Legislature(2025 - 2026)
2026-01-21 Senate Journal
Full Journal pdf2026-01-21 Senate Journal Page 1475 SENATE JOURNAL ALASKA STATE LEGISLATURE THIRTY-FOURTH LEGISLATURE SECOND SESSION Juneau, Alaska Wednesday January 21, 2026 Second Day Pursuant to adjournment the Senate was called to order by President Stevens at 11:02 a.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. Dear Lord, We gather in prayer for the Senators who make our laws and guide our State: Give them courage, wisdom, and foresight to provide for the needs of all our people, and to fulfill our obligations in the community of states and nations. Give grace to your servants. O Lord, in words appointed for this day, from Psalm 144, I pray blessed be the LORD my rock, who trains my hands to fight and my fingers to battle, O Lord my help and my fortress, my stronghold, and my deliverer. May our children be like plants well nurtured from their youth. May there be no breaching of the walls, no going into exile, no wailing in the public squares. Happy are the people of whom this is so! Happy are the people whose God is the LORD! 2026-01-21 Senate Journal Page 1476 Spirit of justice, creator Spirit; help this Senate to make and keep the great state of Alaska a home for all its different peoples. You have made us many peoples, but of one blood; preserve our many cultures, and make us also of one mind. Guide and protect our children, who carry our hopes for the future so that we do not neglect them but cherish them. Guide and protect our children and strengthen them with your love, so that neither do we send them into reckless domestic adventures. Be present in all these ways, O Lord, so that this Senate, this body of your people’s election, may be remembered for its wisdom and care of the Great Land, into the ages of ages. Amen. Senator Giessel led the Senate in the Pledge of Allegiance. Certification Senator Giessel moved and asked unanimous consent the journal for the first legislative day be approved as certified by the Secretary. Without objection, it was so ordered. Communications The following reports are on file in the Office of the Secretary of the Senate: Department of Health SFY 2025 Annual Report in accordance with AS 18.05.020 Department of Labor and Workforce Development Alaska Training Program Performance Annual Report Fiscal Year 2024 In accordance with AS 23.15.580 2026-01-21 Senate Journal Page 1477 Department of Revenue Achieving a Better Life Experience (ABLE) Annual Report January 20, 2026 In accordance with AS 06.65.350 Department of Revenue Alaska Retirement Management Board (ARMB) Financial Condition of the State Retirement Systems In accordance with AS 37.10.220 Alaska Municipal Bond Bank Authority FY 25 Reserve Fund Certification January 15, 2026 In accordance with AS 44.85.270 FY 25 Annual Report and Audit January 15, 2026 In accordance with AS 44.85.270 Introduction and Reference of Senate Resolutions SR 4 SENATE RESOLUTION NO. 4 BY SENATORS TILTON AND RAUSCHER, Recognizing and commemorating the 250th anniversary of the founding of the United States of America; encouraging participation in commemorative events; and encouraging educational institutions to enhance civics education. was read the first time and referred to the Education and State Affairs Committees. 2026-01-21 Senate Journal Page 1478 SJR 22 SENATE JOINT RESOLUTION NO. 22 BY SENATOR TOBIN, Proposing an amendment to the Constitution of the State of Alaska relating to public education. (Prefile released January 16, 2026) was read the first time and referred to the Education and State Affairs Committees. Introduction and Reference of Senate Bills SB 199 SENATE BILL NO. 199 BY SENATOR GIESSEL, entitled: "An Act repealing the Alaska Commercial Fisheries Limited Entry Commission and transferring its duties to the Department of Fish and Game and the office of administrative hearings." (Prefile released January 9, 2026) was read the first time and referred to the Resources and Finance Committees. SB 200 SENATE BILL NO. 200 BY SENATOR BJORKMAN, entitled: "An Act relating to municipal assessments of farm or agricultural land; and providing for an effective date." (Prefile released January 9, 2026) was read the first time and referred to the Community and Regional Affairs and Resources Committees. 