Legislature(2025 - 2026)
2026-04-27 House Journal
Full Journal pdf2026-04-27 House Journal Page 2299 HOUSE JOURNAL ALASKA STATE LEGISLATURE THIRTY-FOURTH LEGISLATURE SECOND SESSION Juneau, Alaska Monday April 27, 2026 Ninety-eighth Day Pursuant to adjournment the House was called to order by Speaker Edgmon at 10:41 a.m. Roll call showed 40 members present. The invocation was offered by the Chaplain, Pastor Antone Ferrell of Calvary Fellowship 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 the deepest respect for the religious beliefs of all Alaskans, I offer the following prayer. Let us pray: Almighty God, we gather today mindful of the heavy clouds over our nation. As our country faces the harsh realities of war, and as we witness the deep fractures within our federal government, the weight of the world feels incredibly close. Decades ago, Marvin Gaye looked at a divided nation and simply asked, What's going on? Today, God, we ask that you bring that much-needed compassion into this chamber. No matter the storms raging beyond our borders, here, we are Alaskans first. As the vital work of this legislature moves through committee rooms and across the House floor, fill this space with understanding and peace. Where party lines and philosophical divisions threaten to pull us apart, give us the grace to bridge the gap. Remind us that beyond our differences, we share a single, unifying purpose: 2026-04-27 House Journal Page 2300 discovering what is truly best for all Alaskans. Help us to see hope. Give these leaders the courage to consistently believe the very best in one another. We ask for a radical shift in perspective today: for every one thing we see in a colleague that we do not like, appreciate, or agree with, may we intentionally seek out ten things that are valuable, lovely, and admirable. May we appreciate our differences not as obstacles, but as the very foundation of our strength. We ask for your continued guidance and a blessing upon this House session. Amen. The Pledge of Allegiance was led by Representative Johnson. CERTIFICATION OF THE JOURNAL Representative Kopp moved and asked unanimous consent that the journal for the 95th, 96th, and 97th legislative days be approved as certified by the Chief Clerk. There being no objection, it was so ordered. MESSAGES FROM THE GOVERNOR Messages dated April 24 and 27 were read stating that on January 22 and 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 appointees are withdrawn from consideration, effective immediately: Alaska Judicial Council John Wood The appointment had been referred to the Judiciary Committee (page 1493). Board of Massage Therapists Victoria Acree The appointment had been referred to the Labor & Commerce Committee (page 1494). 2026-04-27 House Journal Page 2301 Board of Nursing Ashley Scholle The appointment had been referred to the Labor & Commerce Committee (page 1676). Alaska Police Standards Council Veronica Lambertsen The appointment had been referred to the State Affairs and Judiciary Committees (page 1498). MESSAGES FROM THE SENATE HB 33 A message dated April 24 was read stating the Senate passed: HOUSE BILL NO. 33 "An Act relating to participation in matters before the Board of Fisheries and the Board of Game by the members of the respective boards; and providing for an effective date." HB 33 was referred to the Chief Clerk for enrollment. A message dated April 24 was read stating the Senate passed the following, and they are transmitted for consideration: FIRST READING AND REFERENCE OF SENATE RESOLUTIONS SCR 17 SENATE CONCURRENT RESOLUTION NO. 17 by the Senate Education Committee: Recognizing the 50th anniversary of the state's regional educational attendance areas; and celebrating the enduring contributions of the state's regional educational attendance areas to public education, local leadership, and community life in rural areas of the state. was read the first time and referred to the Education Committee. 2026-04-27 House Journal Page 2302 FIRST READING AND REFERENCE OF SENATE BILLS SB 192 CS FOR SENATE BILL NO. 192(CRA) by the Senate Community and Regional Affairs Committee, entitled: "An Act relating to evacuation designation levels; and relating to the Alaska Disaster Act." was read the first time and referred to the Community & Regional Affairs Committee. SB 272 SENATE BILL NO. 272 by the Senate Health and Social Services Committee, entitled: "An Act relating to the electronic health information exchange system; and providing for an effective date." was read the first time and referred to the Health & Social Services Committee. REPORTS OF STANDING COMMITTEES HB 188 The State Affairs Committee considered: HOUSE BILL NO. 188 "An Act establishing the welcoming Alaska office; establishing the welcoming Alaska center; establishing the Welcoming