Legislature(2025 - 2026)

2026-05-18 Senate Journal

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2026-05-18                     Senate Journal                      Page 2745
                                                                                                                                
                                SENATE JOURNAL                                                                               
                                                                                                                                
                           ALASKA STATE LEGISLATURE                                                                          
                                                                                                                                
                          THIRTY-FOURTH LEGISLATURE                                                                          
                                                                                                                                
                                SECOND SESSION                                                                               
                                                                                                                                
Juneau, Alaska                     Monday                      May 18, 2026                                                   
                                                                                                                                
                          One Hundred Nineteenth Day                                                                         
                                                                                                                                
                                                                                                                                
Pursuant to adjournment the Senate was called to order by President                                                             
Stevens at 11:37 a.m.                                                                                                           
                                                                                                                                
The roll showed twenty members present.                                                                                         
                                                                                                                                
The prayer was offered by the Chaplain, Father Maxim Gibson, St.                                                                
Nicholas Russian Orthodox Church. Senator Hoffman moved and                                                                     
asked unanimous consent the prayer be spread. Without objection, it                                                             
was so ordered.                                                                                                                 
                                                                                                                                
          Let us pray to the Lord: Lord, have mercy.                                                                            
                                                                                                                                
          O Lord Jesus Christ, my God, accept my fervent                                                                        
          supplication and bless the good intent and work of                                                                    
          Thy servants, that they may begin favorably, and may                                                                
          complete it unto Thy glory without any obstacle.  Do                                                                  
          Thou assist those working and direct the work of                                                                    
          their hands, and cause it to be brought speedily to                                                                   
          completion by the power of Thy Most Holy Spirit,                                                                      
          For Thine it is to be merciful and to save me, O our                                                                
          God, and unto Thee do I send up glory, together with                                                                  
          Thy Father Who is without beginning, and Thy Most                                                                     
          Holy, Good and Life-giving Spirit, now and ever, and                                                                  
     unto the ages of ages.                                         Amen.                                                      
                                                                                                                                
Senator Hoffman led the Senate in the Pledge of Allegiance.                                                                     
                                                                                                                                
                                                                                                                                

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                                Certification                                                                                
                                                                                                                                
Senator Giessel moved and asked unanimous consent the journal for                                                               
the one hundred eighteenth legislative day be approved as certified by                                                          
the Secretary. Without objection, it was so ordered.                                                                            
                                                                                                                                
                                                                                                                                
                           Messages from the House                                                                           
                                                                                                                                
SCR 10                                                                                                                        
Message dated May 17 was read stating the House passed and                                                                      
returned:                                                                                                                       
                                                                                                                                
          SENATE CONCURRENT RESOLUTION NO. 10                                                                                   
          Suspending Rules 24(c), 35, 41(b), and 42(e),                                                                         
          Uniform Rules of the Alaska State Legislature,                                                                        
          concerning House Bill No. 36, 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.                                                                                                   
                                                                                                                                
The resolution was referred to the Secretary for enrollment.                                                                    
                                                                                                                                
SCR 29                                                                                                                        
Message dated May 17 was read stating the House passed and                                                                      
returned:                                                                                                                       
                                                                                                                                
          SENATE CONCURRENT RESOLUTION NO. 29                                                                                   
          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.                                                                                       
                                                                                                                                
The resolution was referred to the Secretary for enrollment.                                                                    
                                                                                                                                
                                                                                                                                
                                                                                                                                

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SB 130                                                                                                                        
Message dated May 17 was read stating the House passed and                                                                      
returned:                                                                                                                       
                                                                                                                                
          CS FOR SENATE BILL NO. 130(FIN) "An Act                                                                               
          relating to the fisheries product development tax                                                                     
          credit; providing for an effective date by amending                                                                   
          the effective date of sec. 2, ch. 31, SLA 2022; and                                                                   
          providing for an effective date."                                                                                     
                                                                                                                                
The bill was referred to the Secretary for enrollment.                                                                          
                                                                                                                                
SB 178                                                                                                                        
Message dated May 17 was read stating the House passed and                                                                      
returned:                                                                                                                       
                                                                                                                                
          CS FOR SENATE BILL NO. 178(FIN) "An Act                                                                               
          relating to early intervention services for certain                                                                   
          children; relating to optional services under the                                                                     
          medical assistance program; and providing for an                                                                      
          effective date."                                                                                                      
                                                                                                                                
The bill was referred to the Secretary for enrollment.                                                                          
                                                                                                                                
HB 36                                                                                                                         
Message dated May 17 was read stating the House concurred in the                                                                
Senate amendment to 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" thus adopting:                                                                                              
                                                                                                                                
          SENATE CS FOR HOUSE BILL NO. 36(FIN) "An                                                                              
          Act relating to treatment foster homes; relating to the                                                               
          placement of foster children in hospitals and                                                                         
          residential psychiatric treatment centers for                                                                         
          psychiatric care; relating to the duties of the                                                                       
          Department of Family and Community Services;                                                                          
          relating to the care of children in state custody placed                                                              

2026-05-18                     Senate Journal                      Page 2748
          in psychiatric residential treatment facilities outside                                                               
          the state; amending Rule 12.1(b), Alaska Child in                                                                     
          Need of Aid Rules of Procedure; and providing for an                                                                  
          effective date."                                                                                                      
                                                                                                                                
