Legislature(2025 - 2026)
2026-04-08 Senate Journal
Full Journal pdf2026-04-08 Senate Journal Page 2169 SENATE JOURNAL ALASKA STATE LEGISLATURE THIRTY-FOURTH LEGISLATURE SECOND SESSION Juneau, Alaska Wednesday April 8, 2026 Seventy-ninth Day Pursuant to adjournment the Senate was called to order by President Stevens at 11:04 a.m. The roll showed twenty members present. 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, Once again, I am in awe of the power of your creation, as winter fades into spring. And so, we anticipate new birth and a new season of fruitful times here in Southeast Alaska. On this day when we celebrate that humankind has gone further into space than ever before, I praise you for the ingenuity and creativity of humankind. And yet, it also seems that peace here on Earth seems to elude us. On this day, I pray that you would extend the peace that has been brokered with Iran so that it might turn into a lasting peace and fruitful future for all of humankind, all over the globe. I thank you for the willingness of these men and women who serve our nation and our state. I pray that you bless them with extraordinary wisdom and patience and that all who witness the work of the Senate give thanks for our system of democracy. I offer these prayers in Jesus’ name, Amen. 2026-04-08 Senate Journal Page 2170 Senator Cronk led the Senate in the Pledge of Allegiance. Certification Senator Giessel moved and asked unanimous consent the journal for the seventy-eighth legislative day be approved as certified by the Secretary. Without objection, it was so ordered. Consideration of the Calendar Second Reading of Senate Bills SB 41 SENATE BILL NO. 41 "An Act relating to mental health education" was read the second time. President Stevens stated SENATE BILL NO. 41 will advance to third reading on the April 10 calendar. Third Reading of Senate Resolutions SJR 30 CS FOR SENATE JOINT RESOLUTION NO. 30(STA) Expressing gratitude for the United States military and supporting increased defense readiness through infrastructure development and public-military partnerships, was read the third time. The question being: "Shall CS FOR SENATE JOINT RESOLUTION NO. 30(STA) Expressing gratitude for the United States military and supporting increased defense readiness through infrastructure development and public-military partnerships, pass the Senate?" The roll was taken with the following result: CSSJR 30(STA) Third Reading - Final Passage 2026-04-08 Senate Journal Page 2171 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 JOINT RESOLUTION NO. 30(STA) passed the Senate and was referred to the Secretary for engrossment. Special Order of Business Senator Giessel moved and asked unanimous consent the following Citation Calendar be made a special order of business. Without objection, it was so ordered. Citation Calendar th Honoring – Douglas Island Pink and Chum Hatchery 50 Anniversary Senator(s) Kiehl Representative(s) Hannan, Story Honoring – Kelly Auer Representative(s) Eischeid Senator(s) Dunbar, Wielechowski rd Honoring – The 103 Civil Support Team Alaska Army National Guard Representative(s) Eischeid Senator(s) Wielechowski Honoring – John S. Hagen Representative(s) Eischeid Senator(s) Wielechowski Honoring – Master Sergeant Ryan Brennan Representative(s) Tomaszewski, Prax Senator(s) Myers Honoring – Master Sergeant Spencer Watson Representative(s) Tomaszewski, Prax Senator(s) Myers 2026-04-08 Senate Journal Page 2172 Honoring – Major Daniel “Thrash” Brom Representative(s) Tomaszewski, Prax Senator(s) Myers Honoring – Captain Jeffrey “Freud” Weingast Representative(s) Tomaszewski, Prax Senator(s) Myers Honoring – Mayor Mark Jensen Senator(s) Stedman Representative(s) Himschoot Honoring – Shaktoolik Boys Basketball Team 2026 Alaska State 1A Champions Representative(s) Foster Senator(s) Olson Honoring – Stephen “Sam” McPhetres Representative(s) Story, Hannan Senator(s) Kiehl Honoring – Emmonak 1A Boys Basketball Team 2026 Alaska State Tournament Representative(s) Foster Senator(s) Olson Honoring – Scammon Bay 1A Boys & Girls Basketball Teams 2026 Alaska State Tournament Representative(s) Foster Senator(s) Olson Honoring – Shaktoolik 1A Girls Basketball Team 2026 Alaska State Tournament Representative(s) Foster Senator(s) Olson Honoring – Shishmaref 1A Boys Basketball Team 2026 Alaska State Tournament Representative(s) Foster Senator(s) Olson 2026-04-08 Senate Journal Page 2173 Honoring – Shishmaref 1A Girls Basketball Team 2026 Alaska State Tournament Representative(s) Foster