Legislature(2025 - 2026)
2025-04-15 Senate Journal
Full Journal pdf2025-04-15 Senate Journal Page 0871 SENATE JOURNAL ALASKA STATE LEGISLATURE THIRTY-FOURTH LEGISLATURE FIRST SESSION Juneau, Alaska Tuesday April 15, 2025 Eighty-fifth Day Pursuant to adjournment the Senate was called to order by President Stevens at 10:02 a.m. The roll showed twenty members present. The prayer was offered by the Chaplain, Maranatha Henderson, Senate Page. Senator Hoffman moved and asked unanimous consent the prayer be spread. Without objection, it was so ordered. Lord, Please, give our Senators and Representatives courage, wisdom and foresight as they listen and speak on matters important to all the residents of our great state. Help us to work together with mutual patience and respect. Guide our hearts, our minds and our mouths that we may be productive and successful. Hágase tu voluntad...your will be done, Amen. Senator Giessel led the Senate in the Pledge of Allegiance. Certification Senator Giessel moved and asked unanimous consent the journal for the eighty-fourth legislative day be approved as certified by the Secretary. Without objection, it was so ordered. 2025-04-15 Senate Journal Page 0872 Messages from the Governor Letter dated April 14 was read stating on March 18, 2025, in accordance with Article III, Sections 26 and 27 of the Alaska Constitution and AS 39.05.080, I submitted a list of appointees for confirmation. Due to inadvertent presentment, the following appointee is withdrawn from consideration, effective immediately: Board of Game John Wood Messages from the House Message dated April 14 was read stating the House passed and transmitted for consideration: First Reading and Reference of House Bills HB 79 HOUSE BILL NO. 79 BY REPRESENTATIVES FIELDS, Galvin, Josephson, Gray, entitled: "An Act naming the Vic Fischer Shoup Bay State Marine Park." was read the first time and referred to the Community and Regional Affairs and Resources Committees. Standing Committee Reports SB 83 The Labor and Commerce Committee considered 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." 2025-04-15 Senate Journal Page 0873 Signing do pass: Senator Bjorkman, Chair; Senators Dunbar, Gray- Jackson. Signing no recommendation: Senators Merrick, Yundt. The following previously published fiscal information applies: Fiscal Note No. 1, zero, Department of Administration Fiscal Note No. 2, zero, Department of Commerce, Community, and Economic Development The bill was referred to the Rules Committee. SB 118 The Education Committee considered SENATE BILL NO. 118 "An Act relating to the Board of Regents of the University of Alaska." Signing do pass: Senator Tobin, Chair; Senators Stevens, Kiehl. Signing no recommendation: Senators Cronk, Bjorkman. The following fiscal information was published today: Fiscal Note No. 1, University of Alaska The bill was referred to the Finance Committee. SB 130 The Resources Committee considered SENATE BILL NO. 130 "An Act relating to the fisheries product development tax credit; providing for an effective date by amending the effective date of sec. 2, ch. 31, SLA 2022; and providing for an effective date" and recommended it be replaced with CS FOR SENATE BILL NO. 130(RES) "An Act relating to the fisheries product development tax credit; and providing for an effective date." Signing do pass: Senator Giessel, Chair; Senator Dunbar. Signing no recommendation: Senators Myers, Wielechowski, Hughes, Claman. The following fiscal information was published today: Fiscal Note No. 1, indeterminate, Department of Revenue The bill was referred to the Finance Committee. 2025-04-15 Senate Journal Page 0874 SB 135 The Resources Committee considered SENATE BILL NO. 135 "An Act relating to the sharing of tax revenue from the fisheries business tax and fishery resource landing tax with municipalities; relating to municipal reports on the shared tax revenue; and providing for an effective date" and recommended it be replaced with CS FOR SENATE BILL NO. 135(RES) Signing do pass: Senator Giessel, Chair. Signing no recommendation: Senators Myers, Wielechowski, Hughes, Dunbar. Signing amend: Senator Claman. The following fiscal information was published today: Fiscal Note No. 1, Department of Commerce, Community, and Economic Development Fiscal Note No. 2, Department of Revenue The bill was referred to the Finance Committee. HJR 11 The Resources Committee considered CS FOR HOUSE JOINT RESOLUTION NO. 11(RES) am Recognizing and honoring the relationship between Canada and Alaska. Signing do pass: Senator Giessel, Chair; Senators Dunbar, Claman, Kawasaki, Wielechowski. Signing do not pass: Senator Myers. Signing no recommendation: Senator Hughes. The following previously published fiscal information applies: Fiscal Note No. 1, zero, House Resources Committee The resolution was referred to the Rules Committee. 