Legislature(2025 - 2026)
2025-02-26 Senate Journal
Full Journal pdf2025-02-26 Senate Journal Page 0359 SENATE JOURNAL ALASKA STATE LEGISLATURE THIRTY-FOURTH LEGISLATURE FIRST SESSION Juneau, Alaska Wednesday February 26, 2025 Thirty-seventh Day Pursuant to adjournment the Senate was called to order by President Stevens at 11:00 a.m. The roll showed eighteen members present. Senators Hoffman, Olson were excused from a call of the Senate. The prayer was offered by the Chaplain, Guy Crockroft, Love, INC. Senator Gray-Jackson 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 the blessings of living here in this great state of Alaska. I thank you for each Senator and pray your richest blessings upon each of them as they perform their duties in the service of all Alaskans. Help them have love for one another, and for all Alaskans. Lord, your Word tells us that we should not love merely in theory with words only, but in deed and in truth, in practice and in sincerity, because practical acts of love mean more than words. (I John 3:18) Lord, please give each Senator wisdom, humility, grace, and compassion. Please provide them with everything they need to excel and be good stewards of their positions so that all Alaskans may benefit from their efforts, and that they may themselves be blessed. 2025-02-26 Senate Journal Page 0360 In the name of Jesus, I pray. Amen. Senator Bjorkman led the Senate in the Pledge of Allegiance. Certification Senator Giessel moved and asked unanimous consent the journals for the thirty-fifth and thirty-sixth 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: Department of Commerce, Community, and Economic Development Alaska Prescription Drug Monitoring Program 2024 Report in accordance with AS 17.30.200 Department of Public Safety Council on Domestic Violence and Sexual Assault Annual Report in accordance with AS 18.66.050 Department of Environmental Conservation Division of Spill Prevention and Response (SPAR) Annual Report FY 2024 in accordance with AS 46.08.060 Department of Transportation and Public Facilities Alaska Marine Highway Operations Board (AMHOB) 2024 Annual Report in accordance with AS 19.65.180 2025-02-26 Senate Journal Page 0361 Report from the Commissioner of the Department of Administration dated February 24 was received stating the monetary terms for the collective bargaining agreement and interest arbitration award reached with the Alaska Correctional Officer Association in accordance with AS 23.40.215. President Stevens referred the report to the Finance Committee. Standing Committee Reports SB 39 The Labor and Commerce Committee considered SENATE BILL NO. 39 "An Act relating to loans in an amount of $25,000 or less; relating to the Nationwide Multistate Licensing System and Registry; relating to deferred deposit advances; and providing for an effective date" and recommended it be replaced with CS FOR SENATE BILL NO. 39(L&C) Signing no recommendation: Senator Bjorkman, Chair; Senators Merrick, Yundt. Signing do pass: Senators Dunbar, Gray-Jackson. 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. SB 43 The State Affairs Committee considered SENATE BILL NO. 43 "An Act establishing the month of March as Women's History Month." Signing do pass: Senator Kawasaki, Chair; Senators Wielechowski, Gray-Jackson, Bjorkman, Yundt. The following fiscal information was published today: Fiscal Note No. 1, zero, Office of the Governor The bill was referred to the Rules Committee. 2025-02-26 Senate Journal Page 0362 SB 61 The Resources Committee considered SENATE BILL NO. 61 "An Act relating to an electronic product stewardship program; relating to collection, recycling, and disposal of electronic equipment; establishing the electronics recycling advisory council; and providing for an effective date" and recommended it be replaced with CS FOR SENATE BILL NO. 61(RES) Signing do pass: Senator Giessel, Chair; Senators Dunbar, Wielechowski, Claman. Signing no recommendation: Senators Hughes, Myers. Signing amend: Senator Kawasaki. The following fiscal information was published today: Fiscal Note No. 1, Department of Environmental Conservation The bill was referred to the Finance Committee. Introduction and Reference of Senate Resolutions SJR 11 SENATE JOINT RESOLUTION NO. 11 BY SENATOR MYERS, Urging the United States Congress to enact a Jones Act waiver to facilitate transportation of domestic liquefied natural gas between ports in the state. was read the first time and referred to the Transportation Committee. SJR 12 SENATE JOINT RESOLUTION NO. 12 BY SENATOR DUNBAR, Urging the United States Congress and the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration to address outages of National Data Buoy Center stations. was read the first time and referred to the Transportation Committee. 2025-02-26 Senate Journal Page 0363 Introduction and Reference of Senate Bills SB 110 SENATE BILL NO. 110 BY THE SENATE STATE AFFAIRS COMMITTEE, entitled: "An Act establishing the museum construction and major expansion matching grant program; and providing for an effective date." was read the first time and referred to the Education and Finance Committees. SB 111 SENATE BILL NO. 111 BY SENATOR DUNBAR, entitled: "An Act relating to the diagnosis, maintenance, and repair of products that use digital electronics to operate; adding an unlawful act to the Alaska Unfair Trade Practices and Consumer Protection Act; and providing for an effective date." was read the first time and referred to the Community and Regional Affairs and Labor and Commerce Committees. SB 112 SENATE BILL NO. 112 BY THE SENATE RULES COMMITTEE, entitled: "An Act relating to credits against the oil and gas production tax; and providing for an effective date." was read the first time and referred to the Resources and Finance Committees. 