Legislature(2025 - 2026)

2025-04-30 Senate Journal

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2025-04-30                     Senate Journal                      Page 1055
                                                                                                                                
                                 SENATE JOURNAL                                                                              
                                                                                                                                
                            ALASKA STATE LEGISLATURE                                                                         
                                                                                                                                
                           THIRTY-FOURTH LEGISLATURE                                                                         
                                                                                                                                
                                 FIRST SESSION                                                                               
                                                                                                                                
Juneau, Alaska                               Wednesday                              April 30, 2025                            
                                                                                                                                
                               One Hundredth Day                                                                             
                                                                                                                                
Pursuant to adjournment the Senate was called to order by President                                                             
Stevens at 11:22 a.m.                                                                                                           
                                                                                                                                
The roll showed nineteen members present. Senator Shower was                                                                    
absent.                                                                                                                         
                                                                                                                                
The prayer was offered by the Chaplain, Pastor Chris Elliot, Radiant                                                            
Church. Senator Hoffman moved and asked unanimous consent the                                                                   
prayer be spread. Without objection, it was so ordered.                                                                         
                                                                                                                                
             Most gracious and mighty God! I stand before You                                                                   
             today with much humility, mindful of the sacred                                                                    
             calling that has been bestowed upon everyone in this                                                               
             chamber. You, O Lord, who painted the heart of                                                                     
             Alaska with its rugged beauty and stirred the icy                                                                  
             waters of the Inside Passage, have also entrusted                                                                  
             these leaders with the stewardship of the vast riches                                                              
             of our vibrant state.                                                                                              
                                                                                                                                
             I pray that You would shower them with Your                                                                        
             wisdom, peace, and endurance as they navigate the                                                                  
             tremendous challenges of this legislative session.                                                                 
             May their decisions reflect the clarity of the                                                                     
             summertime sky. May their decisions be grounded in                                                                 
             fairness and care for all Alaskans, from the smallest                                                              
            fishing villages to the farthest on the Northern Slope.                                                            
                                                                                                                                

2025-04-30                     Senate Journal                      Page 1056
             Shield their hearts from pride, their words from                                                                   
             dishonesty, and their actions from straying beyond                                                                 
             the reality of Your character and the truth of Your                                                                
             word. Empower them to lead with much wisdom,                                                                       
             reflecting on lessons from the salmon’s journey and                                                                
             the raven’s resilience, always following the way of                                                                
             Christ, who served and sacrificed for the sake of                                                                  
             others.                                                                                                            
                                                                                                                                
             May the decisions that are made and the laws that are                                                              
             crafted honor the spirit of Alaska’s people and the                                                                
             glory of Your great name. Strengthen these leaders to                                                              
             serve with courage, united for the good of our state.                                                              
             Bless Alaska - its communities, its lawmakers, and its                                                             
             future. I ask these things in mighty name of Jesus,                                                                
                                                                                        Amen!                                   
                                                                                                                                
Senator Kawasaki led the Senate in the Pledge of Allegiance.                                                                    
                                                                                                                                
                                                                                                                                
                                           Certification                                                                      
                                                                                                                                
Senator Giessel moved and asked unanimous consent the journals for                                                              
the ninety-eighth and ninety-ninth legislative days be approved as                                                              
certified by the Secretary. Without objection, it was so ordered.                                                               
                                                                                                                                
The presence of Senator Shower was noted.                                                                                       
                                                                                                                                
                                                                                                                                
                                 Messages from the House                                                                      
                                                                                                                                
Messages dated April 28 were read stating the House passed and                                                                  
transmitted for consideration:                                                                                                  
                                                                                                                                

2025-04-30                     Senate Journal                      Page 1057
                         First Reading and Reference of                                                                      
                               House Resolutions                                                                             
                                                                                                                                
HJR 9                                                                                                                         
CS FOR HOUSE JOINT RESOLUTION NO. 9(HSS) BY THE                                                                                 
HOUSE HEALTH AND SOCIAL SERVICES COMMITTEE,                                                                                     
                                                                                                                                
             Urging the United States Congress to extend                                                                        
             enhanced tax credits for health insurance premiums                                                                 
             under the Affordable Care Act.                                                                                     
                                                                                                                                
was read the first time and referred to the Health and Social Services                                                          
Committee.                                                                                                                      
                                                                                                                                
                   First Reading and Reference of House Bills                                                                
                                                                                                                                
HB 16                                                                                                                         
CS FOR HOUSE BILL NO. 16(STA) BY THE HOUSE STATE                                                                                
AFFAIRS COMMITTEE, entitled:                                                                                                    
                                                                                                                                
