Legislature(2025 - 2026)
2026-02-18 Senate Journal
Full Journal pdf2026-02-18 Senate Journal Page 1709 SENATE JOURNAL ALASKA STATE LEGISLATURE THIRTY-FOURTH LEGISLATURE SECOND SESSION Juneau, Alaska Wednesday February 18, 2026 Thirtieth Day Pursuant to adjournment the Senate was called to order by President Stevens at 10:30 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. My Father, almighty God, may Your grace cover each aspect of this session. I invoke your guidance on the people of this chamber. Impart on them Your divine discernment and vision. This morning, I lift up the needs of the people of Alaska. You have imparted the people of this state with resilience, perseverance, courage, and creativity, with a deep respect for Your creation. May our leaders possess the same attributes in abundance. It is my desire that all who live in this great state have the opportunity to thrive. I desire the hungry to be fed, the homeless to be sheltered, and those in despair to be given hope. I pray that all Alaskans’ voices will be heard, their concerns addressed, and that a mindset of inclusivity pervades. May this be a safe space for Alaskans to express their opinions 2026-02-18 Senate Journal Page 1710 through these their chosen representatives. Let this be a place where ideas matter more than titles, people more than regulations, pragmatism more than political dogma, and mercy more than retribution. Faced with the daunting tasks before the people of this chamber, protect them from the false gods of pettiness, pride, and partisanship; help them to persevere and to stand firm, that Your holy will be done. I petition these appeals, not to my glory, Lord, but to You and You alone. I pray this in the name of the Father, the Son, and the Holy Spirit, Amen. Senator Yundt led the Senate in the Pledge of Allegiance. Certification Senator Giessel moved and asked unanimous consent the journal for the twenty-eighth and twenty-ninth legislative days be approved as certified by the Secretary. Without objection, it was so ordered. Messages from the House Message dated February 17 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 10 for the purpose of hearing United States Representative Nick Begich III’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. 2026-02-18 Senate Journal Page 1711 Message dated February 16 was read stating the House passed and transmitted for consideration: First Reading and Reference of House Resolutions HJR 20 HOUSE JOINT RESOLUTION NO. 20 BY REPRESENTATIVES D.NELSON, Saddler, Allard, Josephson, Bynum, Encouraging the United States Congress to establish hiring goals for apprentices and veteran apprentices. was read the first time and referred to the Labor and Commerce Committee. Communications The following reports are on file in the Office of the Secretary of the Senate: Department of Revenue Summary of Calendar Year 2025 Alaska Education Tax Credits in accordance with AS 43.05.010 Department of Education and Early Development Annual Report February 14, 2026 in accordance with AS 14.03.078 Department of Administration 2026 Progress Report on Equal Opportunity and Affirmative Action in Alaska State Government in accordance with AS 39.28.020 Department of Health Individuals with Developmental Disabilities Registration and Review Report FY 2025 in accordance with AS 47.80.130 2026-02-18 Senate Journal Page 1712 Standing Committee Reports SB 140 The Finance Committee considered SENATE BILL NO. 140 "An Act relating to a matching grant program for fire station construction and renovation; and providing for an effective date" and recommended it be replaced with CS FOR SENATE BILL NO. 140(FIN) Signing do pass: Senators Olson, Stedman, Hoffman, Cochairs; Senators Cronk, Merrick. Signing no recommendation: Senators Kaufman, Kiehl. The following fiscal information was published today: Fiscal Note No. 2, zero, Department of Commerce, Community, and Economic Development The bill was referred to the Rules Committee. SB 200 The Community and Regional Affairs Committee considered SENATE BILL NO. 200 "An Act relating to municipal assessments of farm or agricultural land; and providing for an effective date" and recommended it be replaced with CS FOR SENATE BILL NO. 200(CRA) Signing no recommendation: Senator Merrick, Chair; Senators Dunbar, Gray-Jackson, Yundt. Signing do pass: Senator Olson. 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 Resources Committee. HB 27 The Health and Social Services Committee considered CS FOR HOUSE BILL NO. 27(HSS) "An Act relating to medical care for major emergencies." 2026-02-18 Senate Journal Page 1713 Signing do pass: Senator Dunbar, Chair; Senators Claman, Tobin, Giessel. Signing no recommendation: Senator Myers. The following fiscal information was published today: Fiscal Note No. 2, Department of Health The bill was referred to the Finance Committee. HB 33 The Community and Regional Affairs Committee considered HOUSE BILL NO. 33 "An Act relating to participation in matters before the Board of Fisheries and the Board of Game by the members of the respective boards; and providing for an effective date." 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 Fish and Game The bill was referred to the Resources Committee. SJR 2 The Finance Committee considered SENATE JOINT RESOLUTION NO. 2 Proposing an amendment to the Constitution of the State of Alaska relating to actions upon veto. Signing do pass: Senators Olson, Stedman, Hoffman, Cochairs; Senator Kiehl. Signing do not pass: Senators Kaufman, Cronk. Signing no recommendation: Senator Merrick. The following previously published fiscal information applies: Fiscal Note No. 1, zero, Legislative Agency Fiscal Note No. 2, zero, Office of the Governor The resolution was referred to the Rules Committee. 