Legislature(2025 - 2026)
2026-04-21 House Journal
Full Journal pdf2026-04-21 House Journal Page 2237 HOUSE JOURNAL ALASKA STATE LEGISLATURE THIRTY-FOURTH LEGISLATURE SECOND SESSION Juneau, Alaska Tuesday April 21, 2026 Ninety-second Day Pursuant to adjournment the House was called to order by Speaker Edgmon at 10:45 a.m. Roll call showed 40 members present. The invocation was offered by the Chaplain, Erin Parfet, House Page. 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 and according to my own faith tradition, I offer the following prayer: Heavenly Father, King of the Universe, We come before you today with humility and gratitude, recognizing that all wisdom, justice, and authority come from you. We thank you for the land of Alaska, for its mountains, forests, rivers, and seas, and for the many people who call this remarkable place home. You see every community and every life represented across this great state. Lord, we ask your presence to rest upon the members of the Alaska House of Representatives gathered here today. Grant them wisdom that rises above personal interest, courage to do what is right even when it is difficult, and humility to listen carefully to those they serve. 2026-04-21 House Journal Page 2238 In moments of disagreement, give them patience. In moments of uncertainty, give them clarity. When the work becomes heavy, remind them that leadership is a calling to serve others with integrity and care. Guide their decisions so they protect the vulnerable, steward Alaska’s land and waters responsibly, and pursue laws with fairness and compassion. May the work done in this chamber strengthen families, encourage honest opportunity, and build a future filled with hope for the next generation. Teach all of us that true strength is found in compassion, mercy, and love for our neighbor, and that lasting prosperity grows from truth and integrity. Bless this assembly with a spirit of respect even when perspectives differ, so that the common good may always rise above division. May your peace rest upon Alaska, from the smallest village to the largest city, and may your wisdom guide the work begun here today. In the precious and holy name of Yeshua HaMaschiach, Jesus Christ, our Savior and Messiah, Amen. The Pledge of Allegiance was led by Representative Himschoot. CERTIFICATION OF THE JOURNAL Representative Kopp moved and asked unanimous consent that the journal for the 91st legislative day be approved as certified by the Chief Clerk. There being no objection, it was so ordered. MESSAGES FROM THE GOVERNOR A letter dated April 20 was received regarding the 2024 West Coast Storm Disaster. The letter stated that the disaster was declared a Federal Disaster on January 15, 2025. An updated finance plan was attached and the Governor requests concurrence from the legislature to increase the funding limitation of the Federal Authorization and the Disaster Relief Fund pursuant to AS 26.23.020 and AS 26.23.025. The letter, federal disaster declaration, and updated finance plan were copied to the Finance Committee Co-chairs and are on file in the Chief Clerk's office. 2026-04-21 House Journal Page 2239 Revised finance plans and accompanying letter dated April 20, regarding the 2025 October West Coast Storm, 2025 August Storm, and 2023 Juneau Flood disasters were received. The finance plans and letter were copied to the Finance Committee Co-chairs and are on file in the Chief Clerk's office. MESSAGES FROM THE SENATE A message dated April 20 was received stating the Senate passed the following, and they are transmitted for consideration: FIRST READING AND REFERENCE OF SENATE RESOLUTIONS SJR 28 CS FOR SENATE JOINT RESOLUTION NO. 28(L&C) by the Senate Labor and Commerce Committee: Recognizing the vital role of workers serving in the state under the J-1 Exchange Visitor Program, the H-1B Program for specialty occupations, and the H-2B Program for temporary nonagricultural workers in supporting the state's economic security and continuity of critical services. was read the first time and referred to the Labor & Commerce Committee. FIRST READING AND REFERENCE OF SENATE BILLS SB 187 CS FOR SENATE BILL NO. 187(EDC) by the Senate Education Committee, entitled: "An Act prohibiting certain food additives in public school meals; and providing for an effective date." was read the first time and referred to the Education Committee. SB 258 SENATE BILL NO. 258 by Senator Kiehl, entitled: 2026-04-21 House