Senator(s) Olson Honoring – St. Mary’s 1A Girls Basketball Team 2026 Alaska State Tournament Representative(s) Foster Senator(s) Olson Honoring – Unalakleet 2A Girls Basketball Team 2026 Alaska State Tournament Representative(s) Foster Senator(s) Olson Honoring – Unalakleet 2A Boys Basketball Team 2026 Alaska State Tournament Representative(s) Foster Senator(s) Olson Honoring – Alaska School Activities Association 2026 High School Hall of Fame Inductees Senator(s) Cronk Honoring – Sandy Snodgrass Senator(s) Wielechowski Honoring – Jill Marie Parson Representative(s) McCabe In Memoriam – William “Bill” Edward Milks Senator(s) Kiehl Representative(s) Hannan, Story In Memoriam – Natalia “Natasha” Kozyreva Representative(s) Carrick In Memoriam – Jeff Young Representative(s) Galvin, Fields Senator(s) Claman 2026-04-08 Senate Journal Page 2174 In Memoriam – Bruce Delano Christensen Senator(s) Giessel, Stedman Representative(s) Ruffridge Senator Giessel moved and asked unanimous consent the Citation Calendar be adopted. Without objection, the citations were adopted and referred to the Secretary for transmittal. Unfinished Business SB 41 Senators Tobin, Kawasaki moved and asked unanimous consent to be shown as cosponsors on SENATE BILL NO. 41 "An Act relating to mental health education." Without objection, it was so ordered. HB 53 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 Committee be authorized to make all decisions concerning the objectives, scope, and means of pursuing this litigation, including the settlement, compromise, and appeal. Without objection, it was so ordered. Senator Claman moved and asked unanimous consent to be excused from a call of the Senate on April 9 and April 10. Without objection, Senator Claman was excused. HB 26 Senator Giessel moved and asked unanimous consent to be shown as a cross sponsor on CS FOR HOUSE BILL NO. 26(TRA) am "An Act relating to the duties of the Department of Transportation and Public Facilities; and relating to a statewide public and community transit plan." Without objection, it was so ordered. 2026-04-08 Senate Journal Page 2175 Announcements Announcements are at the end of the journal. Engrossment SJR 30 CS FOR SENATE JOINT RESOLUTION NO. 30(STA) Expressing gratitude for the United States military and supporting increased defense readiness through infrastructure development and public-military partnerships, was engrossed, signed by the President and Secretary and transmitted to the House for consideration. Adjournment Senator Giessel moved and asked unanimous consent the Senate stand in adjournment until 10:30 a.m., April 10, 2026. Without objection, the Senate adjourned at 11:29 a.m. Liz Clark Secretary of the Senate 2026-04-08 Senate Journal Page 2176 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 09 Thursday Beltz 105 (tsbldg) 1:30 PM += SB 247 GENERATED OBSCENE CHLD SEX ABUSE MATERIAL + HB 47 CHLD SEX ABUSE MAT; GEN IMAGES; SOC MEDIA -- Invited & Public Testimony -- Bills Previously Heard/Scheduled: += SB 259 PROPERTY TAX ASSESSMENT INCREASES **Streamed live on AKL.tv** ---------------------------------------- EDUCATION 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 2026-04-08 Senate Journal Page 2177 FINANCE Apr 08 Wednesday Senate Finance 532 9:00 AM -- MEETING CANCELED -- += SB 227 TAX COMPACT; SALES TAX; OIL & GAS TAX -- Testimony <Invitation Only> -- Bills Previously Heard/Scheduled **Streamed live on AKL.tv** Apr 08 Wednesday Senate Finance 532 1:30 PM -- MEETING CANCELED -- -- Please Note Time Change -- + Bills Previously Heard/Scheduled **Streamed live on AKL.tv** Apr 09 Thursday Senate Finance 532 9:00 AM += SB 214 APPROP: CAPITAL/FUNDS/SUPP/REAPPROP -- Testimony <Invitation Only> -- Overview: Bond Reimbursement and Grant Review Board by Department of Education and Early Development Bills Previously Heard/Scheduled **Streamed live on AKL.tv** Apr 09 Thursday Senate Finance 532 1:30 PM -- Please Note Time Change -- += HB 78 RETIREMENT SYSTEMS; DEFINED BENEFIT OPT. -- Testimony <Invitation Only> -- Bills Previously Heard/Scheduled **Streamed live on AKL.tv** Apr 10 Friday Senate Finance 532 9:00 AM + Bills Previously Heard/Scheduled **Streamed live on AKL.tv** Apr 10 Friday Senate Finance 532 1:30 PM -- Please Note Time Change -- + Bills Previously Heard/Scheduled **Streamed live on AKL.tv** 2026-04-08 Senate Journal Page 2178 HEALTH & SOCIAL SERVICES 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 08 Wednesday Butrovich 205 1:45 PM -- Please Note Time Change -- -- Delayed