Legislature(2025 - 2026)
2026-02-06 Senate Journal
Full Journal pdf2026-02-06 Senate Journal Page 1617 SENATE JOURNAL ALASKA STATE LEGISLATURE THIRTY-FOURTH LEGISLATURE SECOND SESSION Juneau, Alaska Friday February 6, 2026 Eighteenth Day Pursuant to adjournment the Senate was called to order by President Stevens at 10:33 a.m. The roll showed fifteen members present. Senators Cronk, Hoffman, Olson, Stedman were excused from a call of the Senate. Senator Yundt was absent. The prayer was offered by the Chaplain, Reverend Fred LaPlante, Juneau Church of the Nazarene. Senator Merrick moved and asked unanimous consent the prayer be spread. Without objection, it was so ordered. Father, I begin this day with gratitude for the willingness of these Senators to serve and for the responsibility they have accepted on behalf of the people of Alaska. As they carry forward the work entrusted to them, grant them vision - to see not only the decisions before them today, but the longer story they are now part of. Give them clarity in thought and conversation, courage to seek the common good, and humility to listen well and lead with grace. May the lessons of the past guide their work and may respect for differing perspectives strengthen what they build together. Give them focus and wisdom for the tasks that remain today. 2026-02-06 Senate Journal Page 1618 And as this week draws to a close, prepare a season of rest for them - renewing their strength, restoring their perspective, and readying them for the work ahead. Be with each of these Senators throughout this day. In Jesus' name, I pray. Amen. Senator Rauscher led the Senate in the Pledge of Allegiance. Certification Senator Giessel moved and asked unanimous consent the journal for the sixteenth and seventeenth legislative days and Senate Journal Supplement No. 8 be approved as certified by the Secretary. Without objection, it was so ordered. Messages from the Governor A letter dated February 4 was read stating a need to extend the 2025 West Coast Storm Disaster emergency and requesting a concurrent legislative resolution as required by AS 26.23.020. The letter had been copied to the Finance Committee Cochairs. Communications The following reports are on file in the Office of the Secretary of the Senate: Department of Labor and Workforce Development Nonresidents Working in Alaska 2024 February 2026 in accordance with AS 36.10.130 Department of Health FY 2026 Operating Grants in accordance with AS 18.25.110 2026-02-06 Senate Journal Page 1619 Alaska Court System 2025 Travel and Compensation Report in accordance with AS 22.20.037 Annual Report FY 2025 in accordance with AS 22.20.310 Statistical Report FY 2025 in accordance with AS 22.20.310 Alaska Task Force for the Regulation of Psychedelic Medicines Final Recommendations Report June 2025 in accordance with Chapter No. 60, SLA 2024 Standing Committee Reports SB 191 The Transportation Committee considered SENATE BILL NO. 191 "An Act approving the transfer of land owned by the Alaska Railroad Corporation to the City of Whittier; and providing for an effective date." Signing do pass: Senator Bjorkman, Chair; Senators Rauscher, Kiehl, Tobin. The following fiscal information was published today: Fiscal Note No. 1, zero, Department of Commerce, Community, and Economic Development The bill was referred to the Community and Regional Affairs Committee. SR 4 The Education Committee considered 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. 2026-02-06 Senate Journal Page 1620 Signing do pass: Senator Tobin, Chair; Senators Yundt, Bjorkman, Stevens, Kiehl. The following fiscal information was published today: Fiscal Note No. 1, zero, Legislative Agency The resolution was referred to the State Affairs Committee. Senator Kawasaki, Chair, moved and asked unanimous consent 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 be waived from the State Affairs Committee. Without objection, it was so ordered. The bill is on today's calendar. Senator Myers, Acting Minority Leader, moved and asked unanimous consent Senator Yundt be excused from a call of the Senate today. Without objection, Senator Yundt was excused. Introduction and Reference of Senate Resolutions SJR 24 SENATE JOINT RESOLUTION NO. 24 BY THE SENATE SPECIAL COMMITTEE ON ARCTIC AFFAIRS, Recognizing and honoring the relationship between the state and Greenland; and recognizing the importance of cooperation between the United States of America and the Kingdom of Denmark in the Arctic. was read the first time and referred to the Special Committee on Arctic Affairs and Resources Committee. 