Legislature(2025 - 2026)

2026-03-11 Senate Journal

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2026-03-11                     Senate Journal                      Page 1903
                                                                                                                                
                                   SENATE JOURNAL                                                                            
                                                                                                                                
                              ALASKA STATE LEGISLATURE                                                                       
                                                                                                                                
                             THIRTY-FOURTH LEGISLATURE                                                                       
                                                                                                                                
                                   SECOND SESSION                                                                            
                                                                                                                                
Juneau, Alaska                      Wednesday                    March 11, 2026                                               
                                                                                                                                
                                  Fifty-first Day                                                                            
                                                                                                                                
                                                                                                                                
Pursuant to adjournment the Senate was called to order by President                                                             
Stevens at 11:13 a.m.                                                                                                           
                                                                                                                                
The roll showed twenty members present.                                                                                         
                                                                                                                                
The prayer was offered by the Chaplain, Rabbi Mendy Greenberg,                                                                  
Mat-Su Jewish Center Chabad Lubavitch. Senator Hoffman moved                                                                    
and asked unanimous consent the prayer be spread. Without objection,                                                            
it was so ordered.                                                                                                              
                                                                                                                                
      B”H                                                                                                                       
      Almighty G-d, Master of the Universe, I stand before you,                                                                 
      in prayer.                                                                                                                
                                                                                                                                
      While many around the world are currently facing deep                                                                     
      hardship, I am also witnessing extraordinary and miraculous                                                               
      events. To express my feelings about these unique times, I                                                                
      turn to the words of King David in Psalm 124                                                                              
       .??? ??? ????? ????? ???? ??? .??? ????? ???? ,??? ???? ?? ????                                                          
                                                                                                                                
      “Were it not for the L-rd who was with us when men rose                                                                   
      up against us, then they would have swallowed us alive in                                                                 
      their burning rage against us.”                                                                                           
                                                                                                                                
      Almighty G-d, grant the members of the Alaska State                                                                       
      Senate, wisdom and understanding, to bring true healing to                                                                
      our world through embodying the universal values of the                                                                   
      Seven Noahide Commandments communicated to humanity                                                                       
      from G-d through Moses at Mount Sinai.                                                                                    

2026-03-11                     Senate Journal                      Page 1904
      Briefly, they include the requirements to honor the Creator,                                                              
      respect life, reject violence, act honestly, value family,                                                                
      promote generosity, and build a just and moral society.                                                                   
                                                                                                                                
      Almighty G-d, bless this group assembled here today to                                                                    
      fulfil one of Your seven commandments, which is to govern                                                                 
      by just laws.                                                                                                             
                                                                                                                                
      May I be graced by the merit of the global spiritual giant                                                                
      and leader, Your servant, the Rebbe, Rabbi Menachem M.                                                                    
      Schneerson, whose 124th birthday will be celebrated on the                                                                
      11th day of Nissan, Sunday, March 29, four days before                                                                    
      Passover. It is observed as Education and Sharing Day.                                                                    
                                                                                                                                
      In tribute to his commitment to promoting the importance of                                                               
      moral and ethical education as the foundation of a brighter                                                               
      and better future for all.                                                                                                
                                                                                                                                
      From his early childhood, the Rebbe envisioned a world of                                                                 
      peace and tranquility and emphasized how one good action,                                                                 
      spoken word or thought can tip the scales to usher in this                                                                
      reality.                                                                                                                  
                                                                                                                                
      Passover is the festival of liberty, commemorating the                                                                    
      Israelite exodus from Egypt, through Moses. The Rebbe                                                                     
      teaches that Egypt represents not only a physical location at                                                             
      the northern tip of Africa. The Hebrew name for Egypt is                                                                  
      Mitzrayim, which also means constraints and limitations.                                                                  
      The Israelite redemption, which occurred over three                                                                       
      thousand years ago, empowers me to free myself from all                                                                   
      internal and external pressures that keep me from realizing                                                               
      our true potential.                                                                                                       
                                                                                                                                
