Legislature(2025 - 2026)
2026-05-07 House Journal
Full Journal pdf2026-05-07 House Journal Page 2431 HOUSE JOURNAL ALASKA STATE LEGISLATURE THIRTY-FOURTH LEGISLATURE SECOND SESSION Juneau, Alaska Thursday May 7, 2026 One Hundred Eighth Day Pursuant to adjournment the House was called to order by Speaker Edgmon at 10:59 a.m. Roll call showed 40 members present. The invocation was offered by the Chaplain, Douglas K. Mertz of Juneau Friends Meeting. 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: We thank you for everyone gathered here now. We know that you know each of us by name. Fill us with your spirit and inspire our hearts today. Fill this meeting with your presence and your wisdom. Amen. The Pledge of Allegiance was led by Representative Moore. CERTIFICATION OF THE JOURNAL Representative Kopp moved and asked unanimous consent that the journal for the 107th legislative day be approved as certified by the Chief Clerk. There being no objection, it was so ordered. 2026-05-07 House Journal Page 2432 MESSAGES FROM THE SENATE HB 48 A message dated May 6 was read stating the Senate passed: HOUSE BILL NO. 48 "An Act relating to appropriations to the civil legal services fund." HB 48 was referred to the Chief Clerk for enrollment. A message dated May 6 was read stating the Senate passed the following, and it is transmitted for consideration: FIRST READING AND REFERENCE OF SENATE BILLS SB 200 CS FOR SENATE BILL NO. 200(RES) am by the Senate Resources Committee, entitled: "An Act relating to municipal assessments of farm or agricultural land; and providing for an effective date." was read the first time and referred to the Community & Regional Affairs Committee. COMMUNICATIONS The following was received: Dept. of Public Safety Edward Byrne Memorial Justice Assistance Grant Application FFY 2025 (as required by 34 U.S.C. 10151) REPORTS OF STANDING COMMITTEES The Finance Committee reviewed the qualifications of the following and recommends the appointment be forwarded to a joint session for consideration: 2026-05-07 House Journal Page 2433 Jana Weltzin as a member of the State Assessment Review Board. The report was signed by Representatives Schrage, Josephson, and Foster, Co-chairs; and Representatives Jimmie, Tomaszewski, Hannan, Allard, Stapp, Moore, and Bynum. HB 218 The State Affairs Committee considered: HOUSE BILL NO. 218 "An Act expanding the Tanana Valley State Forest; and providing for an effective date." and recommends it be replaced with: CS FOR HOUSE BILL NO. 218(STA) (same title) The report was signed by Representative Carrick, Chair, with the following individual recommendations: Do pass (2): McCabe, St. Clair No recommendation (3): Holland, Himschoot, Carrick The following fiscal note(s) apply to CSHB 218(STA): 1. Zero, Dept. of Natural Resources HB 218 was referred to the Resources Committee. SB 21 The Labor & Commerce Committee considered: CS FOR SENATE BILL NO. 21(FIN) "An Act establishing the Alaska Work and Save Program in the Department of Revenue; and providing for an effective date." 2026-05-07 House Journal Page 2434 and recommends it be replaced with: HOUSE CS FOR CS FOR SENATE BILL NO. 21(L&C) "An Act establishing the Alaska Work and Save Program in the Department of Revenue; relating to depositing permanent fund dividends into investment accounts; and providing for an effective date." (HCR 18 – 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): Coulombe, Carrick, Saddler Amend (1): D. Nelson The following fiscal note(s) apply to HCS CSSB 21(L&C): 3. Indeterminate, Dept. of Revenue 5. Fiscal, Dept. of Revenue CSSB 21(FIN) was referred to the Finance 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: Honoring - Margaret Friedenauer By Representative Eischeid; Senators Wielechowski, Kiehl 2026-05-07 House Journal Page 2435 Honoring - Chief Master Sergeant David Wolfe By Representatives Saddler, Allard; Senator Merrick Honoring - Michael "Mike" Zoske By Representative Hall; Senator Claman Honoring - Cindy Higgins By Representatives Allard, Saddler; Senator Merrick Honoring - Bryan Fisher By Representatives Allard, Foster, St. Clair Honoring - Birchwood Saloon By Representative Saddler; Senator Merrick Honoring - Lisa Andriesen By Senator Kiehl; Representatives Hannan, Story Honoring - Bob Eley & the Bob O'Cue, 30th Anniversary By Senator Kawasaki; Representatives Dibert, Stapp Honoring - Team USA's Paralympic Sled Hockey Team By Senator Merrick; Representative Eischeid In Memoriam - Bruce Dustin Law By Representative Tomaszewski In Memoriam - Stephanie Rae