Legislature(2025 - 2026)
2026-03-27 House Journal
Full Journal pdf2026-03-27 House Journal Page 1967 HOUSE JOURNAL ALASKA STATE LEGISLATURE THIRTY-FOURTH LEGISLATURE SECOND SESSION Juneau, Alaska Friday March 27, 2026 Sixty-seventh Day Pursuant to adjournment the House was called to order by Speaker Edgmon at 10:41 a.m. Roll call showed 39 members present. Representative Jimmie had been excused from a call of the House today. The invocation was offered by the Chaplain, Nathaniel Habeger, Associate Pastor of Juneau Christian Center. Representative Story moved and asked unanimous consent that the invocation be spread on the journal. There being no objection, it was so ordered. With deepest respect for the religious beliefs of each person here, I invite you to join me as we open in prayer: Dear God, I believe you are the one above it all and over it all. You are omniscient, omnipotent, and omnipresent. Which is to say…there is nothing you cannot do, and there is nothing you are not aware of. Yet even with this celestial knowledge and might, scripture reveals a god who delights in being with his creation. I humbly ask that you be with us today. Specifically, for each of these representatives today, give them grace, wisdom, and discernment today. Give them supernatural productivity in all that they put their efforts to. God, I pray for loose ends and unfinished business to come into alignment, for stress to be 2026-03-27 House Journal Page 1968 managed, and for each representative to operate from a place of rest…not anxiety or restlessness. I ask that you give them your peace today, independent of current circumstances or situations. As a pastor and as a follower of Christ, I bless each representative here today. In Jesus’ name I pray. Amen. The Pledge of Allegiance was led by Representative Dibert. CERTIFICATION OF THE JOURNAL Representative Kopp moved and asked unanimous consent that the journal for the 65th and 66th legislative days be approved as certified by the Chief Clerk. There being no objection, it was so ordered. * * * * * Representative Ruffridge introduced Willow Rose Highdesertwolf, Guest Page, from Soldotna. MESSAGES FROM THE SENATE SB 64 A message dated March 25 was read stating the Senate concurred in the House amendment to: CS FOR SENATE BILL NO. 64(FIN) am "An Act relating to elections; relating to voters; relating to voting; relating to voter registration; relating to election administration; relating to the Alaska Public Offices Commission; relating to campaign contributions; relating to the crimes of unlawful interference with voting in the first degree, unlawful interference with an election, and election official misconduct; relating to synthetic media in electioneering communications; relating to campaign signs; relating to voter registration on permanent fund dividend applications; relating to the Redistricting Board; relating to the duties of the commissioner of revenue; and providing for an effective date." 2026-03-27 House Journal Page 1969 thus adopting: HOUSE CS FOR CS FOR SENATE BILL NO. 64(FIN) am H "An Act relating to elections; relating to voters; relating to voting; relating to voter registration; relating to election administration; relating to campaign contributions; relating to write-in candidates for President and Vice-President of the United States; relating to the crimes of unlawful interference with voting in the first degree, unlawful interference with an election, and election official misconduct; relating to voter registration on permanent fund dividend applications; relating to the duties of the commissioner of revenue; and providing for an effective date." HB 289 A message dated March 25 was read stating the Senate adopted the Conference Committee with limited powers of free conference report on CSHB 289(FIN)(brf sup maj fld) and SCS CSHB 289(FIN) am S, thus adopting: 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." The House adopted CCS HB 289(brf sup maj fld H) (page 1959). CCS HB 289(brf sup maj fld H) was referred to the Chief Clerk for engrossment and enrollment. COMMUNICATIONS The following were received: Dept. of Health Division of Public Health Alaska Dementia Education and Prevention Program FY 2025 Annual Report (as required by AS 18.09.300) 2026-03-27 House Journal Page 1970 Alaska Energy Authority 