Legislature(2025 - 2026)
2026-03-31 Senate Journal
Full Journal pdf2026-03-31 Senate Journal Page 2103 SENATE JOURNAL ALASKA STATE LEGISLATURE THIRTY-FOURTH LEGISLATURE SECOND SESSION Juneau, Alaska Tuesday March 31, 2026 Seventy-first Day Pursuant to adjournment the Senate was called to order by President Stevens at 10:33 a.m. The roll showed twenty members present. The prayer was offered by the Chaplain, Reverend Dr. Charles Ensminger, ?unéix_ Hídi Northern Light United Church. Senator Hoffman moved and asked unanimous consent the prayer be spread. Without objection, it was so ordered. Creator God, I come before you in this quiet moment to ask for your presence to again rest upon these who serve in this place. Grant them wisdom, grant them courage for the living of these days and for the process of leading and deciding for their constituents. Grant them clarity in their decisions, compassion in their care, and humility in their service. In times of trial, be their strength. In times of uncertainty, be their centering presence. I pray that you watch over them, their families, their constituents, and all who live in this great land. May your peace surround this place. 2026-03-31 Senate Journal Page 2104 Be with those in this chamber, but also, I pray, be with those working throughout this building: the staff, the pages, the security, the custodians, and those who have gathered in the galleries. Peace be with them and may your grace uphold us all. Hear my prayers, almighty God, for this I pray, Amen. Senator Yundt led the Senate in the Pledge of Allegiance. Certification Senator Giessel moved and asked unanimous consent the journal for the seventieth legislative day be approved as certified by the Secretary. Without objection, it was so ordered. Messages from the House Message dated March 30 was read stating the House passed and transmitted for consideration: First Reading and Reference of House Resolutions HJR 38 HOUSE JOINT RESOLUTION NO. 38 BY REPRESENTATIVES HALL, Eischeid, Mears, Story, Josephson, Galvin, Frier, Stutes, Schrage, McCabe, Urging the United States Congress to recognize public safety telecommunicators as first responders; and urging the United States Congress to pass the Enhancing First Response Act. was read the first time and referred to the Labor and Commerce Committee. 2026-03-31 Senate Journal Page 2105 Standing Committee Reports Report dated March 31 was read stating: In accordance with AS 39.05.080, the Finance Committee held a hearing on the following appointee. A signature on this report does not reflect an intent by any of the members to vote for or against the confirmation of the individual during any further sessions. Commissioner, Department of Natural Resources John Crowther Signing the report: Senators Hoffman, Olson, Stedman, Cochairs; Senators Kaufman, Cronk, Merrick, Kiehl. Consideration of the Calendar Second Reading of Senate Bills SB 130 SENATE BILL NO. 130 "An Act relating to the fisheries product development tax credit; providing for an effective date by amending the effective date of sec. 2, ch. 31, SLA 2022; and providing for an effective date" was read the second time. Senator Hoffman, Cochair, moved and asked unanimous consent for the adoption of the Finance Committee Substitute offered on page 2047. Without objection, CS FOR SENATE BILL NO. 130(FIN) was adopted. President Stevens stated CS FOR SENATE BILL NO. 130(FIN) will advance to third reading on the April 1 calendar. SB 63 SENATE BILL NO. 63 "An Act relating to the Local Boundary Commission; and providing for an effective date" was read the second time. Updated fiscal information was published today: Fiscal Note No. 3, zero, Department of Commerce, Community, and Economic Development 2026-03-31 Senate Journal Page 2106 President Stevens stated SENATE BILL NO. 63 will advance to third reading on the April 1 calendar. SB 143 SENATE BILL NO. 143 "An Act relating to the terms of office of municipal school board members; and providing for an effective date" was read the second time. Senator Merrick, Chair, moved and asked unanimous consent for the adoption of the Community and Regional Affairs Committee Substitute offered on page 1973. Without objection, 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" was adopted. President Stevens stated CS FOR SENATE BILL NO. 143(CRA) will advance to third reading on the April 1 calendar. Third Reading of Senate Bills SB 164 CS FOR SENATE BILL NO. 164(L&C) "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 third time. The question being: "Shall CS FOR SENATE BILL NO. 164(L&C) "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" pass