      Like Moses in his generation, the Rebbe in our generation                                                                 
      continues to guide millions through his teachings to utilize                                                              
      their inherent goodness and light to change the world for the                                                             
      better.                                                                                                                   
                                                                                                                                
      Almighty G-d, in the merit of realizing this great vision for                                                             
      humanity, may I merit to see the fulfillment of Isaiah’s                                                                  
      prophecy, “nation shall not lift the sword against nation,                                                                
      neither shall they learn war anymore.” With the coming of                                                                 

2026-03-11                     Senate Journal                      Page 1905
              Moshiach when the hallowed words of King David in psalm                                                          
      125 will be fulfilled                                                                                                     
       ??????? .??? ????? ,???? ?? ???? ??? ,??? ??????? ?????? ???                                                             
        .???? ??? ???? ,???? ???? ??? ,?? ???? ????                                                                             
                                                                                                                                
      “Those who trust in the L-rd, are as Mount Zion which                                                                     
      never falters, but abides forever. Mountains surround                                                                     
      Jerusalem, and the Lord surrounds his people from this time                                                               
      and forever”                                                                                                              
                                                                                                                                
             May this happen very soon. And let me say,          Amen!                                                         
                                                                                                                                
Senator Merrick led the Senate in the Pledge of Allegiance.                                                                     
                                                                                                                                
                                                                                                                                
                                   Certification                                                                             
                                                                                                                                
Senator Giessel moved and asked unanimous consent the journal for                                                               
the fiftieth legislative day and House and Senate Joint Journal                                                                 
Supplement No. 16 be approved as certified by the Secretary. Without                                                            
objection, it was so ordered.                                                                                                   
                                                                                                                                
                                                                                                                                
                                   Communications                                                                            
                                                                                                                                
Memorandum dated March 11 from Hilary V. Martin, Revisor of                                                                     
Statutes, Legislative Affairs Agency, Division of Legal Services was                                                            
received stating:                                                                                                               
                                                                                                                                
Section 35, ch. 14, SLA 2025, directed the Department of Health to                                                              
"amend and submit for federal approval the state plan for the state's                                                           
child care assistance program under the federal child care and                                                                  
development fund program, consistent with AS 47.25.001(a), as                                                                   
amended by sec. 6 . . . ."  Under sec. 37(a), ch. 14, SLA 2025:                                                                 
                                                                                                                                
              Section 6 of this Act takes effect only if, on or before                                                         
                  January 1, 2026, the United States Department of                                                             
          Health and Human Services                                                                                             
                    (1)  approves the amendment to the state                                                                    
                plan for the child care assistance program under the                                                           
                  federal child care and development fund program,                                                             

2026-03-11                     Senate Journal                      Page 1906
                consistent with AS 47.25.001(a), as amended by sec.                                                            
          6 of this Act; or                                                                                                     
                    (2)  determines that approval of the                                                                        
                   amendment to the state plan for the child care                                                              
          assistance program is not necessary.                                                                                  
                                                                                                                                
Section 38 provides that if sec. 6 takes effect, it takes effect "on the                                                        
day after the date the United States Department of Health and Human                                                             
Services approves the corresponding amendment to the state plan or                                                              
determines that approval is not necessary."  I received notice from the                                                         
commissioner of health on November 4, 2025, that the United States                                                              
Health and Human Services, Administration for Children and                                                                      
Families, Office of Child Care, determined that an amendment to the                                                             
state plan for the child care assistance program was not necessary on                                                           
September 17, 2025.  Therefore, sec. 6, ch. 14, SLA 2025, took effect                                                           
on September 18, 2025.                                                                                                          
                                                                                                                                
Please publish this in the journal to provide notice that the condition                                                         
has been satisfied.                                                                                                             
                                                                                                                                
                                                                                                                                
                             Standing Committee Reports                                                                      
                                                                                                                                
SB 193                                                                                                                        
The Health and Social Services Committee considered SENATE BILL                                                                 
NO. 193 "An Act relating to the practice of naturopathy."                                                                       
                                                                                                                                
