Legislature(2025 - 2026)
2025-04-07 Senate Journal
Full Journal pdf2025-04-07 Senate Journal Page 0721 SENATE JOURNAL ALASKA STATE LEGISLATURE THIRTY-FOURTH LEGISLATURE FIRST SESSION Juneau, Alaska Monday April 7, 2025 Seventy-seventh Day Pursuant to adjournment the Senate was called to order by President Stevens at 11:01 a.m. The roll showed twenty members present. The prayer was offered by the Chaplain, Secretary of the Bahá’í Assembly Adam Bauer, Juneau Bahá’í Assembly. Senator Hoffman moved and asked unanimous consent the prayer be spread. Without objection, it was so ordered. O Thou kind Lord! This gathering is turning to Thee. These hearts are radiant with Thy love. These minds and spirits are exhilarated by the message of Thy glad tidings. O God! Let this American democracy become glorious in spiritual degrees even as it has aspired to material degrees and render this just government victorious. Confirm this revered nation to upraise the standard of the oneness of humanity, to promulgate the Most Great Peace, to become thereby most glorious and praise worthy among all the nations of the world. O God! This American nation is worthy of Thy favors and is deserving of Thy mercy. Make it precious and near to Thee through Thy bounty and bestowal. Amen. Senator Yundt led the Senate in the Pledge of Allegiance. 2025-04-07 Senate Journal Page 0722 Certification Senator Giessel moved and asked unanimous consent the journals for the seventy-fourth through seventy-sixth legislative days be approved as certified by the Secretary. Without objection, it was so ordered. Communications The following report is file in the Office of the Secretary of the Senate: Department of Commerce, Community, and Economic Development Division of Insurance 2024 Annual Report in accordance with AS 21.06.110 Disclosure letters received from the Select Committee on Legislative Ethics, in accordance with AS 24.60, will be published in Senate Journal Supplement No. 4. Standing Committee Reports Report dated April 4 was read stating: In accordance with AS 44.64.010 and 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. Chief Administrative Law Judge Joan Wilson Signing the report: Senator Claman, Chair; Senators Stevens, Myers, Kiehl. 2025-04-07 Senate Journal Page 0723 SB 11 The Labor and Commerce Committee considered SENATE BILL NO. 11 "An Act relating to flood insurance; relating to property insurance; establishing the Alaska Flood Authority and the Alaska flood insurance fund; and providing for an effective date." Signing do pass: Senator Bjorkman, Chair; Senator Dunbar. Signing no recommendation: Senators Merrick, Gray-Jackson. The following fiscal information was published today: Fiscal Note No. 1, indeterminate, Department of Commerce, Community, and Economic Development Fiscal Note No. 2, Department of Commerce, Community, and Economic Development Fiscal Note No. 3, Department of Commerce, Community, and Economic Development Fiscal Note No. 4, indeterminate, Department of Revenue The bill was referred to the Finance Committee. SB 122 The Health and Social Services Committee considered SENATE BILL NO. 122 "An Act relating to insurance; establishing standards for health insurance provider networks; and providing for an effective date" and recommended it be replaced with CS FOR SENATE BILL NO. 122(HSS) Signing do pass: Senator Dunbar, Chair; Senators Claman, Giessel. Signing do not pass: Senator Hughes. Signing no recommendation: Senator Tobin. 