Legislature(2025 - 2026)
2025-04-25 Senate Journal
Full Journal pdf2025-04-25 Senate Journal Page 0949 SENATE JOURNAL ALASKA STATE LEGISLATURE THIRTY-FOURTH LEGISLATURE FIRST SESSION Juneau, Alaska Friday April 25, 2025 Ninety-fifth Day Pursuant to adjournment the Senate was called to order by President Stevens at 10:33 a.m. The roll showed nineteen members present. Senator Bjorkman was excused from a call of the Senate. The prayer was offered by the Chaplain, Pastor Dani Cherian, Valley Church. Senator Hoffman moved and asked unanimous consent the prayer be spread. Without objection, it was so ordered. Dear Lord Jesus, I give you praise today, and I come to seek your face. Your bible says, [Isa 41:10 NLT] 10 Don't be afraid, for I am with you. Don't be discouraged, for I am your God. I will strengthen you and help you. I will hold you up with my victorious right hand. I thank you that when we ask you to give us strength and wisdom you freely give it to those who ask. I ask for clarity and focus for each Senator and their staff here today. I ask you that you would bring unity to our state leaders so that they can work together to achieve the best way forward for the people of Alaska. In Jesus' name, Amen. 2025-04-25 Senate Journal Page 0950 Senator Hughes led the Senate in the Pledge of Allegiance. Certification Senator Giessel moved and asked unanimous consent the journals for the ninety-third and ninety-fourth legislative days be approved as certified by the Secretary. Without objection, it was so ordered. Standing Committee Reports SB 19 The State Affairs Committee considered SENATE BILL NO. 19 "An Act relating to the use and possession of electronic devices by prisoners." Signing amend: Senator Kawasaki, Chair. Signing do pass: Senators Gray-Jackson, Yundt. Signing no recommendation: Senator Wielechowski. The following fiscal information was published today: Fiscal Note No. 1, zero, Department of Corrections The bill was referred to the Judiciary Committee. SB 90 The Judiciary 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 Claman, Chair; Senator Tobin. Signing no recommendation: Senators Myers, Stevens. The following previously published fiscal information applies: 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 Rules Committee. 2025-04-25 Senate Journal Page 0951 SB 104 The Transportation Committee considered SENATE BILL NO. 104 "An Act relating to the transfer of a title on the death of the owner; and providing for an effective date." Signing do pass: Senator Tobin, Vice Chair; Senators Stedman, Kiehl. The following fiscal information was published today: Fiscal Note No. 1, Department of Administration The bill was referred to the State Affairs Committee. HB 57 The Finance Committee considered CS FOR HOUSE BILL NO. 57(EDC) am "An Act relating to wireless telecommunications devices in public schools; and providing for an effective date" and recommended it be replaced with SENATE CS FOR CS FOR HOUSE BILL NO. 57(FIN) "An Act relating to education reports; relating to charter schools; relating to student transportation funding; relating to the base student allocation; relating to wireless telecommunications devices in public schools; relating to the duties of the Department of Labor and Workforce Development; establishing the Task Force on Education Funding; and providing for an effective date." (Title Change SCR 5) Signing do pass: Senators Olson, Stedman, Hoffman, Cochairs. Signing no recommendation: Senators Merrick, Kiehl. Signing amend: Senators Kaufman, Cronk. The following fiscal information was published today: Fiscal Note No. 2, zero, Senate Finance Committee Fiscal Note No. 3, zero, Senate Finance Committee Fiscal Note No. 4, Senate Finance Committee Fiscal Note No. 5, Senate Finance Committee Fiscal Note No. 6, Senate Finance Committee Fiscal Note No. 7, Senate Finance Committee 2025-04-25 Senate Journal Page 0952 The following previously published fiscal information applies: Fiscal Note No. 1, zero, Department