             "An Act requiring a group supporting or opposing a                                                                 
             candidate or ballot proposition in a state or local                                                                
             election to maintain an address in the state; amending                                                             
             campaign contribution limits for state and local                                                                   
             office; directing the Alaska Public Offices                                                                        
             Commission to adjust campaign contribution limits                                                                  
             for state and local office once each decade beginning                                                              
             in 2031; relating to campaign contribution reporting                                                               
             requirements; relating to administrative complaints                                                                
             filed with the Alaska Public Offices Commission;                                                                   
             relating to state election expenditures and                                                                        
             contributions made by a foreign-influenced                                                                         
             corporation or foreign national; and providing for an                                                              
             effective date."                                                                                                   
                                                                                                                                
was read the first time and referred to the Finance Committee.                                                                  
                                                                                                                                

2025-04-30                     Senate Journal                      Page 1058
HB 17                                                                                                                         
HOUSE BILL NO. 17 BY REPRESENTATIVES RAUSCHER,                                                                                  
Eischeid, Costello, Saddler, Bynum, Nelson, entitled:                                                                           
                                                                                                                                
             "An Act relating to retirement benefits and military                                                               
             service."                                                                                                          
                                                                                                                                
was read the first time and referred to the State Affairs and Finance                                                           
Committees.                                                                                                                     
                                                                                                                                
HB 70                                                                                                                         
CS FOR HOUSE BILL NO. 70(L&C) am BY THE HOUSE LABOR                                                                             
AND COMMERCE COMMITTEE, entitled:                                                                                               
                                                                                                                                
             "An Act relating to emergency medical services for                                                                 
             operational canines; relating to the powers, duties,                                                               
             and liability of emergency medical technicians and                                                                 
             mobile intensive care paramedics; relating to the                                                                  
             practice of veterinary medicine; and providing for an                                                              
             effective date."                                                                                                   
                                                                                                                                
was read the first time and referred to the Health and Social Services                                                          
and Labor and Commerce Committees.                                                                                              
                                                                                                                                
HB 57                                                                                                                         
Message dated April 28 was read stating pursuant to the Senate                                                                  
request, the House has returned:                                                                                                
                                                                                                                                
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                                                                                                                             
                                                                                                                                
SENATE CS FOR CS FOR HOUSE BILL NO. 57(FIN) am S "An                                                                            
Act relating to maximum classroom sizes in public schools; relating to                                                          
education reports; relating to charter schools; relating to student                                                             
transportation funding; relating to secondary school vocational and                                                             
technical instruction funding; relating to the base student allocation;                                                         
relating to reading proficiency incentive grants; relating to wireless                                                          

2025-04-30                     Senate Journal                      Page 1059
telecommunications devices in public schools; relating to the use of                                                            
tax revenue from highly digitized businesses; 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."                                                                                                                          
                                                                                                                                
Senator Giessel moved the Senate rescind its previous action in                                                                 
passing SENATE CS FOR CS FOR HOUSE BILL                                                                                         
NO. 57(FIN) am S. Without objection, the Senate rescinded its                                                                   
previous action.                                                                                                                
                                                                                                                                
SENATE CS FOR CS FOR HOUSE BILL NO. 57(FIN) am S was                                                                            
before the Senate in third reading on final passage.                                                                            
                                                                                                                                
Senator Giessel moved and asked unanimous consent the Senate return                                                             
to second reading for the purpose of rescinding previous action in                                                              
adopting Amendment No. 26 and consideration of a specific                                                                       
amendment, that being Amendment No. 27. Without objection, the bill                                                             
was returned to second reading.                                                                                                 
                                                                                                                                
Senator Giessel moved the Senate rescind its previous action in                                                                 
adopting Amendment No. 26. Without objection, the Senate rescinded                                                              
its previous action.                                                                                                            
                                                                                                                                
Senators Yundt, Tobin, Wielechowski, Bjorkman, Dunbar, Kawasaki,                                                                
Gray-Jackson, Claman, Cronk offered Amendment No. 27 :                                                                           
                                                                                                                                
Page 1, line 2:                                                                                                                 
      Delete "relating to the base student allocation;"                                                                       
      Insert "relating to secondary school vocational and technical                                                           
instruction funding; relating to the base student allocation;                                                                 
relating to reading proficiency incentive grants;"                                                                            
                                                                                                                                
Page 1, line 3, following "schools;":                                                                                         
      Insert "relating to the use of tax revenue from highly digitized                                                        
businesses;"                                                                                                                  
                                                                                                                                
Page 4, following line 11:                                                                                                      
      Insert new bill sections to read:                                                                                         
"* Sec. 5. AS 14.17.420(a) is amended to read:                                                                                

