Legislature(2025 - 2026)
2026-04-27 Senate Journal
Full Journal pdf2026-04-27 Senate Journal Page 2363 SENATE JOURNAL ALASKA STATE LEGISLATURE THIRTY-FOURTH LEGISLATURE SECOND SESSION Juneau, Alaska Monday April 27, 2026 Ninety-eighth Day Pursuant to adjournment the Senate was called to order by President Stevens at 11:43 a.m. The roll showed twenty members present. The prayer was offered by the Chaplain, Pastor Nathaniel Habeger, Juneau Christian Center. Senator Hoffman moved and asked unanimous consent the prayer be spread. Without objection, it was so ordered. Dear God, I come before You today in reverence, acknowledging You as the sovereign King over all nations and all authority. As Jesus taught his followers to pray, I ask: Your kingdom come, Your will be done, on earth as it is in heaven. Lord, let Your purposes be established in this Alaskan Senate. Shape every decision, every discussion, and every outcome according to Your perfect will. Where human wisdom falls short, let Your truth prevail. Where personal interest competes, let Your righteousness lead. Grant these senators discernment to align their work with what is good, just, and faithful. Give them courage to pursue what is honorable, even when it is difficult, and humility to seek Your guidance above all else. 2026-04-27 Senate Journal Page 2364 May Your kingdom be reflected here—not in power or position, but in justice, mercy, and truth. Let this body serve in a way that brings peace, promotes flourishing, and upholds the dignity of all Alaskans. In Jesus’ name I pray, Amen. Senator Merrick led the Senate in the Pledge of Allegiance. Certification Senator Giessel moved and asked unanimous consent the journal for the ninety-fifth through ninety-seventh legislative days be approved as certified by the Secretary. Without objection, it was so ordered. Messages from the Governor Letters dated April 24 and April 27 were read stating in accordance with Article III, Sections 26 and 27 of the Alaska Constitution and AS 39.05.080, I submitted a list of appointees for confirmation. The following appointees are withdrawn from consideration, effective immediately: Alaska Judicial Council John Wood Alaska Police Standards Council Veronica Lambertsen Board of Massage Therapists Victoria Acree Board of Nursing Ashley Scholle 2026-04-27 Senate Journal Page 2365 Messages from the House Concur Messages SCR 19 Message dated April 24 was read stating the House passed and returned for consideration SENATE CONCURRENT RESOLUTION NO. 19 Extending the governor's October 9, 2025, declaration of a disaster emergency in response to the 2025 West Coast Storm, with the following amendment: SENATE CONCURRENT RESOLUTION NO. 19 am H Extending the governor's October 9, 2025, declaration of a disaster emergency in response to the 2025 West Coast Storm; and approving an amended financing plan. Standing Committee Reports SB 228 The Education Committee considered SENATE BILL NO. 228 "An Act relating to the duties of the Department of Education and Early Development; relating to public education; and relating to opioid abuse awareness and prevention" and recommended it be replaced with CS FOR SENATE BILL NO. 228(EDC) "An Act relating to the duties of the Department of Education and Early Development; relating to public education; relating to opioid abuse awareness and prevention; and relating to funds received from the national opioid settlement." Signing do pass: Senator Tobin, Chair; Senators Yundt, Stevens, Kiehl. The following fiscal information was published today: Fiscal Note No. 1, Department of Education and Early Development Fiscal Note No. 2, zero, Department of Health The bill was referred to the Finance Committee. 