of Education and Early Development The bill is on today's calendar. SJR 8 The Resources Committee considered SENATE JOINT RESOLUTION NO. 8 Relating to strengthening international relations with Taiwan. Signing do pass: Senator Giessel, Chair; Senators Hughes, Dunbar, Claman, Myers, Wielechowski. Signing no recommendation: Senator Kawasaki. The following fiscal information was published today: Fiscal Note No. 1, zero, Senate Resources Committee. The resolution was referred to the Rules Committee. SJR 19 The Resources Committee considered 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, and recommended it be replaced with CS FOR SENATE JOINT RESOLUTION NO. 19(RES) Signing do pass: Senator Giessel, Chair; Senators Hughes, Dunbar, Claman, Kawasaki, Myers, Wielechowski. The following fiscal information was published today: Fiscal Note No. 1, zero, Legislative Agency The resolution was referred to the Rules Committee. 2025-04-25 Senate Journal Page 0953 Introduction and Reference of Senate Resolutions SCR 5 SENATE CONCURRENT RESOLUTION NO. 5 BY SENATOR OLSON, Suspending Rules 24(c), 35, 41(b), and 42(e), Uniform Rules of the Alaska State Legislature, concerning House Bill No. 57, relating to wireless telecommunications devices in public schools. was read the first time and held on the Secretary's desk. Introduction and Reference of Senate Bills SB 184 SENATE BILL NO. 184 BY THE SENATE FINANCE COMMITTEE, entitled: "An Act relating to school bond debt reimbursement; and providing for an effective date." was read the first time and referred to the Finance Committee. SB 185 SENATE BILL NO. 185 BY THE SENATE LABOR & COMMERCE COMMITTEE, entitled: "An Act relating to the business of insurance; relating to exceptions to prohibited rebates; relating to the powers of the director of the division of insurance; relating to prohibited practices in the advertisement of insurance; and providing for an effective date." was read the first time and referred to the Community and Regional Affairs and Labor and Commerce Committees. 2025-04-25 Senate Journal Page 0954 SB 186 SENATE BILL NO. 186 BY SENATOR WIELECHOWSKI, entitled: "An Act relating to removing soft drinks from the food stamp program; and providing for an effective date." was read the first time and referred to the Health and Social Services and Community and Regional Affairs Committees. SB 187 SENATE BILL NO. 187 BY SENATOR WIELECHOWSKI, entitled: "An Act prohibiting certain food additives in public school meals; and providing for an effective date." was read the first time and referred to the Education and Health and Social Services Committees. Consideration of the Calendar Second Reading of House Bills HB 57 CS FOR HOUSE BILL NO. 57(EDC) am "An Act relating to wireless telecommunications devices in public schools; and providing for an effective date" was read the second time. Senator Hoffman, Cochair, moved and asked unanimous consent for the adoption of the Finance Senate Committee Substitute offered today. Senator Myers objected, then withdrew his objection. There being no further objection, SENATE CS FOR CS FOR HOUSE BILL NO. 57(FIN) "An Act relating to education reports; relating to charter schools; relating to student transportation funding; relating to the base student allocation; relating to wireless telecommunications devices in public schools; relating to the duties of the Department of Labor and Workforce Development; establishing the Task Force on Education Funding; and providing for an effective date" was adopted. 