Legislature(2025 - 2026)
2026-03-20 House Journal
Full Journal pdf2026-03-20 House Journal Page 1883 HOUSE JOURNAL ALASKA STATE LEGISLATURE THIRTY-FOURTH LEGISLATURE SECOND SESSION Juneau, Alaska Friday March 20, 2026 Sixtieth Day Pursuant to adjournment the House was called to order by Speaker Edgmon at 10:49 a.m. Roll call showed 38 members present. Representatives Elam and D. Nelson had been excused from a call of the House today. The invocation was offered by the Chaplain, Reverend Fred La Plante of the Juneau Church of the Nazarene. 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: Heavenly Father, as this week draws toward its close, I thank you for sustaining these representatives through another demanding stretch of service. Today I ask especially for their health, their safety, and their well-being. Strengthen those who are tired. Protect those who are carrying stress quietly. Renew minds that have been stretched by decisions and debate. For those who will be traveling, whether near or far, watch over them on every road, in every vehicle, and on every flight. Grant safe travel, alertness, good weather, and a peaceful return. On this date in Alaska history, we remember Wilds P. Richardson, born March 20, 1861, whose name became tied 2026-03-20 House Journal Page 1884 to roads that helped connect this vast state. As he helped prepare pathways through difficult terrain, so give these leaders vision to help make straight paths for the people they serve. And as they head into the weekend, grant them rest that restores, humility that keeps them grounded, and clarity for the work still ahead. Bless their families as well, who share in the burden of public service. I pray for your mercy, guidance, and protection over this house and over the people of Alaska. In your name I pray, Amen. The Pledge of Allegiance was led by Representative Carrick. CERTIFICATION OF THE JOURNAL Representative Kopp moved and asked unanimous consent that the journal for the 58th and 59th legislative days be approved as certified by the Chief Clerk. There being no objection, it was so ordered. MESSAGES FROM THE GOVERNOR A message dated March 18 was read stating that on February 18 in accordance with Article III, Sections 26 and 27 of the Alaska Constitution and Alaska Statue 39.05.080, the Governor submitted a list of appointees for confirmation. The following appointee has withdrawn himself from consideration, effective immediately: Alaska Workers’ Compensation Board Randy Kimpton – Anchorage Appointed: 2/6/2026 Term Expires: 3/1/2027 The appointment had been referred to the Labor & Commerce Committee (pages 1676-1677). 2026-03-20 House Journal Page 1885 MESSAGES FROM THE SENATE HB 289 A message dated March 18 was received stating the Senate failed to recede from its amendment to: CS FOR HOUSE BILL NO. 289(FIN)(brf sup maj fld) "An Act making appropriations, including supplemental appropriations, capital appropriations, reappropriations, and other appropriations; amending appropriations; capitalizing funds; and providing for an effective date." namely: SENATE CS FOR CS FOR HOUSE BILL NO. 289(FIN) am S "An Act making supplemental appropriations; capitalizing funds; 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." The President appointed the following members to a Conference Committee to meet with a like committee from the House to consider the bills: Senator Hoffman, Chair Senator Stedman Senator Cronk The House members of the Conference Committee were appointed March 18 (page 1874). COMMUNICATIONS The following were received: Dept. of Commerce, Community, & Economic Development Division of Community and Regional Affairs Designated Legislative Lapsing Grant Report Fiscal Year 2026 2026-03-20 House Journal Page 1886 Dept. of Natural Resources Determination to Take Oil and Gas Royalty In-Value March 19, 2026 (as required by AS 38.05.182) Letters of notification dated January 2 and March 16 were received from Nancy Dahlstrom, Lieutenant Governor, stating she certified the following petitions: "An Act to repeal a nonpartisan and open top four primary election system and ranked-choice general election system; and to reestablish a partisan political primary and change necessary and related appointment procedures; reestablish special runoff elections; and repeal and amend independent expenditure group requirements." "An Act requiring that only United States citizens may be qualified to vote in Alaska elections." Ballot titles and propositions will be prepared in accordance with AS 15.45.190. REPORTS OF STANDING COMMITTEES HJR 42 The Transportation Committee considered: HOUSE JOINT RESOLUTION NO. 42 Supporting the Northern Continental Corridor concept; and urging the United States Department of Defense to fund further analysis for the Northern Continental Corridor. and recommends it be replaced with: CS FOR HOUSE JOINT RESOLUTION NO. 42(TRA) (same title) The report was signed by Representatives Carrick and Eischeid, Co- chairs, with the following individual recommendations: Do