Legislature(2025 - 2026)

2025-05-14 Senate Journal

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2025-05-14                     Senate Journal                      Page 1269
                                                                                                                                
                                SENATE JOURNAL                                                                               
                                                                                                                                
                           ALASKA STATE LEGISLATURE                                                                          
                                                                                                                                
                          THIRTY-FOURTH LEGISLATURE                                                                          
                                                                                                                                
                                FIRST SESSION                                                                                
                                                                                                                                
Juneau, Alaska                   Wednesday                     May 14, 2025                                                   
                                                                                                                                
                          One Hundred Fourteenth Day                                                                         
                                                                                                                                
Pursuant to adjournment the Senate was called to order by President                                                             
Stevens at 10:32 a.m.                                                                                                           
                                                                                                                                
The roll showed sixteen members present. Senators Claman,                                                                       
Kawasaki, Olson, Shower were absent.                                                                                            
                                                                                                                                
The prayer was offered by the Chaplain, Pastor Kermit Wilson, Safe                                                              
Harbor Church. Senator Hoffman moved and asked unanimous                                                                        
consent the prayer be spread. Without objection, it was so ordered.                                                             
                                                                                                                                
          Heavenly Father,                                                                                                      
                                                                                                                                
          Thank you for Your love and grace that sustains us                                                                    
          this day. Thank you for our Senators and their                                                                        
          families for the commitment to serve Alaska. We                                                                       
          come before You with hearts full of gratitude and                                                                     
          minds open to Your wisdom. We ask for Your                                                                            
          guidance as we engage in the important work that lies                                                                 
          ahead. Grant us the strength to listen to one another,                                                                
          the courage to seek justice, and the compassion to                                                                    
          serve all those we represent.                                                                                         
                                                                                                                                
          May our discussions be rooted in respect and                                                                          
          understanding, and may our decisions reflect a                                                                        
          commitment to the common good of our fellow                                                                           
          Alaskans. Help us to remember that our actions today                                                                  
          will shape the future of our communities and our                                                                      
          nation. In Your name, we pray for clarity in our                                                                      
          purpose and unity in our mission. Let us be                                                                           
                  instruments of peace and progress.   Amen.                                                                   
                                                                                                                                

2025-05-14                     Senate Journal                      Page 1270
Senator Tobin led the Senate in the Pledge of Allegiance.                                                                       
                                                                                                                                
                                                                                                                                
                                Certification                                                                                
                                                                                                                                
Senator Giessel moved and asked unanimous consent the journal for                                                               
the one hundred thirteenth legislative day be approved as certified by                                                          
the Secretary. Without objection, it was so ordered.                                                                            
                                                                                                                                
                                                                                                                                
                           Messages from the House                                                                           
                                                                                                                                
Message dated May 13 was read stating the House passed and                                                                      
transmitted for consideration:                                                                                                  
                                                                                                                                
                        First Reading and Reference of                                                                       
                              House Resolutions                                                                              
                                                                                                                                
HJR 25                                                                                                                        
HOUSE JOINT RESOLUTION NO. 25 am BY                                                                                             
REPRESENTATIVES MINA, Gray,                                                                                                     
                                                                                                                                
                   Supporting and encouraging the continued                                                                    
             recruitment and retention of international educators                                                              
          on J-1 and H-1B visas in the state.                                                                                   
                                                                                                                                
was read the first time and referred to the Education Committee.                                                                
                                                                                                                                
                  First Reading and Reference of House Bills                                                                 
                                                                                                                                
HB 33                                                                                                                         
HOUSE BILL NO. 33 BY REPRESENTATIVES STUTES,                                                                                    
Himschoot, Hannan, entitled:                                                                                                    
                                                                                                                                
          "An Act relating to participation in matters before the                                                               
          Board of Fisheries and the Board of Game by the                                                                       
          members of the respective boards; and providing for                                                                   
          an effective date."                                                                                                   
                                                                                                                                
was read the first time and referred to the Community and Regional                                                              
Affairs and Resources Committees.                                                                                               
                                                                                                                                

2025-05-14                     Senate Journal                      Page 1271
                               Concur Messages                                                                               
                                                                                                                                