HB 52                                                                                                                         
Message dated May 17 was read stating the House concurred in the                                                                
Senate amendment to CS FOR HOUSE BILL NO. 52(HSS), thus                                                                         
adopting:                                                                                                                       
                                                                                                                                
          SENATE CS FOR CS FOR HOUSE BILL                                                                                       
          NO. 52(FIN) "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."                                                                                                      
                                                                                                                                
HB 93                                                                                                                         
Message dated May 17 was read stating the House concurred in the                                                                
Senate amendment to HOUSE BILL NO. 93, thus adopting:                                                                           
                                                                                                                                
          SENATE CS FOR HOUSE BILL NO. 93(JUD) "An                                                                              
          Act changing the residency requirements for hunting,                                                                  
          trapping, and sport fishing privileges; and providing                                                                 
          for an effective date."                                                                                               
                                                                                                                                
HB 117                                                                                                                        
Message dated May 17 was read stating the House concurred in the                                                                
Senate amendment to CS FOR HOUSE BILL NO. 117(RES) "An Act                                                                      
relating to commercial set gillnet fishing; and providing for an                                                                
effective date" thus adopting:                                                                                                  
                                                                                                                                
          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."                                                                        

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HB 176                                                                                                                        
Message dated May 17 was read stating the House concurred in the                                                                
Senate amendment to HOUSE BILL NO. 176, thus adopting:                                                                          
                                                                                                                                
          SENATE CS FOR HOUSE BILL NO. 176(EDC)                                                                                 
          "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."                                                                                     
                                                                                                                                
HB 298                                                                                                                        
Message dated May 17 was read stating the House concurred in the                                                                
Senate amendment to HOUSE BILL NO. 298, thus adopting:                                                                          
                                                                                                                                
          SENATE CS FOR HOUSE BILL NO. 298(JUD)                                                                                 
          "An Act relating to the Legislative Ethics Act;                                                                       
          relating to legislative subpoenas; relating to the                                                                    
          jurisdiction of the office of the ombudsman; and                                                                      
          providing for an effective date."                                                                                     
                                                                                                                                
Message dated May 17 was read stating the House passed and                                                                      
transmitted for consideration:                                                                                                  
                                                                                                                                
                        First Reading and Reference of                                                                       
                              House Resolutions                                                                              
                                                                                                                                
HCR 21                                                                                                                        
HOUSE CONCURRENT RESOLUTION NO. 21 BY THE HOUSE                                                                                 
JUDICIARY COMMITTEE,                                                                                                            
                                                                                                                                
          Suspending Rules 24(c), 35, 41(b), and 42(e),                                                                         
          Uniform Rules of the Alaska State Legislature,                                                                        
          concerning Senate Bill No. 237, relating to data                                                                      
          sharing by the Department of Administration for                                                                       
          driver's license data verification purposes.                                                                          
                                                                                                                                
was read the first time and held on the Secretary’s desk.                                                                       
                                                                                                                                
                                                                                                                                
                                                                                                                                

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HCR 23                                                                                                                        
HOUSE CONCURRENT RESOLUTION NO. 23 BY THE HOUSE                                                                                 
FINANCE COMMITTEE,                                                                                                              
                                                                                                                                
          Suspending Rules 24(c), 35, 41(b), and 42(e),                                                                         
          Uniform Rules of the Alaska State Legislature,                                                                        
          concerning Senate Bill No. 29, relating to an                                                                         
          executive administrator for the Big Game                                                                              
          Commercial Services Board.                                                                                            
                                                                                                                                
was read the first time and held on the Secretary’s desk.                                                                       
                                                                                                                                
HCR 26                                                                                                                        
HOUSE CONCURRENT RESOLUTION NO. 26 BY THE HOUSE                                                                                 
STATE AFFAIRS COMMITTEE,                                                                                                        
                                                                                                                                
          Suspending Rules 24(c), 35, 41(b), and 42(e),                                                                         
          Uniform Rules of the Alaska State Legislature,                                                                        
          concerning Senate Bill No. 208, relating to the sale                                                                  
          and lease of state land for agricultural uses.                                                                        
                                                                                                                                
was read the first time and held on the Secretary’s desk.                                                                       
                                                                                                                                
                               Concur Messages                                                                               
                                                                                                                                
SB 29                                                                                                                         
Message dated May 17 was read stating the House passed and returned                                                             
for consideration SENATE BILL NO. 29 "An Act relating to an                                                                     
executive administrator for the Big Game Commercial Services                                                                    
Board" with the following amendment:                                                                                            
                                                                                                                                
          HOUSE CS FOR SENATE BILL NO. 29(FIN) "An                                                                              
          Act establishing an executive administrator position                                                                  
          for the Board of Dental Examiners; and relating to an                                                                 
          executive administrator for the Big Game                                                                              
          Commercial Services Board."                                                                                           
                                                                                                                                
Senator Giessel moved the Senate concur in the House amendment.                                                                 
                                                                                                                                
                                                                                                                                

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The question being: "Shall the Senate concur in the House                                                                       
amendment(s)?" The roll was taken with the following result:                                                                    
                                                                                                                                
HCS SB 29(FIN)                                                                                                                  
Shall the Senate Concur in the House Amendment(s) to SB 29?                                                                     
                                                                                                                                
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                                                              
HOUSE CS FOR SENATE BILL NO. 29(FIN) "An Act establishing                                                                       
an executive administrator position for the Board of Dental                                                                     
Examiners; and relating to an executive administrator for the Big                                                               
Game Commercial Services Board."                                                                                                
                                                                                                                                
