Legislature(2025 - 2026)
2025-03-20 Senate Journal
Full Journal pdf2025-03-20 Senate Journal Page 0575 SENATE JOURNAL ALASKA STATE LEGISLATURE THIRTY-FOURTH LEGISLATURE FIRST SESSION Juneau, Alaska Thursday March 20, 2025 Fifty-ninth Day Pursuant to adjournment the Senate was called to order by President Stevens at 10:46 a.m. The roll showed twenty members present. The prayer was offered by the Chaplain, Pastor Trenton Cooper, Glacier Valley Baptist Church. Senator Hoffman moved and asked unanimous consent the prayer be spread. Without objection, it was so ordered. Psalm 1 says, "How happy is the one who does not walk in the advice of the wicked or stand in the pathway with sinners or sit in the company of mockers! Instead, his delight is in the Lord’s instruction, and he meditates on it day and night. He is like a tree planted beside flowing streams that bears its fruit in its season, and its leave does not wither. Whatever he does prospers." Lord, I pray this over our leaders today. I pray that they will not walk in the advice of the wicked or stand in the pathway with sinners, but instead delight in Your wisdom and instruction. Lord, may they be planted like trees near the streams of Your truth. As our leaders deliberate, Lord, grant them a measure of grace. Keep them from temptation and deliver them from evil. Protect their health, minds, friends, and families so that they can continue to focus on their work to serve the people of this state. 2025-03-20 Senate Journal Page 0576 And lastly, Lord, I pray a blessing on this beautiful state You’ve allowed us to steward. Bless her people and resources so that generations after us can continue to enjoy this wonderful place. I ask these things in Jesus’ name. Amen. Senator Merrick led the Senate in the Pledge of Allegiance. Certification Senator Giessel moved and asked unanimous consent the journal for the fifty-eighth legislative day be approved as certified by the Secretary. Without objection, it was so ordered. Communications The following report is on file in the Office of the Secretary of the Senate: Department of Commerce, Community, and Economic Development Alaska Industrial Development and Export Authority (AIDEA) 2024 Annual Report in accordance with AS 44.88.210 Standing Committee Reports Report dated March 19 was read stating: In accordance with AS 39.05.080, the Judiciary Committee held a hearing on the following appointee(s). A signature on this report does not reflect an intent by any of the members to vote for or against the confirmation of the individual(s) during any further sessions. Alaska Police Standards Council Daniel Carothers David Ross 2025-03-20 Senate Journal Page 0577 Signing the report: Senator Claman, Chair; Senators Stevens, Tobin, Myers, Kiehl. Report dated March 19 was read stating: In accordance with AS 39.05.080, the Resources Committee held a hearing on the following appointee(s). A signature on this report does not reflect an intent by any of the members to vote for or against the confirmation of the individual(s) during any further sessions. Regulatory Commission of Alaska John Springsteen Steven Devries Mark Johnston Signing the report: Senator Giessel, Chair; Senators Dunbar, Claman, Wielechowski, Kawasaki, Myers. Consideration of the Calendar Second Reading of Senate Bills SB 80 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" was read the second time. Senator Hoffman, Cochair, moved and asked unanimous consent for the adoption of the Finance Committee Substitute offered on page 489. Without objection, 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" was adopted. President Stevens stated CS FOR SENATE BILL NO. 80(FIN) will advance to third reading on the March 24 calendar. 2025-03-20 Senate Journal Page 0578 Citations th Honoring - The Breast Cancer Detection Center of Alaska 50 Anniversary Senator(s) Kawasaki Representative(s) Dibert, Carrick th Honoring - Fairbanks Montessori School 60 Anniversary Senator(s) Kawasaki Representative(s) Dibert Honoring - May Ramirez-Xiong Representative(s) Eischeid Senator(s) Wielechowski Honoring - Ron Meehan Representative(s) Eischeid, Mina Senator(s) Wielechowski Honoring - Brandon Boylan Representative(s) Carrick th Honoring - Northland Youth Choir 25 Anniversary Representative(s) Tomaszewski, Prax Senator(s) Cronk th Honoring - Alaska Literacy Program (ALP) 50 Anniversary Representative(s) Mina, Gray Senator(s) Dunbar Honoring - Kueni Ma’ake 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. 2025-03-20 Senate Journal Page 0579 Unfinished Business SB 31 Senators Kaufman, Dunbar moved and asked unanimous consent to be shown as cosponsors on SENATE BILL NO. 31 "An Act relating to the duties of the Department of Administration; creating an address confidentiality program; and providing for an effective date." 