Legislature(2025 - 2026)
2026-05-14 Senate Journal
Full Journal pdf2026-05-14 Senate Journal Page 2635 SENATE JOURNAL ALASKA STATE LEGISLATURE THIRTY-FOURTH LEGISLATURE SECOND SESSION Juneau, Alaska Thursday May 14, 2026 One Hundred Fifteenth Day Pursuant to adjournment the Senate was called to order by President Stevens at 10:31 a.m. The roll showed twenty members present. The prayer was offered by the Chaplain, Pastor Mark Holman, Resurrection Lutheran Church. Senator Hoffman moved and asked unanimous consent the prayer be spread. Without objection, it was so ordered. Good and gracious God, surround us with the beauty and richness of your creation. From the oceans, rivers, and streams…. for the life therein that brings work, trade, sport, and nourishment… I thank you… and praise you. O God of wisdom, THESE DAYS… grant to your elected leaders, your Spirit’s gifts of discernment, compassion, and justice. May these hallowed walls secure a place for: honest debate, fair judgement, deepened relationships, And JOY in your service. Bless our leaders… and all they serve. Amen, Let it be so. Senator Cronk led the Senate in the Pledge of Allegiance. 2026-05-14 Senate Journal Page 2636 Certification Senator Giessel moved and asked unanimous consent the journal for the one hundred fourteenth legislative day, Senate Journal Supplement No. 11 and Senate and House Joint Journal Supplement No. 19 be approved as certified by the Secretary. Without objection, it was so ordered. Messages from the House Message dated May 13 was read stating the House passed and transmitted for consideration: First Reading and Reference of House Bills HB 202 CS FOR HOUSE BILL NO. 202(STA) BY THE HOUSE STATE AFFAIRS COMMITTEE, entitled: "An Act designating the O-S Cross cabbage, commonly known as 'giant green cabbage,' as the official state vegetable; and providing for an effective date." was read the first time and referred to the State Affairs Committee. HB 261 CS FOR HOUSE BILL NO. 261(FIN) am BY THE HOUSE FINANCE COMMITTEE, entitled: "An Act relating to education funding; providing for an effective date by amending the effective date of secs. 10, 11, 13, and 15, ch. 5, SLA 2025; and providing for an effective date." was read the first time and referred to the Education and Finance Committees. 2026-05-14 Senate Journal Page 2637 HB 388 CS FOR HOUSE BILL NO. 388(FIN) BY THE HOUSE 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. Concur Messages SB 86 Message dated May 13 was read stating the House passed and returned for consideration CS FOR SENATE BILL NO. 86(FIN) "An Act relating to the business of money transmission; relating to licenses for money transmission, licensure requirements, and registration through a nationwide multistate licensing system; relating to the use of virtual currency for money transmission; relating to authorized delegates of a licensee; relating to acquisition of control of a license; relating to record retention and reporting requirements; authorizing the Department of Commerce, Community, and Economic Development to cooperate with other states in the regulation of money transmission; relating to permissible investments; relating to violations and enforcement of money transmission laws; relating to exemptions to money transmission licensure requirements; relating to payroll processing services; relating to currency exchange licenses; amending Rules 79 and 82, Alaska Rules of Civil Procedure; and providing for an effective date" with the following amendment: HOUSE CS FOR CS FOR SENATE BILL NO. 86(FIN) "An Act relating to the business of money transmission; relating to licenses for money transmission, licensure requirements, and registration through a nationwide multistate licensing system; relating to the use of virtual currency for money transmission; relating to authorized delegates of a licensee; relating to acquisition of control of a license; relating to record retention and reporting requirements; authorizing the Department of Commerce, Community, and Economic Development 2026-05-14 Senate Journal Page 2638 to cooperate with other states in the regulation of money transmission; relating to permissible investments; relating to violations and enforcement of money transmission laws; relating to exemptions to money transmission licensure requirements; relating to payroll processing services; relating to currency exchange