The Secretary was requested to notify the House.                                                                                
                                                                                                                                
The bill was referred to the Secretary for enrollment.                                                                          
                                                                                                                                
HCR 23                                                                                                                        
HOUSE CONCURRENT RESOLUTION NO. 23 Suspending Rules                                                                             
24(c), 35, 41(b), and 42(e), Uniform Rules of the Alaska State                                                                  
Legislature, concerning Senate Bill No. 29, relating to an executive                                                            
administrator for the Big Game Commercial Services Board, was                                                                   
before the Senate on final passage.                                                                                             
                                                                                                                                
The question being: "Shall HOUSE CONCURRENT RESOLUTION                                                                          
NO. 23 Suspending Rules 24(c), 35, 41(b), and 42(e), Uniform Rules                                                              
of the Alaska State Legislature, concerning Senate Bill No. 29,                                                                 
relating to an executive administrator for the Big Game Commercial                                                              
Services Board, pass the Senate?" The roll was taken with the                                                                   
following result:                                                                                                               
                                                                                                                                
HCR 23                                                                                                                          
Final Passage                                                                                                                   
                                                                                                                                
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                                                                  
                                                                                                                                

2026-05-18                     Senate Journal                      Page 2752
and so, HOUSE CONCURRENT RESOLUTION NO. 23 passed the                                                                           
Senate, was signed by the President and Secretary and returned to the                                                           
House.                                                                                                                          
                                                                                                                                
SB 208                                                                                                                        
Message dated May 17 was read stating the House passed and returned                                                             
for consideration CS FOR SENATE BILL NO. 208(RES) "An Act                                                                       
relating to the sale and lease of state land for agricultural uses; and                                                         
providing for an effective date" with the following amendments:                                                                 
                                                                                                                                
          HOUSE CS FOR CS FOR SENATE BILL                                                                                       
          NO. 208(RES) am H "An Act relating to industrial                                                                      
          hemp; relating to the sale and lease of state land for                                                                
          agricultural uses; designating the O-S Cross cabbage,                                                                 
          commonly known as 'giant green cabbage,' as the                                                                       
          official state vegetable; and providing for an effective                                                              
          date."                                                                                                                
                                                                                                                                
Senator Giessel moved the Senate concur in the House amendments.                                                                
                                                                                                                                
The question being: "Shall the Senate concur in the House                                                                       
amendment(s)?" The roll was taken with the following result:                                                                    
                                                                                                                                
HCS CSSB 208(RES) am H                                                                                                          
Shall the Senate Concur in the House Amendment(s)                                                                               
to CSSB 208(RES)?                                                                                                               
Effective Date(s)                                                                                                               
                                                                                                                                
YEAS:  17   NAYS:  3   EXCUSED:  0   ABSENT:  0                                                                               
                                                                                                                                
Yeas:  Bjorkman, Claman, Cronk, Giessel, Gray-Jackson, Hoffman,                                                                 
Kaufman, Kiehl, Merrick, Myers, Olson, Rauscher, Stedman, Stevens,                                                              
Tilton, Tobin, Yundt                                                                                                            
                                                                                                                                
Nays:  Dunbar, Kawasaki, Wielechowski                                                                                           
                                                                                                                                
and so, the Senate concurred in the House amendments, thus adopting                                                             
HOUSE CS FOR CS FOR SENATE BILL NO. 208(RES) am H "An                                                                           
Act relating to industrial hemp; relating to the sale and lease of state                                                        
land for agricultural uses; designating the O-S Cross cabbage,                                                                  
commonly known as 'giant green cabbage,' as the official state                                                                  
vegetable; and providing for an effective date."                                                                                

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Senator Giessel moved and asked unanimous consent the vote on                                                                   
concurrence be considered the vote on the effective date clauses.                                                               
Without objection, it was so ordered.                                                                                           
                                                                                                                                
The Secretary was requested to notify the House.                                                                                
                                                                                                                                
The bill was referred to the Secretary for enrollment.                                                                          
                                                                                                                                
HCR 26                                                                                                                        
HOUSE CONCURRENT RESOLUTION NO. 26 Suspending Rules                                                                             
24(c), 35, 41(b), and 42(e), Uniform Rules of the Alaska State                                                                  
Legislature, concerning Senate Bill No. 208, relating to the sale and                                                           
lease of state land for agricultural uses, was before the Senate on final                                                       
passage.                                                                                                                        
                                                                                                                                
The question being: "Shall HOUSE CONCURRENT RESOLUTION                                                                          
NO. 26 Suspending Rules 24(c), 35, 41(b), and 42(e), Uniform Rules                                                              
of the Alaska State Legislature, concerning Senate Bill No. 208,                                                                
relating to the sale and lease of state land for agricultural uses, pass the                                                    
Senate?" The roll was taken with the following result:                                                                          
                                                                                                                                
HCR 26                                                                                                                          
Final Passage                                                                                                                   
                                                                                                                                
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, HOUSE CONCURRENT RESOLUTION NO. 26 passed the                                                                           
Senate, was signed by the President and Secretary and returned to the                                                           
House.                                                                                                                          
                                                                                                                                
SB 214                                                                                                                        
Message dated May 16 was read stating the House passed and returned                                                             
for consideration CS FOR SENATE BILL NO. 214(FIN) with the                                                                      
following amendments:                                                                                                           
                                                                                                                                