Signing no recommendation: Senator Dunbar, Chair; Senator Tobin.                                                                
Signing do pass: Senators Myers, Giessel.                                                                                       
                                                                                                                                
The following fiscal information was published today:                                                                           
     Fiscal Note No. 1, Department of Commerce, Community, and                                                                  
      Economic Development                                                                                                      
                                                                                                                                
The bill was referred to the Finance Committee.                                                                                 
                                                                                                                                
SB 206                                                                                                                        
The Health and Social Services Committee considered SENATE BILL                                                                 
NO. 206 "An Act relating to reports of harassment, intimidation, or                                                             
bullying in schools; relating to parental notification of incidents of                                                          
harassment, intimidation, or bullying involving students and threats of                                                         
suicide by students; and establishing the firearm safe storage grant                                                            
fund" and recommended it be replaced with                                                                                       

2026-03-11                     Senate Journal                      Page 1907
          CS FOR SENATE BILL NO. 206(HSS)                                                                                       
          "An Act relating to parental notification of incidents                                                                
          of harassment, intimidation, or bullying involving                                                                    
          students and threats of suicide by students; and                                                                      
          establishing the firearm safe storage grant fund."                                                                    
                                                                                                                                
Signing no recommendation: Senator Dunbar, Chair; Senator Myers.                                                                
Signing do pass: Senators Tobin, Giessel.                                                                                       
                                                                                                                                
The following fiscal information was published today:                                                                           
     Fiscal Note No. 1, Department of Public Safety                                                                             
     Fiscal Note No. 2, zero, Department of Education and Early                                                                 
  Development                                                                                                                   
                                                                                                                                
The bill was referred to the Finance Committee.                                                                                 
                                                                                                                                
                                                                                                                                
                           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 1891) was before the                                                                 
Senate.                                                                                                                         
                                                                                                                                
Senator Hoffman moved the bill be returned to second reading for all                                                            
amendments offered today. Without objection, the bill was returned to                                                           
second reading.                                                                                                                 
                                                                                                                                
Amendments No. 1 and No. 2 were not offered.                                                                                    
                                                                                                                                

2026-03-11                     Senate Journal                      Page 1908
Senator Hoffman offered Amendment No. 3 :                                                                                        
                                                                                                                                
Page 1, lines 1 - 2:                                                                                                            
          Delete "making appropriations, including supplemental                                                               
appropriations, capital appropriations, reappropriations, and other                                                           
appropriations; amending appropriations;"                                                                                     
          Insert "making supplemental appropriations;"                                                                        
                                                                                                                                
Page 2, line 1, through page 24, line 2:                                                                                        
          Delete all material and insert:                                                                                       
   "* Section 1. The following appropriations are for capital projects and grants                                             
from the general fund or other funds as set out in sec. 2 of this Act by funding                                                
source to the agencies named for the purposes expressed. They lapse under                                                       
AS 37.25.020, unless otherwise noted.                                                                                           
                                         Appropriation General          Other                                                   
                                               Items        Funds       Funds                                                   
                                                  Allocations                                                                   
               * * * * *                                            * * * * *                                                 
* * * * * Department of Transportation and Public Facilities * * * * *                                                        
               * * * * *                                            * * * * *                                                 
Federal Program Match                    69,695,087 69,695,087                                                                
 Federal-Aid Aviation State                        9,807,384                                                                    
  Match (HD 1-40)                                                                                                               
 Federal-Aid Highway State                        58,276,155                                                                    
  Match (HD 1-40)                                                                                                               
 Other Federal Program Match                       1,611,548                                                                    
  (HD 1-40)                                                                                                                     
Statewide Federal Programs                459,000         459,000                                                             
 Federal Transit                                     400,000                                                                    
  Administration Grants (HD                                                                                                     
  1-40)                                                                                                                         
 Highway Safety Grants                                59,000                                                                    
  Program  (HD 1-40)                                                                                                            
                  (SECTION 2 OF THIS ACT BEGINS ON THE NEXT PAGE)                                                              
* Sec. 2. The following sets out the funding by agency for the appropriations made                                            
in sec. 1 of this Act.                                                                                                          
 Funding Source                                                               Amount                                            
Department of Transportation and Public Facilities                                                                            
 1003  General Fund Match 69,695,087                                                                                            
 1004  Unrestricted General Fund Receipts 459,000                                                                               
 *** Total Agency Funding *** 70,154,087                                                                                        
* * * * * Total Budget * * * * * 70,154,087                                                                                   
                  (SECTION 3 OF THIS ACT BEGINS ON THE NEXT PAGE)                                                              