2025-04-15 Senate Journal Page 0875 Introduction and Reference of Senate Resolutions SCR 4 SENATE CONCURRENT RESOLUTION NO. 4 BY SENATORS GRAY-JACKSON, Cronk, Designating May 2025 as Mental Health Awareness Month; and designating May 4 - 10, 2025, as Tardive Dyskinesia Awareness Week. was read the first time and referred to the Health and Social Services Committee. Introduction and Reference of Senate Bills SB 175 SENATE BILL NO. 175 BY SENATOR YUNDT, entitled: "An Act establishing a net corporate income tax exemption for entities in Port MacKenzie; and providing for an effective date." was read the first time and referred to the Labor and Commerce and Finance Committees. SB 176 SENATE BILL NO. 176 BY THE SENATE RULES COMMITTEE BY REQUEST OF THE GOVERNOR, entitled: "An Act approving and ratifying the sale of royalty oil by the State of Alaska to Marathon Petroleum Supply and Trading Company LLC; and providing for an effective date." was read the first time and referred to the Resources and Finance Committees. 2025-04-15 Senate Journal Page 0876 The following fiscal information was published today: Fiscal Note No. 1, indeterminate, Department of Natural Resources Governor's transmittal letter dated April 14: Dear President Stevens: Under the authority of Article III, Section 18, of the Alaska Constitution, I am transmitting a bill relating to approval and ratification of the sale of royalty oil by the State of Alaska to Marathon Petroleum and Trading Company LLC (Marathon). The Commissioner of the Department of Natural Resources (DNR) has determined that it is in the best interest of the State to take royalty oil in-kind from leases on the North Slope. To this end, DNR has negotiated a proposed contract titled “Agreement for the Sale of Royalty Oil between and among the State of Alaska, and Marathon Petroleum Supply and Trading LLC, a Delaware Limited Liability Company and Marathon Petroleum Corporation, a Delaware Corporation” (Proposed Contract). This bill would approve and ratify the Proposed Contract. The Proposed Contract obligates the State to deliver between a minimum of 10,000 barrels per day (bpd) and a maximum of 15,000 bpd to Marathon. Based on yearly average forecasts, Marathon's nominations under the Proposed Contract could represent 12 percent to 36 percent of the State's North Slope royalty oil. The State will receive a price for its royalty oil that will equal or exceed the price it would have received had it elected to keep its royalty in-value. In total, the Proposed Contract is expected to net the State roughly $4 to $18 million in revenue above what the State would receive by taking the royalty in-value. The State currently sells royalty oil to Marathon under a three-year contract, which was approved by the legislature in 2022 and expires July 31, 2025. The Proposed Contract would take effect on August 1, 2025 and terminate on July 31, 2028. The Proposed Contract also provides for automatic one-year extended terms for an additional seven years, with each party having the right to terminate after three years. 