Legislature(2025 - 2026)
2025-02-19 Senate Journal
Full Journal pdf2025-02-19 Senate Journal Page 0295 SENATE JOURNAL ALASKA STATE LEGISLATURE THIRTY-FOURTH LEGISLATURE FIRST SESSION Juneau, Alaska Wednesday February 19, 2025 Thirtieth Day Pursuant to adjournment the Senate was called to order by President Stevens at 11:01 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, Major Petr Janousek, The Salvation Army. Senator Hoffman moved and asked unanimous consent the prayer be spread. Without objection, it was so ordered. Gracious God, Thank you for all your blessings which you are giving us every day. May our eyes be open to see it. Thank you for all the gifts, talents, skills and experiences we gather through our lives, may we use them all according to your will. And thank you Lord for who we are, may we always walk in your ways. And may we be inspired by the words of the founder of The Salvation Army, Catherine Booth when she said "…what the law tried to do by a restraining power from without, the gospel does by an inspiring power from within." Dear Jesus, may our hearts be filled with your love and compassion, so that we can be inspiration and shine into the darkness around us. In your precious name I pray, Amen. 2025-02-19 Senate Journal Page 0296 Senator Tobin led the Senate in the Pledge of Allegiance. Certification Senator Giessel moved and asked unanimous consent the journals for the twenty-eighth and twenty-ninth legislative days be approved as certified by the Secretary. Without objection, it was so ordered. Messages from the House Message dated February 17 was read stating the House passed and transmitted for consideration: First Reading and Reference of House Bills HB 65 HOUSE BILL NO. 65 BY REPRESENTATIVES STUTES, Tomaszewski, Prax, Galvin, Saddler, Bynum, Elam, McCabe, Costello, Schrage, Nelson, Josephson, Rauscher, 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. Communications The following reports are on file in the Office of the Secretary of the Senate: Department of Education and Early Development Annual Report February 14, 2025 in accordance with AS 14.03.078 2025-02-19 Senate Journal Page 0297 Alaska State Commission for Human Rights 2024 Annual Report in accordance with AS 18.80.150 Standing Committee Reports SB 17 The Labor and Commerce Committee considered SENATE BILL NO. 17 "An Act establishing the crime of airbag fraud." Signing do pass: Senator Bjorkman, Chair; Senators Dunbar, Gray- Jackson. Signing no recommendation: Senators Merrick, Yundt. The following fiscal information was published today: Fiscal Note No. 1, zero, Alaska Judiciary System Fiscal Note No. 2, zero, Department of Administration Fiscal Note No. 3, zero, Department of Administration Fiscal Note No. 4, zero, Department of Corrections Fiscal Note No. 5, zero, Department of Public Safety Fiscal Note No. 6, zero, Department of Law The bill was referred to the Judiciary Committee. SB 29 The Resources Committee considered SENATE BILL NO. 29 "An Act relating to an executive administrator for the Big Game Commercial Services Board." Signing do pass: Senator Giessel, Chair; Senators Hughes, Dunbar, Claman, Wielechowski. Signing no recommendation: Senators Kawasaki, Myers. The following fiscal information was published today: Fiscal Note No. 1, Department of Commerce, Community, and Economic Development The bill was referred to the Finance Committee. 