Legislature(2025 - 2026)
2026-03-25 House Journal
Full Journal pdf2026-03-25 House Journal Page 1947 HOUSE JOURNAL ALASKA STATE LEGISLATURE THIRTY-FOURTH LEGISLATURE SECOND SESSION Juneau, Alaska Wednesday March 25, 2026 Sixty-fifth Day Pursuant to adjournment the House was called to order by Speaker Edgmon at 10:48 a.m. Roll call showed 40 members present. 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 beliefs of each person here, I offer this prayer: Dear Heavenly Father, I will love thee, 0 Lord, my strength; The Lord is my rock and my fortress, and my deliverer. My God, my strength, in whom I will trust; My shield and the horn of my salvation, my stronghold. I will call upon the Lord, who is worthy to be praised. (Psalms 18:1-3) I call upon you, Lord God, now, as I stand in the gap for the members of the House of Representatives. Be their strength, be their shield, be their stronghold. Let your divine presence be here now. Give them great insight in the issues they are addressing. Bless them Lord and bless the fruit of their labors. Let your peace rest upon them. I pray this in Jesus' name, Amen. 2026-03-25 House Journal Page 1948 The Pledge of Allegiance was led by Representative Coulombe. CERTIFICATION OF THE JOURNAL Representative Kopp moved and asked unanimous consent that the journal for the 63rd and 64th legislative days be approved as certified by the Chief Clerk. There being no objection, it was so ordered. REPORTS OF STANDING COMMITTEES The Judiciary Committee reviewed the qualifications of the following and recommends the appointments be forwarded to a joint session for consideration: Donald McClintock III as a member of the Commission on Judicial Conduct. Veronica Lambertsen as a member of the Alaska Police Standards Council. Anna Cometa Joel Hard as members of the Violent Crimes Compensation Board. The report was signed by Representative Gray, Chair; and Representatives Kopp, Vance, Eischeid, Underwood, Costello, and Mina. HJR 44 The Resources Committee considered: HOUSE JOINT RESOLUTION NO. 44 Supporting the ability of Alaska Native corporations and entities owned by federally recognized tribes in the state to participate in the United States Small Business Administration's 8(a) Business Development Program. 2026-03-25 House Journal Page 1949 The report was signed by Representatives Dibert and Frier, Co-chairs, with the following individual recommendations: Do pass (7): Fields, Coulombe, Hall, Elam, Mears, Dibert, Frier No recommendation (2): Prax, Saddler The following fiscal note(s) apply: 1. Zero, House Resources Committee HJR 44 was referred to the Rules Committee. HB 52 The Finance Committee considered: HOUSE BILL NO. 52 "An Act relating to the rights of minors undergoing evaluation or inpatient treatment at psychiatric hospitals; relating to the use of seclusion or restraint of minors at psychiatric hospitals; relating to a report published by the Department of Health; relating to inspections by the Department of Health of certain psychiatric hospitals; and providing for an effective date." and recommends it be replaced with: CS FOR HOUSE BILL NO. 52(HSS) (same title) The report was signed by Representatives Josephson, Foster, and Schrage, Co-chairs, with the following individual recommendations: Do pass (9): Jimmie, Galvin, Tomaszewski, Hannan, Moore, Bynum, Josephson, Foster, Schrage No recommendation (1): Stapp The following fiscal note(s) apply to CSHB 52(HSS): 2026-03-25 House Journal Page 1950 4. Zero, Dept. of Family & Community Services 5. Zero, Dept. of Family & Community Services 6. Fiscal, Dept. of Health HB 52 was referred to the Rules Committee. HB 152 The State Affairs Committee considered: 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." and recommends it be replaced with: CS FOR HOUSE BILL NO. 152(STA) "An Act establishing taxes 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." The report was signed by Representative Carrick, Chair, with the following individual recommendations: Do pass (4): Holland, Himschoot, Story, Carrick Do not pass (2): Vance, McCabe Amend (1): St. Clair The following fiscal note(s) apply to CSHB 152(STA): 1. Fiscal, Dept. of Revenue HB 152 was referred to the Finance Committee. 