Legislature(2025 - 2026)
2026-03-02 Senate Journal
Full Journal pdf2026-03-02 Senate Journal Page 1805 SENATE JOURNAL ALASKA STATE LEGISLATURE THIRTY-FOURTH LEGISLATURE SECOND SESSION Juneau, Alaska Monday March 2, 2026 Forty-second Day Pursuant to adjournment the Senate was called to order by President Stevens at 11:03 a.m. The roll showed seventeen members present. Senator Dunbar was excused from a call of the Senate. Senators Olson, Wielechowski were absent. The prayer was offered by the Chaplain, Pastor Greg White, First Baptist Church Juneau. Senator Hoffman moved and asked unanimous consent the prayer be spread. Without objection, it was so ordered. Having respect for the faith traditions of all Alaskans, I pray according to my faith. Heavenly Father, in Jesus’ Name, I come to You. Lifting up the Alaska Senate, I ask You to expand the understanding of each Senator that they may know what is best for Alaskans. May you bless the Senators with the knowledge and heart necessary for each to effectively execute their Office. May they be a blessing to You, a blessing to one another, and a blessing to Alaskans all. Thank You for all Your work. In Jesus' Name I pray, Amen. Senator Gray-Jackson led the Senate in the Pledge of Allegiance. 2026-03-02 Senate Journal Page 1806 Certification Senator Giessel moved and asked unanimous consent the journal for the thirty-ninth through forty-first legislative days be approved as certified by the Secretary. Without objection, it was so ordered. Senator Giessel moved and asked unanimous consent Senators Olson, Wielechowski be excused from a call of the Senate. Without objection, Senators Olson, Wielechowski were excused. Messages from the House Message dated February 27 was read stating the House passed and transmitted for consideration: First Reading and Reference of House Bills HB 47 CS FOR HOUSE BILL NO. 47(JUD) am BY THE HOUSE JUDICIARY COMMITTEE, entitled: "An Act relating to distribution of a forged digital likeness; relating to crime and criminal procedure; relating to distribution of a generated sexual depiction; relating to generated obscene child sexual abuse material; relating to teaching certificates; relating to licensing of school bus drivers; relating to civil penalties for an organization that facilitates the generation of child sexual abuse material; relating to social media and minors; and providing for an effective date." was read the first time and referred to the Community and Regional Affairs and Judiciary Committees. HB 184 CS FOR HOUSE BILL NO. 184(CRA) BY THE HOUSE COMMUNITY AND REGIONAL AFFAIRS COMMITTEE, entitled: 2026-03-02 Senate Journal Page 1807 "An Act relating to financing by the Alaska Industrial Development and Export Authority for workforce housing development projects." 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: Department of Education and Early Development School Capital Project Funding under SB 237 Annual Report in accordance with AS.14.11.035 Alaska Mental Health Board Statewide Suicide Prevention Council 2025 Annual Report in accordance with AS 44.29.360 Consideration of the Calendar Second Reading of Senate Bills SB 89 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" was read the second time. Senator Bjorkman, Chair, moved and asked unanimous consent for the adoption of the 2d Labor and Commerce Committee Substitute offered on page 1772. Without objection, CS FOR SENATE BILL NO. 89(2d L&C) was adopted. 