to 2:30 pm -- + HB 239 CRIM. NEG. HOMICIDE; FAILURE TO ASSIST Bills Previously Heard/Scheduled **Streamed live on AKL.tv** Apr 10 Friday Butrovich 205 1:30 PM + Bills Previously Heard/Scheduled **Streamed live on AKL.tv** ---------------------------------------- LABOR & COMMERCE Apr 08 Wednesday Beltz 105 (tsbldg) 1:30 PM += SB 258 CONTRACT: LICENSING SOFTWARE APPLICATIONS -- Public Testimony <Time Limit May Be Set> -- += SJR 28 SUPPORTING J-1 & H-1B VISA PROGRAMS -- Public Testimony <Time Limit May Be Set> -- Consideration of Governor’s Appointees: Regulatory Commission of Alaska - Julie Vogler += SB 62 BOARD OF PAROLE: MEMBERSHIP, REPORT -- Testimony <Invitation Only> -- += SB 78 DISCLOSURE OF WAGE INFORMATION -- Testimony <Invitation Only> -- Bills Previously Heard/Scheduled **Streamed live on AKL.tv** 2026-04-08 Senate Journal Page 2179 LABOR & COMMERCE (continued) Apr 10 Friday Beltz 105 (tsbldg) 1:30 PM += SB 217 EMPLOYER CONTRIBUTIONS -- Public Testimony <Time Limit May Be Set> -- += HB 110 SOCIAL WORK LICENSURE COMPACT -- Public Testimony <Time Limit May Be Set> -- + SB 272 HEALTH INFORMATION EXCHANGE -- Testimony <Invitation Only> -- Bills Previously Heard/Scheduled **Streamed live on AKL.tv** ---------------------------------------- RESOURCES 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 09 Thursday Beltz 105 (tsbldg) 3:30 PM -- MEETING CANCELED -- 2026-04-08 Senate Journal Page 2180 TRANSPORTATION Apr 09 Thursday Butrovich 205 1:30 PM No Meeting Scheduled ---------------------------------------- FINANCE SUBCOMMITTEES ENVIRONMENTAL CONSERVATION Apr 14 Tuesday Butrovich 205 1:40 PM + Overview: Department of Environmental Conservation Senate Finance Subcommittee Close Out ---------------------------------------- FISH & GAME Apr 15 Wednesday Senate Finance 532 8:00 AM + Budget Close Out ---------------------------------------- LABOR & WORKFORCE DEVELOPMENT Apr 15 Wednesday Beltz 105 (tsbldg) 1:30 PM + Budget Close Out **Streamed live on AKL.tv** ---------------------------------------- MILITARY & VETERANS' AFFAIRS Apr 14 Tuesday Butrovich 205 1:30 PM + Overview: Department of Military and Veterans Affairs Senate Finance Subcommittee Close Out ---------------------------------------- NATURAL RESOURCES Apr 14 Tuesday Butrovich 205 1:50 PM + Overview: Department of Natural Resources Senate Finance Subcommittee Close Out 2026-04-08 Senate Journal Page 2181 TRANSPORTATION & PUBLIC FACILITIES 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 Apr 15 Wednesday Adams 519 5:15 PM -- Teleconference <Listen Only> -- + AGENDA I. Call to Order II. Approval of the Agenda III. Approval of Minutes a. March 18, 2025, Meeting Minutes IV. Sanctioning of Charitable Events a. Kenai River Junior Classic Ted Stevens Kenai River Classic Kenai River Women’s Classic b. Stevens-Hoffman ‘Adios’ Retirement Roast & Toast benefiting i. Food Bank of Alaska ii. Kodiak Women’s Resource Center iii. Tundra Women’s Coalition V. Committee Business a. Bethel LIO Lease Renewal No. 1 b. Legislative Procurement Procedures Amendment c. Computer Equipment Hardware Refresh d. Americans with Disabilities Act Compliance Update VI. Executive Session a. RFP 681—Chambers Lighting VII. Adjourn **Streamed live on AKL.tv** 2026-04-08 Senate Journal Page 2182 TASK FORCE ON EDUCATION FUNDING Apr 10 Friday Davis 106 3:30 PM + Presentation: An Overview of Required Local Contribution by Conor Bell, Analyst, Legislative Finance Division Presentation: Local Contribution and Mill Rate by Nils Andreassen, Executive Director, Alaska Municipal League Presentation: Federal Education Funding in Alaska Kelly Manning, Deputy Director Deb Riddle, Operations Manager Courtney Preziosi, Elementary and Secondary Education Administrator Monique Siverly, Operations Manager Heather Heineken, Director, Finance and Support Services, Department of Education and Early Development **Streamed live on AKL.tv** ---------------------------------------- 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 08 Wednesday Butrovich 205 12:01 PM Lunch & Learn Presentation: Life Center Northwest Ashlei Lind, Director, External Affairs Sponsored by Senator Claman 2026-04-08 Senate Journal Page 2183 MISCELLANEOUS MEETINGS (continued) Apr 09 Thursday Butrovich 205 12:00 PM -- MEETING CANCELED -- 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 Apr 13 Monday Butrovich 205 12:00 PM Lunch & Learn Presentation: Alaska Youth for Environmental Action: Eva Meyer, Siena Farr, Maddie Bass, and Atagan Hood Sponsored by Senator Dunbar