Legislature(2025 - 2026)
2025-03-12 Senate Journal
Full Journal pdf2025-03-12 Senate Journal Page 0485 SENATE JOURNAL ALASKA STATE LEGISLATURE THIRTY-FOURTH LEGISLATURE FIRST SESSION Juneau, Alaska Wednesday March 12, 2025 Fifty-first 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 Stedman was absent. The prayer was offered by the Chaplain, Reverend Dr. Charles Ensminger, Kunéix Hídi Northern Light United Church. Senator Hoffman moved and asked unanimous consent the prayer be spread. Without objection, it was so ordered. Creator God, as we take this moment to pause, I pray for these members of the state senate. In thanksgiving for their work, I would ask for your wisdom to instruct them, and clarity of vision and purpose to guide them as they work for the people of Alaska. I pray that they will be guided by integrity and a desire for justice. Give them strength of character and be with them as they face the challenges of their office. I pray that this body will face difficulties with fortitude, their duties with fidelity, and in all things gratitude for the opportunity to serve. Defend them, their families, their constituents, and all who live in this great land. As such, I pray for these gathered here, but not just in this room; I pray for the staff, the pages, and all in this building. Watch over them, enliven their work, and uphold them in your mercy. 2025-03-12 Senate Journal Page 0486 I pray for the state of Alaska, for our Nation, and for our world. God of Creation, for this I pray. Amen. Senator Hoffman led the Senate in the Pledge of Allegiance. Certification Senator Giessel moved and asked unanimous consent the journals for the forty-ninth and fiftieth legislative days be approved as certified by the Secretary. Without objection, it was so ordered. Senator Giessel moved and asked unanimous consent Senator Stedman be excused from a call of the Senate today. Without objection, Senator Stedman was excused. Senator Giessel moved and asked unanimous consent Senator Olson be excused from a call of the Senate on March 13 and March 14. Without objection, Senator Olson was excused. Messages from the Governor Letter dated March 11 was read stating in accordance with Article III, sections 26 and 27 of the Alaska Constitution, and AS 39.05.080, I submit the following appointee(s) for confirmation: Professional Teaching Practices Commission Angie Alston – Fairbanks Appointed: 3/7/2025 Expires: 3/1/2027 Kathryn Baird – Fairbanks Appointed: 3/7/2025 Expires: 3/1/2028 Patrick Frymark – Fairbanks Appointed: 3/7/2025 Expires: 3/1/2028 The appointments were referred to the Education Committee. 2025-03-12 Senate Journal Page 0487 State Medical Board Samantha Smith – Anchorage Appointed: 3/7/2025 Expires: 3/1/2029 The appointment was referred to the Health and Social Services Committee. Board of Certified Real Estate Appraisers William McKean – Palmer Appointed: 3/1/2021 Expired: 3/1/2025 Reappointed: 3/1/2025 Expires: 3/1/2029 Board of Dental Examiners Traci Elison – Wrangell Appointed: 3/7/2025 Expires: 3/1/2029 Board of Marital and Family Therapy Chantal Cohen – Anchorage Appointed: 3/7/2025 Expires: 3/1/2029 Board of Professional Counselors Ashley Martin – Anchorage Appointed: 3/7/2025 Expires: 3/1/2029 Carrie-Elaine Border – Anchorage Appointed: 3/7/2025 Expires: 3/1/2029 Board of Public Accountancy James Doughty – Anchorage Appointed: 3/7/2025 Expires: 3/1/2029 Marijuana Control Board Lacy Wilcox – Juneau Appointed: 3/7/2025 Expires: 3/1/2028 State Board of Registration for Architects, Engineers, and Land Surveyors Samson Shepherd – Anchorage Appointed: 3/7/2025 Expires: 3/1/2029 2025-03-12 Senate Journal Page 0488 State Physical Therapy and Occupational