2026-03-02 Senate Journal Page 1808 President Stevens stated CS FOR SENATE BILL NO. 89(2d L&C) will advance to third reading on the March 4 calendar. SB 140 SENATE BILL NO. 140 "An Act relating to a matching grant program for fire station construction and renovation; and providing for an effective date" was read the second time. Senator Hoffman, Cochair, moved and asked unanimous consent for the adoption of the Finance Committee Substitute offered on page 1712. Without objection, CS FOR SENATE BILL NO. 140(FIN) was adopted. President Stevens stated CS FOR SENATE BILL NO. 140(FIN) will advance to third reading on the March 4 calendar. Citations Honoring – Tyler Aklestad & Nick Olstad (Team 7) 2026 Iron Dog Champions Senator(s) Tilton, Rauscher Honoring – Interior Grappling Academy & Student Wrestler Development Program Representative(s) Tomaszewski, Prax Senator(s) Myers In Memoriam – Melissa & Mark Hortman Senator(s) Tobin, Dunbar Representative(s) Josephson 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. 2026-03-02 Senate Journal Page 1809 Special Order of Business In Memoriam – Craig Johnson Senator(s) Tilton, Rauscher 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 HB 48 President Stevens removed the Judiciary Committee referral to HOUSE BILL NO. 48 "An Act relating to appropriations to the civil legal services fund." The bill was referred to the Finance Committee. SB 154 Senators Giessel, Tobin moved and asked unanimous consent to be shown as cosponsors on SPONSOR SUBSTITUTE FOR SENATE BILL NO. 154 "An Act establishing the Home Care Employment Standards Advisory Board; relating to payment for personal care services; and providing for an effective date." Without objection, it was so ordered. Senator Tilton moved and asked unanimous consent to be excused from a call of the Senate from afternoon plane time, March 5 through morning plane time, March 7. Without objection, Senator Tilton was excused. Senators Stedman, Hoffman, Tobin moved and asked unanimous consent to be excused from a call of the Senate on March 5 and March 6. Without objection, Senators Stedman, Hoffman, Tobin were excused. Senator Claman moved and asked unanimous consent to be excused from a call of the Senate on March 13. Without objection, Senator Claman was excused. 2026-03-02 Senate Journal Page 1810 HB 26 Senator Kawasaki moved and asked unanimous consent to be shown as a cross sponsor on 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." Without objection, it was so ordered. HB 47 Senators Bjorkman, Tilton moved and asked unanimous consent to be shown as cross sponsors on CS FOR HOUSE BILL NO. 47(JUD) am "An Act relating to distribution of a forged digital likeness; relating to crime and criminal procedure; relating to distribution of a generated sexual depiction; relating to generated obscene child sexual abuse material; relating to teaching certificates; relating to licensing of school bus drivers; relating to civil penalties for an organization that facilitates the generation of child sexual abuse material; relating to social media and minors; and providing for an effective date." Without objection, it was so ordered. Senator Yundt moved and asked unanimous consent to be excused from a call of the Senate on March 6. Without objection, Senator Yundt 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 11:00 a.m., March 4, 2026. Without objection, the Senate adjourned at 11:24 a.m. Liz Clark