2026-02-18 Senate Journal Page 1714 Introduction and Reference of Senate Bills SB 245 SENATE BILL NO. 245 BY SENATOR YUNDT, entitled: "An Act establishing June 21 as Alaska Arts and Culture Day; and providing for an effective date." was read the first time and referred to the State Affairs Committee. SB 246 SENATE BILL NO. 246 BY SENATOR CLAMAN, entitled: "An Act relating to registered interior designers and interior design; relating to project costs for the construction, enlargement, or improvement of airports; extending the termination date of the State Board of Registration for Architects, Engineers, and Land Surveyors; relating to the State Board of Registration for Architects, Engineers, and Land Surveyors; establishing requirements for the practice of registered interior design; relating to the practice of architecture, engineering, land surveying, landscape architecture, and registered interior design; relating to the scope of the certification requirements for architects, engineers, land surveyors, landscape architects, and registered interior designers; relating to immunity for design professionals; relating to the cost of construction for recreation centers; relating to liens for labor or materials furnished; relating to the procurement of landscape architectural and interior design services; relating to the cost of construction of safe water and hygienic sewage disposal facilities in villages; and providing for an effective date." was read the first time and referred to the Finance Committee. 2026-02-18 Senate Journal Page 1715 SB 247 SENATE BILL NO. 247 BY SENATOR KIEHL, entitled: "An Act relating to crime and criminal procedure; relating to generated obscene child sexual abuse material; relating to teaching certificates; and relating to licensing of school bus drivers." was read the first time and referred to the Community and Regional Affairs and Judiciary Committees. SB 248 SENATE BILL NO. 248 BY SENATOR DUNBAR, entitled: "An Act relating to the practice of genetic counseling; relating to the licensure of genetic counselors; establishing the Genetic Counseling Advisory Council; relating to the duties of the State Medical Board; relating to telehealth by licensed genetic counselors; relating to medical malpractice liability of licensed genetic counselors; relating to immunity from civil liability for a licensed genetic counselor providing free health care services; and prohibiting unfair discrimination under group health insurance against genetic counselors." was read the first time and referred to the Labor and Commerce and Health and Social Services Committees. SB 249 SENATE BILL NO. 249 BY SENATOR TILTON, entitled: "An Act relating to virtual currency kiosks; relating to transactions involving virtual currency; and relating to unfair trade or deceptive acts or practices." was read the first time and referred to the Labor and Commerce and Judiciary Committees. 2026-02-18 Senate Journal Page 1716 SB 250 SENATE BILL NO. 250 BY SENATOR TOBIN, entitled: "An Act relating to data centers; and relating to utility service for data centers." was read the first time and referred to the Community and Regional Affairs and Labor and Commerce Committees. SB 251 SENATE BILL NO. 251 BY SENATOR WIELECHOWSKI, entitled: "An Act repealing the Workers' Compensation Appeals Commission; relating to decisions and orders of the Workers' Compensation Appeals Commission; relating to superior court jurisdiction over appeals from Alaska Workers' Compensation Board decisions; repealing Rules 201.1, 401.1, and 501.1, Alaska Rules of Appellate Procedure, and amending Rules 202(a), 204(a) - (c), 210(e), 601(b), 602(c) and (h), and 603(a), Alaska Rules of Appellate Procedure; and providing for an effective date." was read the first time and referred to the Judiciary and Finance Committees. SB 252 SENATE BILL NO. 252 BY SENATOR CLAMAN, entitled: "An Act relating to the Uniform Commercial Code; relating to secured transactions; relating to controllable accounts, controllable electronic records, and controllable payment intangibles; relating to sales; relating to negotiable instruments; relating to letters of credit; relating to warehouse receipts, bills of lading, and other documents of title; relating to investment securities; relating to leases of goods; and relating to fund transfers." was read the first time and referred to the Labor and Commerce and Judiciary Committees. 