Legislature(2025 - 2026)
2026-05-06 Senate Journal
Full Journal pdf2026-05-06 Senate Journal Page 2481 SENATE JOURNAL ALASKA STATE LEGISLATURE THIRTY-FOURTH LEGISLATURE SECOND SESSION Juneau, Alaska Wednesday May 6, 2026 One Hundred Seventh Day Pursuant to adjournment the Senate was called to order by President Stevens at 11:01 a.m. The roll showed twenty members present. The prayer was offered by the Chaplain, Adam Bauer, Juneau Bahá'í Assembly. Senator Hoffman moved and asked unanimous consent the prayer be spread. Without objection, it was so ordered. O Thou Lord of the Kingdom! Come ye together in gladness unalloyed, and at the beginning of the meeting, recite ye this prayer: "O Thou Lord of the Kingdom! Though our bodies be gathered here together, yet our spellbound hearts are carried away by Thy love, and yet are we transported by the rays of Thy resplendent face. Weak though we be, we await the revelations of Thy might and power. Poor though we be, with neither goods nor means, still take we riches from the treasures of Thy Kingdom. Drops though we be, still do we draw from out Thy ocean deeps. Motes though we be, still do we gleam in the glory of Thy splendid Sun. O Thou our Provider! Send down Thine aid, that each one gathered here may become a lighted candle, each one a center of attraction, each one a summoner to Thy heavenly realms, till at last we make this 2026-05-06 Senate Journal Page 2482 nether world the mirror image of Thy Paradise." ‘Abdu’l-Bahá Senator Tilton led the Senate in the Pledge of Allegiance. Certification Senator Giessel moved and asked unanimous consent the journal for the one hundred fifth and one hundred sixth legislative days be approved as certified by the Secretary. Without objection, it was so ordered. Messages from the Governor SCR 19 Message dated May 5 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: 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. Legislative Resolve No. 27 Standing Committee Reports Report dated May 4 was read stating: In accordance with AS 39.05.080 the Education 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. Board of Education and Early Development Joy Cogburn-Smith 2026-05-06 Senate Journal Page 2483 Signing the report: Senator Tobin, Chair; Senators Yundt, Bjorkman, Kiehl, Stevens. Report dated May 4 was read stating: In accordance with AS 39.05.080 the Finance 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 Assessment Review Board Jana Weltzin Signing the report: Senators Hoffman, Olson, Stedman, Cochairs; Senators, Kaufman, Cronk, Merrick, Kiehl. Report dated May 5 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. State Medical Board Hannah Mielke Robert Skala Signing the report: Senator Dunbar, Chair; Senators Myers, Claman, Tobin, Giessel. Report dated May 5 was read stating: In accordance 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. Alaska Police Standards Council Michael Craig 2026-05-06 Senate Journal Page 2484 Signing the report: Senator Kawasaki, Chair; Senators Wielechowski, Gray-Jackson, Tilton, Bjorkman. SB 169 The State Affairs Committee considered SENATE BILL NO. 169 "An Act establishing the welcoming Alaska office; establishing the welcoming Alaska center; establishing the Welcoming Alaska Advisory Committee; repealing the office of citizenship assistance; and providing for an effective date" and recommended it be replaced with CS FOR SENATE BILL NO. 169(STA) "An Act establishing the welcoming Alaska office; establishing the welcoming Alaska center; establishing the Welcoming Alaska Advisory Committee; relating to the state's refugee services program; repealing the office of citizenship assistance; and providing for an effective date." Signing amend: Senator Kawasaki, Chair. Signing do pass: Senator Gray-Jackson. Signing no recommendation: Senators Wielechowski, Tilton, Bjorkman. The following fiscal information was published today: Fiscal Note No. 1, zero, Office of the Governor Fiscal Note No. 2, Department of Labor and Workforce Development The bill was referred to the Finance Committee. SB 174 The Finance Committee considered SENATE BILL NO. 174 "An Act establishing the Alaska Invasive Species Council in the Department of Fish and Game; relating to management of invasive species; and providing for an effective date." Signing do pass: Senators Olson, Hoffman, Cochairs. Signing no recommendation: Senator Stedman, Cochair; Senators Kaufman, Cronk, Merrick, Kiehl. 