Legislature(2025 - 2026)
2026-05-01 Senate Journal
Full Journal pdf2026-05-01 Senate Journal Page 2425 SENATE JOURNAL ALASKA STATE LEGISLATURE THIRTY-FOURTH LEGISLATURE SECOND SESSION Juneau, Alaska Friday May 1, 2026 One Hundred Second Day Pursuant to adjournment the Senate was called to order by President Stevens at 10:30 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 believe You are the one above it all and over it all. You are omniscient, omnipotent, and omnipresent. Which is to say…there is nothing You cannot do, and there is nothing You are not aware of. Yet even with this celestial knowledge and might, Scripture reveals a God who delights in being with His creation. I humbly ask that you be with us today. Specifically, for each of these Senators today, give them grace, wisdom and discernment today. Give them supernatural productivity in all that they put their efforts to. God, I pray for loose ends and unfinished business to come into alignment. For stress to be managed and for each Senator to operate from a place of rest…not anxiety or restlessness. 2026-05-01 Senate Journal Page 2426 I ask that you give them your peace today, independent of current circumstances or situations. As a pastor and as a follower of Christ, I bless each of these Senators here today. In Jesus’ name I pray, Amen. Senator Rauscher led the Senate in the Pledge of Allegiance. Certification Senator Giessel moved and asked unanimous consent the journal for the one hundredth and one hundred first legislative days be approved as certified by the Secretary. Without objection, it was so ordered. Messages from the Governor HB 33 Message was read stating the Governor signed the following bill on April 29 and transmitted the engrossed and enrolled copies to the Lieutenant Governor’s Office for permanent filing: 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." Chapter 2, SLA 2026 Effective Date: 4/30/26 HJR 14 Message dated April 29 was read stating the Governor noted the following resolution and transmitted the engrossed and enrolled copies to the Lieutenant Governor’s Office for permanent filing: 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 2026-05-01 Senate Journal Page 2427 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. Legislative Resolve No. 26 SB 64 Letter dated April 29 was received: Dear President Stevens: Under the authority vested in me by Article II, Section 15 of the Alaska Constitution, I have vetoed the following bill: HOUSE CS FOR CS FOR SENATE BILL NO. 64(FIN) am H "An Act relating to elections; relating to voters; relating to voting; relating to voter registration; relating to election administration; relating to campaign contributions; relating to write- in candidates for President and Vice-President of the United States; relating to the crimes of unlawful interference with voting in the first degree, unlawful interference with an election, and election official misconduct; relating to voter registration on permanent fund dividend applications; relating to the duties of the commissioner of revenue; and providing for an effective date." Senate Bill 64 includes several provisions I support, including improving safeguards around Permanent Fund Dividend voter- registration data; strengthening voter-roll maintenance, audit, and reporting requirements; and requiring notice of breaches involving confidential election data. However, taken as a whole, the bill would impose significant operational burdens on the administration of Alaska’s elections during an election year in which several statewide contests will occur – including U.S. Senate, U.S. House, and Governor. The Division of 2026-05-01 Senate Journal Page 2428 Elections warns such changes would be extremely difficult, if not impossible, to implement securely and reliably in advance of the 2026 elections. Alaskans need an election process that is simple, understandable, secure, and implemented with sufficient time for the Division to make necessary changes. The ballot-tracking and ballot-curing provisions are especially problematic. The ballot-curing provisions create tension with Alaska’s witness requirement by allowing a voter to cure a missing witness signature after the ballot has already been returned, even though Alaska’s absentee-ballot framework requires the voter’s certificate to be signed in the presence of a qualified attesting official or witness. The Division