2026-03-25 House Journal Page 1951 HB 189 The State Affairs Committee considered: HOUSE BILL NO. 189 "An Act relating to a permanent fund dividend for an individual whose conviction has been vacated, reversed, or dismissed; and relating to the calculation of the value of the permanent fund dividend by including payment to individuals eligible for a permanent fund dividend because of a conviction that has been vacated, reversed, or dismissed." and recommends it be replaced with: CS FOR HOUSE BILL NO. 189(STA) (same title) The report was signed by Representative Carrick, Chair, with the following individual recommendations: Do pass (5): Vance, Holland, Himschoot, Story, Carrick Do not pass (1): St. Clair No recommendation (1): McCabe The following fiscal note(s) apply to CSHB 189(STA): 1. Indeterminate, Dept. of Revenue HB 189 was referred to the Judiciary Committee. HB 217 The Transportation Committee considered: HOUSE BILL NO. 217 "An Act regulating autonomous vehicles; and providing for an effective date." and recommends it be replaced with: CS FOR HOUSE BILL NO. 217(TRA) (same title) 2026-03-25 House Journal Page 1952 The report was signed by Representatives Carrick and Eischeid, Co- chairs, with the following individual recommendations: Do pass (4): G. Nelson, St. Clair, Carrick, Eischeid No recommendation (2): McCabe, Mina The following fiscal note(s) apply to CSHB 217(TRA): 1. Zero, Dept. of Administration HB 217 was referred to the Community & Regional Affairs Committee. HB 242 The Health & Social Services Committee considered: HOUSE BILL NO. 242 "An Act relating to sexual assault." The report was signed by Representative Mina, Chair, with the following individual recommendations: Do pass (5): Fields, Gray, Ruffridge, Mears, Mina No recommendation (1): Schwanke Amend (1): Prax The following fiscal note(s) apply: 1. Zero, Dept. of Administration 2. Zero, Dept. of Law 3. Zero, Dept. of Public Safety HB 242 was referred to the Judiciary Committee. HB 295 The State Affairs Committee considered: 2026-03-25 House Journal Page 1953 HOUSE BILL NO. 295 "An Act relating to allowable absences for eligibility for a permanent fund dividend; and providing for an effective date." and recommends it be replaced with: CS FOR HOUSE BILL NO. 295(STA) (same title) The report was signed by Representative Carrick, Chair, with the following individual recommendations: Do pass (6): Vance, McCabe, St. Clair, Holland, Himschoot, Carrick No recommendation (1): Story The following fiscal note(s) apply to CSHB 295(STA): 1. Indeterminate, Dept. of Revenue HB 295 was referred to the Finance Committee HB 309 The Community & Regional Affairs Committee considered: HOUSE BILL NO. 309 "An Act relating to the boundaries of the Jonesville Public Use Area; and providing for an effective date." The report was signed by Representatives Himschoot and Mears, Co- chairs, with the following individual recommendations: Do pass (7): Holland, Prax, G. Nelson, St. Clair, Hall, Himschoot, Mears The following fiscal note(s) apply: 1. Zero, Dept. of Natural Resources HB 309 was referred to the Resources Committee. 