Legislature(2025 - 2026)
2026-02-16 Senate Journal
Full Journal pdf2026-02-16 Senate Journal Page 1693 SENATE JOURNAL ALASKA STATE LEGISLATURE THIRTY-FOURTH LEGISLATURE SECOND SESSION Juneau, Alaska Monday February 16, 2026 Twenty-eighth 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, Pastor Greg Weinert, Emmanuel Baptist Church. Senator Hoffman moved and asked unanimous consent the prayer be spread. Without objection, it was so ordered. Father, magnificent God, You are the creator and provider of all the abundance of our state. I praise Your name! This morning, I lift up the men and women of this chamber. You have placed a heavy and sacred duty on their shoulders. Allow them to hear Your still small voice in the midst of the clatter and cacophony of the politic arena. You have called them to a higher standard. Send Your Holy Spirit to grant them discernment. Strengthen these servants of the people to seek Your wisdom first in all their decisions and obligations. Give them the courage to hold to their convictions and the humility to treat those with opposing views with civility and respect in their discourse, as well as a spirit of cooperation in the face of adversity. May they be endowed with the ability to inspire the best in all those who call themselves Alaskans. 2026-02-16 Senate Journal Page 1694 I lift up too their families, many who have sacrificed separation by great distances so that their loved ones may serve the needs of the people. Protect them and comfort them. On this Presidents’ Day, I am reminded too of our national leaders, some who served brilliantly and many who missed the mark, but all who strived to attain the high ideals and standards which You placed in the hearts of our founders. Shield them from partisan pettiness and guide them. This I humbly petition, not to our glory, Lord, but to You and You alone. I pray in the name of the Father, the Son, and the Holy Spirit, Amen. Senator Wielechowski led the Senate in the Pledge of Allegiance. Certification Senator Giessel moved and asked unanimous consent the journal for the twenty-fifth through twenty-seventh legislative days be approved as certified by the Secretary. Without objection, it was so ordered. Messages from the Governor SCR 12 Message dated February 13 was read stating the Governor noted the following resolution and transmitted the engrossed and enrolled copies to the Lieutenant Governor’s Office for permanent filing: SENATE CONCURRENT RESOLUTION NO. 12 Extending the governor's October 9, 2025, declaration of a disaster emergency in response to the 2025 West Coast Storm; and approving an amended financing plan. Legislative Resolve No. 23 2026-02-16 Senate Journal Page 1695 Communications The following reports are on file in the Office of the Secretary of the Senate: Department of Commerce, Community, and Economic Development National Petroleum Reserve-Alaska Impact Mitigation Grant Program Report January 2026 in accordance with AS 37.05.530 Department of Education and Early Development State Board of Education and Early Development Annual Report January 2026 in accordance with AS 14.07.168 Introduction and Reference of Senate Bills SB 244 SENATE BILL NO. 244 BY THE SENATE LABOR AND COMMERCE COMMITTEE, entitled: "An Act relating to travel insurance." was read the first time and referred to the Labor and Commerce and Transportation Committees. Consideration of the Calendar Second Reading of Senate Bills SB 146 SENATE BILL NO. 146 "An Act relating to the regional educational attendance area and small municipal school district fund; relating to Mt. Edgecumbe High School; and relating to teacher housing" was read the second time. 2026-02-16 Senate Journal Page 1696 Senator Wielechowski moved and asked unanimous consent the following fiscal information be adopted: Fiscal Note No. 2, Department of Education and Early Development Senator Cronk objected, then withdrew his objection. There being no further objection, Fiscal Note No. 2 was adopted. President Stevens stated SENATE BILL NO. 146 will advance to third reading on the February 18 calendar. Citations th Honoring – Education Trust of Alaska 25 Anniversary Representative(s) Carrick Honoring – Chief Greg Coon Representative(s) Carrick, Schrage, Prax Honoring – Basset Army Community Hospital Representative(s) Stapp, Gray th Honoring – Gene’s Chrysler Dodge Jeep Ram 80 Anniversary Senator(s) Myers Representative(s) Tomaszewski, Stapp th Honoring – Valley Performing Arts Golden 50 Season Senator(s) Tilton In Memoriam – Dr. David Alan Stech Senator(s) Myers Representative(s) Carrick, Stapp In Memoriam – John Paul Immel Senator(s) Myers