Legislature(2025 - 2026)
2026-05-12 House Journal
Full Journal pdf2026-05-12 House Journal Page 2503 HOUSE JOURNAL ALASKA STATE LEGISLATURE THIRTY-FOURTH LEGISLATURE SECOND SESSION Juneau, Alaska Tuesday May 12, 2026 One Hundred Thirteenth 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, Pastor Tari Stage-Harvey of Shepherd of the Valley Lutheran 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 all Alaskans I offer the following prayer: Imagine there is a heaven Imagine a place where all are fed, loved, and housed Imagine a time where instead of destruction and division, we witness creation and reconciliation And now imagine that it begins here and now May your feet be wrapped in shoes for the gospel of peace May your hands reach out humbly to help May your hearts be open to the spirit of eternal love at work right now Bless your time together, the sacrifices you make, and the hard decisions before you. Let the vision of a place and time where healing and wholeness reign guide your feet, your hands, and your hearts. Amen. 2026-05-12 House Journal Page 2504 The Pledge of Allegiance was led by Representative D. Nelson. CERTIFICATION OF THE JOURNAL Representative Kopp moved and asked unanimous consent that the journal for the 112th legislative day be approved as certified by the Chief Clerk. There being no objection, it was so ordered. MESSAGES FROM THE SENATE HCR 9 A message dated May 11 was read stating the Senate passed: CS FOR HOUSE CONCURRENT RESOLUTION NO. 9(STA) am Honoring the 250th anniversary of the signing of the Declaration of Independence and celebrating the 250th birthday of the United States of America. CSHCR 9(STA) am was referred to the Chief Clerk for enrollment. HJR 44 A message dated May 11 was read stating the Senate passed: 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. HJR 44 was referred to the Chief Clerk for enrollment. A message dated May 11 was read stating the Senate passed the following, and it is transmitted for consideration: FIRST READING AND REFERENCE OF SENATE BILLS SB 111 CS FOR SENATE BILL NO. 111(L&C) am by the Senate Labor and Commerce Committee, entitled: 2026-05-12 House Journal Page 2505 "An Act relating to the diagnosis, maintenance, and repair of consumer products that use digital electronics to operate; adding an unlawful act to the Alaska Unfair Trade Practices and Consumer Protection Act; and providing for an effective date." was read the first time and referred to the Labor & Commerce Committee. REPORTS OF STANDING COMMITTEES HB 367 The Judiciary Committee considered: HOUSE BILL NO. 367 "An Act relating to the privacy of consumer personal information; establishing the Consumer Personal Information Privacy Act; establishing data broker registration requirements; relating to social security numbers; making certain violations unfair or deceptive trade practices; and providing for an effective date." and recommends it be replaced with: CS FOR HOUSE BILL NO. 367(JUD) "An Act relating to personal data; establishing data broker registration requirements; relating to social security numbers; making certain violations unfair or deceptive trade practices; and providing for an effective date." The report was signed by Representative Gray, Chair, with the following individual recommendations: Do pass (3): Mina, Eischeid, Gray Amend (2): Costello, Underwood The following fiscal note(s) apply to CSHB 367(JUD): 1. Indeterminate, Dept. of Commerce, Community, & Economic Development 2. Fiscal, Dept. of Law 2026-05-12 House Journal Page 2506 HB 367 was referred to the Finance Committee. HB 388 The Finance Committee considered: HOUSE BILL NO. 388 "An Act relating to loans made from the bulk fuel loan account; and providing for an effective date." and recommends it be replaced with: CS FOR HOUSE BILL NO. 388(FIN) (same title) The report was signed by Representatives Josephson, Schrage, and Foster, Co-chairs, with the following individual recommendations: Do pass (7): Jimmie, Hannan, Galvin, Bynum, Josephson, Schrage, Foster No recommendation (4): Stapp, Allard, Tomaszewski, Moore The following fiscal note(s) apply to CSHB 388(FIN): 1. Zero, Dept. of Commerce, Community, & Economic Development 2. Indeterminate, House Finance Committee/Fund Transfers HB 388 was referred to the Rules Committee. REPORTS OF SPECIAL COMMITTEES HB 263 The Conference Committee considering: 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." 