2025-04-25 Senate Journal Page 0955 President Stevens stated SENATE CS FOR CS FOR HOUSE BILL NO. 57(FIN) will advance to third reading on the April 28 calendar. Citations th Honoring - Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr. Technical High School 50 Anniversary Representative(s) Gray, Eischeid Senator(s) Dunbar Honoring - Lynda Limón Representative(s) Josephson, Kopp, Galvin Honoring - Mama Carol’s Soulfood Events and Catering Representative(s) Eischeid Senator(s) Gray-Jackson, Wielechowski Honoring - Richard (Dick) Burley Representative(s) Stapp, Dibert Senator(s) Kawasaki In Memoriam - Charlette Lushin Senator(s) Cronk Representative(s) Stapp, Tomaszewski In Memoriam - Robert Cameron Murray Representative(s) Josephson Senator(s) Gray-Jackson In Memoriam - Diane Mohwinkel Representative(s) Josephson, Galvin Senator(s) Claman In Memoriam - Karen Francis O’Neill-Ahl Representative(s) Foster Senator(s) Olson, Tobin Senator Giessel moved and asked unanimous consent the citations be adopted. Without objection, the citations were adopted and referred to the Secretary for transmittal. 2025-04-25 Senate Journal Page 0956 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 Honoring - 2025 Alaska School Activities Association Hall of Fame Inductees Senator(s) Cronk 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 SB 167 Senators Myers, Gray-Jackson, Yundt moved and asked unanimous consent to be shown as cosponsors on SENATE BILL NO. 167 "An Act relating to a permanent fund dividend for an individual whose conviction has been vacated, reversed, or dismissed; and relating to the calculation of the value of the permanent fund dividend by including payment to individuals eligible for a permanent fund dividend because of a conviction that has been vacated, reversed, or dismissed." Without objection, it was so ordered. SB 103 Senator Dunbar moved and asked unanimous consent to be shown as a cosponsor on SENATE BILL NO. 103 "An Act relating to certified nurse aide training; and providing for an effective date." Without objection, it was so ordered. Announcements Announcements are at the end of the journal. 2025-04-25 Senate Journal Page 0957 Adjournment Senator Giessel moved and asked unanimous consent the Senate stand in adjournment until 9:30 a.m., April 28, 2025. Without objection, the Senate adjourned at 10:59 a.m. Liz Clark Secretary of the Senate 2025-04-25 Senate Journal Page 0958 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 29 Tuesday Beltz 105 (tsbldg) 1:30 PM + Overview: SOA Payment Processes Department of Administration Department of Commerce, Community, & Economic Development Department of Health += SB 129 PAYMENT OF CONTRACTS Bills Previously Heard/Scheduled **Streamed live on AKL.tv** ---------------------------------------- EDUCATION Apr 25 Friday Beltz 105 (tsbldg) 3:30 PM -- MEETING CANCELED -- Bills Previously Heard/Scheduled **Streamed live on AKL.tv** Apr 28 Monday Beltz 105 (tsbldg) 3:30 PM + Presentation: Overview of School District Fund Balances Anchorage School District – Andy Ratliff, Chief Financial Officer Fairbanks North Star Borough School District – Superintendent Luke Meinert and Chief Financial Officer Andreau DeGraw Juneau School District – Frank Hauser, Superintendent (Continued on Next Page) 2025-04-25 Senate Journal Page 0959 EDUCATION (continued) (Continued from Previous Page) Kenai Peninsula Borough School District – Clayton Holland, Superintendent Mat-Su Borough School District – Deputy Superintendent Katherine Gardner Bills Previously Heard/Scheduled **Streamed live on AKL.tv** Apr 30 Wednesday Beltz 105 (tsbldg) 3:30 PM + SB 181 EMPLOYMENT INFORMATION DISCLOSURE -- Invited & Public Testimony -- += SB 8 EDUCATION FOR DEAF & HEARING IMPAIRED -- Testimony <Invitation Only> -- Bills Previously Heard/Scheduled **Streamed live on AKL.tv** May 02 Friday Beltz 105 (tsbldg) 3:30 PM + Bills Previously Heard/Scheduled **Streamed live on AKL.tv** ---------------------------------------- FINANCE Apr 25 Friday Senate Finance 532 9:00 AM + SB 95 CHILD CARE: ASSISTANCE/GRANTS -- Invited & Public Testimony -- + SB 96 CHILD CARE: TAX CREDITS -- Invited & Public Testimony -- + SB 97 BIG GAME PERMIT PROGRAM -- Invited & Public Testimony -- Bills Previously Heard/Scheduled **Streamed live on AKL.tv** Apr 25 Friday Senate Finance 532 1:30 PM -- MEETING CANCELED -- -- Please Note Time Change -- + Bills Previously Heard/Scheduled **Streamed live on AKL.tv** 