Legislature(2025 - 2026)
2026-04-22 Senate Journal
Full Journal pdf2026-04-22 Senate Journal Page 2317 SENATE JOURNAL ALASKA STATE LEGISLATURE THIRTY-FOURTH LEGISLATURE SECOND SESSION Juneau, Alaska Wednesday April 22, 2026 Ninety-third Day Pursuant to adjournment the Senate was called to order by President Stevens at 11:03 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, Reverend Nancy Campbell, White Fields Church. Senator Hoffman moved and asked unanimous consent the prayer be spread. Without objection, it was so ordered. “O Lord, my Lord, How excellent is Your name in all the earth, Who have set Your glory above the heavens! When I consider Your heavens, the work of Your fingers, The moon and the stars, which You have ordained, What is man that You are mindful of Him?” Psalms 8:1,3,4 Yet, You are mindful of me, dear Lord, and You care about each One of us here today. You know what concerns me and the burdens I carry. So, Lord, I pray, now, for the Senators and that You lift those concerns from their shoulders and grant them Your peace that passes all understanding. 2026-04-22 Senate Journal Page 2318 May they complete the work set before them this day. Bless their labors and let Your presence be here with them as they reason together. Bring refreshing to them, grant them good health and strengthen them as they near the end of this session. Bless them now, I pray this in Jesus’ name, Amen. Senator Kawasaki led the Senate in the Pledge of Allegiance. Certification Senator Giessel moved and asked unanimous consent the journal for the ninety-second legislative day be approved as certified by the Secretary. Without objection, it was so ordered. Messages from the House Messages dated April 21 were read stating the House passed and transmitted for consideration: First Reading and Reference of House Bills HB 25 CS FOR HOUSE BILL NO. 25(L&C) am BY THE HOUSE LABOR AND COMMERCE COMMITTEE, entitled: "An Act relating to disposable food service ware and containers provided by customers; and providing for an effective date." was read the first time and referred to the State Affairs and Labor and Commerce Committees. 2026-04-22 Senate Journal Page 2319 HB 263 CS FOR HOUSE BILL NO. 263(FIN) am BY THE HOUSE FINANCE COMMITTEE, entitled: "An Act making appropriations for the operating and loan program expenses of state government and for certain programs; capitalizing funds; making supplemental appropriations; and providing for an effective date." was read the first time and referred to the Finance Committee. HB 265 CS FOR HOUSE BILL NO. 265(FIN) am BY THE HOUSE FINANCE COMMITTEE, entitled: "An Act making appropriations for the operating and capital expenses of the state's integrated comprehensive mental health program; and providing for an effective date." was read the first time and referred to the Finance Committee. Standing Committee Reports Report dated April 21 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 Examiners in Optometry Damien Delzer Kathleen Rice Board of Nursing Michael Collins Heather Crivello 2026-04-22 Senate Journal Page 2320 Board of Pharmacy Sara Rasmussen Board of Professional Counselors Jillanne Garrity Board of Social Work Examiners Ivy Villani State Medical Board Norman Walker State Physical Therapy and Occupational Therapy Board Eliza Ellsworth Signing the report: Senator Dunbar, Chair; Senators Myers, Claman, Tobin, Giessel. SB 239 The State Affairs Committee considered SENATE BILL NO. 239 "An Act relating to the registration and titling of legally imported motor vehicles; and providing for an effective date." Signing amend: Senator Kawasaki, Chair. Signing do pass: Senators Gray-Jackson, Tilton, Bjorkman. Signing no recommendation: Senator Wielechowski. The following previously published fiscal information applies: Fiscal Note No. 1, zero, Department of Administration The bill was referred to the Rules Committee. SB 250 The Community and Regional Affairs Committee considered SENATE BILL NO. 250 "An Act relating to data centers; and relating to utility service for data centers" and recommended it be replaced with CS FOR SENATE BILL NO. 250(CRA) 2026-04-22 Senate Journal Page 2321 Signing no recommendation: Senator Dunbar, Vice Chair; Senator Yundt. Signing do pass: Senator Gray-Jackson. The following fiscal information was published today: Fiscal Note No. 1, zero, Department of Commerce, Community, and Economic Development The bill was referred to the Labor and Commerce Committee. SB 265 The Community and Regional Affairs Committee considered SENATE BILL NO. 265 "An Act relating to the duty of an operator immediately after an accident." Signing no recommendation: Senator Dunbar, Vice Chair; Senator Yundt. Signing do pass: Senator Gray-Jackson. The following fiscal information was published today: Fiscal Note No. 1, zero, Department of Administration Fiscal Note No. 2, zero, Department of Administration Fiscal Note No. 3, zero, Department of Corrections Fiscal Note No. 4, zero, Department of Public Safety Fiscal Note No. 5, zero, Department of Law The bill was referred to the Judiciary Committee. SB 282 The State Affairs Committee considered SENATE BILL NO. 282 "An Act relating to the Joint Armed Services Committee; and providing for an effective date" and recommended it be replaced with CS FOR SENATE BILL NO. 282(STA) Signing do pass: Senator Kawasaki, Chair; Senator Bjorkman. Signing no recommendation: Senators Wielechowski, Gray-Jackson, Tilton. The following fiscal information was published today: Fiscal Note No. 1, Legislative Agency The bill was referred to the Rules Committee. 