Legislature(2025 - 2026)
2025-05-16 Senate Journal
Full Journal pdf2025-05-16 Senate Journal Page 1293 SENATE JOURNAL ALASKA STATE LEGISLATURE THIRTY-FOURTH LEGISLATURE FIRST SESSION Juneau, Alaska Friday May 16, 2025 One Hundred Sixteenth Day Pursuant to adjournment the Senate was called to order by President Stevens at 10:33 a.m. The roll showed twenty members present. The prayer was offered by the Chaplain, Pastor Dani Cherian, Valley Church. Senator Hoffman moved and asked unanimous consent the prayer be spread. Without objection, it was so ordered. Dear Lord Jesus, Thank you for this new day and for calling each Senator and their staff here, to accomplish your will today. I ask that you refresh and bless them and give them energy as they make decisions for Alaska. Lord, Give them wisdom, discernment, and guidance so that success will come from their effort. Your holy bible says, “Where there is no guidance the people fall, but in abundance of counselors there is victory.” (Prov 11:14) If wisdom is needed, you say to ask you and you will give it to those who ask. As decisions that need to be made pass through their hands, I pray that you would give them wise counsel to make just decisions for our state. In Jesus' Name, Amen. 2025-05-16 Senate Journal Page 1294 Senator Wielechowski led the Senate in the Pledge of Allegiance. Certification Senator Giessel moved and asked unanimous consent the journals for the one hundred fourteenth and one hundred fifteenth legislative days and Senate and House Joint Journal Supplement No. 9 be approved as certified by the Secretary. Without objection, it was so ordered. Messages from the House HJR 5 Message dated May 14 was read stating the House concurred in the Senate amendment(s) to HOUSE JOINT RESOLUTION NO. 5, thus adopting: HOUSE JOINT RESOLUTION NO. 5 am S Urging the United States Congress and the President of the United States to reinstate the Secure Rural Schools and Community Self-Determination Act of 2000 and make the funding mechanism in the Act permanent. HB 53 Message dated May 14 was read stating the Speaker granted limited powers of free conference to the House conferees 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." 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." 2025-05-16 Senate Journal Page 1295 on the following specific points: the appropriations and language that are not identical in the House and Senate versions of HB 53 and, in accordance with past practice and usage, authorizes the addition of 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 HB 55 Message dated May 14 was read stating the Speaker granted limited powers of free conference to the House conferees 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." and SENATE CS FOR CS FOR HOUSE BILL NO. 55(FIN) am S "An Act making appropriations for the operating and capital expenses of the state's integrated comprehensive mental health program; and providing for an effective date." on the following specific points: the appropriations and language that are not identical in the House and Senate versions of HB 55 and, in accordance with past practice and usage, authorizes the addition of 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 Message dated May 14 was read stating the House passed and transmitted for consideration: 2025-05-16 Senate Journal Page 1296 First Reading and Reference of House Bills HB 14 HOUSE BILL NO. 14 BY REPRESENTATIVES STAPP, Johnson, Schrage, entitled: "An Act repealing programs for catastrophic illness assistance and medical assistance for chronic and acute medical conditions." was read the first time and referred to the Health and Social Services and Finance Committees. HB 73 CS FOR HOUSE BILL NO. 73(FIN) BY THE HOUSE FINANCE COMMITTEE, entitled: "An Act relating to complex care residential homes; and providing for an effective date." was read the first time and referred to the Finance Committee. Concur Messages SB 57 Concur message dated May 13 on 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" which had been read (page 1271), was before the Senate. Senator Giessel moved the Senate concur in the House amendment(s). The question being: "Shall the Senate concur in the House amendment(s)?" The roll was taken with the following result: HCS CSSB 57(FIN) am H(efd fld H) Shall the Senate Concur in the House Amendment(s) to CSSB 57(FIN)? YEAS: 20 NAYS: 0 EXCUSED: 0 ABSENT: 0 2025-05-16 Senate Journal Page 1297 Yeas: Bjorkman, Claman, Cronk, Dunbar, Giessel, Gray-Jackson, Hoffman, Hughes, Kaufman, Kawasaki, Kiehl, Merrick, Myers, Olson, Shower, Stedman, Stevens, Tobin, Wielechowski, Yundt and so, the Senate concurred in the House amendment(s), thus adopting 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." The Secretary was requested to notify the House. The bill was referred to the Secretary for enrollment. Standing Committee Reports SB 132 The Finance Committee considered SENATE BILL NO. 132 "An Act relating to insurance; and providing for an effective date" and recommended it be replaced with CS FOR SENATE BILL NO. 132(FIN) Signing do pass: Senators Olson, Stedman, Hoffman, Cochairs; Senators Kaufman, Cronk, Merrick, Kiehl. The following previously published fiscal information applies: Fiscal Note No. 1, Department of Commerce, Community, and Economic Development The bill is on today's calendar. SB 156 The Finance Committee considered SENATE BILL NO. 156 "An Act relating to the Department of Commerce, Community, and Economic Development; relating to the Alaska Commercial Fishing and Agriculture Bank; relating to certain loans made by the Alaska Commercial Fishing and Agriculture Bank; and providing for an effective date" and recommended it be replaced with 2025-05-16 Senate Journal Page 1298 CS FOR SENATE BILL NO. 156(FIN) "An Act relating to the Department of Commerce, Community, and Economic Development; relating to the Alaska Commercial Fishing and Agriculture Bank; relating to certain loans made by the Alaska Commercial Fishing and Agriculture Bank; relating to certain commercial fishing loans; providing for an effective date by amending the effective date of sec. 4, ch. 25, SLA 2024; and providing for an effective date." Signing do pass: Senators Stedman, Hoffman, Cochairs; Senator Kiehl. Signing no recommendation: Senator Olson, Cochair; Senators Kaufman, Cronk, Merrick. The following fiscal information was published today: Fiscal Note No. 2, Senate Finance Committee The following previously published fiscal information applies: Fiscal Note No. 1, zero, Department of Commerce, Community, and Economic Development The bill is on today's calendar. SB 159 The Labor and Commerce Committee considered SENATE BILL NO. 159 "An Act increasing contributions to the Department of Labor and Workforce Development for the State Training and Employment Program." Signing do pass: Senator Bjorkman, Chair. Signing no recommendation: Senators Dunbar, Merrick, Yundt. The following fiscal information was published today: Fiscal Note No. 1, Department of Labor and Workforce Development Fiscal Note No. 2, Department of Labor and Workforce Development Fiscal Note No. 3, zero, Department of Labor and Workforce Development 2025-05-16 Senate Journal Page 1299 The bill was referred to the Finance Committee. SB 160 The State Affairs Committee considered SENATE BILL NO. 160 "An Act relating to the membership of the legislative council; and relating to the membership of the Legislative Budget and Audit Committee." Signing do pass: Senator Kawasaki, Chair; Senators Gray-Jackson, Yundt. Signing no recommendation: Senator Bjorkman. The following fiscal information was published today: Fiscal Note No. 1, zero, Legislative Agency The bill was referred to the Finance Committee. SB 185 The Community and Regional Affairs Committee considered SENATE BILL NO. 185 "An Act relating to the business of insurance; relating to exceptions to prohibited rebates; relating to the powers of the director of the division of insurance; relating to prohibited practices in the advertisement of insurance; and providing for an effective date." Signing no recommendation: Senator Merrick, Chair; Senator Gray- Jackson. Signing do pass: Senator Yundt. Signing amend: Senator Dunbar. The following fiscal information was published today: Fiscal Note No. 1, zero, Department of Commerce, Community, and Economic Development The bill was referred to the Labor and Commerce Committee. HB 35 The Judiciary Committee considered CS FOR HOUSE BILL NO. 35(STA) "An Act relating to the use and possession