Legislature(2025 - 2026)
2025-05-12 Senate Journal
Full Journal pdf2025-05-12 Senate Journal Page 1215 SENATE JOURNAL ALASKA STATE LEGISLATURE THIRTY-FOURTH LEGISLATURE FIRST SESSION Juneau, Alaska Monday May 12, 2025 One Hundred Twelfth Day Pursuant to adjournment the Senate was called to order by President Stevens at 11:04 a.m. The roll showed twenty members present. The prayer was offered by the Chaplain, Father Patrick Casey, Co- Cathedral of the Nativity of the Blessed Virgin Mary. Senator Hoffman moved and asked unanimous consent the prayer be spread. Without objection, it was so ordered. Today we ask you to bless this gathering, inspiring the people of this chamber that as they deliberate the concerns of the people they serve and the State of Alaska, that they be open-minded so that they are able to make the right decisions that meet the needs of all the people of Alaska. Amen. Senator Shower led the Senate in the Pledge of Allegiance. Certification Senator Giessel moved and asked unanimous consent the journals for the one hundred ninth through one hundred eleventh legislative days be approved as certified by the Secretary. Without objection, it was so ordered. 2025-05-12 Senate Journal Page 1216 Messages from the Governor FY 2025 Fire Activity Emergency Declaration Authorization Request, with an accompanying letter dated May 9, was received requesting additional authorization for fire suppression costs per AS 26.23.020. The declaration and preliminary finance plan had been copied to the Finance Committee Cochairs. Messages from the House SJR 12 Message dated May 9 was read stating the House passed and returned: CS FOR SENATE JOINT RESOLUTION NO. 12(TRA) Urging the United States Congress and the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration to address outages of National Data Buoy Center stations. The resolution was referred to the Secretary for enrollment. Messages dated May 9 and May 10 were read stating the House passed and transmitted for consideration: First Reading and Reference of House Resolutions HCR 6 CS FOR HOUSE CONCURRENT RESOLUTION NO. 6(MLV) BY THE HOUSE SPECIAL COMMITTEE ON MILITARY AND VETERANS' AFFAIRS, Commemorating the 250th birthday of the United States Marine Corps. was read the first time and referred to the State Affairs Committee. 2025-05-12 Senate Journal Page 1217 First Reading and Reference of House Bills HB 194 HOUSE BILL NO. 194 BY THE HOUSE RULES COMMITTEE BY REQUEST OF THE GOVERNOR, entitled: "An Act approving and ratifying the sale of royalty oil by the State of Alaska to Marathon Petroleum Supply and Trading Company LLC; and providing for an effective date." was read the first time and referred to the Finance Committee. Recede Messages HB 53 Message dated May 9 was read stating the House failed to concur in the Senate amendment(s) to CS FOR HOUSE BILL NO. 53(FIN) am(brf sup maj fld)(efd fld) "An Act making appropriations for the operating and loan program expenses of state government and for certain programs; capitalizing funds; amending appropriations; and making supplemental appropriations" and respectfully requests the Senate to recede from its amendment(s), namely: SENATE CS FOR CS FOR HOUSE BILL NO. 53(FIN) am S "An Act making appropriations for the operating and loan program expenses of state government and for certain programs; capitalizing funds; amending appropriations; making supplemental appropriations; and providing for an effective date." (technical title change) Senator Giessel moved the Senate recede from its amendment(s) and recommended the body vote no. 2025-05-12 Senate Journal Page 1218 The question being: "Shall the Senate recede from its amendment(s)?" The roll was taken with the following result: SCS CSHB 53(FIN) am S Shall the Senate Recede from its Amendment(s) to CSHB 53(FIN) am(brf sup maj fld)(efd fld)? YEAS: 0 NAYS: 20 EXCUSED: 0 ABSENT: 0 Nays: Bjorkman, Claman, Cronk, Dunbar, Giessel, Gray-Jackson, Hoffman, Hughes, Kaufman, Kawasaki, Kiehl, Merrick, Myers, Olson, Shower, Stedman, Stevens, Tobin, Wielechowski, Yundt and so, the Senate failed to recede. President Stevens appointed the following members to a Conference Committee to meet with a like committee from the House: Senator Hoffman, Chair Senator Stedman Senator Kaufman The Secretary was requested to notify the House. HB 55 Message dated May 9 was read stating the House failed to concur in the Senate amendment(s) to CS FOR HOUSE BILL NO. 55(FIN) and respectfully requests the Senate to recede from its amendment(s), namely: SENATE CS FOR CS FOR HOUSE BILL NO. 55(FIN) am S "An Act making appropriations for the operating and capital expenses of the state's integrated comprehensive mental health