Legislature(2025 - 2026)
2025-03-26 Senate Journal
Full Journal pdf2025-03-26 Senate Journal Page 0615 SENATE JOURNAL ALASKA STATE LEGISLATURE THIRTY-FOURTH LEGISLATURE FIRST SESSION Juneau, Alaska Wednesday March 26, 2025 Sixty-fifth Day Pursuant to adjournment the Senate was called to order by President Stevens at 11:02 a.m. The roll showed twenty members present. The prayer was offered by the Chaplain, Reverend Nancy Campbell, White Fields Church. Senator Hoffman moved and asked unanimous consent the prayer be spread. Without objection, it was so ordered. Thank you, for this day. It is the day You have made and I will rejoice and be glad in it. Thank You for Your presence here with the Senators as they gather together to conduct the business of this day. Empower them, encourage them, strengthen them as they consider legislation brought forward for the great state of Alaska. Grant them great wisdom and discernment . I pray for their health. Keep them physically fit and mentally alert throughout this session. Let Your grace and mercy be here with them now. Bless the Senators, Lord. In Jesus' name, Amen. Senator Olson led the Senate in the Pledge of Allegiance. 2025-03-26 Senate Journal Page 0616 Certification Senator Giessel moved and asked unanimous consent the journals for the sixty-third and sixty-fourth legislative days be approved as certified by the Secretary. Without objection, it was so ordered. Messages from the House Message dated March 24 was read stating the House passed and transmitted for consideration: First Reading and Reference of House Resolutions HJR 11 CS FOR HOUSE JOINT RESOLUTION NO. 11(RES) am BY THE HOUSE RESOURCES COMMITTEE, Recognizing and honoring the relationship between Canada and Alaska. was read the first time and referred to the Resources Committee. First Reading and Reference of House Bills HB 121 HOUSE BILL NO. 121 BY REPRESENTATIVES SCHRAGE, Coulombe, Nelson, Stapp, Story, Costello, Galvin, entitled: "An Act relating to the practice of accounting; and providing for an effective date." was read the first time and referred to the Education and Labor and Commerce Committees. 2025-03-26 Senate Journal Page 0617 Communications The following report is on file in the Office of the Secretary of the Senate: Department of Health Individuals with Developmental Disabilities Registration and Review Report FY 2024 in accordance with AS 47.80.130 Disclosure letters received from the Select Committee on Legislative Ethics in accordance with AS 24.60 will be published in Senate Journal Supplement No. 3 and Senate and House Joint Journal Supplement No. 8. Standing Committee Reports Report dated March 24 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. Violent Crimes Compensation Board Robert Urata Signing the report: Senator Claman, Chair; Senators Myers, Kiehl, Tobin, Stevens. SB 26 The Community and Regional Affairs Committee considered SENATE BILL NO. 26 "An Act petitioning the United States Department of Transportation to change the time zones of Alaska; exempting the state from daylight saving time; and providing for an effective date." 2025-03-26 Senate Journal Page 0618 Signing do pass: Senator Merrick, Chair; Senators Dunbar, Gray- Jackson. Signing no recommendation: Senator Yundt. The following fiscal information was published today: Fiscal Note No. 1, zero, Office of the Governor The bill was referred to the State Affairs Committee. SB 55 The Labor and Commerce Committee considered 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" and recommended it be replaced with CS FOR SENATE BILL NO. 55(L&C) "An Act relating to supplemental employee benefits; and providing for an effective date." Signing no recommendation: Senator Bjorkman, Chair; Senators Dunbar, Merrick, Gray-Jackson. Signing do pass: Senator Yundt. The following fiscal information was published today: Fiscal Note No. 1, Department of Administration The bill was referred to the Finance Committee. SB 90 The Health and Social Services Committee considered 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." Signing do pass: Senator Dunbar, Chair; Senators Claman, Tobin, Giessel. The following fiscal information was published today: Fiscal Note No. 1, zero, Department of Family and Community Services Fiscal Note No. 2, zero, Department of Health The bill was referred to the Judiciary Committee. 2025-03-26 Senate Journal Page 0619 SB 96 The Labor and Commerce Committee considered SENATE BILL NO. 96 "An Act relating to education tax credits for certain payments and contributions for child care and child care facilities; relating to the insurance tax education credit, the income tax education credit, the oil or gas producer education credit, the property tax education credit, the mining business education credit, the fisheries business education credit, and the fisheries resource landing tax education credit; providing for an effective date by amending the effective date of secs. 1, 2, and 21, ch. 61, SLA 2014; and providing for an effective date." Signing do pass: Senator Bjorkman, Chair; Senators Dunbar, Gray- Jackson, Yundt. Signing no recommendation: Senator Merrick. The following fiscal information was published today: Fiscal Note No. 1, zero, Department of Labor and Workforce Development Fiscal Note No. 2, indeterminate, Department of Revenue Fiscal Note No. 3, zero, Department of Commerce, Community, and Economic Development The bill was referred to the Finance Committee. SB 102 The Community and Regional Affairs Committee considered SENATE BILL NO. 102 "An Act exempting the state from daylight saving time; and providing for an effective date." Signing do pass: Senator Merrick, Chair; Senators Dunbar, Gray- Jackson. Signing no recommendation: Senator Yundt. The following fiscal information was published today: Fiscal Note No. 1, zero, Office of the Governor The bill was referred to the State Affairs Committee. 