the Senate?" The roll was taken with the following result: CSSB 164(L&C) Third Reading - Final Passage Effective Date(s) YEAS: 16 NAYS: 4 EXCUSED: 0 ABSENT: 0 Yeas: Bjorkman, Claman, Cronk, Dunbar, Giessel, Gray-Jackson, Hoffman, Kawasaki, Kiehl, Merrick, Olson, Stedman, Stevens, Tobin, Wielechowski, Yundt Nays: Kaufman, Myers, Rauscher, Tilton 2026-03-31 Senate Journal Page 2107 and so, CS FOR SENATE BILL NO. 164(L&C) passed the Senate. Senator Giessel moved and asked unanimous consent the vote on the passage of the bill be considered the vote on the effective date clause. Without objection, it was so ordered and the bill was referred to the Secretary for engrossment. SB 180 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 read the third time. The question being: "Shall 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" pass the Senate?" The roll was taken with the following result: CSSB 180(L&C) Third Reading - Final Passage 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, CS FOR SENATE BILL NO. 180(L&C) passed the Senate. Senator Giessel moved and asked unanimous consent the vote on the passage of the bill be considered the vote on the effective date clause. Without objection, it was so ordered and the bill was referred to the Secretary for engrossment. SB 237 CS FOR SENATE BILL NO. 237(JUD) "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 third time. 2026-03-31 Senate Journal Page 2108 The question being: "Shall CS FOR SENATE BILL NO. 237(JUD) "An Act relating to data sharing by the Department of Administration for driver's license data verification purposes; and providing for an effective date" pass the Senate?" The roll was taken with the following result: CSSB 237(JUD) Third Reading - Final Passage 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, CS FOR SENATE BILL NO. 237(JUD) passed the Senate. Senator Giessel moved and asked unanimous consent the vote on the passage of the bill be considered the vote on the effective date clause. Without objection, it was so ordered and the bill was referred to the Secretary for engrossment. SB 9 CS FOR SENATE BILL NO. 9(JUD) "An Act relating to the surrender of infants; and providing for an effective date" was read the third time. The question being: "Shall CS FOR SENATE BILL NO. 9(JUD) "An Act relating to the surrender of infants; and providing for an effective date" pass the Senate?" The roll was taken with the following result: CSSB 9(JUD) Third Reading - Final Passage Effective Date(s) YEAS: 18 NAYS: 2 EXCUSED: 0 ABSENT: 0 Yeas: Bjorkman, Claman, Cronk, Dunbar, Giessel, Gray-Jackson, Hoffman, Kaufman, Kawasaki, Kiehl, Merrick, Myers, Olson, Rauscher, Stevens, Tilton, Wielechowski, Yundt Nays: Stedman, Tobin and so, CS FOR SENATE BILL NO. 9(JUD) passed the Senate. 2026-03-31 Senate Journal Page 2109 Senator Giessel moved and asked unanimous consent the vote on the passage of the bill be considered the vote on the effective date clause. Without objection, it was so ordered and the bill was referred to the Secretary for engrossment. Recess Senator Giessel moved and asked unanimous consent the Senate stand in recess to the Joint Session. Without objection, the Senate recessed at 11:08 a.m. After Recess Joint Session in the House Speaker Edgmon called the House to order and in accordance with Uniform Rule 51 turned the gavel over to President Stevens, who called the Joint Session to order at 11:15 a.m. The purpose of the Joint Session was to hear an address by the Honorable Lisa Murkowski, U.S. Senator. Senator Giessel moved and asked unanimous consent the roll call of the Senate be waived and all members be shown as present. Without objection, it was so ordered. Representative Kopp moved and asked unanimous consent the roll call of the House be waived and all members be shown as present. Without objection, it was so ordered. President Stevens appointed Senator Kawasaki and Representative Frier to escort Senator Murkowski to the Joint Session. The Senate Sergeant at Arms, Matt Simpson, announced the Honorable Lisa Murkowski’s entrance to the House Chamber. The Honorable Lisa Murkowski was escorted to the rostrum and welcomed by President Stevens and Speaker Edgmon. 