Legislature(2025 - 2026)
2026-02-04 Senate Journal
Full Journal pdf2026-02-04 Senate Journal Page 1599 SENATE JOURNAL ALASKA STATE LEGISLATURE THIRTY-FOURTH LEGISLATURE SECOND SESSION Juneau, Alaska Wednesday February 4, 2026 Sixteenth Day Pursuant to adjournment the Senate was called to order by President Stevens at 11:02 a.m. The roll showed eighteen members present. Senator Bjorkman was excused from a call of the Senate. Senator Cronk was absent. The prayer was offered by the Chaplain, Reverend Fred LaPlante, Juneau Church of the Nazarene. Senator Hoffman moved and asked unanimous consent the prayer be spread. Without objection, it was so ordered. Father, Today, I begin with gratitude. Thank You for the willingness of these Senators to serve—knowing that public service requires sacrifice, patience, and perseverance. Thank You for their commitment to step into responsibility on behalf of the people of Alaska. I ask that You grant them courage—courage to continue the long and meaningful heritage they are now part of. Alaska’s history has been shaped by those who faced uncertainty with resolve, who endured hardship, and who chose the common good over personal comfort. May that same spirit guide these Senators as they lead today. 2026-02-04 Senate Journal Page 1600 Help them remember the lessons of the past as they make decisions that will shape the future. Give them wisdom to honor what has been entrusted to them, compassion for those they serve, and strength to do what is right even when it is difficult. Be with each of these Senators today. Encourage them in moments of weariness, steady them in moments of uncertainty, and remind them that their work matters. In Jesus’ name, I pray. Amen. Senator Myers led the Senate in the Pledge of Allegiance. Certification Senator Giessel moved and asked unanimous consent the journal for the fourteenth and fifteenth legislative days be approved as certified by the Secretary. Without objection, it was so ordered. Senator Giessel moved and asked unanimous consent Senator Cronk be excused from a call of the Senate today. Without objection, Senator Cronk was excused. Messages from the House Message dated February 3 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 Tuesday, March 31 for the purpose of hearing U.S. Senator Lisa Murkowski’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. 2026-02-04 Senate Journal Page 1601 Message dated February 2 was read stating the House passed and transmitted for consideration: First Reading and Reference of House Bills HB 39 CS FOR HOUSE BILL NO. 39(EDC) BY THE HOUSE EDUCATION COMMITTEE, entitled: "An Act relating to public school students who are deaf or hard of hearing." was read the first time and referred to the Finance Committee. Communications The following reports are on file in the Office of the Secretary of the Senate: Alaska Commission on Postsecondary Education Department of Education and Early Development Department of Labor and Workforce Development University of Alaska Joint Report: Alaska Performance Scholarship 2026 Outcomes Report in accordance with AS 14.43.840 Department of Commerce, Community, and Economic Development Division of Investments 2025 Annual State Loan Report in accordance with AS 37.05.035 Department of Corrections Interstate Compact Commission 2025 Annual Report in accordance with AS 33.36.135 2026-02-04 Senate Journal Page 1602 Department of Environmental Conservation Alaska Drinking Water and Alaska Clean Water Funds Annual Loan Fund Report in accordance with AS 46.03.032 Department of Fish and Game Board of Game Allocation Report January 31, 2026 in accordance with AS 16.05.050 Department of Administration Division of Risk Management Fiscal Year 2026 Report in accordance with AS 37.05.287 Department of Natural Resources Carbon Offset Program 2025 Annual Report in accordance with AS 38.95.450 Division of Oil and Gas Five-Year Program of Proposed Oil and Gas Lease Sales and Gas-Only Sales Annual Report in accordance with AS 38.05.180 2025 Annual Report on the Carbon Storage Program in accordance with AS 38.05.735 Department of Commerce, Community, and Economic Development Alaska Regional Development Organizations Fiscal Year 2025 Annual Report in accordance with AS 38.05.735 Department of Labor and Workforce Development Alaska Labor Relations Agency 2025 Annual Report in accordance with AS 23.05.370 Disclosure letters received from the Select Committee on Legislative Ethics in accordance with AS 24.60 will be published today in Senate Journal Supplement No. 8. 