2026-05-12 House Journal Page 2507 and SENATE CS FOR CS FOR HOUSE BILL NO. 263(FIN) am S "An Act making appropriations for the operating and loan program expenses of state government and for certain programs; capitalizing funds; amending appropriations; making supplemental appropriations; 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." requests limited powers of free conference on the appropriations and language that are not identical in the House and Senate versions of HB 263. The request was signed by Representatives Josephson (Chair), Schrage, Stapp; and Senators Hoffman (Chair), Stedman, Cronk. The Speaker granted the limited powers of free conference as requested. The Chief Clerk notified the Senate. HB 265 The Conference Committee considering: 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." and SENATE CS FOR CS FOR HOUSE BILL NO. 265(FIN) (same title) requests limited powers of free conference on the appropriations and language that are not identical in the House and Senate versions of HB 265. 2026-05-12 House Journal Page 2508 The request was signed by Representatives Josephson (Chair), Schrage, Stapp; and Senators Hoffman (Chair), Stedman, Cronk. The Speaker granted the limited powers of free conference as requested. The Chief Clerk notified the Senate. INTRODUCTION OF CITATIONS The following citations were introduced and referred to the Rules Committee for placement on the calendar: Honoring - Dan White By Representative Carrick; Senators Myers, Tobin Honoring - Pat Pitney By Representative Carrick; Senators Myers, Kiehl Honoring - Denali Industrial Supply, 40th Anniversary By Representative Carrick Honoring - Lemongrass Thai Cuisine, 30th Anniversary By Representatives Carrick, Stapp; Senator Kawasaki In Memoriam - Michele Stalder By Senator Kawasaki; Representatives Dibert, Carrick In Memoriam - Patrick John "PJ" Gesin By Senator Kawasaki; Representatives Dibert, Stapp In Memoriam - Lynn Stewart Basham By Senator Kawasaki In Memoriam - Colleen Wilson By Senator Wielechowski; Representative Eischeid 2026-05-12 House Journal Page 2509 CONSIDERATION OF THE DAILY CALENDAR SECOND READING OF SENATE BILLS SB 41 The following was read the second time: SENATE BILL NO. 41 "An Act relating to mental health education." with the: Journal Page FIN RPT 9DP 1DNP 1NR 2278 FN3: (EED) 2278 FN4: ZERO(DFC) 2278 FN5: ZERO(DOH) 2278 Amendment No. 1 was offered by Representative Schwanke: Page 3, lines 10 - 12: Delete "A school health education specialist position shall be established and funded in the department to coordinate the program statewide." Insert "[A SCHOOL HEALTH EDUCATION SPECIALIST POSITION SHALL BE ESTABLISHED AND FUNDED IN THE DEPARTMENT TO COORDINATE THE PROGRAM STATEWIDE.]" Representative Schwanke moved and asked unanimous consent that Amendment No. 1 be adopted. Representative Galvin objected. The question being: "Shall Amendment No. 1 be adopted?" The roll was taken with the following result: SB 41 Second Reading Amendment No. 1 YEAS: 19 NAYS: 21 EXCUSED: 0 ABSENT: 0 2026-05-12 House Journal Page 2510 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. 1 was not adopted. Amendment No. 2 was offered by Representative Coulombe: Page 3, following line 14: Insert a new bill section to read: "* Sec. 5. AS 14.30.360 is amended by adding a new subsection to read: (e) A school district may only provide instruction on mental health to students if the curricula and instructional materials for the instruction are first approved by the local school board at a public meeting of the board." Renumber the following bill sections accordingly. Representative Coulombe moved and asked unanimous consent that Amendment No. 2 be adopted. Representative Galvin objected. The question being: "Shall Amendment No. 2 be adopted?" The roll was taken with the following result: SB 41 Second Reading Amendment No. 2 YEAS: 20 NAYS: 20 EXCUSED: 0 ABSENT: 0 Yeas: Allard, Bynum, Costello, Coulombe, Elam, Johnson, Kopp, 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, Mears, Mina, Schrage, Story, Stutes 2026-05-12 House Journal Page 2511 And so, Amendment No. 2 was not adopted. Amendment No. 3 was offered by Representative Coulombe: Page 3, following line 14: Insert a new bill section to read: "* Sec. 5. AS 14.30.360 is amended by adding a new subsection to read: (e) At least 14 days before a school district provides instruction in mental health, the district shall publicly post on the district's Internet website (1) the instructional materials and curricula that will be used for the instruction; and (2) the names of instructors or speakers who are not employees of the school district who will provide the instruction or speak during the instruction." Renumber the following bill sections accordingly. Representative Coulombe moved and asked unanimous consent that Amendment No. 3 be adopted. Representative Fields objected. The question being: "Shall Amendment No. 3 be adopted?" The roll was taken with the following result: SB 41 Second Reading Amendment No. 3 YEAS: 20 NAYS: 20 EXCUSED: 0 ABSENT: 0 Yeas: Allard, Bynum, Costello, Coulombe, Elam, Johnson, Kopp, 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, Mears, Mina, Schrage, Story, Stutes And so, Amendment No. 3 was not adopted. 