Therapy Board Michelle Scott-Weber – Wasilla Appointed: 3/7/2025 Expires: 3/1/2026 Workers’ Compensation Appeals Commission Andrew Hemenway – Juneau Appointed: 3/7/2025 Expires: 3/1/2030 The appointments were referred to the Labor and Commerce Committee. The resumes for these appointments have been submitted to the Office of the Senate Secretary. Messages from the House Message dated March 11 was read stating: The House of Representatives respectfully invites the Senate to a Joint Session of the Thirty-Fourth Alaska Legislature at 10:30 a.m. on Wednesday, March 19 for the purpose of considering Senate Special Concurrent Resolution No. 1, regarding Executive Order No. 136, in the House Chamber. Senator Giessel moved and asked unanimous consent the Senate accept the House invitation to meet in Joint Session. Without objection, it was so ordered. The Secretary was requested to notify the House. Communications The following report is on file in the Office of the Secretary of the Senate: Letter from the Attorney General dated March 10 was received reporting the monetary terms for the collective bargaining agreement reached between the University of Alaska and University of Alaska- United Academics-Adjuncts (AAUP-AFT/AFL-CIO) in accordance with AS 23.40.215 and AO 356. President Stevens referred the report to the Finance Committee. 2025-03-12 Senate Journal Page 0489 Standing Committee Reports SB 80 The Finance Committee considered SENATE BILL NO. 80 "An Act extending the termination date of the Big Game Commercial Services Board; extending the termination date of the Board of Massage Therapists; extending the termination date of the Marijuana Control Board; and providing for an effective date" and recommended it be replaced with CS FOR SENATE BILL NO. 80(FIN) "An Act extending the termination date of the Big Game Commercial Services Board; extending the termination date of the Board of Massage Therapists; extending the termination date of the Alaska Commission on Aging; extending the termination date of the Marijuana Control Board; and providing for an effective date." Signing do pass: Senator Hoffman, Cochair; Senators Kaufman, Cronk, Merrick, Kiehl. The following fiscal information was published today: Fiscal Note No. 3, Department of Health The following previously published fiscal information applies: Fiscal Note No. 1, Department of Commerce, Community, and Economic Development Fiscal Note No. 2, Department of Commerce, Community, and Economic Development The bill was referred to the Rules Committee. 2025-03-12 Senate Journal Page 0490 Introduction and Reference of Senate Resolutions SCR 2 SENATE CONCURRENT RESOLUTION NO. 2 BY THE SENATE HEALTH & SOCIAL SERVICES COMMITTEE, Supporting an all-payer crisis continuum of care and Medicaid reform; and urging the Governor to direct the Department of Health and the division of insurance to develop recommendations for an all- payer model for crisis care. was read the first time and referred to the Health and Social Services and Labor and Commerce Committees. Introduction and Reference of Senate Bills SB 125 SENATE BILL NO. 125 BY SENATOR YUNDT, entitled: "An Act establishing the Alaska Gasline Finance Corporation; and relating to contributions from permanent fund dividends for the financing of a natural gas pipeline." was read the first time and referred to the Resources and Finance Committees. SB 126 SENATE BILL NO. 126 BY SENATOR YUNDT, entitled: "An Act relating to correctional facilities; relating to the authority of the commissioner of corrections to designate the placement of prisoners; and requiring the Department of Corrections to estimate and report certain cost savings." was read the first time and referred to the State Affairs and Finance Committees. 