2026-03-11                     Senate Journal                      Page 1909
* Sec. 3. The following sets out the statewide funding for the appropriations made                                            
in sec. 1 of this Act.                                                                                                          
 Funding Source Amount                                                                                                          
Unrestricted General                                                                                                          
 1003  General Fund Match 69,695,087                                                                                            
 1004  Unrestricted General Fund Receipts 459,000                                                                               
 *** Total Unrestricted General *** 70,154,087                                                                                  
                  (SECTION 4 OF THIS ACT BEGINS ON THE NEXT PAGE)                                                              
                                                                                                                                
   * Sec. 4. FUND CAPITALIZATION. (a) The sum of $40,000,000 is                                                               
appropriated from the general fund to the disaster relief fund (AS 26.23.300(a)).                                               
          (b)  The sum of $35,000,000 is appropriated from the general fund to the                                              
disaster relief fund (AS 26.23.300(a)).                                                                                         
          (c)  The sum of $98,715,900 is appropriated from the general fund to the                                              
fire suppression fund (AS 41.15.210) for fire suppression activities.                                                           
   * Sec. 5. FUND TRANSFER. An amount equal to the amount appropriated from                                                   
the Alaska higher education investment fund (AS 37.14.750) in sec. 49(b), ch. 10,                                               
SLA 2025, estimated to be $129,598,900, is appropriated from the general fund to                                                
the Alaska higher education investment fund (AS 37.14.750).                                                                     
   * Sec. 6. CONSTITUTIONAL BUDGET RESERVE FUND. (a) An amount                                                                
equal to the appropriations made from the general fund in this Act is appropriated                                              
from the budget reserve fund (art. IX, sec. 17, Constitution of the State of Alaska)                                            
to the general fund."                                                                                                           
                                                                                                                                
Renumber the following bill sections accordingly.                                                                               
                                                                                                                                
Page 24, line 3:                                                                                                                
          Delete "appropriations"                                                                                               
          Insert "appropriation"                                                                                                
                                                                                                                                
Page 24, line 4:                                                                                                                
          Delete "are"                                                                                                          
          Insert "is"                                                                                                           
                                                                                                                                
Page 24, lines 6 - 7:                                                                                                           
          Delete "secs. 4 and 17 - 20"                                                                                          
          Insert "sec. 1"                                                                                                       
                                                                                                                                
Page 24, line 8:                                                                                                                
          Delete "secs. 15(b) - (d) and 16"                                                                                     
          Insert "secs. 4 and 5"                                                                                                
                                                                                                                                
Page 24, lines 10 - 12:                                                                                                         
          Delete all material and insert:                                                                                       
"* Sec. 8. RETROACTIVITY. Sections 1 - 7 and 9 of this Act are retroactive to                                                 
March 1, 2026."                                                                                                                 
                                                                                                                                

2026-03-11                     Senate Journal                      Page 1910
Renumber the following bill sections accordingly.                                                                               
                                                                                                                                
Page 24, line 13:                                                                                                               
          Delete "sec. 15(c)"                                                                                                   
          Insert "sec. 4(b)"                                                                                                    
                                                                                                                                
Page 24, lines 17 - 19:                                                                                                         
          Delete all material and insert:                                                                                       
"* Sec. 10. This Act takes effect immediately under AS 01.10.070(c)."                                                         
                                                                                                                                
Senator Hoffman moved for the adoption of Amendment No. 3.                                                                      
Objections were heard.                                                                                                          
                                                                                                                                
Senator Rauscher offered the following amendment to Amendment                                                                   
No. 3:                                                                                                                          
                                                                                                                                
