Legislature(2025 - 2026)
2025-05-17 Senate Journal
Full Journal pdf2025-05-17 Senate Journal Page 1313 SENATE JOURNAL ALASKA STATE LEGISLATURE THIRTY-FOURTH LEGISLATURE FIRST SESSION Juneau, Alaska Saturday May 17, 2025 One Hundred Seventeenth Day Pursuant to adjournment the Senate was called to order by President Stevens at 11:03 a.m. The roll showed nineteen members present. Senator Yundt was absent. The prayer was offered by the Chaplain, Pastor Greg White, First Baptist Church Juneau. Senator Hoffman moved and asked unanimous consent the prayer be spread. Without objection, it was so ordered. Heavenly Father, I come to you in Jesus' name. Lord, I ask you to bless this session of the Alaska Senate, particularly this day. Please order the thoughts of our Senators. Bless the actions taken by our elected leadership. I ask your anointing touch on this great State of Alaska. Thank you for Senators willing to bear the burden of elected leadership. I ask you Lord to lighten their burden by placing your guiding hand upon each of them. Please grace them with your presence and divine leading as they seek to honor you and all Alaskans. In the precious name of Jesus I pray, Amen. Senator Bjorkman led the Senate in the Pledge of Allegiance. Certification Senator Giessel moved and asked unanimous consent the journal for the one hundred sixteenth legislative day be approved as certified by the Secretary. Without objection, it was so ordered. 2025-05-17 Senate Journal Page 1314 Senator Shower moved and asked unanimous consent Senator Yundt be excused from a call of the Senate today through the evening of May 18. Without objection, Senator Yundt was excused. Messages from the House SB 50 Message dated May 16 was read stating the House passed and returned: CS FOR SENATE BILL NO. 50(L&C) "An Act relating to the comprehensive plans of first and second class boroughs." The bill was referred to the Secretary for enrollment. SB 80 Message dated May 16 was read stating the House passed and returned: CS FOR SENATE BILL NO. 80(FIN) "An Act extending the termination date of the Big Game Commercial Services Board; extending the termination date of the Board of Massage Therapists; extending the termination date of the Alaska Commission on Aging; extending the termination date of the Marijuana Control Board; and providing for an effective date." The bill was referred to the Secretary for enrollment. SB 96 Message dated May 16 was read stating the House passed and returned: SENATE BILL NO. 96 "An Act relating to education tax credits for certain payments and contributions for child care and child care facilities; relating to the insurance tax education credit, the income tax education credit, the oil or gas producer education 2025-05-17 Senate Journal Page 1315 credit, the property tax education credit, the mining business education credit, the fisheries business education credit, and the fisheries resource landing tax education credit; providing for an effective date by amending the effective date of secs. 1, 2, and 21, ch. 61, SLA 2014; and providing for an effective date." The bill was referred to the Secretary for enrollment. SB 97 Message dated May 16 was read stating the House passed and returned: SENATE BILL NO. 97 "An Act establishing a big game guide concession area permit program on land in the state; relating to the duties of the Big Game Commercial Services Board, the Board of Game, the Department of Fish and Game, and the Department of Natural Resources; requiring the Board of Game to establish an initial big game guide concession area; and providing for an effective date." The bill was referred to the Secretary for enrollment. SCR 7 Message dated May 16 was read stating the House passed and returned: 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. The resolution was referred to the Secretary for enrollment. 