Bonham By Representative Tomaszewski; Senator Kawasaki In Memoriam - Larry "Big" Hannesson By Representative Tomaszewski; Senator Myers In Memoriam - Robert "Bob" Spooner By Representative Tomaszewski In Memoriam - Helen Havemeister Riley By Representative Johnson 2026-05-07 House Journal Page 2436 In Memoriam - Elda Rae Hueth By Senator Kawasaki; Representative Dibert In Memoriam - Mary Frank Ehrlander By Senator Kawasaki; Representatives Carrick, Dibert In Memoriam - Gerald "Jerry" Rafson By Senator Kawasaki; Representative Carrick In Memoriam - Thaddeus Williamson By Senator Kawasaki; Representative Carrick In Memoriam - Ronnie Peyton Merideth By Senators Kawasaki, Cronk In Memoriam - James "Jim" Oehring By Senator Kawasaki; Representatives Prax, Dibert In Memoriam - Michael "Mikey" David Niese By Senator Kawasaki; Representative Stapp In Memoriam - Dr. Robert "Bob" Carlson By Senator Myers In Memoriam - Dr. Dorothy "Dot" Jeanne Helm By Senators Myers, Tilton; Representative Carrick In Memoriam - Koleen "Buffy" Wittmer By Senator Bjorkman; Representatives Elam, Coulombe INTRODUCTION, FIRST READING, AND REFERENCE OF HOUSE RESOLUTIONS HCR 18 HOUSE CONCURRENT RESOLUTION NO. 18 by the House Labor and Commerce Committee: Suspending Rules 24(c), 35, 41(b), and 42(e), Uniform Rules of the Alaska State Legislature, concerning Senate Bill No. 2026-05-07 House Journal Page 2437 21, establishing the Alaska Work and Save Program in the Department of Revenue. was read the first time. INTRODUCTION, FIRST READING, AND REFERENCE OF HOUSE BILLS HB 390 HOUSE BILL NO. 390 by the House Rules Committee by request of the Governor, entitled: "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." was read the first time and referred to the State Affairs, Judiciary, and Finance Committees. The following fiscal note(s) apply: 1. Fiscal, Office of the Governor The Governor's transmittal letter dated May 6 follows: "Dear Speaker Edgmon: Under the authority of Article III, Section 18, of the Alaska Constitution, I am transmitting a bill relating to election administration, voter registration, voting procedures, campaign finance, election offenses, and permanent fund dividend voter- registration records. 2026-05-07 House Journal Page 2438 This bill builds on the work of Senate Bill 64 by making important changes to Alaska’s election laws while providing the Division of Elections with the time and tools necessary to implement those changes securely and reliably. The bill preserves the goal of improving voter access, transparency, and confidence in Alaska’s elections. The bill establishes a clear process for voters to cure certain defects in absentee ballots. To protect the integrity of that process, the bill also requires signature verification as part of ballot curing. Election officials would compare the voter’s signature to signatures contained in voter registration records and provide notice to the voter when additional information is needed. A voter would be required to provide the information necessary to cure the defect within the time provided by law. This approach protects the right of qualified voters to have their ballots counted while ensuring that ballot-curing procedures include clear safeguards for verifying voter identity. The bill also provides a delayed effective date for major election administration changes. This will allow the Division of Elections sufficient time to develop procedures, train election workers, update systems, inform voters, and conduct the testing necessary to ensure that the changes are implemented in an orderly manner. Election laws should be clear, workable, and carefully implemented in a way that protects both access to the ballot and public confidence in the outcome. This legislation reflects a balanced approach. It improves election administration, maintains access to the electoral process, strengthens election integrity, and gives the state sufficient time to implement these changes securely and reliably before they govern a statewide election. I urge your prompt and favorable action on this measure. Sincerely, /s/ Mike Dunleavy Governor" 2026-05-07 House Journal Page 2439 HB 391 HOUSE BILL NO. 391 by the House Rules Committee by request of the Governor, entitled: "An Act extending the governor's October 9, 2025, declaration of a disaster emergency in response to the 2025 West Coast Storm; and providing for an effective date." was read the first time and referred to the Community & Regional Affairs and Finance Committees. The following fiscal note(s) apply: 1. Zero, Dept. of