Legislature(2025 - 2026)
2026-03-10 Senate Journal
Full Journal pdf2026-03-10 Senate Journal Page 1887 SENATE JOURNAL ALASKA STATE LEGISLATURE THIRTY-FOURTH LEGISLATURE SECOND SESSION Juneau, Alaska Tuesday March 10, 2026 Fiftieth Day Pursuant to adjournment the Senate was called to order by President Stevens at 10:31 a.m. The roll showed nineteen members present. Senator Claman was absent. The prayer was offered by the Chaplain, Maranathà Henderson, Senate Page. Senator Hoffman moved and asked unanimous consent the prayer be spread. Without objection, it was so ordered. Our Dear Father in Heaven, Thank you for allowing the legislators and their staff to return safely to our Capitol. At this time father I would like to ask you to aid them in the decision making process as the decisions they make will affect all Alaskans. Heavenly Father I would also ask you to assist the families of those present, in their patience as this session continues. Father, I am grateful for the chance to once again gather to decipher familiar issues before us; at this time father, I again ask for your wisdom to guide us. I ask that you please give us all patience, unity to stand strong, and respect for one another to facilitate work as a team. I ask these things in your name, Amen. 2026-03-10 Senate Journal Page 1888 Senator Kiehl led the Senate in the Pledge of Allegiance. Certification Senator Giessel moved and asked unanimous consent the journal for the forty-ninth legislative day, Senate Journal Supplement No. 9 and Senate and House Joint Journal Supplement No. 15 be approved as certified by the Secretary. Without objection, it was so ordered. Senator Giessel moved and asked unanimous consent Senator Claman be excused from a call of the Senate today. Without objection, Senator Claman was excused. Communications The following reports are on file in the Office of the Secretary of the Senate: Alaska Energy Authority 2025 Annual Report in accordance with AS 44.83.940 Power Cost Equalization Program Statistical Report FY 2025 in accordance with AS 44.83.940 Standing Committee Reports SB 163 The Labor and Commerce Committee considered SENATE BILL NO. 163 "An Act relating to inactive state accounts and funds; repealing the home ownership assistance fund; repealing the operating loss reserve account; repealing the public access fund; repealing the Southeast energy fund; repealing the Alaska Gasline Inducement Act reimbursement fund; repealing the child care facility revolving loan fund foreclosure expense account; repealing the tourism revolving fund foreclosure expense account; repealing the residential energy 2026-03-10 Senate Journal Page 1889 conservation fund foreclosure expense account; repealing the historical district revolving loan fund foreclosure expense account; repealing the Alaska temporary assistance program emergency account; repealing the 2001 Special Olympics World Winter Games reserve fund; and providing for an effective date" and recommended it be replaced with CS FOR SENATE BILL NO. 163(L&C) "An Act relating to inactive state accounts and funds; repealing the public access fund; repealing the Alaska temporary assistance program emergency account; repealing the 2001 Special Olympics World Winter Games reserve fund; and providing for an effective date." Signing do pass: Senator Bjorkman, Chair; Senator Yundt. Signing no recommendation: Senators Dunbar, Gray-Jackson. The following fiscal information was published today: Fiscal Note No. 1, zero, Department of Administration The bill was referred to the Finance Committee. SB 205 The Labor and Commerce Committee considered SENATE BILL NO. 205 "An Act relating to occupational disability benefits for peace officers and firefighters; and providing for an effective date" and recommended it be replaced with CS FOR SENATE BILL NO. 205(L&C) "An Act relating to occupational disability benefits for court services officers, peace officers, and firefighters; and providing for an effective date." Signing do pass: Senator Bjorkman, Chair; Senator Yundt. Signing no recommendation: Senator Merrick. The following fiscal information was published today: Fiscal Note No. 1, zero, Department of Administration The bill was referred to the Finance Committee. 