2025-05-17 Senate Journal Page 1316 HB 75 Message dated May 16 was read stating the House concurred in the Senate amendment(s) to CS FOR HOUSE BILL NO. 75(STA) "An Act relating to national criminal history record checks for certain employees of the Department of Revenue; relating to allowable absences for eligibility for a permanent fund dividend; relating to the confidentiality of certain information provided on a permanent fund dividend application; relating to electronic notice of debt collection executed on a permanent fund dividend; and providing for an effective date", thus adopting: SENATE CS FOR CS FOR HOUSE BILL NO. 75(STA) "An Act relating to national criminal history record checks for certain employees of the Department of Revenue; relating to allowable absences for eligibility for a permanent fund dividend; relating to electronic notice of debt collection executed on a permanent fund dividend; and providing for an effective date." (Title Change SCR 7) A Legislative Letter of Intent was attached. Message dated May 16 was read stating the House passed and transmitted for consideration: First Reading and Reference of House Bills HB 23 CS FOR HOUSE BILL NO. 23(L&C) BY THE HOUSE LABOR AND COMMERCE COMMITTEE, entitled: "An Act renaming the State Commission for Human Rights the Alaska State Commission for Civil Rights; relating to removal of commissioners of the Alaska State Commission for Civil Rights; relating to reports from the Alaska State Commission for Civil Rights; relating to the definition of 'employer' for the purposes of the Alaska State Commission for Civil Rights; and relating to local civil rights commissions." was read the first time and referred to the Finance Committee. 2025-05-17 Senate Journal Page 1317 HB 62 HOUSE BILL NO. 62 BY THE HOUSE RULES COMMITTEE BY REQUEST OF THE GOVERNOR, entitled: "An Act relating to sexual assault examination kits; establishing the sexual assault examination kit tracking system; and providing for an effective date." was read the first time and referred to the Finance Committee. Standing Committee Reports SB 107 The State Affairs Committee considered SENATE BILL NO. 107 "An Act establishing a violation for hindering the Alaska Sunset Commission; establishing the Alaska Sunset Commission to review, audit, and make recommendations on discontinuation of or changes to state entities; and relating to the powers and duties of the Alaska Sunset Commission" and recommended it be replaced with CS FOR SENATE BILL NO. 107(STA) "An Act establishing a violation for hindering the Alaska Sunset Commission; establishing the Alaska Sunset Commission to review, audit, and make recommendations on discontinuation of or changes to state entities and to review and make recommendations on discontinuation of or changes to tax credits; and relating to the powers and duties of the Alaska Sunset Commission." Signing amend: Senator Kawasaki, Chair. Signing do pass: Senator Bjorkman. Signing no recommendation: Senators Wielechowski, Gray-Jackson. The following fiscal information was published today: Fiscal Note No. 1, Office of the Governor The bill was referred to the Finance Committee. 2025-05-17 Senate Journal Page 1318 SB 154 The Labor and Commerce Committee considered 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." Signing no recommendation: Senator Bjorkman, Chair; Senator Merrick. Signing do pass: Senators Dunbar, Gray-Jackson. The following fiscal information was published today: Fiscal Note No. 1, Department of Health The bill was referred to the Finance Committee. HB 17 The State Affairs Committee considered HOUSE BILL NO. 17 "An Act relating to retirement benefits and military service." Signing amend: Senator Kawasaki, Chair; Senator Bjorkman. Signing no recommendation: Senators Wielechowski, Gray-Jackson. The following previously published fiscal information applies: Fiscal Note No. 1, indeterminate, Department of Administration The bill was referred to the Finance Committee. HB 58 The Judiciary Committee considered HOUSE BILL NO. 58 "An Act relating to the office of public advocacy; and relating to the public advocate." Signing do pass: Senator Claman, Chair. Signing no recommendation: Senators Myers, Kiehl, Stevens, Tobin. 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 Rules Committee. 