Legislature(2025 - 2026)
2026-01-20 Senate Journal
Full Journal pdf2026-01-20 Senate Journal Page 1457 SENATE JOURNAL ALASKA STATE LEGISLATURE THIRTY-FOURTH LEGISLATURE SECOND SESSION Juneau, Alaska Tuesday January 20, 2026 First Day Pursuant to adjournment the Senate was called to order by President Stevens at 1:03 p.m. The roll showed twenty members present. The prayer was offered by the Chaplain, Reverend Gordon Blue, Holy Trinity Episcopal Church. Senator Hoffman moved and asked unanimous consent the prayer be spread. Without objection, it was so ordered. For Sound Government O Lord our Governor, bless the leaders of our land, that we may be a people at peace among ourselves and a blessing to other nations of the earth. Lord, keep this nation under your care. To the President and members of the Cabinet, to Governors of States, Mayors of Cities, and to all in administrative authority, grant wisdom and grace in the exercise of their duties. Give grace to your servants, O Lord. To Senators and Representatives, and those who make our laws in States, Cities, and Towns, give courage, wisdom, and foresight to provide for the needs of all our people, and to fulfill our obligations in the community of nations. 2026-01-20 Senate Journal Page 1458 Give grace to your servants, O Lord. To the Judges and officers of our Courts give understanding and integrity, that human rights may be safeguarded and justice served. Give grace to your servants, O Lord. And finally, teach our people to rely on your strength and to accept their responsibilities to their fellow citizens, that they may elect trustworthy leaders and make wise decisions for the well-being of our society; that we may serve you faithfully in our generation and honor your holy Name. For yours is the kingdom, O Lord, and you are exalted as head above all. Amen. Colors The following members of the Girl Scouts of Alaska, led by troop coordinator Tayma McClain, presented the colors: Elizabeth DeBartolo Freja Dukes Teagan Heumann-Wythe Eleanor Hoku Winn Brandi Howard The Girl Scouts of Alaska led the Senate in the Pledge of Allegiance. Certification Senator Giessel moved and asked unanimous consent the journal for the first through thirtieth legislative days of the first special session, the Final Supplement of the First Session and First Special Session, Senate Journal Supplement No. 6 and House and Senate Joint Journal Supplement No. 10 be approved as certified by the Secretary. Without objection, it was so ordered. 2026-01-20 Senate Journal Page 1459 Messages from the Governor Letter dated May 20, 2025 was read stating in accordance with Article III, Section 25 of the Alaska Constitution and Alaska Statute 39.05.080, I submit the following department head for confirmation: Commissioner, Department of Environmental Conservation Randy Bates – Juneau Appointed: 5/19/2025 The appointment was referred to the Resources Committee. A resume for the appointment has been submitted to the Office of the Senate Secretary. A Declaration of Disaster Emergency dated October 9, 2025, accompanying letter dated October 16, and an amended declaration dated October 23, regarding the 2025 West Coast Storm Disaster, were received. Further letters dated October 28, November 8, November 14, December 8, 2025, and January 7, 2026, were received requesting legislative concurrence (as required by AS 26.23.020). The declaration, amended declaration, letters, and updated finance plan had been copied to the Finance Committee Cochairs. A Declaration of Disaster Emergency and accompanying letter dated November 3, 2025 regarding the disruption of the federal Supplemental Nutritional Assistance Program, were received pursuant to AS 26.23.025. The declaration and letter had been copied to the Finance Committee Cochairs. A revised Declaration of Disaster Emergency and Supplemental General Fund Authorization Request dated October 28, 2025 authorizing funds for fire suppression costs, with accompanying letter was received pursuant to AS 26.23.020. The request and letter had been copied to the Finance Committee Cochairs. A Declaration of Disaster Emergency dated December 9, 2025 regarding a damaging windstorm in the Matanuska-Susitna Borough, and accompanying letter were received pursuant to AS 26.23.020 and AS 26.23.025. The declaration and letter had been copied to the Finance Committee Cochairs. 