2025-02-19 Senate Journal Page 0298 SB 30 The Resources Committee considered SENATE BILL NO. 30 "An Act making certain veterans eligible for a lifetime permit to access state park campsites and the parking and restrooms of developed facilities without charge; and providing for an effective date" and recommended it be replaced with CS FOR SENATE BILL NO. 30(RES) Signing do pass: Senator Giessel, Chair; Senators Hughes, Dunbar, Claman, Wielechowski. Signing no recommendation: Senators Kawasaki, Myers. The following fiscal information was published today: Fiscal Note No. 1, Department of Natural Resources The bill was referred to the Finance Committee. SB 31 The State Affairs Committee considered SENATE BILL NO. 31 "An Act relating to the duties of the Department of Administration; creating an address confidentiality program; and providing for an effective date" and recommended it be replaced with CS FOR SENATE BILL NO. 31(STA) "An Act creating and relating to the address confidentiality program; and providing for an effective date." Signing amend: Senator Kawasaki, Chair. Signing do pass: Senators Wielechowski, Gray-Jackson, Bjorkman, Yundt. The following fiscal information was published today: Fiscal Note No. 1, zero, Department of Public Safety Fiscal Note No. 2, zero, Department of Public Safety Fiscal Note No. 3, zero, Department of Public Safety Fiscal Note No. 4, Department of Administration The bill was referred to the Finance Committee. 2025-02-19 Senate Journal Page 0299 SB 63 The Community and Regional Affairs Committee considered SENATE BILL NO. 63 "An Act relating to the Local Boundary Commission; and providing for an effective date." Signing do pass: Senator Merrick, Chair; Senators Dunbar, Gray- Jackson, Yundt. The following fiscal information was published today: Fiscal Note No. 1, Department of Commerce, Community, and Economic Development President Stevens removed the State Affairs Committee referral from the bill. President Stevens added a Finance Committee referral to the bill. The bill was referred to the Finance Committee. SB 76 The Health and Social Services Committee considered SENATE BILL NO. 76 "An Act relating to complex care residential homes; and providing for an effective date." Signing do pass: Senator Dunbar, Chair; Senators Hughes, Claman, Giessel. The following previously published fiscal information applies: Fiscal Note No. 1, Department of Health Fiscal Note No. 2, Department of Health Fiscal Note No. 3, zero, Department of Health The bill was referred to the Finance Committee. 2025-02-19 Senate Journal Page 0300 Introduction and Reference of Senate Resolutions SJR 9 SENATE JOINT RESOLUTION NO. 9 BY THE SENATE SPECIAL COMMITTEE ON ARCTIC AFFAIRS, Recognizing and honoring the relationship between Canada and Alaska; and recognizing the importance of the United States-Mexico-Canada Agreement negotiated by President Donald J. Trump in October of 2018. was read the first time and referred to the Senate Special Committee on Arctic Affairs. Introduction and Reference of Senate Bills SB 62 SPONSOR SUBSTITUTE FOR 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 102 SENATE BILL NO. 102 BY THE SENATE STATE AFFAIRS COMMITTEE, entitled: "An Act exempting the state from daylight saving time; and providing for an effective date." was read the first time and referred to the Community and Regional Affairs and State Affairs Committees. 2025-02-19 Senate Journal Page 0301 SB 103 SENATE BILL NO. 103 BY SENATOR GRAY-JACKSON, entitled: "An Act relating to certified nurse aide training; and providing for an effective date." was read the first time and referred to the Labor and Commerce and Finance Committees. SB 104 SENATE BILL NO. 104 BY SENATOR KAWASAKI, entitled: "An Act relating to the transfer of a title on the death of the owner; and providing for an effective date." was read the first time and referred to the Transportation and State Affairs Committees. SB 105 SENATE BILL NO. 105 BY THE SENATE RULES COMMITTEE BY REQUEST OF THE GOVERNOR, entitled: "An Act relating to the lease and sale of state land for recreational cabin sites; 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, Department of Natural Resources Governor's transmittal letter dated February 18: Dear President Stevens: Under the authority of Article III, Section 18 of the Alaska Constitution, I am pleased to transmit this bill concerning the lease and sale of state land for cabin sites. 