Legislature(2025 - 2026)
2025-03-05 Senate Journal
Full Journal pdf2025-03-05 Senate Journal Page 0419 SENATE JOURNAL ALASKA STATE LEGISLATURE THIRTY-FOURTH LEGISLATURE FIRST SESSION Juneau, Alaska Wednesday March 5, 2025 Forty-fourth Day Pursuant to adjournment the Senate was called to order by President Stevens at 11:03 a.m. The roll showed nineteen members present. Senator Olson was excused from a call of the Senate. 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 for this meeting of the Alaskan Senate. I thank you that there is this time-honored tradition of praying before every gathering of the House and the Senate. But God, it is more than just tradition, it is a supernatural encounter. Where today, in this moment, I get to humble myself and seek you. I think of Solomon's prayer in the Bible, "Here is what I want: Give me a God-listening heart so I can lead your people well, discerning the difference between good and evil. For whom on their own is capable of leading your glorious people?" 2025-03-05 Senate Journal Page 0420 So God, I echo that sentiment, who on their own is capable of leading? I pray over these Senators today that they would have wisdom in all that they do. God that you give them joy, peace and patience today. Give them energy and resilience today. God that they would feel the weight of their position but also that they are graced for it...for such a time as this. Thank you for today God and I bless these Senators in the name of Jesus. Amen. Senator Dunbar led the Senate in the Pledge of Allegiance. Certification Senator Giessel moved and asked unanimous consent the journals for the forty-second and forty-third 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 Fish and Game Alaska Salmon Fisheries Enhancement 2024 Annual Report in accordance with AS 16.05.092 Department of Natural Resources 2024 Determination to Take Oil and Gas Royalty In-Value in accordance with AS 38.05.182 Disclosure letters received from the Select Committee on Legislative Ethics in accordance with AS 24.60 will be published in Senate Journal Supplement No. 2 and House and Senate Joint Journal Supplement No. 5. 2025-03-05 Senate Journal Page 0421 Letter from the Attorney General dated March 3 was received reporting the monetary terms for the collective bargaining agreement reached with the Teachers Education Association-Mt. Edgecumbe in accordance with AS 23.40.215 and AO 356. President Stevens referred the report to the Finance Committee. Standing Committee Reports SB 40 The State Affairs Committee considered SENATE BILL NO. 40 "An Act establishing the period between September 15 and October 15 of each year as Hispanic Heritage 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. SB 89 The Health and Social Services Committee considered 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." Signing do pass: Senator Dunbar, Chair; Senators Claman, Giessel, Tobin, Hughes. The following fiscal information was published today: Fiscal Note No. 1, zero, Department of Commerce, Community, and Economic Development Fiscal Note No. 2, zero, Department of Commerce, Community, and Economic Development The bill was referred to the Labor and Commerce Committee. 2025-03-05 Senate Journal Page 0422 SJR 6 The State Affairs Committee considered SENATE JOINT RESOLUTION NO. 6 Supporting the admittance of Washington, D.C., into the Union as a state of the United States of America. Signing do pass: Senator Kawasaki, Chair; Senators Wielechowski, Gray-Jackson. Signing do not pass: Senators Bjorkman, Yundt. The following fiscal information was published today: Fiscal Note No. 1, zero, Legislative Agency The resolution was referred to the Judiciary Committee. SJR 10 The State Affairs Committee considered SENATE JOINT RESOLUTION NO. 10 Encouraging the United States Congress to award Hmong veterans of the Vietnam War the Congressional Gold Medal. Signing do pass: Senator Kawasaki, Chair; Senators Wielechowski, Gray-Jackson, Bjorkman, Yundt. The following fiscal information was published today: Fiscal Note No. 1, zero, Legislative Agency The resolution was referred to the Rules Committee. Introduction and Reference of Senate Bills SB 116 SENATE BILL NO. 116 BY THE SENATE STATE AFFAIRS COMMITTEE, entitled: "An Act amending campaign contribution limits for state and local office; directing the Alaska Public Offices Commission to adjust campaign contribution limits for state and local office once each decade beginning in 2031; and relating to campaign contribution reporting requirements." was read the first time and referred to the State Affairs and Finance Committees. 