Legislature(2025 - 2026)
2026-04-15 Senate Journal
Full Journal pdf2026-04-15 Senate Journal Page 2243 SENATE JOURNAL ALASKA STATE LEGISLATURE THIRTY-FOURTH LEGISLATURE SECOND SESSION Juneau, Alaska Wednesday April 15, 2026 Eighty-sixth Day Pursuant to adjournment the Senate was called to order by President Stevens at 11:03 a.m. The roll showed twenty members present. The prayer was offered by the Chaplain, Pastor Antone Ferrel, Calvary Fellowship Juneau. Senator Kiehl moved and asked unanimous consent the prayer be spread. Without objection, it was so ordered. Almighty God, Today, I pause to remember the people who make the work in this room possible: the families. I know that serving Alaska is a sacrifice carried by the whole household. I think of the families who packed up their lives and moved to Juneau, pushing through a remarkably tough winter just to be together. I ask for extra grace for the kids navigating new hallways and trying to feel at home in unfamiliar schools. I know that serving Alaska is a profound and shared sacrifice. I lift up the families who have walked alongside these Senators through grueling elections, giving up precious time and normalcy so their loved ones can serve this state. And I remember the loved ones back in hometowns across our state, feeling the distance and missing their people. 2026-04-15 Senate Journal Page 2244 And today, I also remember the staff members—the dedicated individuals serving quietly in the background. They are the unseen foundation of this Capitol, carrying the heavy load of late nights, complex details, and endless preparation to keep this body moving forward. God, the physical, mental, and emotional toll of this season is real. When the heavy demands of this work leave the families, the staff, and these leaders feeling stretched and overwhelmed, I ask that You provide genuine rest. Guard their emotional and mental wellbeing. Bring a quiet peace to their minds, their offices, and their homes. May the love of their families anchor them today. And may the comfort of knowing that their sacrifices truly matter give these Senators the clear minds and courageous hearts they need for the decisions ahead. I ask for Your blessing upon this Senate, and upon the homes that sustain them, Amen. Senator Gray-Jackson led the Senate in the Pledge of Allegiance. Certification Senator Giessel moved and asked unanimous consent the journal for the eighty-fourth and eighty-fifth legislative days be approved as certified by the Secretary. Without objection, it was so ordered. Messages from the House HB 194 Message dated April 13 was read stating the House failed to concur in the Senate amendments to HOUSE BILL NO. 194 "An Act approving and ratifying the sale of royalty oil by the State of Alaska to Marathon Petroleum Supply and Trading Company LLC; and providing for an effective date" and respectfully requests the Senate to recede from its amendments, namely: 2026-04-15 Senate Journal Page 2245 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." Communications The following are on file in the Office of the Secretary of the Senate: Department of Commerce, Community, and Economic Development Division of Insurance 2025 Annual Report in accordance with AS 21.06.110 A letter dated April 8 was received from the office of the Idaho Secretary of the Senate forwarding a Senate Joint Memorial urging the United States Congress to pass a balanced budget amendment to the Constitution of the United States. Standing Committee Reports Report dated April 13 was read stating: In accordance with AS 39.05.080, the Judiciary 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. State Board of Parole Steve Meyer Signing the report: Senator Claman, Chair; Senators Tilton, Kiehl, Stevens, Tobin. 