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. 2025-04-07 Senate Journal Page 0724 SB 132 The Labor and Commerce Committee considered SENATE BILL NO. 132 "An Act relating to insurance; and providing for an effective date" and recommended it be replaced with CS FOR SENATE BILL NO. 132(L&C) Signing do pass: Senator Bjorkman, Chair; Senator Gray-Jackson. Signing no recommendation: Senators Dunbar, Merrick. The following fiscal information was published today: Fiscal Note No. 1, Department of Commerce, Community, and Economic Development The bill was referred to the Finance Committee. SJR 15 The Health and Social Services Committee considered SENATE JOINT RESOLUTION NO. 15 Calling on the state's congressional delegation to oppose cuts to federal spending on Medicaid, and recommended it be replaced with CS FOR SENATE JOINT RESOLUTION NO. 15(HSS) Signing do pass: Senator Giessel, Vice chair; Senators Claman, Tobin. Signing do not pass: Senator Hughes. The following fiscal information was published today: Fiscal Note No. 1, zero, Legislative Agency The resolution was referred to the Rules Committee. 2025-04-07 Senate Journal Page 0725 Introduction and Reference of Senate Bills SB 158 SENATE BILL NO. 158 BY SENATOR BJORKMAN, entitled: "An Act relating to administrative areas for regulation of certain commercial set net entry permits; and providing for an effective date." was read the first time and referred to the Labor and Commerce and Resources Committees. SB 159 SENATE BILL NO. 159 BY THE SENATE LABOR & COMMERCE COMMITTEE, entitled: "An Act increasing contributions to the Department of Labor and Workforce Development for the State Training and Employment Program." was read the first time and referred to the Labor and Commerce and Finance Committees. Consideration of the Calendar Citations Honoring - Gene Stone Senator(s) Olson Representative(s) Foster, Burke th Honoring - The New York Café 100 Anniversary Senator(s) Stedman Representative(s) Bynum Honoring - South Anchorage Civic Leadership Program Representative(s) Holland, Coulombe Senator(s) Giessel 2025-04-07 Senate Journal Page 0726 Honoring - Dr. Lewis Pagel Representative(s) Burke Senator(s) Olson In Memoriam - Sean Griffin Senator(s) Stedman Representative(s) Bynum In Memoriam - Richard “Dick” Olson Senator(s) Kawasaki Representative(s) Dibert, Prax 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 Folk Festival 50 Anniversary Representative(s) Hannan, Story Senator(s) Kiehl Senator Giessel moved and asked unanimous consent the citation be adopted. Without objection, the citation was adopted and referred to the Secretary for transmittal. Announcements Announcements are at the end of the journal. 