licenses; relating to abandoned virtual currency; amending Rules 79 and 82, Alaska Rules of Civil Procedure; and providing for an effective date." (Title Change HCR 17) Standing Committee Reports Report dated May 13 was read stating: In accordance with AS 39.05.080 the Judiciary 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 Judicial Council Mike Miller Signing the report: Senator Claman, Chair; Senators Stevens, Tobin, Tilton, Kiehl. Report dated May 13 was read stating: In accordance with AS 39.05.080 the Labor and Commerce 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 Massage Therapists Carone Cobden 2026-05-14 Senate Journal Page 2639 Real Estate Commission Elise Buchholz Board of Social Work Examiners Judy Kendall Signing the report: Senator Bjorkman, Chair; Senators Dunbar, Merrick, Gray-Jackson, Yundt. SB 55 The Finance Committee considered SENATE BILL NO. 55 "An Act relating to employer contributions in the teachers' retirement system; relating to supplemental employee benefits; and providing for an effective date" and recommended it be replaced with CS FOR SENATE BILL NO. 55(FIN) "An Act relating to supplemental employee benefits; and providing for an effective date." Signing do pass: Senators Olson, Stedman, Hoffman, Cochairs; Senators Kaufman, Cronk. Signing no recommendation: Senators Merrick, Kiehl. The following fiscal information was published today: Fiscal Note No. 2, zero, Department of Administration Fiscal Note No. 3, Department of Administration The bill was referred to the Rules Committee. SB 250 The Labor and Commerce Committee considered SENATE BILL NO. 250 "An Act relating to data centers; and relating to utility service for data centers" and recommended the adoption of the Community and Regional Affairs Committee Substitute offered on page 2320. Signing no recommendation: Senator Bjorkman, Chair; Senators Merrick, Yundt. Signing do pass: Senator Gray-Jackson. 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. 2026-05-14 Senate Journal Page 2640 HB 117 The Resources Committee considered CS FOR HOUSE BILL NO. 117(RES) "An Act relating to commercial set gillnet fishing; and providing for an effective date" and recommended it be replaced with SENATE CS FOR CS FOR HOUSE BILL NO. 117(RES) "An Act relating to electronic monitoring of fishing vessels using trawl gear in a finfish fishery; relating to administrative areas for regulation of certain commercial set net entry permits; and providing for an effective date." (Title Change SCR 29) Signing do pass: Senator Giessel, Chair; Senators Dunbar, Claman, Wielechowski. Signing no recommendation: Senators Rauscher, Myers. Signing amend: Senator Kawasaki. The following fiscal information was published today: Fiscal Note No. 5, zero, Department of Fish and Game Fiscal Note No. 6, zero, Department of Fish and Game Fiscal Note No. 7, zero, Department of Public Safety The bill was referred to the Rules Committee. HB 244 The Labor and Commerce Committee considered HOUSE BILL NO. 244 "An Act relating to certified nurse aide training; and providing for an effective date." Signing do pass: Senator Bjorkman, Chair; Senators Dunbar, Merrick, 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. 2026-05-14 Senate Journal Page 2641 HB 302 The Transportation Committee considered CS FOR HOUSE BILL NO. 302(L&C) "An Act relating to travel insurance; and providing for an effective date" and recommended it be replaced with SENATE CS FOR CS FOR HOUSE BILL NO. 302(TRA) "An Act relating to travel insurance; relating to the business of insurance; relating to exceptions to prohibited rebates; relating to the powers of the director of the division of insurance; relating to prohibited practices in the advertisement of insurance; and providing for an effective date." (Title Change SCR 28) Signing do pass: Senator Bjorkman, Chair; Senator Kiehl. Signing no recommendation: Senators Stedman, Tobin. The following fiscal information was published today: Fiscal Note No. 2, zero, Department of Commerce, Community, and Economic Development The bill was referred to the Rules Committee. Introduction and Reference of Senate Resolutions SCR 29 SENATE CONCURRENT RESOLUTION NO. 29 BY THE SENATE RESOURCES COMMITTEE, Suspending Rules 24(c), 35, 41(b), and 42(e), Uniform Rules of the Alaska State Legislature, concerning House Bill No. 117, relating to commercial set gillnet fishing. was read