2026-01-20 Senate Journal Page 1460 A Declaration of Disaster Emergency dated December 30, 2025 regarding the Napaskiak Winter Storm, was received with an accompanying letter pursuant to AS 26.23.020 and AS 26.23.025. The declaration and letter had been copied to the Finance Committee Cochairs. A Declaration of Disaster Emergency dated January 6 regarding the Southeast Alaska Winter Storms, was received with an accompanying letter pursuant to AS 26.23.020 and AS 26.23.025. The declaration and letter had been copied to the Finance Committee Cochairs. Messages from the House Message dated January 15 was read stating: The House of Representatives respectfully invites the Senate to a Joint Session of the Thirty-Fourth Alaska Legislature at 7:00 p.m. on Thursday, January 22 for the purpose of hearing the Governor’s State of the State address in the House Chamber. Senator Giessel moved and asked unanimous consent the Senate accept the House invitation to meet in Joint Session. Without objection, it was so ordered. The Secretary was requested to notify the House. Message dated January 20 was read stating: The House of Representatives respectfully invites the Senate to a Joint Session of the Thirty-Fourth Alaska Legislature at 9:00 a.m. on Thursday, January 22 in the House Chamber for the purpose of voting to override the Governor’s veto of Senate Bill 113 (APPORTION TAXABLE INCOME;DIGITAL BUSINESS). Senator Giessel moved and asked unanimous consent the Senate accept the House invitation to meet in Joint Session. Without objection, it was so ordered. The Secretary was requested to notify the House. 2026-01-20 Senate Journal Page 1461 Communications Appointment Confirmation The following message dated October 29, 2025 was read: Senate President Stevens, In accordance with AS 24.05.085, I am required to inform you that I am writing this letter to officially tender the resignation of my elected position as the state senator for District O, effective at the close of business, Monday, 3 November 2025. Just as it was an honor to serve our nation in uniform for over two decades, it has been an honor to serve the people of our district, and the great state of Alaska, since 2018. I still feel the pull of public service, and I intend to continue to do so. However, not in the legislature. As you may be aware, this resignation is due to my announcement of running for Lieutenant Governor in next year's election cycle. I believe it is in the best interest of the people to appoint a replacement quickly so there will be no interruption with an empty seat at the beginning of the session in January. It is also not appropriate, in my opinion, to attempt to work in the legislature while also being part of a gubernatorial campaign. Respectfully, /s/ Mike Shower State Senate District O Letter dated November 26, 2025 was read stating pursuant to Article II, Section 4 of the Alaska Constitution, Governor Mike Dunleavy appointed George Rauscher to fill the vacancy in the Alaska State Senate, District O. Letter dated November 29, 2025 to Governor Mike Dunleavy was read: 2026-01-20 Senate Journal Page 1462 The nine Senate Republicans have met, interviewed and discussed your nomination of Representative George Rauscher to fill the vacant seat in Senate District O. We are pleased to inform you that Representative Rauscher has received majority support to be confirmed to this seat. Signing the letter: Senators Gary Stevens, Jesse Bjorkman, Mike Cronk, Cathy Giessel, James Kaufman, Kelly Merrick, Robert Myers, Bert Stedman, Robert Yundt. Senator Rauscher took the oath of office on November 29, 2025. The following message dated November 14, 2025 was read: Dear Senate President Gary Stevens, Please accept this letter as formal notification that I