Legislature(2025 - 2026)
2025-02-20 Senate Journal
Full Journal pdf2025-02-20 Senate Journal Page 0315 SENATE JOURNAL ALASKA STATE LEGISLATURE THIRTY-FOURTH LEGISLATURE FIRST SESSION Juneau, Alaska Thursday February 20, 2025 Thirty-first Day Pursuant to adjournment the Senate was called to order by President Stevens at 10:45 a.m. The roll showed seventeen members present. Senators Dunbar, Merrick, Olson were 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 abundant riches of your word. Thank you, that I can use the text of Psalms 72 as a prayer for everyone here because it sounds so appropriate even though in the ancient days it was a prayer for the king. Psalm 72 says: "Give your love of justice to the king, O God, and righteousness to the king’s son. Help him judge your people in the right way; let the poor always be treated fairly. May the mountains yield prosperity for all, and may the hills be fruitful. Help him to defend the poor, to rescue the children of the needy, and to crush their oppressors. May the king’s rule be refreshing like spring rain on freshly cut grass, like the showers that water the earth. May all the godly flourish during his reign. May there be abundant prosperity until the moon is no more." Amen. 2025-02-20 Senate Journal Page 0316 Senator Wielechowski led the Senate in the Pledge of Allegiance. Certification Senator Giessel moved and asked unanimous consent the journal for the thirtieth legislative day be approved as certified by the Secretary. Without objection, it was so ordered. Standing Committee Reports SB 98 The Labor and Commerce Committee considered SENATE BILL NO. 98 "An Act extending the termination date of the Board of Veterinary Examiners; and providing for an effective date." 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, Department of Commerce, Community, and Economic Development The bill was referred to the Finance Committee. EO 136 The Resources Committee considered 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 and attached: SENATE SPECIAL CONCURRENT RESOLUTION NO. 1 Disapproving Executive Order No. 136. This does not reflect an intent by any of the members to vote for or against a special concurrent resolution in joint session. Signing the report: Senator Giessel, Chair; Senators Dunbar, Myers, Hughes, Kawasaki, Wielechowski, Claman. 2025-02-20 Senate Journal Page 0317 SSCR 1 The Resources Committee considered SENATE SPECIAL CONCURRENT RESOLUTION NO. 1 Disapproving Executive Order No. 136. Signing no recommendation: Senator Giessel, Chair; Senator Wielechowski. Signing do pass: Senators Dunbar, Kawasaki, Claman. Signing do not pass: Senators Hughes, Myers. The following fiscal information was published today: Fiscal Note No. 1, zero, Senate Resources Committee The resolution was referred to the Finance Committee. Introduction and Reference of Senate Resolutions SJR 10 SENATE JOINT RESOLUTION NO. 10 BY SENATOR WIELECHOWSKI, Encouraging the United States Congress to award Hmong veterans of the Vietnam War the Congressional Gold Medal. was read the first time and referred to the State Affairs Committee. Consideration of the Calendar Second Reading of Senate Bills SB 60 SENATE BILL NO. 60 "An Act establishing May 12 as Myalgic Encephalomyelitis/Chronic Fatigue Syndrome Day of Recognition" was read the second time. President Stevens stated SENATE BILL NO. 60 will advance to third reading on the February 24 calendar. 