Page 4, lines 20 - 22:                                                                                                          
 Delete all material.                                                                                                           
                                                                                                                                
Renumber the following bill sections accordingly.                                                                               
                                                                                                                                
Senator Rauscher moved and asked unanimous consent to adopt the                                                                 
amendment to Amendment No. 3. Senator Stedman objected.                                                                         
                                                                                                                                
Senator Rauscher moved and asked unanimous consent to withdraw                                                                  
the amendment to Amendment No. 3. Without objection, the                                                                        
amendment to Amendment No. 3 was withdrawn.                                                                                     
                                                                                                                                
There being no further objection, Amendment No. 3 was adopted.                                                                  
                                                                                                                                
SENATE CS FOR CS FOR HOUSE BILL NO. 289(FIN) am S was                                                                           
automatically in third reading.                                                                                                 
                                                                                                                                
The question being: "Shall SENATE CS FOR CS FOR HOUSE BILL                                                                      
NO. 289(FIN) am S "An Act making supplemental 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" pass the Senate?"                                                            
The roll was taken with the following result:                                                                                   
                                                                                                                                
SCS CSHB 289(FIN) am S                                                                                                          
Third Reading - Final Passage                                                                                                   
BRF Section(s) - Effective Date(s)                                                                                              

2026-03-11                     Senate Journal                      Page 1911
                                                                                                                                
YEAS:  20   NAYS:  0   EXCUSED:  0   ABSENT:  0                                                                               
                                                                                                                                
Yeas:  Bjorkman, Claman, Cronk, Dunbar, Giessel, Gray-Jackson,                                                                  
Hoffman, Kaufman, Kawasaki, Kiehl, Merrick, Myers, Olson,                                                                       
Rauscher, Stedman, Stevens, Tilton, Tobin, Wielechowski, Yundt                                                                  
                                                                                                                                
and so, SENATE CS FOR CS FOR HOUSE BILL NO. 289(FIN) am  S                                                                      
passed the Senate.                                                                                                              
                                                                                                                                
Senator Giessel moved for the adoption of the constitutional budget                                                             
reserve fund section.                                                                                                           
                                                                                                                                
The question being: "Shall the constitutional budget reserve fund                                                               
section (Article IX, Section 17(c) Constitution of the State of Alaska)                                                         
be adopted?" The roll was taken with the following result:                                                                      
                                                                                                                                
SCS CSHB 289(FIN) am S                                                                                                          
Adopt Budget Reserve Fund Section(s)?                                                                                           
                                                                                                                                
YEAS:  20   NAYS:  0   EXCUSED:  0   ABSENT:  0                                                                               
                                                                                                                                
Yeas:  Bjorkman, Claman, Cronk, Dunbar, Giessel, Gray-Jackson,                                                                  
Hoffman, Kaufman, Kawasaki, Kiehl, Merrick, Myers, Olson,                                                                       
Rauscher, Stedman, Stevens, Tilton, Tobin, Wielechowski, Yundt                                                                  
                                                                                                                                
and so, the constitutional budget reserve fund section was adopted.                                                             
                                                                                                                                
Senator Giessel moved and asked unanimous consent the vote on the                                                               
passage of the bill be considered the vote on the effective date                                                                
clause(s). Without objection, it was so ordered.                                                                                
                                                                                                                                
                           Reconsideration of House Bills                                                                    
                                                                                                                                
HB 289                                                                                                                        
Senator Hoffman gave notice of reconsideration on SENATE CS FOR                                                                 
CS FOR HOUSE BILL NO. 289(FIN) am S and moved and asked                                                                         
unanimous consent it be taken up. Without objection, it was so ordered                                                          
and the bill was before the Senate on reconsideration.                                                                          
                                                                                                                                

2026-03-11                     Senate Journal                      Page 1912
The question to be reconsidered: "Shall SENATE CS FOR CS FOR                                                                    
HOUSE BILL NO. 289(FIN) am S "An Act making supplemental                                                                        
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"                                                        
pass the Senate?" The roll was taken with the following result:                                                                 
                                                                                                                                
