Legislature(2025 - 2026)
2025-02-07 Senate Journal
Full Journal pdf2025-02-07 Senate Journal Page 0201 SENATE JOURNAL ALASKA STATE LEGISLATURE THIRTY-FOURTH LEGISLATURE FIRST SESSION Juneau, Alaska Friday February 7, 2025 Eighteenth Day Pursuant to adjournment the Senate was called to order by President Stevens at 10:32 a.m. The roll showed nineteen members present. Senator Olson was excused from a call of the Senate. The prayer was offered by the Chaplain, Pastor Tari Stage-Harvey, Shepherd of the Valley Lutheran Church. Senator Hoffman moved and asked unanimous consent the prayer be spread. Without objection, it was so ordered. Blessed are you who gather here to do the work of our majestic and complicated state. As we end this week, may we be anchored in hope. When cynicism, anger or despair tempt us into places of dehumanizing or despising those around us, round us in trusting love. When grumpiness, irritation, and frustration threaten to consume our laughter, joy, and friendship, tether us to the heart of grace. When self-righteousness and arrogance make us dismiss the idiots around us or twist the truth to fit our agenda, humble us with the vastness of eternity. 2025-02-07 Senate Journal Page 0202 Anchor us in hope so we may do the next most faithful, the next most loving thing without being swept into the most reactive or populist thing. Anchor us in hope so we aren’t drowned in the vitriol and chaos. Anchor us in hope so we may do the work set before us today. Amen. Senator Kawasaki led the Senate in the Pledge of Allegiance. Certification Senator Giessel moved and asked unanimous consent the journals for the sixteenth and seventeenth legislative days be approved as certified by the Secretary. Without objection, it was so ordered. Communications The following reports are on file in the Office of the Secretary of the Senate: Alaska Mental Health Trust Authority 2024 Annual Report in accordance with AS 44.25.270 Department of Health Operating Grants FY 2025 in accordance with AS 18.25.110 Department of Commerce, Community, and Economic Development Alaska Minerals Commission Annual Report January 2025 in accordance with AS 44.33.431 Notice of Availability: Department of Education & Early Development Alaska's Public Schools: A Report Card to the Public 2023 - 2024 in accordance with AS 14.03.120 2025-02-07 Senate Journal Page 0203 Standing Committee Reports SB 14 The Labor and Commerce Committee considered SENATE BILL NO. 14 "An Act relating to the Alaska Industrial Development and Export Authority; and relating to workforce housing development projects." Signing do pass: Senator Bjorkman, Chair; Senators Dunbar, Merrick, Gray-Jackson, Yundt. The following fiscal information was published today: Fiscal Note No. 1, zero, Department of Commerce, Community, and Economic Development The bill was referred to the Finance Committee. SB 44 The Health and Social Services Committee considered SENATE BILL NO. 44 "An Act relating to the rights of minors undergoing evaluation or inpatient treatment at psychiatric hospitals; relating to the use of seclusion or restraint of minors at psychiatric hospitals; relating to a report published by the Department of Health; relating to inspections by the Department of Health of certain psychiatric hospitals; and providing for an effective date" and recommended it be replaced with CS FOR SENATE BILL NO. 44(HSS) Signing do pass: Senator Dunbar, Chair; Senators Claman, Giessel. The following fiscal information was published today: Fiscal Note No. 1, Department of Health Fiscal Note No. 2, zero, Department of Family and Community Services Fiscal Note No. 3, zero, Department of Family and Community Services The bill was referred to the Finance Committee. 