Legislature(2025 - 2026)
2025-01-24 Senate Journal
Full Journal pdf2025-01-24 Senate Journal Page 0047 SENATE JOURNAL ALASKA STATE LEGISLATURE THIRTY-FOURTH LEGISLATURE FIRST SESSION Juneau, Alaska Friday January 24, 2025 Fourth Day Pursuant to adjournment the Senate was called to order by President Stevens at 10:33 a.m. The roll showed eighteen members present. Senator Tobin was excused from a call of the Senate. Senator Olson was absent. The prayer was offered by the Chaplain, Reverend Gordon Blue, Holy Trinity Episcopal Church. Senator Hoffman moved and asked unanimous consent the prayer be spread. Without objection, it was so ordered. Creator of life, redeemer of the afflicted and spirit of grace, in this season, the Epiphany, the Northern infancy of light, we celebrate our homes and ask your blessing upon them. Spirit of justice, help this Senate to make and keep the great State of Alaska a home for all its different peoples. You have made us many peoples, but of one blood; preserve our many cultures, and make us also of one mind, as declared by the Psalmist: In you, O Lord, have I taken refuge; let me never be put to shame; deliver me in your righteousness. Incline your ear to me; make haste to deliver me. 2025-01-24 Senate Journal Page 0048 Be my strong rock, a castle to keep me safe, for you are my crag and my stronghold; for the sake of your Name, lead me and guide me. Let us pray. Almighty and everlasting one, I give you thanks and praise for our Great Land, and for what has been achieved by past Legislatures. God, you know better than we the temptations that will bring us down. Protect us and guide our feet into the way of peace. May you be with these Senators, who have been called by the people into service. Give them strength to bear their own and one another's burdens. Bless them so that their example may give to the people a zeal for justice and the strength of forbearance, and we may use our liberty to bring blessings upon the future generations of Alaska. May they grow in grace and in the knowledge and love of you; guide, comfort, and strengthen them; and preserve them in peace now and forever. Amen. Senator Claman led the Senate in the Pledge of Allegiance. Certification Senator Giessel moved and asked unanimous consent the journals for the second and third legislative days be approved as certified by the Secretary. Without objection, it was so ordered. Senator Giessel moved and asked unanimous consent Senator Olson be excused from a call of the Senate today. Without objection, Senator Olson was excused. Messages from the Governor Letter dated January 23 was read stating in accordance with Article VII, section 3 of the Alaska Constitution, and AS 14.40.150, I submit the following appointee(s) for confirmation: 2025-01-24 Senate Journal Page 0049 University of Alaska Board of Regents Karen Perdue – Fairbanks Appointed: 2/6/2017 Term Expires: 2/5/2025 Reappointed: 2/5/2025 Term Expires: 2/5/2033 Christine Resler – Anchorage Appointed: 2/5/2025 Term Expires: 2/5/2033 The appointments were referred to the Education Committee. The resumes for these appointments have been submitted to the Office of the Senate Secretary. Introduction of Executive Orders EO 136 EXECUTIVE ORDER NO. 136 Establishing the Department of Agriculture and transferring functions of the Department of Natural Resources relating to agriculture to the Department of Agriculture. was read the first time and referred to the Resources and Finance Committees. Governor's transmittal letter dated January 20: Dear President Stevens: Under the authority of Article III, Section 18, of the Alaska Constitution, I am transmitting an Executive Order establishing the Alaska Department of Agriculture. Pursuant to my authority under Article III, Section 23, of the Alaska Constitution to make changes in the organization of the Executive Branch and in the assignment of functions among its units, this Order would create a new principal Department of the State with authority over agricultural policy. 2025-01-24 Senate Journal Page 0050 This order would transfer the powers and duties of the Department of Natural Resources relating to agriculture in Title 3 of the Alaska Statutes to the new Department of Agriculture. The Alaska Board of Agriculture and Conservation would be moved to the new Department. The Commissioner of Agriculture would consult with the Commissioner of Natural Resources in the classification, leasing, and sale of state agricultural land. The Order would also rename the Alaska Natural Resource Conservation and Development Board and place the Commissioner of Agriculture on the Board, ex-officio. Two Task Forces, one established by my Administrative Order 331 (modified under AOs 334 and 341) and another within the Legislative Branch established by House Bill 298 signed in 2022, have concluded that it is in the best interests of state policy priorities for greater food security and increasing agriculture production to create a Department of Agriculture. This Executive Order will encourage the development and growth of the agriculture industry in Alaska through the establishment of a Department dedicated to a mission focused on increased production activity and accountability to the public. Sincerely, /s/ Mike Dunleavy Governor Communications The following reports are on file in the Office of the Secretary of the Senate: Department of Commerce, Community, and Economic Development Alaska Gasline Development Corporation Economic Viability Assessment and Economic Value of Alaska LNG Project - Phase 1 October 2024 in accordance with ch. 7, SLA 2024 2025-01-24 Senate Journal Page 0051 Alaska Gasline Development Corporation Financial Statements and Required Supplementary Information FY 2024 in accordance with AS 31.25.270 Alaska Industrial Development and Export Authority Annual Review of Assets FY 2024 in accordance with AS 44.88.205 Alaska Industrial Development and Export Authority 2024 Annual Report in accordance with AS 44.88.210 Alaska Commercial Fishing and Agricultural Bank 2024 Report in accordance with AS 44.81.200 Department of Natural Resources Carbon Offset Program 2024 Annual Report in accordance with AS 38.95.450 Division of Mining, Land and Water Report on Identified RS-2477 Rights-of-Way in accordance with AS 19.30.400 Notification of Annual Mining Report in accordance with AS 27.05.060 Land Disposal Program Reports in accordance with AS 38.04.022 