Secretary of the Senate 2026-03-02 Senate Journal Page 1811 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 Mar 03 Tuesday Beltz 105 (tsbldg) 1:30 PM += HB 126 REINSTATEMENT NATIVE CORP/RELIGIOUS CORP -- Testimony <Invitation Only> -- += SB 191 TRANSFER OF RAILROAD LAND TO WHITTIER -- Invited & Public Testimony -- += SB 235 AUTOMATED TRAFFIC SAFETY CAMERAS -- Testimony <Invitation Only> -- + HB 13 MUNICIPAL PROPERTY TAX EXEMPTIONS -- Testimony <Invitation Only> -- + SB 259 PROPERTY TAX ASSESSMENT INCREASES -- Testimony <Invitation Only> -- + SB 255 MUNI GRANT LAND; MAT-SU BOROUGH TRANSFER -- Testimony <Invitation Only> -- **Streamed live on AKL.tv** ---------------------------------------- EDUCATION Mar 02 Monday Beltz 105 (tsbldg) 3:30 PM += SB 110 MUSEUM CONSTRUCTION GRANTS -- Invited & Public Testimony -- + SB 238 LIBRARY MATERIALS POLICIES; CENSORSHIP -- Invited & Public Testimony -- Bills Previously Heard/Scheduled **Streamed live on AKL.tv** 2026-03-02 Senate Journal Page 1812 EDUCATION (continued) Mar 04 Wednesday Beltz 105 (tsbldg) 3:30 PM + Presentation: University of Alaska - College of Education Consortium by Dr. Bridget Weiss, UA Liaison to the Alaska College of Education + SB 209 GRAD REQUIREMENTS & PROFICIENCY TOOLS -- Invited & Public Testimony -- Bills Previously Heard/Scheduled **Streamed live on AKL.tv** Mar 06 Friday Beltz 105 (tsbldg) 3:30 PM No Meeting Scheduled ---------------------------------------- FINANCE Mar 02 Monday Senate Finance 532 9:00 AM += HB 289 APPROP: SUPPLEMENTAL Bills Previously Heard/Scheduled **Streamed live on AKL.tv** Mar 02 Monday Senate Finance 532 1:30 PM -- Please Note Time Change -- += HB 78 RETIREMENT SYSTEMS; DEFINED BENEFIT OPT. -- Invited & Public Testimony -- Bills Previously Heard/Scheduled **Streamed live on AKL.tv** Mar 03 Tuesday Senate Finance 532 9:00 AM += HB 289 APPROP: SUPPLEMENTAL += HB 194 APPROVE MARATHON PETRO ROYALTY OIL SALE += SB 104 VEHICLES/BOATS: TRANSFER ON DEATH TITLE += SB 23 CIVICS EDUCATION Bills Previously Heard/Scheduled **Streamed live on AKL.tv** Mar 03 Tuesday Senate Finance 532 1:30 PM -- Please Note Time Change -- + Bills Previously Heard/Scheduled **Streamed live on AKL.tv** 2026-03-02 Senate Journal Page 1813 FINANCE (continued) Mar 04 Wednesday Senate Finance 532 9:00 AM + SB 178 EXPAND EARLY INTERVENTION SERVICES -- Invited & Public Testimony -- + SB 93 EARLY EDUCATION PROGRAMS -- Invited & Public Testimony -- Bills Previously Heard/Scheduled **Streamed live on AKL.tv** Mar 04 Wednesday Senate Finance 532 1:30 PM -- Please Note Time Change -- + Bills Previously Heard/Scheduled **Streamed live on AKL.tv** Mar 05 Thursday Senate Finance 532 9:00 AM No Meeting Scheduled Mar 05 Thursday Senate Finance 532 1:30 PM -- Please Note Time Change -- No Meeting Scheduled Mar 06 Friday Senate Finance 532 9:00 AM No Meeting Scheduled Mar 06 Friday Senate Finance 532 1:30 PM -- Please Note Time Change -- No Meeting Scheduled ---------------------------------------- HEALTH & SOCIAL SERVICES Mar 03 Tuesday Butrovich 205 3:30 PM + Presentation: Office of Children's Services Audit Review by Kim Guay, Director, OCS Bills Previously Heard/Scheduled **Streamed live on AKL.tv** Mar 05 Thursday Butrovich 205 3:30 PM + Presentation: Covenant House Youth Advisory Board += SB 193 PRACTICE OF NATUROPATHY -- Public Testimony <Time Limit May Be Set> -- Bills Previously Heard/Scheduled **Streamed live on AKL.tv** 2026-03-02 