2025-02-07 Senate Journal Page 0204 SB 87 Senator Wielechowski, Chair, moved and asked unanimous consent SENATE BILL NO. 87 "An Act disapproving the recommendations of the State Officers Compensation Commission; and providing for an effective date" be waived from the Rules Committee. Without objection, it was so ordered. The bill is on today's calendar. Introduction and Reference of Senate Bills SB 89 SENATE BILL NO. 89 BY SENATOR TOBIN, entitled: "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." was read the first time and referred to the Health and Social Services and Labor and Commerce Committees. Consideration of the Calendar Second Reading of Senate Bills SB 15 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" was read the second time. President Stevens stated SENATE BILL NO. 15 will advance to third reading on the February 10 calendar. 2025-02-07 Senate Journal Page 0205 SB 87 SENATE BILL NO. 87 "An Act disapproving the recommendations of the State Officers Compensation Commission; and providing for an effective date" was read the second time. Senator Wielechowski moved and asked unanimous consent the following fiscal information be adopted: Fiscal Note No. 1, zero, Legislative Agency Without objection, Fiscal Note No. 1 was adopted. Senator Giessel moved and asked unanimous consent the bill be considered engrossed, advanced to third reading and placed on final passage. Without objection, it was so ordered. SENATE BILL NO. 87 was read the third time. The question being: "Shall SENATE BILL NO. 87 "An Act disapproving the recommendations of the State Officers Compensation Commission; and providing for an effective date" pass the Senate?" The roll was taken with the following result: SB 87 Third Reading - Final Passage Effective Date(s) YEAS: 19 NAYS: 0 EXCUSED: 1 ABSENT: 0 Yeas: Bjorkman, Claman, Cronk, Dunbar, Giessel, Gray-Jackson, Hoffman, Hughes, Kaufman, Kawasaki, Kiehl, Merrick, Myers, Shower, Stedman, Stevens, Tobin, Wielechowski, Yundt Excused: Olson and so, SENATE BILL NO. 87 passed the Senate. Senator Giessel moved and asked unanimous consent the vote on the passage of the bill be considered the vote on the effective date clause(s). Without objection, it was so ordered and the bill was referred to the Secretary for engrossment. 2025-02-07 Senate Journal Page 0206 Third Reading of House Resolutions HJR 4 CS FOR HOUSE JOINT RESOLUTION NO. 4(RLS) Urging the President of the United States, the United States Secretary of the Interior, the United States Board on Geographic Names, and the members of the state's delegation in Congress to maintain Denali as the official name for the tallest mountain in North America, was read the third time. The question being: "Shall CS FOR HOUSE JOINT RESOLUTION NO. 4(RLS) Urging the President of the United States, the United States Secretary of the Interior, the United States Board on Geographic Names, and the members of the state's delegation in Congress to maintain Denali as the official name for the tallest mountain in North America, pass the Senate?" The roll was taken with the following result: CSHJR 4(RLS) Third Reading - Final Passage YEAS: 19 NAYS: 0 EXCUSED: 1 ABSENT: 0 Yeas: Bjorkman, Claman, Cronk, Dunbar, Giessel, Gray-Jackson, Hoffman, Hughes, Kaufman, Kawasaki, Kiehl, Merrick, Myers, Shower, Stedman, Stevens, Tobin, Wielechowski, Yundt Excused: Olson and so, CS FOR HOUSE JOINT RESOLUTION NO. 4(RLS) passed the Senate, was signed by the President and Secretary and returned to the House. Citations Honoring - Linda Jo Klapperich Representative(s) Johnson Senator(s) Hughes Senator Giessel moved and asked unanimous consent the citation be adopted. Without objection, the citation was adopted and referred to the Secretary for transmittal. 