Representative(s) Tomaszewski, Stapp 2026-02-16 Senate Journal Page 1697 In Memoriam – Dr. Mohabbat Ahmadi Senator(s) Myers Representative(s) Carrick In Memoriam – Chad Rick Cameron Senator(s) Tilton Representative(s) Johnson In Memoriam – William Francis Ho’opai III Representative(s) Mina Senator(s) Dunbar, Tobin In Memoriam – John “JC” Clark Representative(s) Galvin, Fields Senator Giessel moved and asked unanimous consent the citations be adopted. Without objection, the citations were 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 Honoring – University of Alaska Fairbanks College of Fisheries and th Ocean Sciences 65 Anniversary Representative(s) Carrick 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 Kaufman moved and asked unanimous consent to be excused from a call of the Senate from 1:00 p.m. plane time, February 20 through 1:00 p.m. plane time, February 22. Without objection, Senator Kaufman was excused. 2026-02-16 Senate Journal Page 1698 Senator Myers moved and asked unanimous consent to be excused from a call of the Senate from afternoon plane time, March 13 through evening plane time, March 15. Without objection, Senator Myers was excused. SB 243 Senators Tilton, Bjorkman, Myers, Cronk moved and asked unanimous consent to be shown as cosponsors on SENATE BILL NO. 243 "An Act removing devices designed, made, or adapted to muffle the report of a firearm from the definition of 'prohibited weapon.'" 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 10:30 a.m., February 18, 2026. Without objection, the Senate adjourned at 11:22 a.m. Liz Clark Secretary of the Senate 2026-02-16 Senate Journal Page 1699 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 17 Tuesday Beltz 105 (tsbldg) 1:30 PM += HB 33 CONFLICT OF INTEREST: BDS FISHERIES/GAME += SB 200 FARM & AGRICULTURAL LAND ASSESSMENTS + SB 230 JONESVILLE PUBLIC USE AREA -- Invited & Public Testimony -- **Streamed live on AKL.tv** ---------------------------------------- EDUCATION Feb 16 Monday Beltz 105 (tsbldg) 3:30 PM + SB 210 INDIGENOUS CULTURAL HERITAGE EDUCATION -- Invited & Public Testimony -- Bills Previously Heard/Scheduled **Streamed live on AKL.tv** Feb 18 Wednesday Davis 106 8:00 AM -- Please Note Time & Location Change -- -- Testimony <Invitation Only> -- + Meeting jointly with the House Education Committee Presentation: Alaska Municipal Leaders Education Priorities by Participants in the Alaska Municipal League 2026 Winter Legislative Conference Bills Previously Heard/Scheduled **Streamed live on AKL.tv** Feb 20 Friday Beltz 105 (tsbldg) 3:30 PM No Meeting Scheduled 2026-02-16 Senate Journal Page 1700 FINANCE Feb 16 Monday Senate Finance 532 9:00 AM + Presentation: Order of Operations by Department of Revenue Bills Previously Heard/Scheduled **Streamed live on AKL.tv** Feb 16 Monday Senate Finance 532 1:30 PM -- Please Note Time Change -- + Presentation: Alaska Retirement Management Board Bills Previously Heard/Scheduled **Streamed live on AKL.tv** Feb 17 Tuesday Senate Finance 532 9:00 AM += SJR 2 CONST. AM: VOTES NEEDED FOR VETO OVERRIDE += SB 104 VEHICLES/BOATS: TRANSFER ON DEATH TITLE += SB 140 FIRE STATION GRANT PROGRAM + SB 21 AK WORK & SAVE PROGRM; RETIRE. SAVINGS BD -- Invited & Public Testimony -- + SB 211 EXTEND OCCUPATIONAL LICENSING BOARDS -- Invited & Public Testimony -- Bills Previously Heard/Scheduled **Streamed live on AKL.tv** Feb 18 Wednesday Senate Finance 532 9:00 AM + Presentation: 2025 Statewide Salary Report Update by Department of Administration Bills Previously Heard/Scheduled **Streamed live on AKL.tv** Feb 18 Wednesday Senate Finance 532 1:30 PM -- Please Note Time Change -- + Bills Previously Heard/Scheduled **Streamed live on AKL.tv** Feb 19 Thursday Senate Finance 532 9:00 AM + Presentation: Amendments by Office of Management and Budget Presentation: Response to Committee Questions by Office of Management and Budget Department of Transportation Bills Previously Heard/Scheduled **Streamed live on AKL.tv** 2026-02-16 Senate Journal Page 1701 FINANCE (continued) Feb 19 Thursday Senate Finance 532 1:30 PM -- Please Note Time Change -- + Bills Previously Heard/Scheduled **Streamed live on AKL.tv** Feb 20 Friday Senate Finance 532 9:00 AM No Meeting Scheduled ---------------------------------------- HEALTH & SOCIAL SERVICES Feb 17 Tuesday Butrovich 205 3:30 PM += HB 27 MEDICAL MAJOR EMERGENCIES -- Public Testimony -- + HB 14 REPEAL CATASTROPHIC ILLNESS/MED ASSIST -- Testimony <Invitation Only> -- + SB 193 PRACTICE OF NATUROPATHY -- Testimony <Invitation Only> -- Bills Previously Heard/Scheduled **Streamed live on AKL.tv** Feb 19 Thursday