2025-03-26 Senate Journal Page 0620 SJR 12 The Transportation Committee considered SENATE JOINT RESOLUTION NO. 12 Urging the United States Congress and the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration to address outages of National Data Buoy Center stations, and recommended it be replaced with CS FOR SENATE JOINT RESOLUTION NO. 12(TRA) Signing do pass: Senator Bjorkman, Chair; Senators Kiehl, Tobin. 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 143 SENATE BILL NO. 143 BY SENATOR YUNDT, entitled: "An Act relating to the terms of office of municipal school board members; and providing for an effective date." was read the first time and referred to the Education and Community and Regional Affairs Committees. SB 144 SENATE BILL NO. 144 BY SENATOR YUNDT, entitled: "An Act relating to occupational disability benefits for peace officers and firefighters; and providing for an effective date." was read the first time and referred to the Labor and Commerce and Finance Committees. 2025-03-26 Senate Journal Page 0621 SB 145 SENATE BILL NO. 145 BY THE SENATE RULES COMMITTEE BY REQUEST OF THE GOVERNOR, entitled: "An Act relating to professional licensing; relating to temporary licenses for certain professions; and providing for an effective date." was read the first time and referred to the State Affairs and Labor and Commerce Committees. The following fiscal information was published today: Fiscal Note No. 1, zero, Department of Commerce, Community, and Economic Development Governor's transmittal letter dated March 24: Dear President Stevens: Under the authority of Article III, Section 18 of the Alaska Constitution, I am transmitting a bill that consolidates temporary professional licensing requirements and enhances license portability for servicemembers and their spouses. This bill establishes a single, streamlined temporary license, administered by the Department of Commerce, Community, and Economic Development (DCCED), replacing the various temporary privileges found across Alaska’s professional licensing laws. This improves the existing system, which requires a prospective applicant to navigate a web of differing department and board-issued temporary license types to identify the appropriate process to obtain a temporary license. This new license grants a qualified applicant holding a valid out-of-state license the ability to practice in the state for a specified period (generally 180 days). In addition to addressing temporary licensure, this bill brings Alaska into compliance with federal professional license portability under the Servicemembers Civil Relief Act (SCRA). It directs DCCED to issue, 2025-03-26 Senate Journal Page 0622 within 30 days of receiving a completed application, a professional license to a servicemember or spouse who holds an out-of-state license and relocates to Alaska under military orders. I urge your prompt and favorable action on this measure. Sincerely, /s/ Mike Dunleavy Governor SB 146 SENATE BILL NO. 146 BY THE SENATE FINANCE COMMITTEE, entitled: "An Act relating to the regional educational attendance area and small municipal school district fund; relating to Mt. Edgecumbe High School; and relating to teacher housing." was read the first time and referred to the Finance Committee. SB 147 SENATE BILL NO. 147 BY SENATOR GIESSEL BY REQUEST, entitled: "An Act relating to the prescription and administration of drugs and devices by pharmacists; relating to reciprocity for pharmacists; and providing for an effective date." was read the first time and referred to the Health and Social Services and Labor and Commerce Committees. Consideration of the Calendar Citations th Honoring - Filipino Community of Anchorage, Alaska Inc. 60 Anniversary Representative(s) Mina, Eischeid Senator(s) Gray-Jackson 2025-03-26 Senate Journal Page 0623 Honoring - Ursa Major Distilling 10 Anniversary Representative(s) Carrick Honoring - Emily Robinson Representative(s) Moore, Schwanke Senator(s) Cronk In Memoriam - Donna Gilbert Senator(s) Myers Representative(s) Prax, Tomaszewski In Memoriam - Kay Marie Sanders Senator(s) Myers Representative(s) Prax In Memoriam - Peter Charles Evans Senator(s) Myers, Cronk Representative(s) Stapp In Memoriam - Elizabeth Ann “Betsy” Sharp Representative(s) Prax Senator(s) Myers Senator Giessel moved and asked unanimous consent the citations be adopted. Without objection, the citations were adopted and referred to the Secretary for transmittal. Senator Giessel moved and asked unanimous consent the following citations be made a special