program; and providing for an effective date." Senator Giessel moved the Senate recede from its amendment(s) and recommended the body vote no. 2025-05-12 Senate Journal Page 1219 The question being: "Shall the Senate recede from its amendment(s)?" The roll was taken with the following result: SCS CSHB 55(FIN) am S Shall the Senate Recede from its Amendment(s) to CSHB 55(FIN)? YEAS: 0 NAYS: 20 EXCUSED: 0 ABSENT: 0 Nays: Bjorkman, Claman, Cronk, Dunbar, Giessel, Gray-Jackson, Hoffman, Hughes, Kaufman, Kawasaki, Kiehl, Merrick, Myers, Olson, Shower, Stedman, Stevens, Tobin, Wielechowski, Yundt and so, the Senate failed to recede. President Stevens appointed the following members to a Conference Committee to meet with a like committee from the House: Senator Hoffman, Chair Senator Stedman Senator Kaufman The Secretary was requested to notify the House. Standing Committee Reports Report dated May 9 was read stating: In accordance with AS 39.05.080 and AS 14.40.150 the Education 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. University of Alaska Board of Regents Fernando Escobar Signing the report: Senator Tobin, Chair; Senators Cronk, Bjorkman, Stevens, Kiehl. 2025-05-12 Senate Journal Page 1220 SB 6 The Finance Committee considered SENATE BILL NO. 6 "An Act requiring education in the history and contributions of Asian Americans and Pacific Islanders" and recommended the adoption of the Education Committee Substitute offered on page 508. Signing do pass: Senators Olson, Hoffman, Cochairs. Signing no recommendation: Senator Stedman, Cochair; Senators Kaufman, Cronk, Kiehl. The following fiscal information was published today: Fiscal Note No. 2, zero, Department of Education and Early Development The bill was referred to the Rules Committee. SB 117 The Labor and Commerce Committee considered SENATE BILL NO. 117 "An Act renaming the State Commission for Human Rights the Alaska State Commission for Civil Rights; relating to removal of commissioners of the Alaska State Commission for Civil Rights; relating to reports from the Alaska State Commission for Civil Rights; relating to the definition of 'employer' for the purposes of the Alaska State Commission for Civil Rights; and relating to local civil rights commissions." Signing no recommendation: Senator Bjorkman, Chair; Senators Merrick, Yundt. Signing do pass: Senator Gray-Jackson. The following fiscal information was published today: Fiscal Note No. 1, Office of the Governor The bill was referred to the Finance Committee. SB 146 The Finance Committee considered SENATE BILL NO. 146 "An Act relating to the regional educational attendance area and small municipal school district fund; relating to Mt. Edgecumbe High School; and relating to teacher housing." 2025-05-12 Senate Journal Page 1221 Signing do pass: Senators Olson, Stedman, Hoffman, Cochairs; Senators Cronk, Kiehl. Signing no recommendation: Senators Kaufman, Merrick. The following fiscal information was published today: Fiscal Note No. 1, Department of Education and Early Development The bill was referred to the Rules Committee. SB 147 The Labor and Commerce 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" and recommended it be replaced with CS FOR SENATE BILL NO. 147(L&C) Signing no recommendation: Senator Bjorkman, Chair; Senators Merrick, Yundt. Signing do pass: Senator Gray-Jackson. The following previously published fiscal information applies: Fiscal Note No. 1, Department of Commerce, Community, and Economic Development President Stevens added a Finance Committee referral to the bill. The bill was referred to the Finance Committee. SB 151 The Education Committee considered SENATE BILL NO. 151 "An Act relating to head lice in public schools" and recommended it be replaced with CS FOR SENATE BILL NO. 151(EDC) "An Act relating to head lice and bacterial conjunctivitis in public schools; and providing for an effective date." 2025-05-12 Senate Journal Page 1222 Signing do pass: Senator Tobin, Chair; Senators Cronk, Bjorkman, Stevens, Kiehl. The following fiscal information was published today: Fiscal Note No. 1, Department of Education and Early Development The bill was referred to the Finance Committee. SB 158 The Labor and Commerce Committee considered SENATE BILL NO. 158 "An Act relating to administrative areas for regulation of certain commercial set net entry permits; and providing for an effective date." Signing do pass: Senator Bjorkman, Chair; Senator Gray-Jackson. Signing no recommendation: Senators Merrick, Yundt. The following fiscal information was published today: Fiscal Note No. 1, zero, Department of Fish and Game Fiscal Note No. 2, zero, Department of Fish and Game The bill was referred to the Resources Committee. SB 181 The Education Committee considered SENATE BILL NO. 181 "An Act relating to disclosure of information obtained by the Department of Labor and Workforce Development to other state agencies." Signing do pass: Senator Tobin, Chair; Senator Kiehl. Signing no recommendation: Senators Cronk, Bjorkman, Stevens. The following fiscal information was published today: Fiscal Note No. 1, zero, Department of Labor and Workforce Development The bill was referred to the Labor and Commerce Committee. 