Butrovich 205 3:30 PM Presentation: Alaska Community Foundation Alex McKay, CEO, Alaska Community Foundation Megan Cacciola, Vice President of Programs & Grants, Alaska Community Foundation Bills Previously Heard/Scheduled **Streamed live on AKL.tv** ---------------------------------------- JUDICIARY Feb 16 Monday Butrovich 205 1:30 PM + HB 93 RESIDENCY REQ: HUNTING, TRAPPING, FISHING -- Invited & Public Testimony -- Bills Previously Heard/Scheduled **Streamed live on AKL.tv** Feb 18 Wednesday Butrovich 205 1:30 PM += SB 212 NUMBER OF SUPERIOR COURT JUDGES Bills Previously Heard/Scheduled **Streamed live on AKL.tv** 2026-02-16 Senate Journal Page 1702 JUDICIARY (continued) Feb 20 Friday Butrovich 205 1:30 PM + Presentation: Report on Recommendations to Reduce the Overrepresentation of Alaska Native People in the Criminal Justice System by Department of Corrections, Alaska Federation of Natives, UAF Center for Alaska Native Health Research, and UAA Justice Center Bills Previously Heard/Scheduled **Streamed live on AKL.tv** ---------------------------------------- LABOR & COMMERCE Feb 16 Monday Beltz 105 (tsbldg) 1:30 PM + SB 16 REFUSE UTILITY REGULATIONS -- Testimony <Invitation Only> -- + SB 217 EMPLOYER CONTRIBUTIONS -- Testimony <Invitation Only> -- Bills Previously Heard/Scheduled **Streamed live on AKL.tv** Feb 18 Wednesday Beltz 105 (tsbldg) 1:30 PM += SB 150 NET METERING PROGRAM & FUND -- Testimony <Invitation Only> -- + SB 218 TAX: ELECTRIC COOPS/GENERATION/STORAGE -- Testimony <Invitation Only> -- Bills Previously Heard/Scheduled **Streamed live on AKL.tv** Feb 20 Friday Beltz 105 (tsbldg) 1:30 PM + Bills Previously Heard/Scheduled **Streamed live on AKL.tv** ---------------------------------------- RESOURCES Feb 16 Monday Butrovich 205 3:30 PM += SB 180 LNG IMPORT FACILITIES -- Public Testimony -- += SB 227 TAX COMPACT; SALES TAX; OIL & GAS TAX -- Invited & Public Testimony -- Bills Previously Heard/Scheduled **Streamed live on AKL.tv** 2026-02-16 Senate Journal Page 1703 RESOURCES (continued) Feb 18 Wednesday Butrovich 205 3:30 PM += SB 180 LNG IMPORT FACILITIES SB 216 BIG GAME HUNTING PERMITS <Bill Hearing Rescheduled to 02/20/26> -- Invited & Public Testimony -- Bills Previously Heard/Scheduled: += SB 227 TAX COMPACT; SALES TAX; OIL & GAS TAX **Streamed live on AKL.tv** Feb 20 Friday Butrovich 205 3:30 PM + SB 216 BIG GAME HUNTING PERMITS -- Invited & Public Testimony -- **Streamed live on AKL.tv** ---------------------------------------- STATE AFFAIRS Feb 17 Tuesday Beltz 105 (tsbldg) 3:30 PM + Bills Previously Heard/Scheduled **Streamed live on AKL.tv** Feb 19 Thursday Beltz 105 (tsbldg) 3:30 PM + Presentation: Alaska Native Incarceration by Kendra Kloster, Alaska Federation of Natives -- Testimony <Invitation Only> -- Bills Previously Heard/Scheduled **Streamed live on AKL.tv** ---------------------------------------- TRANSPORTATION Feb 17 Tuesday Butrovich 205 1:30 PM + Presentation: Typhoon Halong Response by Deputy Commissioner Katherine Keith, Department of Transportation & Public Facilities Merle Sena, Department of Transportation & Public Facilities **Streamed live on AKL.tv** 2026-02-16 Senate Journal Page 1704 TRANSPORTATION (continued) Feb 19 Thursday Butrovich 205 1:30 PM + Presentation: Anchorage Pedestrian Safety by Municipality of Anchorage, Anchorage Police Department, Department of Transportation and Public Facilities Bills Previously Heard/Scheduled **Streamed live on AKL.tv** ---------------------------------------- SPECIAL COMMITTEES SPECIAL COMMITTEE ON ARCTIC AFFAIRS Feb 19 Thursday Beltz 105 (tsbldg) 1:30 PM + Presentation: Alaska Chadux Network by Buddy Custard, President & Chief Executive Officer, Alaska Chadux Network **Streamed live on AKL.tv** ---------------------------------------- OTHER MEETINGS JOINT SESSION 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 17 Tuesday Davis 106 12:00 PM Lunch & Learn Presentation: Nonprofits: Partners in a Strong Economy Laurie Wolf, President/CEO, The Foraker Group Sponsored by Senator Dunbar 2026-02-16 Senate Journal Page 1705 MISCELLANEOUS MEETINGS (continued) Feb 18 Wednesday Davis 106 12:00 PM Lunch & Learn Presentation: Commercial Interior Design; Advocating for Health, Safety, and Public Well-Being Presenters: American Society of Interior Designers (ASID) & AK Professional Design Council (APDC) Casey Kee Mary Knof Sponsored by Senator Kaufman 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 12:00 PM Lunch & Learn Presentation: An Overview of Alaska's Workforce Future Mariko (Mari) Selle Executive Director of the Alaska Workforce Alliance Sponsored by Senator Merrick