2026-03-25 House Journal Page 1954 REPORTS OF SPECIAL COMMITTEES HB 289 The Conference Committee with limited powers of free conference considering CSHB 289(FIN)(brf sup maj fld) and SCS CSHB 289(FIN) am S recommends the following be adopted: CONFERENCE CS FOR HOUSE BILL NO. 289 "An Act making appropriations, including supplemental appropriations, capital appropriations, reappropriations, and other appropriations; amending 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." (technical title change) The report was signed by Representatives Josephson (Chair), Schrage, Stapp; and Senators Hoffman (Chair), Stedman, Cronk. The report was received at 8:27 a.m., March 24 and is under Unfinished Business. INTRODUCTION OF CITATIONS The following citations were introduced and taken up as a Special Order of Business: Honoring - Cama'i Dance Festival By Representative Jimmie; Senator Hoffman In Memoriam - Frederick Eugene Ball By Representatives Stutes, Edgmon, McCabe; Senator Stevens The following citations were introduced and referred to the Rules Committee for placement on the calendar: Honoring - Alaska Coalition of BIPOC Educators, 2025 Annual Backpack Drive By Senators Dunbar, Tobin; Representative Mina 2026-03-25 House Journal Page 1955 In Memoriam - Paniliar Theresa Abraham By Representatives Jimmie, Foster; Senator Hoffman SPECIAL ORDER OF BUSINESS Representative Kopp moved and asked unanimous consent that the notice and publication requirements be waived and the citations, Honoring - Cama'i Dance Festival and In Memoriam - Frederick Eugene Ball, 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 citations. Representative McCabe objected to the citation, In Memoriam - Frederick Eugene Ball, offered remarks, and withdrew the objection. There being no further objection, the following citations were approved and sent to enrolling: Honoring - Cama'i Dance Festival By Representative Jimmie; Senator Hoffman In Memoriam - Frederick Eugene Ball By Representatives Stutes, Edgmon, McCabe; Senator Stevens CONSIDERATION OF THE DAILY CALENDAR THIRD READING OF HOUSE BILLS HB 216 The following, which was advanced to third reading from the March 23 calendar (page 1913), was read the third time: HOUSE BILL NO. 216 "An Act approving the transfer of land owned by the Alaska Railroad Corporation to the City of Whittier; and providing for an effective date." 2026-03-25 House Journal Page 1956 Representative Kopp moved and asked unanimous consent to abstain from voting because of a conflict of interest. Objection was heard, and he was required to vote. The question being: "Shall HB 216 pass the House?" The roll was taken with the following result: HB 216 Third Reading Final Passage YEAS: 40 NAYS: 0 EXCUSED: 0 ABSENT: 0 Yeas: Allard, Bynum, Carrick, Costello, Coulombe, Dibert, Edgmon, Eischeid, Elam, Fields, Foster, Frier, Galvin, Gray, Hall, Hannan, Himschoot, Holland, Jimmie, Johnson, Josephson, Kopp, McCabe, Mears, Mina, Moore, D.Nelson, G.Nelson, Prax, Ruffridge, Saddler, Schrage, Schwanke, St. Clair, Stapp, Story, Stutes, Tomaszewski, Underwood, Vance And so, HB 216 passed the House. Representative Kopp moved and asked unanimous consent that the roll call on the passage of the bill be considered the roll call on the effective date clause. There being no objection, it was so ordered. HB 216 was referred to the Chief Clerk for engrossment. HB 278 The following, which was advanced to third reading from the March 23 calendar (page 1916), was read the third time: CS FOR HOUSE BILL NO. 278(STA) "An Act establishing the Alaska-Ireland Trade Commission; and providing for an effective date." The question being: "Shall CSHB 278(STA) pass the House?" The roll was taken with the following result: CSHB 278(STA) Third Reading Final Passage YEAS: 40 NAYS: 0 EXCUSED: 0 ABSENT: 0 2026-03-25 House Journal Page 1957 Yeas: Allard, Bynum, Carrick, Costello, Coulombe, Dibert, Edgmon, Eischeid, Elam, Fields, Foster, Frier, Galvin, Gray, Hall, Hannan, Himschoot, Holland, Jimmie, Johnson, Josephson, Kopp, McCabe, Mears, Mina, Moore, D.Nelson, G.Nelson, Prax, Ruffridge, Saddler, Schrage, Schwanke, St. Clair, Stapp, Story, Stutes, Tomaszewski, Underwood, Vance And so, CSHB 278(STA) passed the House. Representative Kopp moved and asked unanimous consent that the roll call on the passage of the bill be considered the roll call on the effective date clause. There being no objection, it was so ordered. CSHB 278(STA) was referred