Alaska Advisory Committee; repealing the office of citizenship assistance; and providing for an effective date." and recommends it be replaced with: CS FOR HOUSE BILL NO. 188(STA) "An Act establishing the welcoming Alaska office; establishing the welcoming Alaska center; establishing the Welcoming Alaska Advisory Committee; relating to the state's refugee services 2026-04-27 House Journal Page 2303 program; repealing the office of citizenship assistance; 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 No recommendation (1): McCabe Amend (2): Vance, St. Clair The following fiscal note(s) apply to CSHB 188(STA): 1. Fiscal, Dept. of Health 2. Fiscal, Dept. of Labor & Workforce Development 3. Zero, Office of the Governor/Various Depts. HB 188 was referred to the Finance Committee. HB 211 The Labor & Commerce Committee considered: HOUSE BILL NO. 211 "An Act relating to insurance regulation of prepaid legal plans." and recommends it be replaced with: CS FOR HOUSE BILL NO. 211(L&C) "An Act relating to prepaid legal plans." The report was signed by Representatives Hall and Fields, Co-chairs, with the following individual recommendations: Do pass (4): Frier, Carrick, Hall, Fields No recommendation (2): Saddler, D. Nelson The following fiscal note(s) apply to CSHB 211(L&C): 1. Zero, Dept. of Commerce, Community, & Economic Development 2026-04-27 House Journal Page 2304 HB 211 was referred to the Rules Committee. SB 9 The Judiciary Committee considered: CS FOR SENATE BILL NO. 9(JUD) "An Act relating to the surrender of infants; and providing for an effective date." and recommends it be replaced with: HOUSE CS FOR CS FOR SENATE BILL NO. 9(JUD) "An Act relating to the surrender of infants; relating to civil history; and providing for an effective date." (HCR 14 – title change resolution) The report was signed by Representative Gray, Chair, with the following individual recommendations: Do pass (3): Vance, Underwood, Costello No recommendation (3): Eischeid, Mina, Gray The following fiscal note(s) apply to HCS CSSB 9(JUD): 5. Zero, Dept. of Health 6. Zero, Dept. of Public Safety 7. Zero, Dept. of Family & Community Services CSSB 9(JUD) was referred to the Rules Committee. SB 185 The Labor & Commerce Committee considered: CS FOR SENATE BILL NO. 185(L&C) "An Act relating to the business of insurance; relating to exceptions to prohibited rebates; relating to the powers of the director of the division of insurance; relating to prohibited practices in the advertisement of insurance; and providing for an effective date." 2026-04-27 House Journal Page 2305 and recommends it be replaced with: HOUSE CS FOR CS FOR SENATE BILL NO. 185(L&C) "An Act relating to the business of insurance; relating to exceptions to prohibited rebates; relating to the powers of the director of the division of insurance; relating to prohibited practices in the advertisement of insurance; relating to insurance coverage for prosthetic and orthotic devices; relating to medical assistance for prosthetic and orthotic devices; and providing for an effective date." (pending title change resolution) The report was signed by Representatives Hall and Fields, Co-chairs, with the following individual recommendations: Do pass (3): Frier, Hall, Fields No recommendation (3): Carrick, Saddler, D. Nelson The following fiscal note(s) apply to HCS CSSB 185(L&C): 3. Fiscal, Dept. of Commerce, Community, & Economic Development CSSB 185(L&C) was referred to the Rules Committee. SPECIAL ORDER OF BUSINESS Representative Kopp moved and asked unanimous consent that the notice and publication requirements be waived and the citations on the first special order citation calendar 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 on the first special order citation calendar. There being no objection, the following citations were approved and sent to enrolling: 2026-04-27 House Journal Page 2306 Honoring - Rick Rizzs By Representative Josephson Honoring - Aaron M. Schutt By Representatives Stapp, Dibert; Senator Cronk Honoring - Valerie Casler By Representatives Gray, Mina; Senator Tobin Honoring - Bartlett High School Golden Bears Girls Basketball Team By Representatives Eischeid, D. Nelson; Senator Wielechowski Honoring - All Alaska Pediatric Partnership, 30th Anniversary By Representatives Galvin, Fields, Mina Honoring - John Hicks By Senator Rauscher Honoring - Katahdin Staples By Senator Dunbar; Representatives Mina, Gray Honoring - 2025-2026 Seward High School Girls Basketball Team By Senator Bjorkman Honoring - Wrightway Auto Carriers, 75th Anniversary By Senator Tobin; Representatives D. Nelson, Fields Honoring - Alaska Behavioral Health Association, 30th Anniversary By Senators Dunbar, Gray-Jackson; Representative Mina Honoring - KuskoCon 2026 By Senators Dunbar, Tobin; Representative Jimmie In