Legislature(2025 - 2026)
2025-02-28 Senate Journal
Full Journal pdf2025-02-28 Senate Journal Page 0379 SENATE JOURNAL ALASKA STATE LEGISLATURE THIRTY-FOURTH LEGISLATURE FIRST SESSION Juneau, Alaska Friday February 28, 2025 Thirty-ninth Day Pursuant to adjournment the Senate was called to order by President Stevens at 10:30 a.m. The roll showed fifteen members present. Senators Hoffman, Kaufman, Olson, Tobin, Yundt were excused from a call of the Senate. The prayer was offered by the Chaplain, Guy Crockroft, Love, INC. Senator Hughes 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 governing body, the Alaska Senate. I ask for your blessings upon each Senator, in accordance with what the Apostle Paul wrote in I Timothy, chapter 2, where he encouraged us that "…petitions, prayers, intercession, and thanksgiving be made for all people – for kings and all those in authority, that we may live peaceful and quiet lives in all godliness and holiness." Lord, I would petition that you give each Senator wisdom today, and during this session; I pray that each would be good stewards of their positions of authority, as they discuss and formulate the laws of our great State of Alaska; and I would intercede for them that you would inspire them as they serve, and I thank you for each of them. 2025-02-28 Senate Journal Page 0380 In the name of Jesus Christ, I pray. Amen. Senator Claman led the Senate in the Pledge of Allegiance. Certification Senator Giessel moved and asked unanimous consent the journals for the thirty-seventh and thirty-eighth legislative days be approved as certified by the Secretary. Without objection, it was so ordered. Messages from the House Message dated February 26 was read stating pursuant to AS 24.60.130 and AS 24.60.131 the House has ratified the following public members to the Select Committee on Legislative Ethics: H. Conner Thomas Carl Symons White Linda G. Cox, Alternate Standing Committee Reports SB 22 The Education Committee considered SENATE BILL NO. 22 "An Act establishing a financial literacy education program for public schools; and providing for an effective date." Signing do pass: Senator Tobin, Chair; Senators Cronk, Stevens, Kiehl. Signing no recommendation: Senator Bjorkman. The following fiscal information was published today: Fiscal Note No. 1, Department of Education and Early Development The bill was referred to the Finance Committee. 2025-02-28 Senate Journal Page 0381 SB 23 The Education Committee considered SENATE BILL NO. 23 "An Act relating to civics education, civics assessments, and secondary school graduation requirements; and providing for an effective date." Signing do pass: Senator Tobin, Chair; Senators Cronk, Stevens. Signing no recommendation: Senators Bjorkman, Kiehl. The following fiscal information was published today: Fiscal Note No. 1, indeterminate, Department of Education and Early Development The bill was referred to the Finance Committee. SB 41 The Education Committee considered SENATE BILL NO. 41 "An Act relating to mental health education." Signing do pass: Senator Tobin, Chair; Senators Cronk, Stevens, Kiehl. Signing no recommendation: Senator Bjorkman. The following fiscal information was published today: Fiscal Note No. 1, Department of Education and Early Development Fiscal Note No. 2, zero, Department of Family and Community Services The bill was referred to the Finance Committee. SB 47 The Resources Committee considered SENATE BILL NO. 47 "An Act relating to Chugach State Park; and providing for an effective date" and recommended it be replaced with CS FOR SENATE BILL NO. 47(RES) Signing do pass: Senator Giessel, Chair; Senators Hughes, Dunbar, Claman, Myers, Wielechowski. Signing no recommendation: Senator Kawasaki. 