Legislature(2025 - 2026)
2026-03-18 Senate Journal
Full Journal pdf2026-03-18 Senate Journal Page 1971 SENATE JOURNAL ALASKA STATE LEGISLATURE THIRTY-FOURTH LEGISLATURE SECOND SESSION Juneau, Alaska Wednesday March 18, 2026 Fifty-eighth Day Pursuant to adjournment the Senate was called to order by President Stevens at 11:02 a.m. The roll showed eighteen members present. Senator Myers was excused from a call of the Senate. Senator Olson was absent. The prayer was offered by the Chaplain, Pastor Dani Cherian, Valley Church. Senator Hoffman moved and asked unanimous consent the prayer be spread. Without objection, it was so ordered. Dear Lord Jesus, I thank You this morning and for every Senator that you’ve called here today. All things are seen by you, nothing is hidden from your eyes. Your peace, is a reminder of your plan and purpose. The Bible says, [Isaiah 26:3 ESV] "3 You keep him in perfect peace whose mind is stayed on you, because he trusts in you." I ask that your Spirit, guide and give them success, help them to trust in you, and please reveal this peace to those who don’t know You. 2026-03-18 Senate Journal Page 1972 I ask that You protect our Senators, their staff, and families this week as they take steps to steward the needs of our great State of Alaska. Please bless them Father and protect them. In Jesus’ name, I pray, Amen. Senator Rauscher led the Senate in the Pledge of Allegiance. Certification Senator Giessel moved and asked unanimous consent the journal for the fifty-sixth and fifty-seventh legislative days, Senate Journal Supplement No. 10 and Senate and House Joint Journal Supplement No. 17 be approved as certified by the Secretary. Without objection, it was so ordered. Senator Giessel moved and asked unanimous consent Senator Olson be excused from a call of the Senate today through March 22. Without objection, Senator Olson was excused. Communications The following letter was received from Lieutenant Governor Nancy Dahlstrom and is on file in the Office of the Secretary of the Senate: Letter dated March 16 certifying the proper filing of an initiative entitled: “An Act requiring that only United States citizens may be qualified to vote in Alaska elections.” The following reports are on file in the Office of the Secretary of the Senate: Department of Revenue Annual Report on the Constitutional Budget Reserve Fund Calendar Year 2025 in accordance with AS 37.10.430 2026-03-18 Senate Journal Page 1973 Department of Health Alaska Commission on Aging Annual Report FY2025 February 2026 in accordance with AS 44.29.790 Standing Committee Reports SB 143 The Community and Regional Affairs Committee considered SENATE BILL NO. 143 "An Act relating to the terms of office of municipal school board members; and providing for an effective date" and recommended it be replaced with CS FOR SENATE BILL NO. 143(CRA) "An Act relating to the terms of office of municipal school board members; relating to the size of the city council in second class cities; and providing for an effective date." Signing no recommendation: Senator Merrick, Chair; Senator Dunbar. Signing do pass: Senators Olson, Gray-Jackson, Yundt. The following fiscal information was published today: Fiscal Note No. 2, zero, Department of Education and Early Development The bill was referred to the Rules Committee. SB 249 The Labor and Commerce Committee considered SENATE BILL NO. 249 "An Act relating to virtual currency kiosks; relating to transactions involving virtual currency; and relating to unfair trade or deceptive acts or practices" and recommended it be replaced with CS FOR SENATE BILL NO. 249(L&C) Signing do pass: Senator Bjorkman, Chair. Signing no recommendation: Senators Yundt, Gray-Jackson. Signing amend: Senators Dunbar, Merrick. 