Legislature(2025 - 2026)
2026-03-30 Senate Journal
Full Journal pdf2026-03-30 Senate Journal Page 2089 SENATE JOURNAL ALASKA STATE LEGISLATURE THIRTY-FOURTH LEGISLATURE SECOND SESSION Juneau, Alaska Monday March 30, 2026 Seventieth Day Pursuant to adjournment the Senate was called to order by President Stevens at 11:01 a.m. The roll showed nineteen members present. Senator Kiehl was excused from a call of the Senate. The prayer was offered by the Chaplain, Senior Pastor Tim Harrison, Chapel by the Lake. Senator Hoffman moved and asked unanimous consent the prayer be spread. Without objection, it was so ordered. Gracious God, You are the fount of all wisdom and truth. The depths of Your grace and mercy are beyond my imagination. Your power and purpose is manifest in the glorious creation that surrounds me. You protect me even when I am unaware of the perils of life. As your servants gather to lead, please shower them with wisdom and discernment. While I grieve the deep divisions in our communities, our state, our country and across the world, I also celebrate the many ways people come together to support and serve their neighbors and those in need. Show us the way of peace. Give us a vision for unity of purpose and care. As we gather today, I ask for strength for all those who serve in our schools, our hospitals, and our many rural care points. I thank You for the many people who serve us and our communities. May they know Your tender encouragement and our heart-felt gratitude. 2026-03-30 Senate Journal Page 2090 Finally, may all who witness the work and governance of this legislative session give thanks for the gifts of freedom and self-determination. I pray these things in the name of Jesus, Amen. Senator Wielechowski led the Senate in the Pledge of Allegiance. Certification Senator Giessel moved and asked unanimous consent the journal for the sixty-fifth through sixty-ninth legislative days be approved as certified by the Secretary. Without objection, it was so ordered. Messages from the Governor Letter dated March 27 was read stating in accordance with Article III, Sections 26 and 27 of the Alaska Constitution and AS 39.05.080, I submitted a list of appointees for confirmation. The following appointee is withdrawn from consideration, effective immediately: Alaska Labor Relations Agency Tammy Schultz Messages from the House Messages dated March 25 and March 27 were read stating the House passed and transmitted for consideration: First Reading and Reference of House Resolutions HJR 32 CS FOR HOUSE JOINT RESOLUTION NO. 32(HSS) BY THE HOUSE HEALTH & SOCIAL SERVICES COMMITTEE, 2026-03-30 Senate Journal Page 2091 Expressing commitment to the rural health transformation program; acknowledging the critical health care challenges facing rural areas of the state; and urging action by the Governor and the Alaska delegation in Congress to continue to advocate for the state's interests and advance the rural health transformation program. was read the first time and referred to the Health and Social Services Committee. First Reading and Reference of House Bills HB 216 HOUSE BILL NO. 216 BY REPRESENTATIVES HOLLAND, Josephson, entitled: "An Act approving the transfer of land owned by the Alaska Railroad Corporation to the City of Whittier; and providing for an effective date." was read the first time and referred to the Community and Regional Affairs Committee. HB 243 HOUSE BILL NO. 243 BY REPRESENTATIVE CARRICK BY REQUEST, entitled: "An Act relating to the powers and duties of the Board of Barbers and Hairdressers and the Department of Commerce, Community, and Economic Development; and providing for an effective date." was read the first time and referred to the Labor and Commerce Committee. 