Legislature(2025 - 2026)
2025-03-18 Senate Journal
Full Journal pdf2025-03-18 Senate Journal Page 0547 SENATE JOURNAL ALASKA STATE LEGISLATURE THIRTY-FOURTH LEGISLATURE FIRST SESSION Juneau, Alaska Tuesday March 18, 2025 Fifty-seventh Day Pursuant to adjournment the Senate was called to order by President Stevens at 10:46 a.m. The roll showed nineteen members present. Senator Stedman was absent. The prayer was offered by the Chaplain, Nova Tomaszewski, Senate Page. Senator Hoffman moved and asked unanimous consent the prayer be spread. Without objection, it was so ordered. Lord God, whose light shines out of the darkness and gleams brightly into our hearts, I thank you for all the goodness you allow us to see. I want to see your goodness clearly and have confidence in it, no matter how much around us is dark and disquieting. I want to remain firm and full of trust, looking to what you have put into my heart so that I may come to know you. Be with me with your Spirit. Lead me to realize ever more clearly that I am made for your honor. Amen. Senator Kawasaki led the Senate in the Pledge of Allegiance. Certification Senator Giessel moved and asked unanimous consent the journal for the fifty-sixth legislative day be approved as certified by the Secretary. Without objection, it was so ordered. 2025-03-18 Senate Journal Page 0548 Senator Giessel moved and asked unanimous consent Senator Stedman be excused from a call of the Senate today. Without objection, Senator Stedman was excused. Messages from the House Message dated March 17 was read stating the House passed and transmitted for consideration: First Reading and Reference of House Resolutions HJR 5 HOUSE JOINT RESOLUTION NO. 5 BY REPRESENTATIVES BYNUM, Saddler, Rauscher, Schrage, Schwanke, Fields, Himschoot, Underwood, Ruffridge, Elam, Mina, Eischeid, Costello, Moore, Holland, Tomaszewski, Stapp, Story, Burke, Johnson, Nelson, Hall, Coulombe, Kopp, Mears, Stutes, Hannan, Josephson, Jimmie, Urging the United States Congress and the President of the United States to reinstate the Secure Rural Schools and Community Self-Determination Act of 2000 and make the funding mechanism in the Act permanent. was read the first time and referred to the Community and Regional Affairs Committee. HJR 6 HOUSE JOINT RESOLUTION NO. 6 am BY THE HOUSE LABOR & COMMERCE COMMITTEE, Urging the United States Congress to safeguard the Universal Service Fund to ensure continued funding for essential programs that support critical broadband and telecommunication infrastructure and services for low-income rural residents of the state. was read the first time and referred to the Labor and Commerce Committee. 2025-03-18 Senate Journal Page 0549 Introduction and Reference of Senate Bills SB 134 SENATE BILL NO. 134 BY SENATOR GIESSEL, entitled: "An Act relating to pharmacy benefits managers; relating to third-party administrators; 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 135 SENATE BILL NO. 135 BY THE SENATE RULES COMMITTEE BY REQUEST OF THE JOINT LEGISLATIVE TASK FORCE EVALUATING ALASKA'S SEAFOOD INDUSTRY, entitled: "An Act relating to the sharing of tax revenue from the fisheries business tax and fishery resource landing tax with municipalities; relating to municipal reports on the shared tax revenue; and providing for an effective date." was read the first time and referred to the Resources and Finance Committees. Consideration of the Calendar Citations Honoring - Lem Wheeles Senator(s) Claman, Tobin Representative(s) Hall Senator Giessel moved and asked unanimous consent the citation be adopted. Without objection, the citation was adopted and referred to the Secretary for transmittal. 2025-03-18 Senate Journal Page 0550 Unfinished Business HJR 5 Senators Kiehl, Tobin, Dunbar, Claman, Gray-Jackson, Giessel, Olson, Stevens moved and asked unanimous consent to be shown as cross sponsors on HOUSE JOINT RESOLUTION NO. 5 Urging the United States Congress and the President of the United States to reinstate the Secure Rural Schools and Community Self-Determination Act of 2000 and make the funding mechanism in the Act permanent. Without objection, it was so ordered. Recess Senator Giessel moved and asked unanimous consent the Senate stand in recess to the Joint Session. Without objection, the Senate recessed at 10:53 a.m. After Recess Joint Session in the House Speaker Edgmon called the House to order and in accordance with Uniform Rule 51 turned the gavel over to President Stevens, who called the Joint Session to order at 11:04 a.m. The purpose of the Joint Session was to hear an address by the Honorable Lisa Murkowski, U.S. Senator. Senator Giessel moved and asked unanimous consent the roll call of the Senate be waived and all members be shown as present. Without objection, it was so ordered. Representative Kopp moved and asked unanimous consent the roll call of the House be waived and all members be shown as present. Without objection, it was so ordered. President Stevens appointed Senator Gray-Jackson and Representative Schrage to escort U.S. Senator Lisa Murkowski to the Joint Session. 