Legislature(2025 - 2026)
2026-03-11 House Journal
Full Journal pdf2026-03-11 House Journal Page 1813 HOUSE JOURNAL ALASKA STATE LEGISLATURE THIRTY-FOURTH LEGISLATURE SECOND SESSION Juneau, Alaska Wednesday March 11, 2026 Fifty-first Day Pursuant to adjournment the House was called to order by Speaker Edgmon at 11:13 a.m. Roll call showed 40 members present. The invocation was offered by the Chaplain, Rabbi Yosef Greenberg, Regional Director of Chabad-Lubavitch for the State of Alaska. Representative Story moved and asked unanimous consent that the invocation be spread on the journal. There being no objection, it was so ordered. Almighty G-d, Master of the Universe, I stand before you in prayer: Today, as so many in the world are reeling from pain and suffering by evil regimes, yet simultaneously we are seeing miracles and wonders of biblical proportions, providing supernatural protection, resilience, and survival. I express my emotions about these unique times through the words of King David, in psalm 124: ??? ??? ????? ????? ???? ??? .??? ????? ???? ,??? ???? ?? ????. Were it not for the Lord who was with us, when men rose up against us, then they would have swallowed us alive, in their burning rage against us Almighty G-d, grant the members of the Alaska State House, wisdom and understanding, to bring true healing to our world, 2026-03-11 House Journal Page 1814 through embodying the universal values of the Seven Commandments issued by you almighty G-d to Noah after the great flood, and later communicated to humanity through Moses on Mount Sinai. Briefly, they include the requirements to honor the creator, respect the sanctity and the dignity of each life, reject violence, act honestly, value family, promote generosity, and build a just and moral society. In that vein, our wonderful state, with the support of our government, has embarked on a very important project: The Alaska Friendship Circle – the first Inclusive Early Childhood Play Center in Alaska, for children with disabilities and special needs, founded on the belief that within each person is a soul, and that soul is equal and worthy of boundless love and connection. Almighty G-d, bless the members of the Alaska State House assembled here today, to fulfil one of your seven commandments, which is to govern by just laws. May we all be graced by the merit of the global spiritual giant and leader, your servant, the Lubavitcher Rebbe, Rabbi Menachem M. Schneerson, whose 124th birthday will be celebrated on the 11th day of the Hebrew month of Nissan, Sunday, March 29, four days before Passover. From 1978, it is observed by US Congress and presidents as well as our state legislatures and governors as Education and Sharing Day, in tribute to his commitment to promoting the importance of moral and ethical education, as the foundation of a brighter and better future for all. From his early childhood, the Rebbe envisioned a world of peace and harmony, and emphasized how one good action, one good spoken word, or one good thought, can tip the scales to usher our world into this new reality. Passover is the festival of liberty, commemorating the Israelite exodus from Egypt, led by Moses. The Rebbe teaches that Egypt represents not only a physical location at the northern tip of Africa. The Hebrew name for Egypt is Mitzrayim, which also means constraints and limitations. The Israelite redemption, which occurred over three thousand 2026-03-11 House Journal Page 1815 years ago, empowers all of us to free ourselves from all internal and external pressures that keep us from realizing our true potential. Like Moses in his generation, the Rebbe in our generation continues to guide millions through his teachings, to utilize their inherent goodness and light, to change the world for the better. Almighty G-d, in the merit of realizing this great vision for humanity, may we merit to speedily see the fulfillment of Isaiah’s promise, nation shall not lift the sword against nation, neither shall they learn war anymore, with the coming of Moshiach as King David says in psalm 125: ???? ??????? .??? ????? ,???? ?? ???? ??? ,??? ??????? ?????? ??? ???? ??? ???? ,???? ???? ??? ,?? ????. Those who trust in the L-rd, are as Mount Zion which never falters, but persists forever. Mountains surround Jerusalem, and the Lord surrounds his people, from this time and forever. May this happen speedily in our days and let us say Amen! The Pledge of Allegiance was led by Representative Vance. CERTIFICATION OF THE JOURNAL Representative Kopp moved and asked unanimous consent that the journal for the 49th and 50th legislative days, House Journal Supplement No. 12, Senate and House Joint Journal Supplement No. 15, and House and Senate Joint Journal Supplement No. 16 be approved as certified by the Chief Clerk. There being no objection, it was so ordered. * * * * * Representative Elam introduced his children, James and William Elam, Guest Pages, from Soldotna. Representative G. Nelson introduced Julian Serazin, Guest Page, from Sutton. 