has advised that these systems cannot be responsibly built, tested, and deployed before the 2026 general election. I applaud the attempt by some in the legislature, through an amendment, to move the effective date in which this bill would take effect after the 2026 election, which would have given the Division adequate time to implement the systems this bill would require. I appreciate the efforts made to improve Alaska’s elections. Going forward, I encourage those who wish to continue this work to use this bill as a starting point; ensure that any proposed changes comply with state and federal law; and pass any election legislation on a timeline that allows the Division of Elections to implement the necessary systems properly. It is essential that Alaska’s electoral process remains accessible and secure, backed by a commitment to careful management. This bill would make significant election changes during an active election cycle, raising material operational and legal concerns that are contrary to the best interests of Alaskans. For these reasons, I have vetoed this bill. Sincerely, /s/ Mike Dunleavy Governor 2026-05-01 Senate Journal Page 2429 Messages from the House HB 78 Message dated April 29 was read stating the House concurred in the Senate amendments to CS FOR HOUSE BILL NO. 78(FIN) am(efd fld), thus adopting: SENATE CS FOR CS FOR HOUSE BILL NO. 78(FIN) am S(efd fld H) "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." SB 40 Message dated April 30 was read stating the House passed and returned: SENATE BILL NO. 40 "An Act establishing the period between September 15 and October 15 of each year as Hispanic Heritage Month." The bill was referred to the Secretary for enrollment. Message dated May 1 was read stating: The House of Representatives respectfully invites the Senate to a Joint Session of the Thirty-Fourth Alaska Legislature at 11:00 a.m. on Monday, May 4 in the House Chamber for the purpose of voting to override the Governor’s veto of SB 64 (ELECTIONS). Senator Giessel moved and asked unanimous consent the Senate accept the House invitation to meet in Joint Session. Without objection, it was so ordered. The Secretary was requested to notify the House. 2026-05-01 Senate Journal Page 2430 First Reading and Reference of House Resolutions HJR 44 HOUSE JOINT RESOLUTION NO. 44 BY THE HOUSE RESOURCES COMMITTEE, Supporting the ability of Alaska Native corporations and entities owned by federally recognized tribes in the state to participate in the United States Small Business Administration's 8(a) Business Development Program. was read the first time and referred to the Resources Committee. First Reading and Reference of House Bills HB 214 CS FOR HOUSE BILL NO. 214(STA)BY THE HOUSE STATE AFFAIRS COMMITTEE, entitled: "An Act relating to proof of financial responsibility for suspension for nonpayment of judgments." was read the first time and referred to the State Affairs Committee. HB 244 HOUSE BILL NO. 244 BY REPRESENTATIVES UNDERWOOD, Costello, Fields, Frier, Tomaszewski, Mina, Josephson, Story, McCabe, entitled: "An Act relating to certified nurse aide training; and providing for an effective date." was read the first time and referred to the Labor and Commerce Committee. 2026-05-01 Senate Journal Page 2431 Concur Messages SCR 19 Senator Giessel moved the Senate concur in the House amendment to 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 (page 2365), thus adopting: 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. The question being: "Shall the Senate concur in the House amendment?" The roll was taken with the following result: SCR 19 am H Shall the Senate Concur in the House Amendment to SCR 19? YEAS: 20 NAYS: 0 EXCUSED: 0 ABSENT: 0 Yeas: Bjorkman, Claman, Cronk, Dunbar, Giessel, Gray-Jackson, Hoffman, Kaufman, Kawasaki, Kiehl, Merrick, Myers, Olson, Rauscher, Stedman, Stevens, Tilton, Tobin, Wielechowski, Yundt and so, the Senate concurred in the House amendment, thus adopting 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. The Secretary was requested to notify the House. The resolution was referred to the Secretary for enrollment. 