Notification of Annual Report on Water Removals and Exports in accordance with AS 46.15.020 Notification of Interim Classifications in accordance with AS 38.05.300 2025-01-24 Senate Journal Page 0052 Summary of Cooperative Resource Management or Development Agreements in accordance with AS 38.05.027 Annual Summary of the Department’s Efforts to Maintain or Enhance Access to and Along Fishing Streams in accordance with AS 38.04.205 Division of Parks and Outdoor Recreation Report on Designations of Incompatible Use in accordance with AS 41.21.020 Department of Revenue Alaska Retirement Management Board (ARMB) Financial Condition of State Retirement Systems in accordance with AS 37.10.220 Investment Earnings Report Alaska Marine Highway System Fund Alaska Marine Highway Vessel Replacement Fund January 21, 2025 in accordance with AS 19.65.070 and AS 37.05.550 Achieving a Better Life Experience (ABLE) Annual Report January 21, 2025 in accordance with AS 06.65.350 Permanent Fund Division Charitable Contributions Annual Report 2024 in accordance with AS 43.23.130 Alaska Municipal Bond Bank Authority Reserve Fund Certification FY 2024 January 16, 2025 in accordance with AS 44.85.270 Department of Public Safety Statewide Drug Enforcement Unit (SDEU) 2024 Annual Drug Report in accordance with AS 18.65.085 2025-01-24 Senate Journal Page 0053 Notice of Availability: Department of Administration Division of Retirement and Benefits Annual Comprehensive Financial Reports Public Employees' Retirement System Teachers' Retirement System Fiscal Year 2024 in accordance with AS 39.35.004 Department of Labor and Workforce Development Alaska Labor Relations Agency 2023 Annual Report May 14, 2024 in accordance with AS 23.05.370 Alaska Aerospace Corporation 2024 Annual Report in accordance with AS 26.27.100 The following Budget and Audit Reports were received from Kris Curtis, Legislative Auditor, in accordance with AS 24.20.311 and are on file in the Office of the Secretary of the Senate: 2024 Annual Report, Unabridged 2024 Annual Report, Condensed Introduction and Reference of Senate Resolutions SCR 1 SENATE CONCURRENT RESOLUTION NO. 1 BY SENATOR CLAMAN, Relating to the procedure that the Thirty-Fourth Alaska State Legislature will use to reconsider bills and items vetoed by the governor. was read the first time and referred to the State Affairs and Judiciary Committees. 2025-01-24 Senate Journal Page 0054 SJR 6 SENATE JOINT RESOLUTION NO. 6 BY SENATOR TOBIN, Supporting the admittance of Washington, D.C., into the Union as a state of the United States of America. was read the first time and referred to the State Affairs and Judiciary Committees. SJR 7 SENATE JOINT RESOLUTION NO. 7 BY SENATOR KAWASAKI, Urging the President of the United States and the United States Secretary of the Interior to maintain Denali as the official name for the tallest mountain in North America. was read the first time and referred to the State Affairs Committee. Introduction and Reference of Senate Bills SB 51 SENATE BILL NO. 51 BY SENATOR MYERS, entitled: "An Act establishing the Sunrise Review Board; relating to review of proposed legislation relating to authorization to engage in the practice of a profession or occupation; and providing for an effective date." was read the first time and referred to the Labor and Commerce and Finance Committees. 2025-01-24 Senate Journal Page 0055 SB 52 SENATE BILL NO. 52 BY SENATOR HUGHES, entitled: "An Act relating to the day on which ballots are counted in an election; relating to absentee voting; and relating to early voting." was read the first time and referred to the State Affairs and Finance Committees. SB 53 SENATE BILL NO. 53 BY SENATOR GRAY-JACKSON, entitled: "An Act relating to accreditation standards for law enforcement agencies." was read the first time and referred to the State Affairs and Judiciary Committees. SB 54 SENATE BILL NO. 54 BY SENATOR CLAMAN, entitled: "An Act relating to registered interior designers and interior design; 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 by partnerships; relating to liens for labor or materials furnished; relating to the procurement of landscape architectural and interior design services; and providing for an effective date." was read the first time and referred to the Labor and Commerce and Finance Committees. 2025-01-24 Senate Journal Page 0056 SB 55 SENATE BILL NO. 55 BY SENATOR STEDMAN, entitled: "An Act relating to employer contributions in the teachers' retirement system; relating to supplemental employee benefits; and providing for an effective date." was read the first time and referred to the Labor and Commerce and Finance Committees. SB 56 SENATE BILL NO. 56 BY THE SENATE RULES COMMITTEE BY REQUEST OF THE GOVERNOR, entitled: "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 reappropriations; 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." was read the first time and referred to the Finance Committee. Governor's transmittal letter dated January 20: Dear President Stevens: Under the authority of Article III, Section 18 of the Alaska Constitution, I am transmitting a bill relating to appropriations for the State’s operating expenses for Fiscal Year (FY) 2026. This appropriation bill totals $11.3 billion and includes $4.9 billion in unrestricted general funds, $0.9 billion in designated general funds, $1.9 billion in other state funds, and $3.6 billion in federal funds. 2025-01-24 Senate Journal Page 0057 The FY 2026 budget continues important investments in public safety, prioritizing educating our children, and strategically developing the economy of our State. It also continues my commitment to providing a full statutory dividend to our residents. I look forward to working with the Legislature on the timely passage and implementation of the FY 2026 operating budget. Sincerely, /s/ Mike Dunleavy Governor SB 57 SENATE BILL NO. 57 BY THE SENATE RULES COMMITTEE BY REQUEST OF THE GOVERNOR, entitled: "An Act making appropriations, including capital appropriations and other appropriations; making reappropriations; making appropriations to capitalize funds; and providing for an effective date." was read the first time and referred to the Finance Committee. Governor's transmittal letter dated January 20: Dear President Stevens: Under the authority of Article III, Section 18 of the Alaska Constitution, I am transmitting a bill relating to appropriations for the State’s capital budget for Fiscal Year (FY) 2026. This appropriation bill totals $2.8 billion and includes $282.4 million in unrestricted general funds, $55.9 million in designated general funds, $215.9 million in other state funds, and $2.2 billion in federal funds. 