2025 Annual Report (as required by AS 44.83.940) Alaska Energy Authority Power Cost Equalization Program Statistical Report FY 2025 (as required by AS 44.83.940) REPORTS OF STANDING COMMITTEES The Education Committee reviewed the qualifications of the following and recommends the appointment be forwarded to a joint session for consideration: Michael Robbins as a member of the Professional Teaching Practices Commission. The report was signed by Representatives Himschoot and Story, Co- chairs, and Representatives Eischeid, Underwood, Elam, Schwanke, and Dibert. The Judiciary Committee reviewed the qualifications of the following and recommends the appointment be forwarded to a joint session for consideration: Mary Salazar as a member of the State Commission for Human Rights. The report was signed by Representative Gray, Chair; and Representatives Underwood, Vance, Costello, Mina, and Kopp. HJR 45 The Education Committee considered: HOUSE JOINT RESOLUTION NO. 45 Urging the United States Congress to fully fund the Individuals with Disabilities Education Act. 2026-03-27 House Journal Page 1971 The report was signed by Representatives Himschoot and Story, Co- chairs, with the following individual recommendations: Do pass (7): Schwanke, Dibert, Elam, Underwood, Eischeid, Himschoot, Story The following fiscal note(s) apply: 1. Zero, Legislative Agency HJR 45 was referred to the Rules Committee. HB 21 The Finance Committee considered: HOUSE BILL NO. 21 "An Act relating to voter preregistration for minors at least 16 years of age; and relating to confidentiality of voter registration and preregistration records of minors at least 16 years of age." and recommends it be replaced with: CS FOR HOUSE BILL NO. 21(STA) (same title) The report was signed by Representatives Josephson, Foster, and Schrage, Co-chairs, with the following individual recommendations: Do pass (5): Jimmie, Galvin, Josephson, Foster, Schrage Do not pass (1): Allard No recommendation (5): Bynum, Moore, Stapp, Hannan, Tomaszewski The following fiscal note(s) apply to CSHB 21(STA): 3. Fiscal, Dept. of Administration 4. Fiscal, Office of the Governor HB 21 was referred to the Rules Committee. 2026-03-27 House Journal Page 1972 HB 136 The Judiciary Committee considered: HOUSE BILL NO. 136 "An Act relating to use of railroad easements." and recommends it be replaced with: CS FOR HOUSE BILL NO. 136(TRA) (same title) The report was signed by Representative Gray, Chair, with the following individual recommendations: Do pass (3): Vance, Costello, Kopp No recommendation (3): Eischeid, Mina, Gray The following fiscal note(s) apply to CSHB 136(TRA): 2. Zero, Dept. of Commerce, Community, & Economic Development HB 136 was referred to the Rules Committee. HB 280 The Finance Committee considered: HOUSE BILL NO. 280 "An Act relating to the Multistate Tax Compact; relating to apportionment of income to the state; relating to highly digitized businesses subject to the Alaska Net Income Tax Act; and providing for an effective date." and recommends it be replaced with: CS FOR HOUSE BILL NO. 280(FIN) "An Act relating to the Multistate Tax Compact; relating to apportionment of income to the state, including the apportionment of income of broadcasters, financial institutions, and 2026-03-27 House Journal Page 1973 telecommunications service providers; and providing for an effective date." The report was signed by Representatives Josephson, Foster, and Schrage, Co-chairs, with the following individual recommendations: Do pass (5): Jimmie, Galvin, Hannan, Foster, Schrage Do not pass (1): Allard No recommendation (2): Bynum, Tomaszewski Amend (3): Stapp, Moore, Josephson The following fiscal note(s) apply to CSHB 280(FIN): 1. Fiscal, Dept. of Revenue HB 280 was referred to the Rules Committee. HB 324 The Judiciary Committee considered: HOUSE BILL NO. 324 "An Act relating to virtual currency kiosks; relating to transactions involving virtual currency; and relating to unfair trade or deceptive acts or practices." and recommends it be replaced with: CS FOR HOUSE BILL NO. 324(JUD) (same title) The report was signed by Representative Gray, Chair, with the following individual recommendations: Do pass (4): Underwood, Eischeid, Mina, Kopp Amend (3): Vance, Costello, Gray 2026-03-27 House Journal Page 1974 The following fiscal