order of business. Without objection, it was so ordered. Special Order of Business Honoring - Albertina Dull Representative(s) Jimmie Senator(s) Hoffman In Memoriam - Willie Anderson Senator(s) Kiehl Representative(s) Story, Hannan 2025-03-26 Senate Journal Page 0624 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 83 Senator Hoffman, Cochair, moved and asked unanimous consent the Finance Committee referral be waived on SENATE BILL NO. 83 "An Act relating to health care insurance; relating to insurance reimbursement for health care services provided through telehealth; and providing for an effective date." Without objection, it was so ordered. President Stevens added a Labor and Commerce Committee referral to the bill. The bill was referred to the Labor and Commerce Committee. SB 62 Senator Gray-Jackson moved and asked unanimous consent to be shown as a cosponsor on SPONSOR SUBSTITUTE FOR SENATE BILL NO. 62 "An Act relating to the board of parole; and providing for an effective date." Without objection, it was so ordered. Senator Stedman moved and asked unanimous consent to be excused from a call of the Senate on March 28. Without objection, Senator Stedman was excused. Senator Kawasaki moved and asked unanimous consent to be excused from a call of the Senate on April 11. Without objection, Senator Kawasaki was excused. Senator Tobin moved and asked unanimous consent to be excused from a call of the Senate from morning plane time, March 28 through evening plane time, March 30. Without objection, Senator Tobin was excused. 2025-03-26 Senate Journal Page 0625 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 28, 2025. Without objection, the Senate adjourned at 11:25 a.m. Liz Clark Secretary of the Senate 2025-03-26 Senate Journal Page 0626 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 Apr 01 Tuesday Beltz 105 (tsbldg) 1:30 PM + HJR 5 SECURE RURAL SCHOOLS PROGRAM -- Testimony <Invitation Only> -- + SB 129 PAYMENT OF CONTRACTS -- Testimony <Invitation Only> -- Bills Previously Heard/Scheduled **Streamed live on AKL.tv** ---------------------------------------- EDUCATION 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** ---------------------------------------- 2025-03-26 Senate Journal Page 0627 FINANCE Mar 26 Wednesday Senate Finance 532 9:00 AM + Presentation: Alaska Energy Authority Bills Previously Heard/Scheduled **Streamed live on AKL.tv** 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 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 ---------------------------------------- JUDICIARY Mar 26 Wednesday Butrovich 205 1:30 PM -- Agenda Change -- Consideration of Governor’s Appointees: Donald Handeland, Board of Governors of the Alaska Bar Leitoni Tupou, State Board of Parole -- Invited & Public Testimony -- + SB 78 DISCLOSURE OF WAGE INFORMATION -- Invited & Public Testimony -- Bills Previously Heard/Scheduled **Streamed live on AKL.tv** 2025-03-26 Senate Journal Page 0628 JUDICIARY (continued) Mar 28 Friday Butrovich 205 1:30 PM -- MEETING CANCELED -- + Bills Previously Heard/Scheduled **Streamed live on AKL.tv** ---------------------------------------- LABOR & COMMERCE 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 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** ---------------------------------------- 2025-03-26 Senate Journal Page 0629 STATE AFFAIRS 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 27 Thursday Butrovich 205 1:30 PM No Meeting Scheduled ---------------------------------------- FINANCE SUBCOMMITTEES ENVIRONMENTAL CONSERVATION Apr 15 Tuesday Beltz 105 (tsbldg) 2:00 PM + Overview: Department of Environmental Conservation Senate Finance Subcommittee Close Out ---------------------------------------- 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 ---------------------------------------- 2025-03-26 Senate Journal Page 0630 NATURAL RESOURCES Apr 15 Tuesday Beltz 105 (tsbldg) 2:30 PM + Overview: Department of Natural Resources Senate Finance Subcommittee Close Out ---------------------------------------- SPECIAL COMMITTEES SPECIAL COMMITTEE ON ARCTIC AFFAIRS Mar 27 Thursday Beltz 105 (tsbldg) 1:30 PM + Presentation: Update on Alaska Fisheries Bills Previously Heard/Scheduled **Streamed live on AKL.tv** ---------------------------------------- JOINT COMMITTEES LEGISLATIVE COUNCIL Mar 31 Monday Adams 519 5:15 PM -- Testimony <Invitation Only> -- Agenda I. Call to Order II. Approval of the Agenda III. Approval of Minutes a. March 12, 2025, Minutes IV. Sanctioning of Charitable Events a. Legislative Skits—April 26, 2025 V. Executive Session a. Security Update b. RFQ 667 Alaska State Capitol Security Screeners VI. Committee Business a. Capitol Visitor Screening Policy b. Identification Badge Policy VII. Adjourn **Streamed live on AKL.tv** ---------------------------------------- 2025-03-26 Senate Journal Page 0631 OTHER MEETINGS MISCELLANEOUS MEETINGS Mar 26 Wednesday Butrovich 205 12:00 PM Lunch & Learn Presentation: History & Mission of Team Arctic Winter Games Arctic Winter Games Nicole Morton-Johnson, President Sarah Frampton, Executive Director Sponsored by Senator Cronk 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 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