2025-01-24 Senate Journal Page 0058 The FY 2026 proposed capital budget invests in projects that enhance public protection and Alaska’s natural resources, provides matching funds for federal surface transportation and aviation, water and wastewater programs, and promotes economic development projects across the state to generate economic activity. I look forward to working with the Legislature on the timely passage and implementation of the FY 2026 capital budget. Sincerely, /s/ Mike Dunleavy Governor SB 58 SENATE BILL NO. 58 BY THE SENATE RULES COMMITTEE BY REQUEST OF THE GOVERNOR, entitled: "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." was read the first time and referred to the Finance Committee. In accordance with AS 37.14.003(b), a report of the differences between the Governor's proposed budget and the recommendations of the Alaska Mental Health Trust Authority was transmitted. Governor's transmittal letter dated January 20: Dear President Stevens: Under the authority of Article III, Section 18 of the Alaska Constitution, I am transmitting a bill relating to the State’s comprehensive mental health program for Fiscal Year (FY) 2026. As required by statute, this bill includes both operating and capital appropriations. 2025-01-24 Senate Journal Page 0059 This budget totals $245.5 million and includes $184.5 million in unrestricted general funds, $39.6 million in designated general funds, and $21.4 million in Mental Health Trust Authority funds. The FY 2026 proposed mental health budget includes requests that were put forward to the Office of Management and Budget by the Alaska Mental Health Trust (Trust). The requests support programs and activities in Trust focus areas that meet the identified treatment and service needs of Trust beneficiaries and areas of system change to improve the lives of beneficiaries. I look forward to working with the Legislature on the timely passage and implementation of the FY 2026 budget for Alaska’s comprehensive mental health program. Sincerely, /s/ Mike Dunleavy Governor SB 59 SENATE BILL NO. 59 BY THE SENATE RULES COMMITTEE BY REQUEST OF THE GOVERNOR, entitled: "An Act making supplemental appropriations; making appropriations to capitalize funds; and providing for an effective date." was read the first time and referred to the Finance Committee. Governor's transmittal letter dated January 20: Dear President Stevens: Under the authority of Article III, Section 18 of the Alaska Constitution, I am transmitting a bill relating to supplemental appropriations for the State’s operating budget for Fiscal Year (FY) 2025. 2025-01-24 Senate Journal Page 0060 This appropriation bill includes $65.0 million in unrestricted general funds. The items in this supplemental appropriation bill are time sensitive to ensure adequate and available funding for disaster response, as well as investment in the development of the Alaska liquified natural gas project. I look forward to working with the Legislature on the immediate passage and implementation of this supplemental appropriation bill. Sincerely, /s/ Mike Dunleavy Governor SB 60 SENATE BILL NO. 60 BY SENATOR TOBIN, entitled: "An Act establishing May 12 as Myalgic Encephalomyelitis/Chronic Fatigue Syndrome Day of Recognition." was read the first time and referred to the Health and Social Services Committee. SB 61 SENATE BILL NO. 61 BY SENATOR TOBIN, entitled: "An Act relating to an electronic product stewardship program; relating to collection, recycling, and disposal of electronic equipment; establishing the electronics recycling advisory council; and providing for an effective date." was read the first time and referred to the Resources and Finance Committees. 2025-01-24 Senate Journal Page 0061 SB 62 SENATE BILL NO. 62 BY SENATOR TOBIN, entitled: "An Act relating to the board of parole; and providing for an effective date." was read the first time and referred to the State Affairs and Labor and Commerce Committees. SB 63 SENATE BILL NO. 63 BY SENATOR CRONK, entitled: "An Act relating to the Local Boundary Commission; and providing for an effective date." was read the first time and referred to the Community and Regional Affairs and State Affairs Committees. SB 64 SENATE BILL NO. 64 BY THE SENATE RULES COMMITTEE, entitled: "An Act relating to elections; relating to voters; relating to voting; relating to voter preregistration for minors at least 16 years of age; relating to voter registration; relating to the Alaska Public Offices Commission; relating to synthetic media in electioneering communications; relating to campaign signs; relating to public official financial disclosures; relating to the crime of unlawful interference with voting in the first degree; and providing for an effective date." was read the first time and referred to the State Affairs and Finance Committees. 2025-01-24 Senate Journal Page 0062 SB 65 SENATE BILL NO. 65 BY SENATOR CLAMAN, entitled: "An Act relating to legal representation of public officers in ethics complaints." was read the first time and referred to the Judiciary and State Affairs Committees. SB 66 SENATE BILL NO. 66 BY THE SENATE RULES COMMITTEE BY REQUEST OF THE GOVERNOR, entitled: "An Act relating to demonstration state-tribal education compacts; relating to demonstration state- tribal education compact schools; and providing for an effective date." was read the first time and referred to the Education and Finance Committees. The following fiscal information was published today: Fiscal Note No. 1, zero, Department of Administration Fiscal Note No. 2, zero, Department of Education and Early Development Fiscal Note No. 3, zero, Department of Education & Early Development Fiscal Note No. 4, Department of Education & Early Development Governor's transmittal letter dated January 21: Dear President Stevens: Under the authority of Article III, Section 18 of the Alaska Constitution, I am transmitting a bill establishing a pilot program for demonstration state-tribal education compact (STEC) schools. Senate Bill 34 (2022) directed the Department of Education and Early 2025-01-24 Senate Journal Page 0063 Development (DEED) to negotiate a demonstration