Legislature(2025 - 2026)

2026-04-20 Senate Journal

Full Journal pdf

2026-04-20                     Senate Journal                      Page 2281
                                                                                                                                
                                SENATE JOURNAL                                                                               
                                                                                                                                
                           ALASKA STATE LEGISLATURE                                                                          
                                                                                                                                
                          THIRTY-FOURTH LEGISLATURE                                                                          
                                                                                                                                
                                SECOND SESSION                                                                               
                                                                                                                                
Juneau, Alaska                     Monday                     April 20, 2026                                                  
                                                                                                                                
                               Ninety-first Day                                                                              
                                                                                                                                
                                                                                                                                
Pursuant to adjournment the Senate was called to order by President                                                             
Stevens at 11:00 a.m.                                                                                                           
                                                                                                                                
The roll showed nineteen members present. Senator Olson 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.                                                             
                                                                                                                                
        Almighty God, whose mercies are new every morning                                                                       
        and whose presence sustains me through the day, I seek                                                                  
        to glorify You in all I do and say. You provide me                                                                      
        strength for the day, guidance in my decisions, vision for                                                              
        the way, courage in adversity, help from above, unfailing                                                               
        empathy, and unlimited love. You never leave me or                                                                      
        forsake me; nor do You ask of me more than You will                                                                     
        provide the resources to accomplish. Here is my mind,                                                                   
        think Your thoughts in it; here is my heart, express Your                                                               
        love and encouragement through it; here is my voice,                                                                    
        speak Your truth through it.                                                                                            
                                                                                                                                
        I dedicate this day to discern and do Your will. I trust in                                                             
        You, dear God, and ask You to continue to bless                                                                         
        America and the great state of Alaska through the                                                                       
        leadership of the women and men of this Senate. Help                                                                    
        them as they grapple with the problems and grasp Your                                                                   
        potential for the crucial issues before them today,  Amen.                                                              
                                                                                                                                
Senator Hoffman led the Senate in the Pledge of Allegiance.                                                                     

2026-04-20                     Senate Journal                      Page 2282
                                Certification                                                                                
                                                                                                                                
Senator Giessel moved and asked unanimous consent the journal for                                                               
the eighty-sixth through ninetieth legislative days be approved as                                                              
certified by the Secretary. Without objection, it was so ordered.                                                               
                                                                                                                                
                                                                                                                                
                          Messages from the Governor                                                                         
                                                                                                                                
A letter dated April 16 was received requesting legislative concurrence                                                         
to increase the funding limitation for the 2025 Matanuska-Susitna                                                               
Windstorm Disaster with an accompanying revised finance plan as                                                                 
required by AS 26.23.020. The letter and revised finance plan had                                                               
been copied to the Finance Committee Cochairs.                                                                                  
                                                                                                                                
                                                                                                                                
                                Communications                                                                               
                                                                                                                                
The following reports are on file in the Office of the Secretary of the                                                         
Senate:                                                                                                                         
                                                                                                                                
Report from the Attorney General dated April 17 was received stating                                                            
the monetary terms for the collective bargaining agreement between                                                              
the State of Alaska and the Public Safety Employees Association                                                                 
representing state employees within the Department of Transportation                                                            
and Public Facilities in accordance with AS 23.40.215.                                                                          
                                                                                                                                
Report from the Attorney General dated April 20 was received stating                                                            
the monetary terms for the collective bargaining agreement between                                                              
the State of Alaska and the Public Safety Employees Association                                                                 
representing state employees within the Department of Public Safety                                                             
in accordance with AS 23.40.215.                                                                                                
                                                                                                                                
President Stevens referred the reports to the Finance Committee.                                                                
                                                                                                                                
                                                                                                                                
                                                                                                                                

2026-04-20                     Senate Journal                      Page 2283
                          Standing Committee Reports                                                                         
                                                                                                                                
Report dated April 15 was read stating:                                                                                         
                                                                                                                                
In accordance with AS 39.05.080, the Judiciary Committee held a                                                                 
hearing on the following appointees. A signature on this report does                                                            
not reflect an intent by any of the members to vote for or against the                                                          
confirmation of the individuals during any further sessions.                                                                    
                                                                                                                                
Commission on Judicial Conduct                                                                                                
Aldean Kilbourn                                                                                                                 
Donald McClintock III                                                                                                           
Jane Mores                                                                                                                      
                                                                                                                                
Signing the report: Senator Claman, Chair; Senators Tilton, Stevens,                                                            
Tobin.                                                                                                                          
                                                                                                                                
Report dated April 16 was read stating:                                                                                         
                                                                                                                                