                       HOUSE CS FOR CS FOR SENATE BILL                                                                         
               NO. 214(FIN) am H "An Act making appropriations,                                                                

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          including capital appropriations, supplemental                                                                        
          appropriations, and reappropriations; making                                                                          
          appropriations to capitalize funds; amending                                                                          
          appropriations; and providing for an effective date."                                                                 
                                                                                                                                
SB 237                                                                                                                        
Message dated May 17 was read stating the House passed and returned                                                             
for consideration CS FOR SENATE BILL NO. 237(JUD) "An Act                                                                       
relating to data sharing by the Department of Administration for                                                                
driver's license data verification purposes; and providing for an                                                               
effective date" with the following amendment:                                                                                   
                                                                                                                                
          CS FOR SENATE BILL NO. 237(JUD) am H "An                                                                              
          Act relating to the powers of the commissioner of                                                                     
          administration with respect to motor vehicles;                                                                        
          relating to electronic identification cards; relating to                                                              
          data sharing by the Department of Administration;                                                                     
          relating to electronic driver's licenses and permits;                                                                 
          relating to federal benefits for children in need of aid;                                                             
          and providing for an effective date."                                                                                 
                                                                                                                                
                                                                                                                                
                          Standing Committee Reports                                                                         
                                                                                                                                
HB 28                                                                                                                         
The Finance Committee considered CS FOR HOUSE BILL                                                                              
NO. 28(FIN) am "An Act establishing a student loan repayment pilot                                                              
program; and providing for an effective date" and recommended it be                                                             
replaced with                                                                                                                   
                                                                                                                                
          SENATE CS FOR CS FOR HOUSE BILL                                                                                       
          NO. 28(FIN) "An Act relating to education; relating                                                                   
          to reimbursement of school district energy costs;                                                                     
          relating to correspondence study program materials;                                                                   
          relating to substitute teaching; relating to the                                                                      
          qualifications of school board members; relating to                                                                   
          school consolidation; relating to the required local                                                                  
          contribution made by a city or borough school district                                                                

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          for public school funding; relating to reemploying                                                                    
          retired members of the teachers' retirement system at                                                                 
          regional resource centers; establishing a teachers'                                                                   
          student loan repayment pilot program; and providing                                                                   
          for an effective date."                                                                                               
          (Title Change SCR 21)                                                                                                 
                                                                                                                                
Signing do pass: Senators Olson, Stedman, Hoffman, Cochairs;                                                                    
Senators Cronk, Kiehl. Signing no recommendation: Senators                                                                      
Kaufman, Merrick.                                                                                                               
                                                                                                                                
The following fiscal information was published today:                                                                           
     Fiscal Note No. 3, Department of Education and Early                                                                       
          Development                                                                                                           
     Fiscal Note No. 4, Conference Committee for HB 263                                                                         
                                                                                                                                
The bill is on today’s calendar.                                                                                                
                                                                                                                                
HB 280                                                                                                                        
The Finance Committee considered CS FOR HOUSE BILL                                                                              
NO. 280(FIN) "An Act relating to the Multistate Tax Compact;                                                                    
relating to apportionment of income to the state, including the                                                                 
apportionment of income of broadcasters, financial institutions, and                                                            
telecommunications service providers; and providing for an effective                                                            
date" and recommended it be replaced with                                                                                       
                                                                                                                                
      SENATE CS FOR CS FOR HOUSE BILL NO. 280(FIN)                                                                              
                                                                                                                                
Signing do pass: Senators Olson, Hoffman, Cochairs. Signing no                                                                  
recommendation: Senator Stedman, Cochair; Senators Kaufman,                                                                     
Cronk, Merrick, Kiehl.                                                                                                          
                                                                                                                                
The following fiscal information was published today:                                                                           
     Fiscal Note No. 2, Department of Revenue                                                                                   
                                                                                                                                
The bill was referred to the Rules Committee.                                                                                   
                                                                                                                                

2026-05-18                     Senate Journal                      Page 2756
                                                                                                                                
                          Special Committee Reports                                                                          
                                                                                                                                
HB 263                                                                                                                        
The following report was received and distributed at 3:11 p.m., May                                                             
17:                                                                                                                             
                                                                                                                                
                                                               May 17, 2026                                                     
                                                                                                                                
Mr. President:                                                                                                                  
Mr. Speaker:                                                                                                                    
                                                                                                                                
The Conference Committee with limited powers of free conference                                                                 
considered SENATE CS FOR CS FOR HOUSE BILL NO. 263(FIN)                                                                         
am S and CS FOR HOUSE BILL NO. 263(FIN) am and recommends                                                                       
                                                                                                                                
          CONFERENCE CS FOR HOUSE BILL NO. 263                                                                                  
          "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."                                                                                                   
                                                                                                                                
be adopted.                                                                                                                     
                                                                                                                                
A fiscal note packet was attached.                                                                                              
                                                                                                                                
Signing the report: Senator Hoffman, Chair, Senators Stedman, Cronk.                                                            
Representative Josephson, Chair, Representatives Schrage, Stapp.                                                                
                                                                                                                                
HB 265                                                                                                                        
The following report was received and distributed at 3:11 p.m., May                                                             
17:                                                                                                                             
                                                                                                                                