2025-04-30                     Senate Journal                      Page 1060
             (a)  As a component of public school funding, a district is                                                        
      eligible for special needs and secondary school vocational and                                                            
      technical instruction funding and may be eligible for intensive                                                           
      services funding as follows:                                                                                              
                   (1)  special needs funding is available to a district to assist                                              
      the district in providing special education, gifted and talented                                                          
      education, vocational education, and bilingual education services                                                         
      to its students; a special needs funding factor of 1.20 shall be                                                          
      applied as set out in AS 14.17.410(b)(1);                                                                                 
                   (2)  in addition to the special needs funding for which a                                                    
      district is eligible under (1) of this subsection, a district is eligible                                                 
      for intensive services funding for each special education student                                                         
      who needs and receives intensive services and is enrolled on the                                                          
      last day of the count period; for each such student, intensive                                                            
      services funding is equal to the intensive student count multiplied                                                       
      by 13;                                                                                                                    
                   (3)  in addition to the special needs and intensive services                                                 
      funding available under (1) and (2) of this subsection, secondary                                                         
      school vocational and technical instruction funding is available to                                                       
      assist districts in providing vocational and technical instruction to                                                     
      students who are enrolled in a secondary school; a secondary                                                              
      school vocational and technical instruction funding factor of 1.023                                                   
      [1.015] shall be applied as set out in AS 14.17.410(b)(1); in this                                                        
      paragraph, "vocational and technical instruction" excludes costs                                                          
      associated with                                                                                                           
                          (A)  administrative expenses; and                                                                     
                          (B)  instruction in general literacy, mathematics, and                                                
             job readiness skills.                                                                                              
   * Sec. 6. AS 14.17.420 is amended by adding a new subsection to                                                            
read:                                                                                                                           
             (d)  If the legislature increases the secondary school                                                             
      vocational and technical instruction funding factor under (a)(3) of                                                       
      this section, a district shall budget for and spend on secondary                                                          
      school vocational and technical instruction an amount equal to the                                                        
      increase in the funds generated for the district by the increase to                                                       
      the secondary school vocational and technical instruction funding                                                         
      factor under (a)(3) of this section."                                                                                     
                                                                                                                                
Renumber the following bill sections accordingly.                                                                               
                                                                                                                                

2025-04-30                     Senate Journal                      Page 1061
Page 4, following line 14:                                                                                                      
      Insert a new bill section to read:                                                                                        
"* Sec. 8. AS 14.30 is amended by adding a new section to read:                                                               
             Sec. 14.30.773. Reading proficiency incentive grants. (a)                                                        
      Subject to appropriation, a school district is eligible to receive a                                                      
      reading proficiency incentive grant of not less than $450 for each                                                        
      student in kindergarten through grade six who, at the end of the                                                          
      school year,                                                                                                              
                   (1)  performs at grade-level reading proficiency; or                                                         
                   (2)  demonstrates improvement on a reading screening                                                         
      tool approved by the department, on a standards-based assessment                                                          
      in language arts approved by the department, or on a student                                                              
      portfolio in language arts approved by the department.                                                                    
             (b)  If insufficient funding is appropriated to provide all grants                                                 
      authorized under this section, the grants shall be distributed pro                                                        
      rata to eligible school districts."                                                                                       
                                                                                                                                
Renumber the following bill sections accordingly.                                                                               
                                                                                                                                
Page 4, following line 31:                                                                                                      
      Insert a new bill section to read:                                                                                        
"* Sec. 10. AS 43.20 is amended by adding a new section to article 2                                                          
to read:                                                                                                                        
             Sec. 43.20.149. Highly digitized businesses tax revenue.                                                         
      The tax amounts collected from a highly digitized business under                                                          
      AS 43.20 shall be separately accounted for and may be                                                                     
      appropriated to the Department of Education and Early                                                                     
      Development. The Department of Education and Early                                                                        
      Development shall use funds appropriated under this section to                                                            
      fund reading proficiency incentive grants awarded under                                                                   
      AS 14.30.773. If the amount appropriated to the Department of                                                             
      Education and Early Development exceeds the amount necessary                                                              
      to award grants under AS 14.30.773 for the fiscal year, the                                                               
      department shall use the remaining balance of the appropriation to                                                        
      fund secondary school vocational and technical instruction. The                                                           
      department shall distribute the secondary school vocational and                                                           
      technical instruction funding to secondary schools on a pro rata                                                          
      basis."                                                                                                                   
                                                                                                                                
Renumber the following bill sections accordingly.                                                                               
                                                                                                                                

2025-04-30                     Senate Journal                      Page 1062
Page 7, line 8, following "APPLICABILITY.":                                                                                     
      Insert "(a)"                                                                                                              
                                                                                                                                
Page 7, line 9, following "date":                                                                                               
      Insert "of sec. 3"                                                                                                        
                                                                                                                                
