Legislature(2025 - 2026)
2026-04-01 Senate Journal
Full Journal pdf2026-04-01 Senate Journal Page 2121 SENATE JOURNAL ALASKA STATE LEGISLATURE THIRTY-FOURTH LEGISLATURE SECOND SESSION Juneau, Alaska Wednesday April 1, 2026 Seventy-second Day Pursuant to adjournment the Senate was called to order by President Stevens at 10:37 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 give you thanks for the opportunity to be in service and to be active this day. May we not take this day or these opportunities for granted. I pray for the State Senate: surround them with your wisdom, your peace, and your grace. Fill them with a desire for all truth, and the conviction to adhere to the highest standards. Guide and direct them. May their thoughts, their actions, and their conversations be constructive and beneficial for the people of this great state, and may they abide in peace even in disagreements. Watch over them this day, I pray. And together I would ask that you surround them, those that work in 2026-04-01 Senate Journal Page 2122 this building, from the pages to the custodians, from the security to the staff, with your abiding presence. I pray this to you, Creator God, in reverence and humility, Amen. Senator Bjorkman led the Senate in the Pledge of Allegiance. Certification Senator Giessel moved and asked unanimous consent the journal for the seventy-first legislative day and House and Senate Joint Journal Supplement No. 18 be approved as certified by the Secretary. Without objection, it was so ordered. Messages from the Governor Letter dated March 31 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 The following appointee is withdrawn from consideration, effective immediately: Board of Massage Therapists Scherri Hoopes Standing Committee Reports SB 41 The Finance Committee considered SENATE BILL NO. 41 "An Act relating to mental health education." Signing do pass: Senators Olson, Hoffman, Cochairs; Senator Kiehl. Signing no recommendation: Senator Stedman, Cochair; Senators Kaufman, Cronk, Merrick. 2026-04-01 Senate Journal Page 2123 The following fiscal information was published today: Fiscal Note No. 3, Department of Education and Early Development Fiscal Note No. 4, zero, Department of Family and Community Services Fiscal Note No. 5, zero, Department of Health The bill was referred to the Rules Committee. SB 163 The Finance Committee considered SENATE BILL NO. 163 "An Act relating to inactive state accounts and funds; repealing the home ownership assistance fund; repealing the operating loss reserve account; repealing the public access fund; repealing the Southeast energy fund; repealing the Alaska Gasline Inducement Act reimbursement fund; repealing the child care facility revolving loan fund foreclosure expense account; repealing the tourism revolving fund foreclosure expense account; repealing the residential energy conservation fund foreclosure expense account; repealing the historical district revolving loan fund foreclosure expense account; repealing the Alaska temporary assistance program emergency account; repealing the 2001 Special Olympics World Winter Games reserve fund; and providing for an effective date" and recommended the adoption of the Labor and Commerce Committee Substitute offered on page 1888. Signing do pass: Senators Olson, Stedman, Hoffman, Cochairs; Senators Kaufman, Cronk, Merrick, Kiehl. The following previously published fiscal information applies: Fiscal Note No. 1, zero, Department of Administration The bill was referred to the Rules Committee. SB 170 The Finance Committee considered SENATE BILL NO. 170 "An Act relating to gaming; relating to bingo; relating to pull-tabs and electronic pull-tab systems; and providing for an effective date" and recommended it be replaced with 2026-04-01 Senate Journal Page 2124 CS FOR SENATE BILL NO. 170(FIN) "An Act relating to gaming; relating to gaming activities on Alaska marine highway system vessels; relating to bingo; relating to pull-tabs and electronic pull-tab systems; relating to the powers of the Department of Transportation and Public Facilities; relating to the Alaska marine highway system fund; and providing for an effective date." Signing do pass: Senators Olson, Hoffman, Cochairs. Signing no recommendation: Senator Stedman, Cochair; Senators Kaufman, Cronk, Merrick. Signing do not pass: Senator Kiehl. The following fiscal information was published today: Fiscal Note No. 2, indeterminate, Department of Transportation and Public Facilities Fiscal Note No. 3, Department of Revenue The bill was referred to the Rules Committee. SB 274 The Finance Committee considered SENATE BILL NO. 274 "An Act relating to the computation of the amount available for appropriation from the Alaska permanent fund; and providing for an effective date." Signing do pass: Senators Olson, Stedman, Hoffman, Cochairs; Senators Kaufman, Cronk, Merrick, Kiehl. The following