Journal Page 2240 "An Act relating to contracts for the licensing of software applications." was read the first time and referred to the Labor & Commerce Committee. REPORTS OF STANDING COMMITTEES The Resources Committee reviewed the qualifications of the following and recommends the appointment be forwarded to a joint session for consideration: Julie Vogler as a member of the Regulatory Commission of Alaska. The report was signed by Representatives Dibert and Frier, Co-chairs; and Representatives Coulombe, Hall, Saddler, Elam, Prax, and Mears. HB 321 The Resources Committee considered: HOUSE BILL NO. 321 "An Act relating to state refuges, sanctuaries, and fish and game critical habitat areas; relating to the hunting of brown bear; and providing for an effective date." and recommends it be replaced with: CS FOR HOUSE BILL NO. 321(RES) (same title) The report was signed by Representatives Frier and Dibert, Co-chairs, with the following individual recommendations: Do pass (5): Fields, Hall, Mears, Frier, Dibert Do not pass (3): Coulombe, Saddler, Prax 2026-04-21 House Journal Page 2241 The following fiscal note(s) apply to CSHB 321(RES): 1. Fiscal, Dept. of Fish & Game HB 321 was referred to the Finance Committee. SB 20 The Education Committee considered: CS FOR SENATE BILL NO. 20(FIN) "An Act relating to cardiopulmonary resuscitation education in public schools; and relating to the duties of the Department of Education and Early Development." and recommends it be replaced with: HOUSE CS FOR CS FOR SENATE BILL NO. 20(EDC) "An Act relating to cardiopulmonary resuscitation education in public schools; relating to the duties of the Department of Education and Early Development; and providing for an effective date." (technical title change) The report was signed by Representatives Story and Himschoot, Co- chairs, with the following individual recommendations: Do pass (6): Elam, Dibert, Eischeid, Underwood, Story, Himschoot No recommendation (1): Schwanke The following fiscal note(s) apply to HCS CSSB 20(EDC): 2. Zero, Dept. of Education & Early Development CSSB 20(FIN) 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: 2026-04-21 House Journal Page 2242 Honoring - Debra Corbett By Representatives Gray, Galvin; Senator Dunbar Honoring - The Pacific Community of Alaska, 5th Anniversary By Representatives Mina, Gray; Senator Tobin Honoring - Glenda D. Ledford By Senators Tilton, Yundt; Representative Underwood Honoring - Debbra Brewer By Senator Claman Honoring - Fairbanks Art Association, 60th Anniversary By Senator Kawasaki In Memoriam - Amber Dawn Wright By Representative Carrick In Memoriam - Tony Dean Peter By Senators Kawasaki, Cronk; Representative Dibert In Memoriam - Richard "Dick" Farris By Senator Kawasaki CONSIDERATION OF THE DAILY CALENDAR SECOND READING OF HOUSE BILLS HB 262 The following, which was held from the April 20 calendar (page 2233), was read the second time: HOUSE BILL NO. 262 "An Act increasing the number of superior court judges in the third judicial district; and providing for an effective date." with the: Journal Page JUD RPT 5DP 1584 FN1: (ADM) 1584 FN2: (AJS) 1584 FN3: (LAW) 1584 2026-04-21 House Journal Page 2243 FIN RPT 9DP 1NR 2050 FN1: (ADM) 2050 FN2: (AJS) 2050 FN3: (LAW) 2050 FN4: (ADM) 2050 Representative Kopp moved and asked unanimous consent that HB 262 be considered engrossed, advanced to third reading, and placed on final passage. Representative Stapp objected and withdrew the objection. There was objection. HB 262 will advance to third reading on the April 22 calendar. HOUSE BILLS IN SECOND READING HB 133 The following, which was held in second reading from the April 20 calendar (page 2233), was before the House: CS FOR HOUSE BILL NO. 133(FIN) am "An Act establishing deadlines for the payment of contracts under the State Procurement Code; establishing deadlines for the payment of grants, contracts, and reimbursement agreements to nonprofit organizations, municipalities, and Alaska Native organizations; relating to reports from state agencies to the legislature detailing late payments made during 2026; relating to the state financial transactions Internet website; and providing for an effective date." Amendment No. 9 was offered by Representative Elam: Page 2, lines 19 - 20: Delete all material and insert: "(g) This section does not apply to (1) a public construction or public works contract subject to AS 36.90.200; (2) an agreement subject to AS 36.90.310; or (3) a written contract that provides for terms for payment deadlines or interest that differ from the requirements of this 2026-04-21 House Journal Page 2244 section." Page 3, following line 29: Insert a new subsection to read: "(f) This section does not apply to a written grant or reimbursement agreement with a nonprofit organization, municipality, or Alaska Native organization that provides for terms for payment deadlines or interest that differ from the requirements of this section." Reletter the following subsection accordingly. Representative Elam moved and asked unanimous consent that Amendment No. 9 be adopted. Representative Himschoot objected. The question being: "Shall Amendment No. 9 be adopted?" The roll was taken with the following result: CSHB 133(FIN) am Second Reading Amendment No. 9 YEAS: 18 NAYS: 22 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 Nays: Carrick, Dibert, Edgmon, Eischeid, Fields, Foster, Frier, Galvin, Gray, Hall, Hannan, Himschoot, Holland, Jimmie, Josephson, Kopp, Mears, Mina, Schrage, Story, Stutes, Vance And so, Amendment No. 9 was not adopted. Amendment No. 10 was offered by Representative Ruffridge: Page 2, line 19, following "to": Insert "a contract for less than $500,000," Page 2, line 20, following "AS 36.90.200": Insert "," 2026-04-21 House Journal Page 2245 Page 3, following line 29: Insert a new subsection to read: "(f) This section does not apply to a grant or reimbursement agreement for less than $500,000." Reletter the following subsection accordingly. Page 4, line 30, following "delays.": Insert "The report must detail only late payments made on contracts, grants, and reimbursement agreements worth $500,000 or more." Representative Ruffridge moved and asked unanimous consent that Amendment No. 10 be adopted. Representative Himschoot objected. Representative Ruffridge moved and asked unanimous consent to withdraw Amendment No. 10. There being no objection, it was so ordered. Amendment No. 11 was offered by Representative Ruffridge: Page 1, line 8, following "shall": Insert "make reasonable efforts to" Page 2, line 12, following "shall": Insert "make reasonable efforts to" Page 2, line 26, following "shall": Insert "make reasonable efforts to" Page 2, line 31, following "shall": Insert "make reasonable efforts to" Page 3, line 24, following "shall": Insert "make reasonable efforts to" Representative Ruffridge moved and asked unanimous consent that Amendment No. 11 be adopted. 2026-04-21 House Journal Page 2246 Representative Himschoot objected. Representative Stutes, citing Section 101 of Mason's Manual, rose to points of order regarding confining remarks to the amendment before the body. The Speaker directed the members to confine their remarks to the amendment. The question being: "Shall Amendment No. 11 be adopted?" The roll was taken with the following result: CSHB 133(FIN) am Second Reading Amendment No. 11 YEAS: 18 NAYS: 22 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 Nays: Carrick, Dibert, Edgmon, Eischeid, Fields, Foster, Frier, Galvin, Gray, Hall, Hannan, Himschoot, Holland, Jimmie, Josephson, Kopp, Mears, Mina, Schrage, Story, Stutes, Vance And so, Amendment No. 11 was not adopted. Amendment No. 12 was offered by Representative Ruffridge: Page 2, lines 19 - 20: Delete all material and insert: "(g) This section does not apply to (1) a public construction or public works contract subject to AS 36.90.200; (2) an agreement subject to AS 36.90.310; or (3) a contract that does not comply with AS 37.07." Page 3, following line 29: Insert a new subsection to read: "(f) This section does not apply to a grant or reimbursement agreement that does not comply with AS 37.07." 2026-04-21 House Journal Page 2247 Reletter the following subsection accordingly. Representative Ruffridge moved and asked unanimous consent that Amendment No. 12 be adopted. Representative Himschoot objected. Representative Stutes, citing Section 101 of Mason's Manual, rose to a point of order regarding confining remarks to the amendment before the body. The Speaker directed the member to confine their remarks to the amendment. The question being: "Shall Amendment No. 12 be adopted?" The roll was taken with the following result: CSHB 133(FIN) am Second Reading Amendment No. 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 And so, Amendment No. 12 was not adopted. Representative Kopp moved and asked unanimous consent that CSHB 133(FIN) am be considered engrossed, advanced to third reading, and placed on final passage. There was objection. CSHB 133(FIN) am will advance to third reading on the April 22 calendar. 