Legislature(2025 - 2026)
2026-01-26 Senate Journal
Full Journal pdf2026-01-26 Senate Journal Page 1535 SENATE JOURNAL ALASKA STATE LEGISLATURE THIRTY-FOURTH LEGISLATURE SECOND SESSION Juneau, Alaska Monday January 26, 2026 Seventh Day Pursuant to adjournment the Senate was called to order by President Stevens at 11:01 a.m. The roll showed nineteen members present. Senator Gray-Jackson was excused from a call of the Senate. The prayer was offered by the Chaplain, Father Patrick Casey, Co-Cathedral of the Nativity of the Blessed Virgin Mary. Senator Hoffman moved and asked unanimous consent the prayer be spread. Without objection, it was so ordered. The majestic beauty of our state reminds us that you are the source of all blessings. At the beginning of this new year and this legislative session I humbly ask for your blessing on all our legislators and all who collaborate in their work. Bestow on them the abundant share of your wisdom and a deep desire to share the common good. Amen. Senator Kaufman led the Senate in the Pledge of Allegiance. Certification Senator Giessel moved and asked unanimous consent the journal for the fourth through sixth legislative days be approved as certified by the Secretary. Without objection, it was so ordered. 2026-01-26 Senate Journal Page 1536 Messages from the Governor Letter dated January 22 was read stating in accordance with Article III, Section 25 of the Alaska Constitution and AS 39.05.080, I submit the following department heads for confirmation: Attorney General, Department of Law Stephen Cox – Anchorage Appointed: 8/29/2025 The appointment was referred to the State Affairs and Judiciary Committees. Commissioner, Department of Natural Resources John Crowther – Anchorage Appointed: 12/1/2025 The appointment was referred to the Resources and Finance Committees. In accordance with Article III, Sections 26 and 27 of the Alaska Constitution and Alaska Statute 39.05.080, I submit the following list of appointees for confirmation: Alaska Judicial Council John Wood – Willow Appointed: 5/2/2025 Term Expires: 3/1/2031 Commission on Judicial Conduct Aldean Kilbourn – Fairbanks Appointed: 3/1/2021 Term Expired: 7/9/2025 Reappointed: 7/9/2025 Term Expires: 3/1/2029 Donald McClintock III – Anchorage Appointed: 3/1/2017 Term Expired: 3/1/2021 Reappointed: 3/1/2021 Term Expired: 7/9/2025 Reappointed: 7/9/2025 Term Expires: 3/1/2029 2026-01-26 Senate Journal Page 1537 Jane Mores – Juneau Appointed: 4/2/2019 Term Expired: 3/1/2020 Reappointed: 3/1/2020 Term Expired: 3/1/2024 Reappointed: 7/9/2025 Term Expires: 3/1/2028 State Board of Parole Steve Meyer – Kenai Appointed: 3/1/2021 Term Expires: 3/1/2026 Reappointed: 3/1/2026 Term Expires: 3/1/2031 State Commission for Human Rights Mary Salazar – Anchorage Appointed: 10/13/2025 Term Expires: 3/1/2030 Violent Crimes Compensation Board Anna Cometa - Anchorage Appointed: 5/30/2023 Term Expires: 3/1/2026 Reappointed: 3/1/2026 Term Expires: 3/1/2029 Joel Hard – Palmer Appointed: 11/12/2025 Term Expires: 3/1/2028 The appointments were referred to the Judiciary Committee. Alaska Labor Relations Agency Tammy Schultz – Homer Appointed: 5/12/2023 Term Expires: 3/1/2026 Reappointed: 3/1/2026 Term Expires: 3/1/2029 Jennifer McConnel – Girdwood Appointed: 3/1/2023 Term Expires: 3/1/2026 Reappointed: 3/1/2026 Term Expires: 3/1/2029 Alaska Workers’ Compensation Board Anthony Ladd – Anchorage Appointed: 11/5/2020 Term Expired: 3/10/2023 Reappointed: 3/10/2023 Term Expires: 3/1/2026 Reappointed: 3/1/2026 Term Expires: 3/1/2029 2026-01-26 Senate Journal Page 1538 Brian Zematis – Anchorage Appointed: 3/11/2024 Term Expires: 3/1/2026 Reappointed: 3/1/2026 Term Expires: 3/1/2029 Randall McLellan II – Wasilla Appointed: 10/13/2025 Term Expires: 3/1/2026 Reappointed: 3/1/2026 Term Expires: 3/1/2029 Alcoholic Beverage Control Board Dana Walukiewicz – Anchorage Appointed: 3/1/2020 Term Expired: 3/10/2023 Reappointed: 3/10/2023 Term Expires: 3/1/2026 Reappointed: 