fiscal information was published today: Fiscal Note No. 1, Department of Revenue The bill was referred to the Rules Committee. SJR 30 The State Affairs Committee considered SENATE JOINT RESOLUTION NO. 30 Expressing gratitude for the United States military and supporting increased defense readiness through infrastructure development and public-military partnerships, and recommended it be replaced with 2026-04-01 Senate Journal Page 2125 CS FOR SENATE JOINT RESOLUTION NO. 30(STA) Signing do pass: Senator Kawasaki, Chair; Senators Wielechowski, Gray-Jackson, Bjorkman, Tilton. The following fiscal information was published today: Fiscal Note No. 1, zero, Legislative Agency The resolution was referred to the Rules Committee. Consideration of the Calendar Second Reading of Senate Bills SB 185 SENATE BILL NO. 185 "An Act relating to the business of insurance; relating to exceptions to prohibited rebates; relating to the powers of the director of the division of insurance; relating to prohibited practices in the advertisement of insurance; 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 2025. Without objection, CS FOR SENATE BILL NO. 185(L&C) was adopted. President Stevens stated CS FOR SENATE BILL NO. 185(L&C) will advance to third reading on the next calendar. Third Reading of Senate Bills SB 130 CS FOR SENATE BILL NO. 130(FIN) "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 third time. 2026-04-01 Senate Journal Page 2126 The question being: "Shall CS FOR SENATE BILL NO. 130(FIN) "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" pass the Senate?" The roll was taken with the following result: CSSB 130(FIN) Third Reading - Final Passage Effective Date(s) YEAS: 17 NAYS: 3 EXCUSED: 0 ABSENT: 0 Yeas: Bjorkman, Claman, Dunbar, Giessel, Gray-Jackson, Hoffman, Kaufman, Kawasaki, Kiehl, Merrick, Myers, Olson, Stedman, Stevens, Tobin, Wielechowski, Yundt Nays: Cronk, Rauscher, Tilton and so, CS FOR SENATE BILL NO. NO. 130(FIN) 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 63 SENATE BILL NO. 63 "An Act relating to the Local Boundary Commission; and providing for an effective date" was read the third time. Senator Cronk moved the bill be returned to second reading for the purpose of a specific amendment, that being Amendment No. 1. Without objection, the bill was returned to second reading. Senator Cronk offered Amendment No. 1 : Page 2, line 10: Delete "2026" Insert "2027" Senator Cronk moved for the adoption of Amendment No. 1. Without objection, Amendment No. 1 was adopted. 2026-04-01 Senate Journal Page 2127 SENATE BILL NO. 63 am was automatically in third reading. The question being: "Shall SENATE BILL NO. 63 am "An Act relating to the Local Boundary Commission; and providing for an effective date" pass the Senate?" The roll was taken with the following result: SB 63 am 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, SENATE BILL NO. 63 am 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 143 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 read the third time. The question being: "Shall 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" pass the Senate?" The roll was taken with the following result: CSSB 143(CRA) Third Reading - Final Passage Effective Date(s) YEAS: 20 NAYS: 0 EXCUSED: 0 ABSENT: 0 2026-04-01 Senate Journal Page 2128 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. 143(CRA) 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. Third 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 third time. The question being: "Shall SENATE JOINT RESOLUTION NO. 29 Proposing an amendment to the Constitution of the State of Alaska relating to a public education fund, pass the Senate?" The roll was taken with the following result: SJR 29 Third Reading - Final Passage YEAS: 17 NAYS: 3 EXCUSED: 0 ABSENT: 0 Yeas: Bjorkman, Claman, Cronk, Dunbar, Giessel, Gray-Jackson, Hoffman, Kaufman, Kawasaki, Kiehl, Merrick, Olson, Stedman, Stevens, Tobin, Wielechowski, Yundt Nays: Myers, Rauscher, Tilton and so, SENATE JOINT RESOLUTION NO. 29 passed the Senate and was referred to the Secretary for engrossment. Citations Honoring – Barbara Gerard Senator(s) Rauscher, Tilton Representative(s) Johnson 2026-04-01 Senate Journal Page 2129 Honoring – Daniel Bale Representative(s) Costello Honoring – Nelson San Juan Representative(s) Mina, Kopp Senator(s) Giessel In Memoriam – Ashlee Jane Spann Senator(s) Kawasaki Representative(s) Stapp, Dibert In Memoriam – Stephen Earle “Coach” Walker Representative(s) Costello 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 – Jazzlyn John Representative(s) Schwanke Senator(s) Cronk 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 Giessel moved and asked unanimous consent the thirty-fourth Alaska State Legislature delegate to the Legislative Budget and Audit Committee the full authority to initiate, appeal, and take all action necessary to direct litigation