In accordance with AS 39.05.080, the Health and Social Services                                                                 
Committee held a hearing on the following appointees. A signature on                                                            
this report does not reflect an intent by any of the members to vote for                                                        
or against the confirmation of the individuals during any further                                                               
sessions.                                                                                                                       
                                                                                                                                
Board of Certified Direct-Entry Midwives                                                                                      
Stacia Miller                                                                                                                   
                                                                                                                                
Board of Chiropractic Examiners                                                                                               
Edward Barrington                                                                                                               
Walter Campbell                                                                                                                 
                                                                                                                                
Board of Dental Examiners                                                                                                     
Travis Perkins                                                                                                                  
Michael Sanders                                                                                                                 
                                                                                                                                
Board of Examiners in Optometry                                                                                               
Charles Rudstrom                                                                                                                
                                                                                                                                
Board of Pharmacy                                                                                                             
Rebekah Balmes                                                                                                                  
Lillian Okpaleke                                                                                                                

2026-04-20                     Senate Journal                      Page 2284
Board of Professional Counselors                                                                                              
Crystal Herring                                                                                                                 
                                                                                                                                
Signing the report: Senator Dunbar, Chair; Senators Claman, Tobin,                                                              
Giessel.                                                                                                                        
                                                                                                                                
Report dated April 17 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 Commission for Human Rights                                                                                             
Mary Salazar                                                                                                                    
                                                                                                                                
Signing the report: Senator Claman, Chair; Senators Tilton, Kiehl.                                                              
                                                                                                                                
SB 174                                                                                                                        
The Resources Committee considered SENATE BILL NO. 174 "An                                                                      
Act establishing the Alaska Invasive Species Council in the                                                                     
Department of Fish and Game; relating to management of invasive                                                                 
species; and providing for an effective date."                                                                                  
                                                                                                                                
Signing do pass: Senator Giessel, Chair; Senators Claman, Dunbar.                                                               
Signing no recommendation: Senators Kawasaki, Myers.                                                                            
                                                                                                                                
The following fiscal information was published today:                                                                           
     Fiscal Note No. 1, Department of Fish and Game                                                                             
                                                                                                                                
The bill was referred to the Finance Committee.                                                                                 
                                                                                                                                
SB 192                                                                                                                        
The Resources Committee considered SENATE BILL NO. 192 "An                                                                      
Act relating to evacuation designation levels; and relating to the                                                              
Alaska Disaster Act" and recommended the adoption of the                                                                        
Community and Regional Affairs Committee Substitute offered on                                                                  
page 1660.                                                                                                                      
                                                                                                                                

2026-04-20                     Senate Journal                      Page 2285
Signing do pass: Senator Giessel, Chair; Senators Myers, Claman.                                                                
Signing no recommendation: Senator Dunbar. Signing amend: Senator                                                               
Kawasaki.                                                                                                                       
                                                                                                                                
The following previously published fiscal information applies:                                                                  
         Fiscal Note No. 1, zero, Department of Military and Veterans                                                          
          Affairs                                                                                                               
                                                                                                                                
The bill was referred to the Rules Committee.                                                                                   
                                                                                                                                
SB 208                                                                                                                        
The Resources Committee considered SENATE BILL NO. 208 "An                                                                      
Act relating to leases of state land for agricultural purposes; and                                                             
providing for an effective date" and recommended it be replaced with                                                            
                                                                                                                                
          CS FOR SENATE BILL NO. 208(RES) "An Act                                                                               
          relating to the sale and lease of state land for                                                                      
          agricultural uses; and providing for an effective                                                                     
          date."                                                                                                                
                                                                                                                                
Signing do pass: Senator Giessel, Chair; Senator Myers. Signing no                                                              
recommendation: Senators Dunbar, Claman. Signing amend: Senator                                                                 
Kawasaki.                                                                                                                       
                                                                                                                                
The following fiscal information was published today:                                                                           
     Fiscal Note No. 1, zero, Department of Natural Resources                                                                   
                                                                                                                                
The bill was referred to the Finance Committee.                                                                                 
                                                                                                                                
                                                                                                                                
                        Consideration of the Calendar                                                                        
                                                                                                                                
                        Second Reading of Senate Bills                                                                       
                                                                                                                                
SB 214                                                                                                                        
SENATE BILL NO. 214 "An Act making appropriations, including                                                                    
capital appropriations, supplemental appropriations, and                                                                        
reappropriations; making appropriations to capitalize funds; and                                                                
providing for an effective date" was read the second time.                                                                      
                                                                                                                                

