Legislature(2025 - 2026)
2025-02-12 Senate Journal
Full Journal pdf2025-02-12 Senate Journal Page 0239 SENATE JOURNAL ALASKA STATE LEGISLATURE THIRTY-FOURTH LEGISLATURE FIRST SESSION Juneau, Alaska Wednesday February 12, 2025 Twenty-third Day Pursuant to adjournment the Senate was called to order by President Stevens at 10:46 a.m. The roll showed eighteen members present. Senator Olson was excused from a call of the Senate. Senator Dunbar was absent. The prayer was sung by the Chaplain, Reverend Bobby Lewis, New Light Baptist Church of Harlem, New York. Senator Hoffman moved and asked unanimous consent the prayer be spread. Without objection, it was so ordered. God bless America, land that I love Stand beside her and guide her Through the night with the light from above From the mountains to the prairies To the oceans white with foam God bless America, my home sweet home God bless America, my home sweet home Amen. Senator Merrick led the Senate in the Pledge of Allegiance. Certification Senator Giessel moved and asked unanimous consent the journals for the twenty-first and twenty-second legislative days be approved as certified by the Secretary. Without objection, it was so ordered. 2025-02-12 Senate Journal Page 0240 Senator Giessel moved and asked unanimous consent Senator Dunbar be excused from a call of the Senate today. Without objection, Senator Dunbar was excused. Communications The following reports are on file in the Office of the Secretary of the Senate: Department of Education and Early Development State Board of Education and Early Development Annual Report January 2025 in accordance with AS 14.07.168 Correspondence School Reporting in accordance with ch. 47, SLA 2024 Legislative Finance Division Inactive State Funds Report FY 2026 in accordance with AS 24.20.231 Department of Labor and Workforce Development Technical and Vocational Education Program Report State Fiscal Year 2024 in accordance with AS 23.15.835 Department of Environmental Conservation Annual Loan Fund Report FY 2024 Alaska Drinking Water and Clean Water Funds in accordance with AS 37.05.035 and AS 46.03.032 Alaska Court System Annual Report FY 2024 in accordance with AS 22.20.310 2025-02-12 Senate Journal Page 0241 Standing Committee Reports SB 50 The Community and Regional Affairs Committee considered SENATE BILL NO. 50 "An Act relating to the comprehensive plans of first and second class boroughs" and recommended it be replaced with CS FOR SENATE BILL NO. 50(CRA) Signing no recommendation: Senator Merrick, Chair; Senator Yundt. Signing do pass: Senators Dunbar, Gray-Jackson. 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 Labor and Commerce Committee. SB 73 The Labor and Commerce Committee considered SENATE BILL NO. 73 "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." Signing do pass: Senator Bjorkman, Chair; Senator Gray-Jackson. Signing no recommendation: Senators Merrick, Yundt. Signing amend: Senator Dunbar. The following fiscal information was published today: Fiscal Note No. 1, Department of Commerce, Community, and Economic Development. Fiscal Note No. 2, Department of Corrections Fiscal Note No. 3, Department of Health Fiscal Note No. 4, Department of Health Fiscal Note No. 5, Department of Health Fiscal Note No. 6, Department of Revenue Fiscal Note No. 7, Department of Public Safety The bill was referred to the Finance Committee. 2025-02-12 Senate Journal Page 0242 Introduction and Reference of Senate Bills SB 93 SENATE BILL NO. 93 BY SENATOR TOBIN, entitled: "An Act relating to district-wide early education programs; and providing for an effective date." was read the first time and referred to the Education and Finance Committees. SB 94 SENATE BILL NO. 94 was not introduced. SB 95 SENATE BILL NO. 95 BY THE SENATE RULES COMMITTEE, entitled: "An Act relating to the child care assistance program and the child care grant program; and providing for an effective date." was read the first time and referred to the Health and Social Services and Finance Committees. SB 96 SENATE BILL NO. 96 BY THE SENATE RULES COMMITTEE, entitled: "An Act relating to education tax credits for certain payments and contributions for child care and child care facilities; relating to the insurance tax education credit, the income tax education credit, the oil or gas producer education credit, the property tax education credit, the mining business education credit, the fisheries business education credit, and the fisheries resource landing tax education credit; providing for an effective date by amending the effective date of secs. 1, 2, and 21, ch. 61, SLA 2014; and providing for an effective date." was read the first time and referred to the Labor and Commerce and Finance Committees. 