2026-03-18 Senate Journal Page 1974 The following fiscal information was published today: Fiscal Note No. 1, zero, Department of Commerce, Community, and Economic Development The bill was referred to the Judiciary Committee. SB 255 The Community and Regional Affairs Committee considered SENATE BILL NO. 255 "An Act relating to the selection and conveyance of municipal general grant lands; providing for the transfer of real property to the Matanuska-Susitna Borough; and providing for an effective date." Signing no recommendation: Senator Merrick, Chair; Senators Olson, Dunbar, Gray-Jackson. Signing do pass: Senator Yundt. The following fiscal information was published today: Fiscal Note No. 1, indeterminate, Department of Natural Resources Fiscal Note No. 2, zero, Department of Commerce, Community, and Economic Development The bill was referred to the Resources Committee. SB 272 The Health and Social Services Committee considered SENATE BILL NO. 272 "An Act relating to the electronic health information exchange system; and providing for an effective date." Signing do pass: Senator Dunbar, Chair; Senators Claman, Giessel. Signing no recommendation: Senator Tobin. The following fiscal information was published today: Fiscal Note No. 1, zero, Department of Health The bill was referred to the Labor and Commerce Committee. 2026-03-18 Senate Journal Page 1975 HB 13 The Community and Regional Affairs Committee considered CS FOR SPONSOR SUBSTITUTE FOR HOUSE BILL NO. 13(CRA) "An Act relating to optional municipal property tax exemptions for certain long-term rental units, certain mobile home parks, real property rented to low-income families, real property owned and occupied as a permanent place of abode, and real property owned by first-time homebuyers" and recommended it be replaced with SENATE CS FOR CS FOR SS FOR HOUSE BILL NO. 13(CRA) "An Act relating to optional municipal property tax exemptions for certain long-term rental units, certain mobile home parks, real property rented to low-income families, real property owned and occupied as a permanent place of abode, and real property owned by first-time homebuyers; and relating to municipal tax refunds." (Title Change SCR 14) Signing no recommendation: Senator Merrick, Chair; Senator Olson. Signing do pass: Senators Dunbar, Gray-Jackson, Yundt. The following fiscal information was published today: Fiscal Note No. 2, zero, Department of Commerce, Community, and Economic Development The bill was referred to the State Affairs Committee. Consideration of the Calendar Second Reading of Senate Bills SB 158 SENATE BILL NO. 158 "An Act relating to administrative areas for regulation of certain commercial set net entry permits; and providing for an effective date" was read the second time. President Stevens stated SENATE BILL NO. 158 will advance to third reading on the March 20 calendar. 2026-03-18 Senate Journal Page 1976 SB 181 SENATE BILL NO. 181 "An Act relating to disclosure of information obtained by the Department of Labor and Workforce Development to other state agencies" was read the second time. President Stevens stated SENATE BILL NO. 181 will advance to third reading on the March 20 calendar. Second Reading of House Resolutions HJR 29 CS FOR HOUSE JOINT RESOLUTION NO. 29(FSH) am Supporting the extension of the national emergency declared in Executive Order 14024; supporting the continued national prohibition on Russian seafood imports effected by Executive Orders 14024, 14068, and 14114; and urging the President of the United States, federal agencies, and the United States Congress to consider additional measures necessary for prohibiting the importation of Russian seafood into the United States and to maintain and strengthen federal measures that ensure fair trade, protect the state's seafood industry, and promote sustainable and ethical seafood production, was read the second time. Senator Giessel, Chair, moved and asked unanimous consent for the adoption of the Resources Senate Committee Substitute offered on page 1953. Without objection, SENATE CS FOR CS FOR HOUSE JOINT RESOLUTION NO. 29(RES) was adopted. President Stevens stated SENATE CS FOR CS FOR HOUSE JOINT RESOLUTION NO. 29(RES) will advance to third reading on the March 20 calendar. Citations th Honoring – University of Alaska Fairbanks Native Arts Center 60 Anniversary Senator(s) Myers Representative(s) Dibert, Jimmie 2026-03-18 Senate Journal Page 1977 Honoring – The