2026-05-01 Senate Journal Page 2432 Communications The following reports are on file in the Office of the Secretary of the Senate: Department of Commerce, Community, and Economic Development Alaska Prescription Drug Monitoring Program 2026 Report in accordance with AS 17.30.200 Department of Fish and Game: McNeil River State Game Sanctuary and Refuge 2025 Annual Report to the Alaska State Legislature in accordance with AS 16.20.041 and AS 16.20.162 Alaska Salmon Fisheries Enhancement 2025 Annual Report in accordance with AS 16.05.092 Standing Committee Reports Report dated April 30 was read stating: In accordance with AS 39.05.080 the Health and Social Services 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 Medical Board Michael McNamara Signing the report: Senator Dunbar, Chair; Senators Myers, Claman, Tobin, Giessel. 2026-05-01 Senate Journal Page 2433 Report dated April 30 was read stating: In accordance with Article III, Section 25 of the Alaska Constitution and AS 39.05.080, the State Affairs 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. Attorney General, Department of Law Stephen Cox Signing the report: Senator Kawasaki, Chair; Senators Wielechowski, Gray-Jackson, Bjorkman. SB 16 The Community and Regional Affairs Committee considered SENATE BILL NO. 16 "An Act relating to a simplified rate filing procedure for refuse utility rate adjustments; relating to Regulatory Commission of Alaska regulations regarding refuse utilities; and providing for an effective date." Signing no recommendation: Senator Dunbar, Vice Chair. Signing do pass: Senators Gray-Jackson, Yundt. 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. SB 243 The State Affairs Committee considered SENATE BILL NO. 243 "An Act removing devices designed, made, or adapted to muffle the report of a firearm from the definition of 'prohibited weapon.'" Signing amend: Senator Kawasaki, Chair. Signing do pass: Senator Tilton. Signing no recommendation: Gray-Jackson. The following fiscal information was published today: Fiscal Note No. 1, zero, Department of Law The bill was referred to the Judiciary Committee. 2026-05-01 Senate Journal Page 2434 SB 281 The Health and Social Services Committee considered SENATE BILL NO. 281 "An Act relating to the rural health transformation program; relating to physician assistants; relating to collaborative agreements between physicians and physician assistants; relating to the interstate medical licensure compact; relating to the PA licensure compact; relating to the practice of medicine; relating to the psychology interjurisdictional compact; relating to health care providers; relating to the recognition of EMS personnel licensure interstate compact; relating to provisions regarding physician assistants in contracts between certain health care providers and health care insurers; and establishing the Rural Health Transformation Program Advisory Council" and recommended it be replaced with CS FOR SENATE BILL NO. 281(HSS) "An Act relating to the rural health transformation program; relating to the practice of genetic counseling; relating to the licensure of genetic counselors; establishing the Genetic Counseling Advisory Council; relating to the duties of the State Medical Board; relating to telehealth; relating to physicians, osteopaths, podiatrists, and physician assistants; relating to the interstate medical licensure compact; relating to the PA licensure compact; relating to psychologists; relating to the psychology interjurisdictional compact; relating to the practice of respiratory care; relating to the duties of the Department of Commerce, Community, and Economic Development; relating to medical malpractice liability of health care providers; relating to immunity from civil liability for a health care provider providing free health care services; relating to national criminal history record checks; relating to respiratory care practitioners providing documentation and treatment plans for public school students with asthma or anaphylaxis; relating to emergency medical technicians, advanced emergency medical technicians, and mobile intensive care paramedics; relating to the recognition of EMS personnel licensure interstate compact; prohibiting 2026-05-01 Senate Journal Page 2435 unfair discrimination under group health insurance against certain providers; establishing the Rural Health Transformation Program Advisory Council; and providing for an effective date." Signing do pass: Senator Dunbar, Chair. Signing do not pass: Senator Giessel. Signing no recommendation: Senators Myers, Claman. Signing amend: Senator Tobin. The following fiscal information was published today: Fiscal Note No. 1, zero, Department