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 10:56 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 11:08 a.m. The purpose of the Joint Session was to hear an address by the Honorable Dan Sullivan, 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 Cronk and Representative Schwanke to escort U.S. Senator Dan Sullivan to the Joint Session. 2025-03-20 Senate Journal Page 0580 The Senate Sergeant at Arms, Matt Simpson, announced the Honorable Dan Sullivan’s entrance to the House Chamber. Senator Sullivan was escorted to the rostrum and welcomed by President Stevens and Speaker Edgmon. Senator Sullivan delivered his address. This address appears in House and Senate Joint Journal Supplement No. 7. Following his address, there was a question and answer period. Senator Sullivan 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 12:46 p.m. After Recess In the Senate The Senate reconvened at 12:50 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 11:00 a.m., March 24, 2025. Without objection, the Senate adjourned at 12:50 p.m. Liz Clark Secretary of the Senate 2025-03-20 Senate Journal Page 0581 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 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 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** Mar 24 Monday Beltz 105 (tsbldg) 3:30 PM + Presentation: Capital Needs for School Facilities Alaska Department of Education and Early Development += HB 69 EDUCATION FUNDING: INCREASE BSA -- Testimony <Invitation Only> -- Bills Previously Heard/Scheduled **Streamed live on AKL.tv** 2025-03-20 Senate Journal Page 0582 EDUCATION (continued) Mar 26 Wednesday Beltz 105 (tsbldg) 3:30 PM + SB 20 CPR CURRICULUM -- Invited & Public Testimony -- + SB 118 ADD FACULTY MEMBER UNIV BOARD OF REGENTS -- Invited & Public Testimony -- += HB 69 EDUCATION FUNDING: INCREASE BSA -- Testimony <Invitation Only> -- Bills Previously Heard/Scheduled **Streamed live on AKL.tv** Mar 28 Friday Beltz 105 (tsbldg) 3:30 PM + Bills Previously Heard/Scheduled **Streamed live on AKL.tv** ---------------------------------------- FINANCE 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 Mar 24 Monday Senate Finance 532 9:00 AM += SJR 14 CONST AM: PERMANENT FUND; POMV;EARNINGS -- Invited & Public Testimony -- Bills Previously Heard/Scheduled **Streamed live on AKL.tv** Mar 25 Tuesday Senate Finance 532 9:00 AM + Presentation: Alaska Broadband Office Bills Previously Heard/Scheduled **Streamed live on AKL.tv** Mar 26 Wednesday Senate Finance 532 9:00 AM + Presentation: Alaska Energy Authority Bills Previously Heard/Scheduled **Streamed live on AKL.tv** 2025-03-20 Senate Journal Page 0583 FINANCE (continued) Mar 27 Thursday Senate Finance 532 9:00 AM += SB 30 STATE PARK PERMITS FOR DISABLED VETERANS -- Invited & Public Testimony -- += SB 54 EXT ARCH, ENG, SURVEY BRD; REG INT DESIGN -- Invited & Public Testimony -- += SB 61 ELECTRONIC DEVICE RECYCLING -- Invited & Public Testimony -- Bills Previously Heard/Scheduled **Streamed live on AKL.tv** Mar 28 Friday Senate Finance 532 9:00 AM No Meeting Scheduled ---------------------------------------- HEALTH & SOCIAL SERVICES 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: += SJR 15 OPPOSE MEDICAID CUTS <Bill Hearing Canceled> Mar 25 Tuesday Butrovich 205 3:30 PM + SB 95 CHILD CARE: ASSISTANCE/GRANTS += SCR 2 SUPPORT CRISIS CARE & MEDICAID REFORM Presentation: All Alaska Pediatric Partnership += SJR 15 OPPOSE MEDICAID CUTS Bills Previously Heard/Scheduled Mar 27 Thursday Butrovich 205 3:30 PM += SB 122 HEALTH INSURANCE NETWORK STANDARDS += SB 95 CHILD CARE: ASSISTANCE/GRANTS += SB 88 CHILD PLACEMENT; DILIGENT SEARCH Bills Previously Heard/Scheduled ---------------------------------------- 2025-03-20 Senate Journal Page 0584 JUDICIARY 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** Mar 24 Monday Butrovich 205 1:30 PM + Consideration of Governor’s Appointees: Leitoni Tupou, State Board of Parole Robert Urata, Violent Crimes Compensation Board -- Invited & Public Testimony -- += SB 17 CRIME COUNTERFEIT/NONFUNCTIONING AIRBAG -- Testimony <Invitation Only> -- Bills Previously Heard/Scheduled **Streamed live on AKL.tv** Mar 26 Wednesday Butrovich 205 1:30 PM Consideration of Governor’s Appointees: Donald Handeland, Board of Governors of the Alaska Bar -- Invited & Public Testimony -- + SB 78 DISCLOSURE OF WAGE INFORMATION -- Invited & Public Testimony -- Bills Previously Heard/Scheduled **Streamed live on AKL.tv** Mar 28 Friday Butrovich 205 1:30 PM + Bills Previously Heard/Scheduled **Streamed live on AKL.tv** ---------------------------------------- LABOR & COMMERCE 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** 2025-03-20 