United States Declaration of Independence 250 Anniversary Senator(s) Myers, Tilton Representative(s) Allard Honoring – Fire Chief Chad Heineken Senator(s) Myers Representative(s) Prax, Tomaszewski Honoring – Dr. Kimberlee Beckmen Senator(s) Myers Representative(s) Carrick, Mears Honoring – Dan Polta Representative(s) McCabe Senator(s) Cronk Honoring – Joseph J. Kim Senator(s) Tilton In Memoriam – Dr. John Alden Senator(s) Myers Representative(s) Schwanke, Tomaszewski In Memoriam – Dr. Edmond “Ed” Packee Senator(s) Myers Representative(s) Schwanke, Tomaszewski In Memoriam – Dr. Teresa Hollingsworth Senator(s) Myers Representative(s) Schwanke, Tomaszewski In Memoriam – Jenae Campanelli Senator(s) Myers Representative(s) Stapp, Tomaszewski Senator Giessel moved and asked unanimous consent the citations be adopted. Without objection, the citations were adopted and referred to the Secretary for transmittal. Senator Giessel moved and asked unanimous consent the following citation be made a special order of business. Without objection, it was so ordered. 2026-03-18 Senate Journal Page 1978 Special Order of Business Honoring – Tom Panamaroff Senator(s) Stevens Representative(s) Stutes 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 SJR 2 Senator Gray-Jackson moved and asked unanimous consent to be shown as a cosponsor on SENATE JOINT RESOLUTION NO. 2 Proposing an amendment to the Constitution of the State of Alaska relating to actions upon veto. Without objection, it was so ordered. Senator Cronk moved and asked unanimous consent to be excused from a call of the Senate from March 19 through March 22. Without objection, Senator Cronk was excused. SB 230 Senator Claman moved and asked unanimous consent to be shown as a cosponsor on SENATE BILL NO. 230 "An Act relating to the boundaries of the Jonesville Public Use Area; and providing for an effective date." Without objection, it was so ordered. SB 249 Senator Dunbar moved and asked unanimous consent to be shown as a cosponsor on SENATE BILL NO. 249 "An Act relating to virtual currency kiosks; relating to transactions involving virtual currency; and relating to unfair trade or deceptive acts or practices." Without objection, it was so ordered. SB 158 Senator Dunbar moved and asked unanimous consent to be shown as a cosponsor on SENATE BILL NO. 158 "An Act relating to administrative areas for regulation of certain commercial set net entry permits; and providing for an effective date." Without objection, it was so ordered. 2026-03-18 Senate Journal Page 1979 Senator Tobin moved and asked unanimous consent to be excused from a call of the Senate from afternoon plane time, March 26 through evening plane time, March 28. Without objection, Senator Tobin was excused. Senator Giessel moved and asked unanimous consent the Senate return to Introduction of Guests. Without objection, it was so ordered. Messages from the House Recede Messages HB 289 Message dated March 18 was read stating the House failed to concur in the Senate amendments to CS FOR HOUSE BILL NO. 289(FIN)(brf sup maj fld) "An Act making appropriations, including supplemental appropriations, capital appropriations, reappropriations, and other appropriations; amending appropriations; capitalizing funds; and providing for an effective date” and respectfully requests the Senate to recede from its amendments, namely: 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." In the event the Senate fails to recede, the Speaker has appointed the following members to a Conference Committee to meet with a like committee from the Senate to consider the bills: Representative Josephson, Chair Representative Schrage Representative Stapp Senator Giessel moved the Senate recede from its amendments and recommended the body vote no. 2026-03-18 Senate Journal Page 1980 The question being: "Shall the Senate recede from its amendments?" The roll was taken with the following result: SCS CSHB 289(FIN) am S Shall the Senate Recede from its Amendments to CSHB 289(FIN)(brf sup maj fld)? YEAS: 0 NAYS: 18 EXCUSED: 2 ABSENT: 0 Nays: Bjorkman, Claman, Cronk, Dunbar, Giessel, Gray-Jackson, Hoffman, Kaufman, Kawasaki, Kiehl, Merrick, Rauscher, Stedman, Stevens, Tilton, Tobin, Wielechowski, Yundt Excused: Myers, Olson and so, the Senate failed to recede. President Stevens appointed the following members to a Conference Committee to meet with the like committee from the House: Senator Hoffman, Chair Senator Stedman Senator Cronk The Secretary was requested to notify the House. Announcements Announcements are at the end of the journal. Adjournment Senator Giessel moved and asked unanimous consent the Senate stand in adjournment until 10:30 a.m., March 20, 2026. Without objection, the Senate adjourned at 12:15 p.m. Liz Clark Secretary of the Senate 2026-03-18 Senate Journal Page 1981 Announcements Americans with Disabilities Act Notice - Persons with disabilities who require special accommodation or alternative communication formats to access committee meetings may contact the appropriate committee office or the Legislative Information Office in their community. Reasonable advance notice is needed to accommodate the request. For further information, call the ADA Coordinator at 465-3854 Voice/465-4980 TDD. STANDING COMMITTEES + indicates teleconference = indicates bill previously heard/scheduled COMMUNITY & REGIONAL AFFAIRS Mar 19 Thursday Beltz 105 (tsbldg) 1:30 PM += SB 247 GENERATED OBSCENE CHLD SEX ABUSE MATERIAL -- Invited & Public Testimony -- += SB 258 CONTRACT: LICENSING SOFTWARE APPLICATIONS -- Invited & Public Testimony -- + SB 268 SICK LEAVE EXEMPTION: FISH PROCESSORS -- Testimony <Invitation Only> -- + SB 153 PUBLIC MEETINGS: EXEMPT MUNI SVC AREA BDS -- Testimony <Invitation Only> -- Bills Previously Heard/Scheduled **Streamed live on AKL.tv** ---------------------------------------- EDUCATION Mar 18 Wednesday Beltz 105 (tsbldg) 3:30 PM + Consideration of Governor’s Appointees: Board of Education and Early Development, Pamela Dupras Sally Stockhausen Professional Teaching Practices Commission, Michael Robbins -- Public Testimony -- + SB 277 EDUCATION: CORRESPOND STUDENTS/BSA/TCHERS -- Invited & Public Testimony -- Bills Previously Heard/Scheduled **Streamed live on AKL.tv** 2026-03-18 Senate Journal Page 1982 EDUCATION (continued) 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 18 Wednesday Senate Finance 532 9:00 AM + SB 212 NUMBER OF SUPERIOR COURT JUDGES -- Invited & Public Testimony -- + SB 227 TAX COMPACT; SALES TAX; OIL & GAS TAX -- Testimony <Invitation Only> -- Bills Previously Heard/Scheduled **Streamed live on AKL.tv** Mar 18 Wednesday Senate Finance 532 1:30 PM -- Rescheduled from 3/17/26 -- -- Please Note Time Change -- += SB 274 PERMANENT FUND POMV AVAILABLE FOR APPROP Modeling by Legislative Finance Division Overview: Major Maintenance, School Bond Debt Reimbursement by Legislative Finance Division + Bills Previously Heard/Scheduled **Streamed live on AKL.tv** Mar 19 Thursday Senate Finance 532 9:00 AM + HB 73 COMPLEX CARE RESIDENTIAL HOMES -- Testimony <Invitation Only> -- += SB 76 COMPLEX CARE RESIDENTIAL HOMES -- Testimony <Invitation Only> -- += SB 130 FISHERIES PROD DEVELOPMENT TAX CREDIT -- Testimony <Invitation Only> -- += SJR 29 CONST. AM: EDUCATION FUND -- Testimony <Invitation Only> -- Bills Previously Heard/Scheduled **Streamed live on AKL.tv** 2026-03-18 Senate Journal Page 1983 FINANCE (continued) Mar 19 Thursday Senate Finance 532 1:30 PM -- Please Note Time Change -- + Bills Previously Heard/Scheduled **Streamed live on AKL.tv** Mar 20 Friday Senate Finance 532 9:00 AM No Meeting Scheduled Mar 20 Friday Senate Finance 532 1:30 PM -- Please Note Time Change -- No Meeting Scheduled ---------------------------------------- HEALTH & SOCIAL SERVICES Mar 19 Thursday Butrovich 205 3:30 PM + Presentation: The Rising Cost of Health Care Heather Carpenter, Director of Insurance, Department of Commerce, Community, and Economic Development Jared Kosin, President & CEO, Alaska Hospital & Healthcare Association Shayla Teague, Director, Alaska Ark Insurance Solutions + SB 276 CONTRACEPTIVES: INSURANCE COVERAGE -- Testimony <Invitation Only> -- Bills Previously Heard/Scheduled **Streamed