                                                               May 17, 2026                                                     
                                                                                                                                
Mr. President:                                                                                                                  

2026-05-18                     Senate Journal                      Page 2757
Mr. Speaker:                                                                                                                    
The Conference Committee with limited powers of free conference                                                                 
considered SENATE CS FOR CS FOR HOUSE BILL NO. 265(FIN)                                                                         
and CS FOR HOUSE BILL NO. 265(FIN) am and recommends                                                                            
                                                                                                                                
          CONFERENCE CS FOR HOUSE BILL NO. 265                                                                                  
          "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."                                                                                               
                                                                                                                                
be adopted.                                                                                                                     
                                                                                                                                
A fiscal note packet was attached.                                                                                              
                                                                                                                                
Signing the report: Senator Hoffman, Chair, Senators Stedman, Cronk.                                                            
Representative Josephson, Chair, Representatives Schrage, Stapp.                                                                
                                                                                                                                
                                                                                                                                
                        Introduction and Reference of                                                                        
                              Senate Resolutions                                                                             
                                                                                                                                
SCR 34                                                                                                                        
SENATE CONCURRENT RESOLUTION NO. 34 BY THE                                                                                      
SENATE LABOR AND COMMERCE COMMITTEE,                                                                                            
                                                                                                                                
          Suspending Rules 24(c), 35, 41(b), and 42(e),                                                                         
          Uniform Rules of the Alaska State Legislature,                                                                        
          concerning House Bill No. 214, relating to proof of                                                                   
          financial responsibility for suspension for                                                                           
          nonpayment of judgments.                                                                                              
                                                                                                                                
was read the first time and held on the Secretary’s desk.                                                                       
                                                                                                                                
                        Consideration of the Calendar                                                                        
                                                                                                                                
                        Second Reading of House Bills                                                                        
                                                                                                                                
HB 28                                                                                                                         
CS FOR HOUSE BILL NO. 28(FIN) am "An Act establishing a                                                                         
student loan repayment pilot program; and providing for an effective                                                            
date" was read the second time.                                                                                                 

2026-05-18                     Senate Journal                      Page 2758
Senator Hoffman, Cochair, moved and asked unanimous consent for                                                                 
the adoption of the Finance Senate Committee Substitute offered                                                                 
today. Without objection, SENATE CS FOR CS FOR HOUSE BILL                                                                       
NO. 28(FIN) "An Act relating to education; relating to reimbursement                                                            
of school district energy costs; relating to correspondence study                                                               
program materials; relating to substitute teaching; relating to the                                                             
qualifications of school board members; relating to school                                                                      
consolidation; relating to the required local contribution made by a                                                            
city or borough school district for public school funding; relating to                                                          
reemploying retired members of the teachers' retirement system at                                                               
regional resource centers; establishing a teachers' student loan                                                                
repayment pilot program; and providing for an effective date" was                                                               
adopted.                                                                                                                        
                                                                                                                                
President Stevens stated SENATE CS FOR CS FOR HOUSE BILL                                                                        
NO. 28(FIN) will advance to third reading on the May 19 calendar.                                                               
                                                                                                                                
HB 96                                                                                                                         
CS FOR HOUSE BILL NO. 96(L&C) am "An Act establishing the                                                                       
Home Care Employment Standards Advisory Board; relating to                                                                      
payment for personal care services; and providing for an effective                                                              
date" was read the second time.                                                                                                 
                                                                                                                                
President Stevens stated CS FOR HOUSE BILL NO. 96(L&C) am                                                                       
will advance to third reading on the May 19 calendar.                                                                           
                                                                                                                                
HB 126                                                                                                                        
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" was read the second time.                                                                                                 
                                                                                                                                
Senator Bjorkman, Chair, moved and asked unanimous consent for the                                                              
adoption of the Labor and Commerce Senate Committee Substitute                                                                  
offered on page 2620. Without objection, SENATE CS FOR CS FOR                                                                   
HOUSE BILL NO. 126(L&C) "An Act relating to the reinstatement of                                                                
Native village corporations; relating to proxy solicitations to                                                                 
shareholders of corporations organized under state law under the                                                                
Alaska Native Claims Settlement Act; and providing for an effective                                                             
date" was adopted.                                                                                                              

2026-05-18                     Senate Journal                      Page 2759
President Stevens stated SENATE CS FOR CS FOR HOUSE BILL                                                                        
NO. 126(L&C) will advance to third reading on the May 19 calendar.                                                              
                                                                                                                                
HB 244                                                                                                                        
HOUSE BILL NO. 244 "An Act relating to certified nurse aide                                                                     
training; and providing for an effective date" was read the second time.                                                        
                                                                                                                                
President Stevens stated HOUSE BILL NO. 244 will advance to third                                                               
reading on the May 19 calendar.                                                                                                 
                                                                                                                                
HB 249                                                                                                                        
CS FOR HOUSE BILL NO. 249(L&C) "An Act relating to the                                                                          
transfer of a vehicle to an insurance company" was read the second                                                              
time.                                                                                                                           
                                                                                                                                
President Stevens stated CS FOR HOUSE BILL NO. 249(L&C) will                                                                    
advance to third reading on the May 19 calendar.                                                                                
                                                                                                                                
HB 278                                                                                                                        
CS FOR HOUSE BILL NO. 278(STA) "An Act establishing the                                                                         
Alaska-Ireland Trade Commission; and providing for an effective                                                                 
date" was read the second time.                                                                                                 
                                                                                                                                