hereby resign my office as Alaska State Senator effective tomorrow, Friday, November 14 at 5 p.m. Following careful reflection, I have concluded my decision to run for governor of the great state of Alaska requires my full attention, and that it would be a disservice to my constituents for me to juggle the roles of both gubernatorial candidate and senator. It has been a tremendous honor and privilege to serve the people of Senate District M; they deserve continued, focused representation moving forward. If there is anything I can do to assist with the transition of the incoming senator for District M, please let me know. In closing, I am thankful for the opportunity I have had to tackle issues impacting Alaskans statewide and to work alongside colleagues in the House and the Senate. In addition, I am grateful for the knowledge and experience gained within the walls of the Capitol. Finally, I will always have deep respect for the institution of the lawmaking branch of government as part of our constitutional republic, its vital function, and the work conducted there on behalf of Alaskans. Respectfully, /s/ Shelley Hughes 2026-01-20 Senate Journal Page 1463 Letter dated November 26, 2025, was read stating pursuant to Article II, Section 4 of the Alaska Constitution, Governor Mike Dunleavy appointed Cathy Tilton to fill the vacancy in the Alaska State Senate, District M. Letter dated November 29, 2025, to Governor Mike Dunleavy was read: The nine Senate Republicans have met, interviewed and discussed your nomination of Representative Cathy Tilton to fill the vacant seat in Senate District M. We are pleased to inform you that Representative Tilton has received majority support to be confirmed to this seat. Signing the letter: Senators Gary Stevens, Jesse Bjorkman, Mike Cronk, Cathy Giessel, James Kaufman, Kelly Merrick, Robert Myers, Bert Stedman, Robert Yundt. Senator Tilton took the oath of office on November 29, 2025. The following letter was received from Lieutenant Governor Nancy Dahlstrom and is on file in the office of the Secretary of the Senate: Letter dated January 2 certifying the proper filing of an initiative entitled: “An Act to repeal a nonpartisan and open top four primary election system and ranked-choice general election system; and to reestablish a partisan political primary and change necessary and related appointment procedures; reestablish special runoff elections; and repeal and amend independent expenditure group requirements.” The following reports are on file in the Office of the Secretary of the Senate: Notice of Availability: Alaska Retirement Management Board (ARMB) Quarterly Update of Investment Performance Reports June 18, 2025 and September 17, 2025 in accordance with AS 37.10.220 2026-01-20 Senate Journal Page 1464 Alaska Judicial Council Alaska Criminal Justice Data Analysis Commission 2025 Annual Report to the Legislature and the Governor in accordance with AS 44.19.647 Department of Public Safety 2025 Report on Untested Sexual Assault Examination Kits in accordance with AS 44.41.070 Division of Victim Assistance and Forensic Science Violent Crimes Compensation Board Annual Report in accordance with AS 18.67.170 HB 53 Intent Language Report in accordance with Chapter 10, SLA 25 #END Department of Family and Community Services Office of Children's Services 2025 Annual Report to the Legislature on Caseloads, Staffing, Recruitment, Retention, and the Impacts on Child Welfare Outcomes in accordance with AS 47.14.112 Department of Health Annual Medicaid Reform Report FY 2025 in accordance with AS 47.05.270 Department of Health and Department of Law Joint Legislative Fraud, Waste, Abuse Report in accordance with AS 47.07.076 Alaska Permanent Fund Corporation 2025 Annual Report in accordance with AS 37.13.170 Legislative Affairs Agency Division of Legal and Research Services Report to the Thirty-Fourth Legislature Listing Alaska Statutes with Delayed Repeals or Delayed Amendments and Examining Court Decisions and Opinions of the Attorney General Construing Alaska Statutes in accordance