2025-02-28 Senate Journal Page 0382 The following previously published fiscal information applies: Fiscal Note No. 1, zero, Department of Natural Resources The bill was referred to the Rules Committee. Special Committee Reports SJR 9 The Senate Special Committee on Arctic Affairs considered SENATE JOINT RESOLUTION NO. 9 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. Signing do pass: Senator Giessel, Chair; Senators Kawasaki, Stevens. The following fiscal information was published today: Fiscal Note No. 1, zero, Senate Resources Committee The resolution was referred to the Rules Committee. Introduction and Reference of Senate Resolutions SJR 13 SENATE JOINT RESOLUTION NO. 13 BY THE SENATE RULES COMMITTEE BY REQUEST OF THE GOVERNOR, Proposing amendments to the Constitution of the State of Alaska relating to the appointment of state judges by the governor. was read the first time and referred to the State Affairs and Judiciary Committees. The following fiscal information was published today: Fiscal Note No. 1, zero, Office of the Governor 2025-02-28 Senate Journal Page 0383 Governor's transmittal letter dated February 26: Dear President Stevens: Under the authority of Article III, Section 18 of the Alaska Constitution, I am transmitting a resolution to amend the Constitution of the State of Alaska, Article IV, Section 5. The proposed amendment would streamline the judicial appointment process by allowing the Governor to fill a vacancy in the Supreme Court or the Superior Court from among all persons determined by the Judicial Council to meet the constitutional qualifications, rather than from a limited number of names. This change clarifies and simplifies how vacancies are filled, ensuring the Governor has a broader pool of qualified candidates while preserving the Judiciary’s integrity and independence. I respectfully request your prompt and favorable consideration of this resolution. Sincerely, /s/ Mike Dunleavy Governor Introduction and Reference of Senate Bills SB 46 SPONSOR SUBSTITUTE FOR SENATE BILL NO. 46 BY SENATOR CLAMAN, entitled: "An Act relating to education funding; relating to the public education fund; relating to the base student allocation; and providing for an effective date." was read the first time and referred to the Education and Finance Committees. 2025-02-28 Senate Journal Page 0384 SB 114 SENATE BILL NO. 114 BY SENATORS CRONK, Myers, entitled: "An Act relating to an in-state natural gas pipeline developed by the Alaska Gasline Development Corporation; and providing for an effective date." was read the first time and referred to the Resources and Finance Committees. SB 115 SENATE BILL NO. 115 BY THE SENATE RULES COMMITTEE BY REQUEST OF THE JOINT LEGISLATIVE TASK FORCE EVALUATING ALASKA'S SEAFOOD INDUSTRY, entitled: "An Act exempting from insurance regulation cooperative agreements entered into by two or more persons engaged in commercial fishing for the purpose of paying claims or losses." was read the first time and referred to the Labor and Commerce and Finance Committees. Consideration of the Calendar Second Reading of Senate Bills SB 43 SENATE BILL NO. 43 "An Act establishing the month of March as Women's History Month" was read the second time. President Stevens stated SENATE BILL NO. 43 will advance to third reading on the March 3 calendar. Citations Honoring - Sandy Fortier Representative(s) Story, Hannan Senator(s) Kiehl 2025-02-28 Senate Journal Page 0385 In Memoriam - Mark Edward Withrow Senator(s) Stevens Representative(s) Stutes In Memoriam - Yéil Xhoosh John Wilson, Jr. 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. Senator Giessel moved and asked unanimous consent the following citations be made a special order of business. Without objection, it was so ordered. Special Order of Business Honoring - Alaska Aerospace Corporation Representative(s) Stutes, Eischeid Senator(s) Stevens Honoring - University of Alaska Anchorage Celebrity Chef th Invitational 30 Anniversary Representative(s) Coulombe Senator Giessel moved and asked unanimous consent the citations be adopted. Without objection, the citations were adopted and referred to the Secretary for transmittal. Announcements Announcements are at the end of the journal. 