Legislature(2025 - 2026)
2026-04-21 Senate Journal
Full Journal pdf2026-04-21 Senate Journal Page 2301 SENATE JOURNAL ALASKA STATE LEGISLATURE THIRTY-FOURTH LEGISLATURE SECOND SESSION Juneau, Alaska Tuesday April 21, 2026 Ninety-second 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 absent. The prayer was offered by the Chaplain, Megan Harden, Senate Page. Senator Hoffman moved and asked unanimous consent the prayer be spread. Without objection, it was so ordered. Lord, thank you for today. Thank you for your goodness and your love. Please give these Senators wisdom as they review what is before them today. Give them discernment to choose wisely the outcomes for this state and its people. Give them attitudes of peace and grace towards each other. Please give them, their staff and the rest of us energy, good health and peace in this last month. Thank you for being the one I can look to for truth and safety. In Jesus’ name, I pray, Amen. Senator Kaufman led the Senate in the Pledge of Allegiance. 2026-04-21 Senate Journal Page 2302 Certification Senator Giessel moved and asked unanimous consent the journal for the ninety-first legislative day be approved as certified by the Secretary. Without objection, it was so ordered. Senator Giessel moved and asked unanimous consent Senator Olson be excused from a call of the Senate today through April 22, evening plane time. Without objection, Senator Olson was excused. Messages from the Governor A letter dated April 20 including revised finance plans for the 2025 October West Coast Storm, the August Storm and the Juneau Flood was received. The letter and revised finance plans had been copied to the Finance Committee Cochairs. A letter dated April 20 was received requesting legislative concurrence to increase the funding limitation for the 2024 West Coast Storm Disaster with an updated finance plan as required by AS 26.23.020. The letter and updated finance plan had been copied to the Finance Committee Cochairs. Standing Committee Reports SB 272 The Labor and Commerce Committee considered SENATE BILL NO. 272 "An Act relating to the electronic health information exchange system; and providing for an effective date." Signing no recommendation: Senator Bjorkman, Chair; Senators Merrick, Yundt. Signing do pass: Senators Dunbar, Gray-Jackson. The following previously published fiscal information applies: Fiscal Note No. 1, zero, Department of Health The bill was referred to the Rules Committee. 2026-04-21 Senate Journal Page 2303 HB 28 The Education Committee considered CS FOR HOUSE BILL NO. 28(FIN) am "An Act establishing a student loan repayment pilot program; and providing for an effective date" and recommended it be replaced with SENATE CS FOR CS FOR HOUSE BILL NO. 28(EDC) "An Act relating to education; relating to reports regarding correspondence study programs; relating to correspondence study program materials; relating to student transportation funding; relating to reemploying retired members of the teachers' retirement system at regional resource centers; requiring the Legislative Budget and Audit Committee to procure an education funding study; establishing a teachers' student loan repayment pilot program; relating to school energy cost relief payments; relating to reading proficiency incentive grants; relating to the use of tax revenue from highly digitized businesses; relating to secondary school vocational and technical instruction funding; providing for an effective date by amending the effective date of secs. 10, 11, 13, and 15, ch. 5, SLA 2025; and providing for an effective date." (Title Change SCR 21) Signing do pass: Senator Tobin, Chair; Senators Yundt, Kiehl, Stevens. Signing amend: Senator Bjorkman. The following fiscal information was published today: Fiscal Note No. 2, Department of Education and Early Development The bill was referred to the Finance Committee. HJR 39 The Education Committee considered HOUSE JOINT RESOLUTION NO. 39 am Urging the federal government to waive the new H-1B Visa fees for teachers in the state. 