2026-02-04 Senate Journal Page 1603 Standing Committee Reports SB 20 The Finance Committee considered SENATE BILL NO. 20 "An Act relating to cardiopulmonary resuscitation education in public schools; relating to the duties of the Department of Education and Early Development; and providing for an effective date" and recommended it be replaced with CS FOR SENATE BILL NO. 20(FIN) "An Act relating to cardiopulmonary resuscitation education in public schools; and relating to the duties of the Department of Education and Early Development." Signing do pass: Senators Olson, Stedman, Hoffman, Cochairs; Senators Kaufman, Cronk, Merrick. Signing no recommendation: Senator Kiehl. The following fiscal information was published today: Fiscal Note No. 2, zero, Department of Education and Early Development The bill was referred to the Rules Committee. SB 34 The Finance Committee considered SENATE BILL NO. 34 "An Act relating to the duration of a regular session of the legislature." Signing do pass: Senators Olson, Stedman, Hoffman, Cochairs; Senator Kiehl. Signing no recommendation: Senators Kaufman, Cronk, Merrick. The following fiscal information was published today: Fiscal Note No. 2, zero, Legislative Agency The bill was referred to the Rules Committee. 2026-02-04 Senate Journal Page 1604 SB 129 The Community and Regional Affairs Committee considered SENATE BILL NO. 129 "An Act establishing a 30-day deadline for the payment of contracts under the State Procurement Code; establishing deadlines for the payment of grants, contracts, and reimbursement agreements to nonprofit organizations, municipalities, and Alaska Native organizations; relating to payment of grants to named recipients that are not municipalities; and providing for an effective date." Signing no recommendation: Senator Merrick, Chair. Signing do pass: Senators Olson, Dunbar, Gray-Jackson. Signing amend: Senator Yundt. The following fiscal information was published today: Fiscal Note No. 1, zero, Department of Public Safety Fiscal Note No. 2, zero, Department of Natural Resources Fiscal Note No. 3, Department of Military and Veterans Affairs Fiscal Note No. 4, zero, Department of Law Fiscal Note No. 5, zero, Department of Labor and Workforce Development Fiscal Note No. 6, Department of Health Fiscal Note No. 7, Department of Health Fiscal Note No. 8, Department of Health Fiscal Note No. 9, Department of Health Fiscal Note No. 10, Department of Health Fiscal Note No. 11, Department of Health Fiscal Note No. 12, zero, Department of Fish and Game Fiscal Note No. 13, zero, Department of Family and Community Services Fiscal Note No. 14, Department of Commerce, Community, and Economic Development Fiscal Note No. 15, zero, Department of Administration The bill was referred to the Labor and Commerce Committee. 2026-02-04 Senate Journal Page 1605 SB 170 The Labor and Commerce Committee considered SENATE BILL NO. 170 "An Act relating to gaming; relating to bingo; relating to pull-tabs and electronic pull-tab systems; and providing for an effective date" and recommended it be replaced with CS FOR SENATE BILL NO. 170(L&C) Signing do pass: Senator Bjorkman, Chair. Signing no recommendation: Senators Dunbar, Merrick, Gray-Jackson, Yundt. The following fiscal information was published today: Fiscal Note No. 1, Department of Revenue The bill was referred to the Finance Committee. HB 26 The Community and Regional Affairs Committee considered CS FOR HOUSE BILL NO. 26(TRA) am "An Act relating to the duties of the Department of Transportation and Public Facilities; and relating to a statewide public and community transit plan." Signing no recommendation: Senator Merrick, Chair; Senator Yundt. Signing do pass: Senators Olson, Dunbar, Gray-Jackson. The following fiscal information was published today: Fiscal Note No. 2, zero, Department of Transportation and Public Facilities The bill was referred to the Transportation Committee. Introduction and Reference of Senate Bills SB 231 SENATE BILL NO. 231 BY THE SENATE RULES COMMITTEE BY REQUEST OF THE GOVERNOR, entitled: "An Act making supplemental appropriations, reappropriations, and other appropriations; amending appropriations; capitalizing funds; and providing for an effective date." was read the first time and referred to the Finance Committee. 