Legislature(2025 - 2026)
2025-03-28 Senate Journal
Full Journal pdf2025-03-28 Senate Journal Page 0635 SENATE JOURNAL ALASKA STATE LEGISLATURE THIRTY-FOURTH LEGISLATURE FIRST SESSION Juneau, Alaska Friday March 28, 2025 Sixty-seventh Day Pursuant to adjournment the Senate was called to order by President Stevens at 10:31 a.m. The roll showed sixteen members present. Senators Merrick, Stedman, Tobin were excused from a call of the Senate. Senator Hughes was absent. 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. Dear Heavenly Father, Oh, Lord, of heaven and earth, I lift up my eyes to You and offer this prayer for the Senate. Be their guide today and let Your Presence abide here in this chamber. "I pray, Lord, that You would be their keeper, the shade at their right hand. That the sun shall not strike them by day, nor the moon by night. That You would preserve them from all evil; and preserve their soul. That You would preserve their going out and their coming in from this time forth, and even forevermore." Psalms 121:5-8 I pray your blessing over them now as they reason together. In Jesus' name, Amen. 2025-03-28 Senate Journal Page 0636 Senator Shower led the Senate in the Pledge of Allegiance. Certification Senator Giessel moved and asked unanimous consent the journals for the sixty-fifth and sixty-sixth legislative days, Senate Journal Supplement No. 3 and Senate and House Joint Journal Supplement No. 8 be approved as certified by the Secretary. Without objection, it was so ordered. Senator Shower moved and asked unanimous consent Senator Hughes be excused from a call of the Senate today. Without objection, Senator Hughes was excused. Messages from the House Message dated March 26 was read stating the House passed and transmitted for consideration: First Reading and Reference of House Bills HB 36 HOUSE BILL NO. 36 BY REPRESENTATIVES GRAY, Fields, Burke, Jimmie, Foster, Tomaszewski, Story, Mina, Eischeid, Bynum, Galvin, Hannan, Josephson, Stutes, Ruffridge, Schrage, Costello, Mears, Saddler, entitled: "An Act relating to the placement of foster children in psychiatric hospitals; relating to the care of children in state custody placed in residential facilities outside the state; and amending Rule 12.1(b), Alaska Child in Need of Aid Rules of Procedure." was read the first time and referred to the Health and Social Services and Finance Committees. 2025-03-28 Senate Journal Page 0637 Standing Committee Reports Report dated March 26 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. Board of Governors of the Alaska Bar Donald Handeland Board of Parole Leitoni Tupou Signing the report: Senator Claman, Chair; Senators Myers, Kiehl, Stevens, Tobin. SB 64 The State Affairs Committee considered SENATE BILL NO. 64 "An Act relating to elections; relating to voters; relating to voting; relating to voter preregistration for minors at least 16 years of age; relating to voter registration; relating to the Alaska Public Offices Commission; relating to synthetic media in electioneering communications; relating to campaign signs; relating to public official financial disclosures; relating to the crime of unlawful interference with voting in the first degree; and providing for an effective date" and recommended it be replaced with CS FOR SENATE BILL NO. 64(STA) "An Act relating to elections; relating to voters; relating to voting; relating to voter registration; relating to election administration; relating to the Alaska Public Offices Commission; relating to campaign contributions; relating to the crimes of unlawful interference with voting in the first degree, unlawful interference with an election, and election official 2025-03-28 Senate Journal Page 0638 misconduct; relating to synthetic media in electioneering communications; relating to campaign signs; relating