2026-03-30 Senate Journal Page 2092 HB 278 CS FOR HOUSE BILL NO. 278(STA) BY THE HOUSE STATE AFFAIRS COMMITTEE, entitled: "An Act establishing the Alaska-Ireland Trade Commission; and providing for an effective date." was read the first time and referred to the State Affairs Committee. Introduction and Reference of Senate Resolutions SCR 16 SENATE CONCURRENT RESOLUTION NO. 16 BY THE SENATE HEALTH AND SOCIAL SERVICES COMMITTEE, Suspending Rules 24(c), 35, 41(b), and 42(e), Uniform Rules of the Alaska State Legislature, concerning House Concurrent Resolution No. 4, proclaiming May 2025 as Myositis Awareness Month. was read the first time and held on the Secretary's desk. Consideration of the Calendar Second Reading of Senate Bills SB 164 SENATE BILL NO. 164 "An Act eliminating deductions for the remittance of the motor fuel tax, tobacco taxes, and tire fees; relating to discounts on cigarette stamps; and providing for an effective date" was read the second time. Senator Bjorkman, Chair, moved and asked unanimous consent for the adoption of the Labor and Commerce Committee Substitute offered on page 1826. Without objection, CS FOR SENATE BILL NO. 164(L&C) was adopted. President Stevens stated CS FOR SENATE BILL NO. 164(L&C) will advance to third reading on the March 31 calendar. 2026-03-30 Senate Journal Page 2093 SB 180 SENATE BILL NO. 180 "An Act relating to the regulation of liquefied natural gas import facilities by the Regulatory Commission of Alaska" was read the second time. Senator Bjorkman, Chair, moved and asked unanimous consent for the adoption of the Labor and Commerce Committee Substitute offered on page 2024. Without objection, CS FOR SENATE BILL NO. 180(L&C) "An Act relating to the regulation of liquefied natural gas import facilities by the Regulatory Commission of Alaska; and providing for an effective date" was adopted. President Stevens stated CS FOR SENATE BILL NO. 180(L&C) will advance to third reading on the March 31 calendar. SB 237 SENATE BILL NO. 237 "An Act relating to data sharing by the Department of Administration for driver's license data verification purposes; and providing for an effective date" was read the second time. Senator Claman, Chair, moved and asked unanimous consent for the adoption of the Judiciary Committee Substitute offered on page 2026. Without objection, CS FOR SENATE BILL NO. 237(JUD) was adopted. President Stevens stated CS FOR SENATE BILL NO. 237(JUD) will advance to third reading on the March 31 calendar. SB 9 SENATE BILL NO. 9 "An Act relating to the surrender of infants; and providing for an effective date" was read the second time. Senator Claman, Chair, moved and asked unanimous consent for the adoption of the Judiciary Committee Substitute offered on page 1253. Without objection, CS FOR SENATE BILL NO. 9(JUD) was adopted. 2026-03-30 Senate Journal Page 2094 Updated fiscal information was published today: Fiscal Note No. 5, zero, Department of Health Fiscal Note No. 6, zero, Department of Public Safety Fiscal Note No. 7, zero, Department of Family and Community Services President Stevens stated CS FOR SENATE BILL NO. 9(JUD) will advance to third reading on the March 31 calendar. Senate Resolutions in Third Reading SJR 2 SENATE JOINT RESOLUTION NO. 2 Proposing an amendment to the Constitution of the State of Alaska relating to actions upon veto, which had been held in third reading (page 2060) was before the Senate. Senator Giessel moved and asked unanimous consent SENATE JOINT RESOLUTION NO. 2 be held in third reading to the March 31 calendar. Without objection, it was so ordered. Citations Honoring – Alaska Coalition of BIPOC Educators: 2025 Annual Backpack Drive Senator(s) Dunbar, Tobin Representative(s) Mina In Memoriam – Paniliar Theresa Abraham Representative(s) Jimmie, Foster Senator(s) Hoffman 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 citations be made a special order of business. Without objection, it was so ordered. 2026-03-30 Senate Journal Page 2095 Special Order of Business Honoring – Alaska Council of School Administrators Representative(s) Hannan, Story Senator(s) Kiehl In Memoriam – Gordan E. Evans Representative(s) Hannan, Story Senator(s) Kiehl In Memoriam – Roxane “Roxy” Lillian Swenson Lee Representative(s) Himschoot Senator(s) Stedman Senator Giessel moved and asked unanimous consent the citations be adopted. Without objection, the citations were adopted and referred to the Secretary for transmittal. Unfinished Business Senator Gray-Jackson moved and asked unanimous consent to be excused from a call of the Senate on April 23. Without objection, Senator Gray-Jackson was excused. HB 194 The reconsideration on SENATE CS FOR HOUSE BILL NO. 194(FIN) am S(efd fld S) "An Act establishing an income tax on certain entities producing or transporting oil or gas in the state; approving and ratifying the sale of royalty oil by the State of Alaska to Marathon Petroleum Supply and Trading Company LLC" was not taken up this legislative day and the bill was referred to the Secretary for engrossment. Announcements Announcements are at the end of the journal. 