note(s) apply to CSHB 324(JUD): 1. Zero, Dept. of Commerce, Community, & Economic Development HB 324 was referred to the Labor & Commerce Committee. INTRODUCTION OF CITATIONS The following citations were introduced and taken up as a Special Order of Business: Honoring - Alaska Council of School Administrators By Representatives Hannan, Story; Senator Kiehl Honoring - Denali Montessori School, 75th Anniversary By Representatives Galvin, Fields; Senator Gray-Jackson In Memoriam - Gordan E. Evans By Representatives Hannan, Story; Senator Kiehl The following citations were introduced and referred to the Rules Committee for placement on the calendar: Honoring - Jessie Holmes By Representative Moore Honoring - Colony Middle School Wrestling Team By Senator Yundt; Representative Moore Honoring - The 2026 Iditarod Top 10 Finishers By Senator Hoffman; Representative Jimmie SPECIAL ORDER OF BUSINESS Representative Kopp moved and asked unanimous consent that the notice and publication requirements be waived and the citations, Honoring - Alaska Council of School Administrators, Honoring - Denali Montessori School, 75th Anniversary, and In Memoriam - Gordan E. Evans, be taken up as a Special Order of Business. There being no objection, it was so ordered. 2026-03-27 House Journal Page 1975 Representative Kopp moved and asked unanimous consent that the House approve the citations. There being no objection, the following citations were approved and sent to enrolling: Honoring - Alaska Council of School Administrators By Representatives Hannan, Story; Senator Kiehl Honoring - Denali Montessori School, 75th Anniversary By Representatives Galvin, Fields; Senator Gray-Jackson In Memoriam - Gordan E. Evans By Representatives Hannan, Story; Senator Kiehl CONSIDERATION OF THE DAILY CALENDAR SECOND READING OF HOUSE BILLS HB 243 The following was read the second time: HOUSE BILL NO. 243 "An Act relating to the powers and duties of the Board of Barbers and Hairdressers and the Department of Commerce, Community, and Economic Development; and providing for an effective date." with the: Journal Page L&C RPT 7DP 1554 FN1: ZERO(CED) 1554 Representative Kopp moved and asked unanimous consent that HB 243 be considered engrossed, advanced to third reading, and placed on final passage. There being no objection, it was so ordered. HB 243 was read the third time. The question being: "Shall HB 243 pass the House?" The roll was taken with the following result: 2026-03-27 House Journal Page 1976 HB 243 Third Reading Final Passage YEAS: 39 NAYS: 0 EXCUSED: 1 ABSENT: 0 Yeas: Allard, Bynum, Carrick, Costello, Coulombe, Dibert, Edgmon, Eischeid, Elam, Fields, Foster, Frier, Galvin, Gray, Hall, Hannan, Himschoot, Holland, Johnson, Josephson, Kopp, McCabe, Mears, Mina, Moore, D.Nelson, G.Nelson, Prax, Ruffridge, Saddler, Schrage, Schwanke, St. Clair, Stapp, Story, Stutes, Tomaszewski, Underwood, Vance Excused: Jimmie And so, HB 243 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 243 was referred to the Chief Clerk for engrossment. SECOND READING OF HOUSE RESOLUTIONS HJR 38 The following was read the second time: 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. with the: Journal Page L&C RPT 6DP 1854 FN1: ZERO(LEG) 1854 Representative Kopp moved and asked unanimous consent that HJR 38 be considered engrossed, advanced to third reading, and placed on final passage. 2026-03-27 House Journal Page 1977 There was objection. HJR 38 will advance to third reading on the March 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 - Alaska Coalition of BIPOC Educators, 2025 Annual Backpack Drive By Senators Dunbar, Tobin; Representative Mina In Memoriam - Paniliar Theresa Abraham By Representatives Jimmie, Foster; Senator Hoffman 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 Jimmie – from 9:00 p.m., March 29 to 9:00 p.m., March 30 Representative D. Nelson – from 7:00 a.m., March 30 to 9:00 a.m., April 2 Representative Stutes – from 7:30 a.m., April 2 to 12:50 p.m., April 6 HCR 8 Representative McCabe added as a cosponsor to: HOUSE CONCURRENT RESOLUTION NO. 8 Proclaiming October 2025 as Jewish Heritage Month. HJR 38 Representatives Mears, Story, Josephson, and Galvin added as cosponsors to: 2026-03-27 House Journal Page 1978 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. HB 1 Representative