Memoriam - Robert Redford By Representative Josephson In Memoriam - John "Johnny" Johnson By Representative Josephson In Memoriam - Mother Viola Ford Fletcher By Representative Josephson 2026-04-27 House Journal Page 2307 In Memoriam - Stephen Haycox By Representatives Josephson, Fields; Senator Tobin In Memoriam - Bill Herman By Senator Tobin; Representatives Fields, Mina INTRODUCTION, FIRST READING, AND REFERENCE OF HOUSE RESOLUTIONS HCR 14 HOUSE CONCURRENT RESOLUTION NO. 14 by the House Judiciary Committee: Suspending Rules 24(c), 35, 41(b), and 42(e), Uniform Rules of the Alaska State Legislature, concerning Senate Bill No. 9, relating to the surrender of infants. was read the first time. CONSIDERATION OF THE DAILY CALENDAR SECOND READING OF HOUSE BILLS HB 96 The following, which was held from the April 24 calendar (page 2290), was read the second time: HOUSE BILL NO. 96 "An Act establishing the Home Care Employment Standards Advisory Board; relating to payment for personal care services; and providing for an effective date." with the: Journal Page HSS RPT CS(HSS) 6DP 637 FN1: (DOH) 637 L&C RPT CS(L&C) 3DP 2NR 2AM 877 FN1: (DOH) 877 FIN RPT CS(L&C) 8DP 1NR 2AM 2190 FN2: (DOH) 2190 2026-04-27 House Journal Page 2308 Representative Kopp moved and asked unanimous consent that the following committee substitute be adopted in lieu of the original bill: CS FOR HOUSE BILL NO. 96(L&C) (same title) There being no objection, it was so ordered. Amendment No. 1 was offered by Representative Prax: Page 6, line 11: Delete "2026" Insert "2027" Page 6, line 23: Delete "2026" Insert "2027" Page 7, line 7: Delete "2026" Insert "2027" Page 7, line 19: Delete "2026" Insert "2027" Page 7, line 31: Delete "2025" Insert "2027" Representative Prax moved and asked unanimous consent that Amendment No. 1 be adopted. Objection was heard and withdrawn. There being no further objection, Amendment No. 1 was adopted. Representative Kopp moved and asked unanimous consent that CSHB 96(L&C) am be considered engrossed, advanced to third reading, and placed on final passage. There being no objection, it was so ordered. 2026-04-27 House Journal Page 2309 CSHB 96(L&C) am was read the third time. The question being: "Shall CSHB 96(L&C) am pass the House?" The roll was taken with the following result: CSHB 96(L&C) am Third Reading Final Passage YEAS: 35 NAYS: 5 EXCUSED: 0 ABSENT: 0 Yeas: Bynum, Carrick, Costello, Dibert, Edgmon, Eischeid, Elam, Fields, Foster, Frier, Galvin, Gray, Hall, Hannan, Himschoot, Holland, Jimmie, Johnson, Josephson, Kopp, McCabe, Mears, Mina, Moore, D.Nelson, Prax, Ruffridge, Schrage, St. Clair, Stapp, Story, Stutes, Tomaszewski, Underwood, Vance Nays: Allard, Coulombe, G.Nelson, Saddler, Schwanke And so, CSHB 96(L&C) am 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 96(L&C) am was referred to the Chief Clerk for engrossment. HB 214 The following, which was held from the April 24 calendar (page 2290), was read the second time: HOUSE BILL NO. 214 "An Act relating to proof of financial responsibility for suspension for nonpayment of judgments." with the: Journal Page STA RPT CS(STA) 5DP 2NR 2016 FN1: ZERO(ADM) 2016 Representative Kopp moved and asked unanimous consent that the following committee substitute be adopted in lieu of the original bill: 2026-04-27 House Journal Page 2310 CS FOR HOUSE BILL NO. 214(STA) (same title) Objection was heard and withdrawn. There being no further objection, CSHB 214(STA) was adopted. Representative Kopp moved and asked unanimous consent that CSHB 214(STA) be considered engrossed, advanced to third reading, and placed on final passage. There was objection. CSHB 214(STA) will advance to third reading on the April 29 calendar. HB 221 The following, which was held from the April 24 calendar (page 2290), was read the second time: HOUSE BILL NO. 221 "An Act establishing June 21 as Alaska Arts and Culture Day; and providing for an effective date." with the: Journal Page STA RPT CS(STA) NEW TITLE 3DP 1NR 1855 FN1: ZERO(GOV/COMBINED) 1855 Representative Kopp moved and asked unanimous consent that the following committee substitute be adopted in lieu of the original bill: CS FOR HOUSE BILL NO. 221(STA) "An Act establishing the first Friday of every October as Alaska Arts and Culture Day; and providing for an effective date." Representative Johnson objected and withdrew the objection. There being no further objection, CSHB 221(STA) was adopted. Representative Kopp moved and asked unanimous consent that CSHB 221(STA) be considered engrossed, advanced to third reading, and placed on final passage. There being no objection, it was so ordered. 