Page 7, following line 9:                                                                                                       
      Insert new material to read:                                                                                              
      "(b)  Section 6 of this Act applies to an increase to the secondary                                                       
school vocational and technical instruction funding factor under                                                                
AS 14.17.420(a)(3) that takes effect on or after the effective date of                                                          
sec. 6 of this Act.                                                                                                             
   * Sec. 14. The uncodified law of the State of Alaska is amended by                                                         
adding a new section to read:                                                                                                   
      CONDITIONAL EFFECT. AS 14.17.420(a), as amended by sec.                                                                   
5 of this Act, AS 14.17.420(d), enacted by sec. 6 of this Act,                                                                  
AS 14.30.773, enacted by sec. 8 of this Act, and AS 43.20.149,                                                                  
enacted by sec. 10 of this Act, take effect only if SB 113 or a                                                                 
substantially similar bill that effectuates the sales factor, as determined                                                     
under AS 43.19 (Multistate Tax Compact), as the apportionment factor                                                            
for highly digitized businesses is passed by the Thirty-Fourth Alaska                                                           
State Legislature and enacted into law.                                                                                         
   * Sec. 15. If secs. 5, 6, 8, and 10 of this Act take effect, they take                                                     
effect 181 days after the effective date of the section of SB 113 or a                                                          
substantially similar bill that effectuates the sales factor, as determined                                                     
under AS 43.19 (Multistate Tax Compact), as the apportionment factor                                                            
for highly digitized businesses."                                                                                               
                                                                                                                                
Renumber the following bill section accordingly.                                                                                
                                                                                                                                
Page 7, line 10:                                                                                                                
      Delete "This"                                                                                                             
      Insert "Except as provided in sec. 15 of this Act, this"                                                                  
                                                                                                                                
Senator Yundt moved for the adoption of Amendment No. 27. Without                                                               
objection, Amendment No. 27 was adopted.                                                                                        
                                                                                                                                
SENATE CS FOR CS FOR HOUSE BILL NO. 57(FIN) am S                                                                                
(reengrossed) was automatically in third reading.                                                                               
                                                                                                                                

2025-04-30                     Senate Journal                      Page 1063
The question being: "Shall SENATE CS FOR CS FOR HOUSE BILL                                                                      
NO. 57(FIN) am S(reengrossed) "An Act relating to maximum                                                                       
classroom sizes in public schools; relating to education reports;                                                               
relating to charter schools; relating to student transportation funding;                                                        
relating to secondary school vocational and technical instruction                                                               
funding; relating to the base student allocation; relating to reading                                                           
proficiency incentive grants; relating to wireless telecommunications                                                           
devices in public schools; relating to the use of tax revenue from                                                              
highly digitized businesses; 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" pass the                                                                
Senate?" The roll was taken with the following result:                                                                          
                                                                                                                                
SCS CSHB 57(FIN) am S(reengrossed)                                                                                              
Third Reading - Final Passage                                                                                                   
Effective Date(s)                                                                                                               
                                                                                                                                
YEAS:  17   NAYS:  3   EXCUSED:  0   ABSENT:  0                                                                               
                                                                                                                                
Yeas:  Bjorkman, Claman, Cronk, Dunbar, Giessel, Gray-Jackson,                                                                  
Hoffman, Kaufman, Kawasaki, Kiehl, Merrick, Olson, Stedman,                                                                     
Stevens, Tobin, Wielechowski, Yundt                                                                                             
                                                                                                                                
Nays:  Hughes, Myers, Shower                                                                                                    
                                                                                                                                
and so, SENATE CS FOR CS FOR HOUSE BILL NO. 57(FIN) am S                                                                        
(reengrossed) 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.                                                                                      
                                                                                                                                
President Stevens stated in accordance with Rule 43(b), Alaska State                                                            
Legislature Uniform Rules, engrossment may be waived on SENATE                                                                  
CS FOR CS FOR HOUSE BILL NO. 57(FIN) am S(reengrossed) this                                                                     
legislative day.                                                                                                                
                                                                                                                                
                                                                                                                                

2025-04-30                     Senate Journal                      Page 1064
                                        Communications                                                                        
                                                                                                                                
The following report is on file in the Office of the Secretary of the                                                           
Senate:                                                                                                                         
                                                                                                                                
Department of Labor and Workforce Development                                                                                   
Alaska Training Program Performance for Participants Exiting                                                                    
Programs                                                                                                                        
Annual Report Fiscal Year 2023                                                                                                  
in accordance with AS 23.15.580                                                                                                 
                                                                                                                                
                                                                                                                                
                              Standing Committee Reports                                                                      
                                                                                                                                
Report dated April 28 was read stating:                                                                                         
                                                                                                                                
In accordance with AS 39.05.080, the Resources 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 Fisheries                                                                                                            
Olivia Irwin                                                                                                                    
                                                                                                                                
State Assessment Review Board                                                                                                 
Samuel Laffey                                                                                                                   
                                                                                                                                