Senator Kawasaki, Chair, moved and asked unanimous consent for the                                                              
adoption of the State Affairs Senate Committee Substitute offered on                                                            
page 2566. Without objection, SENATE CS FOR CS FOR HOUSE                                                                        
BILL NO. 278(STA) was adopted.                                                                                                  
                                                                                                                                
President Stevens stated SENATE CS FOR CS FOR HOUSE BILL                                                                        
NO. 278(STA) will advance to third reading on the May 19 calendar.                                                              
                                                                                                                                
                         Third Reading of House Bills                                                                        
                                                                                                                                
HB 25                                                                                                                         
SENATE CS FOR CS FOR HOUSE BILL NO. 25(L&C) "An Act                                                                             
relating to disposable food service ware and containers provided by                                                             
customers; and providing for an effective date" was read the third                                                              
time.                                                                                                                           
                                                                                                                                
                                                                                                                                

2026-05-18                     Senate Journal                      Page 2760
The question being: "Shall SENATE CS FOR CS FOR HOUSE BILL                                                                      
NO. 25(L&C) "An Act relating to disposable food service ware and                                                                
containers provided by customers; and providing for an effective date"                                                          
pass the Senate?" The roll was taken with the following result:                                                                 
                                                                                                                                
SCS CSHB 25(L&C)                                                                                                                
Third Reading - Final Passage                                                                                                   
                                                                                                                                
YEAS:  13   NAYS:  7   EXCUSED:  0   ABSENT:  0                                                                               
                                                                                                                                
Yeas:  Bjorkman, Claman, Dunbar, Giessel, Gray-Jackson, Hoffman,                                                                
Kawasaki, Kiehl, Olson, Stevens, Tobin, Wielechowski, Yundt                                                                     
                                                                                                                                
Nays:  Cronk, Kaufman, Merrick, Myers, Rauscher, Stedman, Tilton                                                                
                                                                                                                                
and so, SENATE CS FOR CS FOR HOUSE BILL NO. 25(L&C)                                                                             
passed the Senate.                                                                                                              
                                                                                                                                
Senator Giessel moved for the adoption of the effective date clause.                                                            
                                                                                                                                
The question being: "Shall the effective date clause be adopted?" The                                                           
roll was taken with the following result:                                                                                       
                                                                                                                                
SCS CSHB 25(L&C)                                                                                                                
Effective Date Clause(s)                                                                                                        
                                                                                                                                
                                                                                                                                
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 effective date clause was adopted and the bill was referred                                                         
to the Secretary for engrossment.                                                                                               
                                                                                                                                
HB 79                                                                                                                         
SENATE CS FOR HOUSE BILL NO. 79(RES) "An Act renaming the                                                                       
Institute of Social and Economic Research at the University of Alaska                                                           
as the Vic Fischer Institute of Social and Economic Research; and                                                               
naming the Vic Fischer Shoup Bay State Marine Park" was read the                                                                
third time.                                                                                                                     
                                                                                                                                

2026-05-18                     Senate Journal                      Page 2761
The question being: "Shall SENATE CS FOR HOUSE BILL                                                                             
NO. 79(RES) "An Act renaming the Institute of Social and Economic                                                               
Research at the University of Alaska as the Vic Fischer Institute of                                                            
Social and Economic Research; and naming the Vic Fischer Shoup                                                                  
Bay State Marine Park" pass the Senate?" The roll was taken with the                                                            
following result:                                                                                                               
                                                                                                                                
SCS HB 79(RES)                                                                                                                  
Third Reading - Final Passage                                                                                                   
                                                                                                                                
YEAS:  19   NAYS:  1   EXCUSED:  0   ABSENT:  0                                                                               
                                                                                                                                
Yeas:  Bjorkman, Claman, Dunbar, Giessel, Gray-Jackson, Hoffman,                                                                
Kaufman, Kawasaki, Kiehl, Merrick, Myers, Olson, Rauscher,                                                                      
Stedman, Stevens, Tilton, Tobin, Wielechowski, Yundt                                                                            
                                                                                                                                
Nays:  Cronk                                                                                                                    
                                                                                                                                
and so, SENATE CS FOR HOUSE BILL NO. 79(RES) passed the                                                                         
Senate and was referred to the Secretary for engrossment.                                                                       
                                                                                                                                
SCR 30                                                                                                                        
SENATE CONCURRENT RESOLUTION NO. 30 Suspending Rules                                                                            
24(c), 35, 41(b), and 42(e), Uniform Rules of the Alaska State                                                                  
Legislature, concerning House Bill No. 79, naming the Vic Fischer                                                               
Shoup Bay State Marine Park, was before the Senate on final passage.                                                            
                                                                                                                                
The question being: "Shall SENATE CONCURRENT RESOLUTION                                                                         
NO. 30 Suspending Rules 24(c), 35, 41(b), and 42(e), Uniform Rules                                                              
of the Alaska State Legislature, concerning House Bill No. 79, naming                                                           
the Vic Fischer Shoup Bay State Marine Park, pass the Senate?" The                                                              
roll was taken with the following result:                                                                                       
                                                                                                                                
SCR 30                                                                                                                          
Final Passage                                                                                                                   
                                                                                                                                
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, SENATE CONCURRENT RESOLUTION NO. 30 passed the                                                                          
Senate and was referred to the Secretary for engrossment.                                                                       