3/1/2026 Term Expires: 3/1/2029 Board of Barbers and Hairdressers Danielle Hager – Galena Appointed: 6/11/2025 Term Expires: 3/1/2028 Board of Public Accountancy Elizabeth Stuart – Anchorage Appointed: 3/1/2022 Term Expires: 3/1/2026 Reappointed: 3/1/2026 Term Expires: 3/1/2030 Board of Certified Real Estate Appraisers McKenzie LaBuda – Wasilla Appointed: 11/1/2025 Term Expires: 3/1/2026 Reappointed: 3/1/2026 Term Expires: 3/1/2030 Board of Veterinary Examiners Ciara Vollaro – Wasilla Appointed: 3/1/2022 Term Expires: 3/1/2026 Reappointed: 3/1/2026 Term Expires: 3/1/2030 Fishermen’s Fund Advisory and Appeals Council Renee Alward – Homer Appointed: 3/1/2016 Term Expired: 3/1/2021 Reappointed: 3/1/2021 Term Expires: 3/1/2026 Reappointed: 3/1/2026 Term Expires: 3/1/2031 2026-01-26 Senate Journal Page 1539 Marijuana Control Board Daron Cooper – Anchorage Appointed: 3/1/2026 Term Expires: 3/1/2029 Ely Cyrus – Kiana Appointed: 1/4/2022 Term Expired: 3/1/2023 Reappointed: 3/1/2023 Term Expires: 3/1/2026 Reappointed: 3/1/2026 Term Expires: 3/1/2029 The appointments were referred to the Labor and Commerce Committee. Alaska Oil and Gas Conservation Commission Tom McKay – Anchorage Appointed: 1/22/2026 Term Expires: 3/1/2027 Big Game Commercial Services Board Brianna Hauch – North Pole Appointed: 8/25/2025 Term Expires: 3/1/2028 Larry Kunder – Anchorage Appointed: 5/25/2022 Term Expires: 3/1/2026 Reappointed: 3/1/2026 Term Expires: 3/1/2030 Robert Mumford – Anchorage Appointed: 8/25/2025 Term Expires: 3/1/2029 The appointments were referred to the Resources Committee. Alaska Police Standards Council Veronica Lambertsen – Bird Creek Appointed: 8/25/2025 Term Expires: 3/1/2028 The appointment was referred to the State Affairs and Judiciary Committees. Board of Certified Direct-Entry Midwives Stacia Miller – Valdez Appointed: 4/14/2025 Term Expires: 3/1/2026 Reappointed: 3/1/2026 Term Expires: 3/1/2030 2026-01-26 Senate Journal Page 1540 Board of Chiropractic Examiners Edward Barrington – Anchorage Appointed: 6/30/2025 Term Expires: 3/1/2029 Walter Campbell – Palmer Appointed: 3/1/2010 Term Expired: 3/1/2014 Reappointed: 3/1/2014 Term Expired: 3/1/2018 Reappointed: 3/1/2018 Term Expired: 3/1/2022 Reappointed: 3/1/2022 Term Expires: 3/1/2026 Reappointed: 3/1/2026 Term Expires: 3/1/2030 Board of Dental Examiners Travis Perkins – Soldotna Appointed: 12/23/2025 Term Expires: 3/1/2027 Board of Examiners in Optometry Charles Rudstrom – Soldotna Appointed: 5/22/2024 Term Expires: 3/1/2026 Reappointed: 3/1/2026 Term Expires: 3/1/2030 Damien Delzer – Fairbanks Appointed: 1/12/2026 Term Expires: 3/1/2028 Kathleen Rice – Kenai Appointed: 3/1/2022 Term Expires: 3/1/2026 Reappointed: 3/1/2026 Term Expires: 3/1/2030 Board of Massage Therapists Annetta Atwell – North Pole Appointed: 5/25/2022 Term Expires: 3/1/2026 Reappointed: 3/1/2026 Term Expires: 3/1/2030 Scherri Hoopes – Fairbanks Appointed: 10/13/2025 Term Expires: 3/1/2029 Victoria Acree – North Pole Appointed: 11/12/2025 Term Expires: 3/1/2029 2026-01-26 Senate Journal Page 1541 Board of Nursing Heather Crivello – Kodiak Appointed: 3/1/2026 Term Expires: 3/1/2030 Board of Pharmacy Rebekah Balmes – Anchorage Appointed: 12/30/2025 Term Expires: 3/1/2028 Board of Professional Counselors Crystal Herring – Anchorage Appointed: 9/19/2024 Term Expires: 3/1/2026 Reappointed: 3/1/2026 Term Expires: 3/1/2030 Board of Psychologists and Psychological Associate Examiners Chad Scott – Wasilla Appointed: 6/11/2025 Term Expires: 3/1/2028 Board of Social Work Examiners Ivy Villani – Wasilla Appointed: 6/11/2025 Term Expires: 3/1/2029 State Physical Therapy and Occupational Therapy Board Eliza Ellsworth – Bethel Appointed: 6/11/2025 Term Expires: 3/1/2026 Reappointed: 3/1/2026 Term Expires: 3/1/2030 Michelle Scott-Weber – Wasilla Appointed: 3/1/2025 Term Expires: 3/1/2026 Reappointed: 3/1/2026 Term Expires: 3/1/2030 The appointments were referred to the Health and Social Services and Labor and