2026-04-27 Senate Journal Page 2366 SB 249 The Judiciary Committee considered SENATE BILL NO. 249 "An Act relating to virtual currency kiosks; relating to transactions involving virtual currency; and relating to unfair trade or deceptive acts or practices" and recommended it be replaced with CS FOR SENATE BILL NO. 249(JUD) "An Act relating to virtual currency kiosks; relating to transactions involving virtual currency; relating to unfair trade or deceptive acts or practices; and providing for an effective date." (technical title change) Signing do pass: Senator Claman, Chair; Senators Tilton, Kiehl, Stevens. Signing no recommendation: Senator Tobin. The following previously published fiscal information applies: Fiscal Note No. 1, zero, Department of Commerce, Community, and Economic Development The bill was referred to the Rules Committee. HB 78 The Finance Committee considered CS FOR HOUSE BILL NO. 78(FIN) am(efd fld) "An Act relating to the public employees' retirement system and the teachers' retirement system; and providing certain employees an opportunity to choose between the defined benefit and defined contribution plans of the public employees' retirement system and the teachers' retirement system" and recommended it be replaced with SENATE CS FOR CS FOR HOUSE BILL NO. 78(FIN) "An Act relating to the public employees' retirement system and the teachers' retirement system; providing certain employees an opportunity to choose between the defined benefit and defined contribution plans of the public employees' retirement system and the teachers' retirement system; and providing for an effective date." (technical title change) 2026-04-27 Senate Journal Page 2367 Signing do pass: Senator Olson, Cochair; Senator Kiehl. Signing do not pass: Senator Stedman, Cochair; Senators Kaufman, Cronk. Signing no recommendation: Senator Hoffman, Cochair. Signing amend: Senator Merrick. The following previously published fiscal information applies: Fiscal Note No. 3, Department of Administration The bill is on today's calendar. Consideration of the Calendar Second Reading of House Bills HB 78 CS FOR HOUSE BILL NO. 78(FIN) am(efd fld) "An Act relating to the public employees' retirement system and the teachers' retirement system; and providing certain employees an opportunity to choose between the defined benefit and defined contribution plans of the public employees' retirement system and the teachers' retirement system" was read the second time. Senator Hoffman, Cochair, moved and asked unanimous consent for the adoption of the Finance Senate Committee Substitute offered today. Senator Cronk objected, then withdrew his objection. Senator Stedman objected, then withdrew his objection. There being no further objection, SENATE CS FOR CS FOR HOUSE BILL NO. 78(FIN) "An Act relating to the public employees' retirement system and the teachers' retirement system; providing certain employees an opportunity to choose between the defined benefit and defined contribution plans of the public employees' retirement system and the teachers' retirement system; and providing for an effective date" was adopted. President Stevens stated SENATE CS FOR CS FOR HOUSE BILL NO. 78(FIN) will advance to third reading on the April 28 calendar. 2026-04-27 Senate Journal Page 2368 Special Order of Business Senator Giessel moved and asked unanimous consent the following Citation Calendar be made a special order of business. Without objection, it was so ordered. Citation Calendar Honoring – David DeVaughn Representative(s) Prax Senator(s) Cronk, Myers th Honoring – Alaska Youth Orchestras 60 Anniversary Senator(s) Giessel, Kiehl Representative(s) Galvin Honoring – Layla Hayes Representative(s) Underwood Honoring – Dr. Tess Caswell Representative(s) Ruffridge, Elam Senator(s) Bjorkman Honoring – Kikkan Randall Representative(s) Schrage, Eischeid, Fields Honoring – Jim Biela Representative(s) Jimmie, Dibert Senator(s) Hoffman Honoring – Dolena Ayaksaq Fox Representative(s) Jimmie Senator(s) Hoffman Honoring – Scott MacManus Senator(s) Cronk