2026-05-06 Senate Journal Page 2485 The following previously published fiscal information applies: Fiscal Note No. 1, Department of Fish and Game The bill was referred to the Rules Committee. SB 208 The Finance Committee considered SENATE BILL NO. 208 "An Act relating to leases of state land for agricultural purposes; and providing for an effective date" and recommended the adoption of the Resources Committee Substitute offered on page 2285. Signing do pass: Senators Olson, Hoffman, Cochairs; Senator Kiehl. Signing no recommendation: Senator Stedman, Cochair; Senators Kaufman, Cronk, Merrick. The following fiscal information was published today: Fiscal Note No. 2, zero, Department of Natural Resources The bill was referred to the Rules Committee. SB 234 The Labor and Commerce Committee considered SENATE BILL NO. 234 "An Act adopting the Uniform Fiduciary Income and Principal Act; repealing the Alaska Principal and Income Act; relating to fiduciary income and principal; relating to the probate jurisdiction of court; relating to trust administration; and relating to transfers of trust interests." Signing do pass: Senator Bjorkman, Chair; Senator Gray-Jackson. Signing no recommendation: Senators Dunbar, Merrick, Yundt. The following fiscal information was published today: Fiscal Note No. 1, zero, Alaska Judiciary System The bill was referred to the Judiciary Committee. HB 14 The Health and Social Services Committee considered HOUSE BILL NO. 14 "An Act repealing programs for catastrophic illness assistance and medical assistance for chronic and acute medical conditions." 2026-05-06 Senate Journal Page 2486 Signing no recommendation: Senator Dunbar, Chair. Signing do pass: Senators Myers, Claman, Giessel, Tobin. The following fiscal information was published today: Fiscal Note No. 2, zero, Department of Health The bill was referred to the Finance Committee. HB 25 The State Affairs Committee considered 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." Signing do pass: Senator Kawasaki, Chair; Senator Gray-Jackson. Signing no recommendation: Senators Bjorkman, Tilton. The following fiscal information was published today: Fiscal Note No. 2, zero, Department of Environmental Conservation The bill was referred to the Labor and Commerce Committee. HB 176 The State Affairs Committee considered HOUSE BILL NO. 176 "An Act relating to notice of new fees and fee increases from the University of Alaska; relating to billing statements from the University of Alaska; and providing for an effective date." Signing amend: Senator Kawasaki, Chair. Signing do pass: Senators Gray-Jackson, Tilton. Signing no recommendation: Senator Bjorkman. The following previously published fiscal information applies: Fiscal Note No. 2, zero, University of Alaska The bill was referred to the Rules Committee. 2026-05-06 Senate Journal Page 2487 HJR 38 The Labor and Commerce Committee considered HOUSE JOINT RESOLUTION NO. 38 Urging the United States Congress to recognize public safety telecommunicators as first responders; and urging the United States Congress to pass the Enhancing First Response Act. Signing do pass: Senator Bjorkman, Chair; Senators Dunbar, Gray- Jackson. Signing no recommendation: Senators Merrick, Yundt. The following previously published fiscal information applies: Fiscal Note No. 1, zero, Legislative Agency The resolution was referred to the Rules Committee. HJR 45 The Education Committee considered HOUSE JOINT RESOLUTION NO. 45 Urging the United States Congress to fully fund the Individuals with Disabilities Education Act. Signing do pass: Senator Tobin, Chair; Senators Bjorkman, Stevens. 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 24 SENATE CONCURRENT RESOLUTION NO. 24 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. 