2026-05-12 House Journal Page 2512 Amendment No. 4 was offered by Representative Coulombe: Page 3, line 1, following "health.": Insert "The state board shall use medically and scientifically based content when developing the guidelines for developmentally appropriate instruction in mental health and may not include in the guidelines any political, ideological, or advocacy-oriented content that is unrelated to student mental health." Representative Coulombe moved and asked unanimous consent that Amendment No. 4 be adopted. Objection was heard and withdrawn. There being no further objection, Amendment No. 4 was adopted. Representative Kopp moved and asked unanimous consent that SB 41 am H be considered engrossed, advanced to third reading, and placed on final passage. There was objection. SB 41 am H will advance to third reading on the May 13 calendar. SB 237 The Speaker stated that, without objection, the following would be held to the May 13 calendar: CS FOR SENATE BILL NO. 237(JUD) "An Act relating to data sharing by the Department of Administration for driver's license data verification purposes; and providing for an effective date." THIRD READING OF HOUSE BILLS HB 261 The following, which was advanced to third reading from the May 11 calendar (page 2495), was read the third time: CS FOR HOUSE BILL NO. 261(FIN) am "An Act relating to education funding; providing for an effective 2026-05-12 House Journal Page 2513 date by amending the effective date of secs. 10, 11, 13, and 15, ch. 5, SLA 2025; and providing for an effective date." The question being: "Shall CSHB 261(FIN) am pass the House?" The roll was taken with the following result: CSHB 261(FIN) am Third Reading Final Passage YEAS: 31 NAYS: 9 EXCUSED: 0 ABSENT: 0 Yeas: Bynum, Carrick, Costello, Coulombe, Dibert, Edgmon, Eischeid, Elam, Fields, Foster, Frier, Galvin, Gray, Hall, Hannan, Himschoot, Holland, Jimmie, Josephson, Kopp, Mears, Mina, Moore, Prax, Ruffridge, Schrage, Stapp, Story, Stutes, Tomaszewski, Underwood Nays: Allard, Johnson, McCabe, D.Nelson, G.Nelson, Saddler, Schwanke, St. Clair, Vance And so, CSHB 261(FIN) 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. Representative Johnson gave notice of reconsideration of the vote on CSHB 261(FIN) am. THIRD READING OF SENATE BILLS SB 86 The following, which was advanced to third reading from the May 11 calendar (page 2496), was read the third time: HOUSE CS FOR CS FOR SENATE BILL NO. 86(FIN) "An Act relating to the business of money transmission; relating to licenses for money transmission, licensure requirements, and registration through a nationwide multistate licensing system; relating to the use of virtual currency for money transmission; relating to authorized delegates of a licensee; relating to 2026-05-12 House Journal Page 2514 acquisition of control of a license; relating to record retention and reporting requirements; authorizing the Department of Commerce, Community, and Economic Development to cooperate with other states in the regulation of money transmission; relating to permissible investments; relating to violations and enforcement of money transmission laws; relating to exemptions to money transmission licensure requirements; relating to payroll processing services; relating to currency exchange licenses; relating to abandoned virtual currency; amending Rules 79 and 82, Alaska Rules of Civil Procedure; and providing for an effective date." The question being: "Shall HCS CSSB 86(FIN) pass the House?" The roll was taken with the following result: HCS CSSB 86(FIN) 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, HCS CSSB 86(FIN) 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 court rule changes. There being no objection, it was so ordered. 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. Representative Johnson gave notice of reconsideration of the vote on HCS CSSB 86(FIN). 