2025-05-12 Senate Journal Page 1223 SB 184 The Finance Committee considered SENATE BILL NO. 184 "An Act relating to school bond debt reimbursement; and providing for an effective date." Signing do pass: Senators Olson, Stedman, Hoffman, Cochairs; Senators Kaufman, Cronk, Merrick. Signing amend: Senator Kiehl. The following fiscal information was published today: Fiscal Note No. 1, Department of Education and Early Development The bill was referred to the Rules Committee. HB 75 The State Affairs Committee considered CS FOR HOUSE BILL NO. 75(STA) "An Act relating to national criminal history record checks for certain employees of the Department of Revenue; relating to allowable absences for eligibility for a permanent fund dividend; relating to the confidentiality of certain information provided on a permanent fund dividend application; relating to electronic notice of debt collection executed on a permanent fund dividend; and providing for an effective date" and recommended it be replaced with SENATE CS FOR CS FOR HOUSE BILL NO. 75(STA) "An Act relating to national criminal history record checks for certain employees of the Department of Revenue; relating to allowable absences for eligibility for a permanent fund dividend; relating to electronic notice of debt collection executed on a permanent fund dividend; and providing for an effective date." (Title Change SCR 7) and further recommended the adoption of the following State Affairs Committee Letter of Intent: 2025-05-12 Senate Journal Page 1224 Letter of Intent It is the intent of the Thirty-Fourth Alaska State Legislature that the Department of Revenue repeal or amend regulation 15 AAC 23.113(b)(l)(a) to treat eligible minors equitably with eligible disabled adults by March 31, 2026. The Department of Revenue shall report to the presiding officers of the House and Senate on the regulation changes by March 15, 2026. Signing do pass: Senator Kawasaki, Chair. Signing no recommendation: Senators Wielechowski, Gray-Jackson, Bjorkman, Yundt. The following previously published fiscal information applies: Fiscal Note No. 1, zero, Department of Revenue The bill was referred to the Rules Committee. Special Committee Reports Report dated May 12 was read stating: In accordance with AS 24.55.020, the Ombudsman Selection Committee has reviewed the qualifications of the following and recommends the nomination be forwarded to a joint session for consideration: Ombudsman Jacob Carbaugh This does not reflect an intent by any of the members to vote for or against the nomination of the individual during any further sessions. Signing the report: Senator Stedman, Chair, Senators Hughes, Kiehl; Representatives Josephson, Kopp, Tomaszewski. President Stevens stated the nomination of the Ombudsman will be considered in the May 14 joint session. 2025-05-12 Senate Journal Page 1225 Introduction and Reference of Senate Resolutions SCR 6 SENATE CONCURRENT RESOLUTION NO. 6 BY THE SENATE STATE AFFAIRS COMMITTEE, Suspending Rules 24(c), 35, 41(b), and 42(e), Uniform Rules of the Alaska State Legislature, concerning House Bill No. 121, relating to the practice of accounting. was read the first time and held on the Secretary's desk. SCR 7 SENATE CONCURRENT RESOLUTION NO. 7 BY THE SENATE STATE AFFAIRS COMMITTEE, Suspending Rules 24(c), 35, 41(b), and 42(e), Uniform Rules of the Alaska State Legislature, concerning House Bill No. 75, relating to national criminal history record checks for certain employees of the Department of Revenue; relating to allowable absences for eligibility for a permanent fund dividend; and relating to electronic notice of debt collection executed on a permanent fund dividend. was read the first time and held on the Secretary's desk. Introduction and Reference of Senate Bills SB 192 SENATE BILL NO. 192 BY SENATOR BJORKMAN, entitled: "An Act relating to evacuation designation levels; and relating to the Alaska Disaster Act." was read the first time and referred to the Community and Regional Affairs and Resources Committees. 