Legislature(2025 - 2026)
2025-03-31 Senate Journal
Full Journal pdf2025-03-31 Senate Journal Page 0659 SENATE JOURNAL ALASKA STATE LEGISLATURE THIRTY-FOURTH LEGISLATURE FIRST SESSION Juneau, Alaska Monday March 31, 2025 Seventieth Day Pursuant to adjournment the Senate was called to order by President Stevens at 11: 03 a.m. The roll showed nineteen members present. Senator Wielechowski was excused from a call of the Senate. The prayer was offered by the Chaplain, Douglas Mertz, Juneau Friends Meeting. Senator Hoffman moved and asked unanimous consent the prayer be spread. Without objection, it was so ordered. God, help us to focus on what is important. Help us to let go of all the little things that don’t matter. Help us to let go of what blocks the spirit. Help us to focus on what promotes justice and peace. Help us to embrace respect for all voices in this chamber and for all voices in our great land. Help us to have courage in the face of adversity. Amen. Senator Stedman led the Senate in the Pledge of Allegiance. Certification Senator Giessel moved and asked unanimous consent the journals for the sixty-seventh through sixty-ninth legislative days be approved as certified by the Secretary. Without objection, it was so ordered. 2025-03-31 Senate Journal Page 0660 Messages from the House SB 43 Message dated March 28 was read stating the House passed and returned: SENATE BILL NO. 43 "An Act establishing the month of March as Women's History Month." The bill was referred to the Secretary for enrollment. Standing Committee Reports Report dated March 31 was read stating: In accordance with AS 39.05.080, the Finance 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. State Assessment Review Board Samuel Laffey Signing the report: Senators Hoffman, Stedman, Olson, Cochairs; Senators Kaufman, Cronk, Merrick, Kiehl. SB 95 The Health and Social Services Committee considered SENATE BILL NO. 95 "An Act relating to the child care assistance program and the child care grant program; and providing for an effective date." Signing do pass: Senator Dunbar, Chair; Senators Hughes, Claman, Tobin, Giessel. The following fiscal information was published today: Fiscal Note No. 1, Department of Health The bill was referred to the Finance Committee. 2025-03-31 Senate Journal Page 0661 SCR 2 The Health and Social Services Committee considered SENATE CONCURRENT RESOLUTION NO. 2 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. Signing do pass: Senator Dunbar, Chair; Senators Hughes, Claman, Tobin, Giessel. The following fiscal information was published today: Fiscal Note No. 1, zero, Legislative Agency The resolution was referred to the Labor and Commerce Committee. Introduction and Reference of Senate Bills SB 152 SENATE BILL NO. 152 BY SENATORS CRONK, Olson, entitled: "An Act renaming Ruby Airport as Harold Esmailka Airport; and providing for an effective date." was read the first time and referred to the Transportation and State Affairs Committees. Consideration of the Calendar Citations Honoring - The Whittier Police Department Representative(s) Holland, Kopp Senator(s) Giessel Honoring - The University of Alaska Fairbanks Nanooks Women’s Swimming Team Representative(s) Carrick, Hannan 2025-03-31 Senate Journal Page 0662 Honoring - Rita Christianson Representative(s) Himschoot Senator(s) Stedman In Memoriam - Dora Ann Fulmer Representative(s) Carrick In Memoriam - Roberta “Bobbi” Leichty Representative(s) Himschoot Senator(s) Stedman 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 citation be made a special order of business. Without objection, it was so ordered. Special Order of Business th Honoring - Alaska State Ombudsman 50 Anniversary Senator(s) Kiehl Representative(s) Story, Hannan Senator Giessel moved and asked unanimous consent the citation be adopted. Without objection, the citation was adopted and referred to the Secretary for transmittal. Unfinished Business Senator Cronk moved and asked unanimous consent to be excused from a call of the Senate from 8:00 p.m. plane time, April 1 through 10:00 p.m. plane time, April 2. Without objection, Senator Cronk was excused. Senator Bjorkman moved and asked unanimous consent the Senate return to Introduction of Guests. Without objection, it was so ordered. 2025-03-31 Senate Journal Page 0663 Standing Committee Reports (continued) SB 121 The Health and Social Services Committee considered 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" and recommended it be replaced with CS FOR SENATE BILL NO. 121(HSS) Signing no recommendation: Senator Dunbar, Chair; Senators Hughes, Claman, Tobin. Signing do pass: Senator Giessel. The following fiscal information was published today: Fiscal Note No. 1, Department of Commerce, Community, and Economic Development The bill was referred to the Labor and Commerce Committee. 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., April 2, 2025. Without objection, the Senate adjourned at 11:36 a.m. Liz Clark Secretary of the Senate 2025-03-31 Senate Journal Page 0664 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 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 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** 2025-03-31 Senate Journal Page 0665 EDUCATION (continued) 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 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** 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** 2025-03-31 Senate Journal Page 0666 FINANCE (continued) 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** ---------------------------------------- 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> -- (Continued on Next Page) 2025-03-31 Senate Journal Page 0667 HEALTH & SOCIAL SERVICES (continued) (Continued from Previous Page) 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 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** 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** 2025-03-31 Senate Journal Page 0668 JUDICIARY (continued) 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 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** 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** 2025-03-31 Senate Journal Page 0669 RESOURCES 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** 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 Senate Finance 532 3:30 PM -- Please Note Location Change -- Meeting jointly with the House State Affairs Committee + 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** 2025-03-31 Senate Journal Page 0670 STATE AFFAIRS (continued) Apr 03 Thursday Senate Finance 532 3:30 PM -- Please Note Location Change -- Meeting jointly with the House State Affairs Committee + 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** ---------------------------------------- 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 2025-03-31 Senate Journal Page 0671 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 ---------------------------------------- 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 2025-03-31 Senate Journal Page 0672 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** ---------------------------------------- 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** 2025-03-31 Senate Journal Page 0673 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 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