2026-04-15 Senate Journal Page 2246 SB 121 The Labor and Commerce Committee considered SENATE BILL NO. 121 "An Act relating to settlement of health insurance claims; relating to allowable charges for health care services or supplies; and providing for an effective date" and recommended it be replaced with CS FOR SENATE BILL NO. 121(L&C) "An Act relating to insurance; establishing standards for health insurance provider networks; relating to settlement of health insurance claims; relating to allowable charges for health care services or supplies; and providing for an effective date." Signing amend: Senator Bjorkman, Chair. Signing do pass: Senator Gray-Jackson. Signing no recommendation: Senators Dunbar, Yundt. The following fiscal information was published today: Fiscal Note No. 2, Department of Administration Fiscal Note No. 3, Department of Commerce, Community, and Economic Development President Stevens added a Finance Committee referral to the bill. The bill was referred to the Finance Committee. SB 187 The Health and Social Services Committee considered SENATE BILL NO. 187 "An Act prohibiting certain food additives in public school meals; and providing for an effective date" and recommended the adoption of the Education Committee Substitute offered on page 2025. Signing no recommendation: Senator Dunbar, Chair; Senator Myers. Signing do pass: Senators Tobin, Giessel. The following previously published fiscal information applies: Fiscal Note No. 1, zero, Department of Education and Early Development The bill is on today's calendar. 2026-04-15 Senate Journal Page 2247 SB 217 The Labor and Commerce Committee considered SENATE BILL NO. 217 "An Act relating to employer contributions to the unemployment compensation fund; establishing an employer contribution for the state training and employment program; and providing for an effective date" and recommended it be replaced with CS FOR SENATE BILL NO. 217(L&C) "An Act increasing contributions to the Department of Labor and Workforce Development for the state training and employment program; relating to employer and employee contributions to the unemployment compensation fund; establishing an employer contribution for the state training and employment program; relating to unemployment benefits; relating to the qualifications for instructors at the Alaska Vocational Technical Center; relating to employment security contributions for certain sports officials; relating to exemptions from the Alaska Workers' Compensation Act; relating to employee unemployment tax credits; and providing for an effective date." Signing no recommendation: Senator Bjorkman, Chair; Senators Dunbar, Merrick, Yundt. Signing do pass: Senator Gray-Jackson. The following fiscal information was published today: Fiscal Note No. 4, Department of Labor and Workforce Development Fiscal Note No. 5, Department of Labor and Workforce Development Fiscal Note No. 6, Department of Labor and Workforce Development The bill was referred to the Finance Committee. HJR 32 The Health and Social Services Committee considered CS FOR HOUSE JOINT RESOLUTION NO. 32(HSS) Expressing commitment to the rural health transformation program; 2026-04-15 Senate Journal Page 2248 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. Signing do pass: Senator Dunbar, Chair; Senator Giessel. Signing no recommendation: Senators Myers, Tobin. The following previously published fiscal information applies: Fiscal Note No. 1, zero, Legislative Agency The resolution was referred to the Rules Committee. Introduction and Reference of Senate Bills SB 283 SENATE BILL NO. 283 BY THE SENATE LABOR AND COMMERCE COMMITTEE, entitled: "An Act relating to staffing standards for registered nurses; and providing for an effective date." was read the first time and referred to the Labor and Commerce and Health and Social Services Committees. SB 284 SENATE BILL NO. 284 BY THE SENATE LABOR AND COMMERCE COMMITTEE, entitled: "An Act relating to prohibited conduct relating to drunken persons; and relating to civil liability of persons providing alcoholic beverages." was read the first time and referred to the Labor and Commerce and Judiciary Committees. SB 285 SENATE BILL NO. 285 BY THE SENATE FINANCE COMMITTEE, entitled: 2026-04-15 Senate Journal