2026-01-21 Senate Journal Page 1479 SB 201 SENATE BILL NO. 201 BY SENATOR GIESSEL, entitled: "An Act relating to a report regarding involuntary commitment orders." (Prefile released January 9, 2026) was read the first time and referred to the Health and Social Services and Judiciary Committees. SB 202 SENATE BILL NO. 202 BY SENATOR GRAY-JACKSON, entitled: "An Act establishing a term for serving as the chair of the Alaska Industrial Development and Export Authority." (Prefile released January 9, 2026) was read the first time and referred to the State Affairs and Finance Committees. SB 203 SENATE BILL NO. 203 BY SENATOR TOBIN, entitled: "An Act relating to the definition of 'prohibited weapon.'" (Prefile released January 9, 2026) was read the first time and referred to the State Affairs and Judiciary Committees. SB 204 SENATE BILL NO. 204 BY SENATOR CRONK, entitled: "An Act relating to substitute teaching; and relating to the qualifications of school board members." (Prefile released January 9, 2026) was read the first time and referred to the Education and State Affairs Committees. 2026-01-21 Senate Journal Page 1480 SB 205 SENATE BILL NO. 205 BY SENATOR GIESSEL, entitled: "An Act relating to occupational disability benefits for peace officers and firefighters; and providing for an effective date." (Prefile released January 9, 2026) was read the first time and referred to the Labor and Commerce and Finance Committees. SB 206 SENATE BILL NO. 206 BY SENATOR TOBIN, entitled: "An Act relating to reports of harassment, intimidation, or bullying in schools; relating to parental notification of incidents of harassment, intimidation, or bullying involving students and threats of suicide by students; and establishing the firearm safe storage grant fund." (Prefile released January 9, 2026) was read the first time and referred to the Health and Social Services and Finance Committees. SB 207 SENATE BILL NO. 207 BY SENATORS BJORKMAN AND RAUSCHER, entitled: "An Act relating to the removal of unlawful occupants from residential real property; relating to the crimes of trespass, forgery, and deceptive business practices; and amending Rules 82 and 85(a), Alaska Rules of Civil Procedure." (Prefile released January 9, 2026) was read the first time and referred to the Judiciary and Labor and Commerce Committees. 2026-01-21 Senate Journal Page 1481 SB 208 SENATE BILL NO. 208 BY SENATOR BJORKMAN, entitled: "An Act relating to leases of state land for agricultural purposes; and providing for an effective date." (Prefile released January 16, 2026) was read the first time and referred to the Resources and Finance Committees. SB 209 SENATE BILL NO. 209 BY SENATOR BJORKMAN, entitled: "An Act relating to high school graduation requirements and proficiency confirmation tools." (Prefile released January 16, 2026) was read the first time and referred to the Education and Finance Committees. SB 210 SENATE BILL NO. 210 BY SENATOR TOBIN, entitled: "An Act relating to the recognition of Indigenous cultures in public education." (Prefile released January 16, 2026) was read the first time and referred to the Education and Finance Committees. SB 211 SENATE BILL NO. 211 BY THE SENATE LABOR & COMMERCE COMMITTEE, entitled: "An Act extending the termination date of the Board of Professional Counselors; extending the termination date of the Board of Marital and Family Therapy; extending the termination date of the Board of Psychologist and Psychological Associate 2026-01-21 Senate Journal Page 1482 Examiners; extending the termination date of the Real Estate Commission; extending the termination date of the Board of Social Work Examiners; and providing for an effective date." was read the first time and referred to the Labor and Commerce and Finance Committees. SB 212 SENATE BILL NO. 212 BY THE SENATE RULES COMMITTEE BY REQUEST, entitled: "An Act increasing the number of superior court judges in the third judicial district; and providing for an effective date." was read the first time and referred to the Judiciary and Finance Committees. SB 213 SENATE BILL NO. 213 BY THE SENATE RULES COMMITTEE BY REQUEST OF THE GOVERNOR, entitled: "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; making appropriations under art. IX, sec. 17(c), Constitution of the State of Alaska, from the constitutional budget reserve fund; and providing for an effective date." was read the first time and referred to the Finance Committee. Governor's transmittal letter dated January 19: Dear President Stevens: Under the authority of Article III, Section 18 of the Alaska Constitution, I am transmitting a bill relating to appropriations for the State’s operating expenses for Fiscal Year (FY) 2027. 