Schwanke added as a cosponsor to: 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 21 Representative Hannan added as a cosponsor to: HOUSE BILL NO. 21 "An Act relating to voter preregistration for minors at least 16 years of age; and relating to confidentiality of voter registration and preregistration records of minors at least 16 years of age." HB 40 Representative McCabe added as a cosponsor to: HOUSE BILL NO. 40 "An Act relating to school athletics, recreation, athletic teams, and sports." HB 41 Representative McCabe added as a cosponsor to: HOUSE BILL NO. 41 "An Act relating to daylight saving time; and providing for an effective date." HB 45 Representative McCabe added as a cosponsor to: HOUSE BILL NO. 45 "An Act relating to the display of flags by governmental entities; and providing for an effective date." 2026-03-27 House Journal Page 1979 HB 228 Representative McCabe added as a cosponsor to: HOUSE BILL NO. 228 "An Act establishing the month of October as Jewish Heritage Month." HB 295 Representative Vance added as a cosponsor to: HOUSE BILL NO. 295 "An Act relating to allowable absences for eligibility for a permanent fund dividend; and providing for an effective date." HB 314 Representative Stapp added as a cosponsor to: HOUSE BILL NO. 314 "An Act relating to registered interior designers and interior design; relating to project costs for the construction, enlargement, or improvement of airports; extending the termination date of the State Board of Registration for Architects, Engineers, and Land Surveyors; relating to the State Board of Registration for Architects, Engineers, and Land Surveyors; establishing requirements for the practice of registered interior design; relating to the practice of architecture, engineering, land surveying, landscape architecture, and registered interior design; relating to the scope of the certification requirements for architects, engineers, land surveyors, landscape architects, and registered interior designers; relating to immunity for design professionals; relating to the cost of construction for recreation centers; relating to liens for labor or materials furnished; relating to the procurement of landscape architectural and interior design services; relating to the cost of construction of safe water and hygienic sewage disposal facilities in villages; and providing for an effective date." HB 341 Representative McCabe added as a cosponsor to: HOUSE BILL NO. 341 "An Act establishing World War II Victory Day." 2026-03-27 House Journal Page 1980 HB 342 Representative McCabe added as a cosponsor to: HOUSE BILL NO. 342 "An Act relating to physician liability for sex-reassignment treatments or procedures performed on minors; relating to standardized informed consent forms for sex-reassignment treatments or procedures; relating to the duties of the State Medical Board; relating to informed consent for sex-reassignment treatments or procedures performed on minors; establishing the crime of criminal sex-reassignment treatment or procedure; and providing for an effective date." HB 343 Representative McCabe added as a cosponsor to: HOUSE BILL NO. 343 "An Act relating to earning secondary school course credit through assessment; and relating to a child's right to attend a public school." HB 358 Representative McCabe added as a cosponsor to: HOUSE BILL NO. 358 "An Act establishing the career and technical education mobility grant program; relating to pre-apprenticeship and work-based learning opportunities for secondary school students; and providing for an effective date." HB 370 Representative McCabe added as a cosponsor to: HOUSE BILL NO. 370 "An Act relating to employment security contributions for certain sports officials." ENGROSSMENT HB 243 HB 243 was engrossed, signed by the Speaker and Chief Clerk, and transmitted to the Senate for consideration. 2026-03-27 House Journal Page 1981 ENROLLMENT HB 289 The following was enrolled, signed by the Speaker and Chief Clerk, President and Secretary of the Senate, and the engrossed and enrolled copies were transmitted to the Office of the Governor at 2:20 p.m., March 27: 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." 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 30. There being no objection, the House adjourned at 11:18 a.m. Crystaline Jones Chief Clerk