2025-02-26 Senate Journal Page 0364 SB 113 SENATE BILL NO. 113 BY THE SENATE RULES COMMITTEE, entitled: "An Act relating to the Multistate Tax Compact; relating to apportionment of income to the state; relating to highly digitized businesses subject to the Alaska Net Income Tax Act; and providing for an effective date." was read the first time and referred to the Finance Committee. Consideration of the Calendar Third 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 third time. The question being: "Shall 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" pass the Senate?" The roll was taken with the following result: HB 65 Third Reading - Final Passage Effective Date(s) YEAS: 18 NAYS: 0 EXCUSED: 2 ABSENT: 0 Yeas: Bjorkman, Claman, Cronk, Dunbar, Giessel, Gray-Jackson, Hughes, Kaufman, Kawasaki, Kiehl, Merrick, Myers, Shower, Stedman, Stevens, Tobin, Wielechowski, Yundt Excused: Hoffman, Olson and so, HOUSE BILL NO. 65 passed the Senate. 2025-02-26 Senate Journal Page 0365 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 signed by the President and Secretary and returned to the House. Citations Honoring - Brenna Schaake Senator(s) Myers Representative(s) Carrick, Tomaszewski Honoring - Jack Hébert Senator(s) Hoffman Honoring - Coach Jeannie Hebert-Truax Representative(s) Underwood, Moore Senator(s) Yundt In Memoriam - Carol Chan Christiansen Representative(s) Johnson 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: Renewable Energy Fund Advisory Committee Senator Kiehl Alaska Gasline Development Corporation Senator Bjorkman, legislative liaison Pacific Northwest Economic Region Arctic Caucus Senator Giessel Senator Tobin 2025-02-26 Senate Journal Page 0366 Pacific Northwest Economic Region Delegate Council Senator Tobin, alternate Bond Reimbursement and Grant Review Committee Senator Claman HB 65 Senators Kaufman, Claman, Stedman, Yundt 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 Kaufman moved and asked unanimous consent to be excused from a call of the Senate from plane time, February 27 through plane time, March 2. Without objection, Senator Kaufman was excused. Senator Tobin moved and asked unanimous consent to be excused from a call of the Senate from morning plane time, February 28 through evening plane time, March 2. Without objection, Senator Tobin was excused. SB 89 Senator Hughes moved and asked unanimous consent to be shown as a cosponsor 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. SB 9 Senator Cronk 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. 2025-02-26 Senate Journal Page 0367 Announcements Announcements are at the end of the journal. Adjournment Senator Giessel moved and asked unanimous consent the Senate stand in adjournment until 10:30 a.m., February 28, 2025. Without objection, the Senate adjourned at 11:55 a.m. Liz Clark Secretary of the Senate 2025-02-26 Senate Journal Page 0368 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 Mar 04 Tuesday Beltz 105 (tsbldg) 1:30 PM No Meeting Scheduled ---------------------------------------- EDUCATION 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 -- MEETING CANCELED -- Bills Previously Heard/Scheduled **Streamed live on AKL.tv** 2025-02-26 Senate Journal Page 0369 FINANCE 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** 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** 2025-02-26 Senate Journal Page 0370 FINANCE (continued) 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 27 Thursday Butrovich 205 3:30 PM -- Agenda Change -- += 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 and Referral> <Above Item Removed from Agenda> SENATE RESOLUTION: MEDICAID FUNDING <Pending Introduction and Referral> <Above Item Removed from Agenda>- Bills Previously Heard/Scheduled **Streamed live on AKL.tv** 2025-02-26 Senate Journal Page 0371 JUDICIARY 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 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 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** 2025-02-26 Senate Journal Page 0372 STATE AFFAIRS Feb 27 Thursday Beltz 105 (tsbldg) 3:30 PM Bills Previously Heard/Scheduled **Streamed live on AKL.tv** ---------------------------------------- TRANSPORTATION 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 ADMINISTRATION Mar 03 Monday Senate Finance 532 5:15 PM + Administration Subcommittee Mar 10 Monday Senate Finance 532 5:15 PM + Administration Subcommittee Mar 17 Monday Senate Finance 532 5:15 PM + Administration Subcommittee ---------------------------------------- EDUCATION & EARLY DEVELOPMENT Mar 11 Tuesday Senate Finance 532 5:15 PM + Education & Early Development Subcommittee Mar 18 Tuesday Senate Finance 532 5:15 PM + Education & Early Development Subcommittee Mar 25 Tuesday Senate Finance 532 5:15 PM + Education & Early Development Subcommittee 2025-02-26 Senate Journal Page 0373 FISH & GAME Mar 06 Thursday Senate Finance 532 8:00 AM + Department of Fish and Game Budget **Streamed live on AKL.tv** ---------------------------------------- HEALTH Mar 06 Thursday Senate Finance 532 3:30 PM + Presentation: Medicaid Update **Streamed live on AKL.tv** ---------------------------------------- LABOR & WORKFORCE DEVELOPMENT Feb 27 Thursday Beltz 105 (tsbldg) 2:30 PM + Department Overview Dan DeBartolo, Admin Service Director ---------------------------------------- NATURAL RESOURCES Mar 04 Tuesday Beltz 105 (tsbldg) 1:30 PM + Overview: Department of Natural Resources FY26 ---------------------------------------- REVENUE Mar 06 Thursday Senate Finance 532 5:15 PM + Revenue Subcommittee Mar 13 Thursday Senate Finance 532 5:15 PM + Revenue Subcommittee Mar 20 Thursday Senate Finance 532 5:15 PM + Revenue Subcommittee 2025-02-26 Senate Journal Page 0374 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 ---------------------------------------- TASK FORCE FOR REG. OF PSYCH. MEDICINES Feb 26 Wednesday Butrovich 205 5:30 PM -- Please Note Location Change -- -- Teleconference <Listen Only> -- + Review of Psychedelic Medicine Research & FDA Developments Task Force Process & Timeline Policy Considerations for Alaska Next Steps & Action Items 2025-02-26 Senate Journal Page 0375 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 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 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 2025-02-26 Senate Journal Page 0376 MISCELLANEOUS MEETINGS (continued) 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 on Postsecondary Education Sponsored by Senator Tobin