2026-04-20                     Senate Journal                      Page 2286
Senator Stedman, Cochair, moved and asked unanimous consent for                                                                 
the adoption of the Finance Committee Substitute offered on page                                                                
2261. Without objection, CS FOR SENATE BILL NO. 214(FIN) "An                                                                    
Act making appropriations, including capital appropriations,                                                                    
supplemental appropriations, and reappropriations; making                                                                       
appropriations to capitalize funds; amending appropriations; and                                                                
providing for an effective date" was adopted.                                                                                   
                                                                                                                                
President Stevens stated CS FOR SENATE BILL NO. 214(FIN) will                                                                   
advance to third reading on the April 21 calendar.                                                                              
                                                                                                                                
                        Third Reading of Senate Bills                                                                        
                                                                                                                                
SB 258                                                                                                                        
SENATE BILL NO. 258 "An Act relating to contracts for the                                                                       
licensing of software applications" was read the third time.                                                                    
                                                                                                                                
The question being: "Shall SENATE BILL NO. 258 "An Act relating                                                                 
to contracts for the licensing of software applications" pass the                                                               
Senate?" The roll was taken with the following result:                                                                          
                                                                                                                                
SB 258                                                                                                                          
Third Reading - Final Passage                                                                                                   
                                                                                                                                
YEAS:  19   NAYS:  0   EXCUSED:  1   ABSENT:  0                                                                               
                                                                                                                                
Yeas:  Bjorkman, Claman, Cronk, Dunbar, Giessel, Gray-Jackson,                                                                  
Hoffman, Kaufman, Kawasaki, Kiehl, Merrick, Myers, Rauscher,                                                                    
Stedman, Stevens, Tilton, Tobin, Wielechowski, Yundt                                                                            
                                                                                                                                
Excused:  Olson                                                                                                                 
                                                                                                                                
and so, SENATE BILL NO. 258 passed the Senate and was referred to                                                               
the Secretary for engrossment.                                                                                                  
                                                                                                                                
SB 187                                                                                                                        
CS FOR SENATE BILL NO. 187(EDC) "An Act prohibiting certain                                                                     
food additives in public school meals; and providing for an effective                                                           
date" was read the third time.                                                                                                  
                                                                                                                                

2026-04-20                     Senate Journal                      Page 2287
The question being: "Shall CS FOR SENATE BILL NO. 187(EDC)                                                                      
"An Act prohibiting certain food additives in public school meals; and                                                          
providing for an effective date" pass the Senate?" The roll was taken                                                           
with the following result:                                                                                                      
                                                                                                                                
CSSB 187(EDC)                                                                                                                   
Third Reading - Final Passage                                                                                                   
Effective Date(s)                                                                                                               
                                                                                                                                
YEAS:  19   NAYS:  0   EXCUSED:  1   ABSENT:  0                                                                               
                                                                                                                                
Yeas:  Bjorkman, Claman, Cronk, Dunbar, Giessel, Gray-Jackson,                                                                  
Hoffman, Kaufman, Kawasaki, Kiehl, Merrick, Myers, Rauscher,                                                                    
Stedman, Stevens, Tilton, Tobin, Wielechowski, Yundt                                                                            
                                                                                                                                
Excused:  Olson                                                                                                                 
                                                                                                                                
and so, CS FOR SENATE BILL NO. 187(EDC) 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 28                                                                                                                        
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                                                          
read the third time.                                                                                                            
                                                                                                                                
The question being: "Shall 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, pass the Senate?" The roll was taken                                                       
with the following result:                                                                                                      
                                                                                                                                

2026-04-20                     Senate Journal                      Page 2288
CSSJR 28(L&C)                                                                                                                   
Third Reading - Final Passage                                                                                                   
                                                                                                                                
YEAS:  19   NAYS:  0   EXCUSED:  1   ABSENT:  0                                                                               
                                                                                                                                
Yeas:  Bjorkman, Claman, Cronk, Dunbar, Giessel, Gray-Jackson,                                                                  
Hoffman, Kaufman, Kawasaki, Kiehl, Merrick, Myers, Rauscher,                                                                    
Stedman, Stevens, Tilton, Tobin, Wielechowski, Yundt                                                                            
                                                                                                                                
Excused:  Olson                                                                                                                 
                                                                                                                                
and so, CS FOR SENATE JOINT RESOLUTION NO. 28(L&C)                                                                              
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                                                                              
                                                                                                                                
Commemorating – Peace Officers Memorial Day May 15, 2026                                                                        
Representative(s) Edgmon                                                                                                        
                                                                                                                                
Honoring – Patrick Reinhart                                                                                                     
Representative(s) Story, Vance                                                                                                  
Senator(s) Kiehl                                                                                                                
                                                                                                                                
Honoring – Gustavus Volunteer Fire Department                                                                                   
Representative(s) Story, Hannan                                                                                                 
Senator(s) Kiehl                                                                                                                
                                                                                                                                