pass (5): G. Nelson, McCabe, St. Clair, Carrick, Eischeid 2026-03-20 House Journal Page 1887 No recommendation (1): Mina The following fiscal note(s) apply to CSHJR 42(TRA): 1. Zero, Legislative Agency HJR 42 was referred to the Rules Committee. HB 282 The Community & Regional Affairs Committee considered: HOUSE BILL NO. 282 "An Act relating to municipal regulation of automated traffic safety cameras." The report was signed by Representatives Himschoot and Mears, Co- chairs, with the following individual recommendations: Do pass (1): Mears Do not pass (3): Prax, G. Nelson, St. Clair No recommendation (1): Holland Amend (2): Hall, Himschoot The following fiscal note(s) apply: 1. Zero, Dept. of Public Safety 2. Zero, Dept. of Transportation & Public Facilities HB 282 was referred to the Transportation Committee. HB 286 The Community & Regional Affairs Committee considered: HOUSE BILL NO. 286 "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." 2026-03-20 House Journal Page 1888 The report was signed by Representatives Himschoot and Mears, Co- chairs, with the following individual recommendations: Do pass (6): Holland, G. Nelson, St. Clair, Hall, Himschoot, Mears Amend (1): Prax The following fiscal note(s) apply: 1. Zero, Dept. of Commerce, Community, & Economic Development HB 286 was referred to the Finance Committee. REPORTS OF SPECIAL COMMITTEES The House Special Committee on Fisheries reviewed the qualifications of the following and recommends the appointment be forwarded to a joint session for consideration: Renee Alward as a member of the Fishermen's Fund Advisory and Appeals Council. The report was signed by Representative Edgmon, Vice Chair; and Representatives Vance, Kopp, Himschoot, and McCabe. HB 289 The Conference Committee considering: CS FOR HOUSE BILL NO. 289(FIN)(brf sup maj fld) "An Act making appropriations, including supplemental appropriations, capital appropriations, reappropriations, and other appropriations; amending appropriations; capitalizing funds; and providing for an effective date." and SENATE CS FOR CS FOR HOUSE BILL NO. 289(FIN) am S "An Act making supplemental appropriations; capitalizing funds; 2026-03-20 House Journal Page 1889 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." requests limited powers of free conference on the appropriations and language that are not identical in the House and Senate versions of HB 289. The request was signed by Representatives Josephson (Chair), Schrage, Stapp; and Senators Hoffman (Chair), Stedman, Cronk. The Speaker granted the limited powers of free conference as requested. The Chief Clerk notified the Senate. HB 363 The House Special Committee on Military & Veterans' Affairs considered: HOUSE BILL NO. 363 "An Act relating to the sale of alcohol; relating to the sale or dispensing of alcoholic beverages by patriotic organizations; and providing for an effective date." and recommends it be replaced with: CS FOR HOUSE BILL NO. 363(MLV) "An Act relating to the sale of alcohol; relating to the sale or dispensing of alcoholic beverages by patriotic organizations; relating to club licenses; and providing for an effective date." The report was signed by Representative Eischeid, Chair, with the following individual recommendations: Do pass (5): Fields, Gray, Hall, Saddler, Eischeid The following fiscal note(s) apply to CSHB 363(MLV): 1. Zero, Dept. of Commerce, Community, & Economic Development 2026-03-20 House Journal Page 1890 HB 363 was referred to the Labor & Commerce Committee. INTRODUCTION OF CITATIONS The following citations were introduced and referred to the Rules Committee for placement on the calendar: Honoring - Vondelette "Vonnie" Gaither By Representative Eischeid; Senators Wielechowski, Gray-Jackson Honoring - University of Alaska Anchorage, Alaska Native Studies By Representatives Edgmon, Fields, Schrage Honoring - Fred Moore By Senator Bjorkman; Representative Stutes Honoring - Trent Burnett By Senator Bjorkman; Representative Elam In Memoriam - Tommy Phillip By Representatives Jimmie, Foster; Senator Hoffman In Memoriam - James Ayagiaq Charles By Representatives Jimmie, Foster; Senator Hoffman In Memoriam - Robert "Bob" L. Engleman By Representatives Carrick, McCabe In Memoriam - Thomas "Tom" Lee Gray By Senator Olson; Representative Foster INTRODUCTION, FIRST READING, AND REFERENCE OF HOUSE RESOLUTIONS HJR 45 HOUSE JOINT RESOLUTION NO. 45 by the House Education Committee: Urging the United States Congress to fully fund the Individuals with Disabilities Education Act. 2026-03-20 House Journal Page 1891 was read the first time and referred to the Education Committee. INTRODUCTION, FIRST READING, AND REFERENCE OF HOUSE BILLS HB 381 HOUSE BILL NO. 381 by the House Rules Committee by request of the Governor, entitled: "An Act relating to the taxation of certain natural gas pipeline property; relating to municipal taxation limitations; establishing an alternative volumetric tax on natural gas throughput; relating to the allocation of revenue from the alternative volumetric