Commerce Committees. Board of Education and Early Development Pamela Dupras – Anchorage Appointed: 7/7/2023 Term Expired: 3/1/2025 Reappointed: 9/29/2025 Term Expires: 3/1/2030 2026-01-26 Senate Journal Page 1542 Professional Teaching Practices Commission Michael Robbins – Ketchikan Appointed: 11/6/2023 Term Expires: 3/1/2026 Reappointed: 3/1/2026 Term Expires: 3/1/2029 The appointments were referred to the Education Committee. State Medical Board Michael McNamara – Anchorage Appointed: 11/20/2025 Term Expires: 3/1/2026 Reappointed: 3/1/2026 Term Expires: 3/1/2030 Norman Walker – Wrangell Appointed: 12/30/2025 Term Expires: 3/1/2029 The appointments were referred to the Health and Social Services Committee. The resumes for these appointments have been submitted to the Office of the Senate Secretary. Messages from the House Message dated January 23 was read stating: The House of Representatives respectfully invites the Senate to a Joint Session of the Thirty-Fourth Alaska Legislature at 11:00 a.m. on Wednesday, February 18 for the purpose of hearing United States Senator Dan Sullivan’s annual 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. 2026-01-26 Senate Journal Page 1543 Communications Disclosure letters received in accordance with AS 24.06 will be published today in Senate Journal Supplement No. 7 and Senate and House Joint Journal Supplement No. 12. Introduction and Reference of Senate Bills SB 226 SENATE BILL NO. 226 BY SENATOR GIESSEL, entitled: "An Act relating to the sale of homemade food." was read the first time and referred to the Labor and Commerce and Resources Committees. SB 227 SENATE BILL NO. 227 BY THE SENATE RULES COMMITTEE BY REQUEST OF THE GOVERNOR, entitled: "An Act relating to the Multistate Tax Compact; relating to apportionment of income to the state; establishing a state sales and use tax; relating to taxes levied by cities and boroughs; relating to the corporate income tax; authorizing the Department of Revenue to enter into the Streamlined Sales and Use Tax Agreement or substantially similar agreement; relating to the oil and gas production tax; establishing an infrastructure maintenance surcharge on oil; establishing a pipeline corridor maintenance fund; and providing for an effective date." was read the first time and referred to the Finance Committee. The following fiscal information was published today: Fiscal Note No. 1, Department of Revenue 2026-01-26 Senate Journal Page 1544 Governor’s transmittal letter dated January 23: Dear President Stevens: Under the authority of Article III, Section 18 of the Alaska Constitution, I am transmitting a bill relating to a comprehensive fiscal plan. For too long, Alaska’s economic growth has been stymied by uncertainty and volatility. We are one of the few states that depend so heavily on a single commodity, subject to daily price swings, to fund state government. This bill is one part of a comprehensive fiscal plan to stabilize state finances, limit spending growth, share responsibility among Alaskans, major industries, and nonresidents, attract investment, and restore rules-based payment of the annual Permanent Fund Dividend. Alaska needs a better path than a simple “tax-and-spend” approach: raising taxes just to support government growth. Alongside this bill, I am proposing a one-percent spending cap to rein in growth and avoid unnecessary increases in the burden on Alaskans. The plan also includes a Government Sunset and Reauthorization process designed to review agencies on a consistent schedule to measure their performance and determine if they are meeting the needs of Alaskans. Finally, one of the most important features of this plan is a proposed constitutional amendment to implement the 50/50 split between the Permanent Fund Dividend and funding state government operations, returning to a rules-based system for paying Alaskans’ annual dividend. This bill contains a seasonal sales tax set at four percent from April 1 to September 