Honoring – Aidan Cole 2026 Alaska State Spelling Bee Champion                                                                   
Representative(s) Ruffridge                                                                                                     
Senator(s) Bjorkman                                                                                                             
                                                                                                                                
Honoring – Georgianna Lincoln                                                                                                   
Senator(s) Hoffman                                                                                                              
                                                                                                                                
Honoring – Korey Cronquist                                                                                                      
Senator(s) Tilton                                                                                                               

2026-04-20                     Senate Journal                      Page 2289
Honoring – Doug Vincent-Lang                                                                                                    
Senator(s) Giessel, Bjorkman                                                                                                    
Representative(s) Kopp                                                                                                          
                                                                                                                                
Honoring – The Hungry Robot                                                                                                     
Senator(s) Myers                                                                                                                
Representative(s) Tomaszewski, Stapp                                                                                            
                                                                                                                                
Honoring – The Lego Nerds 3954 Team                                                                                             
Senator(s) Myers, Cronk                                                                                                         
Representative(s) Tomaszewski                                                                                                   
                                                                                                                                
Honoring – Lisa Slaba                                                                                                           
Senator(s) Myers                                                                                                                
Representative(s) Tomaszewski, Stapp                                                                                            
                                                                                                                                
Honoring – 2026 Alaska Journal of Commerce Top 40 Under 40                                                                      
Senator(s) Kaufman, Kawasaki                                                                                                    
Representative(s) Coulombe                                                                                                      
                                                                                                                                
Honoring – Sherri Burkhart Reddick                                                                                              
Representative(s) Gray, Costello                                                                                                
Senator(s) Claman                                                                                                               
                                                                                                                                
Honoring – Barrow High School Lady Whalers 2026 3A Girls                                                                        
Basketball State Champions                                                                                                      
Representative(s) Frier                                                                                                         
Senator(s) Olson                                                                                                                
                                                                                                                                
Honoring – Mt. Edgecumbe High School Braves 3A Boys Basketball                                                                  
2026 State Champions                                                                                                            
Representative(s) Frier, Himschoot                                                                                              
Senator(s) Stedman                                                                                                              
                                                                                                                                
                                   th                                                                                           
Honoring – Run For Refuge 30 Anniversary                                                                                        
Representative(s) Carrick, Eischeid                                                                                             
                                                                                                                                
                                           th                                                                                   
Honoring – Alaska Grown Program 40 Anniversary                                                                                  
Representative(s) Tomaszewski, G. Nelson, St. Clair                                                                             
                                                                                                                                

2026-04-20                     Senate Journal                      Page 2290
Honoring – University of Alaska School of Nursing 50 Anniversary                                                                
Senator(s) Giessel, Bjorkman                                                                                                    
Representative(s) Mina                                                                                                          
                                                                                                                                
Honoring – Governor Mike Dunleavy                                                                                               
Senator(s) Rauscher, Tilton                                                                                                     
                                                                                                                                
Honoring – The Weekley Family                                                                                                   
Representative(s) Elam, Ruffridge                                                                                               
Senator(s) Bjorkman                                                                                                             
                                                                                                                                
Honoring – Richard Mauer                                                                                                        
Representative(s) Fields, Hall                                                                                                  
Senator(s) Wielechowski                                                                                                         
                                                                                                                                
In Memoriam – Chin Sun Stephenson                                                                                               
Senator(s) Wielechowski                                                                                                         
Representative(s) Mears                                                                                                         
                                                                                                                                
In Memoriam – Darlene Carol Ivanoff                                                                                             
Senator(s) Wielechowski                                                                                                         
Representative(s) Mears                                                                                                         
                                                                                                                                
In Memoriam – John Thomas “Tom” Adzima                                                                                          
Senator(s) Wielechowski                                                                                                         
Representative(s) Mears                                                                                                         
                                                                                                                                
In Memoriam – Gary J. Turner                                                                                                    
Representative(s) Ruffridge, Elam                                                                                               
Senator(s) Bjorkman                                                                                                             
                                                                                                                                
In Memoriam – Dr. Stephen “Steve” R. Okkonen                                                                                    
Senator(s) Myers, Olson                                                                                                         
Representative(s) Carrick                                                                                                       
                                                                                                                                
In Memoriam – Dr. Robert “Bob” Elsner                                                                                           
Senator(s) Myers, Olson                                                                                                         
Representative(s) Carrick                                                                                                       
                                                                                                                                
In Memoriam – Cynthia “Cindy” Binkley                                                                                           
Senator(s) Myers                                                                                                                

2026-04-20                     Senate Journal                      Page 2291
In Memoriam – Dr. John Anthony Yarie                                                                                            
Senator(s) Myers                                                                                                                
Representative(s) Carrick, Schwanke                                                                                             
                                                                                                                                