2025-05-17 Senate Journal Page 1319 HB 121 The Labor and Commerce Committee considered HOUSE BILL NO. 121 "An Act relating to the practice of accounting; and providing for an effective date" and recommended the adoption of the State Affairs Committee Substitute offered on page 1189. Signing no recommendation: Senator Bjorkman, Chair; Senators Dunbar, Merrick, Gray-Jackson. The following fiscal information was published today: Fiscal Note No. 2, zero, Department of Commerce, Community, and Economic Development The bill is on today's calendar. HJR 13 The State Affairs Committee considered CS FOR HOUSE JOINT RESOLUTION NO. 13(MLV) Urging the President of the United States to expand evacuation efforts for applicants with approved Special Immigrant Visas, including resumption of evacuation flights organized by the Coordinator for Afghan Relocation Efforts; urging the United States Department of State to secure legal protections and humanitarian assistance for Special Immigrant Visa applicants; urging the United States Citizenship and Immigration Services in the United States Department of Homeland Security to expedite the review of applications for Special Immigrant Visas; and requesting that the United States Secretary of State provide a report to Congress regarding efforts to reinstate evacuation flights for applicants with approved Special Immigrant Visas. Signing do pass: Senator Kawasaki, Chair; Senators Gray-Jackson, Bjorkman. Signing no recommendation: Senator Wielechowski. The following previously published fiscal information applies: Fiscal Note No. 1, zero, Legislative Agency The resolution was referred to the Rules Committee. 2025-05-17 Senate Journal Page 1320 HCR 6 The State Affairs Committee considered CS FOR HOUSE CONCURRENT RESOLUTION NO. 6(MLV) Commemorating the 250th birthday of the United States Marine Corps. Signing do pass: Senator Kawasaki, Chair; Senators Wielechowski, Gray-Jackson, Bjorkman. 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 9 SENATE CONCURRENT RESOLUTION NO. 9 BY THE SENATE HEALTH & SOCIAL SERVICES COMMITTEE, Suspending Rules 24(c), 35, 41(b), and 42(e), Uniform Rules of the Alaska State Legislature, concerning House Bill No. 70, relating to emergency medical services for operational canines; relating to the powers, duties, and liability of emergency medical technicians and mobile intensive care paramedics; and relating to the practice of veterinary medicine. was read the first time and held on the Secretary's desk. SCR 10 SENATE CONCURRENT RESOLUTION NO. 10 BY SENATOR CLAMAN, Suspending Rules 24(c), 35, 41(b), and 42(e), Uniform Rules of the Alaska State Legislature, concerning House Bill No. 36, relating to the placement of foster children in psychiatric hospitals; 2025-05-17 Senate Journal Page 1321 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. was read the first time and held on the Secretary's desk. Consideration of the Calendar Second Reading of House Bills HB 121 HOUSE BILL NO. 121 "An Act relating to the practice of accounting; and providing for an effective date" was read the second time. Senator Kawasaki, Chair, moved and asked unanimous consent for the adoption of the State Affairs Senate Committee Substitute offered on page 1189. Without objection, SENATE CS FOR HOUSE BILL NO. 121(STA) "An Act relating to the practice of accounting; relating to private professional conservators; amending Rule 17(e), Alaska Rules of Probate Procedure; and providing for an effective date" was adopted. President Stevens stated SENATE CS FOR HOUSE BILL NO. 121(STA) will advance to third reading on the May 19 calendar. Third Reading of Senate Bills SB 132 CS FOR SENATE BILL NO. 132(FIN) "An Act relating to insurance; and providing for an effective date" was read the third time. The question being: "Shall CS FOR SENATE BILL NO. 132(FIN) "An Act relating to insurance; and providing for an effective date" pass the Senate?" The roll was taken with the following result: CSSB 132(FIN) Third Reading - Final Passage Effective Date(s) 2025-05-17 Senate Journal Page 1322 YEAS: 19 NAYS: 0 EXCUSED: 1 ABSENT: 0 Yeas: Bjorkman, Claman, Cronk, Dunbar, Giessel, Gray-Jackson, Hoffman, Hughes, Kaufman, Kawasaki, Kiehl, Merrick, Myers, Olson, Shower, Stedman, Stevens, Tobin, Wielechowski Excused: Yundt and so, CS FOR SENATE BILL NO. 132(FIN) passed the Senate. Senator Giessel moved and asked unanimous consent the vote on the passage of the bill be considered the vote on the effective date clause(s). Without objection, it was so ordered and the bill was referred to the Secretary for engrossment. SB 156 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 read the third time. The question being: "Shall 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" pass the Senate?" The roll was taken with the following result: CSSB 156(FIN) Third Reading - Final Passage Effective Date(s) 2025-05-17 Senate Journal Page 1323 YEAS: 19 NAYS: 0 EXCUSED: 1 ABSENT: 0 Yeas: Bjorkman, Claman, Cronk, Dunbar, Giessel, Gray-Jackson, Hoffman, Hughes, Kaufman, Kawasaki, Kiehl, Merrick, Myers, Olson, Shower, Stedman, Stevens, Tobin, Wielechowski Excused: Yundt and so, CS FOR SENATE BILL NO. 156(FIN) passed the Senate. Senator Giessel moved and asked unanimous consent the vote on the passage of the bill be considered the vote on the effective date clause(s). Without objection, it was so ordered and the bill was referred to the Secretary for engrossment. Second Reading of House Resolutions HJR 25 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, was read the second time. President Stevens stated HOUSE JOINT RESOLUTION NO. 25 am will advance to third reading on the May 19 calendar. Special Order of Business Senator Giessel moved and asked unanimous consent the following Citation Calendar be made a special order of business. Without objection, it was so ordered. Citation Calendar Honoring - Leeann Thomas Senator(s) Kiehl Representative(s) Hannan, Story Honoring - Stephanie Madsen Senator(s) Kiehl Representative(s) Hannan, Story 2025-05-17 Senate Journal Page 1324 Honoring - Michael Burke Senator(s) Gray-Jackson, Claman Representative(s) Josephson Honoring - Central Council of Tlingit & Haida Indian Tribes of Alaska Emergency Response Team Senator(s) Kiehl Representative(s) Story, Hannan Honoring - Bettye Davis East Anchorage High School Boys Basketball Team 4A State Champions Senator(s) Dunbar, Wielechowski Representative(s) Mina Honoring - Bettye Davis East Anchorage High School 2024 Softball Team Senator(s) Dunbar Representative(s) Mears, Mina Honoring - Jason Kohler Senator(s) Dunbar Representative(s) Mina, Eischeid Honoring - The Anchorage Bucs Senator(s) Dunbar Representative(s) Josephson, Fields Honoring - Reid Kornstad Senator(s) Bjorkman Representative(s) Elam Honoring - Mike Crain Senator(s) Bjorkman Honoring - Sarah Angol Representative(s) McCabe In Memoriam - Jenny Wiagañmiu Irene Miller Senator(s) Tobin, Gray-Jackson, Olson 2025-05-17 Senate Journal Page 1325 In Memoriam - Ruth Ann Jennings Senator(s) Tobin Representative(s) Fields In Memoriam - Helen Howarth Senator(s) Dunbar In Memoriam - Marjorie “Marge” Sappah Senator(s) Wielechowski Representative(s) Eischeid In Memoriam - Samuel “Sam” Hamilton Rabung Representative(s) Stutes, Hannan In Memoriam - Daniel Bunker Representative(s) Vance In Memoriam - Henry “Hank” William Jebe Representative(s) Story, Hannan Senator(s) Kiehl In Memoriam - Mel J. Personett II Representative(s) Story, Hannan Senator(s) Kiehl In Memoriam - Jim Donaghey Representative(s) Story, Hannan Senator(s) Kiehl In Memoriam - John Hagey Representative(s) Carrick In Memoriam - Constance “Connie” Burnett Representative(s) Carrick In Memoriam - Joan Forbes Koponen Representative(s) Carrick In Memoriam - Thomas Robert Healy Representative(s) Johnson Senator(s) Hughes 2025-05-17 Senate Journal Page 1326 In Memoriam - Blaine Hartman Representative(s) Stapp Senator Giessel moved and asked unanimous consent the Citation Calendar be adopted. Without objection, the citations were adopted and referred to the Secretary for transmittal. Unfinished Business HJR 25 Senators Tobin, Giessel, Claman, Cronk, Olson, Dunbar, Stevens moved and asked unanimous