the first time and held on the Secretary’s desk. 2026-05-14 Senate Journal Page 2642 Consideration of the Calendar Second Reading of House Bills HB 10 HOUSE BILL NO. 10 am(efd add) "An Act relating to the Board of Regents of the University of Alaska; 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 2537. Without objection, SENATE CS FOR HOUSE BILL NO. 10(FIN) was adopted. President Stevens stated SENATE CS FOR HOUSE BILL NO. 10(FIN) will advance to third reading on the May 15 calendar. HB 93 HOUSE BILL NO. 93 "An Act changing the residency requirements for hunting, trapping, and sport fishing privileges; and providing for an effective date" was read the second time. Senator Claman, Chair, moved and asked unanimous consent for the adoption of the Judiciary Senate Committee Substitute offered on page 2073. Without objection, SENATE CS FOR HOUSE BILL NO. 93(JUD) was adopted. President Stevens stated SENATE CS FOR HOUSE BILL NO. 93(JUD) will advance to third reading on the May 15 calendar. HB 184 CS FOR HOUSE BILL NO. 184(CRA) "An Act relating to financing by the Alaska Industrial Development and Export Authority for workforce housing development projects" 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 2621. Without objection, SENATE CS FOR CS FOR HOUSE BILL NO. 184(FIN) "An Act relating to financing by the Alaska Industrial Development and Export Authority for workforce housing 2026-05-14 Senate Journal Page 2643 development projects; relating to a mandatory exemption from municipal property taxes for certain assets of the Alaska Industrial Development and Export Authority; and providing for an effective date by repealing the effective date of sec. 2, ch. 64, SLA 2018" was adopted. President Stevens stated SENATE CS FOR CS FOR HOUSE BILL NO. 184(FIN) will advance to third reading on the May 15 calendar. HB 216 HOUSE BILL NO. 216 "An Act approving the transfer of land owned by the Alaska Railroad Corporation to the City of Whittier; and providing for an effective date" was read the second time. Senator Merrick, Chair, moved and asked unanimous consent for the adoption of the Community and Regional Affairs Senate Committee Substitute offered on page 2622. Without objection, SENATE CS FOR HOUSE BILL NO. 216(CRA) was adopted. President Stevens stated SENATE CS FOR HOUSE BILL NO. 216(CRA) will advance to third reading on the May 15 calendar. HB 221 CS FOR HOUSE BILL NO. 221(STA) "An Act establishing the first Friday of every October as Alaska Arts and Culture Day; and providing for an effective date" was read the second time. President Stevens stated CS FOR HOUSE BILL NO. 221(STA) will advance to third reading on the May 15 calendar. HB 314 HOUSE BILL NO. 314 am "An Act relating to registered interior designers and interior design; relating to project costs for the construction, enlargement, or improvement of airports; extending the termination date of the State Board of Registration for Architects, Engineers, and Land Surveyors; relating to the State Board of Registration for Architects, Engineers, and Land Surveyors; establishing requirements for the practice of registered interior design; relating to the practice of architecture, engineering, land surveying, landscape architecture, and registered interior design; relating to the 2026-05-14 Senate Journal Page 2644 scope of the certification requirements for architects, engineers, land surveyors, landscape architects, and registered interior designers; relating to immunity for design professionals; relating to the cost of construction for recreation centers; relating to liens for labor or materials furnished; relating to the procurement of landscape architectural and interior design services; relating to the cost of construction of safe water and hygienic sewage disposal facilities in villages; and providing for an effective date" was read the second time. President Stevens stated HOUSE BILL NO. 314 am will advance to third reading on the May 15 calendar. Citations Honoring – Food Bank of Alaska Thanksgiving Blessing Senator(s) Wielechowski Representative(s) Hall Honoring – Kristy Tibbles Representative(s) Schwanke, Tomaszewski In Memoriam – Ralph James Hulbert Representative(s) Johnson In Memoriam – Larry Dale Evans Senator(s) Wielechowski Representative(s) Mears In Memoriam – Betty Jean Maynard Representative(s) Moore Senator Giessel moved and asked unanimous consent the citations be adopted. Without objection, the citations were adopted and referred to the Secretary for transmittal. Unfinished Business HJR 28 Senators Yundt, Bjorkman, Cronk moved and asked unanimous consent to be shown as cross sponsors on HOUSE JOINT RESOLUTION NO. 28 Calling on the United States Congress to pass the Kids Online Safety Act. Without objection, it was so ordered. 