2026-02-04 Senate Journal Page 1606 Governor's transmittal letter dated February 2: Dear President Stevens: Under the authority of Article III, Section 18 of the Alaska Constitution, I am transmitting a bill relating to supplemental appropriations for the State’s operating and capital expenses for fiscal year 2026. This appropriation bill includes the addition of $79.1 million in unrestricted general funds, $8.6 million in designated general funds, $99.0 million in other state funds, $751.8 million in federal funds. The items in this supplemental appropriation bill are necessary for continued operations for the current fiscal year. I look forward to working with the Legislature on the timely passage and implementation of these items. Sincerely, /s/ Mike Dunleavy Governor SB 232 SENATE BILL NO. 232 BY SENATOR YUNDT, entitled: "An Act relating to personal use collection of certain fossils." was read the first time and referred to the Education and Resources Committees. SB 233 SENATE BILL NO. 233 BY SENATOR CLAMAN, entitled: "An Act relating to the Controlled Substances Advisory Committee." was read the first time and referred to the Labor and Commerce and Judiciary Committees. 2026-02-04 Senate Journal Page 1607 SB 234 SENATE BILL NO. 234 BY THE SENATE JUDICIARY COMMITTEE, entitled: "An Act adopting the Uniform Fiduciary Income and Principal Act; repealing the Alaska Principal and Income Act; relating to fiduciary income and principal; relating to the probate jurisdiction of court; relating to trust administration; and relating to transfers of trust interests." was read the first time and referred to the Labor and Commerce and Judiciary Committees. Consideration of the Calendar Citations th Honoring – University of Alaska Anchorage 25 Anniversary of the Center for Community Engagement & Learning Representative(s) Mina, Gray, Eischeid Senator Giessel moved and asked unanimous consent the citation be adopted. Without objection, the citation was adopted and referred to the Secretary for transmittal. Unfinished Business Senator Hoffman moved and asked unanimous consent to be excused from a call of the Senate on February 6. Without objection, Senator Hoffman was excused. Senator Olson moved and asked unanimous consent to be excused from a call of the Senate from 9:00 a.m., February 5 through plane time, February 7. Without objection, Senator Olson was excused. Senator Kawasaki moved and asked unanimous consent to be excused from a call of the Senate on February 20. Without objection, Senator Kawasaki was excused. 2026-02-04 Senate Journal Page 1608 Senator Myers moved and asked unanimous consent Senator Cronk be excused from a call of the Senate from February 5 through February 7. Without objection, Senator Cronk was excused. Senator Yundt moved and asked unanimous consent to be excused from a call of the Senate on February 12 and February 13. Without objection, Senator Yundt was excused. Senator Tilton moved and asked unanimous consent to be excused from a call of the Senate from morning plane time, February 26 through morning plane time, March 1. Without objection, Senator Tilton was excused. Senator Stedman moved and asked unanimous consent to be excused from a call of the Senate on February 5 and February 6. Without objection, Senator Stedman was excused. Announcements Announcements are at the end of the journal. Adjournment Senator Giessel moved and asked unanimous consent the Senate stand in adjournment until 10:30 a.m., February 6, 2026. Without objection, the Senate adjourned at 11:44 a.m. Liz Clark Secretary of the Senate 2026-02-04 Senate Journal Page 1609 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 Feb 10 Tuesday Beltz 105 (tsbldg) 1:30 PM + SB 200 FARM & AGRICULTURAL LAND ASSESSMENTS -- Public Testimony -- += SB 192 EVACUATION DESIGNATION LEVELS Bills Previously Heard/Scheduled ---------------------------------------- EDUCATION Feb 04 Wednesday Beltz 105 (tsbldg) 3:30 PM += SB 204 SUB. TEACHING; SCHOOL BOARD ELIGIBILITY -- Invited & Public Testimony -- + SR 4 250TH ANNIVERSARY OF UNITED STATES -- Invited & Public Testimony -- Bills