live on AKL.tv** ---------------------------------------- JUDICIARY Mar 18 Wednesday Butrovich 205 1:30 PM -- MEETING CANCELED -- + Bills Previously Heard/Scheduled **Streamed live on AKL.tv** Mar 20 Friday Butrovich 205 1:30 PM += SB 237 DATA SHARING; SOCIAL SECURITY + SB 249 VIRTUAL CURRENCY KIOSKS Bills Previously Heard/Scheduled **Streamed live on AKL.tv** 2026-03-18 Senate Journal Page 1984 LABOR & COMMERCE Mar 18 Wednesday Beltz 105 (tsbldg) 1:30 PM += SB 225 TRUSTS; TRUST PROCEEDINGS; TRUSTEES -- Invited & Public Testimony -- + SB 244 TRAVEL INSURANCE -- Testimony <Invitation Only> -- += SB 35 DELIVERY NETWORK COMPANIES -- Public Testimony <Time Limit May Be Set> -- + SB 248 GENETIC COUNS: LICENSING; ADVISORY CNCL. -- Testimony <Invitation Only> -- Bills Previously Heard/Scheduled: += SB 226 HOMEMADE FOOD; REDUCED OXYGEN PACKAGING **Streamed live on AKL.tv** Mar 20 Friday Beltz 105 (tsbldg) 1:30 PM += SB 150 NET METERING PROGRAM & FUND -- Invited & Public Testimony -- += SB 180 LNG IMPORT FACILITIES -- Invited & Public Testimony -- += SB 196 BEH. HEALTH CRISIS SURCHARGE & FUND -- Invited & Public Testimony -- += SB 252 UCC: SECURED TRANS.; ELECTRONIC RECORDS -- Public Testimony <Time Limit May Be Set> -- + SB 185 INSURANCE; REBATES; ADVERTISING -- Public Testimony <Time Limit May Be Set> -- Bills Previously Heard/Scheduled: += SB 35 DELIVERY NETWORK COMPANIES **Streamed live on AKL.tv** ---------------------------------------- RESOURCES Mar 18 Wednesday Butrovich 205 3:30 PM += SB 275 NATURAL GAS PROJECTS/INCOME TAX/SURCHARGE -- Invited & Public Testimony -- Bills Previously Heard/Scheduled **Streamed live on AKL.tv** 2026-03-18 Senate Journal Page 1985 RESOURCES (continued) Mar 20 Friday Butrovich 205 3:30 PM + SB 269 BOARD OF FISHERIES -- Testimony <Invitation Only> -- += HB 33 CONFLICT OF INTEREST: BDS FISHERIES/GAME -- Public Testimony -- += SB 275 NATURAL GAS PROJECTS/INCOME TAX/SURCHARGE Bills Previously Heard/Scheduled **Streamed live on AKL.tv** ---------------------------------------- STATE AFFAIRS Mar 19 Thursday Beltz 105 (tsbldg) 3:30 PM + SB 245 ARTS AND CULTURE DAY -- Invited & Public Testimony -- Presentation: Department of Corrections Review of Pretrial, Probation, Parole, Institutions and Recidivism -- Testimony <Invitation Only> -- Bills Previously Heard/Scheduled **Streamed live on AKL.tv** ---------------------------------------- TRANSPORTATION Mar 19 Thursday Butrovich 205 1:30 PM + Overview: Alaska Marine Highway System **Streamed live on AKL.tv** ---------------------------------------- FINANCE SUBCOMMITTEES COMMERCE, COMMUNITY & ECONOMIC DEV Mar 19 Thursday Senate Finance 532 8:00 AM -- Teleconference <Listen Only> -- + Overview: FY27 Budget Items by Department of Commerce, Community, and Economic Development **Streamed live on AKL.tv** 2026-03-18 Senate Journal Page 1986 EDUCATION & EARLY DEVELOPMENT Mar 18 Wednesday Senate Finance 532 5:15 PM -- MEETING CANCELED -- + Education & Early Development Subcommittee Mar 25 Wednesday Senate Finance 532 5:15 PM + Education & Early Development Subcommittee ---------------------------------------- FISH & GAME 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 19 Thursday Senate Finance 532 5:15 PM -- MEETING CANCELED -- + 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 2026-03-18 Senate Journal Page 1987 TRANSPORTATION & PUBLIC FACILITIES (continued) Apr 08 Wednesday Senate Finance 532 7:30 AM + AMHS Apr 15 Wednesday Senate Finance 532 7:30 AM + Budget Close Out ---------------------------------------- JOINT COMMITTEES LEGISLATIVE COUNCIL Mar 18 Wednesday Adams 519 5:15 PM + -- Teleconference Listen Only -- AGENDA 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 VII. Adjourn **Streamed live on AKL.tv** ---------------------------------------- CONFERENCE COMMITTEES CONFERENCE COMMITTEE ON HB289 Mar 19 Thursday Senate Finance 532 3:45 PM Conference Committee: Organizational Meeting + HB 289 APPROP: SUPPLEMENTAL 2026-03-18 Senate Journal Page 1988 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: 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