Page 2249 "An Act relating to the Rural Energy Infrastructure Organization; relating to the Alaska affordable energy fund; relating to the Alaska Energy Authority; and providing for an effective date." was read the first time and referred to the Community and Regional Affairs and Finance Committees. Consideration of the Calendar Second Reading of Senate Bills SB 258 SENATE BILL NO. 258 "An Act relating to contracts for the licensing of software applications" was read the second time. President Stevens stated SENATE BILL NO. 258 will advance to third reading on the April 16 calendar. SB 187 SENATE BILL NO. 187 "An Act prohibiting certain food additives in public school meals; and providing for an effective date" was read the second time. Senator Tobin, Chair, moved and asked unanimous consent for the adoption of the Education Committee Substitute offered on page 2025. Without objection, CS FOR SENATE BILL NO. 187(EDC) was adopted. President Stevens stated CS FOR SENATE BILL NO. 187(EDC) will advance to third reading on the April 16 calendar. Second Reading of Senate Resolutions SJR 28 SENATE JOINT RESOLUTION NO. 28 Recognizing the vital role of workers serving in the state under the J-1 Exchange Visitor Program and the H-1B Program for specialty occupations in supporting the state's economic security and continuity of critical services, was read the second time. 2026-04-15 Senate Journal Page 2250 Senator Bjorkman, Chair, moved and asked unanimous consent for the adoption of the Labor and Commerce Committee Substitute offered on page 2193. Without objection, CS FOR SENATE JOINT RESOLUTION NO. 28(L&C) Recognizing the vital role of workers serving in the state under the J-1 Exchange Visitor Program, the H-1B Program for specialty occupations, and the H-2B Program for temporary nonagricultural workers in supporting the state's economic security and continuity of critical services, was adopted. President Stevens stated CS FOR SENATE JOINT RESOLUTION NO. 28(L&C) will advance to third reading on the April 16 calendar. 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 Honoring – Stanley Robinson Senator(s) Cronk Honoring – The Whisenhant Family Senator(s) Cronk Honoring – Bettye Davis East Anchorage High School Nordic Ski Team Coaches & Mentors Senator(s) Dunbar Representative(s) Eischeid, Mina Honoring – James Thaddeus “Thad” Poulson Representative(s) Himschoot Senator(s) Stedman th Honoring – The Ester Gold Camp 90 Anniversary Representative(s) Carrick Senator(s) Myers 2026-04-15 Senate Journal Page 2251 Honoring – Sharon Miranda Representative(s) Allard Honoring – Eagle River Elks Lodge Representative(s) Allard Honoring – Christopher “Chris” Scott Constant Senator(s) Tobin, Dunbar, Gray-Jackson Honoring – Anson Blocker Representative(s) Allard th Honoring – Marine Exchange of Alaska 25 Anniversary Representative(s) Hannan, Story Senator(s) Kiehl Honoring – Henry Strub Representative(s) Edgmon Honoring – The 2026 Arctic Lightning Airshow & Open House Representative(s) Tomaszewski, Prax Senator(s) Myers In Memoriam – Dr. R. Dale Guthrie Representative(s) Carrick Senator(s) Kawasaki In Memoriam – Valorie F. Walker Senator(s) Wielechowski Representative(s) Mears In Memoriam – Francisco “Frank” Mizal Javier Senator(s) Wielechowski Representative(s) Mears In Memoriam – Benedict Jones Sr. Senator(s) Cronk In Memoriam – Shawn David McVey Senator(s) Kawasaki, Wielechowski Representative(s) Eischeid 2026-04-15 Senate Journal Page 2252 In Memoriam – Noel Janice Murray Senator(s) Kawasaki Representative(s) Dibert In Memoriam – Dr. Gary Laursen Senator(s) Kawasaki Representative(s) Carrick, Dibert In Memoriam – Eric Braendel Representative(s) Allard In Memoriam – Master Sergeant David Wayne Foster Representative(s) Allard In Memoriam – Joseph Allan Elliott Representative(s) Allard In Memoriam – Kaye Carleton Representative(s) Allard In Memoriam – Paul Stephen Bates Representative(s) Allard In Memoriam – Colette Nelson Guggenheim Representative(s) Himschoot Senator(s) Stedman 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 Senator Giessel moved and asked unanimous consent Senator Olson be excused from a call of the Senate from afternoon plane time, April 16 through evening plane time, April 20. Without objection, Senator Olson was excused. 