2026-01-21 Senate Journal Page 1483 This appropriation bill totals $14.3 billion and includes $7.4 billion in unrestricted general funds, $1.0 billion in designated general funds, $2.0 billion in other state funds, and $3.9 billion in federal funds. The FY 2027 budget continues important investments in public safety, prioritizing educating our children, and strategically developing the economy of our State. It also continues my commitment to providing a full statutory dividend to our residents. I look forward to working with the Legislature on the timely passage and implementation of the FY 2027 operating budget. Sincerely, /s/ Mike Dunleavy Governor SB 214 SENATE BILL NO. 214 BY THE SENATE RULES COMMITTEE BY REQUEST OF THE GOVERNOR, entitled: "An Act making appropriations, including capital appropriations, supplemental appropriations, and reappropriations; making appropriations to capitalize funds; and providing for an effective date." was read the first time and referred to the Finance Committee. Governor's transmittal letter dated January 19: Dear President Stevens: Under the authority of Article III, Section 18 of the Alaska Constitution, I am transmitting a bill relating to appropriations for the State’s capital budget for Fiscal Year (FY) 2027. This appropriation bill totals $2.1 billion and includes $148.9 million in unrestricted general funds, $60.2 million in designated general funds, $182.3 million in other state funds, and $1.7 billion in federal funds. 2026-01-21 Senate Journal Page 1484 The FY 2027 proposed capital budget invests in projects that enhance public protection and Alaska’s natural resources, provides matching funds for federal surface transportation and aviation, water and wastewater programs, and promotes economic development projects across the state to generate economic activity. I look forward to working with the Legislature on the timely passage and implementation of the FY 2027 capital budget. Sincerely, /s/ Mike Dunleavy Governor SB 215 SENATE BILL NO. 215 BY THE SENATE RULES COMMITTEE BY REQUEST OF THE GOVERNOR, entitled: "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." was read the first time and referred to the Finance Committee. In accordance with AS 37.14.003(b), a report of the differences between the Governor's proposed budget and the recommendations of the Alaska Mental Health Trust Authority was transmitted. Governor's transmittal letter dated January 19: Dear President Stevens: Under the authority of Article III, Section 18 of the Alaska Constitution, I am transmitting a bill relating to the State’s comprehensive mental health program for Fiscal Year (FY) 2027. As required by statute, this bill includes both operating and capital appropriations. This budget totals $244.7 million and includes $181.2 million in unrestricted general funds, $39.6 million in designated general funds, and $23.9 million in Mental Health Trust Authority funds. 2026-01-21 Senate Journal Page 1485 The FY 2027 proposed mental health budget includes requests that were put forward to the Office of Management and Budget by the Alaska Mental Health Trust (Trust). The requests support programs and activities in Trust focus areas that meet the identified treatment and service needs of Trust beneficiaries and areas of system change to improve the lives of beneficiaries. I look forward to working with the Legislature on the timely passage and implementation of the FY 2027 budget for Alaska’s comprehensive mental health program. Sincerely, /s/ Mike Dunleavy Governor SB 216 SENATE BILL NO. 216 BY THE SENATE RULES COMMITTEE BY REQUEST OF THE GOVERNOR, entitled: "An Act relating to the transfer of big game hunting permits; and providing for an effective date." was read the first time and referred to the Resources and Finance Committees. The following fiscal information was published today: Fiscal Note No. 1, indeterminate, Department of Fish and Game Governor's transmittal letter dated January 19: Dear President Stevens: Under the authority of Article III, Section 18 of the Alaska Constitution, I am transmitting a bill relating to the limited-entry big game drawing permit program. 2026-01-21 Senate Journal Page 1486 When a drawing permit will not be used, the opportunity is lost, and the resource goes unused. This bill creates a narrow, regulated process allowing the original recipient of a big game drawing permit to transfer the permit one time to another eligible hunter, subject to conditions that preserve fairness and protect the integrity of the drawing system. The bill integrates this new transfer authority with existing law for transfers to a family member following a hunter’s death, with only minimal technical changes, and includes safeguards to protect the public interest, including a clear state liability shield. The bill is anticipated to increase participation in the draw hunt system and state revenue from application fees without a significant increase in administrative costs to the department. I urge your prompt and favorable action on this measure. Sincerely, /s/ Mike Dunleavy Governor SB 217 SENATE BILL NO. 217 THE SENATE RULES COMMITTEE BY REQUEST OF THE GOVERNOR, entitled: "An Act relating to employer contributions to the unemployment compensation fund; establishing an employer contribution for the state training and employment program; and providing for an effective date." was read the first time and referred to the Labor and Commerce and Finance Committees. 