SCS CSHB 289(FIN) am S                                                                                                          
Third Reading - On Reconsideration                                                                                              
BRF Section(s) - Effective Date(s)                                                                                              
                                                                                                                                
YEAS:  20   NAYS:  0   EXCUSED:  0   ABSENT:  0                                                                               
                                                                                                                                
Yeas:  Bjorkman, Claman, Cronk, Dunbar, Giessel, Gray-Jackson,                                                                  
Hoffman, Kaufman, Kawasaki, Kiehl, Merrick, Myers, Olson,                                                                       
Rauscher, Stedman, Stevens, Tilton, Tobin, Wielechowski, Yundt                                                                  
                                                                                                                                
and so, SENATE CS FOR CS FOR HOUSE BILL NO. 289(FIN) am  S                                                                      
passed the Senate on reconsideration.                                                                                           
                                                                                                                                
Senator Giessel moved for the adoption of the constitutional budget                                                             
reserve fund section.                                                                                                           
                                                                                                                                
The question being: "Shall the constitutional budget reserve fund                                                               
section (Article IX, Section 17(c) Constitution of the State of Alaska)                                                         
be adopted?" The roll was taken with the following result:                                                                      
                                                                                                                                
SCS CSHB 289(FIN) am S                                                                                                          
Adopt Budget Reserve Fund Section(s)?                                                                                           
                                                                                                                                
YEAS:  20   NAYS:  0   EXCUSED:  0   ABSENT:  0                                                                               
                                                                                                                                
Yeas:  Bjorkman, Claman, Cronk, Dunbar, Giessel, Gray-Jackson,                                                                  
Hoffman, Kaufman, Kawasaki, Kiehl, Merrick, Myers, Olson,                                                                       
Rauscher, Stedman, Stevens, Tilton, Tobin, Wielechowski, Yundt                                                                  
                                                                                                                                
and so, the constitutional budget reserve fund section was adopted.                                                             
                                                                                                                                
Senator Giessel moved and asked unanimous consent the vote on                                                                   
reconsideration be considered the vote on the effective date clause(s).                                                         
Without objection, it was so ordered and the bill was referred to the                                                           
Secretary for engrossment.                                                                                                      
                                                                                                                                

2026-03-11                     Senate Journal                      Page 1913
                                     Citations                                                                               
                                                                                                                                
Honoring – North Pole High School Hockey Team 2026 Division II                                                                  
State Champions                                                                                                                 
Representative(s) Prax                                                                                                          
Senator(s) Kawasaki, Myers                                                                                                      
                                                                                                                                
Honoring – Pete Daley                                                                                                           
Representative(s) Prax                                                                                                          
Senator(s) Cronk, Myers                                                                                                         
                                                                                                                                
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 – Education and Sharing Day 2026                                                                                       
Representative(s) Underwood                                                                                                     
                                                                                                                                
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, March 13 through                                                           
1:00 p.m. plane time, March 15. Without objection, Senator Kaufman                                                              
was excused.                                                                                                                    
                                                                                                                                
Senator Myers moved and asked unanimous consent to be excused                                                                   
from a call of the Senate from March 15 through March 21. Without                                                               
objection, Senator Myers was excused.                                                                                           
                                                                                                                                
SB 129                                                                                                                        
Senator Bjorkman, Chair, moved and asked unanimous consent                                                                      
SENATE BILL NO. 129 "An Act establishing a 30-day deadline for                                                                  
the payment of contracts under the State Procurement Code;                                                                      

2026-03-11                     Senate Journal                      Page 1914
establishing deadlines for the payment of grants, contracts, and                                                                
reimbursement agreements to nonprofit organizations, municipalities,                                                            
and Alaska Native organizations; relating to payment of grants to                                                               
named recipients that are not municipalities; and providing for an                                                              
effective date" be waived from the Labor and Commerce Committee.                                                                
Without objection, the bill was waived from the Labor and Commerce                                                              
Committee.                                                                                                                      
                                                                                                                                