of Health Fiscal Note No. 2, zero, Department of Commerce, Community, and Economic Development The bill was referred to the Labor and Commerce Committee. HB 39 The Finance Committee considered CS FOR HOUSE BILL NO. 39(EDC) "An Act relating to public school students who are deaf or hard of hearing." Signing do pass: Senator Hoffman, Cochair; Senators Kaufman, Cronk, Merrick, Kiehl. Signing no recommendation: Senators Olson, Stedman, Cochairs. The following previously published fiscal information applies: Fiscal Note No. 2, zero, Department of Education and Early Development. The bill was referred to the Rules Committee. HB 48 The Finance Committee considered HOUSE BILL NO. 48 "An Act relating to appropriations to the civil legal services fund." Signing do pass: Senators Olson, Hoffman, Cochairs; Senator Kiehl. Signing no recommendation: Senator Stedman, Cochair; Senators Kaufman, Cronk, Merrick. 2026-05-01 Senate Journal Page 2436 The following previously published fiscal information applies: Fiscal Note No. 3, zero, Alaska Judiciary System Fiscal Note No. 4, Department of Commerce, Community, and Economic Development The bill was referred to the Rules Committee. HB 239 The Judiciary Committee considered CS FOR HOUSE BILL NO. 239(JUD) "An Act relating to criminally negligent homicide; relating to the duty of an operator immediately after an accident; and providing for an effective date" and recommended it be replaced with SENATE CS FOR CS FOR HOUSE BILL NO. 239(JUD) "An Act relating to crime and criminal procedure; relating to civil claims by victims of sexual abuse of a minor; relating to homicide; relating to assault; relating to sexual assault; relating to stalking; relating to sexual abuse of a minor; relating to enticement and unlawful exploitation of a minor; relating to cruelty to animals; relating to endangering the welfare of a child; relating to indecent exposure; relating to theft; relating to generated obscene child sexual abuse material; relating to sending an explicit image of a minor; relating to solicitation or production of an indecent picture of a minor; relating to distribution of indecent material to minors; relating to prostitution; relating to the Controlled Substances Advisory Committee; relating to the testimony of children in criminal proceedings; relating to sentencing; relating to sexual assault examination kits; restricting the release of certain records of convictions; relating to teaching certificates; relating to the definition of 'victim counseling center' for disclosure of certain communications concerning sexual assault or domestic violence; relating to motor vehicle offenses; relating to medical release for service of sentence by electronic monitoring; relating to licensing of school bus drivers; and providing for an effective date." (Title Change SCR 22) 2026-05-01 Senate Journal Page 2437 Signing do pass: Senator Claman, Chair. Signing no recommendation: Senators Tobin, Stevens, Tilton. The following fiscal information was published today: Fiscal Note No. 5, Department of Administration Fiscal Note No. 6, zero, Department of Corrections Fiscal Note No. 7, Department of Law Fiscal Note No. 8, Department of Law Fiscal Note No. 9, zero, Department of Public Safety Fiscal Note No. 10, zero, Department of Public Safety Fiscal Note No. 11, zero, Department of Public Safety Fiscal Note No. 12, Department of Public Safety Fiscal Note No. 13, Department of Public Safety The following previously published fiscal information applies: Fiscal Note No. 1, zero, Alaska Judiciary System The bill was referred to the Finance Committee. HB 263 The Finance Committee considered CS FOR HOUSE BILL NO. 263(FIN) am "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" and recommended it be replaced with SENATE CS FOR CS FOR HOUSE BILL NO. 263(FIN) "An Act making appropriations for the operating and loan program expenses of state government and for certain programs; capitalizing funds; amending appropriations; making supplemental appropriations; making appropriations under art. IX, sec. 17(c), Constitution of the State of Alaska, from the constitutional budget reserve fund; and providing for an effective date." (Title Change SCR 23) Signing do pass: Senators Olson, Hoffman, Cochairs; Senators Merrick, Kiehl. Signing amend: Senators Kaufman, Cronk. The bill was referred to the Rules Committee. 