In Memoriam – Dr. Valerie “Val” Ann Barber                                                                                      
Senator(s) Myers, Cronk                                                                                                         
Representative(s) Carrick                                                                                                       
                                                                                                                                
In Memoriam – John S. Hall Sr.                                                                                                  
Representative(s) Foster                                                                                                        
Senator(s) Claman                                                                                                               
                                                                                                                                
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                                                                             
                                                                                                                                
HB 125                                                                                                                        
Senator Dunbar moved and asked unanimous consent to be shown as a                                                               
cross sponsor on CS FOR HOUSE BILL NO. 125(FSH) "An Act                                                                         
relating to membership of the Board of Fisheries." Without objection,                                                           
it was so ordered.                                                                                                              
                                                                                                                                
HB 39                                                                                                                         
Senator Cronk moved and asked unanimous consent to be shown as a                                                                
cross sponsor on CS FOR HOUSE BILL NO. 39(EDC) "An Act                                                                          
relating to public school students who are deaf or hard of hearing."                                                            
Without objection, it was so ordered.                                                                                           
                                                                                                                                
                                                                                                                                
                                Announcements                                                                                
                                                                                                                                
Announcements are at the end of the journal.                                                                                    
                                                                                                                                
                                                                                                                                

2026-04-20                     Senate Journal                      Page 2292
                                 Engrossment                                                                                 
                                                                                                                                
SB 187                                                                                                                        
CS FOR SENATE BILL NO. 187(EDC) "An Act prohibiting certain                                                                     
food additives in public school meals; and providing for an effective                                                           
date" was engrossed, signed by the President and Secretary and                                                                  
transmitted to the House for consideration.                                                                                     
                                                                                                                                
SB 258                                                                                                                        
SENATE BILL NO. 258 "An Act relating to contracts for the                                                                       
licensing of software applications" was engrossed, signed by the                                                                
President and Secretary and transmitted to the House for                                                                        
consideration.                                                                                                                  
                                                                                                                                
SJR 28                                                                                                                        
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                                                          
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 11:00 a.m., April 21, 2026. Without objection,                                                             
the Senate adjourned at 11:41 a.m.                                                                                              
                                                                                                                                
                                                                    Liz Clark                                                   
                                                     Secretary of the Senate                                                    
                                                                                                                                
                                                                                                                                

2026-04-20                     Senate Journal                      Page 2293
                                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 21        Tuesday                     Beltz 105 (tsbldg)          1:30 PM                                                 
+ SB  16 REFUSE UTILITY REGULATIONS                                                                                             
              -- Invited & Public Testimony --                                                                                  
+= SB 265 CRIM. NEG. HOMICIDE; FAILURE TO ASSIST                                                                                
              -- Public Testimony --                                                                                            
+= SB 250 DATA CENTERS, UTILITIES                                                                                               
              -- Public Testimony --                                                                                            
              Bills Previously Heard/Scheduled                                                                                  
              **Streamed live on AKL.tv**                                                                                       
                                                                                                                                
Apr 23        Thursday                    Beltz 105 (tsbldg)          1:30 PM                                                 
+             Bills Previously Heard/Scheduled                                                                                  
              **Streamed live on AKL.tv**                                                                                       
                   ----------------------------------------                                                                    
                                                                                                                                
                                  EDUCATION                                                                                  
                                                                                                                                
Apr 20        Monday                      Beltz 105 (tsbldg)          3:30 PM                                                 
              -- Please Note Time Change --                                                                                     
              -- Delayed to 4:00 PM --                                                                                          
+= HJR 39 WAIVE VISA FEES FOR TEACHERS                                                                                          
+= SCR 17 REGIONAL EDUCATIONAL ATTENDANCE AREAS                                                                                 
              -- Public Testimony --                                                                                            
+= HB  28 TEACHER/STATE EMPLOYEE STUDENT LOAN PRGRM                                                                             
              Bills Previously Heard/Scheduled                                                                                  
              **Streamed live on AKL.tv**                                                                                       
                                                                                                                                
Apr 22        Wednesday                   Beltz 105 (tsbldg)          3:30 PM                                                 
              No Meeting Scheduled                                                                                              
                                                                                                                                
Apr 24        Friday                      Beltz 105 (tsbldg)          3:30 PM                                                 
+ SB  66 STATE-TRIBAL EDUCATION COMPACTS                                                                                        
              -- Testimony <Invitation Only> --                                                                                 
              Bills Previously Heard/Scheduled                                                                                  
              **Streamed live on AKL.tv**                                                                                       

2026-04-20                     Senate Journal                      Page 2294
                                   FINANCE                                                                                   
                                                                                                                                