SB 57                                                                                                                         
Message dated May 13 was read stating the House passed and returned                                                             
for consideration CS FOR SENATE BILL NO. 57(FIN) "An Act                                                                        
making appropriations, including capital appropriations and other                                                               
appropriations; making reappropriations; making appropriations to                                                               
capitalize funds; and providing for an effective date" with the                                                                 
following amendment(s):                                                                                                         
                                                                                                                                
          HOUSE CS FOR CS FOR SENATE BILL                                                                                       
          NO. 57(FIN) am H(efd fld H) "An Act making                                                                            
          appropriations, including capital appropriations,                                                                     
          supplemental appropriations, reappropriations, and                                                                    
          other appropriations; amending appropriations;                                                                        
          making appropriations to capitalize funds; and                                                                        
          repealing appropriations."                                                                                            
                                                                                                                                
                                                                                                                                
                                Communications                                                                               
                                                                                                                                
The following report is on file in the Office of the Secretary of the                                                           
Senate:                                                                                                                         
                                                                                                                                
Department of Commerce, Community, and Economic Development                                                                     
Alaska Seafood Marketing Institute                                                                                              
Annual Report FY 2024                                                                                                           
in accordance with AS 16.51.100                                                                                                 
                                                                                                                                
                                                                                                                                
                          Standing Committee Reports                                                                         
                                                                                                                                
SB 140                                                                                                                        
The Community and Regional Affairs Committee considered                                                                         
SENATE BILL NO. 140 "An Act relating to a matching grant                                                                        
program for fire station construction and renovation; and providing for                                                         
an effective date."                                                                                                             
                                                                                                                                
Signing do pass: Senator Merrick, Chair; Senators Yundt, Gray-                                                                  
Jackson, Olson. Signing no recommendation: Senator Dunbar.                                                                      
                                                                                                                                

2025-05-14                     Senate Journal                      Page 1272
The following fiscal information was published today:                                                                           
          Fiscal Note No. 1, Department of Commerce, Community, and                                                            
          Economic Development                                                                                                  
                                                                                                                                
The bill was referred to the Finance Committee.                                                                                 
                                                                                                                                
HB 16                                                                                                                         
The Finance Committee considered CS FOR HOUSE BILL                                                                              
NO. 16(STA) "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."                                                          
                                                                                                                                
Signing do pass: Senators Olson, Hoffman, Cochairs; Senator Kiehl.                                                              
Signing amend: Senator Stedman, Cochair; Senators Kaufman, Cronk,                                                               
Merrick.                                                                                                                        
                                                                                                                                
The following previously published fiscal information applies:                                                                  
     Fiscal Note No. 1, zero, Department of Administration                                                                      
                                                                                                                                
The bill was referred to the Rules Committee.                                                                                   
                                                                                                                                
HB 31                                                                                                                         
The Finance Committee considered HOUSE BILL NO. 31 "An Act                                                                      
relating to the registration of commercial vessels; and relating to the                                                         
derelict vessel prevention program fund."                                                                                       
                                                                                                                                
Signing do pass: Senators Olson, Stedman, Hoffman, Cochairs;                                                                    
Senators Kaufman, Cronk, Merrick, Kiehl.                                                                                        
                                                                                                                                

2025-05-14                     Senate Journal                      Page 1273
The following previously published fiscal information applies:                                                                  
     Fiscal Note No. 1, zero, Department of Fish and Game                                                                       
     Fiscal Note No. 2, Department of Administration                                                                            
     Fiscal Note No. 3, Department of Natural Resources                                                                         
         Fiscal Note No. 4, zero, Department of Commerce, Community,                                                           
          and Economic Development                                                                                              
                                                                                                                                
The bill was referred to the Rules Committee.                                                                                   
                                                                                                                                
HB 36                                                                                                                         
The Health and Social Services Committee considered HOUSE                                                                       
BILL NO. 36 "An Act relating to the placement of foster children in                                                             
psychiatric hospitals; relating to the care of children in state custody                                                        
placed in residential facilities outside the state; and amending Rule                                                           
12.1(b), Alaska Child in Need of Aid Rules of Procedure" and                                                                    
recommended it be replaced with                                                                                                 
                                                                                                                                