2026-03-11 House Journal Page 1816 MESSAGES FROM THE SENATE A message dated March 9 was read stating the Senate passed the following, and they are transmitted for consideration: FIRST READING AND REFERENCE OF SENATE BILLS SB 23 CS FOR SENATE BILL NO. 23(FIN) by the Senate Finance Committee, entitled: "An Act relating to civics education, civics assessments, and secondary school graduation requirements; and providing for an effective date." was read the first time and referred to the Education and Finance Committees. SB 104 CS FOR SENATE BILL NO. 104(FIN) by the Senate Finance Committee, entitled: "An Act relating to the transfer of a title on the death of the owner; relating to the transferability of common interest community ownership interests; and providing for an effective date." was read the first time and referred to the Transportation and Finance Committees. COMMUNICATIONS The following were received: Dept. of Law Monetary Terms of Agreement and Interest Arbitration Award between the State and the Alaska Correctional Officers Association March 11, 2026 (as required by AS 23.40.215 and AO 356) The Speaker referred the monetary terms to the Finance Committee. 2026-03-11 House Journal Page 1817 Dept. of Revenue Tax Division 2025 Annual Alaska Salmon Price and Production Reports (as required by AS 43.80.060) SB 95 The following memorandum dated March 11, 2026, from Hilary V. Martin, Revisor of Statutes, was received: "Section 35, ch. 14, SLA 2025, directed the Department of Health to "amend and submit for federal approval the state plan for the state's child care assistance program under the federal child care and development fund program, consistent with AS 47.25.001(a), as amended by sec. 6 . . . ." Under sec. 37(a), ch. 14, SLA 2025: Section 6 of this Act takes effect only if, on or before January 1, 2026, the United States Department of Health and Human Services (1) approves the amendment to the state plan for the child care assistance program under the federal child care and development fund program, consistent with AS 47.25.001(a), as amended by sec. 6 of this Act; or (2) determines that approval of the amendment to the state plan for the child care assistance program is not necessary. Section 38 provides that if sec. 6 takes effect, it takes effect "on the day after the date the United States Department of Health and Human Services approves the corresponding amendment to the state plan or determines that approval is not necessary." I received notice from the commissioner of health on November 4, 2025, that the United States Health and Human Services, Administration for Children and Families, Office of Child Care, determined that an amendment to the state plan for the child care assistance program was not necessary on September 17, 2025. Therefore, sec. 6, ch. 14, SLA 2025, took effect on September 18, 2025. Please publish this in the journal to provide notice that the condition has been satisfied." 2026-03-11 House Journal Page 1818 REPORTS OF STANDING COMMITTEES The Resources Committee reviewed the qualifications of the following and recommends the appointments be forwarded to a joint session for consideration: Brianna Hauch Larry Kunder Robert Mumford as members of the Big Game Commercial Services Board. Tom McKay as a member of the Alaska Oil and Gas Conservation Commission. The report was signed by Representative Dibert, Co-chair; and Representatives Fields, Coulombe, Hall, Saddler, Elam, Prax, and Mears. HB 278 The State Affairs Committee considered: HOUSE BILL NO. 278 "An Act establishing the Alaska-Ireland Trade Commission; and providing for an effective date." and recommends it be replaced with: CS FOR HOUSE BILL NO. 278(STA) (same title) The report was signed by Representative Carrick, Chair, with the following individual recommendations: Do pass (6): McCabe, Vance, St. Clair, Holland, Story, Carrick No recommendation (1): Himschoot 2026-03-11 House Journal Page 1819 The following fiscal note(s) apply to CSHB 278(STA): 1. Indeterminate, Dept. of Commerce, Community, & Economic Development HB 278 was referred to the Rules Committee. HB 362 The Labor & Commerce