2026-04-21 Senate Journal Page 2304 Signing do pass: Senator Tobin, Chair; Senators Stevens, Kiehl. Signing no recommendation: Senator Yundt. The following previously published fiscal information applies: Fiscal Note No. 1, zero, Legislative Agency The resolution was referred to the Rules Committee. SCR 17 The Education Committee considered SENATE CONCURRENT RESOLUTION NO. 17 Recognizing the 50th anniversary of the state's regional educational attendance areas; and celebrating the enduring contributions of the state's regional educational attendance areas to public education, local leadership, and community life in rural areas of the state. Signing do pass: Senator Tobin, Chair; Senator Kiehl. Signing no recommendation: Senators Yundt, Stevens. The following fiscal information was published today: Fiscal Note No. 1, zero, Legislative Agency The resolution was referred to the Rules Committee. Consideration of the Calendar Second Reading of Senate Bills SB 21 SENATE BILL NO. 21 "An Act establishing the Alaska Work and Save Program; establishing the Alaska Retirement Savings Board; and providing for an effective date" was read the second time. Senator Hoffman, Cochair, moved and asked unanimous consent for the adoption of the Finance Committee Substitute offered on page 2072. Without objection, CS FOR SENATE BILL NO. 21(FIN) "An Act establishing the Alaska Work and Save Program in the Department of Revenue; and providing for an effective date" was adopted. 2026-04-21 Senate Journal Page 2305 President Stevens stated CS FOR SENATE BILL NO. 21(FIN) will advance to third reading on the April 22 calendar. SB 163 SENATE BILL NO. 163 "An Act relating to inactive state accounts and funds; repealing the home ownership assistance fund; repealing the operating loss reserve account; repealing the public access fund; repealing the Southeast energy fund; repealing the Alaska Gasline Inducement Act reimbursement fund; repealing the child care facility revolving loan fund foreclosure expense account; repealing the tourism revolving fund foreclosure expense account; repealing the residential energy conservation fund foreclosure expense account; repealing the historical district revolving loan fund foreclosure expense account; repealing the Alaska temporary assistance program emergency account; repealing the 2001 Special Olympics World Winter Games reserve fund; and providing for an effective date" was read the second time. Senator Bjorkman, Chair, moved and asked unanimous consent for the adoption of the Labor and Commerce Committee Substitute offered on page 1888. Without objection, CS FOR SENATE BILL NO. 163(L&C) "An Act relating to inactive state accounts and funds; repealing the public access fund; repealing the Alaska temporary assistance program emergency account; repealing the 2001 Special Olympics World Winter Games reserve fund; and providing for an effective date" was adopted. President Stevens stated CS FOR SENATE BILL NO. 163(L&C) will advance to third reading on the April 22 calendar. Third Reading of Senate Bills SB 214 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 read the third time. 2026-04-21 Senate Journal Page 2306 Senator Rauscher moved the bill be returned to second reading for all amendments offered today. Without objection, the bill was returned to second reading. Senator Rauscher offered Amendment No. 1 : Page 22, following line 30: Insert new material to read: "APPROPRIATION GENERAL ITEMS FUND Prince William Sound College 476,000 476,000 Campus Renewal (HD 29)" Adjust fund sources and totals accordingly. Senator Rauscher moved for the adoption of Amendment No. 1. Senator Stedman objected. The question being: "Shall Amendment No. 1 be adopted?" The roll was taken with the following result: CSSB 214(FIN) Second Reading Amendment No. 1? YEAS: 7 NAYS: 12 EXCUSED: 1 ABSENT: 0 Yeas: Cronk, Dunbar, Kaufman, Myers, Rauscher, Tilton, Yundt Nays: Bjorkman, Claman, Giessel, Gray-Jackson, Hoffman, Kawasaki, Kiehl, Merrick, Stedman, Stevens, Tobin, Wielechowski Excused: Olson and so, Amendment No. 1 failed. Senator Tilton offered Amendment No. 2 : Page 3, following line 9: Insert new material to read: "APPROPRIATION GENERAL ITEMS FUND Alaska Farmers' Market Association - 750,000 750,000 SNAP/WIC Senior Nutrition Incentive Programs at Farmers' Markets (HD 1-40)" Adjust fund sources and totals accordingly. 