2025-02-07 Senate Journal Page 0207 Senator Giessel moved and asked unanimous consent the following citation be made a special order of business. Without objection, it was so ordered. Special Order of Business Honoring - Katherine “Kathy” Yarrow Representative(s) Carrick, Dibert Senator(s) Kawasaki 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 89 Senators Gray-Jackson, Giessel moved and asked unanimous consent to be shown as cosponsors on SENATE BILL NO. 89 "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." Without objection, it was so ordered. Senator Kawasaki moved and asked unanimous consent to be excused from a call of the Senate on February 21 and February 22. Without objection, Senator Kawasaki was excused. SB 16 President Stevens removed the State Affairs Committee referral from SENATE BILL NO. 16 "An Act relating to a simplified rate filing procedure for refuse utility rate adjustments; relating to Regulatory Commission of Alaska regulations regarding refuse utilities; and providing for an effective date." 2025-02-07 Senate Journal Page 0208 President Stevens added a Community and Regional Affairs Committee referral to the bill. The bill is in the Labor and Commerce Committee. Senator Hoffman moved and asked unanimous consent to be excused from a call of the Senate on February 14. Without objection, Senator Hoffman was excused. Announcements Announcements are at the end of the journal. Engrossment SB 87 SENATE BILL NO. 87 "An Act disapproving the recommendations of the State Officers Compensation Commission; and providing for an effective date" was engrossed, signed by the President and Secretary and transmitted to the House for consideration. Adjournment Senator Giessel moved and asked unanimous consent the Senate stand in adjournment until 11:00 a.m., February 10, 2025. Without objection, the Senate adjourned at 11:01 a.m. Liz Clark Secretary of the Senate 2025-02-07 Senate Journal Page 0209 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 Feb 11 Tuesday Beltz 105 (tsbldg) 1:30 PM += SB 50 MUNICIPAL COMPREHENSIVE PLANS: HOUSING -- Public Testimony <Time Limit May Be Set> -- + SB 63 LOCAL BOUNDARY COMMISSION -- Invited & Public Testimony -- **Streamed live on AKL.tv** ---------------------------------------- EDUCATION Feb 07 Friday Beltz 105 (tsbldg) 3:30 PM No Meeting Scheduled Feb 10 Monday Davis 106 8:00 AM -- Please Note Time & Location Change -- -- Testimony <Invitation Only> -- + Meeting jointly with the House Education Committee Presentation: Testimony from Alaska's Public Schools by School board members and students participating in the annual fly-in of the Association of Alaska School Boards Bills Previously Heard/Scheduled **Streamed live on AKL.tv** 2025-02-07 Senate Journal Page 0210 EDUCATION (continued) Feb 12 Wednesday Beltz 105 (tsbldg) 3:30 PM + SB 41 PUBLIC SCHOOLS: MENTAL HEALTH EDUCATION -- Testimony <Invitation Only> -- + SB 22 FINANCIAL LITERACY PROGRAM IN SCHOOLS -- Testimony <Invitation Only> -- + SB 23 CIVICS EDUCATION -- Testimony <Invitation Only> -- Bills Previously Heard/Scheduled **Streamed live on AKL.tv** Feb 14 Friday Beltz 105 (tsbldg) 3:30 PM + Presentation: Alaska's per pupil spending in context: 2022 and 2023 updates Matthew Berman, Professor of Economics, Institute of Social and Economic Research Bills Previously Heard/Scheduled **Streamed live on AKL.tv** ---------------------------------------- FINANCE Feb 07 Friday Senate Finance 532 9:00 AM + Overview: Saving, Reserves, and Investment Funds Department of Revenue **Streamed live on AKL.tv** Feb 10 Monday Senate Finance 532 9:00 AM + Presentation: Alaska Gasline Development Corporation **Streamed live on AKL.tv** Feb 11 Tuesday Senate Finance 532 9:00 AM + Presentation: Alaska Permanent Fund Corporation **Streamed live on AKL.tv** Feb 12 Wednesday Senate Finance 532 9:00 AM + SB 56 APPROP: OPERATING BUDGET; CAP; SUPP + SB 58 APPROP: MENTAL HEALTH BUDGET Overview: Letters of Agreement Office of Management and Budget **Streamed live on AKL.tv** 2025-02-07 Senate Journal Page 0211 FINANCE (continued) Feb 13 Thursday Senate Finance 532 9:00 AM + Presentation: Order of Operations Department of Revenue **Streamed live on AKL.tv** Feb 14 Friday Senate Finance 532 9:00 AM No Meeting Scheduled ---------------------------------------- HEALTH & SOCIAL SERVICES Feb 11 Tuesday Butrovich 205 3:30 PM + SB 60 ESTABLISH ME/CHRONIC FATIGUE SYNDROME DAY -- Testimony <Invitation Only> -- + SB 83 TELEHEALTH REIMBURSEMENT RATES -- Testimony <Invitation Only> -- Bills Previously Heard/Scheduled **Streamed live on AKL.tv** Feb 13 Thursday Butrovich 205 3:30 PM + Presentation: Governor’s Council on Disabilities and Special Education Bills Previously Heard/Scheduled **Streamed live on AKL.tv** ---------------------------------------- JUDICIARY Feb 07 Friday Butrovich 205 1:30 PM -- MEETING CANCELED -- + Bills Previously Heard/Scheduled **Streamed live on AKL.tv** Feb 10 Monday Butrovich 205 1:30 PM No Meeting Scheduled Feb 12 Wednesday Butrovich 205 1:30 PM += SB 69 SEXUAL ASSAULT EXAMINATION KITS/TRACKING -- Public Testimony <Time Limit May Be Set> -- Bills Previously Heard/Scheduled **Streamed live on AKL.tv** 2025-02-07 Senate Journal Page 0212 JUDICIARY (continued) Feb 14 Friday Butrovich 205 1:30 PM Bills Previously Heard/Scheduled **Streamed live on AKL.tv** ---------------------------------------- LABOR & COMMERCE Feb 07 Friday Beltz 105 (tsbldg) 1:30 PM + SB 80 EXTEND BOARDS -- Testimony <Invitation Only> -- + SB 79 PAYMENT OF WAGES; PAYROLL CARD ACCOUNT -- Testimony <Invitation Only> -- + SB 77 PERM FUND; EMPLOYMENT; ELIGIBILITY -- Public Testimony <Time Limit May Be Set> -- **Streamed live on AKL.tv** Feb 10 Monday Beltz 105 (tsbldg) 1:30 PM += SB 73 MARIJUANA: TAX/REGISTRATION; INCOME TAX -- Public Testimony <Time Limit May Be Set> -- + SB 11 FLOOD INSURANCE -- Testimony <Invitation Only> -- + SB 17 CRIME COUNTERFEIT/NONFUNCTIONING AIRBAG -- Testimony <Invitation Only> -- **Streamed live on AKL.tv** Feb 12 Wednesday Beltz 105 (tsbldg) 1:30 PM += SB 80 EXTEND BOARDS -- Public Testimony <Time Limit May Be Set> -- += SB 79 PAYMENT OF WAGES; PAYROLL CARD ACCOUNT -- Public Testimony <Time Limit May Be Set> -- + SB 55 TRS CONTR RATE; PERS/TRS SOC SECUR OR SBS -- Testimony <Invitation Only> -- **Streamed live on AKL.tv** Feb 14 Friday Beltz 105 (tsbldg) 1:30 PM No Meeting Scheduled 2025-02-07 Senate Journal Page 0213 RESOURCES Feb 07 Friday Butrovich 205 3:30 PM + SB 75 TIMBER MANAGEMENT LEASES -- Testimony <Invitation Only> -- + SB 67 PROCURE PREF: AGRIC. & FISH PRODUCTS -- Testimony <Invitation Only> -- Bills Previously Heard/Scheduled **Streamed live on AKL.tv** Feb 10 Monday Butrovich 205 3:30 PM -- Continued from 01/27/25 -- + Presentation: Alaska Gasline Development Corporation Frank Richards - President, Alaska Gasline Development Corporation Bills Previously Heard/Scheduled -- Invited & Public Testimony -- **Streamed live on AKL.tv** Feb 12 Wednesday Butrovich 205 3:30 PM + EO 136 ESTABLISH DEPT. OF AGRICULTURE -- Testimony <Invitation Only> -- Bills Previously Heard/Scheduled -- Invited & Public Testimony -- **Streamed live on AKL.tv** Feb 14 Friday Butrovich 205 3:30 PM + Presentation: Alaska Industrial Development and Export Authority Randy Ruaro - Executive Director, AIDEA Bills Previously Heard/Scheduled -- Invited & Public Testimony -- **Streamed live on AKL.tv** ---------------------------------------- STATE AFFAIRS Feb 11 Tuesday Beltz 105 (tsbldg) 3:30 