2026-02-06 Senate Journal Page 1621 Introduction and Reference of Senate Bills SB 235 SENATE BILL NO. 235 BY SENATOR GRAY-JACKSON, entitled: "An Act relating to municipal regulation of automated traffic safety cameras." was read the first time and referred to the Community and Regional Affairs and Transportation Committees. Consideration of the Calendar Second Reading of Senate Resolutions SR 4 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, was read the second time and was before the Senate on final passage. Senators Kawasaki, Merrick, Wielechowski, Dunbar moved and asked unanimous consent to be shown as cosponsors on the resolution. Without objection, it was so ordered. The question being: "Shall 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, pass the Senate?" The roll was taken with the following result: SR 4 Second Reading Final Passage YEAS: 15 NAYS: 0 EXCUSED: 5 ABSENT: 0 Yeas: Bjorkman, Claman, Dunbar, Giessel, Gray-Jackson, Kaufman, Kawasaki, Kiehl, Merrick, Myers, Rauscher, Stevens, Tilton, Tobin, Wielechowski 2026-02-06 Senate Journal Page 1622 Excused: Cronk, Hoffman, Olson, Stedman, Yundt and so, SENATE RESOLUTION NO. 4 passed the Senate and was referred to the Secretary for engrossment and enrollment. Citations In Memoriam – Balin Miller Representative(s) Johnson Senator Giessel moved and asked unanimous consent the citation be adopted. Without objection, the citation was adopted and referred to the Secretary for transmittal. Senator Giessel moved and asked unanimous consent the following citation be made a special order of business. Without objection, it was so ordered. Special Order of Business In Memoriam – Johnnie Ticket Sr. Representative(s) Frier, Foster Senator(s) Olson 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 SB 147 Senator Gray-Jackson moved and asked unanimous consent to be shown as a cosponsor on SENATE BILL NO. 147 "An Act relating to the prescription and administration of drugs and devices by pharmacists; relating to reciprocity for pharmacists; and providing for an effective date." Without objection, it was so ordered. 2026-02-06 Senate Journal Page 1623 Senator Rauscher moved and asked unanimous consent to be excused from a call of the Senate from 5:00 p.m., March 5 to 10:00 a.m., March 9. Without objection, Senator Rauscher was excused. HB 173 Senator Myers moved and asked unanimous consent to be shown as a cross sponsor on CS FOR HOUSE BILL NO. 173(L&C) "An Act relating to occupational therapist licensure; relating to occupational therapy assistant licensure; and relating to an occupational therapist licensure compact." Without objection, it was so ordered. 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., February 9, 2026. Without objection, the Senate adjourned at 10:53 a.m. Liz Clark Secretary of the Senate 2026-02-06 Senate Journal Page 1624 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: + SB 191 TRANSFER OF RAILROAD LAND TO WHITTIER **Streamed live on AKL.tv** ---------------------------------------- EDUCATION 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** Feb 09 Monday Davis 106 8:00 AM -- Please Note Time & Location Change -- -- Testimony <Invitation Only> -- + Meeting jointly with the House Education Committee Presentation: Testimony from Alaska's public schools by school board members and students participating in the annual fly-in of the Association of Alaska School Boards Bills Previously Heard/Scheduled **Streamed live on AKL.tv** 2026-02-06 Senate Journal Page 1625 EDUCATION (continued) Feb 11 Wednesday Beltz 105 (tsbldg) 3:30 PM -- Testimony <Invitation Only> -- + Overview: Status Update of the Mount Edgecumbe High School by Deena Bishop, Commissioner, Alaska Department of Education and Early Development Karen Morrison, Deputy Commissioner, Alaska Department of Education and Early Development David Langford, Superintendent, Mount Edgecumbe High School Advisory Board Member Bills Previously Heard/Scheduled Mount Edgecumbe High School **Streamed live on AKL.tv** Feb 13 Friday Beltz 105 (tsbldg) 3:30 PM No Meeting Scheduled ---------------------------------------- FINANCE Feb 06 Friday Senate Finance 532 9:00 AM No Meeting Scheduled Feb 09 Monday Senate Finance 532 9:00 AM + Overview: PERS/TRS Update Overview Division of Retirement and Benefits Bills Previously Heard/Scheduled **Streamed live on