2025-03-05 Senate Journal Page 0423 SB 117 SENATE BILL NO. 117 BY THE SENATE STATE AFFAIRS COMMITTEE, entitled: "An Act renaming the State Commission for Human Rights the Alaska State Commission for Civil Rights; relating to removal of commissioners of the Alaska State Commission for Civil Rights; relating to reports from the Alaska State Commission for Civil Rights; relating to the definition of 'employer' for the purposes of the Alaska State Commission for Civil Rights; and relating to local civil rights commissions." was read the first time and referred to the Labor and Commerce and Finance Committees. SB 118 SENATE BILL NO. 118 BY THE SENATE STATE AFFAIRS COMMITTEE, entitled: "An Act relating to the Board of Regents of the University of Alaska." was read the first time and referred to the Education and Finance Committees. SB 119 SENATE BILL NO. 119 BY SENATOR GRAY-JACKSON, entitled: "An Act relating to fundamental rights." was read the first time and referred to the State Affairs and Judiciary Committees. 2025-03-05 Senate Journal Page 0424 SB 120 SENATE BILL NO. 120 BY SENATOR GRAY-JACKSON, entitled: "An Act establishing the Alaska Climate Change Emergency Response Commission; and relating to the powers and duties of the Alaska Climate Change Emergency Response Commission." was read the first time and referred to the State Affairs and Finance Committees. SB 121 SENATE BILL NO. 121 BY SENATOR GIESSEL BY REQUEST, entitled: "An Act relating to settlement of health insurance claims; relating to allowable charges for health care services or supplies; and providing for an effective date." was read the first time and referred to the Health and Social Services and Labor and Commerce Committees. SB 122 SENATE BILL NO. 122 BY SENATOR GIESSEL BY REQUEST, entitled: "An Act relating to insurance; establishing standards for health insurance provider networks; and providing for an effective date." was read the first time and referred to the Health and Social Services and Labor and Commerce Committees. 2025-03-05 Senate Journal Page 0425 Consideration of the Calendar Second Reading of Senate Resolutions SJR 9 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, was read the second time. President Stevens stated SENATE JOINT RESOLUTION NO. 9 will advance to third reading on the March 6 calendar. Citations Senator Giessel moved and asked unanimous consent the following citation be made a special order of business. Without objection, it was so ordered. Special Order of Business Honoring - Diane Carpenter Senator(s) Hoffman 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 President Stevens made the following appointments: Alaska Aerospace Corporation Board of Directors Senator Kaufman, alternate Energy Council Senator Bjorkman Senator Hughes Senator Kaufman Senator Wielechowski 2025-03-05 Senate Journal Page 0426 Statewide Suicide Prevention Council Senator Shower Council for Alaska Native Languages Senator Tobin Pacific States Marine Fisheries Commission Senator Kiehl Council of State Governments West Executive Committee Senator Stevens Senator Shower Senator Tobin Agriculture and Water Committee Senator Claman Energy and The Grid Committee Senator Wielechowski Wildfires and Disaster Preparedness Committee Senator Bjorkman Senator Kawasaki Education and Workforce Development Committee Senator Hughes Senator Tobin Technology and Future of Work Committee Senator Gray-Jackson Health and Human Services Committee Senator Giessel Housing Committee Senator Tobin Senator Dunbar 2025-03-05 Senate Journal Page 0427 Council of State Governments National Executive Committee Senator Stevens Interbranch Affairs Committee Senator Hughes Shared State Legislation Committee Senator Claman National Conference of State Legislatures Standing Committees Banking, Financial Services and Insurance Committee Senator Bjorkman Budgets and Revenue Committee Senator Gray-Jackson Children, Families and Human Services Committee Senator Tobin Education Committee Senator Bjorkman Senator Tobin Elections and Redistricting Committee Senator Kawasaki Senator Shower Health Committee Senator Tobin Labor and Economic Development Committee Senator Bjorkman Senator Wielechowski Law and Public Safety Committee Senator Claman Senator Hughes 2025-03-05 Senate Journal Page 0428 Natural Resources, Energy and Environment Committee Senator Giessel Senator Kawasaki Senator Myers Transportation Committee Senator Bjorkman Senator Myers National Conference of State Legislatures Task Forces Agriculture Task Force Senator Hughes Task Force on Artificial Intelligence, Cybersecurity and Privacy Senator Hughes Higher Education Task Force Senator Tobin Health Innovations Task Force Senator Claman Energy Supply Task Force Senator Kawasaki, Vice Chair Military and Veterans Affairs Task Force Senator Kawasaki, Vice Chair Senator Shower State and Local Taxation Task Force Senator Kiehl National Conference of State Legislatures Nuclear Legislative Working Group Senator Giessel Senator Shower 2025-03-05 Senate Journal Page 0429 SB 97 Senator Wielechowski, Chair, moved and asked unanimous consent the Rules Committee be withdrawn as prime sponsor on SENATE BILL NO. 97 "An Act establishing a big game guide concession area permit program on land in the state; relating to the duties of the Big Game Commercial Services Board, the