consent to be shown as cross sponsors on 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. Without objection, it was so ordered. HCR 6 Senators Kawasaki, Tobin, Shower, Merrick, Bjorkman, Wielechowski, Olson, Kiehl, Gray-Jackson, Hughes, Myers, Kaufman, Claman, Stedman, Cronk, Stevens moved and asked unanimous consent to be shown as cross sponsors on CS FOR HOUSE CONCURRENT RESOLUTION NO. 6(MLV) Commemorating the 250th birthday of the United States Marine Corps. Without objection, it was so ordered. HJR 13 Senator Kawasaki moved and asked unanimous consent to be shown as a cross sponsor on CS FOR HOUSE JOINT RESOLUTION NO. 13(MLV) Urging the President of the United States to expand evacuation efforts for applicants with approved Special Immigrant Visas, including resumption of evacuation flights organized by the Coordinator for Afghan Relocation Efforts; urging the United States Department of State to secure legal protections and humanitarian assistance for Special Immigrant Visa applicants; urging the United States Citizenship and Immigration Services in the United States Department of Homeland Security to expedite the review of applications for Special Immigrant Visas; and requesting that the United States Secretary of State provide a report to Congress regarding efforts to reinstate evacuation flights for applicants with approved Special Immigrant Visas. Without objection, it was so ordered. 2025-05-17 Senate Journal Page 1327 HB 23 Senators Kawasaki, Gray-Jackson, Claman moved and asked unanimous consent to be shown as cross sponsors on CS FOR HOUSE BILL NO. 23(L&C) "An Act renaming the State Commission for Human Rights the Alaska State Commission for Civil Rights; relating to removal of commissioners of the Alaska State Commission for Civil Rights; relating to reports from the Alaska State Commission for Civil Rights; relating to the definition of 'employer' for the purposes of the Alaska State Commission for Civil Rights; and relating to local civil rights commissions." Without objection, it was so ordered. HB 121 Senators Myers, Kawasaki, Claman moved and asked unanimous consent to be shown as cross sponsors on HOUSE BILL NO. 121 "An Act relating to the practice of accounting; 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 132 CS FOR SENATE BILL NO. 132(FIN) "An Act relating to insurance; and providing for an effective date" was engrossed, signed by the President and Secretary and transmitted to the House for consideration. SB 156 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; 2025-05-17 Senate Journal Page 1328 providing for an effective date by amending the effective date of sec. 4, ch. 25, SLA 2024; and providing for an effective date" was engrossed, signed by the President and Secretary and transmitted to the House for consideration. Adjournment Senator Giessel moved and asked unanimous consent the Senate stand in adjournment until 11:00 a.m., May 19, 2025. Without objection, the Senate adjourned at 11:29 a.m. Liz Clark Secretary of the Senate 2025-05-17 Senate Journal Page 1329 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 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 17 Saturday Senate Finance 532 10:00 AM -- MEETING CANCELED -- -- Please Note Time Change -- + Bills Previously Heard/Scheduled **Streamed live on AKL.tv** 2025-05-17 Senate Journal Page 1330 JUDICIARY 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 ---------------------------------------- LABOR & COMMERCE May 19 Monday Beltz 105 (tsbldg) 1:30 PM + HB 70 EMERGENCY MED SVCS; OPERATIONAL CANINES -- Invited & Public Testimony -- Bills Previously Heard/Scheduled **Streamed live on AKL.tv** ---------------------------------------- RESOURCES 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: += SB 107 ALASKA SUNSET COMMISSION += SR 3 SAMOAN SERVICE & VOTING RIGHTS += HB 17 DISABLED VETERANS: RETIREMENT BENEFITS += HJR 13 AFGHANS, SP. IMMIGRANT VISAS, ASSISTANCE += HCR 6 US MARINE CORPS 250TH BIRTHDAY **Streamed live on AKL.tv** 2025-05-17 Senate Journal Page 1331 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**