tax; and providing for an effective date." was read the first time and referred to the Resources and Finance Committees. The following fiscal note(s) apply: 1. Zero, Dept. of Commerce, Community, & Economic Development 2. Fiscal, Dept. of Revenue The Governor's transmittal letter dated March 19 follows: "Dear Speaker Edgmon: Under the authority of Article III, Section 18 of the Alaska Constitution, I am transmitting a bill changing the oil and gas property tax structure to payment of an alternative tax, based on throughput volume, for the Alaska Liquefied Natural Gas (AKLNG) Project. This legislation alters the current oil and gas property tax framework for this project to better support the development of large-scale natural gas infrastructure critical to Alaska’s energy future. The AKLNG Project is one of the most significant economic and energy-infrastructure opportunities in our state’s history. For decades, Alaska has sought a way to deliver our abundant North Slope natural gas resources to market while ensuring affordable and reliable energy for Alaskans. We are at the threshold of fulfilling this dream. 2026-03-20 House Journal Page 1892 Development of the AKLNG Project will help lower long-term energy costs for Alaska families and businesses, provide long-term energy security for communities across the state, and enable the responsible development of North Slope oil and gas resources that might otherwise remain stranded. The project will generate thousands of construction jobs, long-term operations employment, and significant economic activity. In addition, the project will provide substantial stable new revenue for state and local governments while supporting long-term economic growth across multiple sectors of Alaska’s economy. The project includes a 739 mile natural gas pipeline in Phase One, and completion of the pipeline, compressor stations, a North Slope gas treatment facility, and an LNG export facility in Cook Inlet in subsequent phases. Phase One is key to bringing affordable energy to Alaskans. Access to North Slope natural gas will help stabilize and lower long-term energy costs for homes, businesses, and utilities throughout Alaska. In addition, development of gas infrastructure on the North Slope will support continued oil and gas development by providing new opportunities to monetize gas resources that are currently reinjected or stranded. Under the existing annual 20 mill or two percent property tax on oil and gas property, investors have deemed the AKLNG project would not be economically viable and therefore it almost certainly will not move forward. To deliver energy at the lowest possible cost to Alaskans, this bill adopts an alternative method of taxation based on throughput volumes. Under existing law, the AKLNG project is exempt from taxation during construction. This bill extends this exemption period to commencement of commercial operations. Once commercial operations commence, the project enters the “ramp up” period where the alternative volumetric tax will be held in abatement until the earlier of the project reaching an average of 1 billion cubic feet per day of throughput or 10 years. Once the ramp up period ends, the alternative volumetric tax of $.06 per million cubic feet (mcf) of throughput commences. The volumetric tax would increase by one percent annually. 2026-03-20 House Journal Page 1893 Additionally, the bill requires the Department of Revenue to establish the methodology of allocating the taxed amount between the State for the portions of the pipeline running through unorganized boroughs, and the municipalities for the portions running through their jurisdictions. The bill also exempts the revenue received through the alternative volumetric tax from the definition of “local contribution” and from municipal tax calculations. The bill further provides that the tax structure during both the exemption and the “ramp up” will terminate if the project has not commenced commercial operations by January 1, 2040, and would revert to the current oil and gas property tax structure. This alternative tax structure based on volume, not only reduces the tax burden on the project allowing it to move forward but also provides greater stability and predictability in revenues to both the State of Alaska and the boroughs through which the pipeline is routed. By tying the tax to pipeline throughput rather than infrastructure value, the structure aligns public revenues with project performance while supporting the short and long-term economic viability of the project. This legislation will provide a clear and predictable tax structure and advance an AKLNG Project that delivers affordable energy to Alaskans, strengthens Alaska’s energy security, supports economic growth, and unlocks the full potential of North Slope natural gas resources. I urge your prompt and favorable action on this measure. Sincerely, /s/ Mike Dunleavy Governor" CONSIDERATION OF THE DAILY CALENDAR THIRD READING OF HOUSE RESOLUTIONS HJR 39 The following, which was