state-tribal education compact with federally recognized tribes and tribal organizations and to submit a report to the legislature relating to the demonstration state-tribal education compact and state-tribal education compact schools. On January 31, 2024, DEED submitted its State Tribal Education Compact Schools Demonstration Legislative Report, based on its negotiations with five federally recognized tribes or tribal organizations that applied to participate: Central Council of the Tlingit & Haida Indian Tribes of Alaska, the Inupiat Community of the Arctic Slope, the Ketchikan Indian Community, the Knik Tribe, and the King Island Native Community in partnership with the Village of Solomon. This bill takes the next step in launching STEC schools in Alaska by setting up a five-year pilot program for the five participating tribes and tribal organizations to enter into education compacts with DEED for the establishment of tribally operated Alaska public schools. The bill designates mandatory subjects that must be addressed in each compact but allows DEED and the participating tribes and tribal organizations to negotiate the details of each mandatory provision based on their individual needs and circumstances. Demonstration STEC schools may be funded by the legislature as if they were schools in a regional education attendance area. Participating tribes and tribal organizations must report on student data and enrollment at their demonstration STEC schools to DEED on an annual basis and DEED will provide that information to the legislature in its annual progress reports. At the completion of the pilot program, DEED will provide a written report to the legislature summarizing the student data over the entire project period. I urge your prompt and favorable action on this measure. Sincerely, /s/ Mike Dunleavy Governor 2025-01-24 Senate Journal Page 0064 SB 67 SENATE BILL NO. 67 BY THE SENATE RULES COMMITTEE BY REQUEST OF THE GOVERNOR, entitled: "An Act relating to municipal and state procurement preferences for agricultural products harvested in the state and fisheries products harvested or processed in the state; and providing for an effective date." was read the first time and referred to the Resources and Finance Committees. The following fiscal information was published today: Fiscal Note No. 1, zero, Department of Administration Fiscal Note No. 2, zero, Department of Commerce, Community, and Economic Development Governor's transmittal letter dated January 21: Dear President Stevens: Under the authority of Article III, Section 18 of the Alaska Constitution, I am transmitting a bill to increase purchase limits under the Alaska-grown procurement policy and preference. In order to support Alaska businesses and to foster food security in the state, this bill would increase allowable price differentials for the state, municipalities, and school districts to purchase more Alaskan agricultural and fisheries products. Alaskan food producers often face cost barriers to market access and have long advocated for increased institutional purchases as a means to scale up production and keep state dollars circulating in the Alaska economy. Expanding access to institutional markets has also been supported by stakeholder groups and was among the recommendations of the Governor’s Food Security and Independence Task Force final report released in February 2023. When state agencies, municipalities, and school districts that receive state funds purchase agricultural and fisheries products, state law requires that they purchase in-state products so long as those products are priced no more than seven percent higher than equivalent products 2025-01-24 Senate Journal Page 0065 available from out-of-state sellers. State law further authorizes state agencies and corporations, municipalities, and school districts to purchase in-state products that are priced up to 15 percent higher than out-of-state equivalents. This bill would increase the purchase price differential for required in- state purchases by state agencies, municipalities, and school districts from seven percent to 10 percent and the differential for permissible in-state purchases from 15 percent to 25 percent. I urge your prompt and favorable action on this measure. Sincerely, /s/ Mike Dunleavy Governor SB 68 SENATE BILL NO. 68 BY THE SENATE RULES COMMITTEE BY REQUEST OF THE GOVERNOR, entitled: "An Act relating to employment; relating to voluntary flexible work hour plans; relating to the employment of minors; and relating to hours worked by minors employed in the state." was read the first time and referred to the State Affairs and Labor and Commerce Committees. The following fiscal information was published today: Fiscal Note No. 1, zero, Department of Labor and Workforce Development Governor's transmittal letter dated January 21: Dear President Stevens: Under the authority of Article III, Section 18 of the Alaska Constitution, I am transmitting a bill relating to employment, overtime pay, and the employment of minors. This bill would authorize 2025-01-24 Senate Journal Page 0066 additional options for voluntary flexible work hour plans and ease the conditions under which employers may obtain permission from the commissioner of labor and workforce development to employ minors. State law requires that employers pay overtime to hourly employees when they work more than eight hours in one day, subject to certain exceptions. One exception is a flexible work hour plan. In a flexible work hour plan, an employee may agree to work up to 10 hours in one day so long as the employee does not exceed 40 hours in one week. This bill would increase the daily hour limit to 12 hours in one day, thereby allowing an employee to work three 12-hour workdays in one week, totaling 36 hours, instead of the standard five days of eight hour shifts. In addition, the bill would ease conditions under which employers may obtain permission from the Commissioner of the Department of Labor and Workforce Development to employ minors. The restriction on youth employment would be lowered from under 17 years of age to under 16 years of age. The bill would allow the Commissioner to issue general written authorizations to employers to employ minors without requiring that each job duty be specifically approved or each minor individually authorized or provided with written parental consent. Minors working in a family business under