Committee considered: HOUSE BILL NO. 362 "An Act relating to the practice of respiratory care; relating to the duties of the Department of Commerce, Community, and Economic Development; relating to telehealth provided by respiratory care practitioners; relating to medical malpractice liability of respiratory care practitioners; relating to immunity from civil liability for a respiratory care practitioner providing free health care services; relating to respiratory care practitioners providing documentation and treatment plans for public school students with asthma or anaphylaxis; prohibiting unfair discrimination under group health insurance against respiratory care practitioners; and providing for an effective date." The report was signed by Representatives Hall and Fields, Co-chairs, with the following individual recommendations: Do pass (6): Coulombe, Carrick, Saddler, D. Nelson, Hall, Fields The following fiscal note(s) apply: 1. Fiscal, Dept. of Commerce, Community, & Economic Development HB 362 was referred to the Health & Social Services Committee. INTRODUCTION OF CITATIONS The following citation was introduced and taken up later as a Special Order of Business: Honoring - Education and Sharing Day 2026 By Representative Underwood 2026-03-11 House Journal Page 1820 The following citations were introduced and referred to the Rules Committee for placement on the calendar: Honoring - Fire Chief Tristan Ferguson By Representative Frier; Senator Olson Honoring - Pete Daley By Representative Prax; Senators Cronk, Myers Honoring - Butch Lincoln, Alaska Sports Hall of Famer By Representative Frier; Senators Olson, Cronk Honoring - North Pole High School Hockey Team, 2026 Division II State Champions By Representative Prax; Senators Kawasaki, Myers Honoring - Robert "Bob" Pickett By Senators Giessel, Wielechowski; Representative Mears INTRODUCTION, FIRST READING, AND REFERENCE OF HOUSE RESOLUTIONS HCR 11 HOUSE CONCURRENT RESOLUTION NO. 11 by the House Rules Committee: Extending the governor's October 9, 2025, declaration of a disaster emergency in response to the 2025 West Coast Storm. was read the first time and is on today's calendar. SPECIAL ORDER OF BUSINESS Representative Kopp moved and asked unanimous consent that the notice and publication requirements be waived and the citation, Honoring - Education and Sharing Day 2026, be taken up as a Special Order of Business. There being no objection, it was so ordered. Representative Kopp moved and asked unanimous consent that the House approve the citation. Representative Underwood objected to the citation, Honoring - Education and Sharing Day 2026, offered remarks, and withdrew the objection. 2026-03-11 House Journal Page 1821 There being no further objection, the following citation was approved and sent to enrolling: Honoring - Education and Sharing Day 2026 By Representative Underwood UNFINISHED BUSINESS Representative Johnson moved and asked unanimous consent that Representative Fields be reprimanded for inappropriate conduct during joint session. Representative Stutes objected. Representatives Stapp and Johnson, citing Section 101 of Mason's Manual, rose to points of order regarding speaking to the motion before the body. The Speaker directed the member to confine their remarks. Representative Kopp moved and asked unanimous consent to table the motion. There was objection. The question being: "Shall the motion to reprimand Representative Fields be tabled?" The roll was taken with the following result: Reprimand Representative Fields Table YEAS: 21 NAYS: 19 EXCUSED: 0 ABSENT: 0 Yeas: Carrick, Dibert, Edgmon, Eischeid, Fields, Foster, Frier, Galvin, Gray, Hall, Hannan, Himschoot, Holland, Jimmie, Josephson, Mears, Mina, Prax, Schrage, Story, Stutes Nays: Allard, Bynum, Costello, Coulombe, Elam, Johnson, Kopp, McCabe, Moore, D.Nelson, G.Nelson, Ruffridge, Saddler, Schwanke, St. Clair, Stapp, Tomaszewski, Underwood, Vance And so, the motion was tabled. 