Legislature(2025 - 2026)
2025-02-24 Senate Journal
Full Journal pdf2025-02-24 Senate Journal Page 0339 SENATE JOURNAL ALASKA STATE LEGISLATURE THIRTY-FOURTH LEGISLATURE FIRST SESSION Juneau, Alaska Monday February 24, 2025 Thirty-fifth 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 absent. The prayer was offered by the Chaplain, Guy Crockroft, Love, INC. Senator Hoffman moved and asked unanimous consent the prayer be spread. Without objection, it was so ordered. Dear Heavenly Father, I thank you for this new day and for this body, the Alaska Senate. May you bless each Senator as they serve and grant them the ability to love each other, and treat each other respectfully, even when they have strong differences of opinion. I’m reminded of your words in Proverbs chapter 15, verse 1, where it says, "A soft and gentle and thoughtful answer turns away wrath, but harsh and careless words stir up anger." Lord, please help each Senator to give soft and gentle and thoughtful answers and avoid harsh and painful and careless words. Let their conversations be always full of grace, seasoned with salt, so that they may know how to answer each other. Lord, in accordance with your unconditional love, may you help each Senator today as they work together for the betterment of this great State of Alaska that you have blessed us to be a part of. 2025-02-24 Senate Journal Page 0340 In Jesus’ name, I pray. Amen. Senator Yundt led the Senate in the Pledge of Allegiance. Certification Senator Giessel moved and asked unanimous consent the journals for the thirty-first through thirty-fourth legislative days and Senate and House Joint Journal Supplement No. 4 be approved as certified by the Secretary. Without objection, it was so ordered. Senator Giessel moved and asked unanimous consent that Senator Olson be excused from a call of the Senate today through February 28. Without objection, Senator Olson was excused. Standing Committee Reports HB 65 The Finance Committee considered 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." Signing do pass: Senators Stedman, Hoffman, Cochairs; Senators Kaufman, Cronk, Merrick, Kiehl. The following previously published fiscal information applies: Fiscal Note No. 1, zero, Department of Commerce, Community, and Economic Development The bill is on today's calendar. 2025-02-24 Senate Journal Page 0341 Introduction and Reference of Senate Bills SB 54 SPONSOR SUBSTITUTE FOR 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 the scope of the certification requirements for architects, engineers, land surveyors, landscape architects, and registered interior designers; 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. SB 108 SENATE BILL NO. 108 BY THE SENATE RULES COMMITTEE BY REQUEST OF THE GOVERNOR, entitled: "An Act relating to finfish farms and finfish farm products; 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 Environmental Conservation Fiscal Note No. 2, zero, Department of Fish and Game 2025-02-24 Senate Journal Page 0342 Governor's transmittal letter dated February 20: Dear President Stevens: Under the authority of Article III, Section 18 of the Alaska Constitution, I am pleased to transmit a bill authorizing and regulating finfish farms and finfish farm products. Currently, Alaska law prohibits the farming of finfish, except for private nonprofit (PNP) salmon hatcheries. Authorizing finfish farming would introduce a new industry to Alaska, creating jobs, increasing food security for residents, and contributing to economic growth. This bill authorizes the Commissioner of the Department of Fish and Game (DFG), in consultation with the Commissioner of the Department of Environmental Conservation (DEC), to permit the cultivation and sale of certain finfish in natural or artificial inland, closed-system bodies of water. With a finfish farm permit, a permittee may operate a finfish farm and acquire, hold, offer, transfer, or sell finfish stock and finfish farm products, subject to DFG regulations and DEC oversight. The bill defines finfish as any bony fish belonging to the Osteichthyes class, excluding pink, chum, sockeye, coho, chinook, and Atlantic salmon. All finfish in finfish farms must remain sterile, and no artificial propagation is authorized. I urge your prompt and favorable action on this measure. Sincerely, /s/ Mike Dunleavy Governor 2025-02-24 Senate Journal Page 0343 SB 109 SENATE BILL NO. 109 BY SENATORS HOFFMAN, Stedman, Olson, Cronk, Kiehl, Merrick, Kaufman, entitled: "An Act relating to the Alaska permanent fund; relating to income of the Alaska permanent fund; relating to the amount available for appropriation and appropriations from the earnings reserve account; relating to the permanent fund dividend; and providing for an effective date." was read the first time and referred to the Finance Committee. Consideration of the Calendar Second Reading of House Bills HB 65 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" was read the second time. President Stevens stated HOUSE BILL NO. 65 will advance to third reading on the February 26 calendar. Third 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 third time. The question being: "Shall SENATE BILL NO. 60 "An Act establishing May 12 as