2026-02-18 Senate Journal Page 1717 Consideration of the Calendar Third 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 third time. The question being: "Shall 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" pass the Senate?" The roll was taken with the following result: SB 146 Third Reading - Final Passage YEAS: 17 NAYS: 3 EXCUSED: 0 ABSENT: 0 Yeas: Bjorkman, Claman, Cronk, Dunbar, Giessel, Gray-Jackson, Hoffman, Kaufman, Kawasaki, Kiehl, Merrick, Olson, Stedman, Stevens, Tobin, Wielechowski, Yundt Nays: Myers, Rauscher, Tilton and so, SENATE BILL NO. 146 passed the Senate and was referred to the Secretary for engrossment. Citations Honoring – W. Jeffery Brady Senator(s) Kiehl Representative(s) Hannan, Story Honoring – Assemblyman Felix Rivera Senator(s) Gray-Jackson Representative(s) Josephson, Galvin 2026-02-18 Senate Journal Page 1718 Honoring – The American Red Cross Senator(s) Tobin, Olson Representative(s) Jimmie th Honoring – Anchorage Symphony Orchestra 80Anniversary Senator(s) Tobin, Claman Representative(s) Gray In Memoriam – Vicki Lee Wallner Senator(s) Tilton, Rauscher In Memoriam – Thomas “Tom” Gordon Porter Jr. Senator(s) Tilton Representative(s) St. Clair Senator Giessel moved and asked unanimous consent the citations be adopted. Without objection, the citations were adopted and referred to the Secretary for transmittal. Unfinished Business SB 89 President Stevens returned SENATE BILL NO. 89 "An Act relating to physician assistants; relating to collaborative agreements between physicians and physician assistants; relating to the practice of medicine; relating to health care providers; and relating to provisions regarding physician assistants in contracts between certain health care providers and health care insurers" to the Labor and Commerce committee for further consideration. Without objection, the bill was returned to the Labor and Commerce Committee. Recess Senator Giessel moved and asked unanimous consent the Senate stand in recess to the Joint Session. Without objection, the Senate recessed at 10:53 a.m. 2026-02-18 Senate Journal Page 1719 After Recess Joint Session in the House Speaker Edgmon called the House to order and in accordance with Uniform Rule 51 turned the gavel over to President Stevens, who called the Joint Session to order at 11:05 a.m. The purpose of the Joint Session was to hear an address by the Honorable Dan Sullivan, U.S. Senator. Senator Giessel moved and asked unanimous consent the roll call of the Senate be waived and all members be shown as present. Without objection, it was so ordered. Representative Kopp moved and asked unanimous consent the roll call of the House be waived, and all members be shown as present. Without objection, it was so ordered. President Stevens appointed Senator Hoffman and Representative St. Clair to escort U.S. Senator Dan Sullivan to the Joint Session. The Senate Sergeant at Arms, Matt Simpson, announced the Honorable Dan Sullivan's entrance to the House Chamber. Senator Sullivan was escorted to the rostrum and welcomed by President Stevens and Speaker Edgmon. Senator Sullivan delivered his address. This address appears in House and Senate Joint Journal Supplement No. 14. Following his address, there was a question and answer period. Senator Sullivan received a standing ovation. Senator Giessel moved and asked unanimous consent the Joint Session stand in adjournment. Without objection, President Stevens adjourned the Joint Session at 12:38 p.m. 2026-02-18 Senate Journal Page 1720 After Recess In the Senate The Senate reconvened at 12:41 p.m. Announcements Announcements are at the end of the journal. Engrossment 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 engrossed, signed by the President and Secretary and transmitted to the House for consideration. Adjournment Senator Giessel moved and asked unanimous consent the Senate stand in adjournment until 10:30 a.m., February 19, 2026. Without objection, the Senate adjourned at 12:41 p.m. Liz Clark Secretary of the Senate 2026-02-18 Senate Journal Page 1721 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 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 ---------------------------------------- FINANCE 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 -- MEETING CANCELED -- -- Please Note Time Change -- + Bills Previously Heard/Scheduled **Streamed live on AKL.tv** 2026-02-18 Senate Journal Page 1722 FINANCE (continued) 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** 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 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 18 Wednesday Butrovich 205 1:30 PM += SB 212 NUMBER OF SUPERIOR COURT JUDGES Bills Previously Heard/Scheduled **Streamed live on AKL.tv** 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** 2026-02-18 Senate Journal Page 1723 LABOR & COMMERCE 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 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 19 Thursday Beltz 105 (tsbldg) 3:30 PM -- Delayed to a Call of the Chair -- + Presentation: Alaska Native Incarceration by Kendra Kloster, Alaska Federation of Natives -- Testimony <Invitation Only> -- Bills Previously Heard/Scheduled **Streamed live on AKL.tv** ---------------------------------------- 2026-02-18 Senate Journal Page 1724 TRANSPORTATION 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 10 Tuesday House Chamber 11:00 AM + Annual Address by Nick Begich III, U.S. Representative Mar 31 Tuesday House Chamber 11:00 AM + Annual Address by Lisa Murkowski, U.S. Senator ---------------------------------------- MISCELLANEOUS MEETINGS Feb 18 Wednesday Davis 106 12:00 PM -- MEETING CANCELED -- 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 2026-02-18 Senate Journal Page 1725 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 Feb 26 Thursday Butrovich 205 12:00 PM Lunch & Learn Presentation: Alaska Native Science & Engineering Program (ANSEP) Learn about the high school acceleration program to earn dual college credit Sponsored by Senator Olson Apr 08 Wednesday Davis 106 12:00 PM Lunch & Learn Presentation: Arctic Winter Games 2026, Team Alaska updates, photos, achievements on Alaska's performance at Arctic Winter Games 2026 Nicole Morton-Johnson, President Sponsored by Senator Cronk