2025-05-12 Senate Journal Page 1226 Consideration of the Calendar Second Reading of Senate Bills SB 134 SENATE BILL NO. 134 "An Act relating to pharmacy benefits managers; relating to third-party administrators; and providing for an effective date" was read the second time. President Stevens stated SENATE BILL NO. 134 will advance to third reading on the May 13 calendar. Third Reading of Senate Bills SB 24 CS FOR SENATE BILL NO. 24(FIN) "An Act relating to tobacco, tobacco products, electronic smoking products, nicotine, and products containing nicotine; raising the minimum age to purchase, exchange, or possess tobacco, a product containing nicotine, or an electronic smoking product; relating to the tobacco use education and cessation fund; relating to the taxation of electronic smoking products and vapor products; and providing for an effective date" was read the third time. The question being: "Shall CS FOR SENATE BILL NO. 24(FIN) "An Act relating to tobacco, tobacco products, electronic smoking products, nicotine, and products containing nicotine; raising the minimum age to purchase, exchange, or possess tobacco, a product containing nicotine, or an electronic smoking product; relating to the tobacco use education and cessation fund; relating to the taxation of electronic smoking products and vapor products; and providing for an effective date" pass the Senate?" The roll was taken with the following result: CSSB 24(FIN) Third Reading - Final Passage Effective Date(s) YEAS: 15 NAYS: 5 EXCUSED: 0 ABSENT: 0 2025-05-12 Senate Journal Page 1227 Yeas: Bjorkman, Claman, Dunbar, Giessel, Gray-Jackson, Hoffman, Kawasaki, Kiehl, Merrick, Olson, Stedman, Stevens, Tobin, Wielechowski, Yundt Nays: Cronk, Hughes, Kaufman, Myers, Shower and so, CS FOR SENATE BILL NO. 24(FIN) passed the Senate. Senator Giessel moved and asked unanimous consent the vote on the passage of the bill be considered the vote on the effective date clause(s). Without objection, it was so ordered and the bill was referred to the Secretary for engrossment. SB 26 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" was read the third time. The question being: "Shall 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" pass the Senate?" The roll was taken with the following result: SB 26 Third Reading - Final Passage Effective Date(s) YEAS: 18 NAYS: 2 EXCUSED: 0 ABSENT: 0 Yeas: Bjorkman, Claman, Cronk, Dunbar, Giessel, Gray-Jackson, Hoffman, Hughes, Kaufman, Kawasaki, Kiehl, Merrick, Olson, Shower, Stevens, Tobin, Wielechowski, Yundt Nays: Myers, Stedman and so, SENATE BILL NO. 26 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. 2025-05-12 Senate Journal Page 1228 SB 64 CS FOR SENATE BILL NO. 64(FIN) "An Act relating to elections; relating to voters; relating to voting; relating to voter registration; relating to election administration; relating to the Alaska Public Offices Commission; relating to campaign contributions; relating to the crimes of unlawful interference with voting in the first degree, unlawful interference with an election, and election official misconduct; relating to synthetic media in electioneering communications; relating to campaign signs; relating to voter registration on permanent fund dividend applications; relating to the Redistricting Board; relating to the duties of the commissioner of revenue; and providing for an effective date" was read the third time. Senator Wielechowski moved the bill be returned to second reading for all amendments offered today. Without objection, the bill was returned to second reading. Senator Wielechowski offered Amendment No. 1 : Page 5, line 12, following "state;": Insert "or" Page 5, line 27, following "cancelled;": Insert "or" Page 5, lines 28 - 29: Delete all material. Reletter the following subparagraph accordingly. Page 6, lines 1 - 2: Delete ", or provides an incomplete or ambiguous response," Page 8, line 12: Delete "or (E)" Page 8, lines 18 - 22: Delete all material. Senator Wielechowski moved for the adoption of Amendment No. 1. Senator Myers, objected, then withdrew his objection. There being no further objection, Amendment No. 1 was adopted. 2025-05-12 Senate Journal Page 1229 Senator Wielechowski offered Amendment No. 2 : Page 15, following line 18: Insert new bill sections to read: "* Sec. 26. AS 15.20.072(c) is amended to read: (c) A representative requesting a special needs ballot shall provide current and valid photo identification card or an identification card issued by a federally recognized tribe and sign a register provided by an election official. The register must require that the representative provide the representative's printed name, the name of the authority that issued the provided identification card, the type of provided identification card, the number associated with the provided identification card, the representative's