184, relating to financing by the Alaska Industrial Development and Export Authority for workforce housing development projects. was read the first time and held on the Secretary’s desk. 2026-05-06 Senate Journal Page 2488 Introduction and Reference of Senate Bills SB 288 SENATE BILL NO. 288 BY THE SENATE FINANCE COMMITTEE, entitled: "An Act relating to loans made from the bulk fuel loan account; and providing for an effective date." was read the first time and referred to the Finance Committee. Consideration of the Calendar Second Reading of House Bills HB 263 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" was read the second time. Senator Hoffman, Cochair, moved and asked unanimous consent for the adoption of the Finance Senate Committee Substitute offered on page 2437. Without objection, 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" was adopted. President Stevens stated SENATE CS FOR CS FOR HOUSE BILL NO. 263(FIN) will advance to third reading on the May 7 calendar. HB 265 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" was read the second time. 2026-05-06 Senate Journal Page 2489 Senator Hoffman, Cochair, moved and asked unanimous consent for the adoption of the Finance Senate Committee Substitute offered on page 2438. Without objection, SENATE CS FOR CS FOR HOUSE BILL NO. 265(FIN) was adopted. President Stevens stated SENATE CS FOR CS FOR HOUSE BILL NO. 265(FIN) will advance to third reading on the May 7 calendar. Third Reading of Senate Bills SB 200 CS FOR SENATE BILL NO. 200(RES) "An Act relating to municipal assessments of farm or agricultural land; and providing for an effective date" was read the third time. Senator Giessel moved the bill be returned to second reading for the purpose of a specific amendment, that being Amendment No. 1. Without objection, the bill was returned to second reading. Senator Giessel offered Amendment No. 1 : Page 1, line 4, through page 2, line 3: Delete all material. Page 2, line 4: Delete "Sec. 2" Insert "Section 1" Renumber the following bill sections accordingly. Page 2, lines 21 - 25: Delete all material. Renumber the following bill sections accordingly. Page 2, lines 27 - 29: Delete "[THIS SECTION DOES NOT APPLY TO LAND FOR WHICH THE OWNER HAS GRANTED, AND HAS OUTSTANDING, A LEASE OR OPTION TO BUY THE SURFACE RIGHTS.]" 2026-05-06 Senate Journal Page 2490 Insert "This section does not apply to land for which the owner has granted, and has outstanding, a lease or option to buy the surface rights." Page 3, lines 15 - 21: Delete all material and insert: "(A) the use of land for profit for raising and harvesting crops, for the feeding, breeding, and management of livestock, for dairying, or for another agricultural use, or any combination of those uses; for land to be farm use land, the owner or lessee of the land must be actively engaged in farming the land and derive at least $2,500 of yearly gross income from the land [THE PRODUCTION OF CROPS, FRUITS, OR OTHER AGRICULTURAL PRODUCTS FOR HUMAN OR ANIMAL CONSUMPTION OR FOR THE SUSTENANCE OR GRAZING OF LIVESTOCK IF THE OWNER OR LESSEE SELLS AT LEAST $2,500 OF AGRICULTURAL PRODUCTS PRODUCED FROM THE LAND DURING THE TAX YEAR AND FILES AN INTERNAL REVENUE SERVICE SCHEDULE F (FORM 1040) WITH THE UNITED STATES INTERNAL REVENUE SERVICE];" Page 4, lines 2 - 14: Delete all material. Renumber the following bill section accordingly. Senator Giessel moved for the adoption of Amendment No. 1. Senator Dunbar objected. The question being: "Shall Amendment No. 1 be adopted?" The roll was taken with the following result: CSSB 200(RES) Second Reading Amendment No. 1? 2026-05-06 Senate Journal Page 2491 YEAS: 15 NAYS: 5 EXCUSED: 0 ABSENT: 0 Yeas: Bjorkman, Claman, Cronk, Giessel, Gray-Jackson, Hoffman, Kaufman, Kiehl, Merrick, Myers, Rauscher, Stedman, Stevens, Tilton, Yundt Nays: Dunbar, Kawasaki, Olson, Tobin, Wielechowski and so, Amendment No. 1 was adopted. CS FOR SENATE BILL NO. 200(RES) am was automatically in third reading. The question being: "Shall CS FOR SENATE BILL NO. 200(RES) am "An Act relating to municipal assessments of farm or agricultural land; and providing for an effective date" pass the Senate?" The roll was taken with the following result: CSSB 200(RES) am Third Reading - Final Passage Effective Date(s) YEAS: 18 NAYS: 2 EXCUSED: 0 ABSENT: 0 Yeas: Bjorkman, Claman, Cronk, Giessel, Gray-Jackson, Hoffman, Kaufman, Kawasaki, Kiehl, Merrick, Myers, Olson, Rauscher, Stedman, Stevens, Tilton, Tobin, Yundt Nays: Dunbar, Wielechowski and so, CS FOR SENATE BILL NO. 200(RES) am passed the Senate. Senator Giessel moved and asked unanimous consent the vote on the passage of the