2025-03-12 Senate Journal Page 0491 SB 127 SENATE BILL NO. 127 BY SENATOR GRAY-JACKSON BY REQUEST, entitled: "An Act relating to the education of visually impaired students in public schools." was read the first time and referred to the Education and Finance Committees. SB 128 SENATE BILL NO. 128 BY THE SENATE RULES COMMITTEE, entitled: "An Act establishing the Department of Agriculture; relating to the establishment of the Department of Agriculture; transferring functions of the Department of Natural Resources related to agriculture to the Department of Agriculture; and providing for an effective date." was read the first time and referred to the Resources and Finance Committees. SB 129 SENATE BILL NO. 129 BY SENATOR KAWASAKI, entitled: "An Act establishing a 30-day deadline for the payment of contracts under the State Procurement Code; establishing deadlines for the payment of grants, contracts, and reimbursement agreements to nonprofit organizations, municipalities, and Alaska Native organizations; relating to payment of grants to named recipients that are not municipalities; and providing for an effective date." was read the first time and referred to the Community and Regional Affairs and Labor and Commerce Committees. 2025-03-12 Senate Journal Page 0492 SB 130 SENATE BILL NO. 130 BY THE SENATE RULES COMMITTEE BY REQUEST OF THE JOINT LEGISLATIVE TASK FORCE EVALUATING ALASKA'S SEAFOOD INDUSTRY, entitled: "An Act relating to the fisheries product development tax credit; providing for an effective date by amending the effective date of sec. 2, ch. 31, SLA 2022; and providing for an effective date." was read the first time and referred to the Resources and Finance Committees. Consideration of the Calendar Citations In Memoriam - Robert “Tiny” Schasteen Representative(s) Edgmon Senator(s) Hoffman In Memoriam - Michael Evan Sr. Representative(s) Edgmon Senator(s) Hoffman 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 SB 129 Senators Tobin, Giessel, Gray-Jackson moved and asked unanimous consent to be shown as cosponsors on SENATE BILL NO. 129 "An Act establishing a 30-day deadline for the payment of contracts under the State Procurement Code; establishing deadlines for the payment of grants, contracts, and reimbursement agreements to nonprofit organizations, municipalities, and Alaska Native organizations; relating to payment of grants to named recipients that are not municipalities; and providing for an effective date." Without objection, it was so ordered. 2025-03-12 Senate Journal Page 0493 Senator Bjorkman moved and asked unanimous consent to be excused from a call of the Senate from noon, April 23 through morning plane time, April 29. Without objection, Senator Bjorkman was excused. SB 121 Senator Gray-Jackson moved and asked unanimous consent to be shown as a cosponsor on SENATE BILL NO. 121 "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." Without objection, it was so ordered. SB 55 Senators Myers, Shower, Cronk moved and asked unanimous consent to be shown as cosponsors on SENATE BILL NO. 55 "An Act relating to employer contributions in the teachers' retirement system; relating to supplemental employee benefits; and providing for an effective date." Without objection, it was so ordered. 