2026-03-30 Senate Journal Page 2096 Engrossment HB 194 SENATE CS FOR HOUSE BILL NO. 194(FIN) am S(efd fld S) "An Act establishing an income tax on certain entities producing or transporting oil or gas in the state; approving and ratifying the sale of royalty oil by the State of Alaska to Marathon Petroleum Supply and Trading Company LLC" was engrossed, signed by the President and Secretary and returned to the House for consideration. SCR 15 SENATE CONCURRENT RESOLUTION NO. 15 Suspending Rules 24(c), 35, 41(b), and 42(e), Uniform Rules of the Alaska State Legislature, concerning House Bill No. 194, approving and ratifying the sale of royalty oil by the State of Alaska to Marathon Petroleum Supply and Trading Company LLC, which failed (page 2060), was engrossed and referred to the Secretary for permanent filing. Adjournment Senator Giessel moved and asked unanimous consent the Senate stand in adjournment until 10:30 a.m., March 31, 2026. Without objection, the Senate adjourned at 11:18 a.m. Liz Clark Secretary of the Senate 2026-03-30 Senate Journal Page 2097 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 31 Tuesday Beltz 105 (tsbldg) 1:30 PM No Meeting Scheduled Apr 02 Thursday Beltz 105 (tsbldg) 1:30 PM No Meeting Scheduled ---------------------------------------- EDUCATION Mar 30 Monday Davis 106 8:00 AM -- Testimony <Invitation Only> -- -- Please Note Time & Location Change -- + Meeting Jointly with House Education Committee Presentation: State of PK-12 Education in Alaska - Education Leaders From the Field by Dr. Lisa Parady, Executive Director, Alaska Council of School Administrators Doug Gray, Professional Development Director, Alaska Staff Development Network Jennifer Schmitz, Director, Alaska Educator Retention and Recruitment Center David Nogg, Principal, Golden View Middle School Heather Conn, Principal, Stedman Elementary School Melissa Matthews, Director of Student Services and Special Education, Bering Strait School District Dr. Randy Trani, Superintendent, Mat-Su Borough School District Katie Parrott, Senior Director, Office of Management & Budget, Anchorage School District Bills Previously Heard/Scheduled **Streamed live on AKL.tv** 2026-03-30 Senate Journal Page 2098 EDUCATION (continued) Apr 01 Wednesday Beltz 105 (tsbldg) 3:30 PM -- Testimony <Invitation Only> -- + Presentation: UAF Leadership Presentation on the Alaska Native Language Center by Mike Sfraga, UAF Chancellor Charlene Stern, UAF Provost Teisha Simmons, Dean, College of Indigenous Studies Bryan Uher, Vice Chancellor of Rural, Community and Native Education Presentation: History of the Alaska Native Language Center's Work and its Present Status by Sam Alexander, Chair, Alaska Native Language Program, UAF Anna Berge, Professor of Linguistics, UAF Bills Previously Heard/Scheduled: **Streamed live on AKL.tv** Apr 03 Friday Beltz 105 (tsbldg) 3:30 PM No Meeting Scheduled ---------------------------------------- FINANCE Mar 30 Monday Senate Finance 532 9:00 AM + SB 193 PRACTICE OF NATUROPATHY -- Invited & Public Testimony -- Bills Previously Heard/Scheduled **Streamed live on AKL.tv** Mar 30 Monday Senate Finance 532 1:30 PM -- MEETING CANCELED -- -- Please Note Time Change -- + Bills Previously Heard/Scheduled **Streamed live on AKL.tv** Mar 31 Tuesday Senate Finance 532 9:00 AM -- Invited & Public Testimony -- Confirmation Hearing: Commissioner-Designee John Crowther, Department of Natural Resources + Bills Previously Heard/Scheduled **Streamed live on AKL.tv** 2026-03-30 Senate Journal Page 2099 FINANCE (continued) Mar 31 Tuesday Senate Finance 532 1:30 PM -- Please Note Time Change -- + Bills Previously Heard/Scheduled **Streamed live on AKL.tv** Apr 01 Wednesday Senate Finance 532 9:00 AM += SB 41 PUBLIC SCHOOLS: MENTAL HEALTH EDUCATION -- Testimony <Invitation Only> -- += SB 163 REPEAL CERTAIN INACTIVE FUNDS/ACCOUNTS -- Testimony <Invitation Only> -- += SB 274 PERMANENT FUND POMV AVAILABLE FOR APPROP -- Testimony <Invitation Only> -- Bills Previously Heard/Scheduled **Streamed live on AKL.tv** Apr 01 Wednesday Senate Finance 532 1:30 PM -- Please Note Time Change -- + Bills Previously Heard/Scheduled **Streamed live on AKL.tv** Apr 02 Thursday Senate Finance 532 9:00 AM + Bills Previously Heard/Scheduled **Streamed live on AKL.tv** Apr 02 Thursday Senate Finance 532 1:30 PM -- Please Note Time Change -- No Meeting Scheduled Apr 03 Friday Senate Finance 532 9:00 AM No Meeting Scheduled Apr 03 Friday Senate Finance 532 1:30 PM -- Please Note Time Change -- No Meeting Scheduled ---------------------------------------- HEALTH & SOCIAL SERVICES Mar 31 Tuesday Butrovich 205 3:30 PM + SB 281 HEALTHCARE COMPACTS; RURAL HEALTH PROGRAM -- Testimony <Invitation Only> -- Bills Previously Heard/Scheduled **Streamed live on AKL.tv** Apr 02 Thursday Butrovich 205 3:30 PM No Meeting Scheduled 2026-03-30 Senate Journal Page 2100 JUDICIARY Mar 30 Monday Butrovich 205 1:30 PM += SB 249 VIRTUAL CURRENCY KIOSKS -- Invited & Public Testimony -- Bills Previously Heard/Scheduled **Streamed live on AKL.tv** Apr 01 Wednesday Butrovich 205 1:30 PM += SB 252 UCC: SECURED TRANS.; ELECTRONIC RECORDS -- Public Testimony <Time Limit May Be Set> -- Bills Previously Heard/Scheduled **Streamed live on AKL.tv** Apr 03 Friday Butrovich 205 1:30 PM No Meeting Scheduled ---------------------------------------- LABOR & COMMERCE Mar 30 Monday Beltz 105 (tsbldg) 1:30 PM += SJR 28 SUPPORTING J-1 & H-1B VISA PROGRAMS -- Public Testimony <Time Limit May Be Set> -- += SB 217 EMPLOYER CONTRIBUTIONS -- Testimony <Invitation Only> -- + SB 258 CONTRACT: LICENSING SOFTWARE APPLICATIONS -- Testimony <Invitation Only> -- Bills Previously Heard/Scheduled **Streamed live on AKL.tv** Apr 01 Wednesday Beltz 105 (tsbldg) 1:30 PM No Meeting Scheduled Apr 03 Friday Beltz 105 (tsbldg) 1:30 PM No Meeting Scheduled ---------------------------------------- RESOURCES Mar 30 Monday Butrovich 205 3:30 PM += SB 280 OIL & GAS PROPERTY TAX; MUNI TAX -- Testimony <Invitation Only> -- Bills Previously Heard/Scheduled **Streamed live on AKL.tv** 2026-03-30 Senate Journal Page 2101 RESOURCES (continued) Apr 01 Wednesday Butrovich 205 3:30 PM += SJR 20 CLEAN UP MARINE DEBRIS -- Invited & Public Testimony -- + SB 208 AGRICULTURAL LAND LEASES -- Invited & Public Testimony -- + HJR 18 URGING SUPPORT FOR AKLNG -- Testimony <Invitation Only> -- Bills Previously Heard/Scheduled **Streamed live on AKL.tv** Apr 03 Friday Butrovich 205 3:30 PM No Meeting Scheduled ---------------------------------------- STATE AFFAIRS Mar 31 Tuesday Beltz 105 (tsbldg) 3:30 PM += SJR 30 SUPPORT MILITARY&INCREASE INFRASTRUCTURE -- Public Testimony -- += SB 245 ARTS AND CULTURE DAY -- Public Testimony -- += SB 239 MOTOR VEHICLE REGISTRATION -- Invited & Public Testimony -- Bills Previously Heard/Scheduled **Streamed live on AKL.tv** Apr 02 Thursday Beltz 105 (tsbldg) 3:30 PM + Bills Previously Heard/Scheduled **Streamed live on AKL.tv** ---------------------------------------- TRANSPORTATION Mar 31 Tuesday Butrovich 205 1:30 PM + SB 244 TRAVEL INSURANCE -- Testimony <Invitation Only> -- Presentation: Port of Seward Roll On/Roll Off Capability by Alaska Railroad Corporation, TOTE Maritime Alaska, and The Pacific NorthWest Economic Region (PNWER) **Streamed live on AKL.tv** Apr 02 Thursday Butrovich 205 1:30 PM No Meeting Scheduled 2026-03-30 Senate Journal Page 2102 FINANCE SUBCOMMITTEES FISH & GAME Apr 15 Wednesday Senate Finance 532 8:00 AM + Budget Close Out ---------------------------------------- NATURAL RESOURCES Mar 31 Tuesday Beltz 105 (tsbldg) 1:30 PM + Department Budget Overview: Commissioner-designee Crowther and Deputy Commissioner Goodrum Division of Forestry and Fire Protection Overview ---------------------------------------- TRANSPORTATION & PUBLIC FACILITIES 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 ---------------------------------------- OTHER MEETINGS JOINT SESSION Mar 31 Tuesday House Chamber 11:00 AM + Annual Address by Lisa Murkowski, U.S. Senator ---------------------------------------- MISCELLANEOUS MEETINGS 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 Apr 10 Friday Butrovich 205 12:00 PM Lunch & Learn Presentation: Looking Back at the History on the Global Perspective of Oil & Gas Sponsored by Senator Giessel and Representative Mears