Signing the report: Senator Giessel, Chair; Senators Hughes, Dunbar,                                                            
Claman, Kawasaki, Myers.                                                                                                        
                                                                                                                                
SB 26                                                                                                                         
The State Affairs Committee considered SENATE BILL NO. 26 "An                                                                   
Act petitioning the United States Department of Transportation to                                                               
change the time zones of Alaska; exempting the state from daylight                                                              
saving time; and providing for an effective date."                                                                              
                                                                                                                                
Signing do pass: Senator Kawasaki, Chair; Senator Bjorkman. Signing                                                             
no recommendation: Senator Gray-Jackson.                                                                                        
                                                                                                                                
The following previously published fiscal information applies:                                                                  
      Fiscal Note No. 1, zero, Office of the Governor                                                                           
                                                                                                                                
The bill was referred to the Rules Committee.                                                                                   
                                                                                                                                

2025-04-30                     Senate Journal                      Page 1065
SB 37                                                                                                                         
The State Affairs Committee considered SENATE BILL NO. 37 "An                                                                   
Act relating to the Executive Budget Act; relating to strategic plans,                                                          
mission statements, performance plans, and financial plans for                                                                  
executive branch agencies; and providing for an effective date."                                                                
                                                                                                                                
Signing amend: Senator Kawasaki, Chair. Signing do pass: Senator                                                                
Bjorkman. Signing no recommendation: Senator Gray-Jackson.                                                                      
                                                                                                                                
The following fiscal information was published today:                                                                           
      Fiscal Note No. 1, zero, Office of the Governor                                                                           
                                                                                                                                
The bill was referred to the Finance Committee.                                                                                 
                                                                                                                                
SB 49                                                                                                                         
The Labor and Commerce Committee considered SENATE BILL                                                                         
NO. 49 "An Act relating to workplace violence protective orders;                                                                
relating to the crime of violating a protective order; relating to the                                                          
powers of district judges and magistrates; amending Rules 4 and 65,                                                             
Alaska Rules of Civil Procedure, and Rule 9, Alaska Rules of                                                                    
Administration; and providing for an effective date" and recommended                                                            
the adoption of the State Affairs Committee Substitute offered on                                                               
page 853.                                                                                                                       
                                                                                                                                
Signing do pass: Senator Bjorkman, Chair; Senator Gray-Jackson.                                                                 
Signing no recommendation: Senator Dunbar.                                                                                      
                                                                                                                                
The following previously published fiscal information applies:                                                                  
      Fiscal Note No. 1, zero, Department of Administration                                                                     
      Fiscal Note No. 2, zero, Department of Administration                                                                     
      Fiscal Note No. 3, zero, Department of Law                                                                                
      Fiscal Note No. 4, Department of Public Safety                                                                            
      Fiscal Note No. 5, zero, Alaska Judiciary System                                                                          
                                                                                                                                
The bill was referred to the Rules Committee.                                                                                   
                                                                                                                                
SB 63                                                                                                                         
The Finance Committee considered SENATE BILL NO. 63 "An Act                                                                     
relating to the Local Boundary Commission; and providing for an                                                                 
effective date."                                                                                                                
                                                                                                                                

2025-04-30                     Senate Journal                      Page 1066
Signing do pass: Senator Hoffman, Cochair; Senators Kaufman,                                                                    
Cronk, Merrick, Kiehl. Signing no recommendation: Senator Stedman,                                                              
Cochair.                                                                                                                        
                                                                                                                                
The following fiscal information was published today:                                                                           
      Fiscal Note No. 2, zero, Department of Commerce, Community,                                                               
             and Economic Development                                                                                           
                                                                                                                                
The bill was referred to the Rules Committee.                                                                                   
                                                                                                                                
SB 102                                                                                                                        
The State Affairs Committee considered SENATE BILL NO. 102 "An                                                                  
Act exempting the state from daylight saving time; and providing for                                                            
an effective date."                                                                                                             
                                                                                                                                
Signing do pass: Senator Kawasaki, Chair; Senator Gray-Jackson.                                                                 
Signing no recommendation: Senator Bjorkman.                                                                                    
                                                                                                                                
The following previously published fiscal information applies:                                                                  
      Fiscal Note No. 1, zero, Office of the Governor                                                                           
                                                                                                                                
The bill was referred to the Rules Committee.                                                                                   
                                                                                                                                
SB 133                                                                                                                        
The Finance Committee considered SENATE BILL NO. 133 "An Act                                                                    
relating to prior authorization requests for medical care covered by a                                                          
health care insurer; relating to a prior authorization application                                                              
programming interface; relating to step therapy; and providing for an                                                           
effective date" and recommended the adoption of the Labor and                                                                   
Commerce Committee Substitute offered on page 700.                                                                              
                                                                                                                                