Senator Bjorkman moved and asked unanimous consent to add a                                                                     
Finance Committee referral to the bill. Without objection, the bill was                                                         
referred to the Finance Committee.                                                                                              
                                                                                                                                
HB 289                                                                                                                        
President Stevens stated in accordance with Uniform Rule 43(b),                                                                 
Alaska State Legislature Uniform Rules, engrossment may be waived                                                               
on SENATE CS FOR CS FOR HOUSE BILL NO. 289(FIN) am S.                                                                           
                                                                                                                                
                                                                                                                                
                                   Announcements                                                                             
                                                                                                                                
Announcements are at the end of the journal.                                                                                    
                                                                                                                                
                                                                                                                                
                                    Engrossment                                                                              
                                                                                                                                
HB 289                                                                                                                        
SENATE CS FOR CS FOR HOUSE BILL NO. 289(FIN) am S "An                                                                           
Act making supplemental 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" was engrossed, signed by the President and                                                                   
Secretary and returned to the House for consideration.                                                                          
                                                                                                                                
                                    Adjournment                                                                              
                                                                                                                                
Senator Giessel moved and asked unanimous consent the Senate stand                                                              
in adjournment until 10:30 a.m., March 13, 2026. Without objection,                                                             
the Senate adjourned at 12:44 p.m.                                                                                              
                                                                                                                                
                                                                          Liz Clark                                             
                                                         Secretary of the Senate                                                

2026-03-11                     Senate Journal                      Page 1915
                                   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                                                                               
                                                                                                                                
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                                            
               -- MEETING CANCELED --                                                                                           
               -- 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                                                                                             
                                                                                                                                
Mar 16         Monday                        Beltz 105 (tsbldg)            3:30 PM                                            
               No Meeting Scheduled                                                                                             

2026-03-11                     Senate Journal                      Page 1916
                               EDUCATION (continued)                                                                         
                                                                                                                                
Mar 18         Wednesday                     Beltz 105 (tsbldg)            3:30 PM                                            
               -- Testimony <Invitation Only> --                                                                                
+              Consideration of Governor’s Appointees: Board of Education                                                       
               and Early Development, Pamela Dupras                                                                             
               Consideration of Governor’s Appointees:                                                                          
               Professional Teaching Practices Commission, Michael Robbins                                                      
               SENATE BILL: PUBLIC EDUCATION FUNDING POLICY                                                                     
               <Pending Introduction & Referral>                                                                                
               Bills Previously Heard/Scheduled                                                                                 
               **Streamed live on AKL.tv**                                                                                      
                                                                                                                                
Mar 20         Friday                        Beltz 105 (tsbldg)            3:30 PM                                            
+ SB 232 PERSONAL COLLECTION OF CERTAIN FOSSILS                                                                                 
               -- Invited & Public Testimony --                                                                                 
+ SB 228 PUBLIC SCHOOLS; OPIOID AWARENESS PROGRAM                                                                               
               -- Invited & Public Testimony --                                                                                 
+= SB 187 SCHOOL NUTRITION/MEAL: PROHIBIT FOOD DYES                                                                             
               Bills Previously Heard/Scheduled                                                                                 
               **Streamed live on AKL.tv**                                                                                      
                      ----------------------------------------                                                                 
                                                                                                                                
                                      FINANCE                                                                                
                                                                                                                                
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:                                                                                             
+= HB  78 RETIREMENT SYSTEMS; DEFINED BENEFIT OPT.                                                                              
               Department of Administration                                                                                     
               Division of Retirement and Benefits                                                                              
               Legislative Finance Division                                                                                     
               **Streamed live on AKL.tv**                                                                                      

2026-03-11                     Senate Journal                      Page 1917
                                FINANCE (continued)                                                                          
                                                                                                                                
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:                                                                                
+= HB  78 RETIREMENT SYSTEMS; DEFINED BENEFIT OPT.                                                                              
               Legislative Finance Division                                                                                     
               -- Invited Testimony --                                                                                          
               **Streamed live on AKL.tv**                                                                                      
                                                                                                                                