Previously Heard/Scheduled **Streamed live on AKL.tv** Feb 06 Friday Beltz 105 (tsbldg) 3:30 PM -- MEETING CANCELED -- + SB 210 INDIGENOUS CULTURAL HERITAGE EDUCATION -- Invited & Public Testimony -- Bills Previously Heard/Scheduled **Streamed live on AKL.tv** 2026-02-04 Senate Journal Page 1610 FINANCE Feb 04 Wednesday Senate Finance 532 9:00 AM + Overview: Governor's FY 2026 Supplemental Overview by Office of Management and Budget Bills Previously Heard/Scheduled **Streamed live on AKL.tv** Feb 05 Thursday Senate Finance 532 9:00 AM -- MEETING CANCELED -- + Presentation: Savings, Reserves, and Investments Funds by Department of Revenue Bills Previously Heard/Scheduled **Streamed live on AKL.tv** Feb 06 Friday Senate Finance 532 9:00 AM No Meeting Scheduled ---------------------------------------- HEALTH & SOCIAL SERVICES Feb 05 Thursday Butrovich 205 3:30 PM + HB 27 MEDICAL MAJOR EMERGENCIES -- Testimony <Invitation Only> -- Bills Previously Heard/Scheduled **Streamed live on AKL.tv** ---------------------------------------- JUDICIARY Feb 04 Wednesday Butrovich 205 1:30 PM -- MEETING CANCELED -- + Bills Previously Heard/Scheduled **Streamed live on AKL.tv** Feb 06 Friday Butrovich 205 1:30 PM += SB 190 UNIFORM ACT: GUARDIANSHIP/CONSERVATORSHIP -- Testimony <Invitation Only> -- Bills Previously Heard/Scheduled **Streamed live on AKL.tv** 2026-02-04 Senate Journal Page 1611 LABOR & COMMERCE Feb 04 Wednesday Beltz 105 (tsbldg) 1:30 PM + SB 150 NET METERING PROGRAM & FUND <Bill Hearing Canceled> -- Testimony <Invitation Only> -- + SB 218 TAX: ELECTRIC COOPS/GENERATION/STORAGE <Bill Hearing Canceled> -- Testimony <Invitation Only> -- Bills Previously Heard/Scheduled: += SB 211 EXTEND OCCUPATIONAL LICENSING BOARDS -- Testimony <Invitation Only> -- **Streamed live on AKL.tv** Feb 06 Friday Beltz 105 (tsbldg) 1:30 PM += SB 211 EXTEND OCCUPATIONAL LICENSING BOARDS -- Invited & Public Testimony -- + SB 225 TRUSTS; TRUST PROCEEDINGS; TRUSTEES -- Testimony <Invitation Only> -- += SB 198 PERS/TRS RETIREMENT & MEDICAL ELIGIBILITY -- Invited & Public Testimony -- Bills Previously Heard/Scheduled **Streamed live on AKL.tv** ---------------------------------------- RESOURCES Feb 04 Wednesday Butrovich 205 3:30 PM + Presentation: Regulatory Commission of Alaska, CH 11 SLA 13 Authority Bills Previously Heard/Scheduled **Streamed live on AKL.tv** Feb 06 Friday Butrovich 205 3:30 PM += SB 180 LNG IMPORT FACILITIES -- Testimony <Invitation Only> -- + SB 227 TAX COMPACT; SALES TAX; OIL & GAS TAX -- Testimony <Invitation Only> -- Bills Previously Heard/Scheduled **Streamed live on AKL.tv** 2026-02-04 Senate Journal Page 1612 STATE AFFAIRS Feb 05 Thursday Beltz 105 (tsbldg) 3:30 PM += SB 188 TANANA VALLEY STATE FOREST -- Invited & Public Testimony -- Bills Previously Heard/Scheduled **Streamed live on AKL.tv** ---------------------------------------- TRANSPORTATION Feb 05 Thursday Butrovich 205 1:30 PM += SB 191 TRANSFER OF RAILROAD LAND TO WHITTIER -- Public Testimony -- **Streamed live on AKL.tv** ---------------------------------------- SPECIAL COMMITTEES SPECIAL COMMITTEE ON ARCTIC AFFAIRS Feb 05 Thursday Beltz 105 (tsbldg) 1:30 PM No Meeting Scheduled ---------------------------------------- JOINT COMMITTEES LEGISLATIVE BUDGET & AUDIT Feb 05 Thursday Senate Finance 532 5:15 PM + I. Call to Order II. Approval of the Agenda III. Approval of the Minutes a. November 19, 2025 – morning meeting b. November 19, 2025 – afternoon meeting c. January 20, 2026 IV. Committee Business a. Top Audit Issues, Part 2 b. Consideration of Contract Amendment for Alaska Center for Energy and Power (ACEP) V. Executive Session a. Consideration of Contract Amendment for Outside Counsel for Personnel Matter b. GaffneyCline, Conflict of Interest: Legal Analysis VI. Adjourn **Streamed live on AKL.tv** 2026-02-04 Senate Journal Page 1613 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 ---------------------------------------- MISCELLANEOUS MEETINGS Feb 23 Monday Butrovich 205 12:00 PM Lunch & Learn Presentation: Alaska Trucking Industry Alaska Trucking Association Sponsored by Senator Myers Feb 25 Wednesday Butrovich 205 10:30 AM Lunch & Learn Presentation: An Overview of Alaska's Workforce Future Mariko (Mari) Selle Executive Director of the Alaska Workforce Alliance Sponsored by Senator Merrick