2026-03-11 House Journal Page 1822 CONSIDERATION OF THE DAILY CALENDAR SECOND READING OF HOUSE RESOLUTIONS HCR 11 The following was read the second time: HOUSE CONCURRENT RESOLUTION NO. 11 Extending the governor's October 9, 2025, declaration of a disaster emergency in response to the 2025 West Coast Storm. Representative Allard rose to a point of order regarding references made to the executive during debate. The Speaker, citing section 111 of Mason's Manual, ruled the point out of order. Representative Johnson appealed the ruling of the chair. The question being: "Shall the ruling of the chair be sustained?" The roll was taken with the following result: Sustain Ruling of the Chair YEAS: 21 NAYS: 19 EXCUSED: 0 ABSENT: 0 Yeas: Carrick, Dibert, Edgmon, Eischeid, Fields, Foster, Frier, Galvin, Gray, Hall, Hannan, Himschoot, Holland, Jimmie, Josephson, Kopp, Mears, Mina, Schrage, Story, Stutes Nays: Allard, Bynum, Costello, Coulombe, Elam, Johnson, McCabe, Moore, D.Nelson, G.Nelson, Prax, Ruffridge, Saddler, Schwanke, St. Clair, Stapp, Tomaszewski, Underwood, Vance And so, the motion passed. HB 337 Representative Stapp, citing Uniform Rule 48(d), moved and asked unanimous consent that the following be discharged from the House Special Committee on Tribal Affairs: 2026-03-11 House Journal Page 1823 HOUSE BILL NO. 337 "An Act extending the governor's October 9, 2025, declaration of a disaster emergency in response to the 2025 West Coast Storm; and providing for an effective date." Representative Johnson placed a call of the House. The call was satisfied. Representative Johnson lifted the call of the House. Pursuant to Uniform Rule 27(c), the Speaker stated that the motion to discharge HB 337 from the House Special Committee on Tribal Affairs was not in order. The Speaker stated that, without objection, the House would recess to a call of the Chair; and so, the House recessed at 12:28 p.m. AFTER RECESS The Speaker called the House back to order at 1:59 p.m. SECOND READING OF HOUSE RESOLUTIONS HCR 11 The following was before the House in Second Reading: HOUSE CONCURRENT RESOLUTION NO. 11 Extending the governor's October 9, 2025, declaration of a disaster emergency in response to the 2025 West Coast Storm. The question being: "Shall HCR 11 pass the House?" The roll was taken with the following result: HCR 11 Second Reading Final Passage YEAS: 25 NAYS: 15 EXCUSED: 0 ABSENT: 0 2026-03-11 House Journal Page 1824 Yeas: Bynum, Carrick, Costello, Dibert, Edgmon, Eischeid, Fields, Foster, Frier, Galvin, Gray, Hall, Hannan, Himschoot, Holland, Jimmie, Josephson, Kopp, Mears, Mina, Schrage, Story, Stutes, Underwood, Vance Nays: Allard, Coulombe, Elam, Johnson, McCabe, Moore, D.Nelson, G.Nelson, Prax, Ruffridge, Saddler, Schwanke, St. Clair, Stapp, Tomaszewski And so, HCR 11 passed the House and was referred to the Chief Clerk for engrossment. * * * * * Representative Stutes moved and asked unanimous consent that the House revert to Messages from the Senate. There was objection. The question being: "Shall the House revert to Messages from the Senate?" The roll was taken with the following result: Revert to Messages from the Senate Change Daily Order of Business YEAS: 21 NAYS: 19 EXCUSED: 0 ABSENT: 0 Yeas: Carrick, Dibert, Edgmon, Eischeid, Fields, Foster, Frier, Galvin, Gray, Hall, Hannan, Himschoot, Holland, Jimmie, Josephson, Kopp, Mears, Mina, Schrage, Story, Stutes Nays: Allard, Bynum, Costello, Coulombe, Elam, Johnson, McCabe, Moore, D.Nelson, G.Nelson, Prax, Ruffridge, Saddler, Schwanke, St. Clair, Stapp, Tomaszewski, Underwood, Vance And so, lacking the required 27 votes, the motion failed. 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 - Dena Thomas By Representatives Gray, Galvin; Senator Gray-Jackson 2026-03-11 House Journal Page 1825 Honoring - The West Lakes Fire Department By Representative McCabe; Senator Rauscher Honoring - Dr. Gwenn Holdmann By Senators Giessel, Wielechowski; Representative Mears Honoring - Alaska Power Association, 75th Anniversary By Senator Gray-Jackson; Representatives Galvin, Mears In Memoriam - Lainey Anne Landry By Representatives Gray, Allard In Memoriam - Alice B. Hjellen By Senator Wielechowski; Representative Mears UNFINISHED BUSINESS Representative Kopp moved and asked unanimous consent that the following members be excused from a call of the House. There being no objection, the members were excused as noted: Representative Hall – from: 7:00 p.m., March 13 to 6:30 p.m., March 15 (amended from page 1587) 5:00 a.m. to 10:00 p.m., April 16 Representative Jimmie – from 5:00 p.m., March 26 to 9:00 p.m., March 29 Representative Galvin – from 8:00 p.m., March 13 to 9:30 a.m., March 16 Representative D. Nelson – from: 7:00 a.m., March 17 to 1:00 p.m., March 21 8:30 p.m., April 2 to 5:30 p.m., April 5 HB 337 Representative Stapp, citing Uniform Rule 48(d), moved and asked unanimous consent that the following be discharged from the House Special Committee on Tribal Affairs: 2026-03-11 House Journal Page 1826 HOUSE BILL NO. 337 "An Act extending the governor's October 9, 2025, declaration of a disaster emergency in response to the 2025 West Coast Storm; and providing for an effective date." There was