2026-05-14 Senate Journal Page 2645 HB 202 Senators Rauscher, Tilton moved and asked unanimous consent to be shown as cross sponsors on CS FOR HOUSE BILL NO. 202(STA) "An Act designating the O-S Cross cabbage, commonly known as 'giant green cabbage,' as the official state vegetable; and providing for an effective date." Without objection, it was so ordered. HB 216 Senators Giessel, Dunbar, Yundt, Claman moved and asked unanimous consent to be shown as cross sponsors on HOUSE BILL NO. 216 "An Act approving the transfer of land owned by the Alaska Railroad Corporation to the City of Whittier; and providing for an effective date." Without objection, it was so ordered. HB 93 Senator Giessel moved and asked unanimous consent to be shown as a cross sponsor on HOUSE BILL NO. 93 "An Act changing the residency requirements for hunting, trapping, and sport fishing privileges; and providing for an effective date." Without objection, it was so ordered. HB 10 Senator Wielechowski moved and asked unanimous consent to be shown as a cross sponsor on HOUSE BILL NO. 10 am(efd add) "An Act relating to the Board of Regents of the University of Alaska; and providing for an effective date." Without objection, it was so ordered. HB 221 Senator Claman moved and asked unanimous consent to be shown as a cross sponsor on CS FOR HOUSE BILL NO. 221(STA) "An Act establishing the first Friday of every October as Alaska Arts and Culture Day; and providing for an effective date." Without objection, it was so ordered. HB 314 Senator Claman moved and asked unanimous consent to be shown as a cross sponsor on HOUSE BILL NO. 314 am "An Act relating to registered interior designers and interior design; relating to project costs for the construction, enlargement, or improvement of airports; extending the termination date of the State Board of Registration for Architects, Engineers, and Land Surveyors; relating to the State Board of Registration for Architects, Engineers, and Land Surveyors; 2026-05-14 Senate Journal Page 2646 establishing requirements for the practice of registered interior design; relating to the practice of architecture, engineering, land surveying, landscape architecture, and registered interior design; relating to the scope of the certification requirements for architects, engineers, land surveyors, landscape architects, and registered interior designers; relating to immunity for design professionals; relating to the cost of construction for recreation centers; relating to liens for labor or materials furnished; relating to the procurement of landscape architectural and interior design services; relating to the cost of construction of safe water and hygienic sewage disposal facilities in villages; and providing for an effective date." Without objection, it was so ordered. Recess Senator Giessel moved and asked unanimous consent the Senate stand in recess to the Joint Session. Without objection, the Senate recessed at 10:53 a.m. After Recess Joint Session in the House The consideration of the Governor’s appointments in Joint Session will be published in House and Senate Joint Journal Supplement No. 20. After Recess In the Senate The Senate reconvened at 1:22 p.m. Announcements Rule 23(d) of the Alaska State Legislature Uniform Rules is currently in effect. Announcements are at the end of the journal. 2026-05-14 Senate Journal Page 2647 Adjournment Senator Giessel moved and asked unanimous consent the Senate stand in adjournment until 10:30 a.m., May 15, 2026. Without objection, the Senate adjourned at 1:22 p.m. Liz Clark Secretary of the Senate 2026-05-14 Senate Journal Page 2648 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 14 Thursday Beltz 105 (tsbldg) 1:30 PM -- MEETING CANCELED -- + Bills Previously Heard/Scheduled **Streamed live on AKL.tv** ---------------------------------------- EDUCATION May 15 Friday Beltz 105 (tsbldg) 3:30 PM + HJR 28 SUPPORT KIDS ONLINE SAFETY ACT -- Invited & Public Testimony -- + HB 261 EDUCATION FUNDING -- Invited & Public