to public official financial disclosures; relating to the Redistricting Board; and providing for an effective date." Signing do pass: Senator Kawasaki, Chair; Senators Wielechowski, Gray-Jackson. Signing no recommendation: Senators Yundt, Bjorkman. The following fiscal information was published today: Fiscal Note No. 1, Office of the Governor Fiscal Note No. 2, zero, Department of Administration The bill was referred to the Finance Committee. Introduction and Reference of Senate Bills SB 148 SENATE BILL NO. 148 BY SENATOR MYERS, entitled: "An Act regulating autonomous vehicles; and providing for an effective date." was read the first time and referred to the Transportation and State Affairs Committees. SB 149 SENATE BILL NO. 149 BY SENATOR WIELECHOWSKI, entitled: "An Act relating to generation of electricity from renewable energy resources; relating to a renewable portfolio standard; relating to power cost equalization; and providing for an effective date." was read the first time and referred to the Labor and Commerce and Resources Committees. 2025-03-28 Senate Journal Page 0639 SB 150 SENATE BILL NO. 150 BY THE SENATE RULES COMMITTEE BY REQUEST OF THE GOVERNOR, entitled: "An Act relating to a net metering program; relating to reduced rates in the form of credits for consumer- generators; establishing a net metering reimbursement fund; and providing for an effective date." was read the first time and referred to the Labor and Commerce and Finance Committees. The following fiscal information was published today: Fiscal Note No. 1, Department of Commerce, Community, and Economic Development Fiscal Note No. 2, Department of Commerce, Community, and Economic Development Governor's transmittal letter dated March 27: Dear President Stevens: Under the authority of Article III, Section 18 of the Alaska Constitution, I am transmitting a bill to create a statutory net metering program, provide credits for participating consumer-generators, and establish a net metering reimbursement fund. This legislation incentivizes renewable energy systems by requiring certain electric utilities to provide invoice credits to participating customers who install renewable energy generation systems that provide excess energy to the local grid. The bill allows an electric utility to offer credits to these “consumer-generators” without the rate reduction constituting an unreasonable preference or advantage under the utility statutes. Through AS 42.05.395, load-serving electric utilities must provide a monthly credit to customers with an eligible renewable energy generation system equal to the excess electricity they produce, multiplied by the rate they would otherwise pay. Participating consumers can accrue bill credits over an annual cycle ending each March 31, at which point any unused credits expire. 2025-03-28 Senate Journal Page 0640 Because these credits may reduce utility revenue, sections 2 and 3 establish a net metering reimbursement fund to allow utilities—subject to appropriation, Regulatory Commission of Alaska regulations, and an application process overseen by the Alaska Energy Authority—to recover lost revenue without raising rates. I urge your prompt and favorable action on this measure. Sincerely, /s/ Mike Dunleavy Governor SB 151 SENATE BILL NO. 151 BY SENATOR BJORKMAN, entitled: "An Act relating to head lice in public schools." was read the first time and referred to the Education and Finance Committees. Consideration of the Calendar Citations Honoring - Dr. Diane O’Brien Senator(s) Myers Representative(s) Tomaszewski, Carrick th Honoring - Bosco's 40 Anniversary Senator(s) Dunbar, Tobin Representative(s) Fields Honoring - Alaska Native Science and Engineering Program (ANSEP) th 30 Anniversary Senator(s) Dunbar, Hoffman Representative(s) Dibert Honoring - 2025 Kuskokwim 