Legislature(2025 - 2026)
2026-05-20 Senate Journal
Full Journal pdf2026-05-20 Senate Journal Page 2811 SENATE JOURNAL ALASKA STATE LEGISLATURE THIRTY-FOURTH LEGISLATURE SECOND SESSION Juneau, Alaska Wednesday May 20, 2026 One Hundred Twenty-first Day Pursuant to adjournment the Senate was called to order by President Stevens at 12:40 p.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 Kawasaki led the Senate in the Pledge of Allegiance. 2026-05-20 Senate Journal Page 2812 Certification Senator Giessel moved and asked unanimous consent the journal for the one hundred twentieth legislative day be approved as certified by the Secretary. Without objection, it was so ordered. Messages from the House SB 174 Message dated May 19 was read stating the House passed and returned: SENATE BILL NO. 174 "An Act establishing the Alaska Invasive Species Council in the Department of Fish and Game; relating to management of invasive species; and providing for an effective date." The bill was referred to the Secretary for enrollment. SB 181 Message dated May 19 was read stating the House passed and returned: SENATE BILL NO. 181 "An Act relating to disclosure of information obtained by the Department of Labor and Workforce Development to other state agencies." The bill was referred to the Secretary for enrollment. SCR 17 Message dated May 19 was read stating the House passed and returned: SENATE CONCURRENT RESOLUTION NO. 17 Recognizing the 50th anniversary of the state's regional educational attendance areas; and celebrating the enduring contributions of the state's 2026-05-20 Senate Journal Page 2813 regional educational attendance areas to public education, local leadership, and community life in rural areas of the state. The resolution was referred to the Secretary for enrollment. SCR 30 Message dated May 19 was read stating the House passed and returned: 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. The resolution was referred to the Secretary for enrollment. SCR 32 Message dated May 19 was read stating the House passed and returned: SENATE CONCURRENT RESOLUTION NO. 32 Suspending Rules 24(c), 35, 41(b), and 42(e), Uniform Rules of the Alaska State Legislature, concerning House Bill No. 23, renaming the State Commission for Human Rights the Alaska State Commission for Civil Rights; relating to removal of commissioners of the Alaska State Commission for Civil Rights; relating to reports from the Alaska State Commission for Civil Rights; relating to the definition of 'employer' for the purposes of the Alaska State Commission for Civil Rights; and relating to local civil rights commissions. The resolution was referred to the Secretary for enrollment. 2026-05-20 Senate Journal Page 2814 SCR 33 Message dated May 19 was read stating the House passed and returned: SENATE CONCURRENT RESOLUTION NO. 33 Suspending Rules 24(c), 35, 41(b), and 42(e), Uniform Rules of the Alaska State Legislature, concerning House Bill No. 27, relating to medical care for major emergencies. The resolution was referred to the Secretary for enrollment. SJR 20 Message dated May 19 was read stating the House passed and returned: SENATE JOINT RESOLUTION NO. 20 Supporting federal, state, and local efforts to clean up and remove marine debris from the state; urging the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration and the Environmental Protection Agency to provide additional funding for those efforts and to remove barriers faced by tribes and rural communities in accessing those funds; and urging the Alaska Congressional delegation to advocate for increased federal funding and support for marine debris prevention, clean up, removal, backhaul, and education. The resolution was referred to the Secretary for enrollment. HB 263 Message dated May 19 was read stating the House adopted the report of the Conference Committee with limited powers of free conference considering SENATE CS FOR CS FOR HOUSE BILL NO. 263(FIN) am S and CS FOR HOUSE BILL NO. 263(FIN) am, thus adopting: CONFERENCE CS FOR HOUSE BILL NO. 263(brf sup maj fld H) "An Act making appropriations for the operating and loan program 2026-05-20 Senate Journal Page 2815 expenses of state government and for certain programs; capitalizing funds; amending appropriations; making supplemental appropriations; and providing for an effective date." HB 265 Message dated May 19 was read stating the House adopted the report of the Conference Committee with limited powers of free conference considering SENATE CS FOR CS FOR HOUSE BILL NO. 265(FIN) and CS FOR HOUSE BILL NO. 265(FIN) am, thus adopting: 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." Concur Messages SB 23 Message dated May 19 was read stating the House passed and returned for consideration CS FOR SENATE BILL NO. 23(FIN) with the following amendment: HOUSE CS FOR CS FOR SENATE BILL NO. 23(EDC) "An Act relating to civics education, civics assessments, and secondary school graduation requirements; and providing for an effective date." Senator Giessel moved the Senate concur in the House amendment. The question being: "Shall the Senate concur in the House amendment(s)?" The roll was taken