30, and at two percent from October 1 through March 31. All who benefit from Alaska’s public services – residents, workers, and visitors – will share in supporting those services. The sales tax sunsets in 2034, as Alaska’s fiscal position improves. The bill also temporarily raises the minimum tax floor for oil and gas production from four percent to six percent. It returns to four percent in 2032 or the calendar year following average daily throughput reaching 650,000 barrels per day. Additionally, this bill contains a $0.15 per barrel surcharge to fund operations and maintenance costs 2026-01-26 Senate Journal Page 1545 related to the Trans Alaska Pipeline Corridor. Finally, this bill implements a market-based sourcing rule for corporate income tax and the corporate income tax is eliminated in 2031. These changes are intended to encourage investment in Alaska. Alaska has prosperous years ahead. Starting in Fiscal Year 2033, Alaska is projected to see higher revenue due to expected increases in pipeline throughput and the Alaska LNG Project. This comprehensive plan is designed to bridge the next seven years by stabilizing state finances, limiting spending growth, restoring a rules-based PFD, and sharing responsibility through targeted, time-limited revenue measures that support investment and predictability. I urge your prompt and favorable action on this measure. Sincerely, /s/ Mike Dunleavy Governor Unfinished Business HB 17 Senator Rauscher moved and asked unanimous consent to be shown as a cross sponsor on HOUSE BILL NO. 17 "An Act relating to retirement benefits and military service." Without objection, it was so ordered. Introduction of Floor Staff Senator Wielechowski, Rules Committee Chair, introduced the Chamber Staff of the second session of the Thirty-Fourth Legislature: Sergeant at Arms Matt Simpson, Big Lake Assistant Sergeant at Arms Jacob Pennell, Wasilla 2026-01-26 Senate Journal Page 1546 Introduction of Floor Staff (continued) Senate Pages Carrie Reynolds, Juneau Evan Edgmon, Dillingham Megan Harden, Kenai Isabel Braun, Kenai Mary Henderson, Kenai 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 28, 2026. Without objection, the Senate adjourned at 11:22 a.m. Liz Clark Secretary of the Senate 2026-01-26 Senate Journal Page 1547 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 27 Tuesday Beltz 105 (tsbldg) 1:30 PM + HB 33 CONFLICT OF INTEREST: BDS FISHERIES/GAME -- Invited & Public Testimony -- += HB 26 STATEWIDE PUBLIC & COMMUNITY TRANSIT PLAN -- Invited & Public Testimony -- **Streamed live on AKL.tv** ---------------------------------------- EDUCATION Jan 26 Monday Beltz 105 (tsbldg) 3:30 PM + Presentation: Does a four-day school week benefit students? Elizabeth Day, Assistant Director of Outreach, HEDCO Institute, University of Oregon Sean Grant, Assistant Director of Research, HEDCO Institute, University of Oregon Bills Previously Heard/Scheduled **Streamed live on AKL.tv** Jan 28 Wednesday Beltz 105 (tsbldg) 3:30 PM + SB 204 SUB. TEACHING; SCHOOL BOARD ELIGIBILITY -- Invited & Public Testimony -- Bills Previously Heard/Scheduled **Streamed live on AKL.tv** Jan 30 Friday Beltz 105 (tsbldg) 3:30 PM No Meeting Scheduled 2026-01-26 Senate Journal Page 1548 FINANCE Jan 26 Monday Senate Finance 532 9:00 AM + Governor's FY 27 Budget Request Office of Management and Budget **Streamed live on AKL.tv** Jan 27 Tuesday Senate Finance 532 9:00 AM + Governor's Veto Overview/Discussion: Office of Management and Budget Department of Transportation and Public Facilities **Streamed live on AKL.tv** Jan 28 Wednesday Senate Finance 532 9:00 AM + Overview: Governor's FY 27 Budget Request Legislative Finance Division **Streamed live on AKL.tv** Jan 29 Thursday Senate Finance 532 9:00 AM No Meeting Scheduled Jan 30 Friday Senate Finance 532 9:00 AM No Meeting Scheduled ---------------------------------------- HEALTH & SOCIAL SERVICES Jan 27 Tuesday Butrovich 205 3:30 PM + Overview: Department of