PM + Bills Previously Heard/Scheduled **Streamed live on AKL.tv** 2025-02-07 Senate Journal Page 0214 STATE AFFAIRS (continued) Feb 13 Thursday Beltz 105 (tsbldg) 3:30 PM + Presentation: Department of Corrections Overview April Wilkerson, Deputy Commissioner of Pretrial, Probation, Parole and Operations Bills Previously Heard/Scheduled **Streamed live on AKL.tv** ---------------------------------------- TRANSPORTATION Feb 11 Tuesday Butrovich 205 1:30 PM += SB 47 CHUGACH STATE PARK EASEMENTS -- Public Testimony -- Presentation: Federal and State Funding Katherine Keith, Deputy Commissioner Dom Pannone, Director of Program Management & Administration **Streamed live on AKL.tv** Feb 13 Thursday Butrovich 205 1:30 PM + Presentation: STIP Update and Construction Outlook Ryan Anderson, Commissioner Katherine Keith, Deputy Commissioner **Streamed live on AKL.tv** ---------------------------------------- SPECIAL COMMITTEES SPECIAL COMMITTEE ON ARCTIC AFFAIRS Feb 13 Thursday Beltz 105 (tsbldg) 1:30 PM + Presentation: Farming in the north: Partnering research and industry for Alaska Jodie Anderson - Director, Institute of Agriculture, Natural Resources and Extension Scott Mugrage - President, Alaska Farm Bureau Amy Seitz - Policy Director, Alaska Farm Bureau Rita Jo Shoultz - Secretary/Treasurer, Alaska Farm Bureau Ken Hoffman - Alaska Farm Bureau **Streamed live on AKL.tv** 2025-02-07 Senate Journal Page 0215 JOINT COMMITTEES LEGISLATIVE COUNCIL Feb 12 Wednesday Adams 519 5:15 PM -- Teleconference <Listen Only> -- -- Testimony <Invitation Only> -- I. Call to Order II. Committee Organization a. Election of the Chair b. Election of the Vice Chair III. Approval of the Agenda IV. Committee Policies a. Quorum and Voting Requirements b. Alternate Members c. Sanctioning of Charitable Events Policy i. Ratifications one. Juneau Dance Theater Gala two. Juneau Animal Rescue Fundraiser d. Subcommittees Policy i. IT Subcommittee V. Approval of Minutes a. December 12, 2024, Minutes VI. Committee Business a. FY24 Legislature Audit b. 2025 Manual of Legislative Drafting c. Janus Litigation Contract - Amendment No. 1 d. FY26 Legislative Council Budget Request e. Committee Records Archiving Policy VII. Adjourn **Streamed live on AKL.tv** ---------------------------------------- OTHER MEETINGS JOINT SESSION Feb 12 Wednesday House Chamber 11:00 AM + State of the Judiciary Address by Chief Justice Susan Carney 2025-02-07 Senate Journal Page 0216 JOINT SESSION (continued) 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 Feb 11 Tuesday Butrovich 205 12:00 PM Lunch & Learn Presentation: AK LNG Project Update and Introduction to Glenfarne Alaska Gasline Development Corporation Sponsored by Senator Bjorkman Feb 19 Wednesday Butrovich 205 12:00 PM Lunch & Learn Presentation: Covenant House Alaska Sponsored by Senator Tobin Feb 19 Wednesday Davis 106 12:00 PM Lunch & Learn Presentation: Dock Talk: The Work of Alaska Longshoremen Dennis Young, President, ILWU Jesse Groom, Vice President, ILWU Darryl Tseu, Secretary/Treasurer, ILWU Caleb Adelmann, SC Committeeman, ILWU Travis Swangel, SW Committeeman, ILWU Sponsored by Senator Kiehl and Representative Fields Feb 24 Monday Butrovich 205 12:00 PM Lunch & Learn Presentation: Alaska Trucking Association Priorities Jamie Benson, President/CEO Sponsored by Senator Bjorkman and Representative Carrick 2025-02-07 Senate Journal Page 0217 MISCELLANEOUS MEETINGS (continued) Feb 26 Wednesday Butrovich 205 12:00 PM Lunch & Learn Presentation: 2025 Report Card for Alaska's Infrastructure American Society of Civil Engineers - Alaska Section as part of the Alaska Professional Design Council annual Legislative Fly-In David Gamez, Tor Anderzen, Greg Kinney Sponsored by Senator Kaufman