2026-04-22 Senate Journal Page 2322 HCR 9 The State Affairs Committee considered CS FOR HOUSE CONCURRENT RESOLUTION NO. 9(STA) am Honoring the 250th anniversary of the signing of the Declaration of Independence and celebrating the 250th birthday of the United States of America. Signing do pass: Senator Kawasaki, Chair; Senator Gray-Jackson. Signing no recommendation: Senators Wielechowski, Tilton, Bjorkman. The following previously published fiscal information applies: Fiscal Note No. 1, zero, Legislative Agency The resolution was referred to the Rules Committee. Introduction and Reference of Senate Resolutions SCR 21 SENATE CONCURRENT RESOLUTION NO. 21 BY THE SENATE EDUCATION COMMITTEE, Suspending Rules 24(c), 35, 41(b), and 42(e), Uniform Rules of the Alaska State Legislature, concerning House Bill No. 28, establishing a student loan repayment pilot program. was read the first time and held on the Secretary's desk. Consideration of the Calendar Second Reading of Senate Bills SB 192 SENATE BILL NO. 192 "An Act relating to evacuation designation levels; and relating to the Alaska Disaster Act" was read the second time. 2026-04-22 Senate Journal Page 2323 Senator Merrick, Chair, moved and asked unanimous consent for the adoption of the Community and Regional Affairs Committee Substitute offered on page 1660. Without objection, CS FOR SENATE BILL NO. 192(CRA) was adopted. President Stevens stated CS FOR SENATE BILL NO. 192(CRA) will advance to third reading on the April 24 calendar. SB 272 SENATE BILL NO. 272 "An Act relating to the electronic health information exchange system; and providing for an effective date" was read the second time. President Stevens stated SENATE BILL NO. 272 will advance to third reading on the April 24 calendar. Second Reading of House Bills HB 33 HOUSE BILL NO. 33 "An Act relating to participation in matters before the Board of Fisheries and the Board of Game by the members of the respective boards; and providing for an effective date" was read the second time. President Stevens stated HOUSE BILL NO. 33 will advance to third reading on the April 24 calendar. Third Reading of Senate Bills SB 21 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 read the third time. The question being: "Shall 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" pass the Senate?" The roll was taken with the following result: CSSB 21(FIN) Third Reading - Final Passage Effective Date(s) YEAS: 15 NAYS: 4 EXCUSED: 1 ABSENT: 0 2026-04-22 Senate Journal Page 2324 Yeas: Claman, Cronk, Dunbar, Giessel, Gray-Jackson, Hoffman, Kaufman, Kawasaki, Kiehl, Merrick, Stedman, Stevens, Tobin, Wielechowski, Yundt Nays: Bjorkman, Myers, Rauscher, Tilton Excused: Olson and so, CS FOR SENATE BILL NO. 21(FIN) passed the Senate. Senator Giessel moved and asked unanimous consent the vote on the passage of the bill be considered the vote on the effective date clause. Without objection, it was so ordered and the bill was referred to the Secretary for engrossment. SB 163 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 read the third time. The question being: "Shall 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" pass the Senate?" The roll was taken with the following result: CSSB 163(L&C) 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. 163(L&C) passed the Senate. 2026-04-22 Senate Journal Page 2325 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 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 third time. The question being: "Shall 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, pass the Senate?" The roll was taken with the following result: SJR 20 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 JOINT RESOLUTION NO. 20 passed the Senate and was referred to the Secretary for engrossment. 2026-04-22 Senate Journal Page 2326 Third 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 third time. The question being: "Shall 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, pass the Senate?" The roll was taken with the following result: CSHJR 14(TRA) Third Reading - Final Passage YEAS: 18 NAYS: 1 EXCUSED: 1 ABSENT: 0 Yeas: Bjorkman, Claman, Cronk, Dunbar, Giessel, Gray-Jackson, Hoffman, Kaufman, Kawasaki, Kiehl, Merrick, Myers, Rauscher, Stedman, Stevens, Tilton, Wielechowski, Yundt Nays: Tobin Excused: Olson and so, CS FOR HOUSE JOINT RESOLUTION NO. 14(TRA) passed the Senate, was signed by the President and Secretary and returned to the House. Citations th Honoring – Fairbanks Art Association 60 Anniversary Senator(s) Kawasaki 2026-04-22 Senate Journal Page 2327 Honoring – Glenda D. Ledford Senator(s) Tilton, Yundt