advanced to third reading from the March 18 calendar (page 1875), was read the third time: 2026-03-20 House Journal Page 1894 HOUSE JOINT RESOLUTION NO. 39 am Urging the federal government to waive the new H-1B Visa fees for teachers in the state. Representative Allard, citing Section 111.1 of Mason's Manual, rose to a point of order regarding referencing the executive in order to influence the vote. The Speaker ruled that the citation was not applicable. The question being: "Shall HJR 39 am pass the House?" The roll was taken with the following result: HJR 39 am Third Reading Final Passage YEAS: 38 NAYS: 0 EXCUSED: 2 ABSENT: 0 Yeas: Allard, Bynum, Carrick, Costello, Coulombe, Dibert, Edgmon, Eischeid, Fields, Foster, Frier, Galvin, Gray, Hall, Hannan, Himschoot, Holland, Jimmie, Johnson, Josephson, Kopp, McCabe, Mears, Mina, Moore, G.Nelson, Prax, Ruffridge, Saddler, Schrage, Schwanke, St. Clair, Stapp, Story, Stutes, Tomaszewski, Underwood, Vance Excused: Elam, D.Nelson And so, HJR 39 am passed the House and was referred to the Chief Clerk for engrossment. 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 - University of Alaska Anchorage, Institute of Social and Economic Research, 65th Anniversary By Representatives Mears, Gray; Senator Wielechowski 2026-03-20 House Journal Page 1895 Honoring - Dr. Diane Hirshberg By Senators Wielechowski, Giessel; Representative Mears Honoring - Arctic Man, 40th Anniversary By Senator Kawasaki; Representatives Stapp, Carrick Honoring - University of Alaska Fairbanks Northwest Campus, 50th Anniversary By Senator Olson; Representative Foster Honoring - Southern Southeast Regional Aquaculture Association, 50th Anniversary By Senator Stedman; Representative Bynum In Memoriam - Glen Allan Abel By Senator Kawasaki; Representatives Dibert, Stapp In Memoriam - Gail Hattan By Senator Kawasaki; Representative Carrick In Memoriam - Rod Combellick By Senator Kawasaki; Representatives Dibert, Carrick In Memoriam - Donna Krier By Senator Kawasaki; Representatives Stapp, Dibert In Memoriam - Ross Edward Walton By Senator Kawasaki; Representative Carrick 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 Himschoot – from 10:30 a.m., April 3 to 3:00 p.m., April 5 Representative Saddler – from noon, April 30 to 10:00 p.m., May 3 2026-03-20 House Journal Page 1896 HJR 38 Representative Eischeid added as a cosponsor to: HOUSE JOINT RESOLUTION NO. 38 Urging the United States Congress to recognize public safety telecommunicators as first responders; and urging the United States Congress to pass the Enhancing First Response Act. HJR 39 Representatives Foster, Bynum, Stutes, Schrage, and Mina added as cosponsors to: HOUSE JOINT RESOLUTION NO. 39 am Urging the federal government to waive the new H-1B Visa fees for teachers in the state. HB 77 Representative Moore 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 134 Representative Gray added as a cosponsor to: HOUSE BILL NO. 134 "An Act relating to misconduct involving weapons in the fourth degree; and establishing the offense of misconduct involving weapons in the sixth degree." HB 193 Representative Hannan added as a cosponsor to: HOUSE BILL NO. 193 "An Act establishing a paid parental leave program; relating to unemployment benefits; relating to the collection of child support obligations; and relating to the duties of the Department of Labor and Workforce Development." 2026-03-20 House Journal Page 1897 HB 239 Representative Foster, Co-chair, moved and asked unanimous consent that the Finance Committee referral be waived for the following: 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." There being no objection, HB 293 was removed from the Finance Committee and referred to the Rules Committee. HB 302 The Speaker removed the Finance Committee referral and added a Transportation Committee referral to the following: HOUSE BILL NO. 302 "An Act relating to travel insurance." HB 302 is in the Labor & Commerce Committee with a further referral to the Transportation Committee. HB 303 Representative Prax added as a cosponsor to: HOUSE BILL NO. 303 "An Act relating to the registration and titling of legally imported motor vehicles; and providing for an effective date." SB 26 Representative Bynum added as a cross sponsor to: SENATE BILL NO. 26 "An Act petitioning the United States Department of Transportation to change the time zones of Alaska; exempting the state from daylight saving time; and providing for an effective date." 2026-03-20 House Journal Page 1898 SB 140 Representative Bynum added as a cross sponsor to: CS FOR SENATE BILL NO. 140(FIN) "An Act relating to a matching grant program for fire station construction and renovation; and providing for an effective date." ENGROSSMENT HJR 39 HJR 39 am 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: Resources Committee CANCELED ADJOURNMENT Representative Kopp moved and asked unanimous consent that the House adjourn until 10:30 a.m., March 23. There being no objection, the House adjourned at 11:54 a.m. Crystaline Jones Chief Clerk