Senate Journal Page 1814 JUDICIARY Mar 02 Monday Butrovich 205 1:30 PM -- Please Note Time Change --Delayed to 1:45 PM += SB 251 REPEAL WORKERS' COMP APPEALS COMMISSION += SB 190 UNIFORM ACT: GUARDIANSHIP/CONSERVATORSHIP -- Invited & Public Testimony -- Bills Previously Heard/Scheduled **Streamed live on AKL.tv** Mar 04 Wednesday Davis 106 1:30 PM -- Please Note Location Change -- + Meeting Jointly with the Senate State Affairs Committee Hearing on Dissemination of Voter Information to the U.S. Department of Justice **Streamed live on AKL.tv** Mar 06 Friday Butrovich 205 1:30 PM No Meeting Scheduled ---------------------------------------- LABOR & COMMERCE Mar 02 Monday Beltz 105 (tsbldg) 1:30 PM += SB 164 ELIMINATE TAX DISCOUNTS -- Public Testimony <Time Limit May Be Set> -- += SB 233 CONTROLLED SUBSTANCES ADVISORY COMMITTEE -- Public Testimony <Time Limit May Be Set> -- + HB 50 SNOW CLASSICS Testimony <Invitation Only> -- + SB 249 VIRTUAL CURRENCY KIOSKS Testimony <Invitation Only> -- Bills Previously Heard/Scheduled**Streamed live on AKL.tv** Mar 04 Wednesday Beltz 105 (tsbldg) 1:30 PM += SB 35 DELIVERY NETWORK COMPANIES -- Testimony <Invitation Only> -- += SB 205 PEACE OFFICERS/FIREFIGHTERS: DISABILITY -- Public Testimony <Time Limit May Be Set> -- + SB 180 LNG IMPORT FACILITIES Testimony <Invitation Only> -- Bills Previously Heard/Scheduled**Streamed live on AKL.tv** Mar 06 Friday Beltz 105 (tsbldg) 1:30 PM + Bills Previously Heard/Scheduled **Streamed live on AKL.tv** 2026-03-02 Senate Journal Page 1815 RESOURCES Mar 02 Monday Butrovich 205 3:30 PM + Presentation: Bonding Authority of AIDEA by Randy Ruaro, Executive Director, Alaska Industrial Development and Export Authority Bills Previously Heard/Scheduled: += SB 158 COOK INLET: NEW ADMIN AREA -- Public Testimony --Streamed live on AKL.tv** Mar 04 Wednesday Butrovich 205 3:30 PM + SB 253 SULFUR CONTENT OF MARINE FUEL -- Testimony <Invitation Only> -- += SB 161 PROHIBIT BOTTOM TRAWLING -- Invited & Public Testimony -- Bills Previously Heard/Scheduled**Streamed live on AKL.tv** Mar 06 Friday Butrovich 205 3:30 PM -- MEETING CANCELED -- + HB 79 NAMING VIC FISCHER SHOUP BAY MARINE PARK -- Invited & Public Testimony -- += SB 230 JONESVILLE PUBLIC USE AREA -- Invited & Public Testimony -- Bills Previously Heard/Scheduled **Streamed live on AKL.tv** ---------------------------------------- STATE AFFAIRS Mar 03 Tuesday Beltz 105 (tsbldg) 3:30 PM += SB 237 DATA SHARING; SOCIAL SECURITY -- Invited & Public Testimony -- Bills Previously Heard/Scheduled **Streamed live on AKL.tv** Mar 04 Wednesday Davis 106 1:30 PM -- Please Note Time Change -- -- Please Note Location Change -- + Meeting Jointly with the Senate Judiciary Committee Hearing on Dissemination of Voter Information to the U.S. Department of Justice **Streamed live on AKL.tv** 2026-03-02 Senate Journal Page 1816 STATE AFFAIRS (continued) Mar 05 Thursday Beltz 105 (tsbldg) 3:30 PM += SB 203 PROHIBITED WEAPONS/FIREARM CONVERT DEVICE -- Public Testimony <Time Limit May Be Set> -- + SB 243 DEFINITION OF PROHIBITED WEAPON -- Invited & Public Testimony -- += SB 126 CORRECTIONAL FACILITIES; PLACEMENT Bills Previously Heard/Scheduled **Streamed live on AKL.tv** ---------------------------------------- TRANSPORTATION Mar 03 Tuesday Butrovich 205 1:30 PM + Presentation: Use of Advanced Construction Funds and Federal Funds for State Projects by Department of Transportation and Public Facilities **Streamed live on AKL.tv** Mar 05 Thursday Butrovich 205 1:30 PM No Meeting Scheduled ---------------------------------------- FINANCE SUBCOMMITTEES ADMINISTRATION Mar 02 Monday Senate Finance 532 5:15 PM + Administration Subcommittee Mar 09 Monday Senate Finance 532 5:15 PM + Administration Subcommittee Mar 16 Monday Senate Finance 532 5:15 PM + Administration Subcommittee ---------------------------------------- 2026-03-02 Senate Journal Page 1817 CORRECTIONS Mar 06 Friday Beltz 105 (tsbldg) 8:00 AM -- MEETING CANCELED -- + Department of Corrections - Budget Overview Mar 11 Wednesday Beltz 105 (tsbldg) 7:30 AM + Department of Corrections - Budget Overview ---------------------------------------- EDUCATION & EARLY DEVELOPMENT Mar 04 Wednesday Senate Finance 532 5:15 PM + Education & Early Development Subcommittee Mar 11 Wednesday Senate Finance 532 5:15 PM + Education & Early Development Subcommittee Mar 18 Wednesday Senate Finance 532 5:15 PM + Education & Early Development Subcommittee Mar 25 Wednesday Senate Finance 532 5:15 PM + Education & Early Development Subcommittee ---------------------------------------- HEALTH Mar 04 Wednesday Senate Finance 532 7:30 AM + Overview: FY2027 Budget and Audit Findings by Heidi Hedberg, Commissioner Emily Ricci, Deputy Commissioner Pam Halloran, Assistant Commissioner -- Teleconference <Listen Only> -- **Streamed live on AKL.tv** ---------------------------------------- JUDICIARY Mar 04 Wednesday Butrovich 205 5:15 PM + Courts - Budget Overview 2026-03-02 Senate Journal Page 1818 LAW Mar 05 Thursday Beltz 105 (tsbldg) 5:15 PM + Department of Law - Budget Overview ---------------------------------------- PUBLIC SAFETY Mar 04 Wednesday Beltz 105 (tsbldg) 8:00 AM + Department of Public Safety - Budget Overview ---------------------------------------- REVENUE Mar 05 Thursday Senate Finance 532 5:15 PM + Revenue Subcommittee Mar 12 Thursday Senate Finance 532 5:15 PM + Revenue Subcommittee Mar 19 Thursday Senate Finance 532 5:15 PM + Revenue Subcommittee ---------------------------------------- TRANSPORTATION & PUBLIC FACILITIES Mar 18 Wednesday Senate Finance 532 7:30 AM + FY27 Request, FY26 Update, & Major Issues Mar 25 Wednesday Senate Finance 532 7:30 AM + Highways & State Equipment Fleet Apr 01 Wednesday Senate Finance 532 7:30 AM + Airports & DFS Apr 08 Wednesday Senate Finance 532 7:30 AM + AMHS Apr 15 Wednesday Senate Finance 532 7:30 AM + Closeout 2026-03-02 Senate Journal Page 1819 UNIVERSITY OF ALASKA Mar 09 Monday Senate Finance 532 9:00 AM + University of Alaska Subcommittee ---------------------------------------- SPECIAL COMMITTEES SPECIAL COMMITTEE ON ARCTIC AFFAIRS Mar 05 Thursday Beltz 105 (tsbldg) 1:30 PM += SJR 24 HONORING RELATIONSHIP WITH GREENLAND **Streamed live on AKL.tv** ---------------------------------------- OTHER MEETINGS JOINT SESSION 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 Mar 25 Wednesday Butrovich 205 12:00 PM Lunch & Learn Presentation: Presentation: Alaska Comprehensive Forensic Training Academy Dr. Angelia Trujillo Mar 27 Friday Butrovich 205 12:01 PM Lunch & Learn Presentation: The Importance of Energy Data Diane Hirshberg Jeremy Kasper Leasi Vanessa Lee Raymond UAA's Institute of Social and Economic Research and UAF's Alaska Center for Energy and Power Sponsored by Senator Giessel 2026-03-02 Senate Journal Page 1820 MISCELLANEOUS MEETINGS (continued) 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