AKL.tv** Feb 09 Monday Senate Finance 532 1:30 PM -- Please Note Time Change -- + HB 78 RETIREMENT SYSTEMS; DEFINED BENEFIT OPT. -- Testimony <Invitation Only> -- Bills Previously Heard/Scheduled **Streamed live on AKL.tv** Feb 10 Tuesday Senate Finance 532 9:00 AM + Presentation: Alaska Mental Health Trust Bills Previously Heard/Scheduled **Streamed live on AKL.tv** 2026-02-06 Senate Journal Page 1626 FINANCE (continued) Feb 11 Wednesday Senate Finance 532 9:00 AM + SB 213 APPROP: OPERATING BUDGET;AMEND;SUPP + SB 215 APPROP: MENTAL HEALTH BUDGET CS Zero Overview: Veto of Repealed Appropriations Legislative Legal Services Presentation: Alaska Permanent Fund Corporation Bills Previously Heard/Scheduled **Streamed live on AKL.tv** Feb 11 Wednesday Senate Finance 532 1:30 PM -- Please Note Time Change -- + SB 140 FIRE STATION GRANT PROGRAM -- Invited & Public Testimony -- + SB 23 CIVICS EDUCATION -- Invited & Public Testimony -- + SJR 2 CONST. AM: VOTES NEEDED FOR VETO OVERRIDE -- Invited & Public Testimony -- Bills Previously Heard/Scheduled **Streamed live on AKL.tv** Feb 12 Thursday Senate Finance 532 9:00 AM + Presentation: Rural Health Transformation Program Alaska Department of Health Bills Previously Heard/Scheduled **Streamed live on AKL.tv** Feb 12 Thursday Senate Finance 532 1:30 PM -- Please Note Time Change -- + Presentation: Mt Edgecumbe Alaska Department of Education and Early Development Bills Previously Heard/Scheduled **Streamed live on AKL.tv** Feb 13 Friday Senate Finance 532 9:00 AM No Meeting Scheduled + Bills Previously Heard/Scheduled ---------------------------------------- 2026-02-06 Senate Journal Page 1627 HEALTH & SOCIAL SERVICES Feb 10 Tuesday Butrovich 205 3:30 PM + Presentation: Guidehouse: Medicaid Rate Review by Emily Ricci, Deputy Commissioner, Department of Health Coy Jones, Project Director, Guidehouse Claire Payne, Behavioral Health Lead, Guidehouse + SB 206 SCHOOL SUICIDE POLICIES; FIREARM STORAGE -- Testimony <Invitation Only> -- Bills Previously Heard/Scheduled **Streamed live on AKL.tv** Feb 12 Thursday Davis 106 3:30 PM -- Please Note Location Change -- Meeting jointly with House Health and Social Services + Presentation: The Alaska Rural Health Transformation Program: An informational session to support implementation and participation Monique Martin, Alaska Native Tribal Health Consortium Nancy Merriman, Alaska Primary Care Association Jared Kosin, Alaska Hospital & Healthcare Association Bills Previously Heard/Scheduled **Streamed live on AKL.tv** ---------------------------------------- JUDICIARY 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** Feb 09 Monday Butrovich 205 1:30 PM + HB 101 CRIMES AGAINST MINORS; AGE CONSENT TO 18 -- Testimony <Invitation Only> -- Bills Previously Heard/Scheduled **Streamed live on AKL.tv** 2026-02-06 Senate Journal Page 1628 JUDICIARY (continued) Feb 11 Wednesday Butrovich 205 1:30 PM + Presentation: Alaska Criminal Justice Data Analysis Commission Annual Report Overview by Susanne DiPietro, Executive Director, Alaska Judicial Council Feb 13 Friday Butrovich 205 1:30 PM + Bills Previously Heard/Scheduled **Streamed live on AKL.tv** ---------------------------------------- LABOR & COMMERCE 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** Feb 09 Monday Beltz 105 (tsbldg) 1:30 PM += SB 121 HEALTH INSURANCE ALLOWABLE CHARGES -- Public Testimony <Time Limit May Be Set> -- <Above Item Removed from Agenda> += SB 81 PUBLIC EMPLOYER PENSION CONTRIBUTIONS -- Public Testimony <Time Limit May Be Set> -- **Streamed live on AKL.tv** Feb 11 Wednesday Beltz 105 (tsbldg) 1:30 PM + Overview: Alaska's Agriculture Industry by Amy Seitz, Alaska Farm Bureau Margaret Adsit, Alaska Farmland Trust Rachel Longacre, DNR Division of Mining, Land & Water -- Testimony <Invitation Only> -- **Streamed live on AKL.tv** 2026-02-06 Senate Journal Page 1629 LABOR & COMMERCE (continued) Feb 13 Friday Beltz 105 (tsbldg) 1:30 PM + SB 196 BEH. HEALTH CRISIS SURCHARGE & FUND -- Testimony <Invitation Only> -- += SB 225 TRUSTS; TRUST PROCEEDINGS; TRUSTEES -- Public Testimony <Time Limit May Be Set> -- Bills Previously Heard/Scheduled **Streamed live on AKL.tv** ---------------------------------------- RESOURCES 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** Feb 09 Monday Butrovich 205 3:30 PM += SB 180 LNG IMPORT FACILITIES -- Testimony <Invitation Only> -- Bills Previously Heard/Scheduled **Streamed live on AKL.tv** Feb 11 Wednesday Butrovich 205 