phone number if available, the representative's electronic mail address if available, the name of the voter who requested the special needs ballot, and the dates on which the specials needs ballot is provided to the representative and returned to the division. The election official shall verify that the representative's name, and, if applicable, likeness, match the provided identification card by signing or initialing the register. After the election official signs or initials the register, the election official shall explain to the representative the duties of a representative and a voter under (d) of this section and give the representative an envelope that includes a printed record of information required to be filled out by the representative. An election official may not issue the special needs ballot until the representative has provided the information required on the record. The record [IF THE REQUEST FOR A SPECIAL NEEDS BALLOT IS MADE THROUGH A REPRESENTATIVE, THE REPRESENTATIVE SHALL SIGN A REGISTER PROVIDED BY AN ELECTION OFFICIAL. THE REGISTER] must include the following information: (1) the representative's name; (2) the representative's residence and mailing address; (3) the representative's social security number, voter identification number, or date of birth; (4) the name of the voter on whose behalf the representative is requesting a ballot and voting materials; (5) an oath that the representative 2025-05-12 Senate Journal Page 1230 (A) is receiving a ballot and voting materials on behalf of the voter; (B) will not vote the ballot for the voter; (C) will not coerce the voter; (D) will not divulge the vote cast by the voter; and (E) has been notified that unlawful interference with voting is punishable under AS 15.56.030; (6) the representative's signature. * Sec. 27. AS 15.20.072(d) is amended to read: (d) The representative shall deliver the special needs ballot, envelope, secrecy sleeve, and other voting materials provided by the division to the voter as soon as practicable. The voter shall mark the ballot in secret, place the ballot in the secrecy sleeve, and place the secrecy sleeve in the envelope [PROVIDED]. The voter shall provide the information on the envelope that would be required for absentee voting if the voter voted in person. The voter shall sign the voter's certificate in the presence of the representative. The representative shall sign as attesting official and date the voter's signature." Renumber the following bill sections accordingly. Page 15, line 19: Delete "a new subsection" Insert "new subsections" Page 15, lines 20 - 23: Delete all material and insert: "(h) If a qualified voter satisfies the requirements of (d) of this section, the division may not reject the voter's special needs ballot based on an error by an election official or a representative. If the circumstances show evidence of unlawful interference or misconduct, a special needs ballot may be held for further review. (i) The director shall train each absentee voting official, election supervisor, and member of a precinct election board on the requirements of this section." Page 31, line 25: Delete "sec. 40" Insert "sec. 41" 2025-05-12 Senate Journal Page 1231 Page 31, line 26: Delete "sec. 41" Insert "sec. 43" Page 31, lines 25 - 26: Delete "sec. 42" Insert "sec. 44" Senator Wielechowski moved for the adoption of Amendment No. 2. Senator Shower objected, then withdrew his objection. Senator Hughes objected. The question being: "Shall Amendment No. 2 be adopted?" The roll was taken with the following result: CSSB 64(FIN) am Second Reading Amendment No. 2? YEAS: 17 NAYS: 3 EXCUSED: 0 ABSENT: 0 Yeas: Bjorkman, Claman, Cronk, Dunbar, Giessel, Gray-Jackson, Hoffman, Kawasaki, Kiehl, Merrick, Olson, Shower, Stedman, Stevens, Tobin, Wielechowski, Yundt Nays: Hughes, Kaufman, Myers and so, Amendment No. 2 was adopted. CS FOR SENATE BILL NO. 64(FIN) am was automatically in third reading. The question being: "Shall CS FOR SENATE BILL NO. 64(FIN) am "An Act relating to elections; relating to voters; relating to voting; relating to voter registration; relating to election administration; relating to the Alaska Public Offices Commission; relating to campaign contributions; relating to the crimes of unlawful interference with voting in the first degree, unlawful interference with an election, and election official misconduct; relating to synthetic media in electioneering communications; relating to campaign signs; relating to 2025-05-12 Senate Journal Page 1232 voter registration on permanent fund dividend applications; relating to the Redistricting Board; relating to the duties of the commissioner of revenue; and providing for an