Board of Game, the Department of Fish and Game, and the Department of Natural Resources; requiring the Board of Game to establish an initial big game guide concession area; and providing for an effective date." Without objection, it was so ordered. Senator Giessel, Chair, moved and asked unanimous consent the Resources Committee be added as prime sponsor on SENATE BILL NO. 97 "An Act establishing a big game guide concession area permit program on land in the state; relating to the duties of the Big Game Commercial Services Board, the Board of Game, the Department of Fish and Game, and the Department of Natural Resources; requiring the Board of Game to establish an initial big game guide concession area; and providing for an effective date." Without objection, it was so ordered. SB 90 Senator Claman moved and asked unanimous consent to be shown as a cosponsor on SENATE BILL NO. 90 "An Act relating to the examination and treatment of minors; relating to consent for behavioral and mental health treatment for minors 16 years of age or older; and providing for an effective date." Without objection, it was so ordered. SB 11 Senator Yundt moved and asked unanimous consent to be shown as a cosponsor on SENATE BILL NO. 11 "An Act relating to flood insurance; relating to property insurance; establishing the Alaska Flood Authority and the Alaska flood insurance fund; and providing for an effective date." Without objection, it was so ordered. Senator Gray-Jackson moved and asked unanimous consent to be excused from a call of the Senate from March 13 through March 16. Without objection, Senator Gray-Jackson was excused. 2025-03-05 Senate Journal Page 0430 Announcements Announcements are at the end of the journal. Enrollment SB 87 SENATE BILL NO. 87 "An Act disapproving the recommendations of the State Officers Compensation Commission; and providing for an effective date" was enrolled, signed by the President and Secretary, Speaker and Chief Clerk and the engrossed and enrolled copies transmitted to the Office of the Governor at 12:50 p.m., March 5, 2025. Adjournment Senator Giessel moved and asked unanimous consent the Senate stand in adjournment until 10:30 a.m., March 6, 2025. Without objection, the Senate adjourned at 12:03 p.m. Liz Clark Secretary of the Senate 2025-03-05 Senate Journal Page 0431 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 EDUCATION 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** ---------------------------------------- FINANCE 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** 2025-03-05 Senate Journal Page 0432 FINANCE (continued) 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 ---------------------------------------- HEALTH & SOCIAL SERVICES Mar 06 Thursday Butrovich 205 3:30 PM -- MEETING CANCELED -- + Bills Previously Heard/Scheduled **Streamed live on AKL.tv** ---------------------------------------- JUDICIARY Mar 05 Wednesday Butrovich 205 1:30 PM -- MEETING CANCELED -- + Bills Previously Heard/Scheduled **Streamed live on AKL.tv** Mar 07 Friday Butrovich 205 1:30 PM No Meeting Scheduled ---------------------------------------- 2025-03-05 Senate Journal Page 0433 LABOR & COMMERCE 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 05 Wednesday Butrovich 205 3:30 PM + Presentation: Alaska Statehood Defense Presentation: GaffneyCline Global LNG Market Bills Previously Heard/Scheduled Consideration of Governor's Appointees: Jessie Chmielowski, Alaska Oil and Gas Conservation Commission -- Public Testimony -- **Streamed live on AKL.tv** Mar 07 Friday Butrovich 205 3:30 PM No Meeting Scheduled ---------------------------------------- STATE AFFAIRS Mar 06 Thursday Beltz 105 (tsbldg) 3:30 PM -- MEETING CANCELED -- + Bills Previously Heard/Scheduled **Streamed live on AKL.tv** ---------------------------------------- 2025-03-05 Senate Journal Page 0434 TRANSPORTATION 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 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 ---------------------------------------- 2025-03-05 Senate Journal Page 0435 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 Butrovich 205 1:30 PM -- Please Note Time & Location Change -- Judiciary Subcommittee ---------------------------------------- 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 ---------------------------------------- 2025-03-05 Senate Journal Page 0436 SPECIAL COMMITTEES SPECIAL COMMITTEE ON ARCTIC AFFAIRS Mar 06 Thursday Beltz 105 (tsbldg) 1:30 PM No Meeting Scheduled ---------------------------------------- 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 17 Monday Butrovich 205 12:00 PM Lunch & Learn Presentation: So there's a disaster in my district: what the heck do I do now? Division of Homeland Security and Emergency Management Bryan Fisher, Director Angela Laflamme, Legislative Liaison Sponsored by Senator Kiehl 2025-03-05 Senate Journal Page 0437 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 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