to the Chief Clerk for engrossment. SECOND READING OF HOUSE RESOLUTIONS HJR 32 The following was read the second time: HOUSE JOINT RESOLUTION NO. 32 Expressing commitment to the rural health transformation program and articulating priorities for the program; acknowledging the critical health care challenges facing rural areas of the state; urging action by the Governor and the Alaska delegation in Congress to continue to advocate for the state's interests and advance the rural health transformation program; and expressing legislative intent to enact comprehensive legislation relating to the rural health transformation program and the state's medical care and critical health care needs. with the: Journal Page HSS RPT CS(HSS) NEW TITLE 6DP 1801 FN1: ZERO(LEG) 1801 Representative Kopp moved and asked unanimous consent that the following committee substitute be adopted in lieu of the original bill: CS FOR HOUSE JOINT RESOLUTION NO. 32(HSS) Expressing commitment to the rural health transformation 2026-03-25 House Journal Page 1958 program; acknowledging the critical health care challenges facing rural areas of the state; and urging action by the Governor and the Alaska delegation in Congress to continue to advocate for the state's interests and advance the rural health transformation program. There being no objection, it was so ordered. Representative Kopp moved and asked unanimous consent that CSHJR 32(HSS) be considered engrossed, advanced to third reading, and placed on final passage. There being no objection, it was so ordered. CSHJR 32(HSS) was read the third time. Representative Stutes, citing Section 101.1 of Mason's Manual, rose to a point of order regarding confining remarks to the proposal before the body. The Speaker ruled the point well taken. The question being: "Shall CSHJR 32(HSS) pass the House?" The roll was taken with the following result: CSHJR 32(HSS) Third Reading Final Passage YEAS: 40 NAYS: 0 EXCUSED: 0 ABSENT: 0 Yeas: Allard, Bynum, Carrick, Costello, Coulombe, Dibert, Edgmon, Eischeid, Elam, Fields, Foster, Frier, Galvin, Gray, Hall, Hannan, Himschoot, Holland, Jimmie, Johnson, Josephson, Kopp, McCabe, Mears, Mina, Moore, D.Nelson, G.Nelson, Prax, Ruffridge, Saddler, Schrage, Schwanke, St. Clair, Stapp, Story, Stutes, Tomaszewski, Underwood, Vance And so, CSHJR 32(HSS) passed the House and was referred to the Chief Clerk for engrossment. 2026-03-25 House Journal Page 1959 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 - Robert Archibald By Senator Stevens; Representative Vance In Memoriam - McKinley Win Ostanik By Senator Cronk; Representative Stapp UNFINISHED BUSINESS HB 289 Representative Kopp moved and asked unanimous consent that the House consider the Conference Committee with limited powers of free conference report (page 1954) on CSHB 289(FIN)(brf sup maj fld) and SCS CSHB 289(FIN) am S. There being no objection, it was so ordered. Representative Kopp moved that the House adopt the Conference Committee with limited powers of free conference report, thus adopting the following, and recommended that the members vote yes: CONFERENCE CS FOR HOUSE BILL NO. 289 "An Act making appropriations, including supplemental appropriations, capital appropriations, reappropriations, and other appropriations; amending 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." (technical title change) The question being: "Shall the House adopt the report?" The roll was taken with the following result: CCS HB 289 Adopt 2026-03-25 House Journal Page 1960 YEAS: 40 NAYS: 0 EXCUSED: 0 ABSENT: 0 Yeas: Allard, Bynum, Carrick, Costello, Coulombe, Dibert, Edgmon, Eischeid, Elam, Fields, Foster, Frier, Galvin, Gray, Hall, Hannan, Himschoot, Holland, Jimmie, Johnson, Josephson, Kopp, McCabe, Mears, Mina, Moore, D.Nelson, G.Nelson, Prax, Ruffridge, Saddler, Schrage, Schwanke, St. Clair, Stapp, Story, Stutes, Tomaszewski, Underwood, Vance And so, the House adopted CCS HB 