effective date" pass the Senate?" The roll was taken with the following result: CSSB 64(FIN) am Third Reading - Final Passage Effective Date(s) YEAS: 14 NAYS: 6 EXCUSED: 0 ABSENT: 0 Yeas: Bjorkman, Claman, Dunbar, Giessel, Gray-Jackson, Hoffman, Kawasaki, Kiehl, Merrick, Olson, Stedman, Stevens, Tobin, Wielechowski Nays: Cronk, Hughes, Kaufman, Myers, Shower, Yundt and so, CS FOR SENATE BILL NO. 64(FIN) am passed the Senate. Senator Giessel moved and asked unanimous consent the vote on the passage of the bill be considered the vote on the effective date clause(s). Without objection, it was so ordered and the bill was referred to the Secretary for engrossment. SB 133 CS FOR SENATE BILL NO. 133(L&C) "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" was read the third time. The question being: "Shall CS FOR SENATE BILL NO. 133(L&C) "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" pass the Senate?" The roll was taken with the following result: CSSB 133(L&C) Third Reading - Final Passage Effective Date(s) YEAS: 19 NAYS: 0 EXCUSED: 0 ABSENT: 1 2025-05-12 Senate Journal Page 1233 Yeas: Bjorkman, Claman, Cronk, Dunbar, Giessel, Gray-Jackson, Hoffman, Hughes, Kaufman, Kawasaki, Kiehl, Merrick, Myers, Olson, Shower, Stevens, Tobin, Wielechowski, Yundt Absent: Stedman and so, CS FOR SENATE BILL NO. 133(L&C) 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. Second Reading of Senate Resolutions SJR 17 SENATE JOINT RESOLUTION NO. 17 Recognizing and honoring the 50th anniversary of The Energy Council, was read the second time. Senator Giessel moved and asked unanimous consent the resolution be considered engrossed, advanced to third reading and placed on final passage. Without objection, it was so ordered. SENATE JOINT RESOLUTION NO. 17 was read the third time. The question being: "Shall SENATE JOINT RESOLUTION NO. 17 Recognizing and honoring the 50th anniversary of The Energy Council, pass the Senate?" The roll was taken with the following result: SJR 17 Third Reading - Final Passage YEAS: 20 NAYS: 0 EXCUSED: 0 ABSENT: 0 Yeas: Bjorkman, Claman, Cronk, Dunbar, Giessel, Gray-Jackson, Hoffman, Hughes, Kaufman, Kawasaki, Kiehl, Merrick, Myers, Olson, Shower, Stedman, Stevens, Tobin, Wielechowski, Yundt and so, SENATE JOINT RESOLUTION NO. 17 passed the Senate and was referred to the Secretary for engrossment. 2025-05-12 Senate Journal Page 1234 Second Reading of House Resolutions HJR 9 CS FOR HOUSE JOINT RESOLUTION NO. 9(HSS) Urging the United States Congress to extend enhanced tax credits for health insurance premiums under the Affordable Care Act, was read the second time. President Stevens stated CS FOR HOUSE JOINT RESOLUTION NO. 9(HSS) will advance to third reading on the May 13 calendar. Third Reading of Senate Resolutions SJR 16 SENATE JOINT RESOLUTION NO. 16 Urging the United States Congress to pass the Ensuring Lasting Smiles Act; and urging lawmakers to advocate for policies that guarantee equitable access to vital healthcare, was read the third time. The question being: "Shall SENATE JOINT RESOLUTION NO. 16 Urging the United States Congress to pass the Ensuring Lasting Smiles Act; and urging lawmakers to advocate for policies that guarantee equitable access to vital healthcare, pass the Senate?" The roll was taken with the following result: SJR 16 Third Reading - Final Passage YEAS: 20 NAYS: 0 EXCUSED: 0 ABSENT: 0 Yeas: Bjorkman, Claman, Cronk, Dunbar, Giessel, Gray-Jackson, Hoffman, Hughes, Kaufman, Kawasaki, Kiehl, Merrick, Myers, Olson, Shower, Stedman, Stevens, Tobin, Wielechowski, Yundt and so, SENATE JOINT RESOLUTION NO. 16 passed the Senate and was referred to the Secretary for engrossment. 2025-05-12 Senate Journal Page 1235 Citations Senator Giessel moved and asked unanimous consent the following citations be made a special order of business. Without objection, it was so ordered. Special Order of Business Honoring - 2025 Senate Floor Staff Senator(s) Wielechowski Honoring - 2025 House Floor Staff Representative(s) Stutes Senator Giessel moved and asked unanimous consent the citations be adopted. Without objection, the citations were adopted and referred to the Secretary for transmittal. Senator Giessel moved and asked unanimous consent the Citation Calendar be held to the next legislative day. Without objection, it was so ordered. Unfinished Business Senator Gray-Jackson moved and asked unanimous consent to be excused from a call of the Senate from June 9 through June 13, and from June 16 through June 18. Without objection, Senator Gray- Jackson was excused. Announcements Announcements are at the end of the journal. 