2026-04-21 Senate Journal Page 2307 Senator Tilton moved for the adoption of Amendment No. 2. Senator Stedman objected. The question being: "Shall Amendment No. 2 be adopted?" The roll was taken with the following result: CSSB 214(FIN) Second Reading Amendment No. 2? YEAS: 6 NAYS: 12 EXCUSED: 1 ABSENT: 1 Yeas: Cronk, Kaufman, Myers, Rauscher, Tilton, Yundt Nays: Bjorkman, Claman, Dunbar, Giessel, Gray-Jackson, Hoffman, Kiehl, Merrick, Stedman, Stevens, Tobin, Wielechowski Excused: Olson Absent: Kawasaki and so, Amendment No. 2 failed. Senator Tilton offered Amendment No. 3 : Page 23, following line 4: Insert new material to read: "APPROPRIATION GENERAL ITEMS FUND Palmer Courthouse Expansion (HD 25) 22,223,900 22,223,900" Adjust fund sources and totals accordingly. Senator Tilton moved for the adoption of Amendment No. 3. Senator Stedman objected. Senator Tilton moved and asked unanimous consent to withdraw Amendment No. 3. Without objection, Amendment No. 3 was withdrawn. CS FOR SENATE BILL NO. 214(FIN) was automatically in third reading. 2026-04-21 Senate Journal Page 2308 The question being: "Shall 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" pass the Senate?" The roll was taken with the following result: CSSB 214(FIN) 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. 214(FIN) passed the Senate. Senator Giessel moved and asked unanimous consent the vote on the passage of the bill be considered the vote on the effective date clauses. Without objection, it was so ordered and the bill was referred to the Secretary for engrossment. Second Reading of Senate Resolutions SJR 20 SENATE JOINT RESOLUTION NO. 20 Supporting federal, state, and local efforts to clean up and remove marine debris from the state; urging the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration and the Environmental Protection Agency to provide additional funding for those efforts and to remove barriers faced by tribes and rural communities in accessing those funds; and urging the Alaska Congressional delegation to advocate for increased federal funding and support for marine debris prevention, clean up, removal, backhaul, and education, was read the second time. President Stevens stated SENATE JOINT RESOLUTION NO. 20 will advance to third reading on the April 22 calendar. 2026-04-21 Senate Journal Page 2309 Second Reading of House Resolutions HJR 14 CS FOR HOUSE JOINT RESOLUTION NO. 14(TRA) Supporting the completion of the Port MacKenzie Rail Extension and the Northern Rail Extension; supporting the increase in defensive capabilities at Fort Greely, Alaska; encouraging a renewed commitment by the Alaska Railroad to a community-minded approach to future rail expansion; and encouraging the development of critical Arctic infrastructure, was read the second time. Updated fiscal information was published today: Fiscal Note No. 2, zero, Legislative Agency President Stevens stated CS FOR HOUSE JOINT RESOLUTION NO. 14(TRA) will advance to third reading on the April 22 calendar. Announcements Announcements are at the end of the journal. Engrossment SB 214 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 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 22, 2026. Without objection, the Senate adjourned at 11:52 a.m. Liz Clark Secretary of the Senate 2026-04-21 Senate Journal Page 2310 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 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** ---------------------------------------- 2026-04-21 Senate Journal Page 2311 FINANCE 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** 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** 2026-04-21 Senate Journal Page 2312 FINANCE (continued) 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 ---------------------------------------- JUDICIARY 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 += HB 239 CRIM. NEG. HOMICIDE; FAILURE TO ASSIST **Streamed live on AKL.tv** 2026-04-21 Senate Journal Page 2313 JUDICIARY (continued) Apr 24 Friday Butrovich 205 1:30 PM + Bills Previously Heard/Scheduled: += SB 249 VIRTUAL CURRENCY KIOSKS += HB 239 CRIM. NEG. HOMICIDE; FAILURE TO ASSIST -- Invited & Public Testimony -- **Streamed live on AKL.tv** ---------------------------------------- LABOR & COMMERCE 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** ---------------------------------------- RESOURCES 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** 2026-04-21 Senate Journal Page 2314 RESOURCES (continued) 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** ---------------------------------------- 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 2026-04-21 Senate Journal Page 2315 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) <Above Item Removed from Agenda> 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 VI. Adjourn ---------------------------------------- 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**