          SENATE CS FOR HOUSE BILL NO. 36(HSS) "An                                                                              
          Act relating to the placement of foster children in                                                                   
          hospitals and residential psychiatric treatment centers                                                               
          for psychiatric care; relating to the care of children in                                                             
          state custody placed in psychiatric residential                                                                       
          treatment facilities outside the state; and amending                                                                  
          Rule 12.1(b), Alaska Child in Need of Aid Rules of                                                                    
          Procedure."                                                                                                           
          (Title Change SCR forthcoming)                                                                                        
                                                                                                                                
Signing do pass: Senator Dunbar, Chair; Senators Hughes, Giessel.                                                               
Signing no recommendation: Senators Claman, Tobin.                                                                              
                                                                                                                                
The following fiscal information was published today:                                                                           
         Fiscal Note No. 3, zero, Department of Family and Community                                                           
          Services                                                                                                              
                                                                                                                                
The following previously published fiscal information applies:                                                                  
     Fiscal Note No. 2, zero, Alaska Judiciary System                                                                           
                                                                                                                                
The bill was referred to the Finance Committee.                                                                                 
                                                                                                                                

2025-05-14                     Senate Journal                      Page 1274
HB 50                                                                                                                         
The Community and Regional Affairs Committee considered HOUSE                                                                   
BILL NO. 50 "An Act relating to snow classics."                                                                                 
                                                                                                                                
Signing do pass: Senator Merrick, Chair; Senators Olson, Dunbar,                                                                
Gray-Jackson, Yundt.                                                                                                            
                                                                                                                                
The following previously published fiscal information applies:                                                                  
     Fiscal Note No. 1, zero, Department of Revenue                                                                             
                                                                                                                                
The bill was referred to the Labor and Commerce Committee.                                                                      
                                                                                                                                
HB 79                                                                                                                         
The Community and Regional Affairs Committee considered HOUSE                                                                   
BILL NO. 79 "An Act naming the Vic Fischer Shoup Bay State                                                                      
Marine Park."                                                                                                                   
                                                                                                                                
Signing do pass: Senator Merrick, Chair; Senators Olson, Dunbar,                                                                
Gray-Jackson, Yundt.                                                                                                            
                                                                                                                                
The following previously published fiscal information applies:                                                                  
     Fiscal Note No. 1, zero, Department of Natural Resources                                                                   
                                                                                                                                
The bill was referred to the Resources Committee.                                                                               
                                                                                                                                
The presence of Senators Olson, Claman, Kawasaki was noted.                                                                     
                                                                                                                                
                                                                                                                                
                          Special Committee Reports                                                                          
                                                                                                                                
HB 53                                                                                                                         
                                                               May 13, 2025                                                     
Mr. President:                                                                                                                  
Mr. Speaker:                                                                                                                    
                                                                                                                                
The Conference Committee considering 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"                                                                         
                                                                                                                                

2025-05-14                     Senate Journal                      Page 1275
and                                                                                                                             
                                                                                                                                
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"                                                                                            
                                                                                                                                
requests limited powers of free conference on the following specific                                                            
points:                                                                                                                         
                                                                                                                                
Appropriations and language that are not identical in the House and                                                             
Senate versions of HB 53.                                                                                                       
                                                                                                                                
In accordance with past practice and usage, the Conference Committee                                                            
requests authorization to add the monetary terms of collective                                                                  
bargaining agreements for the following bargaining units:                                                                       
                                                                                                                                
Marine Engineers' Beneficial Association                                                                                        
Confidential Employees Association                                                                                              
Inlandboatmen's Union of the Pacific                                                                                            
                                                                                                                                
Signing the report: Senator Hoffman, Chair, Senators Stedman,                                                                   
Kaufman; Representative Josephson, Chair, Representatives Schrage,                                                              
Johnson.                                                                                                                        
                                                                                                                                
President Stevens granted the Senate members limited powers of free                                                             
conference as requested.                                                                                                        
                                                                                                                                
The Secretary was requested to notify the House.                                                                                
                                                                                                                                
HB 55                                                                                                                         
                                                               May 13, 2025                                                     
                                                                                                                                
Mr. President:                                                                                                                  
Mr. Speaker:                                                                                                                    
                                                                                                                                