the supervision of a family member would be exempted from the written authorization requirement altogether. Finally, the bill would increase the hours that minors under 16 years of age may work. I urge your prompt and favorable action on this measure. Sincerely, /s/ Mike Dunleavy Governor 2025-01-24 Senate Journal Page 0067 SB 69 SENATE BILL NO. 69 BY THE SENATE RULES COMMITTEE BY REQUEST OF THE GOVERNOR, entitled: "An Act relating to sexual assault examination kits; establishing the sexual assault examination kit tracking system; and providing for an effective date." was read the first time and referred to the Judiciary and Finance Committees. The following fiscal information was published today: Fiscal Note No. 1, Department of Public Safety Governor's transmittal letter dated January 21: Dear President Stevens: Under the authority of Article III, Section 18 of the Alaska Constitution, I am transmitting a bill to establish timelines for submitting sexual assault examination kits to the lab for testing and to establish a sexual assault examination kit tracking system. This bill will assist in the timely transmission and testing of sexual assault examination kits, as well as assist victims in tracking the kits associated with their cases. When a sexual assault examination kit is used to collect evidence, it is the responsibility of law enforcement to submit that kit to the lab for testing. This means that if a health care provider uses a sexual assault examination kit to collect evidence, law enforcement is responsible for picking up the kit from the health care provider and submitting it to the lab. This legislation establishes timelines for health care providers to notify law enforcement that a kit is available for pickup and ready for the laboratory to test. It also shortens the current timelines for law enforcement to submit the kit for testing. Restructuring these timelines will help ensure that sexual assault examination kits are processed in a more timely manner as intended by the underlying statute. Additionally, this legislation establishes a sexual assault examination kit tracking system. The tracking system will be used throughout the collection and testing process. Health care providers and law 2025-01-24 Senate Journal Page 0068 enforcement will be able to upload information about when a kit was collected and sent to the lab. The lab will also be able to update the information as the kit is processed for testing. Victims will have the ability to log into the system and see where the kit associated with their case is in the process. They may even elect to receive automated notifications as the kit moves through the process. Requiring the use of the sexual assault examination kit tracking system at every phase of the process will go a long way towards helping victims stay informed. These changes will help ensure timely processing of important evidence and will help increase transparency and accountability as sexual assault examination kits moves through the process. This is the least we can do for the victims of these horrendous crimes. I urge your prompt and favorable action on this measure. Sincerely, /s/ Mike Dunleavy Governor SB 70 SENATE BILL NO. 70 BY THE SENATE RULES COMMITTEE BY REQUEST OF THE GOVERNOR, entitled: "An Act relating to regional educational attendance area elections; relating to terms for members of regional school boards; relating to voter residence; relating to voter registration; relating to the inclusion of voter registration forms in permanent fund dividend applications; relating to election administration; relating to ballot counting; relating to absentee voting; relating to early voting; relating to voting by mail; relating to publication of election pamphlets; and relating to confidential information in voter registration records." was read the first time and referred to the State Affairs and Finance Committees. 2025-01-24 Senate Journal Page 0069 The following fiscal information was published today: Fiscal Note No. 1, Office of the Governor Governor's transmittal letter dated January 21: Dear President Stevens: Under the authority of Article III, Section 18 of the Alaska Constitution, I am transmitting a bill to improve election efficiency and integrity and to increase the flexibility of the Alaska Division of Elections in the administration of elections in the State. This bill will improve timelines, logistics, and processes for the public and the division. The Alaska Division of Elections strives to ensure the integrity and transparency of elections. Nevertheless, many Alaskans have legitimate concerns about the reliability of elections due to outdated and impractical provisions of our election code. This bill aims to reform certain aspects of the Alaska election code in order to bolster the public's trust in our election system. To that end, this bill will repeal provisions of Ballot Measure No. 1 from 2016 that authorized voters to register as part of their permanent fund dividend application. It will close early voting five days prior to Election Day and will authorize the Division to conduct elections by mail for communities with a population of 750 or less. It provides for postage-paid return envelopes for absentee ballots, requires absentee ballots to be received by the Division on or before Election Day, and authorizes the counting of absentee ballots to begin sooner. The bill will give the Division greater flexibility in adjusting the pay of election workers, setting the standards for voting booths, and in printing and distributing election pamphlets. It will increase the terms of regional school board members while decreasing the frequency of regional school board elections. I urge your prompt and favorable action on this measure. Sincerely, /s/ Mike Dunleavy Governor 2025-01-24 Senate Journal Page 0070 SB 71 SENATE BILL NO. 71 BY THE SENATE RULES COMMITTEE BY REQUEST OF THE GOVERNOR, entitled: "An Act relating to pretrial services supervision agreements." was read the first time and referred to the State Affairs and Judiciary Committees. The following fiscal information was published today: Fiscal Note No. 1, zero, Department of Corrections Governor's transmittal letter dated January 23: Dear President Stevens: Under the authority of Article III, Section 18 of the Alaska Constitution, I am transmitting a bill allowing the Department of Corrections to enter into agreements with municipalities to provide pretrial supervision services for defendants charged with violating municipal or borough laws. When it was established in 2018, the pretrial services program was aimed at providing risk assessments for defendants who have been charged, making release recommendations to the court, and providing pretrial supervision of defendants when ordered by the court. Currently, the State bears all the costs of pretrial supervision, even for those defendants charged only with municipal or borough offenses. This legislation will allow the Department of Corrections to enter into agreements with municipalities that would like to continue to have certain defendants charged with violating the laws of that jurisdiction supervised before trial. As a part of those agreements, the Department will be able to charge reasonable fees in order to recoup some of the costs of providing the service to municipalities. 