2025-04-25 Senate Journal Page 0960 FINANCE (continued) Apr 28 Monday Senate Finance 532 9:00 AM + Presentation: Budget Amendments Office of Management and Budget Bills Previously Heard/Scheduled **Streamed live on AKL.tv** Apr 28 Monday Senate Finance 532 1:30 PM -- Please Note Time Change -- + SB 176 APPROVE MARATHON PETRO ROYALTY OIL SALE <Pending Referral> -- Invited & Public Testimony -- Bills Previously Heard/Scheduled **Streamed live on AKL.tv** Apr 29 Tuesday Senate Finance 532 9:00 AM + Bills Previously Heard/Scheduled **Streamed live on AKL.tv** Apr 29 Tuesday Senate Finance 532 1:30 PM -- Please Note Time Change -- + Bills Previously Heard/Scheduled **Streamed live on AKL.tv** Apr 30 Wednesday Senate Finance 532 9:00 AM Bills Previously Heard/Scheduled **Streamed live on AKL.tv** Apr 30 Wednesday Senate Finance 532 1:30 PM -- Please Note Time Change -- + Bills Previously Heard/Scheduled **Streamed live on AKL.tv** May 01 Thursday Senate Finance 532 9:00 AM + SB 14 AIDEA FINANCE WORKFORCE HOUSING DEVELOP. -- Invited & Public Testimony -- + SB 116 CAMPAIGN FINANCE, CONTRIBUTION LIMITS -- Invited & Public Testimony -- + HB 16 CAMPAIGN FINANCE, CONTRIBUTION LIMITS <Pending Referral> -- Invited & Public Testimony -- Bills Previously Heard/Scheduled **Streamed live on AKL.tv** 2025-04-25 Senate Journal Page 0961 FINANCE (continued) May 01 Thursday Senate Finance 532 1:30 PM -- Please Note Time Change -- + Bills Previously Heard/Scheduled **Streamed live on AKL.tv** May 02 Friday Senate Finance 532 9:00 AM + SB 138 TAXATION: VEHICLE RENTALS, SUBPOENAS -- Invited & Public Testimony -- Bills Previously Heard/Scheduled **Streamed live on AKL.tv** May 02 Friday Senate Finance 532 1:30 PM -- Please Note Time Change -- + Bills Previously Heard/Scheduled **Streamed live on AKL.tv** ---------------------------------------- HEALTH & SOCIAL SERVICES Apr 29 Tuesday Butrovich 205 3:30 PM += SB 45 MEDICAID MENTAL HEALTH PARITY + SB 178 EXPAND EARLY INTERVENTION SERVICES -- Testimony <Invitation Only> -- += SB 147 PHARMACIST PRESCRIPTION AUTHORITY Bills Previously Heard/Scheduled May 01 Thursday Butrovich 205 3:30 PM += SB 178 EXPAND EARLY INTERVENTION SERVICES -- Public Testimony <Time Limit May Be Set> -- + SCR 4 MENTAL HEALTH MONTH; TARDIVE DYSK WEEK -- Invited & Public Testimony -- Bills Previously Heard/Scheduled 2025-04-25 Senate Journal Page 0962 JUDICIARY Apr 25 Friday Butrovich 205 1:30 PM + SB 36 APPROPRIATION LIMIT; GOV BUDGET -- Testimony <Invitation Only> -- + SJR 4 CONST. AM: APPROP LIMIT -- Testimony <Invitation Only> -- Bills Previously Heard/Scheduled **Streamed live on AKL.tv** Apr 28 Monday Butrovich 205 1:30 PM + Bills Previously Heard/Scheduled Apr 30 Wednesday Butrovich 205 1:30 PM += SB 78 DISCLOSURE OF WAGE INFORMATION Bills Previously Heard/Scheduled May 02 Friday Butrovich 205 1:30 PM No Meeting Scheduled ---------------------------------------- LABOR & COMMERCE Apr 25 Friday Beltz 105 (tsbldg) 1:30 PM -- MEETING CANCELED -- + Bills Previously Heard/Scheduled **Streamed live on AKL.tv** Apr 28 Monday Beltz 105 (tsbldg) 1:30 PM += SB 156 AK COMMERCIAL FISHING & AG BANK; LOANS -- Public Testimony <Time Limit May Be Set> -- += SB 49 WORKPLACE VIOLENCE PROTECTIVE ORDERS -- Public Testimony <Time Limit May Be Set> -- += SB 103 CNA TRAINING -- Public Testimony <Time Limit May Be Set> -- += SB 170 GAMING; ELECTRONIC PULL-TABS -- Testimony <Invitation Only> -- Bills Previously Heard/Scheduled **Streamed live on AKL.tv** 2025-04-25 Senate Journal Page 0963 LABOR & COMMERCE (continued) Apr 30 Wednesday Beltz 105 (tsbldg) 1:30 PM + SB 62 BOARD OF PAROLE: MEMBERSHIP, REPORT -- Testimony <Invitation Only> -- + SB 134 PHARMACY BENEFITS MANAGER;3RD PARTY ADMIN -- Testimony <Invitation Only> -- + SB 35 DELIVERY NETWORK COMPANIES -- Testimony <Invitation Only> -- Bills Previously Heard/Scheduled **Streamed live on AKL.tv** May 02 Friday Beltz 105 (tsbldg) 1:30 PM += SB 170 GAMING; ELECTRONIC PULL-TABS -- Testimony <Invitation Only> -- += SB 