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., March 14, 2025. Without objection, the Senate adjourned at 11:21 a.m. Liz Clark Secretary of the Senate 2025-03-12 Senate Journal Page 0494 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 12 Wednesday Beltz 105 (tsbldg) 3:30 PM + SB 18 COMMUNICATION DEVICES IN PUBLIC SCHOOLS -- Invited & Public Testimony -- + HB 69 EDUCATION FUNDING: INCREASE BSA <Pending Referral> <Bill Hearing Rescheduled to 03/17/25> += SB 6 ASIAN AMERICAN/PACIFIC ISLANDER PROGRAM Consideration of Governor’s Appointees: Alaska Board of Education and Early Development Kimberly Bergey Kathryn McCollum Consideration of Governor’s Appointees: Professional Teaching Practices Commission Heidi Barnes Kimberly Bergey Bills Previously Heard/Scheduled **Streamed live on AKL.tv** 2025-03-12 Senate Journal Page 0495 EDUCATION (continued) Mar 14 Friday Butrovich 205 1:30 PM -- Please Note Time & Location Change -- + Meeting jointly with the Senate Judiciary Committee Presentation: Policy and Prevention for Young Adults in the Juvenile Justice System Adriana Galván, Director, Developmental Neuroscience Laboratory at University of California Los Angeles Bills Previously Heard/Scheduled **Streamed live on AKL.tv** ---------------------------------------- FINANCE Mar 12 Wednesday Senate Finance 532 9:00 AM + Presentation: Medicaid Levers and Federal Marketplace Department of Health Lori Wing-Heier, Director, Division of Insurance, Department of Commerce, Community and Economic Development Bills Previously Heard/Scheduled Mar 13 Thursday Senate Finance 532 9:00 AM + Presentation: Spring Revenue Forecast Department of Revenue Three Year Budget Outlook Update: Response to Committee Questions Legislative Finance Division Bills Previously Heard/Scheduled Mar 14 Friday Senate Finance 532 9:00 AM + Overview: Major Maintenance and School Construction Department of Education and Early Development Alaska Council of School Administrators Mt. Edgecumbe High School Bills Previously Heard/Scheduled ---------------------------------------- 2025-03-12 Senate Journal Page 0496 HEALTH & SOCIAL SERVICES Mar 13 Thursday Butrovich 205 3:30 PM Bills Previously Heard/Scheduled: += SB 9 SURRENDER OF INFANTS; INF. SAFETY DEVICE += SB 83 TELEHEALTH REIMBURSEMENT RATES + SCR 2 SUPPORT CRISIS CARE & MEDICAID REFORM ---------------------------------------- JUDICIARY Mar 12 Wednesday Butrovich 205 1:30 PM += SB 12 PFD/CHILD SUPPORT Bills Previously Heard/Scheduled **Streamed live on AKL.tv** Mar 14 Friday Butrovich 205 1:30 PM + Meeting jointly with the Senate Education Committee Presentation: Policy and Prevention for Young Adults in the Juvenile Justice System Adriana Galván, Director, Developmental Neuroscience Laboratory at the University of California Los Angeles Bills Previously Heard/Scheduled **Streamed live on AKL.tv** ---------------------------------------- LABOR & COMMERCE Mar 12 Wednesday Beltz 105 (tsbldg) 1:30 PM += SB 54 EXT ARCH, ENG, SURVEY BRD; REG INT DESIGN += SB 24 TOBACCO/NICOTINE/E-CIG AGE; E-CIG TAX += SB 55 TRS CONTR RATE; PERS/TRS SOC SECUR OR SBS -- Public Testimony <Time Limit May Be Set> -- **Streamed live on AKL.tv** Mar 14 Friday Beltz 105 (tsbldg) 1:30 PM + SB 89 PHYSICIAN ASSISTANT SCOPE OF PRACTICE -- Testimony <Invitation Only> -- + SB 96 CHILD CARE: TAX CREDITS -- Testimony <Invitation Only> -- Bills Previously Heard/Scheduled **Streamed live on AKL.tv** ---------------------------------------- 2025-03-12 Senate Journal Page 0497 RESOURCES Mar 12 Wednesday Butrovich 205 3:30 PM + SB 105 STATE LAND FOR RECREATIONAL CABIN SITES <Bill Hearing Rescheduled to 03/14/25> -- Invited & Public Testimony -- + SB 112 OIL & GAS PRODUCTION TAX -- Testimony <Invitation Only> -- Bills Previously Heard/Scheduled Presentation: Alaska LNG: Update on QilakLNG Mead Treadwell, CEO, QilakLNG David Clarke, COO, QilakLNG **Streamed live on AKL.tv** Mar 14 Friday Butrovich 205 3:30 PM Bills Previously Heard/Scheduled: += SB 97 BIG GAME PERMIT PROGRAM += SB 105 STATE LAND FOR RECREATIONAL CABIN SITES <Bill Hearing Canceled> -- Invited & Public Testimony -- += SB 92 