Military & Veterans' Affairs The Governor's transmittal letter dated May 6 follows: "Dear Speaker Edgmon: Under the authority of Article III, Section 18 of the Alaska Constitution, I am transmitting a bill relating to the ongoing recovery efforts for the 2025 West Coast Storm. This legislation serves as a critical extension of the disaster emergency declaration first issued on October 9, 2025. While the initial emergency response began in late 2025, the severity of the damage to infrastructure and the complexity of the ongoing emergency actions require a sustained state-level response. The current disaster emergency is set to expire on May 7, 2026. Without legislative intervention, the legal framework allowing state agencies to deploy resources and coordinate emergency response efforts would lapse. The bill ratifies and approves the previous monthly extensions issued from November 2025 through April 2026. Additionally, the bill formally extends the disaster emergency until June 30, 2026, providing the necessary window for agencies to stabilize affected regions and continue reconstruction. To ensure there is no gap in legal authority or resource allocation, the bill is retroactive to May 7, 2026. Finally, the legislation provides for an immediate 2026-05-07 House Journal Page 2440 effective date to provide certainty to the communities and agencies currently operating under the emergency declaration. This extension will help ensure that the State of Alaska remains able to protect the health, safety, and property of Alaskans affected by the 2025 West Coast Storm. I urge your prompt and favorable action on this measure. Sincerely, /s/ Mike Dunleavy Governor" CONSIDERATION OF THE DAILY CALENDAR SECOND READING OF HOUSE BILLS HB 1 The following was read the second time: 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." with the: Journal Page STA RPT CS(STA) 6DP 1NR 1278 FN1: ZERO(ADM) 1278 FN2: ZERO(CED) 1278 FIN RPT CS(STA) 5DP 1DNP 4NR 2373 FN3: ZERO(ADM) 2373 FN4: ZERO(CED) 2373 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. 1(STA) (same title) There being no objection, it was so ordered. 2026-05-07 House Journal Page 2441 Representative Kopp moved and asked unanimous consent that CSHB 1(STA) be considered engrossed, advanced to third reading, and placed on final passage. Representative Johnson objected and withdrew the objection. There being no further objection, it was so ordered. CSHB 1(STA) was read the third time. The question being: "Shall CSHB 1(STA) pass the House?" The roll was taken with the following result: CSHB 1(STA) 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 1(STA) passed the House and was referred to the Chief Clerk for engrossment. SECOND READING OF SENATE BILLS SB 89 The following, which was held from the May 6 calendar (page 2421), was read the second time: CS FOR SENATE BILL NO. 89(2d L&C) "An Act relating to physician assistants; relating to collaborative agreements between physicians and physician assistants; relating to the practice of medicine; relating to health care providers; and relating to provisions regarding physician assistants in contracts between certain health care providers and health care insurers." 2026-05-07 House Journal Page 2442 with the: Journal Page HSS RPT HCS(HSS) 6DP 1911 FN4: ZERO(CED) 1911 L&C RPT HCS(HSS) 4DP 2053 FN4: ZERO(CED) 2053 Representative Kopp moved and asked unanimous consent that the following committee substitute be adopted in lieu of the original bill: HOUSE CS FOR CS FOR SENATE BILL NO. 89(HSS) (same title) Representative Johnson objected and withdrew the objection. There being no further objection, HCS CSSB 89(HSS) was adopted. Representative Kopp moved and asked unanimous consent that HCS CSSB 89(HSS) be considered engrossed, advanced to third reading, and placed on final passage. There being no objection, it was so ordered. HCS CSSB 89(HSS) was read the third time. Representative Gray 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 HCS CSSB 89(HSS) pass the House?" The roll was taken with the following result: HCS CSSB 89(HSS) Third Reading Final Passage YEAS: 38 NAYS: 2 EXCUSED: 0 ABSENT: 0 Yeas: 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, St. Clair, Stapp, Story, Stutes, Tomaszewski, Underwood, Vance 2026-05-07 House Journal Page 2443 Nays: Allard, Schwanke And so, HCS CSSB 89(HSS) passed the House and was referred to the Chief Clerk for engrossment. SB 272 The following was read the second time: SENATE BILL NO. 272 "An Act relating to the electronic health information exchange