2025-04-15 Senate Journal Page 0877 The bill is the culmination of diligent analysis and public process that are imperative for responsible resource stewardship. DNR and the Alaska Royalty Oil and Gas Development Advisory Board (Board) considered the fiscal, economic, societal, and environmental impacts and benefits of the agreement. DNR issued a Final Best Interest Finding and Determination on the agreement that included analysis of the factors for the sale of royalty oil in AS 38.05.183. The Department did not receive any comments from the public on the sale during the public comment period that ended on April 11, 2025. Additionally, the Board held two public hearings on the sale. In accordance with AS 38.06.050, the Board voted to approve a written recommendation and report on April 8, 2025, recommending legislative approval of the agreement. This bill would allow the State to obtain the maximum value for its royalty oil. I urge your prompt and favorable action on this measure. Sincerely, /s/ Mike Dunleavy Governor Consideration of the Calendar Third Reading of Senate Bills SB 39 CS FOR SENATE BILL NO. 39(FIN) "An Act relating to loans in an amount of $25,000 or less; relating to financial institutions; relating to the Nationwide Multistate Licensing System and Registry; relating to pawnbroker licensing exemptions; relating to deferred deposit advances; relating to computing interest; and providing for an effective date" was read the third time. 2025-04-15 Senate Journal Page 0878 The question being: "Shall CS FOR SENATE BILL NO. 39(FIN) "An Act relating to loans in an amount of $25,000 or less; relating to financial institutions; relating to the Nationwide Multistate Licensing System and Registry; relating to pawnbroker licensing exemptions; relating to deferred deposit advances; relating to computing interest; and providing for an effective date" pass the Senate?" The roll was taken with the following result: CSSB 39(FIN) Third Reading - Final Passage Effective Date(s) YEAS: 14 NAYS: 6 EXCUSED: 0 ABSENT: 0 Yeas: Bjorkman, Claman, Dunbar, Giessel, Gray-Jackson, Hoffman, Kaufman, Kawasaki, Kiehl, Merrick, Olson, Stevens, Tobin, Wielechowski Nays: Cronk, Hughes, Myers, Shower, Stedman, Yundt and so, CS FOR SENATE BILL NO. 39(FIN) passed the Senate. Senator Giessel moved and asked unanimous consent the vote on the passage of the bill be considered the vote on the effective date clause(s). Without objection, it was so ordered and the bill was referred to the Secretary for engrossment. SB 113 SENATE BILL NO. 113 "An Act relating to the Multistate Tax Compact; relating to apportionment of income to the state; relating to highly digitized businesses subject to the Alaska Net Income Tax Act; and providing for an effective date" was read the third time. The question being: "Shall SENATE BILL NO. 113 "An Act relating to the Multistate Tax Compact; relating to apportionment of income to the state; relating to highly digitized businesses subject to the Alaska Net Income Tax Act; and providing for an effective date" pass the Senate?" The roll was taken with the following result: SB 113 Third Reading - Final Passage Effective Date(s) YEAS: 16 NAYS: 4 EXCUSED: 0 ABSENT: 0 2025-04-15 Senate Journal Page 0879 Yeas: Bjorkman, Claman, Cronk, Dunbar, Giessel, Gray-Jackson, Hoffman, Kawasaki, Kiehl, Merrick, Olson, Stedman, Stevens, Tobin, Wielechowski, Yundt Nays: Hughes, Kaufman, Myers, Shower and so, SENATE BILL NO. 113 passed the Senate. Senator Giessel moved and asked unanimous consent the vote on the passage of the bill be considered the vote on the effective date clause(s). Without objection, it was so ordered and the bill was referred to the Secretary for engrossment. SB 57 CS FOR SENATE BILL NO. 57(FIN) "An Act making appropriations, including capital appropriations and other appropriations; making reappropriations; making appropriations to capitalize funds; and providing for an effective date" was read the third time. The question being: "Shall CS FOR SENATE BILL NO. 57(FIN) "An Act making appropriations, including capital appropriations and other appropriations; making reappropriations; making appropriations to capitalize funds; and providing for an effective date" pass the Senate?" The roll was taken with the following result: CSSB 57(FIN) Third Reading - Final Passage Effective Date(s) YEAS: 20 NAYS: 0 EXCUSED: 0 ABSENT: 0 Yeas: Bjorkman, Claman, Cronk, Dunbar, Giessel, Gray-Jackson, Hoffman, Hughes, Kaufman, Kawasaki, Kiehl, Merrick, Myers, Olson, Shower, Stedman, Stevens, Tobin, Wielechowski, Yundt and so, CS FOR SENATE BILL NO. 57(FIN) passed the Senate. Senator Giessel moved and asked unanimous consent the vote on the passage of the bill be considered the vote on the effective date clause(s). Without objection, it was so ordered. 