289. Representative Kopp moved that the appropriations from the constitutional budget reserve fund (Article IX, Section 17(c), Constitution of the State of Alaska) be adopted. The question being: "Shall the House adopt the constitutional budget reserve fund appropriations?" The roll was taken with the following result: CCS HB 289 Constitutional Budget Reserve Appropriations YEAS: 22 NAYS: 18 EXCUSED: 0 ABSENT: 0 Yeas: Carrick, Costello, Dibert, Edgmon, Eischeid, Fields, Foster, Frier, Galvin, Gray, Hall, Hannan, Himschoot, Holland, Jimmie, Josephson, Kopp, Mears, Mina, Schrage, Story, Stutes Nays: Allard, Bynum, Coulombe, Elam, Johnson, McCabe, Moore, D.Nelson, G.Nelson, Prax, Ruffridge, Saddler, Schwanke, St. Clair, Stapp, Tomaszewski, Underwood, Vance And so, lacking the required 30 votes, the appropriations from the constitutional budget reserve fund were not adopted, and the new title follows: CONFERENCE CS FOR HOUSE BILL NO. 289(brf sup maj fld H) "An Act making appropriations, including supplemental appropriations, capital appropriations, reappropriations, and other appropriations; amending appropriations; capitalizing funds; and providing for an effective date." 2026-03-25 House Journal Page 1961 Representative Kopp moved the effective date clause. The question being: "Shall the effective date clause be adopted?" The roll was taken with the following result: CCS HB 289(brf sup maj fld H) Effective Date YEAS: 40 NAYS: 0 EXCUSED: 0 ABSENT: 0 Yeas: Allard, Bynum, Carrick, Costello, Coulombe, Dibert, Edgmon, Eischeid, Elam, Fields, Foster, Frier, Galvin, Gray, Hall, Hannan, Himschoot, Holland, Jimmie, Johnson, Josephson, Kopp, McCabe, Mears, Mina, Moore, D.Nelson, G.Nelson, Prax, Ruffridge, Saddler, Schrage, Schwanke, St. Clair, Stapp, Story, Stutes, Tomaszewski, Underwood, Vance And so, the effective date clause was adopted. The Chief Clerk notified the Senate. The Senate adopted the Conference Committee with limited powers of free conference report (March 25). CCS HB 289(brf sup maj fld H) was referred to the Chief Clerk for engrossment and enrollment. 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 Tomaszewski – from noon, March 27 to 9:00 a.m., March 30 Representative Fields – from 12:30 p.m., March 27 to 9:30 p.m., March 29 HB 1 Representatives Vance, St. Clair, D. Nelson, Costello, Foster, and G. Nelson added as cosponsors to: 2026-03-25 House Journal Page 1962 HOUSE BILL NO. 1 "An Act relating to specie as legal tender in the state; and relating to borough and city sales and use taxes on specie." HB 25 Representative Jimmie added as a cosponsor to: HOUSE BILL NO. 25 "An Act relating to disposable food service ware; and providing for an effective date." HB 52 Representatives Galvin and Hannan added as cosponsors to: HOUSE BILL NO. 52 "An Act relating to the rights of minors undergoing evaluation or inpatient treatment at psychiatric hospitals; relating to the use of seclusion or restraint of minors at psychiatric hospitals; relating to a report published by the Department of Health; relating to inspections by the Department of Health of certain psychiatric hospitals; and providing for an effective date." HB 203 Representative G. Nelson added as a cosponsor to: HOUSE BILL NO. 203 "An Act relating to the use of certain trawl or dredge fishing gear in state water; and providing for an effective date." ENGROSSMENT HJR 32 CSHJR 32(HSS) was engrossed, signed by the Speaker and Chief Clerk, and transmitted to the Senate for consideration. HB 216 HB 216 was engrossed, signed by the Speaker and Chief Clerk, and transmitted to the Senate for consideration. 2026-03-25 House Journal Page 1963 HB 278 CSHB 278(STA) 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. ADJOURNMENT Representative Kopp moved and asked unanimous consent that the House adjourn until 10:30 a.m., March 27. There being no objection, the House adjourned at 12:47 p.m. Crystaline Jones Chief Clerk