The Conference Committee considering CS FOR HOUSE BILL                                                                          
NO. 55(FIN) "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"                                                                                   
                                                                                                                                

2025-05-14                     Senate Journal                      Page 1276
and                                                                                                                             
                                                                                                                                
SENATE CS FOR CS FOR HOUSE BILL NO. 55(FIN) am S                                                                                
requests limited powers of free conference on the following specific                                                            
points:                                                                                                                         
                                                                                                                                
Appropriations and language that are not identical in the House and                                                             
Senate versions of HB 55.                                                                                                       
                                                                                                                                
In accordance with past practice and usage, the Conference Committee                                                            
requests authorization to add the monetary terms of collective                                                                  
bargaining agreements for the following bargaining units:                                                                       
                                                                                                                                
Marine Engineers' Beneficial Association                                                                                        
Confidential Employees Association                                                                                              
Inlandboatmen's Union of the Pacific                                                                                            
                                                                                                                                
Signing the report: Senator Hoffman, Chair, Senators Stedman,                                                                   
Kaufman; Representative Josephson, Chair, Representatives Schrage,                                                              
Johnson.                                                                                                                        
                                                                                                                                
President Stevens granted the Senate members limited powers of free                                                             
conference as requested.                                                                                                        
                                                                                                                                
The Secretary was requested to notify the House.                                                                                
                                                                                                                                
The presence of Senator Shower was noted.                                                                                       
                                                                                                                                
                                                                                                                                
                  Introduction and Reference of Senate Bills                                                                 
                                                                                                                                
SB 194                                                                                                                        
SENATE BILL NO. 194 BY SENATOR CRONK, entitled:                                                                                 
                                                                                                                                
          "An Act authorizing mobile sports wagering; relating                                                                  
          to the regulation of mobile sports wagering; imposing                                                                 
          a tax on mobile sports wagering revenue; relating to                                                                  
          criminal history record checks for licensure to                                                                       
          operate mobile sports wagering; and providing for an                                                                  
          effective date."                                                                                                      
                                                                                                                                
was read the first time and referred to the Labor and Commerce and                                                              
Finance Committees.                                                                                                             
                                                                                                                                
                                                                                                                                

2025-05-14                     Senate Journal                      Page 1277
                        Consideration of the Calendar                                                                        
                                                                                                                                
                        Second Reading of House Bills                                                                        
                                                                                                                                
HB 116                                                                                                                        
HOUSE BILL NO. 116 "An Act exempting from insurance regulation                                                                  
cooperative agreements entered into by two or more persons engaged                                                              
in commercial fishing for the purpose of paying claims or losses" was                                                           
read the second time.                                                                                                           
                                                                                                                                
President Stevens stated HOUSE BILL NO. 116 will advance to third                                                               
reading on the May 16 calendar.                                                                                                 
                                                                                                                                
                        Third Reading of Senate Bills                                                                        
                                                                                                                                
SB 6                                                                                                                          
CS FOR SENATE BILL NO. 6(EDC) "An Act requiring education in                                                                    
the history and contributions of Asian Americans and Pacific                                                                    
Islanders" was read the third time.                                                                                             
                                                                                                                                
The question being: "Shall CS FOR SENATE BILL NO. 6(EDC) "An                                                                    
Act requiring education in the history and contributions of Asian                                                               
Americans and Pacific Islanders" pass the Senate?" The roll was taken                                                           
with the following result:                                                                                                      
                                                                                                                                
CSSB 6(EDC)                                                                                                                     
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, CS FOR SENATE BILL NO. 6(EDC) passed the Senate and                                                                     
was referred to the Secretary for engrossment.                                                                                  
                                                                                                                                

2025-05-14                     Senate Journal                      Page 1278
                         Third Reading of House Bills                                                                        
                                                                                                                                
HB 75                                                                                                                         
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" was read the third time.                                                         
                                                                                                                                
The question being: "Shall 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" pass the Senate?"                                                           
The roll was taken with the following result:                                                                                   
                                                                                                                                
SCS CSHB 75(STA)                                                                                                                
Third Reading - Final Passage                                                                                                   
Effective Date(s)     Letter of Intent                                                                                          
                                                                                                                                