Family and Community Services Tracy Dompeling, Acting Commissioner Marian Sweet, Assistant Commissioner Bills Previously Heard/Scheduled **Streamed live on AKL.tv** Jan 29 Thursday Butrovich 205 3:30 PM + Presentation: Rural Health Transformation Program Heidi Hedberg, Commissioner Emily Ricci, Deputy Commissioner Betsy Wood, Associate Director, Office of Health Savings Bills Previously Heard/Scheduled **Streamed live on AKL.tv* 2026-01-26 Senate Journal Page 1549 JUDICIARY Jan 26 Monday Butrovich 205 1:30 PM -- MEETING CANCELED -- Bills Previously Heard/Scheduled **Streamed live on AKL.tv** Jan 28 Wednesday Butrovich 205 1:30 PM + SB 212 NUMBER OF SUPERIOR COURT JUDGES -- Invited & Public Testimony -- Bills Previously Heard/Scheduled **Streamed live on AKL.tv** Jan 30 Friday Butrovich 205 1:30 PM + Bills Previously Heard/Scheduled **Streamed live on AKL.tv** ---------------------------------------- LABOR & COMMERCE Jan 26 Monday Beltz 105 (tsbldg) 1:30 PM += HB 78 RETIREMENT SYSTEMS; DEFINED BENEFIT OPT. -- Testimony <Invitation Only> -- += SB 170 GAMING; ELECTRONIC PULL-TABS -- Testimony <Invitation Only> -- **Streamed live on AKL.tv** Jan 28 Wednesday Beltz 105 (tsbldg) 1:30 PM += HB 78 RETIREMENT SYSTEMS; DEFINED BENEFIT OPT. -- Public Testimony <Time Limit May Be Set> -- + SB 198 PERS/TRS RETIREMENT & MEDICAL ELIGIBILITY -- Testimony <Invitation Only> -- **Streamed live on AKL.tv** Jan 30 Friday Beltz 105 (tsbldg) 1:30 PM += HB 78 RETIREMENT SYSTEMS; DEFINED BENEFIT OPT. -- Testimony <Invitation Only> -- += SB 121 HEALTH INSURANCE ALLOWABLE CHARGES -- Testimony <Invitation Only> -- + SB 163 REPEAL CERTAIN INACTIVE FUNDS/ACCOUNTS -- Testimony <Invitation Only> -- **Streamed live on AKL.tv** 2026-01-26 Senate Journal Page 1550 RESOURCES Jan 26 Monday Butrovich 205 3:30 PM -- Continued from 01/23/26 -- + Presentation: GaffneyCline: Key Issues and Recommendations by Nicholas Fulford, Senior Director, Liquid Natural Gas and Energy Transition, GaffneyCline Energy Advisory Bills Previously Heard/Scheduled **Streamed live on AKL.tv** Jan 28 Wednesday Butrovich 205 3:30 PM + Presentation: Department of Transportation: Impacts from a Gas Pipeline Project += SB 180 LNG IMPORT FACILITIES -- Testimony <Invitation Only> -- Bills Previously Heard/Scheduled **Streamed live on AKL.tv** Jan 30 Friday Butrovich 205 3:30 PM + Presentation: Department of Natural Resources, North Slope Gas Presentation: Alaska Oil and Gas Conservation Commission Bills Previously Heard/Scheduled **Streamed live on AKL.tv** ---------------------------------------- STATE AFFAIRS Jan 27 Tuesday Beltz 105 (tsbldg) 3:30 PM + Overview: AIDEA update on current projects and external report Randy Ruaro, Executive Director of Alaska Industrial Development and Export Authority **Streamed live on AKL.tv** Bills Previously Heard/Scheduled Jan 29 Thursday Beltz 105 (tsbldg) 3:30 PM + Bills Previously Heard/Scheduled **Streamed live on AKL.tv** 2026-01-26 Senate Journal Page 1551 TRANSPORTATION Jan 27 Tuesday Butrovich 205 1:30 PM + Presentation: DOT&PF Winter Road Maintenance Update Brad Bylsma, Equipment Fleet Manager, Statewide Equipment Fleet Burrell Nickeson, Manager, Maintenance and Operations, Central Region Andy Mills, Special Assistant to the Commissioner, Office of the Commissioner **Streamed live on AKL.tv** Jan 29 Thursday Butrovich 205 1:30 PM No Meeting Scheduled ---------------------------------------- SPECIAL COMMITTEES SPECIAL COMMITTEE ON ARCTIC AFFAIRS Jan 29 Thursday Beltz 105 (tsbldg) 1:30 PM + Presentation: Voice of the Arctic Iñupiat Bills Previously Heard/Scheduled **Streamed live on AKL.tv** ---------------------------------------- OTHER MEETINGS JOINT SESSION Feb 11 Wednesday House Chamber 11:00 AM + State of the Judiciary Address by Chief Justice Susan Carney Feb 18 Wednesday House Chamber 11:00 AM + Annual Address by Dan Sullivan, U.S. Senator 2026-01-26 Senate Journal Page 1552 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