of electronic devices by prisoners" and recommended it be replaced with SENATE CS FOR CS FOR HOUSE BILL NO. 35(JUD) "An Act relating to the use and possession of electronic devices by prisoners; and relating to identification cards." (Title Change SCR 8) 2025-05-16 Senate Journal Page 1300 Signing do pass: Senator Claman, Chair; Senators Myers, Kiehl. Signing no recommendation: Senator Tobin. The following previously published fiscal information applies: Fiscal Note No. 1, zero, Department of Corrections The bill was referred to the Rules Committee. HB 36 The Judiciary 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(JUD) "An Act relating to treatment foster homes; relating to the examination and treatment of minors; relating to consent for behavioral and mental health treatment for minors 16 years of age or older; relating to the placement of foster children in hospitals and residential psychiatric treatment centers for psychiatric care; relating to the duties of the Department of Family and Community Services; relating to the care of children in state custody placed in psychiatric residential treatment facilities outside the state; amending Rule 12.1(b), Alaska Child in Need of Aid Rules of Procedure; and providing for an effective date." (Title Change SCR 10) Signing do pass: Senator Claman, Chair; Senators Kiehl, Tobin. Signing amend: Senator Myers. The following previously published fiscal information applies: Fiscal Note No. 2, zero, Alaska Judiciary System Fiscal Note No. 3, zero, Department of Family and Community Services The bill was referred to the Finance Committee. 2025-05-16 Senate Journal Page 1301 HB 58 The Community and Regional Affairs Committee considered HOUSE BILL NO. 58 "An Act relating to the office of public advocacy; and relating to the public advocate." Signing no recommendation: Senator Merrick, Chair; Senator Yundt. Signing do pass: Senators Dunbar, Gray-Jackson. The following previously published fiscal information applies: Fiscal Note No. 1, zero, Department of Administration Fiscal Note No. 2, zero, Alaska Judiciary System The bill was referred to the Judiciary Committee. HB 70 The Health and Social Services Committee considered CS FOR HOUSE BILL NO. 70(L&C) am "An Act relating to emergency medical services for operational canines; relating to the powers, duties, and liability of emergency medical technicians and mobile intensive care paramedics; relating to the practice of veterinary medicine; and providing for an effective date" and recommended it be replaced with SENATE CS FOR CS FOR HOUSE BILL NO. 70(HSS) "An Act relating to emergency medical services for operational canines; relating to the powers, duties, and liability of emergency medical technicians and mobile intensive care paramedics; relating to the practice of veterinary medicine; relating to civil liability of veterinarians; and providing for an effective date." (Title Change SCR 9) Signing do pass: Senator Dunbar, Chair; Senators Claman, Tobin, Giessel. The following previously published fiscal information applies: Fiscal Note No. 1, zero, Department of Health The bill was referred to the Labor and Commerce Committee. 2025-05-16 Senate Journal Page 1302 HB 123 The Finance Committee considered CS FOR HOUSE BILL NO. 123(FIN) "An Act relating to vehicle rental taxes; relating to the issuance of subpoenas related to tax records; and providing for an effective date" and recommended it be replaced with SENATE CS FOR CS FOR HOUSE BILL NO. 123(FIN) Signing do pass: Senators Olson, Stedman, Hoffman, Cochairs; Senators Kaufman, Cronk, Merrick, Kiehl. The following previously published fiscal information applies: Fiscal Note No. 1, indeterminate, Department of Revenue The bill was referred to the Rules Committee. HJR 14 The Transportation Committee considered HOUSE JOINT RESOLUTION NO. 14 Supporting the completion of the Port MacKenzie Rail Extension and the Northern Rail Extension; supporting the increase in defensive capabilities at Fort Greely, Alaska; encouraging a renewed commitment by the Alaska Railroad to a community-minded approach to future rail expansion; and encouraging the development of critical Arctic infrastructure. Signing no recommendation: Senator Tobin, Vice Chair; Senator Kiehl. Signing do pass: Senators Stedman, Shower. The following previously published fiscal information applies: Fiscal Note No. 1, zero, House Transportation Committee The resolution was referred to the Rules Committee. HJR 25 The Education Committee considered HOUSE JOINT RESOLUTION NO. 25 am Supporting and encouraging the continued recruitment and retention of international educators on J-1 and H-1B visas in the state. Signing do pass: Senator Tobin, Chair; Senators Cronk, Stevens, Kiehl. 