2026-05-01 Senate Journal Page 2438 HB 265 The Finance Committee considered CS FOR HOUSE BILL NO. 265(FIN) am "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" and recommended it be replaced with SENATE CS FOR CS FOR HOUSE BILL NO. 265(FIN) "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." Signing do pass: Senators Olson, Stedman, Hoffman, Cochairs; Senators Merrick, Kiehl. Signing no recommendation: Senators Kaufman, Cronk. The bill was referred to the Rules Committee. Introduction and Reference of Senate Resolutions SCR 22 SENATE CONCURRENT RESOLUTION NO. 22 BY THE SENATE JUDICIARY COMMITTEE, Suspending Rules 24(c), 35, 41(b), and 42(e), Uniform Rules of the Alaska State Legislature, concerning House Bill No. 239, relating to criminally negligent homicide; and relating to the duty of an operator immediately after an accident. was read the first time and held on the Secretary’s desk. 2026-05-01 Senate Journal Page 2439 SCR 23 SENATE CONCURRENT RESOLUTION NO. 23 BY THE SENATE FINANCE COMMITTEE, Suspending Rules 24(c), 35, 41(b), and 42(e), Uniform Rules of the Alaska State Legislature, concerning House Bill No. 263, making appropriations for the operating and loan program expenses of state government and for certain programs; capitalizing funds; and making supplemental appropriations. was read the first time and held on the Secretary’s desk. Consideration of the Calendar Special Order of Business Senator Giessel moved and asked unanimous consent the following Citation Calendar be made a special order of business. Without objection, it was so ordered. Citation Calendar Honoring – The 2026 House Floor Staff Representative(s) Stutes, Hall Honoring – James E. Cockrell Representative(s) Jimmie, Frier, Ruffridge Honoring – Theresa Quiner Representative(s) Jimmie Honoring – Eric Elliot Representative(s) Fields Senator(s) Tobin 2026-05-01 Senate Journal Page 2440 Honoring – Fairbanks Golden Heart Rotary Club 20 Anniversary Representative(s) Dibert, Carrick Senator(s) Kawasaki Honoring – Alaska Nanooks Women’s Volleyball Team Representative(s) Dibert, Carrick Senator(s) Kawasaki Honoring – Miley “Amisiimaq” Kakaruk Representative(s) Dibert, Frier, Jimmie Honoring – Reverend Doctor Anna Marie Frank Representative(s) Dibert Senator(s) Cronk, Kawasaki Honoring – Fairbanks North Star Borough School Board Representative(s) Dibert, Carrick Senator(s) Kawasaki Honoring – Heather Johnson Alaska Association of Secondary School Principals 2026 Principal of the Year Representative(s) Dibert, Stapp Senator(s) Kawasaki th Honoring – Fairbanks Pipeline Training Center 25 Anniversary Representative(s) Dibert, Carrick Senator(s) Kawasaki th Honoring – World Eskimo-Indian Olympics 65 Anniversary Representative(s) Dibert, Carrick Senator(s) Kawasaki th Honoring – Resurrection Lutheran Church 100 Anniversary Representative(s) Story, Hannan Senator(s) Kiehl Honoring – Jaime Bricker Representative(s) Story, Hannan Senator(s) Kiehl 2026-05-01 Senate Journal Page 2441 Honoring – Kristin Garot Representative(s) Story, Hannan Senator(s) Kiehl Honoring – ?aakal.áat Florence Marks Sheakley Representative(s) Story, Hannan Senator(s) Kiehl Honoring – South Anchorage High School Wolverines Hockey Team Representative(s) Holland Honoring – Paxson Woelber Representative(s) Holland, Fields Senator(s) Giessel Honoring – Chris Rose Representative(s) Holland, Mears Honoring – Dr. Jennifer “Jen” Schmidt Representative(s) Holland Honoring – Linda Janes Representative(s) Holland Honoring – Andy Holleman Representative(s) Holland, Frier, Galvin th Honoring – Obeidi’s Fine Art Gallery Alaska Art & Frame 50 Anniversary Representative(s) Galvin Senator(s) Gray-Jackson th Honoring – Arctic Office Products 80 Anniversary Representative(s) Galvin, Dibert Senator(s) Gray-Jackson Honoring – Christina Koch Senator(s) Dunbar, Tobin Representative(s) Frier 2026-05-01 Senate Journal Page 2442 Honoring – Pete Dickinson Senator(s) Bjorkman, Yundt Representative(s) Ruffridge Honoring – Senate Floor Staff of 2026 Senator(s) Wielechowski, Rauscher, Gray-Jackson Honoring – Melinda Taylor Senator(s) Wielechowski, Gray-Jackson, Tobin Honoring – Kristin Bartlett Representative(s) Story, Hannan Senator(s) Kiehl Honoring – 2025 Seattle Mariners Representative(s) Josephson, Hall, Mina Honoring – Dermot Cole Representative(s) Gray, Fields Senator(s) Kawasaki Honoring – Dr. Eran Hood, Dr. Jason Amundson, Aaron Jacobs, & Jamie Pierce