2025-05-12 Senate Journal Page 1236 Engrossment SB 24 CS FOR SENATE BILL NO. 24(FIN) "An Act relating to tobacco, tobacco products, electronic smoking products, nicotine, and products containing nicotine; raising the minimum age to purchase, exchange, or possess tobacco, a product containing nicotine, or an electronic smoking product; relating to the tobacco use education and cessation fund; relating to the taxation of electronic smoking products and vapor products; and providing for an effective date" was engrossed, signed by the President and Secretary and transmitted to the House for consideration. SB 26 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" was engrossed, signed by the President and Secretary and transmitted to the House for consideration. SB 64 CS FOR SENATE BILL NO. 64(FIN) am "An Act relating to elections; relating to voters; relating to voting; relating to voter registration; relating to election administration; relating to the Alaska Public Offices Commission; relating to campaign contributions; relating to the crimes of unlawful interference with voting in the first degree, unlawful interference with an election, and election official misconduct; relating to synthetic media in electioneering communications; relating to campaign signs; relating to voter registration on permanent fund dividend applications; relating to the Redistricting Board; relating to the duties of the commissioner of revenue; and providing for an effective date" was engrossed, signed by the President and Secretary and transmitted to the House for consideration. 2025-05-12 Senate Journal Page 1237 SB 133 CS FOR SENATE BILL NO. 133(L&C) "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" was engrossed, signed by the President and Secretary and transmitted to the House for consideration. SJR 16 SENATE JOINT RESOLUTION NO. 16 Urging the United States Congress to pass the Ensuring Lasting Smiles Act; and urging lawmakers to advocate for policies that guarantee equitable access to vital healthcare, was engrossed, signed by the President and Secretary and transmitted to the House for consideration. SJR 17 SENATE JOINT RESOLUTION NO. 17 Recognizing and honoring the 50th anniversary of The Energy Council, was engrossed, signed by the President and Secretary and transmitted to the House for consideration. Adjournment Senator Giessel moved and asked unanimous consent the Senate stand in adjournment until 11:00 a.m., May 13, 2025. Without objection, the Senate adjourned at 12:56 p.m. Liz Clark Secretary of the Senate 2025-05-12 Senate Journal Page 1238 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 13 Tuesday Beltz 105 (tsbldg) 1:30 PM += HB 50 SNOW CLASSICS += HB 79 NAMING VIC FISCHER SHOUP BAY MARINE PARK += SB 140 FIRE STATION GRANT PROGRAM + HB 58 OPA: PUBLIC ADVOCATE APPOINTMENT -- Public Testimony -- + SB 185 INSURANCE; REBATES; ADVERTISING Bills Previously Heard/Scheduled **Streamed live on AKL.tv** ---------------------------------------- EDUCATION May 12 Monday Beltz 105 (tsbldg) 3:30 PM + SJR 21 INTERNATIONAL TEACHER VISAS -- Invited & Public Testimony -- Bills Previously Heard/Scheduled **Streamed live on AKL.tv** May 14 Wednesday Beltz 105 (tsbldg) 3:30 PM + Bills Previously Heard/Scheduled **Streamed live on AKL.tv** May 16 Friday Beltz 105 (tsbldg) 3:30 PM + Bills Previously Heard/Scheduled **Streamed live on AKL.tv** 2025-05-12 Senate Journal Page 1239 FINANCE May 12 Monday Senate Finance 532 9:00 AM + SB 20 CPR CURRICULUM -- Invited & Public Testimony -- + SB 11 FLOOD INSURANCE -- Invited & Public Testimony -- Bills Previously Heard/Scheduled: += SB 184 SCHOOL BOND DEBT REIMBURSEMENT += SB 6 ASIAN AMERICAN/PACIFIC ISLANDER PROGRAM += SB 146 REAA FUND: MT. EDGECUMBE, TEACHER HOUSING + SB 37 STRATEGIC PLANS FOR STATE AGENCIES < Above Bill Removed From Agenda > -- Invited & Public Testimony -- **Streamed live on AKL.tv** May 12 Monday Senate Finance 532 1:30 PM -- MEETING CANCELED -- -- Please Note Time Change -- Bills Previously Heard/Scheduled **Streamed live on AKL.tv** May 13 Tuesday Senate Finance 532 9:00 AM + Bills Previously Heard/Scheduled **Streamed live on AKL.tv** May 13 Tuesday Senate Finance 532 1:30 PM -- Please Note Time Change -- + Bills Previously Heard/Scheduled **Streamed live on AKL.tv** May 14 Wednesday Senate Finance 532 9:00 AM + Bills Previously Heard/Scheduled **Streamed live on AKL.tv** May 14 Wednesday Senate Finance 532 1:30 PM -- Please Note Time Change -- + Bills Previously Heard/Scheduled **Streamed live on AKL.tv** May 15 Thursday Senate Finance 532 9:00 AM + Bills Previously Heard/Scheduled **Streamed live on AKL.tv** 2025-05-12 Senate Journal Page 1240 FINANCE (continued) May 15 Thursday Senate Finance 532 1:30 PM -- Please Note Time Change -- + Bills Previously Heard/Scheduled **Streamed live on AKL.tv** May 16 Friday Senate Finance 532 9:00 AM + Bills Previously Heard/Scheduled **Streamed live on AKL.tv** May 16 Friday Senate Finance 532 1:30 PM -- Please Note Time Change -- + Bills Previously Heard/Scheduled **Streamed live on AKL.tv** May 17 Saturday Senate Finance 532 10:00 AM -- Please Note Time Change -- + Bills Previously Heard/Scheduled **Streamed live on AKL.tv** ---------------------------------------- HEALTH & SOCIAL SERVICES May 13 Tuesday Butrovich 205 3:30 PM += SB 4 HEALTH CARE PRICES AND INCENTIVE PROGRAMS -- Public Testimony <Time Limit May Be Set> -- Bills Previously Heard/Scheduled May 15 Thursday Butrovich 205 3:30 PM += HB 70 EMERGENCY MED SVCS; OPERATIONAL CANINES Bills Previously Heard/Scheduled ---------------------------------------- JUDICIARY May 12 Monday Butrovich 205 1:30 PM += SB 167 CRIM. CONV. OVERTURNED: RECEIVE PAST PFD += HB 35 PRISONERS: ELECTRONIC DEVICE ACCESS/USE -- Testimony <Invitation Only> -- += SB 9 SURRENDER OF INFANTS; INF. SAFETY DEVICE -- Testimony <Invitation Only> -- Bills Previously Heard/Scheduled 2025-05-12 Senate Journal Page 1241 JUDICIARY (continued) May 14 Wednesday Butrovich 205 1:30 PM + SB 190 UNIFORM ACT: GUARDIANSHIP/CONSERVATORSHIP -- Testimony <Invitation Only> -- Bills Previously Heard/Scheduled May 16 Friday Butrovich 205 1:30 PM + Bills Previously Heard/Scheduled ---------------------------------------- LABOR & COMMERCE May 12 Monday Beltz 105 (tsbldg) 1:30 PM Consideration of Governor’s Appointees -- Public Testimony <Time Limit May Be Set> -- += SB 172 OCCUPATIONAL THERAPY LICENSURE COMPACT -- Public Testimony <Time Limit May Be Set> -- += SB 136 FIREARM FINANCIAL PRIVACY -- Public Testimony <Time Limit May Be Set> -- += HB 116 COMMERCIAL FISHING INSURANCE CO-OP -- Public Testimony <Time Limit May Be Set> -- Bills Previously Heard/Scheduled **Streamed live on AKL.tv** May 14 Wednesday Beltz 105 (tsbldg) 1:30 PM += SB 159 TRAINING & EMPLOYMENT PROG: CONTRIBUTIONS -- Public Testimony <Time Limit May Be Set> -- + SB 154 HOME CARE EMPLOYMENT STANDARDS ADV BOARD -- Testimony <Invitation Only> -- + SB 121 HEALTH INSURANCE ALLOWABLE CHARGES -- Testimony <Invitation Only> -- + SB 122 HEALTH INSURANCE NETWORK STANDARDS -- Testimony <Invitation Only> -- Bills Previously Heard/Scheduled **Streamed live on AKL.tv** May 16 Friday Beltz 105 (tsbldg) 1:30 PM + Bills Previously Heard/Scheduled **Streamed live on AKL.tv** 2025-05-12 Senate Journal Page 1242 RESOURCES May 12 Monday Butrovich 205 3:30 PM += SB 174 INVASIVE SPECIES MANAGEMENT -- Invited & Public Testimony -- + SJR 20 CLEAN UP MARINE DEBRIS -- Invited & Public Testimony -- Bills Previously Heard/Scheduled **Streamed live on AKL.tv** May 14 Wednesday Butrovich 205 3:30 PM + Bills Previously Heard/Scheduled **Streamed live on AKL.tv** May 16 Friday Butrovich 205 3:30 PM + Presentation: Alaska Railbelt Reliability Council Lou Florence - Board Chair, RRC Ed Jenkin - CEO, RRC Bills Previously Heard/Scheduled **Streamed live on AKL.tv** ---------------------------------------- STATE AFFAIRS May 13 Tuesday Beltz 105 (tsbldg) 3:30 PM + Bills Previously Heard/Scheduled **Streamed live on AKL.tv** May 15 Thursday Beltz 105 (tsbldg) 3:30 PM + Bills Previously Heard/Scheduled **Streamed live on AKL.tv** May 17 Saturday Beltz 105 (tsbldg) 3:30 PM + Bills Previously Heard/Scheduled **Streamed live on AKL.tv** 2025-05-12 Senate Journal Page 1243 TRANSPORTATION May 13 Tuesday Butrovich 205 1:30 PM + Presentation: DOT&PF Tentative Advertising Schedule and Fed Funding Update Dom Pannone, Director, Program Management and Administration DOT&PF Al Beck, Preconstruction Chief, Northern Region DOT&PF Luke Bowland, Preconstruction Chief, Central Region DOT&PF Kirk Miller, Preconstruction Chief, Southcoast Region DOT&PF **Streamed live on AKL.tv** May 15 Thursday Butrovich 205 1:30 PM + SB 191 TRANSFER OF RAILROAD LAND TO WHITTIER -- Testimony <Invitation Only> -- **Streamed live on AKL.tv** ---------------------------------------- SPECIAL COMMITTEES SPECIAL COMMITTEE ON ARCTIC AFFAIRS May 15 Thursday Beltz 105 (tsbldg) 1:30 PM No Meeting Scheduled ---------------------------------------- JOINT COMMITTEES OMBUDSMAN SELECTION COMMITTEE May 12 Monday Senate Finance 532 8:30 AM + Ombudsman Selection Process May 12 Monday Senate Finance 532 4:00 PM -- MEETING CANCELED -- Ombudsman Selection Process May 13 Tuesday Senate Finance 532 8:30 AM -- MEETING CANCELED -- Ombudsman Selection Process 2025-05-12 Senate Journal Page 1244 OTHER MEETINGS JOINT SESSION May 14 Wednesday House Chamber 11:00 AM + Consideration of Governor's Appointments to Boards and Commissions Consideration of the Legislative Nominee for Ombudsman