2025-04-07 Senate Journal Page 0727 Adjournment Senator Giessel moved and asked unanimous consent the Senate stand in adjournment until 11:00 a.m., April 9, 2025. Without objection, the Senate adjourned at 11:11 a.m. Liz Clark Secretary of the Senate 2025-04-07 Senate Journal Page 0728 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 08 Tuesday Beltz 105 (tsbldg) 1:30 PM += HJR 5 SECURE RURAL SCHOOLS PROGRAM -- Public Testimony -- += SB 129 PAYMENT OF CONTRACTS -- Public Testimony -- Bills Previously Heard/Scheduled: += SB 111 DIGITAL PRODUCT REPAIR -- Testimony <Invitation Only> -- **Streamed live on AKL.tv** ---------------------------------------- EDUCATION Apr 07 Monday Beltz 105 (tsbldg) 3:30 PM + Consideration of Governor’s Appointees: Professional Teaching Practices Commission Angie Alston - Fairbanks Kathryn Baird - Fairbanks Patrick Frymark - Fairbanks -- Public Testimony -- += SB 13 SUMMER EBT BENEFITS FOR CHILDREN Bills Previously Heard/Scheduled **Streamed live on AKL.tv** 2025-04-07 Senate Journal Page 0729 EDUCATION (continued) Apr 09 Wednesday Beltz 105 (tsbldg) 3:30 PM + SB 8 EDUCATION FOR DEAF & HEARING IMPAIRED -- Invited & Public Testimony -- + SB 143 MUNICIPAL SCHOOL BOARD TERMS -- Invited & Public Testimony -- Bills Previously Heard/Scheduled **Streamed live on AKL.tv** Apr 11 Friday Beltz 105 (tsbldg) 3:30 PM + SB 151 SCHOOL DISTRICT HEAD LICE POLICY -- Invited & Public Testimony -- += SB 118 ADD FACULTY MEMBER UNIV BOARD OF REGENTS Bills Previously Heard/Scheduled **Streamed live on AKL.tv** ---------------------------------------- FINANCE Apr 07 Monday Senate Finance 532 9:00 AM + Presentation: Defined Contribution Account Performance Department of Administration, Division of Retirement and Benefits += SB 57 APPROP: CAPITAL/SUPPLEMENTAL/FUNDS += HB 56 APPROP: SUPPLEMENTAL; FUND CAP Bills Previously Heard/Scheduled **Streamed live on AKL.tv** Apr 07 Monday Senate Finance 532 1:30 PM -- MEETING CANCELED -- -- Please Note Time Change -- + Bills Previously Heard/Scheduled **Streamed live on AKL.tv** Apr 08 Tuesday Senate Finance 532 9:00 AM + SB 55 TRS CONTR RATE; PERS/TRS SOC SECUR OR SBS -- Invited & Public Testimony -- += SB 57 APPROP: CAPITAL/SUPPLEMENTAL/FUNDS += HB 56 APPROP: SUPPLEMENTAL; FUND CAP Bills Previously Heard/Scheduled **Streamed live on AKL.tv** 2025-04-07 Senate Journal Page 0730 FINANCE (continued) Apr 08 Tuesday Senate Finance 532 1:30 PM -- Please Note Time Change -- + Bills Previously Heard/Scheduled **Streamed live on AKL.tv** Apr 09 Wednesday Senate Finance 532 9:00 AM += SB 39 LOANS UNDER $25,000; PAYDAY LOANS + SB 64 ELECTIONS -- Invited & Public Testimony -- + SB 92 CORP. INCOME TAX; OIL & GAS ENTITIES -- Invited & Public Testimony -- += HB 56 APPROP: SUPPLEMENTAL; FUND CAP Bills Previously Heard/Scheduled **Streamed live on AKL.tv** Apr 09 Wednesday Senate Finance 532 1:30 PM -- Please Note Time Change -- + Bills Previously Heard/Scheduled **Streamed live on AKL.tv** Apr 10 Thursday Senate Finance 532 9:00 AM + SB 44 MINORS & PSYCHIATRIC HOSPITALS -- Invited & Public Testimony -- + SB 76 COMPLEX CARE RESIDENTIAL HOMES -- Invited & Public Testimony -- + SB 69 SEXUAL ASSAULT EXAMINATION KITS/TRACKING -- Invited & Public Testimony -- += HB 56 APPROP: SUPPLEMENTAL; FUND CAP Bills Previously Heard/Scheduled **Streamed live on AKL.tv** Apr 10 Thursday Senate Finance 532 1:30 PM -- Please Note Time Change -- + Bills Previously Heard/Scheduled **Streamed live on AKL.tv** 2025-04-07 Senate Journal Page 0731 FINANCE (continued) Apr 11 Friday Senate Finance 532 9:00 AM + SB 63 LOCAL BOUNDARY COMMISSION -- Invited & Public Testimony -- += SB 54 EXT ARCH, ENG, SURVEY BRD; REG INT DESIGN += SB 86 MONEY TRANSMISSION; VIRTUAL CURRENCY += SB 29 