Representative(s) Story, Hannan Senator(s) Kiehl Honoring – John Rodda Representative(s) Allard, Saddler Honoring – Arctic Winter Games 2026 Team Alaska, Eagle River Female Athletes Representative(s) Allard Honoring – Arctic Winter Games 2026 Team Alaska, Eagle River Male Athletes Representative(s) Allard Honoring – Jacob Strausbaugh Senator(s) Bjorkman Representative(s) Ruffridge 2026-05-01 Senate Journal Page 2443 Honoring – Coach Dan Marshall Senator(s) Bjorkman Representative(s) Elam Honoring – Colonel Lisa Mabbutt Representative(s) Eischeid, D. Nelson Senator(s) Tobin Honoring – Southeast Alaska Regional Health Consortium 50th Anniversary Representative(s) Himschoot Senator(s) Stedman Honoring – Heather Fincher Representative(s) Stutes Senator(s) Stevens In Memoriam – Carl S. Benson Representative(s) Dibert, Carrick Senator(s) Kawasaki In Memoriam – Joseph “Joe” William Brost Representative(s) Underwood In Memoriam – Christian Gordon Anderson Senator(s) Kawasaki Representative(s) Dibert, Frier In Memoriam – Edgar Husted Senator(s) Kawasaki Representative(s) Stapp In Memoriam – Alden Roy “Shorty” Wilbur Senator(s) Kawasaki Representative(s) Stapp, Dibert In Memoriam – Judith Karen and Andrew Jay Kleinfeld Senator(s) Kawasaki, Myers Representative(s) Dibert 2026-05-01 Senate Journal Page 2444 In Memoriam – Neville Abbott Jacobs Senator(s) Kawasaki Representative(s) Dibert In Memoriam – Pamela Jean Burlingame Senator(s) Kawasaki In Memoriam – Robert “Rob” Booth Boswell Senator(s) Kawasaki Representative(s) Prax, Dibert In Memoriam – Mary Shields Senator(s) Kawasaki Representative(s) Dibert, Stapp In Memoriam – Gwendolyn “Gwen” Marie Blackburn Senator(s) Kawasaki Representative(s) Dibert In Memoriam – Robert Charles Kinnard Jr. Senator(s) Kawasaki Representative(s) Dibert, Carrick In Memoriam – Hannah J. Solomon Senator(s) Kawasaki Representative(s) Dibert, Carrick In Memoriam – Ronald Johnson Senator(s) Kawasaki Representative(s) Dibert In Memoriam – Judy Diana Romans Senator(s) Kawasaki Representative(s) Stapp, Dibert In Memoriam – Hannah Nina “Babe” Adams Senator(s) Kawasaki Representative(s) Dibert 2026-05-01 Senate Journal Page 2445 In Memoriam – Kenneth “Ken” Assyd Senator(s) Kawasaki Representative(s) Dibert, Stapp In Memoriam – Linden Staciokas Senator(s) Kawasaki Representative(s) Stapp, Dibert In Memoriam – Tatiana Celia Kennedy Schlossberg Representative(s) Josephson In Memoriam – Clifton “Clif” Caffall Senator(s) Bjorkman Representative(s) Ruffridge In Memoriam – Peggy May Arness Senator(s) Bjorkman Representative(s) Elam 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 214 Senator Kawasaki moved and asked unanimous consent to be shown as a cross sponsor on CS FOR HOUSE BILL NO. 214(STA) "An Act relating to proof of financial responsibility for suspension for nonpayment of judgments." Without objection, it was so ordered. Announcements Announcements are at the end of the journal. 2026-05-01 Senate Journal Page 2446 Enrollment SB 40 SENATE BILL NO. 40 "An Act establishing the period between September 15 and October 15 of each year as Hispanic Heritage Month" was enrolled, signed by the President and Secretary, Speaker and Chief Clerk and the engrossed and enrolled copies transmitted to the Office of the Governor at 4:25 p.m., May 1, 2026. Adjournment Senator Giessel moved and asked unanimous consent the Senate stand in adjournment until 10:30 a.m., May 4, 2026. Without objection, the Senate adjourned at 11:07 a.m. Liz Clark Secretary of the Senate 2026-05-01 Senate Journal Page 2447 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 May 05 Tuesday Beltz 105 (tsbldg) 1:30 PM + Bills Previously Heard/Scheduled **Streamed live on AKL.tv** May 07 Thursday Beltz 105 (tsbldg) 1:30 PM + Bills Previously Heard/Scheduled **Streamed live on AKL.tv** ---------------------------------------- EDUCATION May 01 Friday Beltz 105 (tsbldg) 3:30 PM -- MEETING CANCELED -- + Consideration of Governor’s Appointees -- Public Testimony -- Bills Previously Heard/Scheduled **Streamed live on AKL.tv** May 04 Monday Beltz 105 (tsbldg) 3:30 PM + Consideration of Governor’s Appointees: Board of Education and Early Development Joy Cogburn-Smith -- Public Testimony <Time Limit May Be Set> -- + SB 257 EDUCATION FUNDING: RESIDENTIAL SCHOOLS -- Invited & Public Testimony -- Bills Previously Heard/Scheduled **Streamed live on AKL.tv** 2026-05-01 Senate Journal