2026-05-12 House Journal Page 2515 SPECIAL ORDER OF BUSINESS HCR 17 Representative Kopp moved and asked unanimous consent that the following be taken up as a Special Order of Business: HOUSE CONCURRENT RESOLUTION NO. 17 Suspending Rules 24(c), 35, 41(b), and 42(e), Uniform Rules of the Alaska State Legislature, concerning Senate Bill No. 86, relating to the business of money transmission; relating to licenses for money transmission, licensure requirements, and registration through a nationwide multistate licensing system; relating to the use of virtual currency for money transmission; relating to authorized delegates of a licensee; relating to acquisition of control of a license; relating to record retention and reporting requirements; authorizing the Department of Commerce, Community, and Economic Development to cooperate with other states in the regulation of money transmission; relating to permissible investments; relating to violations and enforcement of money transmission laws; relating to exemptions to money transmission licensure requirements; relating to payroll processing services; relating to currency exchange licenses; and amending Rules 79 and 82, Alaska Rules of Civil Procedure. There being no objection, it was so ordered. The question being: "Shall HCR 17 pass the House?" The roll was taken with the following result: HCR 17 Second Reading Final Passage Special Order of Business 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 2026-05-12 House Journal Page 2516 And so, HCR 17 passed the House and was referred to the Chief Clerk for engrossment. THIRD READING OF SENATE RESOLUTIONS SJR 30 The following, which was advanced to third reading from the May 11 calendar (page 2499), was read the third time: CS FOR SENATE JOINT RESOLUTION NO. 30(STA) Expressing gratitude for the United States military and supporting increased defense readiness through infrastructure development and public-military partnerships. The question being: "Shall CSSJR 30(STA) pass the House?" The roll was taken with the following result: CSSJR 30(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, CSSJR 30(STA) passed the House, was signed by the Speaker and Chief Clerk, and returned to the Senate. 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: In Memoriam - Loan Thi Henrich Pháp Danh Dieu Thien By Senator Wielechowski; Representative Mears 2026-05-12 House Journal Page 2517 In Memoriam - Beverly Ann "Bev" Walters By Senator Wielechowski; Representative Mears In Memoriam - Anton "Tony" John Weiss By Senator Wielechowski; Representative Mears In Memoriam - Jerry Strong By Senator Wielechowski; Representative Eischeid In Memoriam - Cheri Ann Dunlap By Senator Wielechowski; Representative Eischeid In Memoriam - Alexander "Alex" Monterrosa By Senator Wielechowski; Representative Mears In Memoriam - Richard Lee Glore By Senator Wielechowski; Representative Mears In Memoriam - Linda Hull By Senator Kawasaki; Representative Dibert 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 D. Nelson – from 9:00 p.m., May 12 to 8:30 a.m., May 14 Representative Saddler – from 5:30 p.m., July 23 to 7:00 p.m., August 2 HJR 32 The following memorandum dated May 12 was received from Lora Brown, Enrolling Secretary, Division of Legal and Research Services, regarding: CS FOR HOUSE JOINT RESOLUTION NO. 32(HSS) Expressing commitment to the rural health transformation 2026-05-12 House Journal Page 2518 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. "In accordance with Rule 43, Uniform Rules of the Alaska State Legislature, I am reporting the following manifest errors in CSHJR 32(HSS), which have been corrected in enrolling: Page 3, line 1, following "implementation": Insert "of" Page 3, line 2, following "distribution": Insert "for"" HJR 38 The following memorandum dated May 12 was received from Lora Brown, Enrolling Secretary, Division of Legal and Research Services, regarding: 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. "In accordance with Rule 43, Uniform Rules of the Alaska State Legislature, I am reporting the following manifest errors in HJR 38, which have been corrected in enrolling: Page 1, line 7: Delete "responders" Insert "responder" Page 2, line 23: Delete "Senate's" Insert "Senate for"" HB 261 Representatives Himschoot and Dibert added as cosponsors to: 2026-05-12 House Journal Page 2519 CS FOR HOUSE BILL NO. 261(FIN) am "An Act relating to education funding; providing for an effective date by amending the effective date of secs. 10, 11, 13, and 15, ch. 5, SLA 2025; and providing for an effective date." SB 41 Representatives Frier, Dibert, Josephson, Himschoot, and Hall added as cross sponsors to: SENATE BILL NO. 41 am H "An Act relating to mental health education." SB 174 Representative Himschoot added as a cross sponsor to: SENATE BILL NO. 174 "An Act establishing the Alaska Invasive Species Council in the Department of Fish and Game; relating to management of invasive species; and providing for an effective date." ENGROSSMENT HCR 17 HCR 17 was engrossed. ANNOUNCEMENTS With appointment of the Conference Committee on the operating budget, Rule 23(d) of the Uniform Rules is in effect as of May 11. 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 13. There being no objection, the House adjourned at 1:20 p.m. Crystaline Jones Chief Clerk