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 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**                                                                                      
                      ----------------------------------------                                                                 
                                                                                                                                
                                     JUDICIARY                                                                               
                                                                                                                                
Mar 11 Wednesday Butrovich 205 1:30 PM                                                                                        
               -- Please Note Time Change --                                                                                    
+              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                                                                                             

2026-03-11                     Senate Journal                      Page 1918
                                  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**                                                                                      
                      ----------------------------------------                                                                 
                                                                                                                                
                                     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**                                                                                      

2026-03-11                     Senate Journal                      Page 1919
                                   STATE AFFAIRS                                                                             
                                                                                                                                
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 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                                                                       

2026-03-11                     Senate Journal                      Page 1920
                            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                                                                                                 
                      ----------------------------------------                                                                 
                                                                                                                                
                           LABOR & WORKFORCE DEVELOPMENT                                                                     
                                                                                                                                
Mar 19 Thursday Beltz 105 (tsbldg) 5:15 PM                                                                                    
+              Overview: Workers’ Compensation by Charlie Collins, Director                                                     
               Overview:  Unemployment Insurance Fund by Paloma Harbour                                                         
               **Streamed live on AKL.tv**                                                                                      
                      ----------------------------------------                                                                 
                                                                                                                                
                                      REVENUE                                                                                
                                                                                                                                
Mar 12 Thursday Senate Finance 532 5:15 PM                                                                                    
               -- MEETING CANCELED --                                                                                           
+              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                                                                                   
+              Budget Close Out                                                                                                 
                      ----------------------------------------                                                                 

2026-03-11                     Senate Journal                      Page 1921
                                UNIVERSITY OF ALASKA                                                                         
                                                                                                                                
Mar 12         Thursday                    Senate Finance 532              9:00 AM                                            
+              University of Alaska Subcommittee                                                                                
                      ----------------------------------------                                                                 
                                                                                                                                
                                  JOINT COMMITTEES                                                                           
                                                                                                                                
                             LEGISLATIVE BUDGET & AUDIT                                                                      
                                                                                                                                
Mar 18         Wednesday                             Adams 519             5:15 PM                                            
+              -- Teleconference Listen Only --                                                                                 
               I. Call to Order                                                                                                 
               II. Approval of the Agenda                                                                                       
               III. Approval of Minutes                                                                                         
               a. February 11th, 2026, Meeting Minutes                                                                          
               IV. Sanctioning of Charitable Events                                                                             
               a. Sham Jam 2026 SEAGLA Fundraiser                                                                               
               b. Legislative Skits Big Brothers/Big                                                                            
               Sisters/AWARE Fundraiser                                                                                         
               V. Committee Business                                                                                            
               a. Fairbanks LIO Lease Extension                                                                                 
               VI. Executive Session                                                                                            
               a. ITB 686--Capitol Carpet Removal and Installation                                                              
               **Streamed live on AKL.tv**                                                                                      
                      ----------------------------------------                                                                 
                                                                                                                                
                          TASK FORCE ON EDUCATION FUNDING                                                                    
                                                                                                                                
Mar 16         Monday                                  Davis 106           3:30 PM                                            
               -- Testimony <Invitation Only> --                                                                                
+              Presentation: Pupil Transportation Funding by                                                                    
               Alaska Department of Education and Early                                                                         
               Development Presentation: Legislative Funding for Student                                                        
               Transportation by Conor Bell, Fiscal Analyst, Legislative                                                        
               Finance Division                                                                                                 
               -- Invited Testimony --                                                                                          
               Michael Robbins, Superintendent,                                                                                 
               Bristol Bay Borough School District                                                                              
               Presentation: Before and After School Programs by                                                                
               Thomas Azzarella, Executive Director,                                                                            
               Alaska Afterschool Network                                                                                       
               **Streamed live on AKL.tv**                                                                                      

2026-03-11                     Senate Journal                      Page 1922
                                   OTHER MEETINGS                                                                            
                                                                                                                                
                                   JOINT SESSION                                                                             
                                                                                                                                
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                                                                                       
                                                                                                                                
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