Representative(s) Underwood Honoring – Debbra Brewer Senator(s) Claman th Honoring – The Pacific Community of Alaska 5 Anniversary Representative(s) Mina, Gray Senator(s) Tobin Honoring – Debra Corbett Representative(s) Gray, Galvin Senator(s) Dunbar In Memoriam – Amber Dawn Wright Representative(s) Carrick In Memoriam – Richard “Dick” Farris Senator(s) Kawasaki In Memoriam – Tony Dean Peter Senator(s) Kawasaki, Cronk Representative(s) Dibert Senator Giessel moved and asked unanimous consent the citations be adopted. Without objection, the citations were adopted and referred to the Secretary for transmittal. Senator Giessel moved and asked unanimous consent the following citation be made a special order of business. Without objection, it was so ordered. Special Order of Business Honoring – Valerie Jean “Jeannie” Nelson Representative(s) Vance, Carrick, Schwanke Senator Giessel moved and asked unanimous consent the citation be adopted. Without objection, the citation was adopted and referred to the Secretary for transmittal. 2026-04-22 Senate Journal Page 2328 Unfinished Business HJR 14 Senators Rauscher, Cronk, Tilton, Myers, Stedman, Yundt, Kawasaki, Kaufman moved and asked unanimous consent to be shown as cross sponsors on 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. Without objection, it was so ordered. HB 39 Senators Kaufman, Kawasaki moved and asked unanimous consent to be shown as cross sponsors 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. HB 28 Senators Tobin, Yundt moved and asked unanimous consent to be shown as cross sponsors on CS FOR HOUSE BILL NO. 28(FIN) am "An Act establishing a student loan repayment pilot program; and providing for an effective date." Without objection, it was so ordered. HB 25 Senators Kawasaki, Tobin, Gray-Jackson moved and asked unanimous consent to be shown as cross sponsors on CS FOR HOUSE BILL NO. 25(L&C) am "An Act relating to disposable food service ware and containers provided by customers; and providing for an effective date." Without objection, it was so ordered. Announcements Announcements are at the end of the journal. 2026-04-22 Senate Journal Page 2329 Engrossment SB 21 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 engrossed, signed by the President and Secretary and transmitted to the House for consideration. SB 163 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 engrossed, signed by the President and Secretary and transmitted to the House for consideration. 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 engrossed, signed by the President and Secretary and transmitted to the House for consideration. Adjournment Senator Giessel moved and asked unanimous consent the Senate stand in adjournment until 10:30 a.m., April 24, 2026. Without objection, the Senate adjourned at 12:00 p.m. Liz Clark Secretary of the Senate 2026-04-22 Senate Journal Page 2330 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 23 Thursday Beltz 105 (tsbldg) 1:30 PM -- MEETING CANCELED -- + 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** ---------------------------------------- FINANCE 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 + HB 265 APPROP: MENTAL HEALTH BUDGET CS ONE Bills Previously Heard/Scheduled **Streamed live on AKL.tv** 2026-04-22 Senate Journal Page 2331 FINANCE (continued) Apr 23 Thursday Senate Finance 532 9:00 AM -- MEETING CANCELED -- + 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** 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 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 **Streamed live on AKL.tv** ---------------------------------------- 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** 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** 2026-04-22 Senate Journal Page 2332 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 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** ---------------------------------------- STATE AFFAIRS Apr 23 Thursday Beltz 105 (tsbldg) 3:30 PM -- MEETING CANCELED -- Bills Previously Heard/Scheduled ---------------------------------------- 2026-04-22 Senate Journal Page 2333 TRANSPORTATION 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) <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** 2026-04-22 Senate Journal Page 2334 TASK FORCE ON EDUCATION FUNDING (continued) Apr 29 Wednesday Davis 106 3:30 PM + Presentation: Shared Responsibility in Education Funding by Peter Micciche, Mayor, Kenai Peninsula Borough An Overview of Required Local Contribution by Conor Bell, Analyst, Legislative Finance Division Local Contribution and Mill Rate by Nils Andreassen, Executive Director, Alaska Municipal League Federal Education Funding in Alaska by Kelly Manning, Deputy Director; Deb Riddle, Operations Manager; Courtney Preziosi, Elementary and Secondary Education Act Administrator; Monique Siverly, Operations Manager; and Heather Heineken, Director, Department of Education and Early Development Impact Aid Transition in New Mexico by John Sena, Executive Director, Legislative Education Study Committee, New Mexico Legislature **Streamed live on AKL.tv**