with AS 24.20.065 2026-01-20 Senate Journal Page 1465 Department of Commerce, Community, and Economic Development Alaska Industrial Development and Export Authority Annual Report 2025 in accordance with AS 44.88.210 2025 Annual Report on the Nature and Extent of Tax Exemption of Property, Assets, Income, Receipts, Project, Development Project, and Leasehold Interests Devoted to Essential Public and Governmental Function and Purpose in accordance with AS 44.88.140 Certification of Capital Reserve Fund Requirement in accordance with AS 44.88.105 Alaska Gasline Development Corporation Financial Statements and Required Supplementary Information Year ended June 30, 2025 in accordance with AS 31.25.270 2025 Alaska Taxable Report in accordance with AS 14.17.510 Office of the Governor Office of Management & Budget Executive Branch Lease Purchase Agreements Report Fiscal Year 2025 in accordance with AS 37.07.040 Department of Education and Early Development Reported Incidents of Harassment, Intimidation, or Bullying Resulting in Suspension or Expulsion 2007-2025 in accordance with AS 14.33.210 A communication dated December 16, 2025, was read/received stating that the Senate Republican Caucus selected Senator Cronk to serve as Minority Leader for the second session of the Thirty-fourth Legislature. In accordance with Uniform Rule 1(e) President Stevens made the following change to the Committee on Committees: 2026-01-20 Senate Journal Page 1466 Committee on Committees Senator Cronk replaces Senator Shower President Stevens appointed Senator Stedman and Senator Rauscher to inform the Governor the Senate was ready to do business. President Stevens appointed Senator Claman and Senator Tilton to inform the House the Senate was ready to do business. Recess Senator Giessel moved and asked unanimous consent the Senate stand in recess for the purpose of a Committee on Committees meeting. Without objection, the Senate recessed at 1:30 p.m. After Recess The Senate reconvened at 1:43 p.m. Special Committee Reports Committee on Committees Report Report dated January 20 was read stating: Mister President: The Committee on Committees has met and submits to the Senate for its consideration the following changes to the Committee on Committees report adopted January 21, 2025: Education Committee Senator Yundt replaces Senator Cronk Health and Social Services Senator Myers replaces Senator Hughes 2026-01-20 Senate Journal Page 1467 Judiciary Committee Senator Tilton replaces Senator Myers Resources Committee Senator Rauscher replaces Senator Hughes Rules Committee Senator Cronk replaces Senator Shower State Affairs Committee Senator Tilton replaces Senator Yundt Transportation Committee Senator Rauscher replaces Senator Shower Signing the report: Senator Stevens, Chair; Senators Giessel, Hoffman, Wielechowski, Cronk. Senator Giessel moved and asked unanimous consent to adopt the Committee on Committees report. Without objection, it was so ordered. Introduction and Reference of Senate Resolutions Senator Giessel moved and asked unanimous consent the introduction and reference of senate resolutions be held one legislative day. Without objection, it was so ordered. Introduction and Reference of Senate Bills Senator Giessel moved and asked unanimous consent the introduction and reference of senate bills be held one legislative day. Without objection, it was so ordered. 2026-01-20 Senate Journal Page 1468 Unfinished Business SR 2 President Stevens made the following appointment: Senate Special Committee on World Trade Senator Tilton Announcements Announcements are at the end of the journal. Adjournment Senator Giessel moved and asked unanimous consent the Senate stand in adjournment until 11:00 a.m., January 21, 2026. Without objection, the Senate adjourned at 1:50 p.m. Liz Clark Secretary of the Senate 2026-01-20 Senate Journal Page 1469 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 Jan 20 Tuesday Beltz 105 (tsbldg) 1:30 PM No Meeting Scheduled ---------------------------------------- EDUCATION Jan 21 Wednesday Beltz 105 (tsbldg) 