2025-02-20 Senate Journal Page 0318 SB 79 SENATE BILL NO. 79 "An Act relating to wage payments" was read the second time. President Stevens stated SENATE BILL NO. 79 will advance to third reading on the February 24 calendar. Citations Honoring - Susan “Arhnaq” Malutin Senator(s) Stevens Representative(s) Stutes Honoring - Lesli Loann Carl Sirstad Representative(s) Story, Hannan Senator(s) Kiehl 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 103 Senator Claman 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. Recess Senator Giessel moved and asked unanimous consent the Senate stand in recess to the Joint Session. Without objection, the Senate recessed at 10:52 a.m. 2025-02-20 Senate Journal Page 0319 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 11:01 a.m. The purpose of the Joint Session was to hear an address by the Honorable Nick Begich III, U.S. Representative. 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 Yundt and Representative Elam to escort U.S. Representative Nick Begich III to the Joint Session. The Senate Sergeant at Arms, Matt Simpson, announced the Honorable Nick Begich III’s entrance to the House Chamber. Representative Begich was escorted to the rostrum and welcomed by President Stevens and Speaker Edgmon. Representative Begich delivered his address. This address appears in Senate and House Joint Journal Supplement No. 4. Following his address, there was a question and answer period. Representative Begich 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 11:47 a.m. 2025-02-20 Senate Journal Page 0320 After Recess In the Senate The Senate reconvened at 11:51 a.m. Announcements Announcements are at the end of the journal. Adjournment Senator Giessel moved and asked unanimous consent the Senate stand in adjournment until 11:00 a.m., February 24, 2025. Without objection, the Senate adjourned at 11:51 a.m. Liz Clark Secretary of the Senate 2025-02-20 Senate Journal Page 0321 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 21 Friday Beltz 105 (tsbldg) 3:30 PM -- MEETING CANCELED -- += 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** 2025-02-20 Senate Journal Page 0322 EDUCATION (continued) Feb 24 Monday Beltz 105 (tsbldg) 3:30 PM += SB 82 EDUCATION:SCHOOLS; GRANTS; FUNDING; DEBT += SB 41 PUBLIC SCHOOLS: MENTAL HEALTH EDUCATION -- Public Testimony -- += SB 22 FINANCIAL LITERACY PROGRAM IN SCHOOLS -- Public Testimony -- += SB 23 CIVICS EDUCATION -- Public Testimony -- Bills Previously Heard/Scheduled **Streamed live on AKL.tv** Feb 26 Wednesday Beltz 105 (tsbldg) 3:30 PM + SB 93 EARLY EDUCATION PROGRAMS -- Invited & Public Testimony -- Bills Previously Heard/Scheduled **Streamed live on AKL.tv** Feb 28 Friday Beltz 105 (tsbldg) 3:30 PM Bills Previously Heard/Scheduled **Streamed live on AKL.tv** ---------------------------------------- FINANCE 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 Feb 24 Monday Senate Finance 532 9:00 AM += HB 65 RAILROAD CORP. FINANCING Overview: Governor's Amendments Office of Management and Budget Bills Previously Heard/Scheduled **Streamed live on AKL.tv** 2025-02-20 Senate Journal Page 0323 FINANCE (continued) Feb 25 Tuesday Senate Finance 532 9:00 AM + Presentation: Department of Transportation Bills Previously Heard/Scheduled **Streamed live on AKL.tv** Feb 26 Wednesday Senate Finance 532 9:00 AM For Juneau, Southeast, Prince William Sound, Kodiak Sign up by 10:15am += SB 56 APPROP: OPERATING BUDGET; CAP; SUPP -- Public Testimony <Time Limit May Be Set> -- + SB 57 APPROP: CAPITAL/SUPPLEMENTAL/FUNDS -- Public Testimony <Time Limit May Be Set> -- += SB 58 APPROP: MENTAL HEALTH BUDGET -- Public Testimony <Time Limit May Be Set> -- + SB 59 APPROP: SUPPLEMENTAL; FUND CAP -- Public Testimony <Time Limit May Be Set> -- Bills Previously Heard/Scheduled **Streamed live on AKL.tv** Feb 26 Wednesday Senate Finance 532 1:00 PM -- Please Note Time Change -- For Fairbanks, Interior, Copper River Valley, Offnets Sign up by 2:15pm += SB 56 APPROP: OPERATING BUDGET; CAP; SUPP -- Public Testimony <Time Limit May Be Set> -- += SB 57 APPROP: CAPITAL/SUPPLEMENTAL/FUNDS -- Public Testimony <Time Limit May Be Set> -- += SB 58 APPROP: MENTAL HEALTH BUDGET -- Public Testimony <Time Limit May Be Set> -- += SB 59 APPROP: SUPPLEMENTAL; FUND CAP -- Public Testimony <Time Limit May Be Set> -- Bills Previously Heard/Scheduled **Streamed live on AKL.tv** 2025-02-20 Senate Journal Page 0324 FINANCE (continued) Feb 27 Thursday Senate Finance 532 9:00 AM For Nome, Bethel, Kotzebue, Utqiagvik, Unalaska, Dillingham, Offnets Sign up by 10:15am += SB 56 APPROP: OPERATING BUDGET; CAP; SUPP -- Public Testimony <Time Limit May Be Set> -- += SB 57 APPROP: CAPITAL/SUPPLEMENTAL/FUNDS -- Public Testimony <Time Limit May Be Set> -- += SB 58 APPROP: MENTAL HEALTH BUDGET -- Public Testimony <Time Limit May Be Set> -- += SB 59 APPROP: SUPPLEMENTAL; FUND CAP -- Public Testimony <Time Limit May Be Set> -- Bills Previously Heard/Scheduled **Streamed live on AKL.tv** Feb 27 Thursday Senate Finance 532 1:00 PM -- Please Note Time Change -- For Anchorage, Matanuska-Susitna Valley, Kenai Peninsula Sign up by 2:15pm += SB 56 APPROP: OPERATING BUDGET; CAP; SUPP -- Public Testimony <Time Limit May Be Set> -- += SB 57 APPROP: CAPITAL/SUPPLEMENTAL/FUNDS -- Public Testimony <Time Limit May Be Set> -- += SB 58 APPROP: MENTAL HEALTH BUDGET -- Public Testimony <Time Limit May Be Set> -- += SB 59 APPROP: SUPPLEMENTAL; FUND CAP -- Public Testimony <Time Limit May Be Set> -- Bills Previously Heard/Scheduled **Streamed live on AKL.tv** Feb 28 Friday Senate Finance 532 9:00 AM No Meeting Scheduled ---------------------------------------- 2025-02-20 Senate Journal Page 0325 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** Feb 25 Tuesday Butrovich 205 3:30 PM += SB 9 SURRENDER OF INFANTS; INF. SAFETY DEVICE -- Invited & Public Testimony -- += SB 83 TELEHEALTH REIMBURSEMENT RATES Bills Previously Heard/Scheduled **Streamed live on AKL.tv** Feb 27 Thursday Butrovich 205 3:30 PM += SB 9 SURRENDER OF INFANTS; INF. SAFETY DEVICE += SB 89 PHYSICIAN ASSISTANT SCOPE OF PRACTICE -- Invited & Public Testimony -- + SB 88 CHILD PLACEMENT; DILIGENT SEARCH -- Invited & Public Testimony -- SENATE RESOLUTION: CRISIS CARE <Pending Introduction & Referral> SENATE RESOLUTION: MEDICAID FUNDING <Pending Introduction & Referral> Bills Previously Heard/Scheduled **Streamed live on AKL.tv** ---------------------------------------- JUDICIARY Feb 21 Friday Butrovich 205 1:30 PM -- MEETING CANCELED -- + Bills Previously Heard/Scheduled **Streamed live on AKL.tv** 2025-02-20 Senate Journal Page 0326 JUDICIARY (continued) Feb 24 Monday Butrovich 205 1:30 PM + Presentation: Alaska Court System Overview Nancy Meade, General Counsel, Alaska Court System Bills Previously Heard/Scheduled **Streamed live on AKL.tv** Feb 26 Wednesday Butrovich 205 1:30 PM + Bills Previously Heard/Scheduled **Streamed live on AKL.tv** Feb 28 Friday Butrovich 205 1:30 PM + SB 100 THEFT: ORGANIZED; MED. RECORDS; MAIL -- Testimony <Invitation Only> -- Bills Previously Heard/Scheduled **Streamed live on AKL.tv** ---------------------------------------- LABOR & COMMERCE Feb 21 Friday Beltz 105 (tsbldg) 1:30 PM No Meeting Scheduled Feb 24 Monday Beltz 105 (tsbldg) 1:30 PM += SB 39 LOANS UNDER $25,000; PAYDAY LOANS -- Public Testimony <Time Limit May Be Set> -- + SB 24 TOBACCO/NICOTINE/E-CIG AGE; E-CIG TAX -- Testimony <Invitation Only> -- **Streamed live on AKL.tv** Feb 26 Wednesday Beltz 105 (tsbldg) 1:30 PM -- Continued from 02/19/25 -- + Presentation: How Workers' Compensation Works Chuck Collins, Director of Division of Workers' Compensation + SB 54 EXT ARCH, ENG, SURVEY