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 CS FOR CS FOR HOUSE BILL NO. 75(STA)                                                                             
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 with a Senate Letter of                                                               
Intent.                                                                                                                         
                                                                                                                                
SCR 7                                                                                                                         
SENATE CONCURRENT RESOLUTION NO. 7 was before the                                                                               
Senate on final passage.                                                                                                        
                                                                                                                                

2025-05-14                     Senate Journal                      Page 1279
The question being: "Shall SENATE CONCURRENT RESOLUTION                                                                         
NO. 7 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, pass the Senate?"                                                             
The roll was taken with the following result:                                                                                   
                                                                                                                                
SCR 7                                                                                                                           
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 CONCURRENT RESOLUTION NO. 7 passed the                                                                           
Senate and was referred to the Secretary for engrossment.                                                                       
                                                                                                                                
                                    Recess                                                                                   
                                                                                                                                
Senator Giessel moved and asked unanimous consent the Senate stand                                                              
in recess to the Joint Session. Without objection, the Senate recessed                                                          
at 11:02 a.m.                                                                                                                   
                                                                                                                                
                                 After Recess                                                                                
                                                                                                                                
                          Joint Session in the House                                                                         
                                                                                                                                
The consideration of the Legislative nominee for Ombudsman and the                                                              
Governor's appointments in Joint Session will be published in Senate                                                            
and House Joint Journal Supplement No. 9.                                                                                       
                                                                                                                                
                                                                                                                                
                                 After Recess                                                                                
                                                                                                                                
                                In the Senate                                                                                
                                                                                                                                
The Senate reconvened at 1:53 p.m.                                                                                              
                                                                                                                                
                                                                                                                                

2025-05-14                     Senate Journal                      Page 1280
                  Consideration of the Calendar (continued)                                                                  
                                                                                                                                
                                  Citations                                                                                  
                                                                                                                                
Honoring - Alaska Afterschool Network                                                                                           
Representative(s) Eischeid, Mears                                                                                               
Senator(s) Wielechowski                                                                                                         
                                                                                                                                
In Memoriam - Terry Marquette                                                                                                   
Senator(s) Kawasaki, Cronk                                                                                                      
Representative(s) Prax                                                                                                          
                                                                                                                                
In Memoriam - Armin Otto Schmidt                                                                                                
Senator(s) Bjorkman                                                                                                             
Representative(s) Kopp                                                                                                          
                                                                                                                                
In Memoriam - Andrew Julian Aquino                                                                                              
Representative(s) Carrick, Stapp                                                                                                
Senator(s) Kawasaki                                                                                                             
                                                                                                                                
In Memoriam - Jenice Taylor Cox                                                                                                 
Representative(s) Edgmon                                                                                                        
Senator(s) Hoffman                                                                                                              
                                                                                                                                
Senator Giessel moved and asked unanimous consent the citations be                                                              
adopted. Without objection, the citations were adopted and referred to                                                          
the Secretary for transmittal.                                                                                                  
                                                                                                                                
                                                                                                                                
                             Unfinished Business                                                                             
                                                                                                                                
HB 36                                                                                                                         
President Stevens added a Judiciary Committee referral to HOUSE                                                                 
BILL NO. 36 "An Act relating to the placement of foster children in                                                             
psychiatric hospitals; relating to the care of children in state custody                                                        
placed in residential facilities outside the state; and amending Rule                                                           
12.1(b), Alaska Child in Need of Aid Rules of Procedure."                                                                       
                                                                                                                                
The bill was referred to the Judiciary, then Finance Committees.                                                                
                                                                                                                                

2025-05-14                     Senate Journal                      Page 1281
SB 9                                                                                                                          
Senator Gray-Jackson moved and asked unanimous consent to be                                                                    
shown as a cosponsor on SENATE BILL NO. 9 "An Act relating to                                                                   
the surrender of infants; and providing for an effective date." Without                                                         
objection, it was so ordered.                                                                                                   
                                                                                                                                
                                                                                                                                
                                Announcements                                                                                
                                                                                                                                
Rule 23(d) of the Alaska State Legislature Uniform Rules is currently                                                           
in effect.                                                                                                                      
                                                                                                                                