2026-04-21 House Journal Page 2248 THIRD READING OF HOUSE BILLS HB 25 The following, which was held from the April 20 calendar (page 2233), was read the third time: CS FOR HOUSE BILL NO. 25(L&C) am "An Act relating to disposable food service ware and containers provided by customers; and providing for an effective date." The question being: "Shall CSHB 25(L&C) am pass the House?" The roll was taken with the following result: CSHB 25(L&C) am Third Reading Final Passage YEAS: 25 NAYS: 15 EXCUSED: 0 ABSENT: 0 Yeas: Bynum, Carrick, Dibert, Edgmon, Eischeid, Fields, Foster, Frier, Galvin, Gray, Hall, Hannan, Himschoot, Holland, Jimmie, Josephson, Mears, Mina, Moore, Schrage, Schwanke, Story, Stutes, Tomaszewski, Underwood Nays: Allard, Costello, Coulombe, Elam, Johnson, Kopp, McCabe, D.Nelson, G.Nelson, Prax, Ruffridge, Saddler, St. Clair, Stapp, Vance And so, CSHB 25(L&C) am passed the House. 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: CSHB 25(L&C) am Third Reading Effective Date YEAS: 40 NAYS: 0 EXCUSED: 0 ABSENT: 0 2026-04-21 House Journal Page 2249 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. CSHB 25(L&C) am was referred to the Chief Clerk for engrossment. SENATE RESOLUTIONS IN SECOND READING SCR 19 The Speaker stated that, without objection, the following, which was held from the April 20 calendar (page 2234), would be held in second reading to the April 22 calendar: SENATE CONCURRENT RESOLUTION NO. 19 Extending the governor's October 9, 2025, declaration of a disaster emergency in response to the 2025 West Coast Storm. 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 Moore – from 4:00 p.m. to 5:00 p.m., April 22 HJR 37 Representative Himschoot added as a cosponsor to: HOUSE JOINT RESOLUTION NO. 37 Supporting federal, state, and local efforts to clean up and remove marine debris from the state; urging the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration and the Environmental Protection Agency to provide additional funding for those efforts and to remove barriers faced by tribes and rural communities in accessing those funds; and urging the Alaska Congressional 2026-04-21 House Journal Page 2250 delegation to advocate for increased federal funding and support for marine debris prevention, clean up, removal, backhaul, and education. HB 25 Representative Galvin added as a cosponsor to: CS FOR HOUSE BILL NO. 25(L&C) am "An Act relating to disposable food service ware and containers provided by customers; and providing for an effective date." HB 263 The following, which was engrossed and signed by the Speaker and Chief Clerk (page 2184), was transmitted to the Senate for consideration: CS FOR HOUSE BILL NO. 263(FIN) am "An Act making appropriations for the operating and loan program expenses of state government and for certain programs; capitalizing funds; making supplemental appropriations; and providing for an effective date." HB 265 The following, which was engrossed and signed by the Speaker and Chief Clerk (page 2184), was transmitted to the Senate for consideration: CS FOR HOUSE BILL NO. 265(FIN) am "An Act making appropriations for the operating and capital expenses of the state's integrated comprehensive mental health program; and providing for an effective date." HB 301 Representative Hall added as a cosponsor to: HOUSE BILL NO. 301 "An Act relating to and prohibiting discrimination based on sexual orientation or gender identity or expression." 2026-04-21 House Journal Page 2251 SB 9 Representative Tomaszewski added as a cross sponsor to: CS FOR SENATE BILL NO. 9(JUD) "An Act relating to the surrender of infants; and providing for an effective date." SB 20 Representative Eischeid added as a cross sponsor to: CS FOR SENATE BILL NO. 20(FIN) "An Act relating to cardiopulmonary resuscitation education in public schools; and relating to the duties of the Department of Education and Early Development." ENGROSSMENT HB 25 CSHB 25(L&C) 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: Transportation Committee CHANGED TO: 30 min. after adjournment House Special Committee on Energy CHANGED TO: 1:30 p.m. ADJOURNMENT Representative Kopp moved and asked unanimous consent that the House adjourn until 10:30 a.m., April 22. There being no objection, the House adjourned at 1:04 p.m. Crystaline Jones Chief Clerk