Page 2448 EDUCATION (continued) May 06 Wednesday Beltz 105 (tsbldg) 3:30 PM No Meeting Scheduled May 08 Friday Beltz 105 (tsbldg) 3:30 PM + Bills Previously Heard/Scheduled**Streamed live on AKL.tv** ---------------------------------------- FINANCE May 01 Friday Senate Finance 532 9:00 AM -- MEETING CANCELED -- + Bills Previously Heard/Scheduled**Streamed live on AKL.tv** May 01 Friday Senate Finance 532 1:30 PM -- MEETING CANCELED -- -- Please Note Time Change -- + Bills Previously Heard/Scheduled**Streamed live on AKL.tv** May 04 Monday Senate Finance 532 9:00 AM + SB 162 SPECIE AS LEGAL TENDER -- Invited & Public Testimony -- + SB 259 PROPERTY TAX ASSESSMENT INCREASES -- Invited & Public Testimony -- Bills Previously Heard/Scheduled **Streamed live on AKL.tv** May 04 Monday Senate Finance 532 1:30 PM -- Please Note Time Change -- += SB 208 AGRICULTURAL LAND LEASES += SB 174 INVASIVE SPECIES MANAGEMENT Consideration of Governor’s Appointees: Jana Weltzin, State Assessment Review Board Bills Previously Heard/Scheduled **Streamed live on AKL.tv** May 05 Tuesday Senate Finance 532 9:00 AM += SB 196 BEH. HEALTH CRISIS SURCHARGE & FUND += SB 251 REPEAL WORKERS' COMP APPEALS COMMISSION += HB 184 AIDEA FINANCE WORKFORCE HOUSING DEVELOP. Bills Previously Heard/Scheduled **Streamed live on AKL.tv** 2026-05-01 Senate Journal Page 2449 FINANCE (continued) May 05 Tuesday Senate Finance 532 1:30 PM -- Please Note Time Change -- + Bills Previously Heard/Scheduled **Streamed live on AKL.tv** May 06 Wednesday Senate Finance 532 9:00 AM + HB 36 FOSTER CHILDREN PSYCHIATRIC TREATMENT -- Invited & Public Testimony -- + HB 52 MINORS & PSYCHIATRIC HOSPITALS -- Invited & Public Testimony -- Bills Previously Heard/Scheduled **Streamed live on AKL.tv** May 06 Wednesday Senate Finance 532 1:30 PM -- Please Note Time Change -- + Bills Previously Heard/Scheduled **Streamed live on AKL.tv** May 07 Thursday Senate Finance 532 9:00 AM + HB 27 MEDICAL MAJOR EMERGENCIES -- Invited & Public Testimony -- + HB 133 PAYMENT OF CONTRACTS -- Invited & Public Testimony -- Bills Previously Heard/Scheduled **Streamed live on AKL.tv** May 07 Thursday Senate Finance 532 1:30 PM -- Please Note Time Change -- + Bills Previously Heard/Scheduled **Streamed live on AKL.tv** May 08 Friday Senate Finance 532 9:00 AM + Bills Previously Heard/Scheduled **Streamed live on AKL.tv** May 08 Friday Senate Finance 532 1:30 PM -- Please Note Time Change -- + Bills Previously Heard/Scheduled **Streamed live on AKL.tv** 2026-05-01 Senate Journal Page 2450 FINANCE (continued) May 09 Saturday Senate Finance 532 9:00 AM + Bills Previously Heard/Scheduled **Streamed live on AKL.tv** May 09 Saturday Senate Finance 532 1:30 PM -- Please Note Time Change -- + Bills Previously Heard/Scheduled **Streamed live on AKL.tv** ---------------------------------------- HEALTH & SOCIAL SERVICES May 05 Tuesday Butrovich 205 3:30 PM + Consideration of Governor’s Appointees: State Medical Board: Robert Skala and Hannah Mielke Bills Previously Heard/Scheduled: += HB 14 REPEAL CATASTROPHIC ILLNESS/MED ASSIST -- Public Testimony <Time Limit May Be Set> -- **Streamed live on AKL.tv** May 07 Thursday Butrovich 205 3:30 PM + Bills Previously Heard/Scheduled **Streamed live on AKL.tv** ---------------------------------------- JUDICIARY 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** May 04 Monday Butrovich 205 1:30 PM + Bills Previously Heard/Scheduled **Streamed live on AKL.tv** 2026-05-01 Senate Journal Page 2451 JUDICIARY (continued) May 06 Wednesday Butrovich 205 1:30 PM + Bills Previously Heard/Scheduled**Streamed live on AKL.tv** May 08 Friday Butrovich 205 1:30 PM + SB 225 TRUSTS; TRUST PROCEEDINGS; TRUSTEES -- Invited & Public Testimony -- Bills Previously Heard/Scheduled**Streamed live on AKL.tv** ---------------------------------------- LABOR & COMMERCE 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** May 04 Monday Beltz 105 (tsbldg) 1:30 PM += HJR 38 PUBLIC SAFETY TELECOMMUNICATORS -- Public Testimony <Time Limit May Be Set> -- += SB 234 UNIFORM FIDUCIARY INCOME & PRINCIPAL ACT -- Public Testimony <Time Limit May Be Set> -- += HB 126 REINSTATEMENT NATIVE CORP/RELIGIOUS CORP -- Public Testimony <Time Limit May Be Set> -- + HB 249 TRANSFER VEHICLE TITLE TO INSURER -- Testimony <Invitation Only> -- + SB 207 PROPERTY POSSESSION AND PROPERTY CRIMES <Pending Referral> -- Testimony <Invitation Only> -- Bills