3:30 PM + Presentation: Alaska Railroad Corporation by Bill O'Leary - President, CEO, Alaska Railroad Bills Previously Heard/Scheduled **Streamed live on AKL.tv** Feb 13 Friday Butrovich 205 3:30 PM + SB 158 COOK INLET: NEW ADMIN AREA -- Invited & Public Testimony -- Bills Previously Heard/Scheduled **Streamed live on AKL.tv** ---------------------------------------- 2026-02-06 Senate Journal Page 1630 STATE AFFAIRS Feb 10 Tuesday Beltz 105 (tsbldg) 3:30 PM + DOC - Update on Lawsuits & Casualties from 2025 += SB 126 CORRECTIONAL FACILITIES; PLACEMENT -- Invited & Public Testimony -- += SB 71 PRETRIAL SERVICES SUPERVISION AGRMNTS -- Invited & Public Testimony -- Bills Previously Heard/Scheduled **Streamed live on AKL.tv** Feb 12 Thursday Beltz 105 (tsbldg) 3:30 PM += SB 126 CORRECTIONAL FACILITIES; PLACEMENT -- Public Testimony <Time Limit May Be Set> -- += SB 71 PRETRIAL SERVICES SUPERVISION AGRMNTS -- Public Testimony <Time Limit May Be Set> -- + SB 203 PROHIBITED WEAPONS/FIREARM CONVERT DEVICE -- Invited & Public Testimony -- Bills Previously Heard/Scheduled **Streamed live on AKL.tv** ---------------------------------------- TRANSPORTATION Feb 10 Tuesday Butrovich 205 1:30 PM No Meeting Scheduled Feb 12 Thursday Butrovich 205 1:30 PM + Overview: Cascade Point Project by Department of Transportation & Public Facilities Deputy Commissioner Katherine Keith, Alaska Marine Highway System Director, Craig Tornga, and Southcoast Region Director, Chris Goins -- Testimony <Invitation Only> -- **Streamed live on AKL.tv** ---------------------------------------- 2026-02-06 Senate Journal Page 1631 SPECIAL COMMITTEES SPECIAL COMMITTEE ON ARCTIC AFFAIRS Feb 12 Thursday Beltz 105 (tsbldg) 1:30 PM + Presentation: Institute of Agriculture, Natural Resource and Extension, UAF by Jodie Anderson - Director, Institute of Agriculture, Natural Resource and Extension, UAF Bills Previously Heard/Scheduled **Streamed live on AKL.tv** ---------------------------------------- JOINT COMMITTEES JOINT ARMED SERVICES COMMITTEE Feb 11 Wednesday Senate Finance 532 5:30 PM + Presentation: Comments on "ready to deploy" orders by Professor Dan Maurer Presentation: Military Defense Legislative Priorities by Tammie L. Perreault Presentation: Alaska Defense Forum by Brittany Smart -- Testimony <Invitation Only> -- Bills Previously Heard/Scheduled **Streamed live on AKL.tv** ---------------------------------------- LEGISLATIVE COUNCIL Feb 11 Wednesday Adams 519 5:15 PM -- Teleconference <Listen Only> -- AGENDA: + I. Call to Order + II. Approval of the Agenda + IV. Sanctioning of Charitable Events a. Juneau Animal Rescue 2026 Fundraiser b. Juneau Dance Theater 2026 Fundraiser 2026-02-06 Senate Journal Page 1632 LEGISLATIVE COUNCIL (continued) + V. Committee Business a. Capitol Snow Removal Contract Amendment b. Legislature Independent Audit FY25 c. Legislative Council FY27 Budget Proposal VI. Executive Session a. RFQ 692—Senate and House Finance Committee Rooms Carpet Purchase (Pending Procurement Evaluation) b. Executive Order 137 State Supreme Court Litigation Costs + VII. Adjourn **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 Mar 31 Tuesday House Chamber 11:00 AM + Annual Address by Lisa Murkowski, U.S. Senator ---------------------------------------- MISCELLANEOUS MEETINGS Feb 10 Tuesday Beltz 105 (tsbldg) 6:00 PM + Presentation: Early Intervention/Infant Learning Program by Leah Van Kirk, Health Care Policy Advisory, Alaska Department of Health Tony Newman, Director, Division of Senior and Disability Services, Alaska Department of Health Presentation: Infant Learning Program Expansion Amy Simpson, Executive Director, Programs for 2026-02-06 Senate Journal Page 1633 MISCELLANEOUS MEETINGS (continued) Infants and Children Heidi Haas, Executive Director, Alaska Center for Children and Adults Rich Saville, Education and Early Intervention Coordinator, Alaska Governor's Council on Disabilities and Special Education Invited testimony from the Governor's Council on Disabilities and Special Education. **Streamed live on AKL.tv** Feb 23 Monday Butrovich 205 12:00 PM Lunch & Learn Presentation: Alaska Trucking Industry Alaska Trucking Association Sponsored by Senator Myers Feb 24 Tuesday Butrovich 205 12:00 PM Lunch & Learn Presentation: AWAIC: Abused Women's Aid in Crisis Services Provided by AWAIC and Statewide Impact Randi Beager, Executive Director, AWAIC Sponsored by Senator Tobin 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