflect your love and dignity for all people. In moments of disagreement, remind them of the power of kindness and understanding, so they may find common ground in their pursuit of the common good. Empower them to seek solutions that uplift and unite, fostering an environment where every voice is heard and valued. We ask for your blessing on this session, and may the decisions made here be guided by your grace. Amen. The Pledge of Allegiance was led by Representative D. Nelson. CERTIFICATION OF THE JOURNAL Representative Kopp moved and asked unanimous consent that the journal for the 18th, 19th, and 20th legislative days be approved as certified by the Chief Clerk. There being no objection, it was so ordered. COMMUNICATIONS The following was received: Dept. of Education & Early Development Alaska Reads Act Evaluation Report: Year 2 February 2026 (as required by Chapter No. 40, SLA 2022) REPORTS OF STANDING COMMITTEES HJR 20 The Labor & Commerce Committee considered: HOUSE JOINT RESOLUTION NO. 20 Encouraging the United States Congress to establish hiring goals for apprentices and veteran apprentices. 2026-02-09 House Journal Page 1583 The report was signed by Representatives Fields and Hall, Co-chairs, with the following individual recommendations: Do pass (6): Carrick, Coulombe, Saddler, D. Nelson, Fields, Hall The following fiscal note(s) apply: 2. Zero, Legislative Agency HJR 20 was referred to the Rules Committee. HB 4 The Judiciary Committee considered: HOUSE BILL NO. 4 "An Act relating to write-in candidates for President and Vice- President of the United States." The report was signed by Representative Gray, Chair, with the following individual recommendations: Do pass (5): Underwood, Kopp, Costello, Mina, Gray The following fiscal note(s) apply: 2. Zero, Office of the Governor HB 4 was referred to the Rules Committee. HB 81 The Judiciary Committee considered: HOUSE BILL NO. 81 "An Act restricting the release of certain records of convictions; and providing for an effective date." and recommends it be replaced with: CS FOR HOUSE BILL NO. 81(STA) (same title) 2026-02-09 House Journal Page 1584 The report was signed by Representative Gray, Chair, with the following individual recommendations: Do pass (5): Underwood, Kopp, Mina, Costello, Gray The following fiscal note(s) apply to CSHB 81(STA): 1. Fiscal, Dept. of Public Safety HB 81 was referred to the Finance Committee. HB 262 The Judiciary Committee considered: HOUSE BILL NO. 262 "An Act increasing the number of superior court judges in the third judicial district; and providing for an effective date." The report was signed by Representative Gray, Chair, with the following individual recommendations: Do pass (5): Underwood, Kopp, Costello, Mina, Gray The following fiscal note(s) apply: 1. Fiscal, Dept. of Administration 2. Fiscal, Alaska Judiciary System 3. Fiscal, Dept. of Law HB 262 was referred to the Finance Committee. INTRODUCTION OF CITATIONS The following citations were introduced and referred to the Rules Committee for placement on the calendar: Honoring - Girl Scout Troop 436 By Senator Tobin In Memoriam - Andy Elliott Fullbright By Senator Wielechowski; Representative Mears 2026-02-09 House Journal Page 1585 In Memoriam - Darwin "Dar" Ralph Walter By Senator Wielechowski; Representative Mears In Memoriam - Lieutenant Colonel Glen G. "Bud" Irwin By Senator Wielechowski; Representative Mears INTRODUCTION, FIRST READING, AND REFERENCE OF HOUSE BILLS HB 297 HOUSE BILL NO. 297 by Representative Schwanke, entitled: "An Act establishing a preference for the taking of fishery resources by residents for personal and family consumption; adding to the factors the Board of Fisheries may consider in allocating certain fishery resources; and providing for an effective date." was read the first time and referred to the House Special Committee on Fisheries and the Resources Committee. HB 298 HOUSE BILL NO. 298 by Representatives Galvin and McCabe, entitled: "An Act relating to the Legislative Ethics Act; relating to legislative subpoenas; relating to the jurisdiction of the office of the ombudsman; and providing for an effective date." was read the first time and referred to the Judiciary Committee. HB 299 HOUSE BILL NO. 299 by Representative Stapp, entitled: "An Act creating a veteran sentencing program; relating to release procedures; amending Rules 35 and 43, Alaska Rules of Criminal Procedure; and providing for an effective date." was read the first time and referred to the House Special Committee on Military & Veterans' Affairs and the Judiciary Committee. 2026-02-09 House Journal Page 1586 CONSIDERATION OF THE DAILY CALENDAR SECOND READING OF HOUSE BILLS HB 110 The following was read the second time: HOUSE BILL NO. 110 "An Act relating to a social work licensure compact; relating to the practice of social work; and providing for an effective date." with the: Journal Page L&C RPT 6DP 1170 FN1: ZERO(CED) 1170 The Rules Committee submitted the following fiscal note(s): 2. Zero, Dept. of Commerce, Community, & Economic Development Amendment No. 1 was offered by Representative Gray: Page 35, line 24: Delete "2026" Insert "2027" Representative Gray moved and asked unanimous consent that Amendment No. 1 be adopted. Objection was heard and withdrawn. There being no further objection, Amendment No. 1 was adopted. The Speaker stated that, without objection, HB 110 am would be held in second reading to the February 11 calendar. LEGISLATIVE CITATIONS Representative Kopp moved and asked unanimous consent that the House approve the citation on the calendar. There being no objection, the following citation was approved and sent to enrolling: 2026-02-09 House Journal Page 1587 Honoring - Legislative Information Offices, 50th Anniversary By Senator Gray-Jackson; Representatives Josephson, Galvin 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 Hall – from: 7:00 p.m., February 13 to 10:00 a.m., February 15 7:00 p.m., March 13 to 10:00 a.m., March 15 HB 77 Representative Saddler added as a cosponsor to: HOUSE BILL NO. 77 "An Act making the theft of mail or an article within mail theft in the second degree." HB 96 Representative Mina added as a cosponsor to: HOUSE BILL NO. 96 "An Act establishing the Home Care Employment Standards Advisory Board; relating to payment for personal care services; and providing for an effective date." HB 105 Representative Frier added as a cosponsor to: HOUSE BILL NO. 105 "An Act relating to mental health education." HB 110 Representatives Galvin, Prax, and Josephson added as cosponsors to: HOUSE BILL NO. 110 am "An Act relating to a social work licensure compact; relating to the practice of social work; and providing for an effective date." 2026-02-09 House Journal Page 1588 HB 152 Representative Gray added as a cosponsor to: HOUSE BILL NO. 152 "An Act establishing an education tax on the income of individuals, partners, shareholders in S corporations, trusts, and estates; repealing tax credits applied against the tax on individuals under the Alaska Net Income Tax Act; and providing for an effective date." HB 202 Representatives Vance and G. Nelson added as cosponsors to: HOUSE BILL NO. 202 "An Act designating giant cabbage as the official state vegetable; and providing for an effective date." 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., February 11. There being no objection, the House adjourned at 11:48 a.m. Crystaline Jones Chief Clerk