2025-01-24 Senate Journal Page 0071 Evaluating the costs of providing certain services on behalf of other jurisdictions is prudent. Allowing the Department of Corrections to continue to provide an important service while recovering some of the costs associated with providing that service is a reasonable approach, which will help ensure that this service is available for years to come. I urge your prompt and favorable action on this measure. Sincerely, /s/ Mike Dunleavy Governor SB 72 SENATE BILL NO. 72 BY THE SENATE RULES COMMITTEE BY REQUEST OF THE GOVERNOR, entitled: "An Act authorizing the Alaska Railroad Corporation to issue revenue bonds to finance the replacement of the Alaska Railroad Corporation's passenger dock and related terminal facility in Seward, Alaska; and providing for an effective date." was read the first time and referred to the Finance Committee. The following fiscal information was published today: Fiscal Note No. 1, zero, Department of Commerce, Community, and Economic Development Governor's transmittal letter dated January 23: Dear President Stevens: Under the authority of Article III, Section 18 of the Alaska Constitution, I am transmitting a bill relating to increasing the bonding authority of the Alaska Railroad Corporation to construct a new dock and terminal in Seward, Alaska. The legislature authorized $60,000,000 in bonds for this purpose during the Thirty-Second Alaska State Legislature. This bill would increase the Corporation's bonding authority to $135,000,000 in order to construct the new dock and terminal. The existing Seward dock is 2025-01-24 Senate Journal Page 0072 nearing the end of its useful life. The dock is a critical connection for hundreds of thousands of cruise passengers and visitors arriving each summer, many of whom bring tourism dollars to Alaska businesses throughout the State. Without the increase in bonding authority authorized by this bill, closure or curtailed use of the existing dock is inevitable. This is a true economic development project to both replace an existing asset and expand its capability for the future. Pursuant to the Corporation's organic statutes, legislative approval is required in order for the Corporation to issue bonds to fund this necessary and beneficial project. The contemplated bonds will be guaranteed by revenues of the Corporation and are not a liability of the State. No state dollars will be used to repay them. I urge your prompt and favorable action on this measure. Sincerely, /s/ Mike Dunleavy Governor SB 73 SENATE BILL NO. 73 BY SENATOR CLAMAN, entitled: "An Act relating to the registration of marijuana establishments; relating to a tax exemption for qualified small businesses; relating to marijuana taxes; and providing for an effective date." was read the first time and referred to the Labor and Commerce and Finance Committees. Consideration of the Calendar Citations Senator Giessel moved and asked unanimous consent the following citation be made a special order of business. Without objection, it was so ordered. 2025-01-24 Senate Journal Page 0073 Special Order of Business Honoring - Dorothy “Brownie” Thomsen Representative(s) Himschoot Senator(s) Stedman Senator Giessel moved and asked unanimous consent the citation be adopted. Without objection, the citation was adopted and referred to the Secretary for transmittal. Unfinished Business SB 15 Senator Gray-Jackson moved and asked unanimous consent to be shown as a cosponsor on SENATE BILL NO. 15 "An Act relating to the sale of alcohol; relating to the posting of warning signs for alcoholic beverages; and providing for an effective date." Without objection, it was so ordered. SB 18 Senator Gray-Jackson moved and asked unanimous consent to be shown as a cosponsor on SENATE BILL NO. 18 "An Act relating to wireless telecommunications devices in public schools; and providing for an effective date." Without objection, it was so ordered. SB 21 Senator Gray-Jackson moved and asked unanimous consent to be shown as a cosponsor on SENATE BILL NO. 21 "An Act establishing the Alaska Work and Save Program; establishing the Alaska Retirement Savings Board; and providing for an effective date." Without objection, it was so ordered. SB 22 Senator Gray-Jackson moved and asked unanimous consent to be shown as a cosponsor on SENATE BILL NO. 22 "An Act establishing a financial literacy education program for public schools; and providing for an effective date." Without objection, it was so ordered. 2025-01-24 Senate Journal Page 0074 SB 23 Senator Gray-Jackson moved and asked unanimous consent to be shown as a cosponsor on SENATE BILL NO. 23 "An Act relating to civics education, civics assessments, and secondary school graduation requirements; and providing for an effective date." Without objection, it was so ordered. SB 28 Senator Gray-Jackson moved and asked unanimous consent to be shown as a cosponsor on SENATE BILL NO. 28 "An Act relating to the Public Employees' Retirement System of Alaska and the teachers' retirement system; providing certain employees an opportunity to choose between the defined benefit and defined contribution plans of the Public Employees' Retirement System of Alaska and the teachers' retirement system; and providing for an effective date." Without objection, it was so ordered. SB 45 Senator Gray-Jackson moved and asked unanimous consent to be shown as a cosponsor on SENATE BILL NO. 45 "An Act relating to medical assistance services; relating to parity in mental health and substance use disorder coverage in the state medical assistance program; and providing for an effective date." Without objection, it was so ordered. SB 34 Senator Gray-Jackson moved and asked unanimous consent to be shown as a cosponsor on SENATE BILL NO. 34 "An Act relating to the duration of a regular session of the legislature." Without objection, it was so ordered. SJR 6 Senators Dunbar, Gray-Jackson moved and asked unanimous consent to be shown as cosponsors on SENATE JOINT RESOLUTION NO. 6 Supporting the admittance of Washington, D.C., into the Union as a state of the United States of America. Without objection, it was so ordered. 