3:30 PM No Meeting Scheduled Jan 23 Friday Beltz 105 (tsbldg) 3:30 PM No Meeting Scheduled ---------------------------------------- FINANCE Jan 20 Tuesday Senate Finance 532 9:00 AM No Meeting Scheduled Jan 21 Wednesday Senate Finance 532 9:00 AM No Meeting Scheduled Jan 22 Thursday Senate Finance 532 9:00 AM Production Forecast Department of Natural Resources Bills Previously Heard/Scheduled 2026-01-20 Senate Journal Page 1470 FINANCE (continued) Jan 23 Friday Senate Finance 532 9:00 AM + Revenue Forecast Department of Revenue Bills Previously Heard/Scheduled ---------------------------------------- HEALTH & SOCIAL SERVICES Jan 20 Tuesday Butrovich 205 3:30 PM No Meeting Scheduled Jan 22 Thursday Butrovich 205 3:30 PM No Meeting Scheduled ---------------------------------------- JUDICIARY Jan 21 Wednesday Butrovich 205 1:30 PM No Meeting Scheduled Jan 23 Friday Butrovich 205 1:30 PM + SB 136 FIREARM FINANCIAL PRIVACY -- Testimony <Invitation Only> -- ---------------------------------------- LABOR & COMMERCE Jan 21 Wednesday Beltz 105 (tsbldg) 1:30 PM No Meeting Scheduled Jan 23 Friday Beltz 105 (tsbldg) 1:30 PM + HB 78 RETIREMENT SYSTEMS; DEFINED BENEFIT OPT. -- Testimony <Invitation Only> -- **Streamed live on AKL.tv** Bills Previously Heard/Scheduled ---------------------------------------- 2026-01-20 Senate Journal Page 1471 RESOURCES Jan 21 Wednesday Butrovich 205 3:30 PM No Meeting Scheduled Jan 23 Friday Butrovich 205 3:30 PM + Presentation: Pegasus: Review of 2019 Memo to the State of Alaska Jeremy Clark, Pegasus Global Holdings Inc. Joe Miller, Pegasus Global Holdings Inc. Presentation: GaffneyCline: Key Issues and Recommendations Nicholas Fulford, Senior Director, Liquid Natural Gas and Energy Transition, GaffneyCline Energy Advisory **Streamed live on AKL.tv** ---------------------------------------- STATE AFFAIRS Jan 20 Tuesday Beltz 105 (tsbldg) 3:30 PM + SJR 2 CONST. AM: VOTES NEEDED FOR VETO OVERRIDE -- Invited & Public Testimony -- += SJR 13 APPOINTMENT OF STATE JUDGES -- Testimony <Invitation Only> -- **Streamed live on AKL.tv** Bills Previously Heard/Scheduled Jan 22 Thursday Beltz 105 (tsbldg) 3:30 PM Bills Previously Heard/Scheduled **Streamed live on AKL.tv** ---------------------------------------- TRANSPORTATION Jan 22 Thursday Butrovich 205 1:30 PM + Presentation: 2026 - 2029 STIP Update, FY26 Match Funds and Impact of Vetoes on Projects, HSIP Amendments Ryan Anderson, P.E., Commissioner Katherine Keith, PMP, PMI-ACP, Deputy Commissioner **Streamed live on AKL.tv** 2026-01-20 Senate Journal Page 1472 SPECIAL COMMITTEES SPECIAL COMMITTEE ON ARCTIC AFFAIRS Jan 22 Thursday Beltz 105 (tsbldg) 1:30 PM No Meeting Scheduled ---------------------------------------- JOINT COMMITTEES LEGISLATIVE BUDGET & AUDIT Jan 20 Tuesday Senate Finance 532 10:00 AM I. Call to Order II. Approval of the Agenda III. Consideration of Contract Award for Pegasus-Global Holdings, Inc. IV. Adjourn ---------------------------------------- TASK FORCE ON EDUCATION FUNDING Jan 23 Friday Beltz 105 (tsbldg) 3:30 PM -- Testimony <Invitation Only> -- Michael Hanley, Superintendent, Aleutian Region School District Presentation: Chronic Absenteeism by Hedy Chang, Executive Director, Attendance Works Presentation: Open Enrollment by Jude Schwalback, Senior Policy Analyst, Reason Foundation Presentation: Homeless Students by Barbara Duffield, Executive Director, SchoolHouse Connection Kelly King, Coordinator, MVP Program, Kenai Peninsula Borough School District David Mayo-Kiely, Coordinator, Child in Transition Program, Anchorage School District **Streamed live on AKL.tv** ---------------------------------------- 2026-01-20 Senate Journal Page 1473 OTHER MEETINGS COMMITTEE ON COMMITTEES Jan 20 Tuesday Butrovich 205 1:30 PM Committee Membership ---------------------------------------- JOINT SESSION Jan 22 Thursday House Chamber 9:00 AM + Consideration of the Governor's Veto of SB 113 SB 113 APPORTION TAXABLE INCOME;DIGITAL BUSINESS Jan 22 Thursday House Chamber 7:00 PM + State of the State Address by Governor Mike Dunleavy