BIG GAME COMMERCIAL SERVICES BOARD += HB 56 APPROP: SUPPLEMENTAL; FUND CAP Bills Previously Heard/Scheduled **Streamed live on AKL.tv** ---------------------------------------- HEALTH & SOCIAL SERVICES Apr 08 Tuesday Butrovich 205 3:30 PM + HB 36 FOSTER CHILDREN PSYCHIATRIC TREATMENT Bills Previously Heard/Scheduled: += SB 88 CHILD PLACEMENT; DILIGENT SEARCH Apr 10 Thursday Butrovich 205 3:30 PM + SJR 16 FEDERAL ENSURING LASTING SMILES ACT -- Testimony <Invitation Only> -- Presentation: Citizen's Review Panel Bills Previously Heard/Scheduled: += SB 45 MEDICAID MENTAL HEALTH PARITY ---------------------------------------- JUDICIARY Apr 07 Monday Butrovich 205 1:30 PM += SCR 1 ART. II, SEC. 16, CONST: VETO RECON += SB 78 DISCLOSURE OF WAGE INFORMATION <Bill Hearing Rescheduled to 04/11/25> Bills Previously Heard/Scheduled **Streamed live on AKL.tv** Apr 09 Wednesday Butrovich 205 1:30 PM + Presentation: Alaska Department of Administration Public Defender Agency Overview Terrence Haas, Public Defender Bills Previously Heard/Scheduled 2025-04-07 Senate Journal Page 0732 JUDICIARY (continued) Apr 11 Friday Butrovich 205 1:30 PM += SB 9 SURRENDER OF INFANTS; INF. SAFETY DEVICE += SB 78 DISCLOSURE OF WAGE INFORMATION Bills Previously Heard/Scheduled **Streamed live on AKL.tv** ---------------------------------------- LABOR & COMMERCE Apr 07 Monday Beltz 105 (tsbldg) 1:30 PM += SB 21 AK WORK & SAVE PROGRM; RETIRE. SAVINGS BD -- Public Testimony <Time Limit May Be Set> -- + SB 83 TELEHEALTH REIMBURSEMENT RATES -- Testimony <Invitation Only> -- Bills Previously Heard/Scheduled **Streamed live on AKL.tv** Apr 09 Wednesday Beltz 105 (tsbldg) 1:30 PM += SB 4 HEALTH CARE PRICES AND INCENTIVE PROGRAMS -- Testimony <Invitation Only> -- Bills Previously Heard/Scheduled **Streamed live on AKL.tv** Apr 11 Friday Beltz 105 (tsbldg) 1:30 PM + Bills Previously Heard/Scheduled **Streamed live on AKL.tv** ---------------------------------------- RESOURCES Apr 07 Monday Butrovich 205 3:30 PM + Presentation: Pegasus Update Joe Miller - President & CEO, Pegasus Jeremy Clark - Senior Vice President, Pegasus += SB 114 GAS PIPELINE FAIRBANKS SPUR -- Invited & Public Testimony -- Bills Previously Heard/Scheduled **Streamed live on AKL.tv** 2025-04-07 Senate Journal Page 0733 RESOURCES (continued) Apr 09 Wednesday Butrovich 205 3:30 PM += SB 130 FISHERIES PROD DEVELOPMENT TAX CREDIT -- Public Testimony -- += SB 135 REFUND OF FISH BUSINESS TAX TO MUNIS -- Public Testimony -- += SB 67 PROCURE PREF: AGRIC. & FISH PRODUCTS -- Public Testimony -- + SB 131 DUTIES OF ASMI BOARD; MEANING OF SEAFOOD -- Invited & Public Testimony -- Bills Previously Heard/Scheduled **Streamed live on AKL.tv** Apr 11 Friday Butrovich 205 3:30 PM + Consideration of Governor’s Appointees: Big Game Commercial Services Board -- Public Testimony -- += SB 128 CREATE DEPARTMENT OF AGRICULTURE -- Invited & Public Testimony -- + SB 139 LAND; OWNERSHIP RESTRICTIONS; AG LAND -- Invited & Public Testimony -- SENATE BILL: STATE SHARE OF PROFITS ON OIL AND NATURAL GAS <Pending Introduction & Referral> -- Invited & Public Testimony -- Bills Previously Heard/Scheduled **Streamed live on AKL.tv** ---------------------------------------- STATE AFFAIRS Apr 08 Tuesday Beltz 105 (tsbldg) 3:30 PM + Consideration of Governor’s Appointees: Alaska Police Standards Council Daniel Carothers David Ross Timothy Collins -- Invited & Public Testimony -- += SB 62 BOARD OF PAROLE: MEMBERSHIP, REPORT -- Public Testimony -- + SB 126 CORRECTIONAL FACILITIES; PLACEMENT -- Invited & Public Testimony -- Bills Previously Heard/Scheduled **Streamed live on AKL.tv** 2025-04-07 Senate Journal Page 0734 STATE AFFAIRS (continued) Apr 10 Thursday Beltz 105 (tsbldg) 3:30 PM + Consideration of Governor’s Appointees: Alaska Public Offices Commission Walter Monegan -- Invited & Public Testimony -- += SB 49 WORKPLACE VIOLENCE PROTECTIVE ORDERS -- Public Testimony -- + SB 53 LAW ENFORCEMENT AGENCY ACCREDITATION -- Invited & Public Testimony -- Bills Previously Heard/Scheduled **Streamed live on AKL.tv** ---------------------------------------- TRANSPORTATION Apr 08 Tuesday Butrovich 205 1:30 PM No Meeting Scheduled Apr 10 Thursday Butrovich 205 1:30 PM += SB 138 TAXATION: VEHICLE RENTALS, SUBPOENAS -- Public Testimony -- += SB 104 VEHICLES/BOATS: TRANSFER ON DEATH TITLE -- Public Testimony -- + SB 152 HAROLD ESMAILKA AIRPORT AT RUBY -- Testimony <Invitation Only> -- Presentation: Metropolitan Planning Organization Boundary Process and Considerations Katherine Keith, Deputy Commissioner, Dept. of Transportation and Public Facilities **Streamed live on AKL.tv** ---------------------------------------- FINANCE SUBCOMMITTEES ADMINISTRATION Apr 15 Tuesday Senate Finance 532 5:50 PM + Senate Administration Finance Subcommittee Close Out 2025-04-07 Senate Journal Page 0735 EDUCATION & EARLY DEVELOPMENT Apr 15 Tuesday Senate Finance 532 5:30 PM + Senate Education & Early Development Finance Subcommittee Close Out ---------------------------------------- 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 ---------------------------------------- NATURAL RESOURCES Apr 15 Tuesday Beltz 105 (tsbldg) 2:30 PM + Overview: Department of Natural Resources Senate Finance Subcommittee Close Out ---------------------------------------- REVENUE Apr 15 Tuesday Senate Finance 532 5:10 PM + Senate Finance Revenue Subcommittee Close Out 2025-04-07 Senate Journal Page 0736 TRANSPORTATION & PUBLIC FACILITIES Apr 16 Wednesday Senate Finance 532 8:00 AM + FY26 DOT Operating budget - Close Out ---------------------------------------- SPECIAL COMMITTEES SPECIAL COMMITTEE ON ARCTIC AFFAIRS Apr 10 Thursday Beltz 105 (tsbldg) 1:30 PM + Presentation: Ted Stevens Center for Arctic Security Studies Randy "Church" Kee - Director, Ted Stevens Center for Arctic Security Studies Bills Previously Heard/Scheduled **Streamed live on AKL.tv** ---------------------------------------- JOINT COMMITTEES LEGISLATIVE BUDGET & AUDIT Apr 09 Wednesday Senate Finance 532 5:30 PM -- Testimony <Invitation Only> -- + I. Call to Order II. Approval of the Agenda III. Approval of Minutes a. February 26, 2025 b. March 4, 2025 IV. Presentation: Alaska Liquefied Natural Gas (LNG) Project a. Randy Ruaro, Executive Director, Alaska Industrial Development and Export Authority (AIDEA) b. Frank Richards, President, Alaska Gasline Development Corp. (AGDC) V. Adjourn ---------------------------------------- OTHER MEETINGS MISCELLANEOUS MEETINGS Apr 09 Wednesday Butrovich 205 12:00 PM Lunch & Learn Presentation: Alaska Commission on Postsecondary Education Sponsored by Senator Tobin