regarding the veto of section 51 in chapter 10, SLA 2025, and that the Legislative Budget and Audit 2026-04-01 Senate Journal Page 2130 Committee be authorized to make all decisions concerning the objectives, scope, and means of pursuing this litigation, including the settlement, compromise, and appeal. Senator Giessel moved and asked unanimous consent the motion be withdrawn. Without objection, the motion was withdrawn. Announcements Announcements are at the end of the journal. Engrossment SB 130 CS FOR SENATE BILL NO. 130(FIN) "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 engrossed, signed by the President and Secretary and transmitted to the House for consideration. SB 63 SENATE BILL NO. 63 am "An Act relating to the Local Boundary Commission; and providing for an effective date" was engrossed, signed by the President and Secretary and transmitted to the House for consideration. SB 143 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 engrossed, signed by the President and Secretary and transmitted to the House for consideration. 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 engrossed, signed by the President and Secretary and transmitted to the House for consideration. 2026-04-01 Senate Journal Page 2131 Adjournment Senator Giessel moved and asked unanimous consent the Senate stand in adjournment until 10:30 a.m., April 3, 2026. Without objection, the Senate adjourned at 11:46 a.m. Liz Clark Secretary of the Senate 2026-04-01 Senate Journal Page 2132 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 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 Apr 06 Monday Beltz 105 (tsbldg) 3:30 PM No Meeting Scheduled 2026-04-01 Senate Journal Page 2133 EDUCATION (continued) Apr 08 Wednesday Beltz 105 (tsbldg) 3:30 PM + HB 28 TEACHER/STATE EMPLOYEE STUDENT LOAN PRGRM -- Invited & Public Testimony -- + SB 278 LOCAL CONTRIBUTIONS BY SCHOOL DISTRICTS -- Invited & Public Testimony -- + HJR 39 WAIVE VISA FEES FOR TEACHERS -- Invited & Public Testimony -- += SB 204 SUB. TEACHING; SCHOOL BOARD ELIGIBILITY -- Testimony <Invitation Only> -- += HB 176 UNIVERSITY OF ALASKA FEES Bills Previously Heard/Scheduled **Streamed live on AKL.tv** Apr 10 Friday Beltz 105 (tsbldg) 3:30 PM No Meeting Scheduled ---------------------------------------- FINANCE 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 -- MEETING CANCELED -- -- Please Note Time Change -- + Bills Previously Heard/Scheduled **Streamed live on AKL.tv** Apr 02 Thursday Senate Finance 532 9:00 AM -- MEETING CANCELED -- + 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 2026-04-01 Senate Journal Page 2134 FINANCE (continued) 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 Apr 02 Thursday Butrovich 205 3:30 PM No Meeting Scheduled Apr 07 Tuesday Butrovich 205 3:30 PM + HJR 32 RURAL HEALTH TRANSFORMATION PROGRAM -- Testimony <Invitation Only> -- += SB 187 SCHOOL NUTRITION/MEAL: PROHIBIT FOOD DYES -- Testimony <Invitation Only> -- + SB 123 CINA: CITIZENS' REVIEW PANELS -- Testimony <Invitation Only> -- Bills Previously Heard/Scheduled **Streamed live on AKL.tv** Apr 09 Thursday Butrovich 205 3:30 PM += SB 281 HEALTHCARE COMPACTS; RURAL HEALTH PROGRAM -- Invited & Public Testimony -- Bills Previously Heard/Scheduled **Streamed live on AKL.tv** ---------------------------------------- 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 2026-04-01 Senate Journal Page 2135 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 Apr 06 Monday Butrovich 205 3:30 PM No Meeting Scheduled Apr 08 Wednesday Butrovich 205 3:30 PM + Consideration of Governor’s Appointees: Commissioner, Regulatory Commission of Alaska: Julie Vogler = SB 226 HOMEMADE FOOD; REDUCED OXYGEN PACKAGING -- Invited & Public Testimony -- += HJR 18 URGING SUPPORT FOR AKLNG -- Public Testimony -- Bills Previously Heard/Scheduled **Streamed live on AKL.tv** Apr 10 Friday Butrovich 205 3:30 PM += SJR 20 CLEAN UP MARINE DEBRIS += SB 208 AGRICULTURAL LAND LEASES = SB 226 HOMEMADE FOOD; REDUCED OXYGEN PACKAGING = SB 192 EVACUATION DESIGNATION LEVELS -- Invited & Public Testimony -- Bills Previously Heard/Scheduled **Streamed live on AKL.tv** STATE AFFAIRS Apr 02 Thursday Beltz 105 (tsbldg) 3:30 PM + Bills Previously Heard/Scheduled **Streamed live on AKL.tv** ---------------------------------------- TRANSPORTATION Apr 02 Thursday Butrovich 205 1:30 PM No Meeting Scheduled 2026-04-01 Senate Journal Page 2136 FINANCE SUBCOMMITTEES FISH & GAME Apr 15 Wednesday Senate Finance 532 8:00 AM + Budget Close Out ---------------------------------------- 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 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 09 Thursday Butrovich 205 12:00 PM Lunch & Learn Presentation: Updates on Recent Developments Surrounding the Port of Alaska by Terry Unatum, Director, Port of Alaska Sponsored by Senator Kaufman 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