2025-01-24 Senate Journal Page 0075 Introduction of Floor Staff Senator Wielechowski, Rules Committee Chair, introduced the Chamber Staff of the first session of the Thirty-fourth Legislature: Sergeant at Arms Matt Simpson, Big Lake Assistant Sergeant at Arms Jacob Pennell, Wasilla Senate Pages Isabel Braun, Nikiski Olivia Smith, North Pole Ian D'Amore, Juneau Jubilee Henderson, Nikiski Maranatha Henderson, Nikiski Yarrow Platt, Gustavus Senator Wielechowski, Rules Committee Chair, introduced the Senate Secretary's Office staff: Catherine Hatch, Deputy Senate Secretary Brittney Cannamore, Deputy Senate Secretary Elizabeth Eilers, Deputy Senate Secretary Max Goldrich, Deputy Senate Secretary Sarah Ritter, Deputy Senate Secretary Keira Alkema, Deputy Senate Secretary, Office Manager Liz Clark, Senate Secretary Announcements Announcements are at the end of the journal. 2025-01-24 Senate Journal Page 0076 Engrossment and Enrollment SR 1 SENATE RESOLUTION NO. 1 Establishing a Senate Special Committee on Arctic Affairs, was engrossed and enrolled, signed by the President and Secretary, and the engrossed and enrolled copies transmitted to the Office of the Governor at 9:50 a.m., January 23, 2025. Senate Resolve No. 1 SR 2 SENATE RESOLUTION NO. 2 Establishing a Senate Special Committee on World Trade, was engrossed and enrolled, signed by the President and Secretary, and the engrossed and enrolled copies transmitted to the Office of the Governor at 9:50 a.m., January 23, 2025. Senate Resolve No. 2 Adjournment Senator Giessel moved and asked unanimous consent the Senate stand in adjournment until 11:00 a.m., January 27, 2025. Without objection, the Senate adjourned at 11:04 a.m. Liz Clark Secretary of the Senate 2025-01-24 Senate Journal Page 0077 Announcements Americans with Disabilities Act Notice - Persons with disabilities who require special accommodation or alternative communication formats to access committee meetings may contact the appropriate committee office or the Legislative Information Office in their community. Reasonable advance notice is needed to accommodate the request. For further information, call the ADA Coordinator at 465-3854 Voice/465-4980 TDD. STANDING COMMITTEES + indicates teleconference = indicates bill previously heard/scheduled COMMUNITY & REGIONAL AFFAIRS Jan 28 Tuesday Beltz 105 (tsbldg) 1:30 PM + Overview: Division of Community & Regional Affairs, DCCED by Sandra Moller, Division Director, DCRA + Presentation: Alaska Municipal League by Nils Andreassen, Executive Director, AML **Streamed live on AKL.tv** ---------------------------------------- EDUCATION Jan 24 Friday Beltz 105 (tsbldg) 3:30 PM No Meeting Scheduled Jan 27 Monday Beltz 105 (tsbldg) 3:30 PM + Presentation: Education funding update by Alexei Painter, Director, Legislative Finance Division Presentation: Kenai Peninsula Borough School District update by Clayton Holland, Superintendent -- Public Testimony on Alaska's education funding crisis -- **Streamed live on AKL.tv** 2025-01-24 Senate Journal Page 0078 EDUCATION (continued) Jan 29 Wednesday Beltz 105 (tsbldg) 3:30 PM + Presentation: Fairbanks North Star Borough School District update by Melissa Burnett, School Board President Luke Meinert, Superintendent Presentation: Education funding impact on Anchorage teachers by Corey Aist, President, Anchorage Education Association -- Public Testimony on the education funding crisis in Alaska -- Bills Previously Heard/Scheduled **Streamed live on AKL.tv** Jan 31 Friday Beltz 105 (tsbldg) 3:30 PM + -- Public Testimony on the education funding crisis in Alaska -- Bills Previously Heard/Scheduled **Streamed live on AKL.tv** ---------------------------------------- FINANCE Jan 24 Friday Senate Finance 532 9:00 AM + Revenue Forecast Department of Revenue **Streamed live on AKL.tv** Jan 27 Monday Senate Finance 532 9:00 AM + Overview: Governor's Proposed FY26 Budgets by Office of Management and Budget **Streamed live on AKL.tv** Jan 28 Tuesday Senate Finance 532 9:00 AM + Overview: Continued: Office of Management and Budget FY26 Budget Overview Legislative Finance Division **Streamed live on AKL.tv** 2025-01-24 Senate Journal Page 0079 FINANCE (continued) Jan 29 Wednesday Senate Finance 532 9:00 AM No Meeting Scheduled Jan 30 Thursday Senate Finance 532 9:00 AM No Meeting Scheduled Jan 31 Friday Senate Finance 532 9:00 AM + Overview: Continued: FY26 Budget Overview by Legislative Finance Division **Streamed live on AKL.tv** ---------------------------------------- HEALTH & SOCIAL SERVICES Jan 28 Tuesday Butrovich 205 3:30 PM + SB 44 MINORS & PSYCHIATRIC HOSPITALS + SB 45 MEDICAID MENTAL HEALTH PARITY -- Testimony <Invitation Only> -- **Streamed live on AKL.tv** Jan 30 Thursday Butrovich 205 3:30 PM + Presentation: Medicaid 1115 Waiver Update by Emily Ricci, Deputy Commissioner of the Department of Health and Social Services Betsy Wood, Deputy Director of the Office of Health Savings Tracy Dompeling, Director of the Division of Behavioral Health + SB 44 MINORS & PSYCHIATRIC HOSPITALS Bills Previously Heard/Scheduled -- Public Testimony -- **Streamed live on AKL.tv** ---------------------------------------- JUDICIARY Jan 24 Friday Butrovich 205 1:30 PM No Meeting Scheduled 2025-01-24 Senate Journal Page 0080 JUDICIARY (continued) Jan 27 Monday Butrovich 205 1:30 PM + SB 1 CIVIL LEGAL SERVICES FUND -- Invited & Public Testimony -- **Streamed live on AKL.tv** Jan 29 Wednesday Butrovich 205 1:30 PM + Bills Previously Heard/Scheduled **Streamed live on AKL.tv** Jan 31 Friday Butrovich 205 1:30 PM + Bills Previously Heard/Scheduled **Streamed live on AKL.tv** ---------------------------------------- LABOR & COMMERCE Jan 24 Friday Beltz 105 (tsbldg) 1:30 PM + SB 15 ALCOHOL: SALE, WARNING SIGNS -- Public Testimony <Time Limit May Be