2025-03-18 Senate Journal Page 0551 The Senate Sergeant at Arms, Matt Simpson, announced the Honorable Lisa Murkowski’s entrance to the House Chamber. Senator Lisa Murkowski was escorted to the rostrum and welcomed by President Stevens and Speaker Edgmon. U.S. Senator Lisa Murkowski delivered her address. This address appears in Senate and House Joint Journal Supplement No. 6. Following her address, there was a question and answer period. Senator Murkowski received a standing ovation. Senator Giessel moved and asked unanimous consent the Joint Session stand in adjournment. Without objection, President Stevens adjourned the Joint Session at 12:31 p.m. After Recess In the Senate The Senate reconvened at 12:34 p.m. Announcements Announcements are at the end of the journal. Adjournment Senator Giessel moved and asked unanimous consent the Senate stand in adjournment until 10:15 a.m., March 19, 2025. Without objection, the Senate adjourned at 12:35 p.m. Liz Clark Secretary of the Senate 2025-03-18 Senate Journal Page 0552 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 18 Tuesday Beltz 105 (tsbldg) 1:30 PM += SB 102 ELIMINATE DAYLIGHT SAVING TIME -- Testimony <Invitation Only> -- += SB 26 ELIMINATE DAYLIGHT SAVING TIME -- Testimony <Invitation Only> -- Bills Previously Heard/Scheduled **Streamed live on AKL.tv** Mar 25 Tuesday Beltz 105 (tsbldg) 1:30 PM += SB 26 ELIMINATE DAYLIGHT SAVING TIME -- Public Testimony -- += SB 102 ELIMINATE DAYLIGHT SAVING TIME -- Public Testimony -- += SB 111 DIGITAL PRODUCT REPAIR -- Invited & Public Testimony -- **Streamed live on AKL.tv** ---------------------------------------- EDUCATION Mar 19 Wednesday Beltz 105 (tsbldg) 3:30 PM += HB 69 EDUCATION FUNDING: INCREASE BSA -- Invited & Public Testimony -- Bills Previously Heard/Scheduled **Streamed live on AKL.tv** 2025-03-18 Senate Journal Page 0553 EDUCATION (continued) Mar 21 Friday Beltz 105 (tsbldg) 3:30 PM += HB 69 EDUCATION FUNDING: INCREASE BSA -- Invited & Public Testimony -- Bills Previously Heard/Scheduled **Streamed live on AKL.tv** ---------------------------------------- FINANCE Mar 18 Tuesday Senate Finance 532 9:00 AM + Overview: Deferred Maintenance University of Alaska Bills Previously Heard/Scheduled **Streamed live on AKL.tv** Mar 19 Wednesday Senate Finance 532 9:00 AM + Presentation: Three Year Budget Outlook Update Legislative Finance Division Bills Previously Heard/Scheduled **Streamed live on AKL.tv** Mar 20 Thursday Senate Finance 532 9:00 AM + SB 31 ADDRESS CONFIDENTIALITY PROGRAM -- Invited & Public Testimony -- + SB 39 LOANS UNDER $25,000; PAYDAY LOANS -- Invited & Public Testimony -- Bills Previously Heard/Scheduled **Streamed live on AKL.tv** Mar 21 Friday Senate Finance 532 9:00 AM No Meeting Scheduled ---------------------------------------- HEALTH & SOCIAL SERVICES Mar 18 Tuesday Butrovich 205 3:30 PM No Meeting Scheduled 2025-03-18 Senate Journal Page 0554 HEALTH & SOCIAL SERVICES (continued) Mar 20 Thursday Butrovich 205 3:30 PM += SB 122 HEALTH INSURANCE NETWORK STANDARDS <Bill Hearing Canceled> -- Public Testimony <Time Limit May Be Set> -- += SB 90 MINOR MENTAL HEALTH: AGE OF CONSENT -- Public Testimony <Time Limit May Be Set> -- += SB 88 CHILD PLACEMENT; DILIGENT SEARCH -- Public Testimony <Time Limit May Be Set> -- += SB 121 HEALTH INSURANCE ALLOWABLE CHARGES -- Public Testimony <Time Limit May Be Set> -- Bills Previously Heard/Scheduled: SENATE RESOLUTION: MEDICAID <Pending Introduction & Referral> ---------------------------------------- JUDICIARY Mar 19 Wednesday Butrovich 205 1:30 PM + Consideration of Governor’s Appointees: Daniel Carothers, Alaska Police Standards Council Consideration of Governor’s Appointees: David Ross, Alaska Police Standards Council -- Invited & Public Testimony -- Presentation: Criminal Division of the Department of Law John Skidmore, Deputy Attorney General, Criminal Division