Apr 20 Monday Senate Finance 532 9:00 AM                                                                                      
              -- MEETING CANCELED --                                                                                            
+             Bills Previously Heard/Scheduled                                                                                  
              **Streamed live on AKL.tv**                                                                                       
                                                                                                                                
Apr 20 Monday Senate Finance 532 1:30 PM                                                                                      
              -- MEETING CANCELED --                                                                                            
              -- Please Note Time Change --                                                                                     
+             Bills Previously Heard/Scheduled                                                                                  
              **Streamed live on AKL.tv**                                                                                       
                                                                                                                                
Apr 21 Tuesday Senate Finance 532 9:00 AM                                                                                     
+ HB  23 STATE COMMISSION FOR CIVIL RIGHTS                                                                                      
+             -- Invited & Public Testimony --                                                                                  
              Bills Previously Heard/Scheduled                                                                                  
              **Streamed live on AKL.tv**                                                                                       
                                                                                                                                
Apr 21 Tuesday Senate Finance 532 1:30 PM                                                                                     
              -- Please Note Time Change --                                                                                     
+ HB 280 APPORTION TAXABLE INCOME                                                                                               
              -- Invited & Public Testimony --                                                                                  
              Bills Previously Heard/Scheduled                                                                                  
              **Streamed live on AKL.tv**                                                                                       
                                                                                                                                
Apr 22 Wednesday Senate Finance 532 9:00 AM                                                                                   
+ HB  10 ADD FACULTY MEMBER UNIV BOARD OF REGENTS                                                                               
              -- Invited & Public Testimony --                                                                                  
+ HB  39 EDUCATION FOR DEAF & HARD OF HEARING                                                                                   
              -- Invited & Public Testimony --                                                                                  
              Bills Previously Heard/Scheduled                                                                                  
              **Streamed live on AKL.tv**                                                                                       
                                                                                                                                
Apr 22 Wednesday Senate Finance 532 1:30 PM                                                                                   
+ HB 263 APPROP: OPERATING BUDGET;FUNDS;SUPP                                                                                    
              <Pending Referral>                                                                                                
+ HB 265 APPROP: MENTAL HEALTH BUDGET                                                                                           
              <Pending Referral>                                                                                                
              CS ONE                                                                                                            
              Bills Previously Heard/Scheduled                                                                                  
              **Streamed live on AKL.tv**                                                                                       
                                                                                                                                
Apr 23 Thursday Senate Finance 532 9:00 AM                                                                                    
+             Bills Previously Heard/Scheduled                                                                                  
              **Streamed live on AKL.tv**                                                                                       
                                                                                                                                

2026-04-20                     Senate Journal                      Page 2295
                             FINANCE (continued)                                                                             
                                                                                                                                
Apr 23        Thursday                 Senate Finance 532             1:30 PM                                                 
              -- Please Note Time Change --                                                                                     
+             Bills Previously Heard/Scheduled                                                                                  
              **Streamed live on AKL.tv**                                                                                       
                                                                                                                                
Apr 24        Friday                   Senate Finance 532            9:00 AM                                                  
+= HB  78 RETIREMENT SYSTEMS; DEFINED BENEFIT OPT.                                                                              
              -- Testimony <Invitation Only> --                                                                                 
              Overview: New Amendments by                                                                                       
              Office of Management and Budget                                                                                   
              Bills Previously Heard/Scheduled                                                                                  
              **Streamed live on AKL.tv**                                                                                       
                                                                                                                                
Apr 24        Friday                   Senate Finance 532             1:30 PM                                                 
              -- Please Note Time Change --                                                                                     
+             Bills Previously Heard/Scheduled                                                                                  
              **Streamed live on AKL.tv**                                                                                       
                   ----------------------------------------                                                                    
                                                                                                                                
                           HEALTH & SOCIAL SERVICES                                                                          
                                                                                                                                
Apr 21        Tuesday                        Butrovich 205            3:30 PM                                                 
+             Consideration of Governor’s Appointees:                                                                           
              Board of Examiners in Optometry: Damien Delzer                                                                    
              State Physical Therapy and Occupational Therapy                                                                   
              Board: Eliza Ellsworth and Michelle Scott-Weber                                                                   
              Board of Nursing: Heather Crivello and Michael Collins                                                            
              State Medical Board: Norman Walker                                                                                
              Board of Pharmacy: Sara Rasmussen                                                                                 
              Board of Social Work Examiners: Ivy Villani                                                                       
              Board of Professional Counselors: Jillanne Garrity                                                                
              Board of Massage Therapists: Annetta Atwell                                                                       
              Board of Nursing: Ashley Scholle                                                                                  
              Board of Examiners in Optometry: Kathleen Rice                                                                    
              Bills Previously Heard/Scheduled                                                                                  
              **Streamed live on AKL.tv**                                                                                       
                                                                                                                                