2025-05-16 Senate Journal Page 1303 The following previously published fiscal information applies: Fiscal Note No. 1, zero, Legislative Agency The resolution was referred to the Rules Committee. Introduction and Reference of Senate Resolutions SCR 8 SENATE CONCURRENT RESOLUTION NO. 8 BY THE SENATE JUDICIARY COMMITTEE, Suspending Rules 24(c), 35, 41(b), and 42(e), Uniform Rules of the Alaska State Legislature, concerning House Bill No. 35, relating to the use and possession of electronic devices by prisoners. was read the first time and held on the Secretary's desk. Introduction and Reference of Senate Bills SB 195 SENATE BILL NO. 195 BY THE SENATE STATE AFFAIRS COMMITTEE BY REQUEST, entitled: "An Act relating to slow onset disasters; and relating to the Alaska Disaster Act." was read the first time and referred to the State Affairs and Finance Committees. Consideration of the Calendar Second Reading of Senate Bills SB 132 SENATE BILL NO. 132 "An Act relating to insurance; and providing for an effective date" was read the second time. 2025-05-16 Senate Journal Page 1304 Senator Hoffman, Cochair, moved and asked unanimous consent for the adoption of the Finance Committee Substitute offered today. Without objection, CS FOR SENATE BILL NO. 132(FIN) was adopted. President Stevens stated CS FOR SENATE BILL NO. 132(FIN) will advance to third reading on the May 17 calendar. SB 156 SENATE BILL NO. 156 "An Act relating to the Department of Commerce, Community, and Economic Development; relating to the Alaska Commercial Fishing and Agriculture Bank; relating to certain loans made by the Alaska Commercial Fishing and Agriculture Bank; and providing for an effective date" was read the second time. Senator Hoffman, Cochair, moved and asked unanimous consent for the adoption of the Finance Committee Substitute offered today. Without objection, CS FOR SENATE BILL NO. 156(FIN) "An Act relating to the Department of Commerce, Community, and Economic Development; relating to the Alaska Commercial Fishing and Agriculture Bank; relating to certain loans made by the Alaska Commercial Fishing and Agriculture Bank; relating to certain commercial fishing loans; providing for an effective date by amending the effective date of sec. 4, ch. 25, SLA 2024; and providing for an effective date" was adopted. President Stevens stated CS FOR SENATE BILL NO. 156(FIN) will advance to third reading on the May 17 calendar. Third 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 third time. 2025-05-16 Senate Journal Page 1305 The question being: "Shall 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" pass the Senate?" The roll was taken with the following result: HB 116 Third Reading - Final Passage YEAS: 20 NAYS: 0 EXCUSED: 0 ABSENT: 0 Yeas: Bjorkman, Claman, Cronk, Dunbar, Giessel, Gray-Jackson, Hoffman, Hughes, Kaufman, Kawasaki, Kiehl, Merrick, Myers, Olson, Shower, Stedman, Stevens, Tobin, Wielechowski, Yundt and so, SENATE CS FOR HOUSE BILL NO. 116 passed the Senate, was signed by the President and Secretary and returned to the House. Citations Honoring - Marci Ward Representative(s) Tomaszewski, Stapp Senator(s) Cronk In Memoriam - Roy Velasco Senator(s) Dunbar, Stevens Representative(s) Stutes In Memoriam - Dan Seavey Senator(s) Bjorkman Representative(s) Elam In Memoriam - William “Bill” Ray Heard Representative(s) Story, Hannan Senator(s) Kiehl Senator Giessel moved and asked unanimous consent the citations be adopted. Without objection, the citations were adopted and referred to the Secretary for transmittal. 