Previously Heard/Scheduled **Streamed live on AKL.tv** May 06 Wednesday Beltz 105 (tsbldg) 1:30 PM += SB 111 DIGITAL PRODUCT REPAIR + HB 110 SOCIAL WORK LICENSURE COMPACT + HB 249 TRANSFER VEHICLE TITLE TO INSURER -- Public Testimony <Time Limit May Be Set> -- + SB 250 DATA CENTERS, UTILITIES -- Testimony <Invitation Only> -- Bills Previously Heard/Scheduled **Streamed live on AKL.tv** 2026-05-01 Senate Journal Page 2452 LABOR & COMMERCE (continued) May 08 Friday Beltz 105 (tsbldg) 1:30 PM += HJR 20 HIRING OF APPRENTICES/VETERANS -- Public Testimony <Time Limit May Be Set> -- += HB 243 BARBERS & HAIRDRESSERS BD LICENSING -- Public Testimony <Time Limit May Be Set> -- + SB 194 MOBILE SPORTS WAGERING; TAX -- Testimony <Invitation Only> -- Bills Previously Heard/Scheduled **Streamed live on AKL.tv** ---------------------------------------- RESOURCES 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** May 04 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** May 05 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** May 06 Wednesday Butrovich 205 3:30 PM + HJR 44 SUPPORT NATIVE CORP BUSINESS DEVELOP PRGM -- Invited & Public Testimony -- + HB 93 RESIDENCY REQ: HUNTING, TRAPPING, FISHING -- Testimony <Invitation Only> -- + HB 79 NAMING VIC FISCHER SHOUP BAY MARINE PARK -- Testimony <Invitation Only> -- Bills Previously Heard/Scheduled **Streamed live on AKL.tv** 2026-05-01 Senate Journal Page 2453 RESOURCES (continued) May 07 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** May 08 Friday Butrovich 205 3:30 PM + Consideration of Governor’s Appointees: Big Game Commercial Services Board State Assessment Review Board Commercial Fisheries Entry Commission Board of Fish Board of Game -- Invited & Public Testimony -- Bills Previously Heard/Scheduled **Streamed live on AKL.tv** ---------------------------------------- STATE AFFAIRS May 02 Saturday Butrovich 205 10:00 AM -- Please Note Time 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** 2026-05-01 Senate Journal Page 2454 STATE AFFAIRS (continued) May 05 Tuesday Beltz 105 (tsbldg) 3:30 PM + Consideration of Governor’s Appointees: Police Standards Council -- Invited & Public Testimony -- += HB 25 DISPOSABLE FOOD SERVICE WARE -- Public Testimony <Time Limit May Be Set> -- += HB 278 ECONOMIC DEV:AK-IRELAND TRADE COMM. -- Public Testimony <Time Limit May Be Set> -- += HB 176 UNIVERSITY OF ALASKA FEES -- Public Testimony <Time Limit May Be Set> -- + HB 214 MOTOR VEHICLES; PROOF OF INSURANCE -- Invited & Public Testimony -- + SB 286 DALTON HIGHWAY TOLL Bills Previously Heard/Scheduled **Streamed live on AKL.tv** May 07 Thursday Beltz 105 (tsbldg) 3:30 PM + HB 214 MOTOR VEHICLES; PROOF OF INSURANCE -- Invited & Public Testimony -- + HB 221 ARTS AND CULTURE DAY -- Invited & Public Testimony -- += SB 204 SUB. TEACHING; SCHOOL BOARD ELIGIBILITY -- Invited & Public Testimony -- + SB 286 DALTON HIGHWAY TOLL -- Invited & Public Testimony -- Bills Previously Heard/Scheduled **Streamed live on AKL.tv** ---------------------------------------- TRANSPORTATION May 05 Tuesday Butrovich 205 1:30 PM + Consideration of Governor’s Appointees: Board of Marine Pilots + HB 217 AUTONOMOUS VEHICLES <Pending Referral> **Streamed live on AKL.tv** May 07 Thursday Butrovich 205 1:30 PM + HB 302 TRAVEL INSURANCE <Pending Referral> Bills Previously Heard/Scheduled**Streamed live on AKL.tv** 2026-05-01 Senate Journal Page 2455 JOINT COMMITTEES JOINT ARMED SERVICES COMMITTEE May 08 Friday Davis 106 8:00 AM + Presentation: Navy Region Northwest by Rear Admiral Jon Townsend - Commander of Navy Region Northwest Presentation: US Coast Guard by Rear Admiral Bob Little - Commander Arctic District Presentation: Alaskan Command by Brigadier General Matthew Komatsu - ANG Assistant to the Commander of Alaskan Command Presentation: Alaska National Guard by (Ret) Colonel Craig Christenson - Deputy Commissioner, Alaska Department of Military and Veterans Affairs -- Testimony <Invitation Only> -- Bills Previously Heard/Scheduled**Streamed live on AKL.tv** ---------------------------------------- TASK FORCE ON EDUCATION FUNDING May 06 Wednesday Davis 106 3:30 PM -- MEETING CANCELED -- -- Meeting Rescheduled from 4/29/26 -- + 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** 2026-05-01 Senate Journal Page 2456 OTHER MEETINGS JOINT SESSION May 04 Monday House Chamber 11:00 AM + Consideration of the Governor's Veto of SB 64