Representative(s) Schwanke Honoring – Lantz Dahlke Senator(s) Cronk 2026-04-27 Senate Journal Page 2369 Honoring – Alaska Air National Guard 168 Wing 40 Anniversary Representative(s) Gray Senator(s) Kawasaki Honoring – Kate Hall 2026 Special Education Administrator of the Year Representative(s) Stapp Honoring – Nicholas Jackson Senator(s) Cronk Representative(s) Schwanke Honoring – The Dedication of Ruby Airport as Harold Esmailka Airport Senator(s) Cronk, Olson Representative(s) Schwanke Honoring – KuskoCon 2026 Senator(s) Dunbar, Tobin Representative(s) Jimmie th Honoring – Alaska Behavioral Health Association 30 Anniversary Senator(s) Dunbar, Gray-Jackson Representative(s) Mina Honoring – Katahdin Staples Senator(s) Dunbar Representative(s) Mina, Gray Honoring – Aaron M. Schutt Representative(s) Stapp, Dibert Senator(s) Cronk Honoring – John Hicks Senator(s) Rauscher Honoring – 2025-2026 Seward High School Girls Basketball Team Senator(s) Bjorkman 2026-04-27 Senate Journal Page 2370 Honoring – Bartlett High School Golden Bears Girls Basketball Team Representative(s) Eischeid, D. Nelson Senator(s) Wielechowski Honoring – Rick Rizzs Representative(s) Josephson th Honoring – Wrightway Auto Carriers 75 Anniversary Senator(s) Tobin Representative(s) D. Nelson, Fields th Honoring – All Alaska Pediatric Partnership 30 Anniversary Representative(s) Galvin Honoring – Valerie Casler Representative(s) Gray, Mina Senator(s) Tobin In Memoriam – Mike Gordon Representative(s) Galvin, Hall Senator(s) Gray-Jackson In Memoriam – Pearl Rosebud Watson Senator(s) Kawasaki Representative(s) Dibert In Memoriam – Lily Ungwiluk Miller Senator(s) Kawasaki Representative(s) Dibert In Memoriam – Karen Solem Grussendorf Representative(s) Himschoot Senator(s) Stedman In Memoriam – First Chief Nick Alexia Sr. Senator(s) Cronk Representative(s) Schwanke In Memoriam – Michael “Mike” James Kingston Senator(s) Cronk Representative(s) Schwanke 2026-04-27 Senate Journal Page 2371 In Memoriam – Bill Stevens Senator(s) Cronk Representative(s) Schwanke In Memoriam – Nancy Harbour Representative(s) Gray, Fields Senator(s) Tobin In Memoriam – Chief Warrant Officer Three Joseph Gilmore Riley Senator(s) Cronk Representative(s) Schwanke In Memoriam – John “Johnny” Johnson Representative(s) Josephson In Memoriam – Robert Redford Representative(s) Josephson In Memoriam – Bill Herman Senator(s) Tobin Representative(s) Fields, Mina In Memoriam – Mother Viola Ford Fletcher Representative(s) Josephson In Memoriam – Stephen Haycox Representative(s) Josephson, Fields Senator(s) Tobin Senator Giessel moved and asked unanimous consent the Citation Calendar be adopted. Without objection, the citations were adopted and referred to the Secretary for transmittal. Unfinished Business Senator Merrick moved and asked unanimous consent to be excused from a call of the Senate from May 21 through June 5. Without objection, Senator Merrick was excused. 2026-04-27 Senate Journal Page 2372 Announcements Announcements are at the end of the journal. Adjournment Senator Giessel moved and asked unanimous consent the Senate stand in adjournment until 10:30 a.m., April 28, 2026. Without objection, the Senate adjourned at 12:23 p.m. Liz Clark Secretary of the Senate 2026-04-27 Senate Journal Page 2373 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 28 Tuesday Beltz 105 (tsbldg) 1:30 PM -- MEETING CANCELED -- + Bills Previously Heard/Scheduled **Streamed live on AKL.tv** Apr 30 Thursday Beltz 105 (tsbldg) 1:30 PM + HB 216 TRANSFER OF RAILROAD LAND TO WHITTIER -- Invited & Public Testimony -- += SB 16 REFUSE UTILITY REGULATIONS Bills Previously Heard/Scheduled **Streamed live on AKL.tv** ---------------------------------------- EDUCATION Apr 27 Monday Beltz 105 (tsbldg) 3:30 PM -- Testimony <Invitation Only> -- += SB 66 STATE-TRIBAL EDUCATION COMPACTS += SB 232 PERSONAL COLLECTION OF CERTAIN FOSSILS