Set> -- **Streamed live on AKL.tv** Jan 27 Monday Beltz 105 (tsbldg) 1:30 PM += SB 15 ALCOHOL: SALE, WARNING SIGNS Bills Previously Heard/Scheduled **Streamed live on AKL.tv** Jan 29 Wednesday Beltz 105 (tsbldg) 1:30 PM + Overview: Department of Labor and Workforce Development Apprenticeships (Directors Dirk Craft and Paloma Harbour) Overview/Budget (Commissioner Cathy Muñoz and Director Dan DeBartolo) **Streamed live on AKL.tv** 2025-01-24 Senate Journal Page 0081 RESOURCES Jan 24 Friday Butrovich 205 3:30 PM + Presentation: Enstar: Natural Gas Update John Sims - President, Enstar Natural Gas Presentation: Alaska Energy Authority: Alaska Energy Update Curtis Thayer - Executive Director, Alaska Energy Authority **Streamed live on AKL.tv** Jan 27 Monday Butrovich 205 3:30 PM + Presentation: Wood Mackenzie Update by Costa Swift - Vice President in the Upstream and Carbon Management Consulting Team Akira Takiguchi - Managing Consultant, Americas Consulting Presentation: Alaska Gasline Development Corporation by Frank Richards **Streamed live on AKL.tv** Jan 29 Wednesday Butrovich 205 3:30 PM + Presentation: Department of Natural Resources Carbon Capture Update Presentation: Alaska Oil and Gas Conservation Commission Class VI Wells Update **Streamed live on AKL.tv** Jan 31 Friday Butrovich 205 3:30 PM + Presentation: Department of Natural Resources Leasing Issues Update Presentation: Department of Law Leasing Issues Update **Streamed live on AKL.tv** 2025-01-24 Senate Journal Page 0082 STATE AFFAIRS Jan 28 Tuesday Beltz 105 (tsbldg) 3:30 PM + SJR 7 RES. TO MAINTAIN DENALI AS OFFICIAL NAME -- Invited & Public Testimony -- + SB 31 ADDRESS CONFIDENTIALITY PROGRAM -- Invited & Public Testimony -- **Streamed live on AKL.tv** Jan 30 Thursday Beltz 105 (tsbldg) 3:30 PM + SB 64 ELECTIONS + SB 70 SCHOOL&ELECTION BDS; VOTING; ELECTIONS -- Invited & Public Testimony -- Bills Previously Heard/Scheduled **Streamed live on AKL.tv** ---------------------------------------- TRANSPORTATION Jan 28 Tuesday Butrovich 205 1:30 PM + Overview: Dept. of Transportation and Public Facilities (continued from previous meeting) by Ryan Anderson, P.E., Commissioner **Streamed live on AKL.tv** Jan 30 Thursday Butrovich 205 1:30 PM No Meeting Scheduled ---------------------------------------- SPECIAL COMMITTEES SPECIAL COMMITTEE ON ARCTIC AFFAIRS Jan 30 Thursday Beltz 105 (tsbldg) 1:30 PM + Presentation: Alaska Energy by Gwen Holdmann - Director, Alaska Center for Energy and Power **Streamed live on AKL.tv** 2025-01-24 Senate Journal Page 0083 JOINT COMMITTEES LEGISLATIVE BUDGET & AUDIT Jan 29 Wednesday Senate Finance 532 8:00 AM + I. Call to Order II. Committee Organization: Election of Chair and Vice Chair III. Approval of the Agenda IV. Approval of Minutes a. December 2, 2024 b. December 23, 2024 V. Roles and Responsibilities: Division Support for the Committee a. Alexei Painter, Legislative Fiscal Analyst, Division of Legislative Finance b. Kris Curtis, Legislative Auditor, Division of Legislative Audit VI. Revision of LBAC Handbook a. Kris Curtis, Legislative Auditor VII. Contract Approval a. IRIS/Alder Contract Extension and Assignment VIII. Executive Session a. RFP 25-33-01 Compliance Audits of Select Major Federal Programs IX. Top Audit Issues a. Kris Curtis, Legislative Auditor X. Adjourn **Streamed live on AKL.tv** ---------------------------------------- SELECT COMMITTEE ON LEGISLATIVE ETHICS Jan 31 Friday Barnes 124 8:30 AM + 1. Approval of Agenda + 2. Approval of Minutes a. House Subcommittee February 16, 2024 b. House Subcommittee November 12, 2024 + 3. Public Comment + 4. Election of Committee Chairs for 2025-2026 a. Article 3 Ethics Committee Election Procedure (Continued on Next Page) 2025-01-24 Senate Journal Page 0084 SELECT COMMITTEE ON LEGISLATIVE ETHICS (continued) (Continued from Previous Page) + 5. Chair/Staff Report a. Public Member Committee Appointment Update b. Management Log Review c. Publications i. 2022 Public Decisions Booklet - AS 24.60.150(a)(2) ii. 2022 Advisory Opinion Booklet - AS 24.60.150(a)(2) iii. 2023 Standards of Conduct Handbook - AS 24.60.150(a)(3) 6. Executive Session + 7. 2025 Ethics Training Report + 8. Budget a. FY 2025-2026 Budget + 9. Other Business (Meeting will be teleconferenced) Anchorage Only: 563-9085 Juneau Only: 586-9085 Outside Anchorage or Juneau: 1-844-586-9085 Jan 31 Friday Barnes 124 12:00 PM SENATE SUBCOMMITEE MEETING + 1. Approval of Agenda + 2. Public Comment 3. Executive Session + 4. Public Session + 5. Other Business ---------------------------------------- TASK FORCE EVAL ALASKA SEAFOOD INDUSTRY Jan 29 Wednesday Senate Finance 532 9:00 AM + Review and Adoption of Final Report, with discussion of conceptual legislation recommended -- Teleconference Listen Only -- -- Testimony <Invitation Only> -- **Streamed live on AKL.tv** Jan 30 Thursday Senate Finance 532 9:00 AM + Review and Adoption of Final Report, with discussion of conceptual legislation recommended -- Teleconference <Listen Only> -- -- Testimony <Invitation Only> -- **Streamed live on AKL.tv** 2025-01-24 Senate Journal Page 0085 OTHER MEETINGS JOINT SESSION Jan 28 Tuesday House Chamber 7:00 PM + State of the State Address by Governor Mike Dunleavy Feb 12 Wednesday House Chamber 11:00 AM + State of the Judiciary Address by Chief Justice Susan Carney Feb 20 Thursday House Chamber 11:00 AM + Annual Address by Nick Begich III, U.S. Representative Mar 18 Tuesday House Chamber 11:00 AM + Annual Address by Lisa Murkowski, U.S. Senator Mar 20 Thursday House Chamber 11:00 AM + Annual Address by Dan Sullivan, U.S. Senator ---------------------------------------- MISCELLANEOUS MEETINGS Jan 29 Wednesday Davis 106 12:00 PM Lunch & Learn Presentation: Alaska's Nonprofit Sector: Generating Economic Impact Laurie Wolf, CEO, The Foraker Group Sponsored by Senator Dunbar Jan 29 Wednesday Butrovich 205 12:00 PM Lunch & Learn Presentation: School Choice Options for Alaska Leigh Sloan, Director of Alaska School Choice Dr. Jessica Parker Dr. Matthew Baxter Sponsored by Senator Hughes 2025-01-24 Senate Journal Page 0086 MISCELLANEOUS MEETINGS (continued) Feb 05 Wednesday Butrovich 205 12:00 PM Lunch & Learn Presentation: Senior Services in Alaska Marge Stoneking, AARP Alaska Advocacy Director Marty Lange, Alaska Commission on Aging Executive Director Stephanie Wheeler, Alaska Long-term Care Ombudsman Marianne Mills, AGEnet President Sponsored by Senator Stevens