Announcements are at the end of the journal.                                                                                    
                                                                                                                                
                                                                                                                                
                                 Engrossment                                                                                 
                                                                                                                                
SB 6                                                                                                                          
CS FOR SENATE BILL NO. 6(EDC) "An Act requiring education in                                                                    
the history and contributions of Asian Americans and Pacific                                                                    
Islanders" was engrossed, signed by the President and Secretary and                                                             
transmitted to the House for consideration.                                                                                     
                                                                                                                                
HB 75                                                                                                                         
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" was engrossed, signed                                                            
by the President and Secretary and returned to the House for                                                                    
consideration with a Senate Letter of Intent.                                                                                   
                                                                                                                                
SCR 7                                                                                                                         
SENATE CONCURRENT RESOLUTION NO. 7 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                                                                 

2025-05-14                     Senate Journal                      Page 1282
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 engrossed,                                                                
signed by the President and Secretary and transmitted to the House for                                                          
consideration.                                                                                                                  
                                                                                                                                
                                                                                                                                
                                 Adjournment                                                                                 
                                                                                                                                
Senator Giessel moved and asked unanimous consent the Senate stand                                                              
in adjournment until 10:30 a.m., May 16, 2025. Without objection, the                                                           
Senate adjourned at 1:59 p.m.                                                                                                   
                                                                                                                                
                                                                    Liz Clark                                                   
                                                     Secretary of the Senate                                                    
                                                                                                                                
                                                                                                                                

2025-05-14                     Senate Journal                      Page 1283
                                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 15        Thursday                    Beltz 105 (tsbldg)          1:30 PM                                                 
+= HB  58 OPA: PUBLIC ADVOCATE APPOINTMENT                                                                                      
              -- Testimony <Invitation Only> --                                                                                 
+= SB 185 INSURANCE; REBATES; ADVERTISING                                                                                       
              -- Invited & Public Testimony --                                                                                  
              <Bill Hearing Rescheduled>                                                                                        
              <Bill Hearing Canceled>                                                                                           
+ HB  26 STATEWIDE PUBLIC & COMMUNITY TRANSIT PLAN                                                                              
              -- Invited & Public Testimony --                                                                                  
+ SB 143 MUNICIPAL SCHOOL BOARD TERMS                                                                                           
              -- Invited & Public Testimony --                                                                                  
+ SB 192 EVACUATION DESIGNATION LEVELS                                                                                          
              -- Invited & Public Testimony --                                                                                  
              Bills Previously Heard/Scheduled:                                                                                 
              **Streamed live on AKL.tv**                                                                                       
                   ----------------------------------------                                                                    
                                                                                                                                
                                  EDUCATION                                                                                  
                                                                                                                                
May 14        Wednesday                   Beltz 105 (tsbldg)          3:30 PM                                                 
+             Presentation: Update on a proposed regulatory                                                                     
              change for local contributions to public education                                                                
              Lori Weed, School Finance Manager, DEED                                                                           
              Karen Morrison, Deputy Commissioner, DEED                                                                         
              Heather Heineken, Director of the Division of                                                                     
              Finance and Support Services, DEED                                                                                
(Continued on Next Page)                                                                                                      

2025-05-14                     Senate Journal                      Page 1284
                            EDUCATION (continued)                                                                            
                                                                                                                                
              Presentation: Local Contributions for Public Education                                                            
              Frank Hauser, Superintendent, Juneau School District                                                              
+ HJR 25 INTERNATIONAL TEACHER VISAS                                                                                            
              -- Invited & Public Testimony --                                                                                  
  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**                                                                                                   
                   ----------------------------------------                                                                    
                                                                                                                                
                                   FINANCE                                                                                   
                                                                                                                                
May 14        Wednesday                 Senate Finance 532            9:00 AM                                                 
+= HB  16 CAMPAIGN FINANCE;CONTRIBUTION LIMITS;APOC                                                                             
+= SB 132 OMNIBUS INSURANCE BILL                                                                                                
+ HB  31 VESSELS: REGISTRATION/DERELICT FUND                                                                                    
              -- Invited & Public Testimony --                                                                                  
+= SB 156 AK COMMERCIAL FISHING & AG BANK; LOANS                                                                                
  Bills Previously Heard/Scheduled                                                                                              
  **Streamed live on AKL.tv**                                                                                                   
                                                                                                                                