Apr 23        Thursday                       Butrovich 205            3:30 PM                                                 
+= SB 281 HEALTHCARE COMPACTS; RURAL HEALTH                                                                                     
              PROGRAM                                                                                                           
              -- Public Testimony <Time Limit May Be Set> --                                                                    
              Bills Previously Heard/Scheduled                                                                                  

2026-04-20                     Senate Journal                      Page 2296
                                  JUDICIARY                                                                                  
                                                                                                                                
Apr 20        Monday                          Butrovich 205           1:30 PM                                                 
+             Presentation: Alaska Rape Trends: 1976-2023 by                                                                    
              Brad Myrstol, Director, Alaska Justice Information Center                                                         
              Bills Previously Heard/Scheduled                                                                                  
              **Streamed live on AKL.tv**                                                                                       
                                                                                                                                
Apr 22        Wednesday                       Butrovich 205           1:30 PM                                                 
+             Consideration of Governor’s Appointees:                                                                           
              Veronica Lambertsen, Alaska Police Standards Council                                                              
              -- Public Testimony <Time Limit May Be Set> --                                                                    
              Bills Previously Heard/Scheduled                                                                                  
              **Streamed live on AKL.tv**                                                                                       
                                                                                                                                
Apr 24        Friday                          Butrovich 205           1:30 PM                                                 
+             Bills Previously Heard/Scheduled                                                                                  
              **Streamed live on AKL.tv**                                                                                       
                   ----------------------------------------                                                                    
                                                                                                                                
                               LABOR & COMMERCE                                                                              
                                                                                                                                
Apr 20        Monday                      Beltz 105 (tsbldg)          1:30 PM                                                 
+= SB 259 PROPERTY TAX ASSESSMENT INCREASES                                                                                     
              -- Public Testimony <Time Limit May Be Set> --                                                                    
+= SB 272 HEALTH INFORMATION EXCHANGE                                                                                           
              -- Public Testimony <Time Limit May Be Set> --                                                                    
              Bills Previously Heard/Scheduled                                                                                  
              **Streamed live on AKL.tv**                                                                                       
                                                                                                                                
Apr 22        Wednesday                   Beltz 105 (tsbldg)          1:30 PM                                                 
+ HJR 38 PUBLIC SAFETY TELECOMMUNICATORS                                                                                        
              -- Testimony <Invitation Only> --                                                                                 
+= SJR 25 SUPPORTING US-MEXICO-CANADA AGREEMENT                                                                                 
              -- Public Testimony <Time Limit May Be Set> --                                                                    
              Bills Previously Heard/Scheduled                                                                                  
              **Streamed live on AKL.tv**                                                                                       
                                                                                                                                
Apr 24        Friday                      Beltz 105 (tsbldg)          1:30 PM                                                 
+             Presentation: Alaska LNG Pipeline Workforce                                                                       
              Plan by                                                                                                           
              Dirk Craft, AK Workforce Investment Board                                                                         
              Patrick Rose and Joey Crum, Northern Industrial Training                                                          
              Bills Previously Heard/Scheduled                                                                                  
              **Streamed live on AKL.tv**                                                                                       
                   ----------------------------------------                                                                    

2026-04-20                     Senate Journal                      Page 2297
                                  RESOURCES                                                                                  
                                                                                                                                
Apr 20        Monday                          Butrovich 205           9:00 AM                                                 
              -- Please Note Time Change --                                                                                     
+ HB 117 COMMERCIAL FISHING; SET GILLNET COOP                                                                                   
              -- Invited & Public Testimony --                                                                                  
+ SB 255 MUNI GRANT LAND; MAT-SU BOROUGH TRANSFER                                                                               
              -- Invited & Public Testimony --                                                                                  
              Bills Previously Heard/Scheduled                                                                                  
              **Streamed live on AKL.tv**                                                                                       
                                                                                                                                
Apr 20        Monday                          Butrovich 205           3:30 PM                                                 
+= SB 275 NATURAL GAS PROJECTS/INCOME TAX/SURCHARGE                                                                             
              -- Testimony <Invitation Only> --                                                                                 
+= SB 280 OIL & GAS PROPERTY TAX; MUNI TAX                                                                                      
              -- Testimony <Invitation Only> --                                                                                 
              Bills Previously Heard/Scheduled                                                                                  
              **Streamed live on AKL.tv**                                                                                       
                                                                                                                                
