Legislature(2025 - 2026)
2025-03-03 Senate Journal
Full Journal pdf2025-03-03 Senate Journal Page 0401 SENATE JOURNAL ALASKA STATE LEGISLATURE THIRTY-FOURTH LEGISLATURE FIRST SESSION Juneau, Alaska Monday March 3, 2025 Forty-second Day Pursuant to adjournment the Senate was called to order by President Stevens at 11:02 a.m. The roll showed nineteen members present. Senator Olson was absent. The prayer was offered by the Chaplain, Pastor Nathaniel Habeger, Juneau Christian Center. Senator Hoffman moved and asked unanimous consent the prayer be spread. Without objection, it was so ordered. Dear Heavenly Father, I pray today over this senate body. I thank you for each man and woman who has responded to the call to lead and represent their regions. I thank you for this great state of Alaska. The beauty, the majesty, and the awe which this great state commands when we look around. I thank you for nature, the people, and the resources which are found within this state. God, I ask that you help all of us (politician or not) to steward well this life that we have. God, I thank you for your mercy and grace which are so readily available for those who seek it out. I thank you for your kindness and patience, your justice and your righteousness. I thank you for your faithfulness and your unfailing love. 2025-03-03 Senate Journal Page 0402 God, I pray over each Senator today. That they would be blessed in their comings and their goings. That their families would be blessed. That their minds and the things they put their hands to would flourish and be blessed. Bless them this day, in Jesus' name I pray. Amen. Senator Cronk led the Senate in the Pledge of Allegiance. Certification Senator Giessel moved and asked unanimous consent the journals for the thirty-ninth through forty-first legislative days be approved as certified by the Secretary. Without objection, it was so ordered. Senator Giessel moved and asked unanimous consent Senator Olson be excused from a call of the Senate today through March 7. Without objection, Senator Olson was excused. Messages from the House SB 87 Message dated February 28 was read stating the House passed and returned: SENATE BILL NO. 87 "An Act disapproving the recommendations of the State Officers Compensation Commission; and providing for an effective date." The bill was referred to the Secretary for enrollment. Communications The following reports are on file in the Office of the Secretary of the Senate: Department of Commerce, Community, and Economic Development Military Courtesy Licensing Biennial Report in accordance with AS 08.01.063 2025-03-03 Senate Journal Page 0403 Department of Fish and Game Status of Brown Bears and Other Natural Resources in the McNeil River State Game Sanctuary and Refuge 2024 Annual Report to the Alaska State Legislature February 2025 in accordance with AS 16.20.041 and AS 16.20.162 Alaska Mental Health Board Statewide Suicide Prevention Council 2024 Annual Report in accordance with AS 44.29.350 Alaska Court System Appellate and Trial Courts 2024 Time-to-Disposition Report in accordance with AS 22.20.310 Alaska Energy Authority 2024 Annual Report in accordance with AS 44.83.940 Department of Education and Early Development School Capital Project Funding Under SB 237 Annual Report in accordance with AS 14.11.035 Standing Committee Reports SSCR 1 The Finance Committee considered SENATE SPECIAL CONCURRENT RESOLUTION NO. 1 Disapproving Executive Order No. 136. Signing the report: Senators Stedman, Hoffman, Cochairs; Senators Kaufman, Cronk, Merrick, Kiehl. The following previously published fiscal information applies: Fiscal Note No. 1, zero, Senate Resources Committee In accordance with Uniform Rule 49(a)(4), the resolution was transmitted to the House for consideration. 2025-03-03 Senate Journal Page 0404 Consideration of the Calendar Third 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 third time. The question being: "Shall SENATE BILL NO. 43 "An Act establishing the month of March as Women's History Month" pass the Senate?" The roll was taken with the following result: SB 43 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. 43 passed the Senate and was referred to the Secretary for engrossment. Citations th Honoring - Tanana Valley League of Women Voters 60 Anniversary Senator(s) Kawasaki Representative(s) Dibert, Carrick Senator Giessel moved and asked unanimous consent the citation be adopted. Without objection, the citation was adopted and referred to the Secretary for transmittal. Unfinished Business SJR 4 Senators Yundt, Cronk, Myers, Hughes, Shower moved and asked unanimous consent to be shown as cosponsors on SENATE JOINT RESOLUTION NO. 4 Proposing amendments to the Constitution of the State of Alaska relating to an appropriation limit. Without objection, it was so ordered. 2025-03-03 Senate Journal Page 0405 SJR 5 Senators Yundt, Hughes, Myers, Cronk, Shower moved and asked unanimous consent to be shown as cosponsors on SENATE JOINT RESOLUTION NO. 5 Proposing amendments to the Constitution of the State of Alaska relating to the Alaska permanent fund, appropriations from the permanent fund, and the permanent fund dividend. Without objection, it was so ordered. SB 37 Senators Yundt, Hughes, Myers, Cronk, Shower moved and asked unanimous consent to be shown as cosponsors on SENATE BILL NO. 37 "An Act relating to the Executive Budget Act; relating to strategic plans, mission statements, performance plans, and financial plans for executive branch agencies; and providing for an effective date." Without objection, it was so ordered. SB 107 Senators Yundt, Myers, Kaufman, Cronk, Shower moved and asked unanimous consent to be shown as cosponsors on SENATE BILL NO. 107 "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." Without objection, it was so ordered. SB 6 Senators Yundt, Kaufman, Cronk 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. Announcements Announcements are at the end of the journal. 2025-03-03 Senate Journal Page 0406 Engrossment SB 43 SENATE BILL NO. 43 "An Act establishing the month of March as Women's History Month" 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., March 5, 2025. Without objection, the Senate adjourned at 11:26 a.m. Liz Clark Secretary of the Senate 2025-03-03 Senate Journal Page 0407 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 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** 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** 2025-03-03 Senate Journal Page 0408 FINANCE 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 -- Rescheduled from 03/03/25 -- + Presentation: FY25-FY45 Medicaid Enrollment and Spending in Alaska Report (MESA) Department of Health 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** Mar 07 Friday Senate Finance 532 9:00 AM No Meeting Scheduled 2025-03-03 Senate Journal Page 0409 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 -- MEETING CANCELED -- + Bills Previously Heard/Scheduled **Streamed live on AKL.tv** ---------------------------------------- JUDICIARY Mar 03 Monday Butrovich 205 1:30 PM -- MEETING CANCELED -- + 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 ---------------------------------------- LABOR & COMMERCE 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> -- <Above Item Removed from Agenda> **Streamed live on AKL.tv** 2025-03-03 Senate Journal Page 0410 LABOR & COMMERCE (continued) 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 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 2025-03-03 Senate Journal Page 0411 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** ---------------------------------------- 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** 2025-03-03 Senate Journal Page 0412 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 ---------------------------------------- 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** 2025-03-03 Senate Journal Page 0413 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 ---------------------------------------- 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 2025-03-03 Senate Journal Page 0414 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** ---------------------------------------- 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 2025-03-03 Senate Journal Page 0415 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 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