Myalgic Encephalomyelitis/Chronic Fatigue Syndrome Day of Recognition" pass the Senate?" The roll was taken with the following result: 2025-02-24 Senate Journal Page 0344 SB 60 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, SENATE BILL NO. 60 passed the Senate and was referred to the Secretary for engrossment. SB 79 SENATE BILL NO. 79 "An Act relating to wage payments" was read the third time. The question being: "Shall SENATE BILL NO. 79 "An Act relating to wage payments" pass the Senate?" The roll was taken with the following result: SB 79 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, SENATE BILL NO. 79 passed the Senate and was referred to the Secretary for engrossment. Citations In Memoriam - Jacob Daniel Wasielewski Senator(s) Wielechowski, Kaufman In Memoriam - Tim Tilsworth Senator(s) Kawasaki Representative(s) Carrick 2025-02-24 Senate Journal Page 0345 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 SJR 6 Senator Claman moved and asked unanimous consent to be shown as a cosponsor 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. Senator Claman moved and asked unanimous consent to be excused from a call of the Senate on March 17. Without objection, Senator Claman was excused. SJR 10 Senators Gray-Jackson, Kawasaki, Dunbar, Tobin moved and asked unanimous consent to be shown as cosponsors on SENATE JOINT RESOLUTION NO. 10 Encouraging the United States Congress to award Hmong veterans of the Vietnam War the Congressional Gold Medal. Without objection, it was so ordered. Announcements Announcements are at the end of the journal. Engrossment SB 60 SENATE BILL NO. 60 "An Act establishing May 12 as Myalgic Encephalomyelitis/Chronic Fatigue Syndrome Day of Recognition" was engrossed, signed by the President and Secretary and transmitted to the House for consideration. 2025-02-24 Senate Journal Page 0346 SB 79 SENATE BILL NO. 79 "An Act relating to wage payments" 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 26, 2025. Without objection, the Senate adjourned at 11:31 a.m. Liz Clark Secretary of the Senate 2025-02-24 Senate Journal Page 0347 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 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** ---------------------------------------- 2025-02-24 Senate Journal Page 0348 FINANCE 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** 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** 2025-02-24 Senate Journal Page 0349 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 ---------------------------------------- HEALTH & SOCIAL SERVICES 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** 2025-02-24 Senate Journal Page 0350 HEALTH & SOCIAL SERVICES (continued) 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 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 -- MEETING CANCELED -- + 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 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** 2025-02-24 Senate Journal Page 0351 LABOR & COMMERCE (continued) 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 ---------------------------------------- RESOURCES Feb 24 Monday Butrovich 205 3:30 PM += SB 61 ELECTRONIC DEVICE RECYCLING -- Invited & Public Testimony -- Presentation: Alaska Mining Update, Alaska Metal Mines and Alaska Miners Association Karen Matthias, Executive Director, Alaska Metal Mines Deantha Skibinski, Executive Director, Alaska Miners Association Greta Schuerch, Senior Advisor, Government and External Affairs, Teck Alaska Bronk Jorgensen, Placer Miner, Fortymile River 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** 2025-02-24 Senate Journal Page 0352 RESOURCES (continued) 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 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 -- Bills Previously Heard/Scheduled **Streamed live on AKL.tv** Feb 27 Thursday Beltz 105 (tsbldg) 3:30 PM Bills Previously Heard/Scheduled **Streamed live on AKL.tv** ---------------------------------------- TRANSPORTATION Feb 25 Tuesday Butrovich 205 1:30 PM + Presentation: Alaska Trucking Association 2025 Priorities Jamie Benson, President/CEO **Streamed live on AKL.tv** 2025-02-24 Senate Journal Page 0353 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 ---------------------------------------- FISH & GAME Mar 06 Thursday Senate Finance 532 8:00 AM + Department of Fish and Game Budget **Streamed live on AKL.tv** ---------------------------------------- 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 ---------------------------------------- 2025-02-24 Senate Journal Page 0354 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 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 ---------------------------------------- 2025-02-24 Senate Journal Page 0355 OTHER MEETINGS JOINT SESSION 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 25 Tuesday Davis 106 12:00 PM Lunch & Learn Presentation: Emerging Invasive Species Concerns and Solutions Dr. Emily Reed, Southeast Alaska Watershed Coalition, Alaska Invasive Species Partnership Sponsored Representative Himschoot Co-sponsored by Senator Dunbar 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 2025-02-24 Senate Journal Page 0356 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