Testimony -- + Bills Previously Heard/Scheduled **Streamed live on AKL.tv** May 18 Monday Beltz 105 (tsbldg) 3:30 PM + Bills Previously Heard/Scheduled **Streamed live on AKL.tv** May 20 Wednesday Beltz 105 (tsbldg) 3:30 PM + Bills Previously Heard/Scheduled **Streamed live on AKL.tv** ---------------------------------------- 2026-05-14 Senate Journal Page 2649 FINANCE May 14 Thursday Senate Finance 532 9:00 AM += SB 227 TAX COMPACT; SALES TAX; OIL & GAS TAX -- Testimony <Invitation Only> -- += HB 280 APPORTION TAXABLE INCOME -- Testimony <Invitation Only> -- Bills Previously Heard/Scheduled **Streamed live on AKL.tv** May 14 Thursday Senate Finance 532 1:30 PM -- Please Note Time Change -- + SB 288 BULK FUEL LOAN CAP -- Testimony <Invitation Only> -- + HB 388 BULK FUEL LOAN CAP -- Testimony <Invitation Only> -- Bills Previously Heard/Scheduled **Streamed live on AKL.tv** May 15 Friday Senate Finance 532 9:00 AM + Bills Previously Heard/Scheduled **Streamed live on AKL.tv** May 15 Friday Senate Finance 532 1:30 PM -- Please Note Time Change -- + Bills Previously Heard/Scheduled **Streamed live on AKL.tv** May 16 Saturday Senate Finance 532 9:00 AM -- Please Note Time Change -- + Bills Previously Heard/Scheduled **Streamed live on AKL.tv** ---------------------------------------- HEALTH & SOCIAL SERVICES May 14 Thursday Butrovich 205 3:30 PM No Meeting Scheduled ---------------------------------------- 2026-05-14 Senate Journal Page 2650 JUDICIARY May 15 Friday Butrovich 205 1:30 PM + Bills Previously Heard/Scheduled **Streamed live on AKL.tv** May 18 Monday Butrovich 205 1:30 PM + Bills Previously Heard/Scheduled **Streamed live on AKL.tv** May 20 Wednesday Butrovich 205 1:30 PM No Meeting Scheduled ---------------------------------------- LABOR & COMMERCE May 15 Friday Beltz 105 (tsbldg) 1:30 PM + SB 268 SICK LEAVE EXEMPTION: FISH PROCESSORS -- Testimony <Invitation Only> -- + SB 283 MINIMUM NURSING STAFF LEVELS IN HOSPITALS -- Testimony <Invitation Only> -- Bills Previously Heard/Scheduled: += HB 363 ALCOHOL: PATRIOTIC ORGS; CLUB LICENSES -- Public Testimony -- += HB 50 SNOW CLASSICS -- Public Testimony -- **Streamed live on AKL.tv** ---------------------------------------- RESOURCES May 14 Thursday Butrovich 205 9:00 AM -- MEETING CANCELED -- -- Please Note Time Change -- += SB 280 OIL & GAS PROPERTY TAX; MUNI TAX -- Invited & Public Testimony -- Bills Previously Heard/Scheduled **Streamed live on AKL.tv** May 14 Thursday Butrovich 205 3:30 PM + Bills Previously Heard/Scheduled: += SB 280 OIL & GAS PROPERTY TAX; MUNI TAX **Streamed live on AKL.tv** 2026-05-14 Senate Journal Page 2651 RESOURCES (continued) May 15 Friday Butrovich 205 9:00 AM -- Please Note Time Change -- + Bills Previously Heard/Scheduled: += SB 280 OIL & GAS PROPERTY TAX; MUNI TAX **Streamed live on AKL.tv** May 15 Friday Butrovich 205 3:30 PM + SR 5 SUPPORTING STATE AGRICULTURE/FARMLAND <Bill Hearing Canceled> + Bills Previously Heard/Scheduled: += SB 280 OIL & GAS PROPERTY TAX; MUNI TAX **Streamed live on AKL.tv** May 16 Saturday Butrovich 205 9:00 AM -- Please Note Time Change -- += SB 280 OIL & GAS PROPERTY TAX; MUNI TAX Bills Previously Heard/Scheduled **Streamed live on AKL.tv** May 16 Saturday Butrovich 205 3:30 PM += SB 280 OIL & GAS PROPERTY TAX; MUNI TAX Bills Previously Heard/Scheduled **Streamed live on AKL.tv** May 18 Monday Butrovich 205 9:00 AM -- Please Note Time Change -- += SB 280 OIL & GAS PROPERTY TAX; MUNI TAX Bills Previously Heard/Scheduled **Streamed live on AKL.tv** May 18 Monday Butrovich 205 3:30 PM += SB 280 OIL & GAS PROPERTY TAX; MUNI TAX Bills Previously Heard/Scheduled **Streamed live on AKL.tv** ---------------------------------------- 2026-05-14 Senate Journal Page 2652 STATE AFFAIRS May 14 Thursday Beltz 105 (tsbldg) 3:30 PM + HB 202 NAME STATE VEGETABLE GIANT CABBAGE + HB 217 AUTONOMOUS VEHICLES; COMM. DRIVER LIC. Bills Previously Heard/Scheduled **Streamed live on AKL.tv** ---------------------------------------- TRANSPORTATION May 14 Thursday Butrovich 205 1:30 PM -- MEETING CANCELED -- + Bills Previously Heard/Scheduled **Streamed live on AKL.tv** May 19 Tuesday Butrovich 205 1:30 PM + Bills Previously Heard/Scheduled **Streamed live on AKL.tv** ---------------------------------------- OTHER MEETINGS JOINT SESSION May 14 Thursday House Chamber 11:00 AM + Consideration of Governor's Appointments to Boards & Commissions