2025-02-19 Senate Journal Page 0302 Currently, only one percent of state land is in private ownership. This bill allows more Alaskans to lease and purchase state land for cabin sites, promoting settlement, fostering economic growth, and reflecting the principle that private land ownership is fundamental to personal freedom and prosperity. This legislation refines the existing remote cabin sites program by updating eligibility requirements and establishing clear processes for nominating and staking cabin sites. The bill allows for an eligible applicant to nominate up to ten acres of available state land for a cabin site if that land is not included in the schedule of land offerings. Purchasers must complete a survey and appraisal of the site and pay its fair market value. By expanding Alaskans' access to state land, this bill strengthens private land ownership and invests in Alaska's future. I urge your prompt and favorable action on this measure. Sincerely, /s/ Mike Dunleavy Governor SB 106 SENATE BILL NO. 106 was not introduced. SB 107 SENATE BILL NO. 107 BY SENATOR HUGHES, entitled: "An Act establishing a violation for hindering the Alaska Sunset Commission; establishing the Alaska Sunset Commission to review, audit, and make recommendations on discontinuation of or changes to state entities; and relating to the powers and duties of the Alaska Sunset Commission." was read the first time and referred to the State Affairs and Finance Committees. 2025-02-19 Senate Journal Page 0303 Consideration of the Calendar Citations Honoring - 2025 Alaska Business Hall of Fame Laureates Senator(s) Kaufman, Cronk Representative(s) Coulombe In Memoriam - Lindley Harris “Ketch” Ketchum Senator(s) Giessel 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 President Stevens made the following appointments: Alaska Commission on Postsecondary Education Senator Tobin Alaska Aerospace Corporation Board of Directors Senator Stevens Alaska Seafood Marketing Institute Board of Directors Senator Hoffman Senator Stedman Senator Stevens Senator Kawasaki, alternate Citizens' Advisory Commission on Federal Areas Senator Giessel Governor's Advisory Council on Opioid Remediation Senator Claman Governor’s Council on Human and Sex Trafficking Senator Kiehl 2025-02-19 Senate Journal Page 0304 Renewable Energy Fund Advisory Committee Senator Stedman Statewide Broadband Advisory Board Senator Hoffman Senator Dunbar, alternate Statewide Suicide Prevention Council Senator Gray-Jackson Education Commission of the States Senator Stevens Alaska Gasline Development Corporation Senator Giessel, legislative liaison Energy Council Executive Committee Senator Stedman Senator Giessel Energy Council Senator Kawasaki Center for Legislative Energy and Environmental Research Board of Directors Senator Giessel Pacific Northwest Economic Region Delegate Council Senator Giessel Senator Kiehl Senator Olson, alternate Western Interstate Commission for Higher Education Legislative Advisory Committee Senator Tobin State Legislative Leaders Foundation Board of Directors Senator Stevens 2025-02-19 Senate Journal Page 0305 SB 103 Senator Giessel moved and asked unanimous consent to be shown as a cosponsor on SENATE BILL NO. 103 "An Act relating to certified nurse aide training; and providing for an effective date." Without objection, it was so ordered. Senator Hoffman moved and asked unanimous consent to be excused from a call of the Senate from February 26 through February 28. Without objection, Senator Hoffman was excused. SB 6 Senators Claman, Wielechowski, Stevens moved and asked unanimous consent to be shown as cosponsors on SENATE BILL NO. 6 "An Act requiring education in the history and contributions of Asian Americans and Pacific Islanders." Without objection, it was so ordered. Senator Claman moved and asked unanimous consent to be excused from a call of the Senate on March 7. Without objection, Senator Claman was excused. SB 9 Senator Hughes 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. HB 65 Senators Bjorkman, Hughes, Cronk, Stevens moved and asked unanimous consent to be shown as cross sponsors on HOUSE BILL NO. 65 "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." Without objection, it was so ordered. Senator Yundt moved and asked unanimous consent to be excused from a call of the Senate on February 28. Without objection, Senator Yundt was excused. 