system; and providing for an effective date." with the: Journal Page HSS RPT HCS(HSS) 3DP 3NR 2329 FN1: ZERO(DOH) 2329 Representative Kopp moved and asked unanimous consent that the following committee substitute be adopted in lieu of the original bill: HOUSE CS FOR SENATE BILL NO. 272(HSS) "An Act relating to the electronic health information exchange system; and providing for an effective date." Objection was heard and withdrawn. There being no further objection, HCS SB 272(HSS) was adopted. Amendment No. 1 was offered by Representative Schwanke: Page 5, line 18, following "records": Insert "; (5) to restrict access to the patient's records or reauthorize the distribution of the patient's records to a specific provider participating in the system" Representative Schwanke moved and asked unanimous consent that Amendment No. 1 be adopted. There was objection. 2026-05-07 House Journal Page 2444 Amendment No. 1 to Amendment No. 1 was offered by Representative Schwanke: Page 1, line 4 of the amendment: Delete "to" Insert "from" Representative Schwanke moved and asked unanimous consent that Amendment No. 1 to Amendment No. 1 be adopted. Objection was heard and withdrawn. There being no further objection, Amendment No. 1 to Amendment No. 1 was adopted. The question being: "Shall Amendment No. 1 as amended be adopted?" The roll was taken with the following result: HCS SB 272(HSS) Second Reading Amendment No. 1 as amended YEAS: 17 NAYS: 23 EXCUSED: 0 ABSENT: 0 Yeas: Allard, Bynum, Costello, Coulombe, Johnson, Josephson, McCabe, Moore, G.Nelson, Prax, Ruffridge, Saddler, Schwanke, St. Clair, Tomaszewski, Underwood, Vance Nays: Carrick, Dibert, Edgmon, Eischeid, Elam, Fields, Foster, Frier, Galvin, Gray, Hall, Hannan, Himschoot, Holland, Jimmie, Kopp, Mears, Mina, D.Nelson, Schrage, Stapp, Story, Stutes And so, Amendment No. 1 was not adopted. Representative Kopp moved and asked unanimous consent that HCS SB 272(HSS) be considered engrossed, advanced to third reading, and placed on final passage. There being no objection, it was so ordered. HCS SB 272(HSS) was read the third time. The question being: "Shall HCS SB 272(HSS) pass the House?" The roll was taken with the following result: 2026-05-07 House Journal Page 2445 HCS SB 272(HSS) Third Reading Final Passage YEAS: 34 NAYS: 6 EXCUSED: 0 ABSENT: 0 Yeas: Bynum, Carrick, Coulombe, Dibert, Edgmon, Eischeid, Elam, Fields, Foster, Frier, Galvin, Gray, Hall, Hannan, Himschoot, Holland, Jimmie, Josephson, Kopp, McCabe, Mears, Mina, Moore, D.Nelson, Prax, Ruffridge, Saddler, Schrage, St. Clair, Stapp, Story, Stutes, Tomaszewski, Underwood Nays: Allard, Costello, Johnson, G.Nelson, Schwanke, Vance And so, HCS SB 272(HSS) 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. HCS SB 272(HSS) was referred to the Chief Clerk for engrossment. SECOND READING OF HOUSE RESOLUTIONS HJR 28 The Speaker stated that, without objection, the following would be held to the May 8 calendar: HOUSE JOINT RESOLUTION NO. 28 Calling on the United States Congress to pass the Kids Online Safety Act. 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 G. Nelson – from noon, May 8 to 10:00 p.m., May 10 HB 1 Representative Kopp added as a cosponsor to: CS FOR HOUSE BILL NO. 1(STA) "An Act relating to specie as legal tender in the state; and relating to borough and city sales and use taxes on specie." 2026-05-07 House Journal Page 2446 HB 187 Representative McCabe added as a cosponsor to: HOUSE BILL NO. 187 "An Act relating to the membership of the legislative council; and relating to the membership of the Legislative Budget and Audit Committee." SB 239 Representative Schrage added as a cross sponsor to: SENATE BILL NO. 239 "An Act relating to the registration and titling of legally imported motor vehicles; and providing for an effective date." ENGROSSMENT HB 1 CSHB 1(STA) was engrossed, signed by the Speaker and Chief Clerk, and transmitted to the Senate for consideration. SB 89 HCS CSSB 89(HSS) was engrossed, signed by the Speaker and Chief Clerk, and transmitted to the Senate for consideration. SB 272 HCS SB 272(HSS) was engrossed, signed by the Speaker and Chief Clerk, and transmitted to the Senate for consideration. ENROLLMENT HB 48 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 3:45 p.m., May 7: HOUSE BILL NO. 48 "An Act relating to appropriations to the civil legal services fund." 2026-05-07 House Journal Page 2447 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., May 8. There being no objection, the House adjourned at 12:29 p.m. Crystaline Jones Chief Clerk