Senate Journal Page 0585 LABOR & COMMERCE (continued) Mar 24 Monday Beltz 105 (tsbldg) 1:30 PM + SB 137 EXTEND BOARDS: MIDWIVES, NURSING, PAROLE -- Testimony <Invitation Only> -- += SB 55 TRS CONTR RATE; PERS/TRS SOC SECUR OR SBS -- Public Testimony <Time Limit May Be Set> -- += SB 96 CHILD CARE: TAX CREDITS -- Public Testimony <Time Limit May Be Set> -- Bills Previously Heard/Scheduled **Streamed live on AKL.tv** Mar 26 Wednesday Beltz 105 (tsbldg) 1:30 PM += SB 132 OMNIBUS INSURANCE BILL -- Public Testimony <Time Limit May Be Set> -- += SB 133 INSURANCE; PRIOR AUTHORIZATIONS -- Invited & Public Testimony -- Bills Previously Heard/Scheduled **Streamed live on AKL.tv** Mar 28 Friday Beltz 105 (tsbldg) 1:30 PM No Meeting Scheduled ---------------------------------------- RESOURCES 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** Mar 24 Monday Butrovich 205 3:30 PM + Presentation: Alaska Resource Education & Alaska Permanent Fund Corporation Bills Previously Heard/Scheduled **Streamed live on AKL.tv** 2025-03-20 Senate Journal Page 0586 RESOURCES (continued) Mar 26 Wednesday Butrovich 205 3:30 PM + Presentation: Alaska Critical Minerals Alaska Critical Minerals Collaborative University of Alaska Fairbanks Critical Mineral Research Initiatives Bills Previously Heard/Scheduled **Streamed live on AKL.tv** Mar 28 Friday Butrovich 205 3:30 PM += SB 92 CORP. INCOME TAX; OIL & GAS ENTITIES -- Invited & Public Testimony -- + SB 128 CREATE DEPARTMENT OF AGRICULTURE -- Invited & Public Testimony -- Bills Previously Heard/Scheduled **Streamed live on AKL.tv** ---------------------------------------- STATE AFFAIRS 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** Mar 25 Tuesday Beltz 105 (tsbldg) 3:30 PM += SB 64 ELECTIONS -- Public Testimony <Time Limit May Be Set> -- += SB 120 CLIMATE CHANGE COMMISSION -- Public Testimony -- + SB 68 EMPLOYMENT OF MINORS -- Invited & Public Testimony -- Bills Previously Heard/Scheduled **Streamed live on AKL.tv** 2025-03-20 Senate Journal Page 0587 STATE AFFAIRS (continued) Mar 27 Thursday Beltz 105 (tsbldg) 3:30 PM += SB 64 ELECTIONS -- Public Testimony <Time Limit May Be Set> -- += SB 77 PERM FUND; EMPLOYMENT; ELIGIBILITY -- Invited & Public Testimony -- + SB 116 CAMPAIGN FINANCE, CONTRIBUTION LIMITS Bills Previously Heard/Scheduled **Streamed live on AKL.tv** ---------------------------------------- TRANSPORTATION 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** Mar 25 Tuesday Butrovich 205 1:30 PM += SJR 12 NOAA BUOY OUTAGES -- Public Testimony -- Bills Previously Heard/Scheduled **Streamed live on AKL.tv** Mar 27 Thursday Butrovich 205 1:30 PM No Meeting Scheduled ---------------------------------------- FINANCE SUBCOMMITTEES EDUCATION & EARLY DEVELOPMENT Mar 25 Tuesday Senate Finance 532 5:15 PM + Education & Early Development Subcommittee ---------------------------------------- 2025-03-20 Senate Journal Page 0588 ENVIRONMENTAL CONSERVATION Apr 15 Tuesday Beltz 105 (tsbldg) 2:00 PM + Overview: Department of Environmental Conservation Senate Finance Subcommittee Close Out ---------------------------------------- FAMILY & COMMUNITY SERVICES Mar 25 Tuesday Senate Finance 532 3:30 PM + Presentation: FY26 Budget Request Kim Koval, Commissioner Marian Sweet, Assistant Commissioner Clinton Lasley, Assistant Commissioner **Streamed live on AKL.tv** ---------------------------------------- LABOR & WORKFORCE DEVELOPMENT Apr 15 Tuesday Beltz 105 (tsbldg) 2:45 PM + Overview: Department of Labor and Workforce Development Senate Finance Subcommittee Close Out ---------------------------------------- MILITARY & VETERANS' AFFAIRS Apr 15 Tuesday Beltz 105 (tsbldg) 2:15 PM + Overview: Department of Military and Veterans Affairs Senate Finance Subcommittee Close Out ---------------------------------------- NATURAL RESOURCES Apr 15 Tuesday Beltz 105 (tsbldg) 2:30 PM + Overview: Department of Natural Resources Senate Finance Subcommittee Close Out ---------------------------------------- REVENUE Mar 20 Thursday Senate Finance 532 5:15 PM + Revenue Subcommittee ---------------------------------------- 2025-03-20 Senate Journal Page 0589 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** Mar 27 Thursday Beltz 105 (tsbldg) 1:30 PM + Presentation: Update on Alaska Fisheries Bills Previously Heard/Scheduled **Streamed live on AKL.tv** ---------------------------------------- OTHER MEETINGS JOINT SESSION Mar 20 Thursday House Chamber 11:00 AM + Annual Address by Dan Sullivan, U.S. Senator ---------------------------------------- MISCELLANEOUS MEETINGS 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 2025-03-20 Senate Journal Page 0590 MISCELLANEOUS MEETINGS (continued) Apr 02 Wednesday Davis 106 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