Bills Previously Heard/Scheduled **Streamed live on AKL.tv** Apr 29 Wednesday Beltz 105 (tsbldg) 3:30 PM No Meeting Scheduled May 01 Friday Beltz 105 (tsbldg) 3:30 PM + Consideration of Governor’s Appointees -- Public Testimony -- Bills Previously Heard/Scheduled **Streamed live on AKL.tv** ---------------------------------------- 2026-04-27 Senate Journal Page 2374 FINANCE Apr 27 Monday Senate Finance 532 9:00 AM + SB 208 AGRICULTURAL LAND LEASES -- Invited & Public Testimony -- + SB 174 INVASIVE SPECIES MANAGEMENT -- Invited & Public Testimony -- Bills Previously Heard/Scheduled **Streamed live on AKL.tv** Apr 27 Monday Senate Finance 532 1:30 PM -- MEETING CANCELED -- -- Please Note Time Change -- + Bills Previously Heard/Scheduled **Streamed live on AKL.tv** Apr 28 Tuesday Senate Finance 532 9:00 AM += HB 263 APPROP: OPERATING BUDGET;FUNDS;SUPP += HB 265 APPROP: MENTAL HEALTH BUDGET -- Invited Testimony -- Bills Previously Heard/Scheduled **Streamed live on AKL.tv** Apr 28 Tuesday Senate Finance 532 1:30 PM -- Please Note Time Change -- += HB 48 CIVIL LEGAL SERVICES FUND -- Testimony <Invitation Only> -- += HB 39 EDUCATION FOR DEAF & HARD OF HEARING -- Testimony <Invitation Only> -- Bills Previously Heard/Scheduled **Streamed live on AKL.tv** Apr 29 Wednesday Senate Finance 532 9:00 AM += HB 263 APPROP: OPERATING BUDGET;FUNDS;SUPP += HB 265 APPROP: MENTAL HEALTH BUDGET -- Testimony <Invitation Only> -- Bills Previously Heard/Scheduled **Streamed live on AKL.tv** Apr 29 Wednesday Senate Finance 532 1:30 PM -- Please Note Time Change -- + SB 217 EMPLOYER CONTRIBUTIONS -- Invited & Public Testimony -- + SB 251 REPEAL WORKERS' COMP APPEALS COMMISSION -- Invited & Public Testimony -- Bills Previously Heard/Scheduled **Streamed live on AKL.tv** 2026-04-27 Senate Journal Page 2375 FINANCE (continued) Apr 30 Thursday Senate Finance 532 9:00 AM + SB 206 SCHOOL SUICIDE POLICIES; FIREARM STORAGE -- Invited & Public Testimony -- Bills Previously Heard/Scheduled **Streamed live on AKL.tv** Apr 30 Thursday Senate Finance 532 1:30 PM -- Please Note Time Change -- + SB 221 RESTRICTING STATE FUND FIDUCIARY -- Invited & Public Testimony -- Bills Previously Heard/Scheduled **Streamed live on AKL.tv** May 01 Friday Senate Finance 532 9:00 AM + Bills Previously Heard/Scheduled **Streamed live on AKL.tv** May 01 Friday Senate Finance 532 1:30 PM -- Please Note Time Change -- + Bills Previously Heard/Scheduled **Streamed live on AKL.tv** ---------------------------------------- HEALTH & SOCIAL SERVICES Apr 28 Tuesday Butrovich 205 3:30 PM += SB 261 UNHOUSED YOUNG ADULTS: IDS, BIRTH CERT. -- Public Testimony <Time Limit May Be Set> -- Presentation: State Strategies for Addressing the Affordability Crisis in the Commercial Market: Michael Bailit, President, Bailit Health Bills Previously Heard/Scheduled **Streamed live on AKL.tv** Apr 30 Thursday Butrovich 205 3:30 PM + Consideration of Governor’s Appointees: State Medical Board: Michael McNamara += SB 281 HEALTHCARE COMPACTS; RURAL HEALTH PROGRAM Bills Previously Heard/Scheduled **Streamed live on AKL.tv** ---------------------------------------- JUDICIARY Apr 27 Monday Butrovich 205 1:30 PM + Consideration of Governor’s Appointees: Violent Crimes Compensation Board: Anna Cometa and Joel Hard -- Public Testimony <Time Limit May Be Set> -- Bills Previously Heard/Scheduled **Streamed live on AKL.tv** 2026-04-27 Senate Journal Page 2376 HEALTH & SOCIAL SERVICES (continued) Apr 29 Wednesday Butrovich 205 1:30 PM += HB 239 CRIM. NEG. HOMICIDE; FAILURE TO ASSIST Bills Previously Heard/Scheduled **Streamed live on AKL.tv** May 01 Friday Butrovich 205 1:30 PM + Consideration of Governor’s Appointees: Attorney General, Department of Law: Stephen Cox -- Public Testimony <Time Limit May Be Set> -- += SB 207 PROPERTY POSSESSION AND PROPERTY CRIMES Bills Previously Heard/Scheduled **Streamed live on