objection. The question being: "Shall HB 337 be discharged from the House Special Committee on Tribal Affairs?" The roll was taken with the following result: HB 337 Discharge Bill from Tribal Affairs Committee YEAS: 19 NAYS: 21 EXCUSED: 0 ABSENT: 0 Yeas: Allard, Bynum, Costello, Coulombe, Elam, Johnson, McCabe, Moore, D.Nelson, G.Nelson, Prax, Ruffridge, Saddler, Schwanke, St. Clair, Stapp, Tomaszewski, Underwood, Vance Nays: Carrick, Dibert, Edgmon, Eischeid, Fields, Foster, Frier, Galvin, Gray, Hall, Hannan, Himschoot, Holland, Jimmie, Josephson, Kopp, Mears, Mina, Schrage, Story, Stutes And so, the motion failed. Representative Johnson moved and asked unanimous consent that the motion to reprimand Representative Fields be taken up from the table. There was objection. The question being: "Shall the motion to reprimand Representative Fields be taken up from the table?" The roll was taken with the following result: Reprimand Representative Fields Take up from the Table YEAS: 15 NAYS: 25 EXCUSED: 0 ABSENT: 0 Yeas: Allard, Bynum, Costello, Coulombe, Elam, Johnson, McCabe, D.Nelson, G.Nelson, Ruffridge, Saddler, Schwanke, St. Clair, Tomaszewski, Vance 2026-03-11 House Journal Page 1827 Nays: Carrick, Dibert, Edgmon, Eischeid, Fields, Foster, Frier, Galvin, Gray, Hall, Hannan, Himschoot, Holland, Jimmie, Josephson, Kopp, Mears, Mina, Moore, Prax, Schrage, Stapp, Story, Stutes, Underwood And so, the motion failed. HB 221 Representative Johnson removed as a cosponsor to: HOUSE BILL NO. 221 "An Act establishing June 21 as Alaska Arts and Culture Day; and providing for an effective date." HB 362 The Speaker removed the Health & Social Services Committee referral and added a Finance Committee referral for the following: HOUSE BILL NO. 362 "An Act relating to the practice of respiratory care; relating to the duties of the Department of Commerce, Community, and Economic Development; relating to telehealth provided by respiratory care practitioners; relating to medical malpractice liability of respiratory care practitioners; relating to immunity from civil liability for a respiratory care practitioner providing free health care services; relating to respiratory care practitioners providing documentation and treatment plans for public school students with asthma or anaphylaxis; prohibiting unfair discrimination under group health insurance against respiratory care practitioners; and providing for an effective date." HB 362 was removed from the Health & Social Services Committee and referred to the Finance Committee. SB 23 Representative Eischeid added as a cross sponsor to: CS FOR SENATE BILL NO. 23(FIN) "An Act relating to civics education, civics assessments, and secondary school graduation requirements; and providing for an effective date." 2026-03-11 House Journal Page 1828 ENGROSSMENT HCR 11 HCR 11 was engrossed, signed by the Speaker and Chief Clerk, and transmitted to the Senate for consideration. ANNOUNCEMENTS House committee schedules are published under separate cover. The following meeting today was changed: Judiciary Committee CHANGED TO: 5 min. after adjournment ADJOURNMENT Representative Fields moved and asked unanimous consent that the House adjourn until 2:30 p.m., March 12. There was objection. Representative McCabe moved to amend the motion to 8:00 a.m., March 12. There was objection. The question being: "Shall the motion to adjourn be amended to 8:00 a.m., March 12?" The roll was taken with the following result: Adjourn to 2:30 pm, March 12 Amend motion to 8:00 am, March 12 YEAS: 19 NAYS: 21 EXCUSED: 0 ABSENT: 0 Yeas: Allard, Bynum, Costello, Coulombe, Elam, Johnson, McCabe, Moore, D.Nelson, G.Nelson, Prax, Ruffridge, Saddler, Schwanke, St. Clair, Stapp, Tomaszewski, Underwood, Vance Nays: Carrick, Dibert, Edgmon, Eischeid, Fields, Foster, Frier, Galvin, Gray, Hall, Hannan, Himschoot, Holland, Jimmie, Josephson, Kopp, Mears, Mina, Schrage, Story, Stutes 2026-03-11 House Journal Page 1829 And so, the motion failed. The question being: "Shall the House adjourn to 2:30 p.m., March 12?" The roll was taken with the following result: Adjourn to 2:30 pm, March 12 YEAS: 21 NAYS: 19 EXCUSED: 0 ABSENT: 0 Yeas: Carrick, Dibert, Edgmon, Eischeid, Fields, Foster, Frier, Galvin, Gray, Hall, Hannan, Himschoot, Holland, Jimmie, Josephson, Kopp, Mears, Mina, Schrage, Story, Stutes Nays: Allard, Bynum, Costello, Coulombe, Elam, Johnson, McCabe, Moore, D.Nelson, G.Nelson, Prax, Ruffridge, Saddler, Schwanke, St. Clair, Stapp, Tomaszewski, Underwood, Vance And so, the House adjourned at 3:09 p.m. Crystaline Jones Chief Clerk