2026-03-10 Senate Journal Page 1890 SJR 26 The Resources Committee considered SENATE JOINT RESOLUTION NO. 26 Supporting the ability of Alaska Native corporations to participate in the United States Small Business Administration's 8(a) Business Development Program and recommended it be replaced with CS FOR SENATE JOINT RESOLUTION NO. 26(RES) Supporting the ability of Alaska Native corporations and entities owned by federally recognized tribes in the state to participate in the United States Small Business Administration's 8(a) Business Development Program. Signing do pass: Senator Giessel, Chair; Senators Dunbar, Wielechowski. Signing no recommendation: Senators Rauscher, Myers, Kawasaki. The following fiscal information was published today: Fiscal Note No. 1, zero, Senate Resources Committee The resolution was referred to the Rules Committee. Introduction and Reference of Senate Resolutions SJR 28 SENATE JOINT RESOLUTION NO. 28 BY THE SENATE EDUCATION COMMITTEE, Recognizing the vital role of workers serving in the state under the J-1 Exchange Visitor Program and the H-1B Program for specialty occupations in supporting the state's economic security and continuity of critical services. was read the first time and referred to the Labor and Commerce Committee. 2026-03-10 Senate Journal Page 1891 Consideration of the Calendar House Bills in Third Reading HB 289 SENATE CS FOR CS FOR HOUSE BILL NO. 289(FIN) "An Act making appropriations, including supplemental appropriations, capital appropriations, reappropriations, and other appropriations; amending appropriations; capitalizing funds; making appropriations under art. IX, sec. 17(c), Constitution of the State of Alaska, from the constitutional budget reserve fund; and providing for an effective date" which had been held in third reading (page 1873) was before the Senate. Senator Giessel moved and asked unanimous consent SENATE CS FOR CS FOR HOUSE BILL NO. 289(FIN) be held in third reading to the March 11 calendar. Without objection, it was so ordered. Citations th Honoring – Alaska Power Association 75 Anniversary Senator(s) Gray-Jackson Representative(s) Galvin, Mears Honoring – The West Lakes Fire Department Representative(s) McCabe Senator(s) Rauscher Honoring – Dena Thomas Representative(s) Gray, Galvin Senator(s) Gray-Jackson Honoring – Dr. Gwen Holdmann Senator(s) Giessel, Wielechowski Representative(s) Mears In Memoriam – Alice B. Hjellen Senator(s) Wielechowski Representative(s) Mears 2026-03-10 Senate Journal Page 1892 In Memoriam – Lainey Anne Landry Representative(s) Gray, Allard Senator Giessel moved and asked unanimous consent the citations be adopted. Without objection, the citations were adopted and referred to the Secretary for transmittal. 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 11, 2026. Without objection, the Senate adjourned at 10:40 a.m. 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 11:00 a.m. The purpose of the Joint Session was to hear an address by the Honorable Nick Begich III, U.S. Representative. 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 Myers and Representative Coulombe to escort U.S. Representative Nick Begich III to the Joint Session. 2026-03-10 Senate Journal Page 1893 The Senate Sergeant at Arms, Matt Simpson, announced the Honorable Nick Begich III’s entrance to the House Chamber. Representative Begich was escorted to the rostrum and welcomed by President Stevens and Speaker Edgmon. Representative Begich delivered his address. This address appears in House and Senate Joint Journal Supplement No. 16. Following his address, there was a question and answer period. Representative Begich 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 12:21 p.m. Liz Clark Secretary of the Senate 2026-03-10 Senate Journal Page 1894 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 10 Tuesday Beltz 105 (tsbldg) 1:30 PM No Meeting Scheduled ---------------------------------------- EDUCATION Mar 11 Wednesday Davis 106 8:00 AM -- Testimony <Invitation Only> -- -- Please Note Time & Location Change -- + Meeting jointly with the House Education Committee Presentation: 2026 State Board of Education Report to the Alaska Legislature by Deena Bishop, Commissioner, Alaska Department of Education and Early Development Sally Stockhausen, Chair, State Board of Education and Early Development Members of the Alaska Board of Education and Early Development Bills Previously Heard/Scheduled**Streamed live on AKL.tv** Mar 11 Wednesday Beltz 105 (tsbldg) 3:30 PM -- Testimony <Invitation Only> -- + SENATE BILL: PUBLIC EDUCATION FUNDING AND POLICY <Pending Introduction & Referral> Bills Previously Heard/Scheduled**Streamed live on AKL.tv** Mar 13 Friday Beltz 105 (tsbldg) 3:30 PM No Meeting Scheduled 2026-03-10 Senate Journal Page 1895 FINANCE Mar 10 Tuesday Senate Finance 532 9:00 AM += SB 41 PUBLIC SCHOOLS: MENTAL HEALTH EDUCATION -- Invited & Public Testimony -- += SB 130 FISHERIES PROD DEVELOPMENT TAX CREDIT -- Invited & Public Testimony -- Bills Previously Heard/Scheduled **Streamed live on AKL.tv** Mar 10 Tuesday Senate Finance 532 1:30 PM -- MEETING CANCELED -- -- Please Note Time Change -- + Bills Previously Heard/Scheduled **Streamed live on AKL.tv** Mar 11 Wednesday Senate Finance 532 9:00 AM -- Testimony <Invitation Only> -- += HB 78 RETIREMENT SYSTEMS; DEFINED BENEFIT OPT. Department of Administration, Division of Retirement and Benefits, Legislative Finance Division Bills Previously Heard/Scheduled **Streamed live on AKL.tv** Mar 11 Wednesday Senate Finance 532 1:30 PM -- Please Note Time Change -- + State IT - Needs, Challenges and Solutions Office of Information Technology Office of Management and Budget Bills Previously Heard/Scheduled **Streamed live on AKL.tv** Mar 12 Thursday Senate Finance 532 9:00 AM + University of Alaska FY 27 Budget Request Bills Previously Heard/Scheduled **Streamed live on AKL.tv** Mar 12 Thursday Senate Finance 532 1:30 PM -- Please Note Time Change -- + SB 274 PERMANENT FUND POMV AVAILABLE FOR APPROP -- Invited & Public Testimony -- Bills Previously Heard/Scheduled **Streamed live on AKL.tv** 2026-03-10 Senate Journal Page 1896 FINANCE (continued) Mar 13 Friday Senate Finance 532 9:00 AM No Meeting Scheduled Mar 13 Friday Senate Finance 532 1:30 PM -- Please Note Time Change -- No Meeting Scheduled ---------------------------------------- HEALTH & SOCIAL SERVICES Mar 10 Tuesday Butrovich 205 3:30 PM + Presentation: Planned Parenthood Alliance Advocates Morgan Lim, Alaska State Director, Planned Parenthood Alliance Advocates Lisa Humes-Schultz, VP of Policy and Strategy, Planned Parenthood Alliance Advocates Claudia Haines, CEO, Kachemak Bay Family Planning Clinic Dr. Ingrid Johnson += SB 193 PRACTICE OF NATUROPATHY + SB 272 HEALTH INFORMATION EXCHANGE -- Testimony <Invitation Only> -- += SB 206 SCHOOL SUICIDE POLICIES; FIREARM STORAGE Bills Previously Heard/Scheduled **Streamed live on AKL.tv** Mar 12 Thursday Davis 106 3:30 PM -- Please Note Location Change -- + Presentation: Rural Health Transformation Program A National Perspective Kathryn Costanza, National Conference of State Legislatures Bills Previously Heard/Scheduled **Streamed live on AKL.tv** ---------------------------------------- 2026-03-10 Senate Journal Page 1897 JUDICIARY Mar 11 Wednesday Butrovich 205 1:30 PM + Bills Previously Heard/Scheduled: += SB 237 DATA SHARING; SOCIAL SECURITY -- Invited & Public Testimony -- += SB 233 CONTROLLED SUBSTANCES ADVISORY COMMITTEE -- Invited & Public Testimony --**Streamed live on AKL.tv** Mar 13 Friday Butrovich 205 1:30 PM No Meeting Scheduled ---------------------------------------- LABOR & COMMERCE Mar 11 Wednesday Beltz 105 (tsbldg) 1:30 PM += SB 121 HEALTH INSURANCE ALLOWABLE CHARGES Presentation: UAF's Integrated Workforce Development Pipeline: From Technical Training to Engineering Leadership by William Schnabel, Dean, UAF College of Engineering & Mines Kevin Alexander, Dean, UAF Community & Technical College Bills Previously Heard/Scheduled: += SB 263 CHILD CARE FACILITY LOAN FUNDS -- Public Testimony <Time Limit May Be Set> -- += SB 264 REPEALING HOUSING FUNDS & ACCOUNTS -- Public Testimony <Time Limit May Be Set> -- **Streamed live on AKL.tv** Mar 13 Friday Beltz 105 (tsbldg) 1:30 PM += SB 35 DELIVERY NETWORK COMPANIES -- Testimony <Invitation Only> -- + SB 252 UCC: SECURED TRANS.; ELECTRONIC RECORDS -- Testimony <Invitation Only> -- += SB 249 VIRTUAL CURRENCY KIOSKS -- Public Testimony <Time Limit May Be Set> -- + HB 110 SOCIAL WORK LICENSURE COMPACT -- Testimony <Invitation Only> -- + HJR 20 HIRING OF APPRENTICES/VETERANS -- Testimony <Invitation Only> -- Bills Previously Heard/Scheduled: += SB 181 EMPLOYMENT INFORMATION DISCLOSURE -- Public Testimony <Time Limit May Be Set> -- **Streamed live on AKL.tv** 2026-03-10 Senate Journal Page 1898 RESOURCES Mar 11 Wednesday Butrovich 205 3:30 PM + Presentation: Railbelt Transmission Update by Curtis Thayer - Executive Director, Alaska Energy Authority Presentation: Port of Alaska Energy Project by Terry Umatum, Director, Don Young Port of Alaska Bills Previously Heard/Scheduled **Streamed live on AKL.tv** Mar 13 Friday Butrovich 205 3:30 PM + SB 275 NATURAL GAS PROJECTS/INCOME TAX/SURCHARGE Bills Previously Heard/Scheduled **Streamed live on AKL.tv** ---------------------------------------- STATE AFFAIRS Mar 10 Tuesday Beltz 105 (tsbldg) 3:30 PM -- MEETING CANCELED -- + Bills Previously Heard/Scheduled **Streamed live on AKL.tv** Mar 12 Thursday Beltz 105 (tsbldg) 3:30 PM + SB 219 PFAS USE & REMEDIATION, WATER TESTING -- Invited & Public Testimony -- += SB 162 SPECIE AS LEGAL TENDER -- Public Testimony -- Bills Previously Heard/Scheduled **Streamed live on AKL.tv** ---------------------------------------- TRANSPORTATION Mar 10 Tuesday Butrovich 205 1:30 PM + Presentation: State of Alaska Prompt Payment Parity by The Foraker Group and Alaska Municipal League **Streamed live on AKL.tv** 2026-03-10 Senate Journal Page 1899 TRANSPORTATION (continued) Mar 12 Thursday Butrovich 205 1:30 PM + Presentation: De-icing Roads with Graphite Nanoplatelets by Hannah Leatherman, Seward High School Presentation: DOT&PF Winter Road Maintenance Update (Cont. From Jan 27) by Alaska Department of Transportation & Public Facilities **Streamed live on AKL.tv** ---------------------------------------- FINANCE SUBCOMMITTEES ADMINISTRATION Mar 16 Monday Senate Finance 532 5:15 PM + Administration Subcommittee ---------------------------------------- CORRECTIONS Mar 11 Wednesday Beltz 105 (tsbldg) 7:30 AM + Department of Corrections - Budget Overview ---------------------------------------- EDUCATION & EARLY DEVELOPMENT 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 ---------------------------------------- 2026-03-10 Senate Journal Page 1900 FAMILY & COMMUNITY SERVICES Mar 13 Friday Senate Finance 532 7:30 AM + Overview: Update on FY26 Budget Items and Overview of FY27 Budget Request -- Teleconference <Listen Only> -- **Streamed live on AKL.tv** ---------------------------------------- FISH & GAME Mar 12 Thursday Senate Finance 532 8:00 AM + Budget Overview Apr 15 Wednesday Senate Finance 532 8:00 AM + Budget Close Out ---------------------------------------- HEALTH Mar 10 Tuesday Senate Finance 532 7:30 AM + Presentation: Alaska Medicaid Rate Review by Guidehouse -- Teleconference <Listen Only> -- **Streamed live on AKL.tv** ---------------------------------------- NATURAL RESOURCES Mar 10 Tuesday Beltz 105 (tsbldg) 1:30 PM + Overview: Department of Natural Resources ---------------------------------------- REVENUE Mar 12 Thursday Senate Finance 532 5:15 PM + Revenue Subcommittee Mar 19 Thursday Senate Finance 532 5:15 PM + Revenue Subcommittee 2026-03-10 Senate Journal Page 1901 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 + Budget Close Out ---------------------------------------- UNIVERSITY OF ALASKA Mar 12 Thursday Senate Finance 532 9:00 AM + University of Alaska Subcommittee ---------------------------------------- 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 Sponsored by Senator Tobin 2026-03-10 Senate Journal Page 1902 MISCELLANEOUS MEETINGS (continued) 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 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