AKL.tv** ---------------------------------------- LABOR & COMMERCE Apr 27 Monday Beltz 105 (tsbldg) 1:30 PM + Consideration of Governor’s Appointees: Alaska Labor Relations Agency Alaska Workers’ Compensation Board Alcoholic Beverage Control Board Board of Barbers and Hairdressers Board of Certified Direct-Entry Midwives Board of Certified Real Estate Appraisers Board of Chiropractic Examiners Board of Dental Examiners Board of Examiners in Optometry Board of Massage Therapists Board of Nursing. Board of Pharmacy Board of Professional Counselors Board of Public Accountancy Board of Social Work Examiners Board of Veterinary Examiners Fishermen’s Fund Advisory and Appeals Council Marijuana Control Board State Board of Registration for Architects, Engineers, and Land Surveyors State Physical Therapy and Occupational Therapy Board += SB 259 PROPERTY TAX ASSESSMENT INCREASES -- Public Testimony <Time Limit May Be Set> -- + SB 234 UNIFORM FIDUCIARY INCOME & PRINCIPAL ACT -- Testimony <Invitation Only> -- + HB 126 REINSTATEMENT NATIVE CORP/RELIGIOUS CORP -- Testimony <Invitation Only> -- Bills Previously Heard/Scheduled **Streamed live on AKL.tv** 2026-04-27 Senate Journal Page 2377 LABOR & COMMERCE (continued) Apr 29 Wednesday Beltz 105 (tsbldg) 1:30 PM + SB 266 INSURANCE REIMBURSEMENT RATES -- Testimony <Invitation Only> -- + SB 262 SOCIAL MEDIA/MINORS -- Testimony <Invitation Only> -- Bills Previously Heard/Scheduled **Streamed live on AKL.tv** May 01 Friday Beltz 105 (tsbldg) 1:30 PM + SB 262 SOCIAL MEDIA/MINORS -- Invited & Public Testimony -- += SB 150 NET METERING PROGRAM & FUND Bills Previously Heard/Scheduled **Streamed live on AKL.tv** ---------------------------------------- RESOURCES Apr 27 Monday 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 28 Tuesday 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 29 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 30 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** 2026-04-27 Senate Journal Page 2378 RESOURCES (continued) May 01 Friday Butrovich 205 3:30 PM += SB 280 OIL & GAS PROPERTY TAX; MUNI TAX -- Public Testimony <Time Limit May Be Set> -- Bills Previously Heard/Scheduled **Streamed live on AKL.tv** ---------------------------------------- STATE AFFAIRS Apr 28 Tuesday Beltz 105 (tsbldg) 3:30 PM + Consideration of Governor’s Appointees: Veronica Lambertsen, Police Standards Council <Above Appointee has Withdrawn> -- Invited & Public Testimony -- + HB 25 DISPOSABLE FOOD SERVICE WARE -- Testimony <Invitation Only> -- + HB 13 MUNICIPAL PROPERTY TAX EXEMPTIONS -- Testimony <Invitation Only> -- Bills Previously Heard/Scheduled: + HB 278 ECONOMIC DEV:AK-IRELAND TRADE COMM. -- Invited & Public Testimony -- **Streamed live on AKL.tv** Apr 30 Thursday Beltz 105 (tsbldg) 3:30 PM + Consideration of Governor’s Appointees: Stephen Cox, Alaska Attorney General Designee -- Invited & Public Testimony -- + SB 169 WELCOMING ALASKA OFFICE -- Invited & Public Testimony -- Bills Previously Heard/Scheduled **Streamed live on AKL.tv** May 02 Saturday Beltz 105 (tsbldg) 3:30 PM -- Please Note Time Change -- -- Scheduled Time May Change -- + HB 176 UNIVERSITY OF ALASKA FEES -- Testimony <Invitation Only> -- + HB 13 MUNICIPAL PROPERTY TAX EXEMPTIONS -- Public Testimony -- + SB 169 WELCOMING ALASKA OFFICE -- Public Testimony <Time Limit May Be Set> -- += SB 243 DEFINITION OF PROHIBITED WEAPON -- Public Testimony <Time Limit May Be Set> -- + SB 204 SUB. TEACHING; SCHOOL BOARD ELIGIBILITY -- Testimony <Invitation Only> -- Bills Previously Heard/Scheduled **Streamed live on AKL.tv** 2026-04-27 Senate Journal Page 2379 TRANSPORTATION Apr 28 Tuesday Butrovich 205 1:30 PM No Meeting Scheduled Apr 30 Thursday Butrovich 205 1:30 PM No Meeting Scheduled ---------------------------------------- JOINT COMMITTEES TASK FORCE ON EDUCATION FUNDING 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**