Signing do pass: Senator Hoffman, Cochair; Senators Cronk, Merrick,                                                             
Kiehl. Signing no recommendation: Senator Stedman, Cochair;                                                                     
Senator Kaufman.                                                                                                                
                                                                                                                                
The following previously published fiscal information applies:                                                                  
      Fiscal Note No. 1, zero, Department of Commerce, Community,                                                               
              and Economic Development                                                                                          
                                                                                                                                
The bill was referred to the Rules Committee.                                                                                   
                                                                                                                                

2025-04-30                     Senate Journal                      Page 1067
SB 147                                                                                                                        
The Health and Social Services Committee considered SENATE BILL                                                                 
NO. 147 "An Act relating to the prescription and administration of                                                              
drugs and devices by pharmacists; relating to reciprocity for                                                                   
pharmacists; and providing for an effective date."                                                                              
                                                                                                                                
Signing do pass: Senator Dunbar, Chair; Senators Claman, Giessel,                                                               
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.                                                                      
                                                                                                                                
SB 156                                                                                                                        
The Labor and Commerce Committee considered SENATE BILL                                                                         
NO. 156 "An Act relating to the Department of Commerce,                                                                         
Community, and Economic Development; relating to the Alaska                                                                     
Commercial Fishing and Agriculture Bank; relating to certain loans                                                              
made by the Alaska Commercial Fishing and Agriculture Bank; and                                                                 
providing for an effective date" and recommended it be replaced with                                                            
                                                                                                                                
             CS FOR SENATE BILL NO. 156(L&C)                                                                                    
                                                                                                                                
Signing do pass: Senator Bjorkman, Chair; Senators Dunbar, Gray-                                                                
Jackson.                                                                                                                        
                                                                                                                                
The following fiscal information was published today:                                                                           
          Fiscal Note No. 1, zero, Department of Commerce, Community,                                                          
             and Economic Development                                                                                           
                                                                                                                                
The bill was referred to the Finance Committee.                                                                                 
                                                                                                                                
                                                                                                                                

2025-04-30                     Senate Journal                      Page 1068
                             Consideration of the Calendar                                                                    
                                                                                                                                
                             Second Reading of Senate Bills                                                                   
                                                                                                                                
SB 86                                                                                                                         
SENATE BILL NO. 86 "An Act relating to the business of money                                                                    
transmission; relating to licenses for money transmission, licensure                                                            
requirements, and registration through a nationwide multistate                                                                  
licensing system; relating to the use of virtual currency for money                                                             
transmission; relating to authorized delegates of a licensee; relating to                                                       
acquisition of control of a license; relating to record retention and                                                           
reporting requirements; authorizing the Department of Commerce,                                                                 
Community, and Economic Development to cooperate with other                                                                     
states in the regulation of money transmission; relating to permissible                                                         
investments; relating to violations and enforcement of money                                                                    
transmission laws; relating to exemptions to money transmission                                                                 
licensure requirements; relating to payroll processing services; relating                                                       
to currency exchange licenses; amending Rules 79 and 82, Alaska                                                                 
Rules of Civil Procedure; 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 Committee Substitute offered on page 855.                                                           
Without objection, CS FOR SENATE BILL NO. 86(FIN) was                                                                           
adopted.                                                                                                                        
                                                                                                                                
President Stevens stated CS FOR SENATE BILL NO. 86(FIN) will                                                                    
advance to third reading on the May 2 calendar.                                                                                 
                                                                                                                                
                       Second Reading of House Resolutions                                                                    
                                                                                                                                
HJR 11                                                                                                                        
CS FOR HOUSE JOINT RESOLUTION NO. 11(RES) am                                                                                    
Recognizing and honoring the relationship between Canada and                                                                    
Alaska, was read the second time.                                                                                               
                                                                                                                                
Senator Kawasaki offered Amendment No. 1 :                                                                                       
                                                                                                                                
Page 2, following line 2:                                                                                                       
      Insert a new clause to read:                                                                                              

2025-04-30                     Senate Journal                      Page 1069
      "WHEREAS the longstanding participation of Canadian teams in                                                            
the Fairbanks Curling Club's International Bonspiel, now in its 88th                                                            
year, exemplifies the deep cultural ties and shared northern identity                                                           
between Alaska and Canada, highlighting a mutual love of curling as                                                             
both a beloved sport and a form of diplomacy that fosters goodwill,                                                             
cross-border friendship, and enduring cooperation through spirited,                                                             
respectful competition; and"                                                                                                    
                                                                                                                                
Senator Kawasaki moved for the adoption of Amendment No. 1.                                                                     
Senator Shower objected, then withdrew his objection. There being no                                                            
further objection, Amendment No. 1 was adopted.                                                                                 
                                                                                                                                