2026-04-27 House Journal Page 2311 CSHB 221(STA) was read the third time. The question being: "Shall CSHB 221(STA) pass the House?" The roll was taken with the following result: CSHB 221(STA) Third Reading Final Passage YEAS: 37 NAYS: 3 EXCUSED: 0 ABSENT: 0 Yeas: Bynum, Carrick, Costello, 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, Schrage, Schwanke, St. Clair, Stapp, Story, Stutes, Tomaszewski, Underwood, Vance Nays: Allard, Coulombe, Saddler And so, CSHB 221(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 221(STA) was referred to the Chief Clerk for engrossment. HB 363 The following was read the second time: 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." with the: Journal Page MLV RPT CS(MLV) NEW TITLE 5DP 1889 FN1: ZERO(CED) 1889 L&C RPT CS(MLV) NEW TITLE 6DP 1NR 1990 FN1: ZERO(CED) 1990 2026-04-27 House Journal Page 2312 Representative Kopp moved and asked unanimous consent that the following committee substitute be adopted in lieu of the original bill: 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." Representative Johnson objected and withdrew the objection. There being no further objection, CSHB 363(MLV) was adopted. Representative Kopp moved and asked unanimous consent that CSHB 363(MLV) be considered engrossed, advanced to third reading, and placed on final passage. There being no objection, it was so ordered. CSHB 363(MLV) was read the third time. The question being: "Shall CSHB 363(MLV) pass the House?" The roll was taken with the following result: CSHB 363(MLV) 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, CSHB 363(MLV) 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 363(MLV) was referred to the Chief Clerk for engrossment. 2026-04-27 House Journal Page 2313 THIRD READING OF HOUSE BILLS HB 249 The following, which was held from the April 24 calendar (page 2291), was read the third time: CS FOR HOUSE BILL NO. 249(L&C) "An Act relating to the transfer of a vehicle to an insurance company." The question being: "Shall CSHB 249(L&C) pass the House?" The roll was taken with the following result: CSHB 249(L&C) 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, CSHB 249(L&C) passed the House and was referred to the Chief Clerk for engrossment. UNFINISHED BUSINESS HB 96 Representatives Josephson, Eischeid, Gray, Story, and Frier added as cosponsors to: CS FOR HOUSE BILL NO. 96(L&C) am "An Act establishing the Home Care Employment Standards Advisory Board; relating to payment for personal care services; and providing for an effective date." 2026-04-27 House Journal Page 2314 HB 214 Representatives Story and Josephson added as cosponsors to: CS FOR HOUSE BILL NO. 214(STA) "An Act relating to proof of financial responsibility for suspension for nonpayment of judgments." HB 221 Representatives Story, Eischeid, and Josephson added as cosponsors to: CS FOR HOUSE BILL NO. 221(STA) "An Act establishing the first Friday of every October as Alaska Arts and Culture Day; and providing for an effective date." HB 249 Representative Story added as a cosponsor to: CS FOR HOUSE BILL NO. 249(L&C) "An Act relating to the transfer of a vehicle to an insurance company." HB 292 The Speaker added a Finance Committee referral for the following: HOUSE BILL NO. 292 "An Act relating to insurance coverage for pediatric autoimmune neuropsychiatric disorders; and providing for an effective date." HB 292 was removed from the Rules Committee and referred to the Finance Committee. HB 363 Representatives Bynum and Josephson added as cosponsors to: 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." 2026-04-27 House Journal Page 2315 ENGROSSMENT HB 96 CSHB 96(L&C) am was engrossed, signed by the Speaker and Chief Clerk, and transmitted to the Senate for consideration. HB 221 CSHB 221(STA) was engrossed, signed by the Speaker and Chief Clerk, and transmitted to the Senate for consideration. HB 249 CSHB 249(L&C) was engrossed, signed by the Speaker and Chief Clerk, and transmitted to the Senate for consideration. HB 363 CSHB 363(MLV) was engrossed, signed by the Speaker and Chief Clerk, and transmitted to the Senate for consideration. ENROLLMENT HJR 14 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 8:20 a.m., April 27 with a manifest error memorandum (page 2291): CS FOR HOUSE JOINT RESOLUTION NO. 14(TRA) Supporting the completion of the Port MacKenzie Rail Extension and the Northern Rail Extension; supporting the increase in defensive capabilities at Fort Greely, Alaska; encouraging a renewed commitment by the Alaska Railroad to a community- minded approach to future rail expansion; and encouraging the development of critical Arctic infrastructure. Legislative Resolve No. 26 ANNOUNCEMENTS House committee schedules are published under separate cover. 2026-04-27 House Journal Page 2316 ADJOURNMENT Representative Kopp moved and asked unanimous consent that the House adjourn until 10:30 a.m., April 29. There being no objection, the House adjourned at 11:39 a.m. Crystaline Jones Chief Clerk