2026-05-18                     Senate Journal                      Page 2762
                                  Citations                                                                                  
                                                                                                                                
In Memoriam – Keith Brian Michael Gianni                                                                                        
Senator(s) Kawasaki                                                                                                             
Representative(s) Dibert, Stapp                                                                                                 
                                                                                                                                
In Memoriam – June Weinstock                                                                                                    
Senator(s) Kawasaki                                                                                                             
Representative(s) Carrick, Dibert                                                                                               
                                                                                                                                
In Memoriam – Dima Kulmanovsky                                                                                                  
Senator(s) Kawasaki, Cronk                                                                                                      
Representative(s) Carrick                                                                                                       
                                                                                                                                
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                                                                             
                                                                                                                                
HB 244                                                                                                                        
Senator Rauscher moved and asked unanimous consent to be shown as                                                               
a cross sponsor on HOUSE BILL NO. 244 "An Act relating to                                                                       
certified nurse aide training; and providing for an effective date."                                                            
Without objection, it was so ordered.                                                                                           
                                                                                                                                
HB 278                                                                                                                        
Senators Rauscher, Merrick, Cronk, Tilton, Stevens moved and asked                                                              
unanimous consent to be shown as cross sponsors on SENATE CS                                                                    
FOR CS FOR HOUSE BILL NO. 278(STA) "An Act establishing the                                                                     
Alaska-Ireland Trade Commission; and providing for an effective                                                                 
date." Without objection, it was so ordered.                                                                                    
                                                                                                                                
SCR 34                                                                                                                        
Senator Bjorkman moved to take up SENATE CONCURRENT                                                                             
RESOLUTION NO. 34. Senator Kawasaki objected.                                                                                   
                                                                                                                                
                                                                                                                                
                                                                                                                                

2026-05-18                     Senate Journal                      Page 2763
The question being: "Shall the Senate take up SENATE                                                                            
CONCURRENT RESOLUTION NO. 34 Suspending Rules 24(c), 35,                                                                        
41(b), and 42(e), Uniform Rules of the Alaska State Legislature,                                                                
concerning House Bill No. 214, relating to proof of financial                                                                   
responsibility for suspension for nonpayment of judgments?" The roll                                                            
was taken with the following result:                                                                                            
                                                                                                                                
SCR 34                                                                                                                          
Final Passage                                                                                                                   
Take up?                                                                                                                        
                                                                                                                                
YEAS:  11   NAYS:  9   EXCUSED:  0   ABSENT:  0                                                                               
                                                                                                                                
Yeas:  Bjorkman, Claman, Cronk, Kaufman, Kiehl, Merrick, Myers,                                                                 
Rauscher, Stevens, Tilton, Yundt                                                                                                
                                                                                                                                
Nays:  Dunbar, Giessel, Gray-Jackson, Hoffman, Kawasaki, Olson,                                                                 
Stedman, Tobin, Wielechowski                                                                                                    
                                                                                                                                
and so, SENATE CONCURRENT RESOLUTION NO. 34 was taken                                                                           
from the Secretary’s desk.                                                                                                      
                                                                                                                                
                                                                                                                                
                                    Recess                                                                                   
                                                                                                                                
Senator Giessel moved and asked unanimous consent the Senate stand                                                              
in recess to a call of the Chair. Without objection, the Senate recessed                                                        
at 12:34 p.m.                                                                                                                   
                                                                                                                                
                                 After Recess                                                                                
                                                                                                                                
The Senate reconvened at 9:57 p.m.                                                                                              
                                                                                                                                
                                                                                                                                
                       Unfinished Business (continued)                                                                       
                                                                                                                                
HB 214                                                                                                                        
The reconsideration on CS FOR HOUSE BILL NO. 214(STA) am S                                                                      
"An Act relating to transportation network companies and delivery                                                               
network companies; relating to proof of financial responsibility for                                                            
suspension for nonpayment of judgments; relating to insurance                                                                   
coverage for transportation of persons for hire; and relating to                                                                
occupational accident insurance" was not taken up this legislative day                                                          
and the bill was referred to the Secretary for engrossment.                                                                     

2026-05-18                     Senate Journal                      Page 2764
                                Announcements                                                                                
                                                                                                                                
Rule 23(d) of the Alaska State Legislature Uniform Rules is currently                                                           
in effect.                                                                                                                      
                                                                                                                                
Announcements are at the end of the journal.                                                                                    
                                                                                                                                
                                                                                                                                
                                 Engrossment                                                                                 
                                                                                                                                
HB 25                                                                                                                         
SENATE CS FOR CS FOR HOUSE BILL NO. 25(L&C) "An Act                                                                             
relating to disposable food service ware and containers provided by                                                             
customers; and providing for an effective date" was engrossed, signed                                                           
by the President and Secretary and returned to the House for                                                                    
consideration.                                                                                                                  
                                                                                                                                
HB 79                                                                                                                         
SENATE CS FOR HOUSE BILL NO. 79(RES) "An Act renaming the                                                                       
Institute of Social and Economic Research at the University of Alaska                                                           
as the Vic Fischer Institute of Social and Economic Research; and                                                               
naming the Vic Fischer Shoup Bay State Marine Park" was engrossed,                                                              
signed by the President and Secretary and returned to the House for                                                             
consideration.                                                                                                                  
                                                                                                                                