300 Top Five Finishers Senator(s) Hoffman Representative(s) Edgmon, Jimmie 2025-03-28 Senate Journal Page 0641 Honoring - Theresa Quiner Senator(s) Hoffman Representative(s) Jimmie Honoring - Dr. Katie Spellman Representative(s) Dibert, Carrick Honoring - Stacie Kraly Representative(s) Hannan, Story Senator(s) Kiehl In Memoriam - K9 Lenox Senator(s) Myers Representative(s) Carrick, Stapp In Memoriam - Daisy Mae Edwards Representative(s) Dibert Senator(s) Kawasaki In Memoriam - Liane Ryan Representative(s) Underwood, Moore 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 President Stevens made the following appointments: Pacific States Marine Fisheries Commission Senator Giessel replaces Senator Kiehl Alaska Minerals Commission Jeff DeFreest Enric Fernandez Senator Giessel moved and asked unanimous consent Senator Olson be excused from a call of the Senate from afternoon plane time, May 7 through evening plane time, May 8. Without objection, Senator Olson was excused. 2025-03-28 Senate Journal Page 0642 Senator Wielechowski moved and asked unanimous consent to be excused from a call of the Senate on March 31. Without objection, Senator Wielechowski was excused. 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 31, 2025. Without objection, the Senate adjourned at 10:47 a.m. Liz Clark Secretary of the Senate 2025-03-28 Senate Journal Page 0643 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 28 Friday Beltz 105 (tsbldg) 3:30 PM -- MEETING CANCELED -- + Bills Previously Heard/Scheduled **Streamed live on AKL.tv** Mar 31 Monday Davis 106 8:00 AM -- Please Note Time & Location Change -- + Meeting jointly with the House Education Committee Presentation: The State of Education from the Field Dr. Lisa Parady, Executive Director, Alaska Council of School Administrators Lori Rucksdashel, Principal, Chinook Elementary School Rick Dormer, Principal, Ketchikan High School (Continued on Next Page) 2025-03-28 Senate Journal Page 0644 EDUCATION (continued) (Continued from Previous Page) Clayton Holland, Superintendent, Kenai Peninsula Borough School District Phil Hulett, School Finance Officer, Galena City School District Jennifer Schmitz, Director, Alaska Educator Retention and Recruitment Center Bills Previously Heard/Scheduled **Streamed live on AKL.tv** Apr 02 Wednesday Beltz 105 (tsbldg) 3:30 PM + Consideration of Governor’s Appointees: University of Alaska Board of Regents Karen Perdue - Fairbanks Christine Resler - Anchorage -- Public Testimony -- + SB 110 MUSEUM CONSTRUCTION GRANTS -- Invited & Public Testimony -- Bills Previously Heard/Scheduled **Streamed live on AKL.tv** Apr 04 Friday Beltz 105 (tsbldg) 3:30 PM + Bills Previously Heard/Scheduled **Streamed live on AKL.tv** ---------------------------------------- FINANCE Mar 28 Friday Senate Finance 532 9:00 AM No Meeting Scheduled Mar 31 Monday Senate Finance 532 9:00 AM + Consideration of Governor’s Appointees: State Assessment Review Board - Sam Laffey -- Invited & Public Testimony -- += SB 57 APPROP: CAPITAL/SUPPLEMENTAL/FUNDS -- Testimony <Invitation Only> -- Bills Previously Heard/Scheduled **Streamed live on AKL.tv** 2025-03-28 Senate Journal Page 0645 FINANCE (continued) Apr 01 Tuesday Senate Finance 532 9:00 AM + SB 86 MONEY TRANSMISSION; VIRTUAL CURRENCY -- Invited & Public Testimony -- + SB 29 BIG GAME COMMERCIAL SERVICES BOARD -- Invited & Public Testimony -- + SB 24 TOBACCO/NICOTINE/E-CIG AGE; E-CIG TAX -- Invited & Public Testimony -- Bills Previously Heard/Scheduled **Streamed live on AKL.tv** Apr 02 Wednesday Senate Finance 532 9:00 AM + Presentation: Alaska Department of Labor and Workforce Development + HB 56 APPROP: SUPPLEMENTAL; FUND CAP <Pending Referral> Bills Previously Heard/Scheduled **Streamed live on AKL.tv** Apr 03 Thursday Senate Finance 532 9:00 AM + Overview: State Debt Summary