Bills Previously Heard/Scheduled **Streamed live on AKL.tv** Mar 21 Friday Butrovich 205 1:30 PM + Consideration of Governor’s Appointees: Timothy Collins, Alaska Police Standards Council Consideration of Governor’s Appointees: Bill Satterberg, Commission on Judicial Conduct -- Invited & Public Testimony -- += SJR 6 WASHINGTON D.C. STATEHOOD Bills Previously Heard/Scheduled **Streamed live on AKL.tv** 2025-03-18 Senate Journal Page 0555 LABOR & COMMERCE Mar 19 Wednesday Beltz 105 (tsbldg) 1:30 PM + SB 132 OMNIBUS INSURANCE BILL -- Testimony <Invitation Only> -- + SB 133 INSURANCE; PRIOR AUTHORIZATIONS -- Testimony <Invitation Only> -- **Streamed live on AKL.tv** Mar 21 Friday Beltz 105 (tsbldg) 1:30 PM + SB 28 RETIREMENT SYSTEMS; DEFINED BENEFIT OPT. -- Testimony <Invitation Only> -- + SB 4 HEALTH CARE PRICES AND INCENTIVE PROGRAMS -- Testimony <Invitation Only> -- **Streamed live on AKL.tv** ---------------------------------------- RESOURCES Mar 19 Wednesday Butrovich 205 3:30 PM + Consideration of Governor’s Appointees: Regulatory Commission of Alaska John Springsteen Steven Devries Mark Johnston -- Public Testimony -- + SJR 8 INTERNATIONAL RELATIONS WITH TAIWAN -- Invited & Public Testimony -- Bills Previously Heard/Scheduled **Streamed live on AKL.tv** Mar 21 Friday Butrovich 205 3:30 PM + SB 114 GAS PIPELINE FAIRBANKS SPUR -- Testimony <Invitation Only> -- + SB 125 AK GASLINE FINANCE CORPORATION -- Testimony <Invitation Only> -- Bills Previously Heard/Scheduled **Streamed live on AKL.tv** 2025-03-18 Senate Journal Page 0556 STATE AFFAIRS Mar 18 Tuesday Beltz 105 (tsbldg) 3:30 PM += SB 64 ELECTIONS -- Public Testimony <Time Limit May Be Set> -- + SB 35 DELIVERY NETWORK COMPANIES -- Invited & Public Testimony -- + SB 34 REPEAL 90 DAY SESSION LIMIT -- Public Testimony -- + SB 37 STRATEGIC PLANS FOR STATE AGENCIES -- Invited & Public Testimony -- Bills Previously Heard/Scheduled **Streamed live on AKL.tv** Mar 20 Thursday Beltz 105 (tsbldg) 3:30 PM += SB 120 CLIMATE CHANGE COMMISSION -- Invited & Public Testimony -- + SB 107 ALASKA SUNSET COMMISSION -- Invited & Public Testimony -- + SB 25 JUDICIAL RETENTION ELECTION INFORMATION -- Invited & Public Testimony -- + SJR 13 APPOINTMENT OF STATE JUDGES -- Invited & Public Testimony -- Bills Previously Heard/Scheduled **Streamed live on AKL.tv** ---------------------------------------- TRANSPORTATION Mar 18 Tuesday Butrovich 205 1:30 PM No Meeting Scheduled Mar 20 Thursday Butrovich 205 1:30 PM + SJR 12 NOAA BUOY OUTAGES -- Testimony <Invitation Only> -- + SB 104 VEHICLES/BOATS: TRANSFER ON DEATH TITLE -- Testimony <Invitation Only> -- + SJR 11 JONES ACT WAIVER FOR LNG SHIPS -- Testimony <Invitation Only> -- **Streamed live on AKL.tv** 2025-03-18 Senate Journal Page 0557 FINANCE SUBCOMMITTEES 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 ---------------------------------------- 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 20 Thursday Senate Finance 532 5:15 PM + Revenue Subcommittee ---------------------------------------- TRANSPORTATION & PUBLIC FACILITIES Mar 19 Wednesday Senate Finance 532 7:45 AM + FY26 DOT Operating budget - Airports ---------------------------------------- SPECIAL COMMITTEES SPECIAL COMMITTEE ON ARCTIC AFFAIRS Mar 20 Thursday Beltz 105 (tsbldg) 1:30 PM -- MEETING CANCELED -- + Presentation: Arctic Affairs Bills Previously Heard/Scheduled **Streamed live on AKL.tv** 2025-03-18 Senate Journal Page 0558 JOINT COMMITTEES TASK FORCE FOR REG. OF PSYCH. MEDICINES Mar 19 Wednesday Butrovich 205 5:15 PM + Meeting topics will include: - Review proposed updated meeting schedule - Review preliminary report outline, initial recommendations - Overview of regulatory processes for controlled substances and new therapies - Next steps for task force members **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 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 ---------------------------------------- MISCELLANEOUS MEETINGS Mar 19 Wednesday Butrovich 205 12:00 PM Lunch & Learn Presentation: Alaska Travel and Tourism Alaska Travel Industry Association Sponsored by Senator Merrick 2025-03-18 Senate Journal Page 0559 MISCELLANEOUS MEETINGS (continued) Mar 19 Wednesday Davis 106 12:01 PM Lunch & Learn Presentation: Discrimination in Alaska: A Snapshot of Alaskans' Perspectives Rob Corbisier, Alaska State Commission for Human Rights Blake Bennett, Alaska Survey Research Sponsored by Senator Myers 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