CORP. INCOME TAX; OIL & GAS ENTITIES -- Invited & Public Testimony -- **Streamed live on AKL.tv** ---------------------------------------- STATE AFFAIRS Mar 13 Thursday Beltz 105 (tsbldg) 3:30 PM += SB 64 ELECTIONS -- Public Testimony <Time Limit May Be Set> -- + SB 49 WORKPLACE VIOLENCE PROTECTIVE ORDERS -- Invited & Public Testimony -- + SB 120 CLIMATE CHANGE COMMISSION -- Invited & Public Testimony -- Bills Previously Heard/Scheduled **Streamed live on AKL.tv** ---------------------------------------- 2025-03-12 Senate Journal Page 0498 TRANSPORTATION Mar 13 Thursday Butrovich 205 1:30 PM + Highway, Bike and Pedestrian Safety Pam Golden, P.E., State Traffic & Safety Engineer Shannon McCarthy, Communications Director Dan Smith, Director, Measurement Standards and Commercial Vehicle Compliance ---------------------------------------- FINANCE SUBCOMMITTEES ADMINISTRATION Mar 17 Monday Senate Finance 532 5:15 PM + Administration Subcommittee ---------------------------------------- COMMERCE, COMMUNITY & ECONOMIC DEV Mar 14 Friday Senate Finance 532 8:00 AM + Overview: FY26 Budget Items ---------------------------------------- EDUCATION & EARLY DEVELOPMENT 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 ---------------------------------------- FAMILY & COMMUNITY SERVICES Mar 13 Thursday Senate Finance 532 3:30 PM + Overview: Requested FY26 Budget Items **Streamed live on AKL.tv** ---------------------------------------- 2025-03-12 Senate Journal Page 0499 HEALTH Mar 18 Tuesday Senate Finance 532 3:30 PM + Presentation: Update from the Division of Public Assistance Deb Etheridge, Director **Streamed live on AKL.tv** ---------------------------------------- REVENUE Mar 13 Thursday Senate Finance 532 5:15 PM + Revenue Subcommittee Mar 20 Thursday Senate Finance 532 5:15 PM + Revenue Subcommittee ---------------------------------------- TRANSPORTATION & PUBLIC FACILITIES Mar 12 Wednesday Senate Finance 532 7:45 AM + FY26 DOT Operating budget - Highways ---------------------------------------- SPECIAL COMMITTEES SPECIAL COMMITTEE ON ARCTIC AFFAIRS Mar 13 Thursday Beltz 105 (tsbldg) 1:30 PM + Presentation: Arctic Affairs in Alaska: Marine Exchange of Alaska Ed Page, Founder, Senior Advisor, Marine Exchange of Alaska Byron Hayes, Operations Center Supervisor, Marine Exchange of Alaska Edric Carrillo, External Affairs Officer, Marine Exchange of Alaska Bills Previously Heard/Scheduled **Streamed live on AKL.tv** ---------------------------------------- 2025-03-12 Senate Journal Page 0500 JOINT COMMITTEES LEGISLATIVE COUNCIL Mar 12 Wednesday Senate Finance 532 5:15 PM -- Please Note Location -- -- Testimony <Invitation Only> -- **Streamed live on AKL.tv** I. Call to Order II. Approval of the Agenda III. Approval of Minutes a. February 12, 2025, Minutes IV. Sanctioning of Charitable Events i. Kenai River Junior Classic - August 5 - 6, 2025 ii. Ted Stevens Kenai River Classic - August 20 - 22, 2025 iii. Kenai River Women’s Classic - September 11 - 13, 2025 V. Executive Session a. Consideration of an Appeal in Legislative Council v. Attorney General Treg Taylor, et al VI. Adjourn ---------------------------------------- OTHER MEETINGS JOINT SESSION Mar 18 Tuesday House Chamber 11:00 AM + Annual Address by Lisa Murkowski, U.S. Senator Mar 19 Wednesday House Chamber 10:30 AM + Consideration of Senate Special Concurrent Resolution 1 Regarding Executive Order 136 SSCR 1 DISAPPROVE EO 136 Mar 20 Thursday House Chamber 11:00 AM + Annual Address by Dan Sullivan, U.S. Senator ---------------------------------------- 2025-03-12 Senate Journal Page 0501 MISCELLANEOUS MEETINGS 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 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