Senator Kawasaki offered Amendment No. 2 :                                                                                       
                                                                                                                                
Page 2, following line 2:                                                                                                       
      Insert a new clause to read:                                                                                              
      "WHEREAS the Gwich'in people, indigenous to Interior Alaska                                                             
and northwestern Canada, have lived in the region for over 20,000                                                               
years, with vibrant communities in both the Fairbanks area and across                                                           
the border in the Yukon and Northwest Territories, maintaining deep                                                             
familial, cultural, and linguistic ties that continue to shape and enrich                                                       
the cross-border relationship between Alaska and Canada; and"                                                                   
                                                                                                                                
Senator Kawasaki moved for the adoption of Amendment No. 2.                                                                     
Senator Shower objected, then withdrew his objection. There being no                                                            
further objection, Amendment No. 2 was adopted.                                                                                 
                                                                                                                                
President Stevens stated CS FOR HOUSE JOINT RESOLUTION                                                                          
NO. 11(RES) am S will advance to third reading on the May 2                                                                     
calendar.                                                                                                                       
                                                                                                                                
                                                                                                                                
                              Unfinished Business                                                                            
                                                                                                                                
HB 57                                                                                                                         
Senators Tobin, Wielechowski, Dunbar, Kawasaki, Yundt, Gray-                                                                    
Jackson, Kiehl, Giessel, Claman, Cronk, Stedman, Olson, Bjorkman,                                                               
Merrick, Stevens moved and asked unanimous consent to be shown as                                                               
cross sponsors on SENATE CS FOR CS FOR HOUSE BILL                                                                               
NO. 57(FIN) am S(reengrossed) "An Act relating to maximum                                                                       
classroom sizes in public schools; relating to education reports;                                                               
relating to charter schools; relating to student transportation funding;                                                        
relating to secondary school vocational and technical instruction                                                               

2025-04-30                     Senate Journal                      Page 1070
funding; relating to the base student allocation; relating to reading                                                           
proficiency incentive grants; relating to wireless telecommunications                                                           
devices in public schools; relating to the use of tax revenue from                                                              
highly digitized businesses; 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." Without                                                                
objection, it was so ordered.                                                                                                   
                                                                                                                                
Senator Tobin moved and asked unanimous consent to be excused                                                                   
from a call of the Senate from afternoon plane time, May 1 through                                                              
morning plane time, May 5. Without objection, Senator Tobin was                                                                 
excused.                                                                                                                        
                                                                                                                                
                                                                                                                                
                                         Announcements                                                                        
                                                                                                                                
Announcements are at the end of the journal.                                                                                    
                                                                                                                                
                                                                                                                                
                                           Engrossment                                                                        
                                                                                                                                
HB 57                                                                                                                         
SENATE CS FOR CS FOR HOUSE BILL NO. 57(FIN)                                                                                     
am S(reengrossed) "An Act relating to maximum classroom sizes in                                                                
public schools; relating to education reports; relating to charter                                                              
schools; relating to student transportation funding; relating to                                                                
secondary school vocational and technical instruction funding; relating                                                         
to the base student allocation; relating to reading proficiency incentive                                                       
grants; relating to wireless telecommunications devices in public                                                               
schools; relating to the use of tax revenue from highly digitized                                                               
businesses; 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 engrossed, signed                                                             
by the President and Secretary and returned to the House for                                                                    
consideration.                                                                                                                  
                                                                                                                                
                                                                                                                                

2025-04-30                     Senate Journal                      Page 1071
                                  Adjournment                                                                                
                                                                                                                                
Senator Giessel moved and asked unanimous consent the Senate stand                                                              
in adjournment until 10:30 a.m., May 2, 2025. Without objection, the                                                            
Senate adjourned at 12:43 p.m.                                                                                                  
                                                                                                                                
                                                                                             Liz Clark                          
                                                                        Secretary of the Senate                                 
                                                                                                                                
                                                                                                                                

2025-04-30                     Senate Journal                      Page 1072
                                         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                                                                              
                                                                                                                                
May 06             Tuesday                               Beltz 105 (tsbldg)                    1:30 PM                        
+ HB  50 SNOW CLASSICS                                                                                                          
                   -- Invited & Public Testimony --                                                                             
+ SB 140 FIRE STATION GRANT PROGRAM                                                                                             
                   -- Invited & Public Testimony --                                                                             
+ HB  79 NAMING VIC FISCHER SHOUP BAY MARINE PARK                                                                               
                   -- Invited & Public Testimony --                                                                             
                   Bills Previously Heard/Scheduled                                                                             
                   **Streamed live on AKL.tv**                                                                                  
                            ----------------------------------------                                                            
                                                                                                                                
                                          EDUCATION                                                                           
                                                                                                                                
Apr 30             Wednesday                             Beltz 105 (tsbldg)                    3:30 PM                        
                   -- MEETING CANCELED --                                                                                       
+ 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**                                                                                  
                            ----------------------------------------                                                            
                                                                                                                                