2025-04-15 Senate Journal Page 0880 Senator Stedman gave notice of reconsideration on CS FOR SENATE BILL NO. 57(FIN) and moved and asked unanimous consent it be taken up. Without objection, it was so ordered and the bill was before the Senate on reconsideration. The question to be reconsidered: "Shall CS FOR SENATE BILL NO. 57(FIN) "An Act making appropriations, including capital appropriations and other appropriations; making reappropriations; making appropriations to capitalize funds; and providing for an effective date" pass the Senate?" The roll was taken with the following result: CSSB 57(FIN) Third Reading - On Reconsideration Effective Date(s) YEAS: 20 NAYS: 0 EXCUSED: 0 ABSENT: 0 Yeas: Bjorkman, Claman, Cronk, Dunbar, Giessel, Gray-Jackson, Hoffman, Hughes, Kaufman, Kawasaki, Kiehl, Merrick, Myers, Olson, Shower, Stedman, Stevens, Tobin, Wielechowski, Yundt and so, CS FOR SENATE BILL NO. 57(FIN) passed the Senate on reconsideration. Senator Giessel moved and asked unanimous consent the vote on reconsideration be considered the vote on the effective date clause(s). Without objection, it was so ordered and the bill was referred to the Secretary for engrossment. Citations Honoring - Steve Cleary Representative(s) Fields Senator(s) Wielechowski, Merrick Honoring - Bryce Ward Representative(s) Carrick, Dibert Honoring - Dan Bross Representative(s) Carrick Senator(s) Kawasaki 2025-04-15 Senate Journal Page 0881 Honoring - Kendall Kramer Representative(s) Carrick Senator(s) Kawasaki, Myers Honoring - Erin Morotti Representative(s) Carrick Honoring - Lael Wilcox Representative(s) Galvin Senator(s) Gray-Jackson In Memoriam - Cathy Ann Griseto Representative(s) Carrick 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 SJR 19 Senator Kaufman moved and asked unanimous consent to be shown as a cosponsor on SENATE JOINT RESOLUTION NO. 19 Urging the United States Congress to honor the terms of the Mineral Leasing Act and the Alaska Statehood Act and provide the state with a 90 percent share of all bonuses, royalties, and rentals received by the federal government from the Arctic National Wildlife Refuge and the National Petroleum Reserve in Alaska. Without objection, it was so ordered. Announcements Announcements are at the end of the journal. 2025-04-15 Senate Journal Page 0882 Engrossment SB 39 CS FOR SENATE BILL NO. 39(FIN) "An Act relating to loans in an amount of $25,000 or less; relating to financial institutions; relating to the Nationwide Multistate Licensing System and Registry; relating to pawnbroker licensing exemptions; relating to deferred deposit advances; relating to computing interest; and providing for an effective date" was engrossed, signed by the President and Secretary and transmitted to the House for consideration. SB 57 CS FOR SENATE BILL NO. 57(FIN) "An Act making appropriations, including capital appropriations and other appropriations; making reappropriations; making appropriations to capitalize funds; and providing for an effective date" was engrossed. SB 113 SENATE BILL NO. 113 "An Act relating to the Multistate Tax Compact; relating to apportionment of income to the state; relating to highly digitized businesses subject to the Alaska Net Income Tax Act; and providing for an effective date" was engrossed, signed by the President and Secretary and transmitted to the House for consideration. Adjournment Senator Giessel moved and asked unanimous consent the Senate stand in adjournment until 10:30 a.m., April 18, 2025. Without objection, the Senate adjourned at 11:31 a.m. Liz Clark Secretary of the Senate 2025-04-15 Senate Journal Page 0883 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 15 Tuesday Beltz 105 (tsbldg) 1:30 PM No Meeting Scheduled ---------------------------------------- EDUCATION Apr 16 Wednesday Beltz 105 (tsbldg) 3:30 PM + SB 5 SCHOOL/UNIVERSITY EMPLOYEE HEALTH INSUR -- Invited & Public Testimony -- Bills Previously Heard/Scheduled **Streamed live on AKL.tv** Apr 18 Friday Beltz 105 (tsbldg) 3:30 PM No Meeting Scheduled ---------------------------------------- 2025-04-15 Senate Journal Page 0884 FINANCE Apr 15 Tuesday Senate Finance 532 9:00 AM + University of Alaska Finance Subcommittee Budget Close Out -- Testimony <Invitation Only> -- += SB 92 CORP. INCOME TAX; OIL & GAS ENTITIES -- Invited & Public Testimony -- + SB 137 EXTEND BOARDS: MIDWIVES, NURSING, PAROLE -- Invited & Public Testimony -- + SB 133 INSURANCE; PRIOR AUTHORIZATIONS -- Invited & Public Testimony -- Bills Previously Heard/Scheduled **Streamed live on AKL.tv** Apr 15 Tuesday Senate Finance 532 1:30 PM -- MEETING CANCELED -- -- Please Note Time Change -- + Bills Previously Heard/Scheduled **Streamed live on AKL.tv** Apr 16 Wednesday Senate Finance 532 9:00 AM + Presentation: Alaska Infrastructure Progress Update Alaska Municipal League Bills Previously Heard/Scheduled **Streamed live on AKL.tv** Apr 16 Wednesday Senate Finance 532 1:30 PM -- Please Note Time Change -- + Bills Previously Heard/Scheduled **Streamed live on AKL.tv** Apr 17 Thursday Senate Finance 532 9:00 AM No Meeting Scheduled Apr 18 Friday Senate Finance 532 9:00 AM No Meeting Scheduled ---------------------------------------- 2025-04-15 Senate Journal Page 0885 HEALTH & SOCIAL SERVICES Apr 15 Tuesday Butrovich 205 3:30 PM + SB 147 PHARMACIST PRESCRIPTION AUTHORITY -- Testimony <Invitation Only> -- Bills Previously Heard/Scheduled: += SB 134 PHARMACY BENEFITS MANAGER;3RD PARTY ADMIN Apr 17 Thursday Butrovich 205 3:30 PM No Meeting Scheduled ---------------------------------------- JUDICIARY Apr 16 Wednesday Butrovich 205 1:30 PM + Bills Previously Heard/Scheduled **Streamed live on AKL.tv** Apr 18 Friday Butrovich 205 1:30 PM No Meeting Scheduled ---------------------------------------- LABOR & COMMERCE Apr 16 Wednesday Beltz 105 (tsbldg) 1:30 PM += SB 89 PHYSICIAN ASSISTANT SCOPE OF PRACTICE -- Public Testimony <Time Limit May Be Set> -- + SB 170 GAMING; ELECTRONIC PULL-TABS **Streamed live on AKL.tv** Apr 18 Friday Beltz 105 (tsbldg) 1:30 PM No Meeting Scheduled ---------------------------------------- RESOURCES Apr 16 Wednesday Butrovich 205 3:30 PM No Meeting Scheduled Apr 18 Friday Butrovich 205 3:30 PM No Meeting Scheduled ---------------------------------------- 2025-04-15 Senate Journal Page 0886 STATE AFFAIRS Apr 15 Tuesday Beltz 105 (tsbldg) 3:30 PM += SB 34 REPEAL 90 DAY SESSION LIMIT -- Public Testimony -- += SB 120 CLIMATE CHANGE COMMISSION -- Public Testimony -- += SB 116 CAMPAIGN FINANCE, CONTRIBUTION LIMITS -- Public Testimony -- += SJR 13 APPOINTMENT OF STATE JUDGES -- Public Testimony -- += SB 19 PRISONERS: ELECTRONIC DEVICE ACCESS/USE -- Public Testimony -- Bills Previously Heard/Scheduled **Streamed live on AKL.tv** Apr 17 Thursday Beltz 105 (tsbldg) 3:30 PM No Meeting Scheduled ---------------------------------------- TRANSPORTATION Apr 15 Tuesday Butrovich 205 1:30 PM += SB 152 HAROLD ESMAILKA AIRPORT AT RUBY -- Public Testimony -- Presentation: State of Alaska Bridges Department of Transportation and Public Facilities **Streamed live on AKL.tv** Apr 17 Thursday Butrovich 205 1:30 PM No Meeting Scheduled ---------------------------------------- FINANCE SUBCOMMITTEES ADMINISTRATION Apr 16 Wednesday Senate Finance 532 5:15 PM -- Please Note Date & Time Change -- + Senate Administration Finance Subcommittee Close Out ---------------------------------------- 2025-04-15 Senate Journal Page 0887 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 ---------------------------------------- FAMILY & COMMUNITY SERVICES Apr 15 Tuesday Senate Finance 532 3:30 PM + Presentation: Subcommittee Budget Close Out ---------------------------------------- FISH & GAME Apr 15 Tuesday Senate Finance 532 8:00 AM + Department of Fish & Game Close Out ---------------------------------------- GOVERNOR Apr 15 Tuesday Senate Finance 532 8:35 AM Senate Finance Governor Budget 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 ---------------------------------------- 2025-04-15 Senate Journal Page 0888 LEGISLATURE Apr 15 Tuesday Senate Finance 532 8:30 AM Senate Finance Legislature Budget 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 ---------------------------------------- TRANSPORTATION & PUBLIC FACILITIES Apr 16 Wednesday Senate Finance 532 8:00 AM + FY26 DOT Operating Budget - Close Out ---------------------------------------- UNIVERSITY OF ALASKA Apr 15 Tuesday Senate Finance 532 9:00 AM + Budget Close Out ---------------------------------------- 2025-04-15 Senate Journal Page 0889 SPECIAL COMMITTEES SPECIAL COMMITTEE ON ARCTIC AFFAIRS Apr 17 Thursday Beltz 105 (tsbldg) 1:30 PM No Meeting Scheduled