2025-05-16 Senate Journal Page 1306 Unfinished Business SB 154 Senators Dunbar, Bjorkman moved and asked unanimous consent to be shown as cosponsors on SPONSOR SUBSTITUTE FOR SENATE BILL NO. 154 "An Act establishing the Home Care Employment Standards Advisory Board; relating to payment for personal care services; 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. Enrollment SB 47 CS FOR SENATE BILL NO. 47(RES) "An Act relating to Chugach State Park; and providing for an effective date" was enrolled, signed by the President and Secretary, Speaker and Chief Clerk and the engrossed and enrolled copies transmitted to the Office of the Governor at 3:50 p.m., May 15, 2025. Memorandum from Division of Legal and Research Services, Legislative Affairs Agency, was received, reporting the following manifest error in CS FOR SENATE BILL NO. 47(RES) which has been corrected in enrolling: Page 1, line 7: Delete "is" Insert "are [IS]" 2025-05-16 Senate Journal Page 1307 Adjournment Senator Giessel moved and asked unanimous consent the Senate stand in adjournment until 11:00 a.m., May 17, 2025. Without objection, the Senate adjourned at 11:09 a.m. Liz Clark Secretary of the Senate 2025-05-16 Senate Journal Page 1308 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 EDUCATION May 16 Friday Beltz 105 (tsbldg) 3:30 PM -- MEETING CANCELED -- + Bills Previously Heard/Scheduled **Streamed live on AKL.tv** May 19 Monday Beltz 105 (tsbldg) 3:30 PM + Bills Previously Heard/Scheduled **Streamed live on AKL.tv** May 21 Wednesday Beltz 105 (tsbldg) 3:30 PM + Bills Previously Heard/Scheduled **Streamed live on AKL.tv** May 23 Friday Beltz 105 (tsbldg) 3:30 PM No Meeting Scheduled ---------------------------------------- FINANCE May 16 Friday Senate Finance 532 9:00 AM + HB 123 TAXATION: VEHICLE RENTALS, SUBPOENAS -- Testimony <Invitation Only> -- Bills Previously Heard/Scheduled **Streamed live on AKL.tv** 2025-05-16 Senate Journal Page 1309 FINANCE (continued) May 16 Friday Senate Finance 532 1:30 PM -- MEETING CANCELED -- -- 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** ---------------------------------------- JUDICIARY May 16 Friday Butrovich 205 1:30 PM HB 58 OPA: PUBLIC ADVOCATE APPOINTMENT -- Invited & Public Testimony -- + Bills Previously Heard/Scheduled: += SB 190 UNIFORM ACT: GUARDIANSHIP/CONSERVATORSHIP -- Testimony <Invitation Only> -- May 19 Monday Butrovich 205 1:30 PM + Bills Previously Heard/Scheduled May 21 Wednesday Butrovich 205 1:30 PM + Bills Previously Heard/Scheduled May 23 Friday Butrovich 205 1:30 PM No Meeting Scheduled ---------------------------------------- 2025-05-16 Senate Journal Page 1310 LABOR & COMMERCE May 16 Friday Beltz 105 (tsbldg) 1:30 PM += HB 121 ACCOUNTING; PRACTICE PRIVILEGE -- Public Testimony <Time Limit May Be Set> -- += SB 154 HOME CARE EMPLOYMENT STANDARDS ADV BOARD -- Public Testimony <Time Limit May Be Set> -- Bills Previously Heard/Scheduled: += SB 62 BOARD OF PAROLE: MEMBERSHIP, REPORT -- Public Testimony <Time Limit May Be Set> -- += SB 89 PHYSICIAN ASSISTANT SCOPE OF PRACTICE <Bill Hearing Canceled> **Streamed live on AKL.tv** ---------------------------------------- RESOURCES 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** May 19 Monday Butrovich 205 3:30 PM + Bills Previously Heard/Scheduled **Streamed live on AKL.tv** May 21 Wednesday Butrovich 205 3:30 PM + Bills Previously Heard/Scheduled **Streamed live on AKL.tv** ---------------------------------------- STATE AFFAIRS May 17 Saturday Beltz 105 (tsbldg) 10:00 AM + Bills Previously Heard/Scheduled **Streamed live on AKL.tv** ---------------------------------------- 2025-05-16 Senate Journal Page 1311 JOINT COMMITTEES 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** ---------------------------------------- CONFERENCE COMMITTEES CONFERENCE COMMITTEE ON HB53 AND HB55 May 16 Friday Senate Finance 532 4:00 PM += HB 53 APPROP: OPERATING BUDGET; CAP; SUPP += HB 55 APPROP: MENTAL HEALTH BUDGET FY26 Operating Budget: Department of Administration Department of Commerce, Community and Economic Development Department of Corrections Department of Education and Early Development Department of Environmental Conservation Department of Family and Community Services Office of the Governor Department of Labor and Workforce Development Department of Law Department of Military and Veterans Affairs Department of Natural Resources Department of Public Safety Department of Transportation and Public Facilities Judiciary University of Alaska Legislature