2026-03-31 Senate Journal Page 2110 U.S. Senator Lisa Murkowski delivered her address. This address appears in House and Senate Joint Journal Supplement No. 18. Following her address, there was a question and answer period. U.S. Senator Lisa Murkowski received a standing ovation and was escorted from the chamber by Senator Kawasaki. Senator Giessel moved and asked unanimous consent the Joint Session stand in adjournment. Without objection, President Stevens adjourned the Joint Session at 12:30 p.m. After Recess In the Senate The Senate reconvened at 1:04 p.m. Consideration of the Calendar (continued) 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 2094) was before the Senate. The question being: "Shall SENATE JOINT RESOLUTION NO. 2 Proposing an amendment to the Constitution of the State of Alaska relating to actions upon veto, pass the Senate?" The roll was taken with the following result: SJR 2 Third Reading - Final Passage YEAS: 14 NAYS: 6 EXCUSED: 0 ABSENT: 0 Yeas: Bjorkman, Claman, Dunbar, Giessel, Gray-Jackson, Hoffman, Kawasaki, Kiehl, Merrick, Olson, Stedman, Stevens, Tobin, Wielechowski Nays: Cronk, Kaufman, Myers, Rauscher, Tilton, Yundt 2026-03-31 Senate Journal Page 2111 and so, SENATE JOINT RESOLUTION NO. 2 passed the Senate and was referred to the Secretary for engrossment. Senator Giessel moved and asked unanimous consent to adopt the first supplemental calendar. Without objection, it was so ordered. Consideration of the First Supplemental Calendar Second Reading of Senate Resolutions SJR 29 SENATE JOINT RESOLUTION NO. 29 Proposing an amendment to the Constitution of the State of Alaska relating to a public education fund, was read the second time. President Stevens stated SENATE JOINT RESOLUTION NO. 29 will advance to third reading on the April 1 calendar. Consideration of the Calendar (continued) Citations Honoring – Jessie Holmes Representative(s) Moore Honoring – Colony Middle School Wrestling Team Senator(s) Yundt Representative(s) Moore Honoring – The 2026 Iditarod Top 10 Finishers Senator(s) Hoffman Representative(s) Jimmie, Eischeid 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. 2026-03-31 Senate Journal Page 2112 Special Order of Business Honoring – Mary Binkley Representative(s) Carrick, Stapp Senator(s) Giessel th Honoring – Denali Montessori School 75 Anniversary Representative(s) Galvin, Fields Senator(s) Gray-Jackson Honoring – Grace Christian School Boys Basketball Team 4A State Champions Representative(s) Kopp, Coulombe In Memoriam – Stephen Boshell Potter Senator(s) Claman 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 SB 63 Senator Rauscher moved and asked unanimous consent to be shown as a cosponsor on SENATE BILL NO. 63 "An Act relating to the Local Boundary Commission; and providing for an effective date." Without objection, it was so ordered. Announcements Announcements are at the end of the journal. 2026-03-31 Senate Journal Page 2113 Engrossment SB 9 CS FOR SENATE BILL NO. 9(JUD) "An Act relating to the surrender of infants; and providing for an effective date" was engrossed, signed by the President and Secretary and transmitted to the House for consideration. SB 164 CS FOR SENATE BILL NO. 164(L&C) "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 engrossed, signed by the President and Secretary and transmitted to the House for consideration. SB 180 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 engrossed, signed by the President and Secretary and transmitted to the House for consideration. SB 237 CS FOR SENATE BILL NO. 237(JUD) "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 engrossed, signed by the President and Secretary and transmitted to the House for consideration. SJR 2 SENATE JOINT RESOLUTION NO. 2 Proposing an amendment to the Constitution of the State of Alaska relating to actions upon veto, was engrossed, signed by the President and Secretary and transmitted to the House for consideration. 2026-03-31 Senate Journal Page 2114 Adjournment Senator Giessel moved and asked unanimous consent the Senate stand in adjournment until 10:30 a.m., April 1, 2026. Without objection, the Senate adjourned at 1:13 p.m. Liz Clark Secretary of the Senate 2026-03-31 Senate Journal Page 2115 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 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 2026-03-31 Senate Journal Page 2116 FINANCE 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** Mar 31 Tuesday Senate Finance 532 1:30 PM -- MEETING CANCELED -- -- 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 2026-03-31 Senate Journal Page 2117 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 ---------------------------------------- JUDICIARY 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 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 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 2026-03-31 Senate Journal Page 2118 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 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 2026-03-31 Senate Journal Page 2119 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