with the following result: HCS CSSB 23(EDC) Shall the Senate Concur in the House Amendment(s) to CSSB 23(FIN)? Effective Date(s) YEAS: 20 NAYS: 0 EXCUSED: 0 ABSENT: 0 2026-05-20 Senate Journal Page 2816 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 CS FOR SENATE BILL NO. 23(EDC) "An Act relating to civics education, civics assessments, and secondary school graduation requirements; and providing for an effective date." Senator Giessel moved and asked unanimous consent the vote on concurrence be considered the vote on the effective date clause. Without objection, it was so ordered. The Secretary was requested to notify the House. The bill was referred to the Secretary for enrollment. SB 24 Message dated May 19 was read stating the House passed and returned for consideration CS FOR SENATE BILL NO. 24(FIN) "An Act relating to tobacco, tobacco products, electronic smoking products, nicotine, and products containing nicotine; raising the minimum age to purchase, exchange, or possess tobacco, a product containing nicotine, or an electronic smoking product; relating to the tobacco use education and cessation fund; relating to the taxation of electronic smoking products and vapor products; and providing for an effective date" with the following amendments: HOUSE CS FOR CS FOR SENATE BILL NO. 24(FIN) am H "An Act relating to tobacco, tobacco products, electronic smoking products, nicotine, and products containing nicotine; raising the minimum age to purchase, exchange, or possess tobacco, a product containing nicotine, or an electronic smoking product; relating to the tobacco use education and cessation fund; relating to retail cigar stores; relating to the taxation of electronic smoking products and vapor products; and providing for an effective date." 2026-05-20 Senate Journal Page 2817 Senator Giessel moved the Senate concur in the House amendments. The question being: "Shall the Senate concur in the House amendments?" The roll was taken with the following result: HCS CSSB 24(FIN) am H Shall the Senate Concur in the House Amendment(s) to CSSB 24(FIN)? Effective Date(s) YEAS: 15 NAYS: 5 EXCUSED: 0 ABSENT: 0 Yeas: Bjorkman, Claman, Cronk, Dunbar, Giessel, Gray-Jackson, Hoffman, Kaufman, Kiehl, Merrick, Olson, Stedman, Stevens, Tobin, Wielechowski Nays: Kawasaki, Myers, Rauscher, Tilton, Yundt and so, the Senate concurred in the House amendments, thus adopting HOUSE CS FOR CS FOR SENATE BILL NO. 24(FIN) am H "An Act relating to tobacco, tobacco products, electronic smoking products, nicotine, and products containing nicotine; raising the minimum age to purchase, exchange, or possess tobacco, a product containing nicotine, or an electronic smoking product; relating to the tobacco use education and cessation fund; relating to retail cigar stores; relating to the taxation of electronic smoking products and vapor products, and providing for an effective date." 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 32 HOUSE CONCURRENT RESOLUTION NO. 32 Suspending Rules 24(c), 35, 41(b), and 42(e), Uniform Rules of the Alaska State Legislature, concerning Senate Bill No. 24, relating to tobacco, tobacco products, electronic smoking products, nicotine, and products containing nicotine; raising the minimum age to purchase, exchange, 2026-05-20 Senate Journal Page 2818 or possess tobacco, a product containing nicotine, or an electronic smoking product; relating to the tobacco use education and cessation fund; and relating to the taxation of electronic smoking products and vapor products, was before the Senate on final passage. The question being: "Shall HOUSE CONCURRENT RESOLUTION NO. 32 Suspending Rules 24(c), 35, 41(b), and 42(e), Uniform Rules of the Alaska State Legislature, concerning Senate Bill No. 24, relating to tobacco, tobacco products, electronic smoking products, nicotine, and products containing nicotine; raising the minimum age to purchase, exchange, or possess tobacco, a product containing nicotine, or an electronic smoking product; relating to the tobacco use education and cessation fund; and relating to the taxation of electronic smoking products and vapor products, pass the Senate?" The roll was taken with the following result: HCR 32 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. 32 passed the Senate, was signed by the President and Secretary and returned to the House. SB 146 Message dated May 19 was read stating the House passed and returned for consideration SENATE BILL NO. 146 "An Act relating to the regional educational attendance area and small municipal school district fund; relating to Mt. Edgecumbe High School; and relating to teacher housing" with the following amendment: HOUSE CS FOR SENATE BILL NO. 146(FIN) "An Act relating to the regional educational attendance area and small municipal school district fund; and relating to Mt. Edgecumbe High School." 2026-05-20 Senate Journal Page 2819 Senator Giessel moved the Senate concur in the House amendment. The question being: "Shall the Senate concur in the House amendment(s)?" The roll was taken with the following result: HCS SB 146(FIN) Shall the Senate Concur in the House Amendment(s) to SB 146? 