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, Department of Labor and Workforce Development 2026-01-21 Senate Journal Page 1487 Governor's transmittal letter dated January 19: Dear President Stevens: Under the authority of Article III, Section 18 of the Alaska Constitution, I am transmitting a bill relating to unemployment insurance contribution rates and the funding of workforce training programs. Alaska’s workforce requires consistent, high-quality training to meet the demands of a modern economy. Stable, predictable funding ensures Alaskans gain in-demand skills and employers can fill jobs. This bill solves this challenge by restructuring the allocation of unemployment insurance contributions to improve long-term stability without increasing the overall tax burden on employers. It directs a specific portion of collected revenue to these training accounts before the funds are deposited into the Unemployment Compensation Fund. This approach secures funding for workforce development while preserving the core purpose of unemployment insurance and maintaining the solvency of the unemployment insurance system. I urge your prompt and favorable action on this measure. Sincerely, /s/ Mike Dunleavy Governor SB 218 SENATE BILL NO. 218 THE SENATE RULES COMMITTEE BY REQUEST OF THE GOVERNOR, entitled: "An Act relating to the taxation of electric cooperatives; relating to the taxation of electricity generation and electricity storage facilities; and providing for an effective date." was read the first time and referred to the Labor and Commerce and Finance Committees. 2026-01-21 Senate Journal Page 1488 The following fiscal information was published today: Fiscal Note No. 1, zero, Department of Commerce, Community and Economic Development Fiscal Note No. 2, Department of Revenue Governor's transmittal letter dated January 19: Dear President Stevens: Under the authority of Article III, Section 18 of the Alaska Constitution, I am transmitting a bill relating to taxation of electricity and the tax treatment of qualifying electricity generation and storage facilities. Affordable and reliable power is foundational to Alaska’s economy. This bill reduces tax burdens that affect electric rates and improves the tax framework for new generation and storage investment by eliminating the current tax on electricity sold by electric cooperatives and expanding the existing exemption from state and local property, income, and excise taxes for qualifying electricity generation and storage facilities operated by independent power producers. Under current law, the exemption applies only when a facility is operated by a public utility or by a power producer that serves only public utilities. This bill would extend eligibility to facilities serving customers other than public utilities, so long as those customers first begin receiving electric service on or after July 1, 2026. I urge your prompt and favorable action on this measure. Sincerely, /s/ Mike Dunleavy Governor 2026-01-21 Senate Journal Page 1489 SB 219 SENATE BILL NO. 219 BY SENATOR KAWASAKI, entitled: "An Act relating to perfluoroalkyl and polyfluoroalkyl substances; relating to thermal remediation of perfluoroalkyl and polyfluoroalkyl substance contamination; and providing for an effective date." was read the first time and referred to the State Affairs and Finance Committees. SB 220 SENATE BILL NO. 220 BY SENATOR GIESSEL BY REQUEST, entitled: "An Act establishing a community health worker certification; relating to medical assistance coverage for certified community health worker services; and providing for an effective date." was read the first time and referred to the Health and Social Services and Finance Committees. SB 221 SENATE BILL NO. 221 BY SENATOR STEDMAN, entitled: "An Act restricting a fiduciary of a state fund, the Alaska Retirement Management Board, and the Alaska Permanent Fund Corporation Board from investing or doing business with DigitalBridge Group, Inc., or an affiliate of DigitalBridge Group, Inc." was read the first time and referred to the Finance Committee. 