May 14        Wednesday                 Senate Finance 532            1:30 PM                                                 
              -- MEETING CANCELED --                                                                                            
  -- Please Note Time Change --                                                                                                 
  Bills Previously Heard/Scheduled                                                                                              
  **Streamed live on AKL.tv**                                                                                                   
                                                                                                                                
May 15        Thursday                  Senate Finance 532            9:00 AM                                                 
              -- MEETING CANCELED --                                                                                            
+  Bills Previously Heard/Scheduled                                                                                             
  **Streamed live on AKL.tv**                                                                                                   
                                                                                                                                
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**                                                                                                   
                                                                                                                                

2025-05-14                     Senate Journal                      Page 1285
                             FINANCE (continued)                                                                             
                                                                                                                                
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 15        Thursday                        Butrovich 205           3:30 PM                                                 
+= HB  70 EMERGENCY MED SVCS; OPERATIONAL CANINES                                                                               
              Bills Previously Heard/Scheduled                                                                                  
                   ----------------------------------------                                                                    
                                                                                                                                
                                  JUDICIARY                                                                                  
                                                                                                                                
May 14        Wednesday                       Butrovich 205           1:30 PM                                                 
+ SB 190 UNIFORM ACT: GUARDIANSHIP/CONSERVATORSHIP                                                                              
              -- Testimony <Invitation Only> --                                                                                 
+= HB  35 PRISONERS: ELECTRONIC DEVICE ACCESS/USE                                                                               
+ HB  36 FOSTER CHILDREN PSYCHIATRIC TREATMENT                                                                                  
              -- Invited & Public Testimony --                                                                                  
              Bills Previously Heard/Scheduled                                                                                  
                                                                                                                                
May 15        Thursday                        Butrovich 205           5:15 PM                                                 
              -- Please Note Time Change --                                                                                     
+= HB  36 FOSTER CHILDREN PSYCHIATRIC TREATMENT                                                                                 
              Bills Previously Heard/Scheduled                                                                                  
                                                                                                                                
May 16        Friday                          Butrovich 205           1:30 PM                                                 
+             Bills Previously Heard/Scheduled                                                                                  
                                                                                                                                
                                                                                                                                

2025-05-14                     Senate Journal                      Page 1286
                               LABOR & COMMERCE                                                                              
                                                                                                                                
May 14        Wednesday                   Beltz 105 (tsbldg)          1:30 PM                                                 
+= SB 159 TRAINING & EMPLOYMENT PROG: CONTRIBUTIONS                                                                             
+ HB 121 ACCOUNTING; PRACTICE PRIVILEGE                                                                                         
              -- Testimony <Invitation Only> --                                                                                 
+ 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                                                                                     
              <Bill Hearing Canceled>                                                                                           
              -- 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**                                                                                       
                   ----------------------------------------                                                                    
                                                                                                                                
                                  RESOURCES                                                                                  
                                                                                                                                
May 14        Wednesday                       Butrovich 205           3:30 PM                                                 
+             Presentation: Railbelt Reliability Council,                                                                       
              SB 123, HB 307, And Where We Go From Here                                                                         
              Dr. Gwen Holdmann - Alaska Center for Energy                                                                      
              and Power                                                                                                         
              Dr. Steve Colt - Alaska Center for Energy and Power                                                               
              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**                                                                                       
                                                                                                                                
                                                                                                                                

2025-05-14                     Senate Journal                      Page 1287
                                STATE AFFAIRS                                                                                
                                                                                                                                