2025-02-19 Senate Journal Page 0306 Announcements SSCR 1 Senator Giessel, Chair, moved and asked unanimous consent Uniform Rule 23 be waived on SENATE SPECIAL CONCURRENT RESOLUTION NO. 1 Disapproving Executive Order No. 136, for the Resources Committee meeting today. Without objection, it was so ordered. Announcements are at the end of the journal. Adjournment Senator Giessel moved and asked unanimous consent the Senate stand in adjournment until 10:45 a.m., February 20, 2025. Without objection, the Senate adjourned at 11:36 a.m. Liz Clark Secretary of the Senate 2025-02-19 Senate Journal Page 0307 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 25 Tuesday Beltz 105 (tsbldg) 1:30 PM No Meeting Scheduled ---------------------------------------- EDUCATION Feb 19 Wednesday Davis 106 8:00 AM -- Please Note Time & Location Change -- Meeting jointly with the House Education Committee -- Testimony <Invitation Only> -- + Presentation: Alaska Municipal Leaders Education Priorities by Participants in the Alaska Municipal League 2025 Winter Legislative Conference Bills Previously Heard/Scheduled **Streamed live on AKL.tv** 2025-02-19 Senate Journal Page 0308 EDUCATION (continued) Feb 21 Friday Beltz 105 (tsbldg) 3:30 PM += SB 41 PUBLIC SCHOOLS: MENTAL HEALTH EDUCATION -- Public Testimony -- += SB 22 FINANCIAL LITERACY PROGRAM IN SCHOOLS -- Public Testimony -- += SB 23 CIVICS EDUCATION -- Public Testimony -- + SB 82 EDUCATION:SCHOOLS; GRANTS; FUNDING; DEBT -- Invited & Public Testimony -- Bills Previously Heard/Scheduled **Streamed live on AKL.tv** ---------------------------------------- FINANCE Feb 19 Wednesday Senate Finance 532 9:00 AM + SB 72 RAILROAD CORP. FINANCING -- Invited & Public Testimony -- + HB 65 RAILROAD CORP. FINANCING -- Invited & Public Testimony -- Presentation: Three-Year Budget Outlook Legislative Finance Division Bills Previously Heard/Scheduled **Streamed live on AKL.tv** Feb 20 Thursday Senate Finance 532 9:00 AM + Presentation: Alaska Municipal League Bills Previously Heard/Scheduled **Streamed live on AKL.tv** Feb 21 Friday Senate Finance 532 9:00 AM No Meeting Scheduled ---------------------------------------- 2025-02-19 Senate Journal Page 0309 HEALTH & SOCIAL SERVICES Feb 20 Thursday Butrovich 205 3:30 PM -- MEETING CANCELED -- -- Agenda Change -- Presentation: Alaska Primary Care Association Nancy Merriman, CEO, Alaska Primary Care Association Lisa Aquino, CEO, Anchorage Neighborhood Health Center and APCA FQHC Payment Taskforce Chair Joshua Gilmore, CEO, Sunshine Health Center and APCA Board Chair <Above Item Removed from Agenda> + SB 9 SURRENDER OF INFANTS; INF. SAFETY DEVICE Bills Previously Heard/Scheduled **Streamed live on AKL.tv** ---------------------------------------- JUDICIARY Feb 19 Wednesday Davis 106 1:30 PM -- Please Note Location Change -- + Meeting Jointly with House Judiciary Committee Presentation: Oregon Criminal Justice Commission Overview Ken Sanchagrin, Executive Director, Oregon Criminal Justice Commission **Streamed live on AKL.tv** Feb 21 Friday Butrovich 205 1:30 PM -- MEETING CANCELED -- + Bills Previously Heard/Scheduled **Streamed live on AKL.tv** ---------------------------------------- 2025-02-19 Senate Journal Page 0310 LABOR & COMMERCE Feb 19 Wednesday Beltz 105 (tsbldg) 1:30 PM + Presentation: How Workers' Compensation Works Director Chuck Collins, Division of Workers' Compensation + SB 98 EXTEND BOARD OF VETERINARY EXAMINERS -- Public Testimony <Time Limit May Be Set> -- + SB 39 LOANS UNDER $25,000; PAYDAY LOANS -- Testimony <Invitation Only> -- Bills Previously Heard/Scheduled **Streamed live on AKL.tv** Feb 21 Friday Beltz 105 (tsbldg) 1:30 PM No Meeting Scheduled ---------------------------------------- RESOURCES Feb 19 Wednesday Butrovich 205 3:30 PM + SB 92 CORP. INCOME TAX; OIL & GAS ENTITIES -- Invited & Public Testimony -- + SSCR 1 DISAPPROVE EO 136 Uniform Rule 23 Waived -- Invited & Public Testimony -- Bills Previously Heard/Scheduled: EO 136 ESTABLISH DEPT. OF AGRICULTURE **Streamed live on AKL.tv** Feb 21 Friday Butrovich 205 3:30 PM No Meeting Scheduled ---------------------------------------- STATE AFFAIRS Feb 20 Thursday Beltz 105 (tsbldg) 3:30 PM + Presentation: Adding a faculty member to the UA Board of Regents Jill Dumesnil - Statewide President, United Academics Jackie Cason - UAA Faculty Senate President + Presentation: Department of Law Overview Functions and current litigation Bills Previously Heard/Scheduled **Streamed live on AKL.tv** ---------------------------------------- 2025-02-19 Senate Journal Page 0311 TRANSPORTATION Feb 20 Thursday Butrovich 205 1:30 PM + Presentation: Winter Road Maintenance Andy Mills, Special Assistant, Commissioner's Office Jason Sakalaskas, Maintenance and Operations Chief, Northern Region Burrell Nickeson, Maintenance and Operations Manager, Central Region Brad Bylsma, Director, State Equipment Fleet Christine Langley, Director, Data Modernization and Innovation Office **Streamed live on AKL.tv** ---------------------------------------- FINANCE SUBCOMMITTEES ENVIRONMENTAL CONSERVATION Feb 25 Tuesday Beltz 105 (tsbldg) 2:00 PM + Department Overview ---------------------------------------- LABOR & WORKFORCE DEVELOPMENT Feb 27 Thursday Beltz 105 (tsbldg) 2:30 PM + Department Overview Dan DeBartolo, Admin Service Director ---------------------------------------- MILITARY & VETERANS' AFFAIRS Feb 25 Tuesday Beltz 105 (tsbldg) 1:30 PM + Department Overview Craig Christenson, Deputy Commissioner Bob Ernisse, Admin Services Director ---------------------------------------- 2025-02-19 Senate Journal Page 0312 NATURAL RESOURCES Feb 25 Tuesday Beltz 105 (tsbldg) 2:30 PM + Department Overview Brent Goodrum, Deputy Commissioner ---------------------------------------- SPECIAL COMMITTEES SPECIAL COMMITTEE ON ARCTIC AFFAIRS Feb 20 Thursday Beltz 105 (tsbldg) 1:30 PM + Presentation: The Wilson Center Shannon-Elizabeth O'Hare, US Polar Leadership Project Coordinator, Wilson Center Presentation: Denali Commission Julie Kitka, Federal Co-Chair, Denali Commission **Streamed live on AKL.tv** ---------------------------------------- OTHER MEETINGS JOINT SESSION 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 2025-02-19 Senate Journal Page 0313 MISCELLANEOUS MEETINGS (continued) 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 19 Wednesday Beltz 105 (tsbldg) 5:30 PM + Alaska Children's Caucus Meeting -- Testimony <Invitation Only> -- Presentation: Kids Count Data Book Trevor Storrs, President & CEO, Alaska Children's Trust Presentation: Children's Justice Act Task Force Josh Louwerse, Senior Director of Legislative Affairs and Youth Systems Improvement, Covenant House Alaska **Streamed live on AKL.tv** Feb 24 Monday Butrovich 205 12:00 PM Lunch & Learn Presentation: Alaska Trucking Association Industry Overview Jamie Benson, President/CEO Sponsored by Senator Bjorkman and Representative Carrick 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 2025-02-19 Senate Journal Page 0314 MISCELLANEOUS MEETINGS (continued) Mar 05 Wednesday Butrovich 205 12:00 PM Lunch & Learn Presentation: Safeguarding Alaska's Natural Resources from Foreign Malign Influence Tyler Vose, Founder & CEO, Denali Defense Solutions Dal Rae Beach, COO Sponsored by Senators Shower, Yundt and Representatives Vance, Allard 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 01 Tuesday Butrovich 205 12:00 PM Lunch & Learn Presentation: Alaska is an Aerospace State Dr. Bob McCoy, Director, UAF Geophysical Institute Sponsored by Senator Kawasaki Apr 09 Wednesday Butrovich 205 12:00 PM Lunch & Learn Presentation: Alaska Commission of Postsecondary Education Sponsored by Senator Tobin