Apr 21        Tuesday                         Butrovich 205           9:00 AM                                                 
              -- Please Note Time Change --                                                                                     
+= SB 280 OIL & GAS PROPERTY TAX; MUNI TAX                                                                                      
              -- Testimony <Invitation Only> --                                                                                 
+ HB 117 COMMERCIAL FISHING; SET GILLNET COOP                                                                                   
              Bills Previously Heard/Scheduled                                                                                  
              **Streamed live on AKL.tv**                                                                                       
                                                                                                                                
Apr 22        Wednesday                       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**                                                                                       
                                                                                                                                
Apr 23        Thursday                        Butrovich 205           9:00 AM                                                 
              -- Please Note Time Change --                                                                                     
+= SB 280 OIL & GAS PROPERTY TAX; MUNI TAX                                                                                      
              -- Testimony <Invitation Only> --                                                                                 
              Bills Previously Heard/Scheduled                                                                                  
              **Streamed live on AKL.tv**                                                                                       
                                                                                                                                
Apr 24        Friday                          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**                                                                                       
                   ----------------------------------------                                                                    

2026-04-20                     Senate Journal                      Page 2298
                                STATE AFFAIRS                                                                                
                                                                                                                                
Apr 21        Tuesday                     Beltz 105 (tsbldg)          3:30 PM                                                 
+= SB 282 MILITARY: JT ARMED SVCS COMMITTEE                                                                                     
              -- Public Testimony --                                                                                            
+= HCR  9 DECLARATION OF INDEPENDENCE ANNIVERSARY                                                                               
              -- Public Testimony --                                                                                            
+= SB 239 MOTOR VEHICLE REGISTRATION                                                                                            
              -- Public Testimony --                                                                                            
+ SCR 11 LEG. COMMISSION ON STATE SEAL                                                                                          
              -- Invited & Public Testimony --                                                                                  
              Bills Previously Heard/Scheduled                                                                                  
              **Streamed live on AKL.tv**                                                                                       
                                                                                                                                
Apr 23        Thursday                    Beltz 105 (tsbldg)          3:30 PM                                                 
              -- MEETING CANCELED --                                                                                            
              Bills Previously Heard/Scheduled                                                                                  
                   ----------------------------------------                                                                    
                                                                                                                                
                                TRANSPORTATION                                                                               
                                                                                                                                
Apr 21        Tuesday                         Butrovich 205           1:30 PM                                                 
+ SB 148 AUTONOMOUS VEHICLES                                                                                                    
              -- Invited & Public Testimony --                                                                                  
              Bills Previously Heard/Scheduled                                                                                  
              **Streamed live on AKL.tv**                                                                                       
                                                                                                                                
Apr 23        Thursday                        Butrovich 205           1:30 PM                                                 
              No Meeting Scheduled                                                                                              
                   ----------------------------------------                                                                    
                                                                                                                                
                               JOINT COMMITTEES                                                                              
                                                                                                                                
                          LEGISLATIVE BUDGET & AUDIT                                                                         
                                                                                                                                
Apr 22        Wednesday                 Senate Finance 532            5:15 PM                                                 
+             I. Call to Order                                                                                                  
              II. Approval of the Agenda                                                                                        
              III. Approval of the Minutes                                                                                      
              a. March 17, 2026                                                                                                 
              IV. Special Audit Request                                                                                         
              a. Department of Health, Temporary Assistance for Needy                                                           
              Families (TANF)                                                                                                   
              V. Executive Session                                                                                              
              a. Final Release of the FY25 State of Alaska Single Audit                                                         
              b. Consideration of Contracts                                                                                     
              i. RFP 26-33-02 Lease of Office Space in Anchorage – Division                                                     
              of Legislative Audit                                                                                              
              ii. RFP 26-33-03 Cyber Security Assessments of                                                                    
              Select State IT Systems                                                                                           
              c. Legal Update on Personnel Matter                                                                               

2026-04-20                     Senate Journal                      Page 2299
                       TASK FORCE ON EDUCATION FUNDING                                                                       
                                                                                                                                
Apr 22        Wednesday                            Davis 106          3:30 PM                                                 
+             Presentation: Residential School Funding by                                                                       
              Jim Merriner, Director of Administrative Projects                                                                 
              Galena City School District                                                                                       
              Dr. Doug Walrath, Director, Northwestern Alaska                                                                   
              Career and Technical Center                                                                                       
              Conrad Woodhead, CTE and Residential Director,                                                                    
              Kusilvak Career Academy                                                                                           
              Stephen Calkin, Assistant Superintendent,                                                                         
              Nenana City School District                                                                                       
              Correspondence Program Funding by Lon Garrison,                                                                   
              Executive Director, Alaska Association of School                                                                  
              Boards                                                                                                            
              Overview of Charter Schools in Alaska by                                                                          
              Todd Hindman                                                                                                      
              **Streamed live on AKL.tv**