May 15        Thursday                    Beltz 105 (tsbldg)          3:30 PM                                                 
+= SB 160 MEMBERS LEG COUNCIL; LEG BUDGET & AUDIT                                                                               
              -- Public Testimony <Time Limit May Be Set> --                                                                    
+= SB 107 ALASKA SUNSET COMMISSION                                                                                              
              -- Public Testimony <Time Limit May Be Set> --                                                                    
+ SR   3 SAMOAN SERVICE & VOTING RIGHTS                                                                                         
              -- Invited & Public Testimony --                                                                                  
+ HB  17 DISABLED VETERANS: RETIREMENT BENEFITS                                                                                 
              -- Invited & Public Testimony --                                                                                  
+ HJR 13 AFGHANS, SP. IMMIGRANT VISAS, ASSISTANCE                                                                               
              -- Invited & Public Testimony --                                                                                  
+ HCR  6 US MARINE CORPS 250TH BIRTHDAY                                                                                         
              -- Invited & Public Testimony --                                                                                  
              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**                                                                                       
                   ----------------------------------------                                                                    
                                                                                                                                
                                TRANSPORTATION                                                                               
                                                                                                                                
May 15        Thursday                        Butrovich 205           1:30 PM                                                 
+ SB 191 TRANSFER OF RAILROAD LAND TO WHITTIER                                                                                  
              -- Testimony <Invitation Only> --                                                                                 
+ HJR 14 PORT MACKENZIE & NORTHERN RAIL EXTENSIONS                                                                              
              -- Invited & Public Testimony --                                                                                  
              **Streamed live on AKL.tv**                                                                                       
                   ----------------------------------------                                                                    
                                                                                                                                
                              SPECIAL COMMITTEES                                                                             
                                                                                                                                
                     SPECIAL COMMITTEE ON ARCTIC AFFAIRS                                                                     
                                                                                                                                
May 15        Thursday                    Beltz 105 (tsbldg)          1:30 PM                                                 
              No Meeting Scheduled                                                                                              
                                                                                                                                
                                                                                                                                

2025-05-14                     Senate Journal                      Page 1288
                               JOINT COMMITTEES                                                                              
                                                                                                                                
                        JOINT ARMED SERVICES COMMITTEE                                                                       
                                                                                                                                
May 15        Thursday                       Gruenberg 120            8:00 AM                                                 
              -Alaska Military Status Update                                                                                    
              Colonel (Ret) Craig Christenson, Deputy                                                                           
              Commissioner, Military and Veterans Affairs                                                                       
              -Delegation Update on Federal Military Priorities                                                                 
              Offices of Senator Murkowski, Senator Sullivan,                                                                   
              and Representative Begich and Staff Update on                                                                     
              Alaska Military Priorities and Initiatives                                                                        
              -Decoration of Honor Update                                                                                       
              -Joint Armed Services Committee Statute                                                                           
              Restructuring Project                                                                                             
                   ----------------------------------------                                                                    
                                                                                                                                
                          LEGISLATIVE BUDGET & AUDIT                                                                         
                                                                                                                                
May 17        Saturday                  Senate Finance 532            9:00 AM                                                 
+             I. Call to Order                                                                                                  
              II. Approval of the Agenda                                                                                        
              III. Approval of the Minutes                                                                                      
              a. April 9, 2025                                                                                                  
              b. April 23, 2025                                                                                                 
              IV. Executive Session                                                                                             
              a. Preliminary Release of the FY 24 State of                                                                      
              Alaska Single Audit                                                                                               
              V. Adjourn                                                                                                        
              **Streamed live on AKL.tv**                                                                                       
                                                                                                                                
                                                                                                                                
                                                                                                                                
                                                                                                                                
                                                                                                                                
                                                                                                                                

2025-05-14                     Senate Journal                      Page 1289
                            CONFERENCE COMMITTEES                                                                            
                                                                                                                                
                    CONFERENCE COMMITTEE ON HB53 AND HB55                                                                    
                                                                                                                                
May 14        Wednesday                 Senate Finance 532            4:00 PM                                                 
+= HB  53 APPROP: OPERATING BUDGET; CAP; SUPP                                                                                   
+= HB  55 APPROP: MENTAL HEALTH BUDGET                                                                                          
              FY26 Operating Budget:                                                                                            
              Executive Branch-Wide Appropriations                                                                              
              Debt Service Items                                                                                                
              Fund Capitalizations                                                                                              
              Fund Transfers                                                                                                    
              Language and Other Appropriations                                                                                 
              FY25 Supplemental Operating Items incorporated in                                                                 
              HB 53 and HB 55                                                                                                   
                   ----------------------------------------                                                                    
                                                                                                                                
                                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