2025-02-28 Senate Journal Page 0386 Adjournment Senator Giessel moved and asked unanimous consent the Senate stand in adjournment until 11:00 a.m., March 3, 2025. Without objection, the Senate adjourned at 10:46 a.m. Liz Clark Secretary of the Senate 2025-02-28 Senate Journal Page 0387 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 28 Friday Beltz 105 (tsbldg) 3:30 PM -- MEETING CANCELED -- Bills Previously Heard/Scheduled **Streamed live on AKL.tv** Mar 03 Monday Beltz 105 (tsbldg) 3:30 PM += SB 82 EDUCATION:SCHOOLS; GRANTS; FUNDING; DEBT -- Invited & Public Testimony -- Bills Previously Heard/Scheduled **Streamed live on AKL.tv** Mar 05 Wednesday Beltz 105 (tsbldg) 3:30 PM + SB 13 SUMMER EBT BENEFITS FOR CHILDREN -- Invited & Public Testimony -- + SB 46 EDUCATION FUNDING -- Invited & Public Testimony -- Presentation: Special Education in Alaska by Front-line educators Bills Previously Heard/Scheduled **Streamed live on AKL.tv** 2025-02-28 Senate Journal Page 0388 EDUCATION (continued) Mar 07 Friday Beltz 105 (tsbldg) 3:30 PM + SB 110 MUSEUM CONSTRUCTION GRANTS -- Invited & Public Testimony -- Bills Previously Heard/Scheduled **Streamed live on AKL.tv** ---------------------------------------- FINANCE Feb 28 Friday Senate Finance 532 9:00 AM No Meeting Scheduled Mar 03 Monday Senate Finance 532 9:00 AM + EO 136 Establish Depart. of Agriculture -- Testimony <Invitation Only> -- + SSCR 1 DISAPPROVE EO 136 -- Invited & Public Testimony -- Presentation: FY25 - FY45 Medicaid Enrollment and Spending in Alaska Report (MESA) Department of Health Bills Previously Heard/Scheduled **Streamed live on AKL.tv** Mar 04 Tuesday Senate Finance 532 9:00 AM No Meeting Scheduled Mar 05 Wednesday Senate Finance 532 9:00 AM Presentation: Alaska Seafood Marketing Institute Bills Previously Heard/Scheduled **Streamed live on AKL.tv** Mar 06 Thursday Senate Finance 532 9:00 AM + SB 80 EXTEND BOARDS -- Invited & Public Testimony -- + SB 109 PERMANENT FUND DIVIDEND; POMV SPLIT -- Testimony <Invitation Only> -- + SB 73 MARIJUANA: TAX/REGISTRATION; INCOME TAX -- Invited & Public Testimony -- + SB 113 APPORTION TAXABLE INCOME;DIGITAL BUSINESS -- Invited & Public Testimony -- Bills Previously Heard/Scheduled **Streamed live on AKL.tv** 2025-02-28 Senate Journal Page 0389 FINANCE (continued) Mar 07 Friday Senate Finance 532 9:00 AM No Meeting Scheduled ---------------------------------------- HEALTH & SOCIAL SERVICES Mar 04 Tuesday Butrovich 205 3:30 PM + Presentation: Alaska Mental Health Trust Authority Chief Executive Officer Introduction Dr. Mary Wilson + SB 90 MINOR MENTAL HEALTH: AGE OF CONSENT -- Invited & Public Testimony -- Bills Previously Heard/Scheduled **Streamed live on AKL.tv** Mar 06 Thursday Butrovich 205 3:30 PM + Bills Previously Heard/Scheduled **Streamed live on AKL.tv** ---------------------------------------- JUDICIARY 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** Mar 03 Monday Butrovich 205 1:30 PM + Bills Previously Heard/Scheduled **Streamed live on AKL.tv** Mar 05 Wednesday Butrovich 205 1:30 PM + Bills Previously Heard/Scheduled **Streamed live on AKL.tv** Mar 07 Friday Butrovich 205 1:30 PM No Meeting Scheduled 2025-02-28 Senate Journal Page 0390 LABOR & COMMERCE Feb 28 Friday Beltz 105 (tsbldg) 1:30 PM No Meeting Scheduled Mar 03 Monday Beltz 105 (tsbldg) 1:30 PM += SB 24 TOBACCO/NICOTINE/E-CIG AGE; E-CIG TAX -- Invited & Public Testimony -- -- Public Testimony <Time Limit May Be Set> -- + SB 50 MUNICIPAL COMPREHENSIVE PLANS: HOUSING -- Testimony <Invitation Only> -- + SB 81 PUBLIC EMPLOYER PENSION CONTRIBUTIONS -- Testimony <Invitation Only> -- **Streamed live on AKL.tv** Mar 05 Wednesday Beltz 105 (tsbldg) 1:30 PM += SB 54 EXT ARCH, ENG, SURVEY BRD; REG INT DESIGN -- Public Testimony <Time Limit May Be Set> -- + SB 86 MONEY TRANSMISSION; VIRTUAL CURRENCY -- Testimony <Invitation Only> -- Bills Previously Heard/Scheduled **Streamed live on AKL.tv** Mar 07 Friday Beltz 105 (tsbldg) 1:30 PM + Bills Previously Heard/Scheduled **Streamed live on AKL.tv** ---------------------------------------- RESOURCES Feb 28 Friday Butrovich 205 3:30 PM -- MEETING CANCELED -- + 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** 2025-02-28 Senate Journal Page 0391 RESOURCES (continued) Mar 03 Monday Butrovich 205 3:30 PM + Consideration of Governor’s Appointees: Jessie Chmielowski, Alaska Oil and Gas Conservation Commission += SB 92 CORP. INCOME TAX; OIL & GAS ENTITIES -- Invited & Public Testimony -- Bills Previously Heard/Scheduled **Streamed live on AKL.tv** Mar 05 Wednesday Butrovich 205 3:30 PM + Presentation: Alaska Statehood Defense Presentation: GaffneyCline Global LNG Market Bills Previously Heard/Scheduled **Streamed live on AKL.tv** Mar 07 Friday Butrovich 205 3:30 PM No Meeting Scheduled ---------------------------------------- STATE AFFAIRS Mar 04 Tuesday Beltz 105 (tsbldg) 3:30 PM + Presentation: ANDVSA: Alaska’s support for those experiencing sexual and domestic violence -- Testimony <Invitation Only> -- += SB 40 HISPANIC HERITAGE MONTH += SJR 10 HMONG VETERANS; CONGRESSIONAL GOLD MEDAL += SJR 6 WASHINGTON D.C. STATEHOOD -- Testimony <Invitation Only> -- + SCR 1 ART. II, SEC. 16, CONST: VETO RECON -- Invited & Public Testimony -- Bills Previously Heard/Scheduled **Streamed live on AKL.tv** Mar 06 Thursday Beltz 105 (tsbldg) 3:30 PM + Bills Previously Heard/Scheduled **Streamed live on AKL.tv** 2025-02-28 Senate Journal Page 0392 TRANSPORTATION Mar 04 Tuesday Butrovich 205 1:30 PM + Presentation: Intro to the Alaska Marine Highway System's Long-range Plan Craig Tornga, Marine Director, Alaska Marine Highway System Dom Pannone, Director of Program Management & Administration **Streamed live on AKL.tv** Mar 06 Thursday Butrovich 205 1:30 PM -- Continued from 2/20/25 -- + Presentation: Winter Road Maintenance Andy Mills, Special Assistant, Commissioner's Office Burrell Nickeson, Maintenance and Operations Manager, Central Region Brad Bylsma, Director, State Equipment Fleet Presentation: Rural Aviation System Update Troy LaRue, Director of Statewide Aviation **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 ---------------------------------------- CORRECTIONS Mar 05 Wednesday Beltz 105 (tsbldg) 8:00 AM Corrections Subcommittee 2025-02-28 Senate Journal Page 0393 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 ---------------------------------------- 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** ---------------------------------------- JUDICIARY Mar 05 Wednesday Beltz 105 (tsbldg) 5:30 PM Judiciary Subcommittee ---------------------------------------- LAW Mar 03 Monday Beltz 105 (tsbldg) 5:30 PM Law Subcommittee ---------------------------------------- NATURAL RESOURCES Mar 04 Tuesday Beltz 105 (tsbldg) 1:30 PM + Overview: Department of Natural Resources FY26 2025-02-28 Senate Journal Page 0394 PUBLIC SAFETY Mar 06 Thursday Beltz 105 (tsbldg) 8:00 AM Public Safety Subcommittee ---------------------------------------- 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 ---------------------------------------- SPECIAL COMMITTEES SPECIAL COMMITTEE ON ARCTIC AFFAIRS Mar 06 Thursday Beltz 105 (tsbldg) 1:30 PM No Meeting Scheduled ---------------------------------------- JOINT COMMITTEES LEGISLATIVE BUDGET & AUDIT Mar 04 Tuesday Senate Finance 532 9:00 AM -- Please Note Location Change -- + Presentation: The Impact of the POMV on Alaska’s Budget Alexei Painter, Director, Legislative Finance Division Presentation: Alaska Permanent Fund Corporation’s Trustees’ Paper #10, titled “A Rules-Based Permanent-Endowment Model for Alaska” Jason Brune, Chair, APFC Board of Trustees and Deven Mitchell, APFC Executive Director and CEO **Streamed live on AKL.tv** 2025-02-28 Senate Journal Page 0395 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 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 2025-02-28 Senate Journal Page 0396 MISCELLANEOUS MEETINGS (continued) Apr 02 Wednesday Butrovich 205 12:00 PM Lunch & Learn Presentation: BUILDING FOR THE NORTH: The History of Alaska Housing and Cold Climate Solutions Leah Winters, Public Policy Fellow, Cold Climate Housing Research Center (CCHRC) Sponsored by Senator Kawasaki Apr 09 Wednesday Butrovich 205 12:00 PM Lunch & Learn Presentation: Alaska Commission on Postsecondary Education Sponsored by Senator Tobin