and Credit Review Department of Revenue = HB 56 APPROP: SUPPLEMENTAL; FUND CAP <Pending Referral> Bills Previously Heard/Scheduled **Streamed live on AKL.tv** Apr 04 Friday Senate Finance 532 9:00 AM + SB 146 REAA FUND: MT. EDGECUMBE, TEACHER HOUSING -- Invited & Public Testimony -- + SB 22 FINANCIAL LITERACY PROGRAM IN SCHOOLS -- Invited & Public Testimony -- + SB 6 ASIAN AMERICAN/PACIFIC ISLANDER PROGRAM -- Invited & Public Testimony -- = HB 56 APPROP: SUPPLEMENTAL; FUND CAP <Pending Referral> Bills Previously Heard/Scheduled **Streamed live on AKL.tv** ---------------------------------------- 2025-03-28 Senate Journal Page 0646 HEALTH & SOCIAL SERVICES Apr 01 Tuesday Butrovich 205 3:30 PM -- Agenda Change -- + SB 134 PHARMACY BENEFITS MANAGER;3RD PARTY ADMIN -- Testimony <Invitation Only> -- += SB 88 CHILD PLACEMENT; DILIGENT SEARCH <Bill Hearing Rescheduled to 04/03/25> -- Testimony <Invitation Only> -- += SJR 15 OPPOSE MEDICAID CUTS -- Testimony <Invitation Only> -- Consideration of Governor’s Appointees: Brent Taylor, State Medical Board -- Public Testimony -- Samantha Smith, State Medical Board -- Public Testimony -- Bills Previously Heard/Scheduled Apr 03 Thursday Butrovich 205 3:30 PM -- Agenda Change -- += SB 134 PHARMACY BENEFITS MANAGER;3RD PARTY ADMIN -- Public Testimony <Time Limit May Be Set> -- += SB 122 HEALTH INSURANCE NETWORK STANDARDS <Bill Hearing Rescheduled to 04/01/25> -- Public Testimony <Time Limit May Be Set> -- Consideration of Governor’s Appointees: Samantha Smith, State Medical Board += SB 45 MEDICAID MENTAL HEALTH PARITY -- Public Testimony <Time Limit May Be Set> -- Bills Previously Heard/Scheduled: += SB 88 CHILD PLACEMENT; DILIGENT SEARCH ---------------------------------------- JUDICIARY Mar 28 Friday Butrovich 205 1:30 PM -- MEETING CANCELED -- + Bills Previously Heard/Scheduled **Streamed live on AKL.tv** Mar 31 Monday Butrovich 205 1:30 PM + SB 9 SURRENDER OF INFANTS; INF. SAFETY DEVICE -- Invited & Public Testimony -- Bills Previously Heard/Scheduled **Streamed live on AKL.tv** 2025-03-28 Senate Journal Page 0647 JUDICIARY (continued) Apr 02 Wednesday Butrovich 205 1:30 PM + Consideration of Governor’s Appointees: Dorene Lorenz, State Commission for Human Rights Jessie Ruffridge, State Commission for Human Rights Jedediah Cox, Board of Governors of the Alaska Bar -- Invited & Public Testimony -- + SB 90 MINOR MENTAL HEALTH: AGE OF CONSENT -- Invited & Public Testimony -- Bills Previously Heard/Scheduled **Streamed live on AKL.tv** Apr 04 Friday Butrovich 205 1:30 PM + Consideration of Governor’s Appointees: Joan Wilson, Chief Administrative Law Judge -- Invited & Public Testimony -- Bills Previously Heard/Scheduled **Streamed live on AKL.tv** ---------------------------------------- LABOR & COMMERCE Mar 28 Friday Beltz 105 (tsbldg) 1:30 PM No Meeting Scheduled Mar 31 Monday Beltz 105 (tsbldg) 1:30 PM += SB 137 EXTEND BOARDS: MIDWIVES, NURSING, PAROLE -- Public Testimony <Time Limit May Be Set> -- + SB 21 AK WORK & SAVE PROGRM; RETIRE. SAVINGS BD -- Testimony <Invitation Only> -- += SB 28 RETIREMENT SYSTEMS; DEFINED BENEFIT OPT. -- Testimony <Invitation Only> -- Bills Previously Heard/Scheduled **Streamed live on AKL.tv** 2025-03-28 Senate Journal Page 0648 LABOR & COMMERCE (continued) Apr 02 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 -- += SB 4 HEALTH CARE PRICES AND INCENTIVE PROGRAMS -- Invited & Public Testimony -- Bills Previously Heard/Scheduled **Streamed live on AKL.tv** Apr 04 Friday Beltz 105 (tsbldg) 1:30 PM += SB 11 FLOOD INSURANCE -- Public Testimony <Time Limit May Be Set> -- += SB 81 PUBLIC EMPLOYER PENSION CONTRIBUTIONS -- Public Testimony <Time Limit May Be Set> -- Bills Previously Heard/Scheduled **Streamed live on AKL.tv** ---------------------------------------- RESOURCES 