2026-04-15 Senate Journal Page 2253 Announcements Announcements are at the end of the journal. Adjournment Senator Giessel moved and asked unanimous consent the Senate stand in adjournment until 11:00 a.m., April 16, 2026. Without objection, the Senate adjourned at 11:31 a.m. Liz Clark Secretary of the Senate 2026-04-15 Senate Journal Page 2254 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 16 Thursday Beltz 105 (tsbldg) 1:30 PM += SB 250 DATA CENTERS, UTILITIES -- Invited & Public Testimony -- + SB 210 INDIGENOUS CULTURAL HERITAGE EDUCATION + HB 125 BOARD OF FISHERIES MEMBERSHIP Bills Previously Heard/Scheduled **Streamed live on AKL.tv** ---------------------------------------- EDUCATION Apr 15 Wednesday Beltz 105 (tsbldg) 3:30 PM No Meeting Scheduled Apr 17 Friday Beltz 105 (tsbldg) 3:30 PM No Meeting Scheduled ---------------------------------------- FINANCE Apr 15 Wednesday Senate Finance 532 9:00 AM + SB 126 CORRECTIONAL FACILITIES; PLACEMENT -- Invited & Public Testimony -- + HB 184 AIDEA FINANCE WORKFORCE HOUSING DEVELOP. -- Invited & Public Testimony -- Bills Previously Heard/Scheduled **Streamed live on AKL.tv** Apr 15 Wednesday Senate Finance 532 1:30 PM -- MEETING CANCELED -- -- Please Note Time Change -- + Bills Previously Heard/Scheduled **Streamed live on AKL.tv** 2026-04-15 Senate Journal Page 2255 FINANCE (continued) Apr 16 Thursday Senate Finance 532 9:00 AM + Overview: University of Alaska FY27 Budget Closeout Bills Previously Heard/Scheduled: += HB 78 RETIREMENT SYSTEMS; DEFINED BENEFIT OPT. -- Testimony <Invitation Only> -- **Streamed live on AKL.tv** Apr 16 Thursday Senate Finance 532 1:30 PM -- Please Note Time Change -- + Bills Previously Heard/Scheduled **Streamed live on AKL.tv** Apr 17 Friday Senate Finance 532 9:00 AM + Bills Previously Heard/Scheduled **Streamed live on AKL.tv** Apr 17 Friday Senate Finance 532 1:30 PM -- Please Note Time Change -- + Bills Previously Heard/Scheduled **Streamed live on AKL.tv** ---------------------------------------- HEALTH & SOCIAL SERVICES Apr 16 Thursday Butrovich 205 3:30 PM + Consideration of Governor’s Appointees: Board of Certified Direct-Entry Midwives: Stacia Miller Board of Chiropractic Examiners: Edward Barrington and Walter Campbell Board of Examiners in Optometry: Charles Rudstrom and Kathleen Rice Board of Nursing: Ashley Scholle Board of Pharmacy: Rebekah Balmes and Lillian Okpaleke Board of Dental Examiners: Travis Perkins Board of Professional Counselors: Crystal Herring Bills Previously Heard/Scheduled **Streamed live on AKL.tv** ---------------------------------------- 2026-04-15 Senate Journal Page 2256 JUDICIARY Apr 15 Wednesday Butrovich 205 1:30 PM + Consideration of Governor’s Appointees: Commission on Judicial Conduct: Aldean Kilbourn, Donald McClintock III and Jane Mores -- Public Testimony <Time Limit May Be Set> -- + SB 247 GENERATED OBSCENE CHLD SEX ABUSE MATERIAL -- Invited & Public Testimony -- Bills Previously Heard/Scheduled **Streamed live on AKL.tv** Apr 17 Friday Butrovich 205 1:30 PM + Consideration of Governor's Appointees: M. Grace Salazar, State Commission on Human Rights + Bills Previously Heard/Scheduled **Streamed live on AKL.tv** ---------------------------------------- LABOR & COMMERCE Apr 15 Wednesday Beltz 105 (tsbldg) 1:30 PM -- Please Note Time Change -- The Committee Will Gavel in at 1:45 pm + HB 243 BARBERS & HAIRDRESSERS BD LICENSING -- Testimony <Invitation Only> -- + SB 259 PROPERTY TAX ASSESSMENT INCREASES Uniform Rule 23 Waived Bills Previously Heard/Scheduled **Streamed live on AKL.tv** Apr 17 Friday Beltz 105 (tsbldg) 1:30 PM No Meeting Scheduled ---------------------------------------- RESOURCES Apr 15 Wednesday Butrovich 205 3:30 PM += SB 275 NATURAL GAS