89 PHYSICIAN ASSISTANT SCOPE OF PRACTICE -- Public Testimony <Time Limit May Be Set> -- += SB 136 FIREARM FINANCIAL PRIVACY -- Public Testimony <Time Limit May Be Set> -- += SB 99 CPA AS PRIVATE PROFESSIONAL CONSERVATORS -- Public Testimony <Time Limit May Be Set> -- Bills Previously Heard/Scheduled **Streamed live on AKL.tv** ---------------------------------------- RESOURCES Apr 25 Friday Butrovich 205 3:30 PM + Consideration of Governor’s Appointees: Board of Game, Board of Fisheries, Alaska Commercial Fisheries Entry Commission, State Assessment Review Board Rick Green - Alaska Commercial Fisheries Entry Commission Olivia Irwin - Board of Fisheries Thomas Carpenter - Board of Fisheries Allen Barrette - Board of Game Carrie Ann Mueller - Board of Game Samuel Laffey - State Assessment Review Board -- Public Testimony -- + SB 32 ALLOWED COSTS IN ELECTRIC COOP RATES -- Testimony <Invitation Only> -- + SB 180 LNG IMPORT FACILITIES -- Invited & Public Testimony -- Bills Previously Heard/Scheduled **Streamed live on AKL.tv** 2025-04-25 Senate Journal Page 0964 RESOURCES (continued) Apr 28 Monday Butrovich 205 3:30 PM += SB 112 OIL & GAS PRODUCTION TAX <Bill Hearing Rescheduled to 04/30/25> -- Public Testimony -- Bills Previously Heard/Scheduled: += SJR 18 WILDFIRE PREPAREDNESS -- Public Testimony -- += SB 174 INVASIVE SPECIES MANAGEMENT -- Invited & Public Testimony -- **Streamed live on AKL.tv** Apr 30 Wednesday Butrovich 205 3:30 PM += SJR 18 WILDFIRE PREPAREDNESS <Bill Hearing Rescheduled to 04/28/25> -- Public Testimony -- + SB 174 INVASIVE SPECIES MANAGEMENT <Bill Hearing Rescheduled to 04/28/25> -- Invited & Public Testimony -- Bills Previously Heard/Scheduled: += SB 112 OIL & GAS PRODUCTION TAX -- Public Testimony -- **Streamed live on AKL.tv** May 02 Friday Butrovich 205 3:30 PM += SB 75 TIMBER MANAGEMENT LEASES -- Public Testimony -- += SB 131 DUTIES OF ASMI BOARD; MEANING OF SEAFOOD -- Public Testimony -- Bills Previously Heard/Scheduled **Streamed live on AKL.tv** ---------------------------------------- RULES Apr 30 Wednesday Butrovich 205 12:30 PM + SB 183 POWERS: LB&A COMMITTEE; LEGISLATIVE AUDIT -- Invited & Public Testimony -- **Streamed live on AKL.tv** 2025-04-25 Senate Journal Page 0965 STATE AFFAIRS Apr 29 Tuesday Beltz 105 (tsbldg) 3:30 PM += SB 37 STRATEGIC PLANS FOR STATE AGENCIES -- Public Testimony <Time Limit May Be Set> -- + SB 2 AI, DEEPFAKES, CYBERSECURITY, DATA XFERS -- Invited & Public Testimony -- + SB 33 SYNTHETIC MEDIA: LIABILITY; ELECTIONS -- Invited & Public Testimony -- Bills Previously Heard/Scheduled **Streamed live on AKL.tv** May 01 Thursday Beltz 105 (tsbldg) 3:30 PM + SB 104 VEHICLES/BOATS: TRANSFER ON DEATH TITLE -- Invited & Public Testimony -- + SB 160 MEMBERS LEG COUNCIL; LEG BUDGET & AUDIT -- Public Testimony -- += SB 107 ALASKA SUNSET COMMISSION -- Public Testimony -- Bills Previously Heard/Scheduled **Streamed live on AKL.tv** ---------------------------------------- TRANSPORTATION Apr 29 Tuesday Butrovich 205 1:30 PM No Meeting Scheduled May 01 Thursday Butrovich 205 1:30 PM + Consideration of Governor’s Appointees: Board of Marine Pilots Don Habeger James Cunningham -- Invited & Public Testimony -- **Streamed live on AKL.tv** 2025-04-25 Senate Journal Page 0966 SPECIAL COMMITTEES SPECIAL COMMITTEE ON ARCTIC AFFAIRS May 01 Thursday Beltz 105 (tsbldg) 1:30 PM No Meeting Scheduled May 08 Thursday Beltz 105 (tsbldg) 1:30 PM No Meeting Scheduled May 15 Thursday Beltz 105 (tsbldg) 1:30 PM No Meeting Scheduled ---------------------------------------- JOINT COMMITTEES OMBUDSMAN SELECTION COMMITTEE Apr 29 Tuesday Senate Finance 532 3:00 PM Organizational Meeting ---------------------------------------- TASK FORCE FOR REG. OF PSYCH. MEDICINES Apr 29 Tuesday Butrovich 205 5:15 PM + Please keep testimony related to technical subjects. This Task Force is not charged with evaluating the efficacy of any pending treatments. -- Public Testimony <Time Limit May Be Set> -- **Streamed live on AKL.tv**