bill be considered the vote on the effective date clause. Without objection, it was so ordered and the bill was referred to the Secretary for engrossment. Third Reading of House Bills HB 48 HOUSE BILL NO. 48 "An Act relating to appropriations to the civil legal services fund" was read the third time. 2026-05-06 Senate Journal Page 2492 The question being: "Shall HOUSE BILL NO. 48 "An Act relating to appropriations to the civil legal services fund" pass the Senate?" The roll was taken with the following result: HB 48 Third Reading - Final Passage YEAS: 17 NAYS: 3 EXCUSED: 0 ABSENT: 0 Yeas: Bjorkman, Claman, Cronk, Dunbar, Giessel, Gray-Jackson, Hoffman, Kaufman, Kawasaki, Kiehl, Merrick, Myers, Olson, Stevens, Tobin, Wielechowski, Yundt Nays: Rauscher, Stedman, Tilton and so, HOUSE BILL NO. 48 passed the Senate, was signed by the President and Secretary and returned to the House. Citations Honoring – Dick Randolph Senator(s) Myers Representative(s) Stapp, Prax Senator Giessel moved and asked unanimous consent the citation be adopted. Without objection, the citation was adopted and referred to the Secretary for transmittal. Unfinished Business Senator Giessel moved and asked unanimous consent to be excused from a call of the Senate from morning plane time, May 30 through evening plane time, June 3. Without objection, Senator Giessel was excused. Senator Giessel moved and asked unanimous consent President Stevens be excused from a call of the Senate from morning plane time, May 30 through evening plane time, June 3. Without objection, Senator Stevens was excused. 2026-05-06 Senate Journal Page 2493 Senator Giessel moved and asked unanimous consent Senator Olson be excused from a call of the Senate from afternoon plane time, May 7 through evening plane time, May 8. Without objection, Senator Olson was excused. HB 126 Senators Gray-Jackson, Giessel, Claman, Cronk, Merrick, Stevens moved and asked unanimous consent to be shown as cross sponsors on CS FOR HOUSE BILL NO. 126(TRB) am "An Act relating to the reinstatement of Native village corporations; relating to the reinstatement of nonprofit corporations organized for a religious purpose and religious corporations; and providing for an effective date." Without objection, it was so ordered. HB 36 Senators Merrick, Kawasaki, Giessel, Gray-Jackson, Stedman, Dunbar, Claman moved and asked unanimous consent to be shown as cross sponsors on HOUSE BILL NO. 36 "An Act relating to the placement of foster children in psychiatric hospitals; relating to the care of children in state custody placed in residential facilities outside the state; and amending Rule 12.1(b), Alaska Child in Need of Aid Rules of Procedure." Without objection, it was so ordered. HB 52 Senators Merrick, Giessel, Gray-Jackson, Claman, Stedman, Kawasaki, Dunbar moved and asked unanimous consent to be shown as cross sponsors on CS FOR HOUSE BILL NO. 52(HSS) am "An Act relating to the rights of minors undergoing evaluation or inpatient treatment at psychiatric hospitals; relating to the use of seclusion or restraint of minors at psychiatric hospitals; relating to a report published by the Department of Health; relating to inspections by the Department of Health of certain psychiatric hospitals; and providing for an effective date." Without objection, it was so ordered. Senator Hoffman moved and asked unanimous consent to be excused from a call of the Senate from May 21 through May 31. Without objection, Senator Hoffman was excused. 2026-05-06 Senate Journal Page 2494 Announcements Announcements are at the end of the journal. Engrossment SB 200 CS FOR SENATE BILL NO. 200(RES) am "An Act relating to municipal assessments of farm or agricultural land; 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 10:30 a.m., May 7, 2026. Without objection, the Senate adjourned at 12:02 p.m. Liz Clark Secretary of the Senate 2026-05-06 Senate Journal Page 2495 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 07 Thursday Beltz 105 (tsbldg) 1:30 PM + Bills Previously Heard/Scheduled: += SB 268 SICK LEAVE EXEMPTION: FISH PROCESSORS -- Public Testimony -- **Streamed live on AKL.tv** ---------------------------------------- EDUCATION 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 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**