HB 214                                                                                                                        
CS FOR HOUSE BILL NO. 214(STA) am S "An Act relating to                                                                         
transportation network companies and delivery network companies;                                                                
relating to proof of financial responsibility for suspension for                                                                
nonpayment of judgments; relating to insurance coverage for                                                                     
transportation of persons for hire; and relating to occupational accident                                                       
insurance" was engrossed, signed by the President and Secretary and                                                             
returned to the House for consideration.                                                                                        
                                                                                                                                
SCR 30                                                                                                                        
SENATE CONCURRENT RESOLUTION NO. 30 Suspending Rules                                                                            
24(c), 35, 41(b), and 42(e), Uniform Rules of the Alaska State                                                                  
Legislature, concerning House Bill No. 79, naming the Vic Fischer                                                               
Shoup Bay State Marine Park, was engrossed, signed by the President                                                             
and Secretary and transmitted to the House for consideration.                                                                   
                                                                                                                                
                                                                                                                                

2026-05-18                     Senate Journal                      Page 2765
                                 Adjournment                                                                                 
                                                                                                                                
Senator Giessel moved and asked unanimous consent the Senate stand                                                              
in adjournment until 11:00 a.m., May 19, 2026. Without objection, the                                                           
Senate adjourned at 9:58 p.m.                                                                                                   
                                                                                                                                
                                                                    Liz Clark                                                   
                                                     Secretary of the Senate                                                    
                                                                                                                                
                                                                                                                                

2026-05-18                     Senate Journal                      Page 2766
                                                                                                                                
                                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                                                                                     
                                                                                                                                
                                  EDUCATION                                                                                  
                                                                                                                                
May 18        Monday                      Beltz 105 (tsbldg)          3:30 PM                                                 
              -- MEETING CANCELED --                                                                                            
+             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**                                                                                       
                   ----------------------------------------                                                                    
                                                                                                                                
                                   FINANCE                                                                                   
                                                                                                                                
May 18        Monday                    Senate Finance 532            9:00 AM                                                 
+ SJR 31 TYPHOON HALONG; SUPPORT COMM. RELOCATION                                                                               
              Bills Previously Heard/Scheduled:                                                                                 
+= HB  28 TEACHER/STATE EMPLOYEE STUDENT LOAN PRGRM                                                                             
+= SB 227 TAX COMPACT; SALES TAX; OIL & GAS TAX                                                                                 
              <Above Item Removed from Agenda>                                                                                  
              **Streamed live on AKL.tv**                                                                                       
                                                                                                                                
May 18        Monday                    Senate Finance 532            1:30 PM                                                 
              -- MEETING CANCELED --                                                                                            
+ HB 193 UNEMPLOYMENT BEN; PAID LEAVE: PARENT/SICK                                                                              
+ HB 195 PHARMACISTS; PHYSICIAN ASSOCIATES                                                                                      
              Bills Previously Heard/Scheduled                                                                                  
              **Streamed live on AKL.tv**                                                                                       
                                                                                                                                

2026-05-18                     Senate Journal                      Page 2767
                             FINANCE (continued)                                                                             
                                                                                                                                
May 19 Tuesday Senate Finance 532 9:00 AM                                                                                     
+             Bills Previously Heard/Scheduled**Streamed live on AKL.tv**                                                       
                                                                                                                                
May 19 Tuesday Senate Finance 532 1:30 PM                                                                                     
+             Bills Previously Heard/Scheduled**Streamed live on AKL.tv**                                                       
                                                                                                                                
May 20 Wednesday Senate Finance 532 9:00 AM                                                                                   
+             Bills Previously Heard/Scheduled**Streamed live on AKL.tv**                                                       
                                                                                                                                
May 20 Wednesday Senate Finance 532 1:30 PM                                                                                   
+             Bills Previously Heard/Scheduled**Streamed live on AKL.tv**                                                       
                   ----------------------------------------                                                                    
                                                                                                                                
                           HEALTH & SOCIAL SERVICES                                                                          
                                                                                                                                
May 19 Tuesday Butrovich 205 3:30 PM                                                                                          
              No Meeting Scheduled                                                                                              
                   ----------------------------------------                                                                    
                                                                                                                                
                                  JUDICIARY                                                                                  
                                                                                                                                
May 18 Monday Butrovich 205 1:30 PM                                                                                           
              -- MEETING CANCELED --                                                                                            
+             Bills Previously Heard/Scheduled**Streamed live on AKL.tv**                                                       
                                                                                                                                
May 20 Wednesday Butrovich 205 1:30 PM                                                                                        
              No Meeting Scheduled                                                                                              
                   ----------------------------------------                                                                    
                                                                                                                                
                                  RESOURCES                                                                                  
                                                                                                                                
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**                                                                                       

2026-05-18                     Senate Journal                      Page 2768
                                STATE AFFAIRS                                                                                
                                                                                                                                
May 19        Tuesday                     Beltz 105 (tsbldg)          3:30 PM                                                 
+             Bills Previously Heard/Scheduled                                                                                  
              **Streamed live on AKL.tv**                                                                                       
                   ----------------------------------------                                                                    
                                                                                                                                
                                TRANSPORTATION                                                                               
                                                                                                                                
May 19        Tuesday                         Butrovich 205           1:30 PM                                                 
              -- MEETING CANCELED --                                                                                            
+             Bills Previously Heard/Scheduled                                                                                  
              **Streamed live on AKL.tv**