PROJECTS/INCOME TAX/SURCHARGE -- Invited & Public Testimony -- Bills Previously Heard/Scheduled: += SB 280 OIL & GAS PROPERTY TAX; MUNI TAX -- Testimony <Invitation Only> -- **Streamed live on AKL.tv** 2026-04-15 Senate Journal Page 2257 RESOURCES (continued) Apr 16 Thursday Butrovich 205 9:00 AM -- Please Note Time Change -- += SB 280 OIL & GAS PROPERTY TAX; MUNI TAX -- Testimony <Invitation Only> -- += SB 275 NATURAL GAS PROJECTS/INCOME TAX/SURCHARGE -- Testimony <Invitation Only> -- Bills Previously Heard/Scheduled **Streamed live on AKL.tv** Apr 17 Friday Butrovich 205 3:30 PM += SB 280 OIL & GAS PROPERTY TAX; MUNI TAX Bills Previously Heard/Scheduled **Streamed live on AKL.tv** ---------------------------------------- STATE AFFAIRS Apr 16 Thursday Davis 106 3:30 PM -- Please Note Location Change -- + Overview: Voter Initiatives This Hearing is Being Convened Per AS 24.05.186 This Hearing Will Include Overviews of All Election Related Ballot Initiatives That Have Been Certified for the 2026 Election Cycle This Will Be An Opportunity For Members of The Public to Learn More About Each Ballot Initiative Bills Previously Heard/Scheduled **Streamed live on AKL.tv** ---------------------------------------- TRANSPORTATION Apr 16 Thursday Butrovich 205 1:30 PM No Meeting Scheduled ---------------------------------------- FINANCE SUBCOMMITTEES ADMINISTRATION Apr 16 Thursday Senate Finance 532 5:50 PM + Budget Closeout ---------------------------------------- CORRECTIONS Apr 16 Thursday Beltz 105 (tsbldg) 5:15 PM + Department of Corrections FY27 Budget Closeout ---------------------------------------- 2026-04-15 Senate Journal Page 2258 EDUCATION & EARLY DEVELOPMENT Apr 16 Thursday Senate Finance 532 5:30 PM + Budget Closeout ---------------------------------------- FAMILY & COMMUNITY SERVICES Apr 17 Friday Senate Finance 532 12:15 PM -- Please Note Time Change -- -- Teleconference <Listen Only> -- Presentation: Subcommittee Budget Closeout **Streamed live on AKL.tv** ---------------------------------------- FISH & GAME Apr 15 Wednesday Senate Finance 532 8:00 AM + Budget Close Out ---------------------------------------- HEALTH Apr 17 Friday Senate Finance 532 12:00 PM -- Teleconference <Listen Only> -- + Presentation: Subcommittee Budget Closeout **Streamed live on AKL.tv** ---------------------------------------- JUDICIARY Apr 15 Wednesday Butrovich 205 5:15 PM + Courts FY27 Budget Closeout ---------------------------------------- LABOR & WORKFORCE DEVELOPMENT Apr 15 Wednesday Beltz 105 (tsbldg) 1:30 PM + Budget Close Out **Streamed live on AKL.tv** ---------------------------------------- LAW Apr 15 Wednesday Butrovich 205 5:30 PM + Department of Law FY27 Budget Closeout ---------------------------------------- 2026-04-15 Senate Journal Page 2259 PUBLIC SAFETY Apr 15 Wednesday Butrovich 205 6:00 PM + Department of Public Safety FY27 Budget Closeout ---------------------------------------- REVENUE Apr 16 Thursday Senate Finance 532 6:10 PM + Budget Closeout ---------------------------------------- TRANSPORTATION & PUBLIC FACILITIES 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** 2026-04-15 Senate Journal Page 2260 TASK FORCE ON EDUCATION FUNDING Apr 15 Wednesday Davis 106 3:30 PM -- Testimony <Invitation Only> -- + Presentation: Understanding NAEP and Educational Funding, Paul Thomas, Professor of Education, Furman University Presentation: NCSL: Federal Accountability and Assessment Requirements by, Austin Reid, Federal Affairs Advisor, National Conference of State Legislatures Presentation: DEED: Demonstration of Alaska's Statewide Assessments by, Kelly Manning, Deputy Director of Innovation and Education Excellence, DEED Karen Melin, Assessment and Standards Administration, DEED **Streamed live on AKL.tv** ---------------------------------------- OTHER MEETINGS MISCELLANEOUS MEETINGS Apr 15 Wednesday Butrovich 205 12:00 PM Lunch & Learn Presentation: Alaska Fentanyl Response Project Sandy Snodgrass, AK Fentanyl Response Sponsored by Senator Wielechowski