2025-02-12 Senate Journal Page 0243 SB 97 SENATE BILL NO. 97 BY THE SENATE RULES COMMITTEE, entitled: "An Act establishing a big game guide concession area permit program on land in the state; relating to the duties of the Big Game Commercial Services Board, the Board of Game, the Department of Fish and Game, and the Department of Natural Resources; requiring the Board of Game to establish an initial big game guide concession area; and providing for an effective date." was read the first time and referred to the Resources and Finance Committees. SB 98 SENATE BILL NO. 98 BY THE SENATE LABOR AND COMMERCE COMMITTEE, entitled: "An Act extending the termination date of the Board of Veterinary Examiners; 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 Honoring - North Pole High School Girls Flag Football Champions Representative(s) Prax Senator(s) Myers Honoring - Chris Graeber Representative(s) Tilton, McCabe In Memoriam - Dane Ferguson Representative(s) Tilton, Saddler 2025-02-12 Senate Journal Page 0244 In Memoriam - Terry Dean Fouts Representative(s) Tilton, McCabe Senator Giessel moved and asked unanimous consent the citations be adopted. Without objection, the citations were adopted and referred to the Secretary for transmittal. Unfinished Business SB 9 Senator Giessel moved and asked unanimous consent to be shown as a cosponsor on SENATE BILL NO. 9 "An Act relating to the surrender of infants; and providing for an effective date." Without objection, it was so ordered. SB 93 Senator Gray-Jackson moved and asked unanimous consent to be shown as a cosponsor on SENATE BILL NO. 93 "An Act relating to district-wide early education programs; and providing for an effective date." Without objection, it was so ordered. Recess Senator Giessel moved and asked unanimous consent the Senate stand in recess to the Joint Session. Without objection, the Senate recessed at 10:57 a.m. After Recess Joint Session in the House Speaker Edgmon called the House to order and in accordance with Uniform Rule 51 turned the gavel over to President Stevens, who called the Joint Session to order at 11:09 a.m. The purpose of the Joint Session was to hear Chief Justice Susan M. Carney's State of the Judiciary Address. 2025-02-12 Senate Journal Page 0245 Senator Giessel moved and asked unanimous consent the roll call of the Senate be waived and all members be shown as present. Without objection, it was so ordered. Representative Kopp moved and asked unanimous consent the roll call of the House be waived and all members be shown as present. Without objection, it was so ordered. President Stevens appointed Senator Claman and Representative Gray to escort Chief Justice Susan M. Carney to the Joint Session. The Senate Sergeant at Arms, Matt Simpson, announced Chief Justice Carney's entrance to the House Chamber. Chief Justice Carney was escorted to the rostrum and welcomed by President Stevens and Speaker Edgmon. Chief Justice Carney delivered her address. This address appears in House and Senate Joint Journal Supplement No. 3. The Chief Justice received a standing ovation. Senator Giessel moved and asked unanimous consent the Joint Session stand in adjournment. Without objection, President Stevens adjourned the Joint Session at 11:42 a.m. After Recess In The Senate The Senate reconvened at 11:46 a.m. Announcements Announcements are at the end of the journal. 2025-02-12 Senate Journal Page 0246 Adjournment Senator Giessel moved and asked unanimous consent the Senate stand in adjournment until 10:30 a.m., February 14, 2025. Without objection, the Senate adjourned at 11:46 a.m. Liz Clark Secretary of the Senate 2025-02-12 Senate Journal Page 0247 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 EDUCATION 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** 2025-02-12 Senate Journal Page 0248 FINANCE 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 Legislative Finance Division Office of Management and Budget -- Continued from 02/10/25 -- + Presentation: Alaska Gasline Development Corporation (AGDC) **Streamed live on AKL.tv** 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 13 Thursday Butrovich 205 3:30 PM + Presentation: Governor’s Council on Disabilities and Special Education += SB 76 COMPLEX CARE RESIDENTIAL HOMES -- Invited & Public Testimony -- Bills Previously Heard/Scheduled **Streamed live on AKL.tv** ---------------------------------------- JUDICIARY 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** 2025-02-12 Senate Journal Page 0249 JUDICIARY (continued) Feb 14 Friday Butrovich 205 1:30 PM Bills Previously Heard/Scheduled **Streamed live on AKL.tv** ---------------------------------------- LABOR & COMMERCE 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 ---------------------------------------- RESOURCES 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** 2025-02-12 Senate Journal Page 0250 STATE AFFAIRS 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 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** 2025-02-12 Senate Journal Page 0251 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 2025-02-12 Senate Journal Page 0252 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 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 2025-02-12 Senate Journal Page 0253 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 Mar 19 Wednesday Butrovich 205 12:00 PM Lunch & Learn Presentation: Alaska Travel and Tourism Alaska Travel Industry Association Sponsored by Senator Merrick Mar 31 Monday Butrovich 205 12:00 PM Lunch & Learn Presentation: Alaska's Workforce Future Alaska Workforce Alliance Jose Owens, American Marine International Carol Wren, BBNC and AWA Executive Director Sponsored by Senator Merrick Apr 09 Wednesday Butrovich 205 12:00 PM Lunch & Learn Presentation: Alaska Commission of Postsecondary Education Sponsored by Senator Tobin