2026-01-21 Senate Journal Page 1490 Unfinished Business SB 128 Senator Wielechowski, Chair, moved and asked unanimous consent the Rules Committee be withdrawn as prime sponsor of SENATE BILL NO. 128 "An Act establishing the Department of Agriculture; relating to the establishment of the Department of Agriculture; transferring functions of the Department of Natural Resources related to agriculture to the Department of Agriculture; and providing for an effective date." Without objection, it was so ordered. Senator Giessel, Chair, moved and asked unanimous consent the Resources Committee be added as prime sponsor of SENATE BILL NO. 128 "An Act establishing the Department of Agriculture; relating to the establishment of the Department of Agriculture; transferring functions of the Department of Natural Resources related to agriculture to the Department of Agriculture; and providing for an effective date." Without objection, it was so ordered. SR 4 Senators Myers, Stedman, Kaufman, Claman, Gray-Jackson, Giessel, Cronk, Bjorkman, Yundt, Olson, Stevens moved and asked unanimous consent to be shown as cosponsors on SENATE RESOLUTION NO. 4 Recognizing and commemorating the 250th anniversary of the founding of the United States of America; encouraging participation in commemorative events; and encouraging educational institutions to enhance civics education. Without objection, it was so ordered. SB 219 Senators Kiehl, Tobin, Gray-Jackson, Claman moved and asked unanimous consent to be shown as cosponsors on SENATE BILL NO. 219 "An Act relating to perfluoroalkyl and polyfluoroalkyl substances; relating to thermal remediation of perfluoroalkyl and polyfluoroalkyl substance contamination; and providing for an effective date." Without objection, it was so ordered. SB 210 Senators Gray-Jackson, Dunbar moved and asked unanimous consent to be shown as cosponsors on SENATE BILL NO. 210 "An Act relating to the recognition of Indigenous cultures in public education." Without objection, it was so ordered. 2026-01-21 Senate Journal Page 1491 Senator Gray-Jackson moved and asked unanimous consent to be excused from a call of the Senate on January 26, from 8:00 a.m. to 10:30 p.m. plane time. Without objection, Senator Gray-Jackson was excused. Senator Gray-Jackson moved and asked unanimous consent to be excused from a call of the Senate on February 9, from 8:00 a.m. to 10:30 p.m. plane time. Without objection, Senator Gray-Jackson was excused. SB 204 Senators Yundt, Tobin moved and asked unanimous consent to be shown as cosponsors on SENATE BILL NO. 204 "An Act relating to substitute teaching; and relating to the qualifications of school board members." Without objection, it was so ordered. Announcements SB 75 Senator Giessel, Chair, moved and asked unanimous consent Uniform Rule 23 be waived on SENATE BILL NO. 75 "An Act relating to timber on state lands; relating to timber management leases; and providing for an effective date" for the Resources Committee meeting on January 23. Without objection, it was so ordered. Announcements are at the end of the journal. Adjournment Senator Giessel moved and asked unanimous consent the Senate stand in adjournment until 8:45 a.m., January 22, 2026. Without objection, the Senate adjourned at 11:23 a.m. Liz Clark Secretary of the Senate 2026-01-21 Senate Journal Page 1492 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 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 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 Jan 23 Friday Senate Finance 532 9:00 AM + Revenue Forecast Department of Revenue Bills Previously Heard/Scheduled ---------------------------------------- HEALTH & SOCIAL SERVICES Jan 22 Thursday Butrovich 205 3:30 PM No Meeting Scheduled 2026-01-21 Senate Journal Page 1493 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> -- **Streamed live on AKL.tv** ---------------------------------------- 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 ---------------------------------------- RESOURCES Jan 21 Wednesday Butrovich 205 3:30 PM No Meeting Scheduled Jan 23 Friday Butrovich 205 3:30 PM -- Agenda Change -- + 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 += SB 75 TIMBER MANAGEMENT LEASES Uniform Rule 23 Waived **Streamed live on AKL.tv** 2026-01-21 Senate Journal Page 1494 STATE AFFAIRS 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** ---------------------------------------- SPECIAL COMMITTEES SPECIAL COMMITTEE ON ARCTIC AFFAIRS Jan 22 Thursday Beltz 105 (tsbldg) 1:30 PM No Meeting Scheduled ---------------------------------------- JOINT COMMITTEES TASK FORCE ON EDUCATION FUNDING Jan 23 Friday Beltz 105 (tsbldg) 3:30 PM -- Testimony <Invitation Only> -- Michael Hanley, Superintendent, Aleutian Region 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** 2026-01-21 Senate Journal Page 1495 OTHER MEETINGS 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 **Streamed live on AKL.tv** Jan 22 Thursday House Chamber 7:00 PM + State of the State Address by Governor Mike Dunleavy **Streamed live on AKL.tv** ---------------------------------------- MISCELLANEOUS MEETINGS Jan 29 Thursday Butrovich 205 12:00 PM Lunch & Learn Presentation: Rasmuson Foundation CEO Gretchen Guess will present about the Rasmuson Foundation's mission to invest in Alaska communities and nonprofits. Sponsored by Senator Wielechowski