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** Mar 31 Monday Butrovich 205 3:30 PM + HJR 11 RECOGNIZING ALASKA/CANADA RELATIONSHIP -- Invited & Public Testimony -- Presentation: Fisheries Task Force Report + SB 130 FISHERIES PROD DEVELOPMENT TAX CREDIT -- Testimony <Invitation Only> -- + SB 135 REFUND OF FISH BUSINESS TAX TO MUNIS -- Testimony <Invitation Only> -- Bills Previously Heard/Scheduled **Streamed live on AKL.tv** 2025-03-28 Senate Journal Page 0649 RESOURCES (continued) Apr 02 Wednesday Butrovich 205 3:30 PM += SB 92 CORP. INCOME TAX; OIL & GAS ENTITIES -- Invited & Public Testimony -- **Streamed live on AKL.tv** Bills Previously Heard/Scheduled Apr 04 Friday Butrovich 205 3:30 PM += SB 128 CREATE DEPARTMENT OF AGRICULTURE -- Invited & Public Testimony -- += SB 112 OIL & GAS PRODUCTION TAX -- Invited & Public Testimony -- Bills Previously Heard/Scheduled **Streamed live on AKL.tv** ---------------------------------------- STATE AFFAIRS Apr 01 Tuesday Adams 519 3:30 PM -- Please Note Location Change -- + Presentation: What is AIDEA and how does it benefit Alaskans? Randy Ruaro, Executive Director of Alaska Industrial Development and Export Authority -- Testimony <Invitation Only> -- Bills Previously Heard/Scheduled **Streamed live on AKL.tv** Apr 03 Thursday Adams 519 3:30 PM -- Please Note Location Change -- + Presentation: What is AMHTA and how does it benefit Alaskans? Mary Wilson, Chief Executive Officer, Alaska Mental Health Trust Authority -- Testimony <Invitation Only> -- Bills Previously Heard/Scheduled **Streamed live on AKL.tv** ---------------------------------------- 2025-03-28 Senate Journal Page 0650 TRANSPORTATION Apr 01 Tuesday Butrovich 205 1:30 PM + Presentation: AIDEA Update on Major Projects Randy Ruaro, Executive Director Jeff San Juan, Ambler Road Project Manager **Streamed live on AKL.tv** Apr 03 Thursday Butrovich 205 1:30 PM + SB 138 TAXATION: VEHICLE RENTALS, SUBPOENAS -- Testimony <Invitation Only> -- Presentation: Tribal Coordination Shannon McCarthy, DOT&PF Communications Director Sara Lucey, Transportation Planner **Streamed live on AKL.tv** ---------------------------------------- FINANCE SUBCOMMITTEES ENVIRONMENTAL CONSERVATION Apr 15 Tuesday Beltz 105 (tsbldg) 2:00 PM + Overview: Department of Environmental Conservation Senate Finance Subcommittee Close Out ---------------------------------------- HEALTH Apr 03 Thursday Senate Finance 532 7:45 AM + Presentation: Division of Behavioral Health; Division of Senior and Disabilities Services ---------------------------------------- LABOR & WORKFORCE DEVELOPMENT Apr 15 Tuesday Beltz 105 (tsbldg) 2:45 PM + Overview: Department of Labor and Workforce Development Senate Finance Subcommittee Close Out ---------------------------------------- 2025-03-28 Senate Journal Page 0651 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 ---------------------------------------- TRANSPORTATION & PUBLIC FACILITIES Apr 02 Wednesday Senate Finance 532 7:45 AM + FY26 DOT Operating Budget - AMHS ---------------------------------------- SPECIAL COMMITTEES SPECIAL COMMITTEE ON ARCTIC AFFAIRS Apr 03 Thursday Beltz 105 (tsbldg) 1:30 PM + Presentation: Alaska and International Arctic Politics Mike Sfraga - Fmr. Ambassador-At-Large for Arctic Affairs, United States Department of State Bills Previously Heard/Scheduled **Streamed live on AKL.tv** ---------------------------------------- 2025-03-28 Senate Journal Page 0652 JOINT COMMITTEES LEGISLATIVE COUNCIL Mar 31 Monday Senate Finance 532 5:15 PM -- Please Note Location Change -- -- 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** ---------------------------------------- OTHER MEETINGS 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 2025-03-28 Senate Journal Page 0653 OTHER MEETINGS (continued) 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