2025-04-30                     Senate Journal                      Page 1073
                                    FINANCE                                                                                  
                                                                                                                                
Apr 30             Wednesday                          Senate Finance 532                       9:00 AM                        
                   -- MEETING CANCELED --                                                                                       
                   Bills Previously Heard/Scheduled                                                                             
                   **Streamed live on AKL.tv**                                                                                  
                                                                                                                                
Apr 30             Wednesday                          Senate Finance 532                       1:30 PM                        
                   -- MEETING CANCELED --                                                                                       
                   -- 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 --                                                                             
+ HB  16 CAMPAIGN FINANCE, CONTRIBUTION LIMITS                                                                                  
                   -- Invited & Public Testimony --                                                                             
+ SB 116 CAMPAIGN FINANCE, CONTRIBUTION LIMITS                                                                                  
                   <Bill Hearing Canceled>                                                                                      
                   -- Invited & Public Testimony --                                                                             
                   Bills Previously Heard/Scheduled:                                                                            
+= SB  95 CHILD CARE: ASSISTANCE/GRANTS                                                                                         
+= SB  96 CHILD CARE: TAX CREDITS                                                                                               
+= SB  97 BIG GAME PERMIT PROGRAM                                                                                               
                   **Streamed live on AKL.tv**                                                                                  
                                                                                                                                
May 01             Thursday                           Senate Finance 532                       1:30 PM                        
                   -- Please Note Time Change --                                                                                
+                  Bills Previously Heard/Scheduled:                                                                            
+= SB  92 CORP. INCOME TAX; OIL & GAS ENTITIES                                                                                  
                   -- Testimony <Invitation Only> --                                                                            
                   **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**                                                                                  
                    ----------------------------------------                                                                   
                                                                                                                                

2025-04-30                     Senate Journal                      Page 1074
                          HEALTH & SOCIAL SERVICES                                                                            
                                                                                                                                
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                                                                             
                            ----------------------------------------                                                            
                                                                                                                                
                                           JUDICIARY                                                                          
                                                                                                                                
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 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**                                                                                  
                            ----------------------------------------                                                            
                                                                                                                                

2025-04-30                     Senate Journal                      Page 1075
                                   RESOURCES                                                                                 
                                                                                                                                
Apr 30             Wednesday                                  Butrovich 205                    3:30 PM                        
                   -- MEETING CANCELED --                                                                                       
+= 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 180 LNG IMPORT FACILITIES                                                                                                 
                   -- Public Testimony --                                                                                       
+= SB  32 ALLOWED COSTS IN ELECTRIC COOP RATES                                                                                  
                   -- Public Testimony --                                                                                       
                   <Bill Held Over from 04/25/25>                                                                               
+= SB 112 OIL & GAS PRODUCTION TAX                                                                                              
                   <Bill Hearing Canceled>                                                                                      
                   -- 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**                                                                                  
                    ----------------------------------------                                                                   
                                                                                                                                
                                                                                                                                

2025-04-30                     Senate Journal                      Page 1076
                                       STATE AFFAIRS                                                                          
                                                                                                                                
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                                                                            
                                                                                                                                
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**                                                                                  
                            ----------------------------------------                                                            
                                                                                                                                
                                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                                                                                         
                            ----------------------------------------                                                            
                                                                                                                                

2025-04-30                     Senate Journal                      Page 1077
                                JOINT COMMITTEES                                                                             
                                                                                                                                
                              LEGISLATIVE COUNCIL                                                                            
                                                                                                                                
May 07             Wednesday                                       Adams 519                   5:15 PM                        
                   -- Testimony <Invitation Only> --                                                                            
                   **Streamed live on AKL.tv**                                                                                  
+                  AGENDA:                                                                                                      
  I. Call to Order                                                                                                              
  II. Approval of the Agenda                                                                                                    
  III. Approval of Minutes                                                                                                      
  a. March 31, 2025, Minutes                                                                                                    
  IV. Sanctioning of Charitable Events                                                                                          
  a. Sham Jam—May 10, 2025                                                                                                      
  V.  Executive Session                                                                                                         
  a. RFQ 683—Alaska State Legislature Telephone                                                                                 
                   System Equipment                                                                                             
  b. Telephone System Services                                                                                                  
  VI. Committee Business                                                                                                        
  a. Committee Action                                                                                                           
  VII. Adjourn                                                                                                                  
                    ----------------------------------------                                                                   
                                                                                                                                
                         OMBUDSMAN SELECTION COMMITTEE                                                                       
                                                                                                                                
Apr 30             Wednesday                          Senate Finance 532                       9:01 AM                        
+                  Ombudsman Selection Process