BRD; REG INT DESIGN -- Testimony <Invitation Only> -- **Streamed live on AKL.tv** Feb 28 Friday Beltz 105 (tsbldg) 1:30 PM No Meeting Scheduled ---------------------------------------- 2025-02-20 Senate Journal Page 0327 RESOURCES Feb 21 Friday Butrovich 205 3:30 PM No Meeting Scheduled Feb 24 Monday Butrovich 205 3:30 PM += SB 61 ELECTRONIC DEVICE RECYCLING -- Invited & Public Testimony -- Presentation: Alaska Mining Update Alaska Miners Association Bills Previously Heard/Scheduled -- Invited & Public Testimony -- **Streamed live on AKL.tv** Feb 26 Wednesday Butrovich 205 3:30 PM += SB 47 CHUGACH STATE PARK EASEMENTS -- Invited & Public Testimony -- Presentation: Launch Alaska Update Launch Alaska and Portfolio Companies Bills Previously Heard/Scheduled -- Invited & Public Testimony -- **Streamed live on AKL.tv** Feb 28 Friday Butrovich 205 3:30 PM + SB 97 BIG GAME PERMIT PROGRAM -- Invited & Public Testimony -- + SB 105 STATE LAND FOR RECREATIONAL CABIN SITES -- Invited & Public Testimony -- Bills Previously Heard/Scheduled **Streamed live on AKL.tv** ---------------------------------------- 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** 2025-02-20 Senate Journal Page 0328 STATE AFFAIRS (continued) Feb 25 Tuesday Beltz 105 (tsbldg) 3:30 PM += SB 43 WOMEN'S HISTORY MONTH -- Public Testimony -- + SB 40 HISPANIC HERITAGE MONTH -- Invited & Public Testimony -- + SJR 6 WASHINGTON D.C. STATEHOOD -- Invited & Public Testimony -- + SJR 10 HMONG VETERANS; CONGRESSIONAL GOLD MEDAL -- Invited & Public Testimony -- **Streamed live on AKL.tv** Bills Previously Heard/Scheduled Feb 27 Thursday Beltz 105 (tsbldg) 3:30 PM Bills Previously Heard/Scheduled **Streamed live on AKL.tv** ---------------------------------------- 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** Feb 25 Tuesday Butrovich 205 1:30 PM + Presentation: Alaska Trucking Association 2025 Priorities Jamie Benson, President/CEO **Streamed live on AKL.tv** 2025-02-20 Senate Journal Page 0329 TRANSPORTATION (continued) Feb 27 Thursday Butrovich 205 1:30 PM + Overview: Metropolitan Planning Organizations Aaron Jongenelen, Executive Director/MPO Coordinator, AMATS Jackson C. Fox, Executive Director, FAST Planning Kim Sollien, Executive Director, MVP **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 ---------------------------------------- NATURAL RESOURCES Feb 25 Tuesday Beltz 105 (tsbldg) 2:30 PM + Department Overview Brent Goodrum, Deputy Commissioner ---------------------------------------- 2025-02-20 Senate Journal Page 0330 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** Feb 27 Thursday Beltz 105 (tsbldg) 1:30 PM + SJR 9 RECOGNIZING ALASKA/CANADA RELATIONSHIP -- Invited & Public Testimony -- **Streamed live on AKL.tv** ---------------------------------------- JOINT COMMITTEES LEGISLATIVE BUDGET & AUDIT Feb 26 Wednesday Senate Finance 532 5:30 PM + I. Call to Order II. Approval of the Agenda III. Approval of Minutes a. January 29, 2025 IV. Executive Session a. Preliminary Release of Department of Family and Community Services, Office of Children’s Services (OCS) Implementation of Foster Care Reform Laws, Part 3 b. Update on the Special Audit titled, “Oil and Gas Production Tax Audit Process” c. Consideration of Contract Award d. Legal Update V. Committee Business a. FY24 Legislature Audit VI. Adjourn ---------------------------------------- 2025-02-20 Senate Journal Page 0331 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 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 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 2025-02-20 Senate Journal Page 0332 MISCELLANEOUS MEETINGS (continued) 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