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. 146(FIN) "An Act relating to the regional educational attendance area and small municipal school district fund; and relating to Mt. Edgecumbe High School." The Secretary was requested to notify the House. The bill was referred to the Secretary for enrollment. HCR 13 HOUSE CONCURRENT RESOLUTION NO. 13 Suspending Rules 24(c), 35, 41(b), and 42(e), Uniform Rules of the Alaska State Legislature, concerning Senate Bill No. 146, relating to the regional educational attendance area and small municipal school district fund; relating to Mt. Edgecumbe High School; and relating to teacher housing, was before the Senate on final passage. The question being: "Shall HOUSE CONCURRENT RESOLUTION NO. 13 Suspending Rules 24(c), 35, 41(b), and 42(e), Uniform Rules of the Alaska State Legislature, concerning Senate Bill No. 146, relating to the regional educational attendance area and small municipal school district fund; relating to Mt. Edgecumbe High School; and relating to teacher housing, pass the Senate?" The roll was taken with the following result: 2026-05-20 Senate Journal Page 2820 HCR 13 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. 13 passed the Senate, was signed by the President and Secretary and returned to the House. SB 167 Message dated May 19 was read stating the House passed and returned for consideration CS FOR SENATE BILL NO. 167(FIN) with the following amendment: HOUSE CS FOR CS FOR SENATE BILL NO. 167(FIN) "An Act relating to eligibility of criminal offenders for certain benefits, including the permanent fund dividend; relating to a permanent fund dividend for an individual whose conviction has been vacated, reversed, or dismissed; and relating to the calculation of the value of the permanent fund dividend by including payment to individuals eligible for a permanent fund dividend because of a conviction that has been vacated, reversed, or dismissed." Senator Giessel moved the Senate concur in the House amendment. The question being: "Shall the Senate concur in the House amendment(s)?" The roll was taken with the following result: HCS CSSB 167(FIN) Shall the Senate Concur in the House Amendment(s) to CSSB 167(FIN)? 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 2026-05-20 Senate Journal Page 2821 and so, the Senate concurred in the House amendment, thus adopting HOUSE CS FOR CS FOR SENATE BILL NO. 167(FIN) "An Act relating to eligibility of criminal offenders for certain benefits, including the permanent fund dividend; relating to a permanent fund dividend for an individual whose conviction has been vacated, reversed, or dismissed; and relating to the calculation of the value of the permanent fund dividend by including payment to individuals eligible for a permanent fund dividend because of a conviction that has been vacated, reversed, or dismissed." The Secretary was requested to notify the House. The bill was referred to the Secretary for enrollment. SB 200 Message dated May 19 was read stating the House passed and returned for consideration CS FOR SENATE BILL NO. 200(RES) am "An Act relating to municipal assessments of farm or agricultural land; and providing for an effective date" with the following amendment: HOUSE CS FOR CS FOR SENATE BILL NO. 200(CRA) am H "An Act relating to service areas; relating to municipal assessments of farm or agricultural land; and providing for an effective date." Senator Giessel moved the Senate concur in the House amendment. The question being: "Shall the Senate concur in the House amendment(s)?" The roll was taken with the following result: HCS CSSB 200(CRA) am H Shall the Senate Concur in the House Amendment(s) to CSSB 200(RES) am? Effective Date(s) YEAS: 15 NAYS: 5 EXCUSED: 0 ABSENT: 0 Yeas: Bjorkman, Claman, Dunbar, Giessel, Gray-Jackson, Hoffman, Kiehl, Merrick, Olson, Rauscher, Stevens, Tilton, Tobin, Wielechowski, Yundt Nays: Cronk, Kaufman, Kawasaki, Myers, Stedman 2026-05-20 Senate Journal Page 2822 and so, the Senate concurred in the House amendment, thus adopting HOUSE CS FOR CS FOR SENATE BILL NO. 200(CRA) am H "An Act relating to service areas; relating to municipal assessments of farm or agricultural land; and providing for an effective date." 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 24 HOUSE CONCURRENT RESOLUTION NO. 24 Suspending Rules 24(c), 35, 41(b), and 42(e), Uniform Rules of the Alaska State Legislature, concerning Senate Bill No. 200, relating to municipal assessments of farm or agricultural land, was before the Senate on final passage. The question being: "Shall HOUSE CONCURRENT RESOLUTION NO. 24 Suspending Rules 24(c), 35, 41(b), and 42(e), Uniform Rules of the Alaska State Legislature, concerning Senate Bill No. 200, relating to municipal assessments of farm or agricultural land, pass the Senate?" The roll was taken with the following result: HCR 24 Final Passage YEAS: 19 NAYS: 1 EXCUSED: 0 ABSENT: 0 Yeas: Bjorkman, Claman, Cronk, Dunbar, Giessel, Gray-Jackson, Hoffman, Kawasaki, Kiehl, Merrick, Myers, Olson, Rauscher, Stedman, Stevens, Tilton, Tobin, Wielechowski, Yundt Nays: Kaufman and so, HOUSE CONCURRENT RESOLUTION NO. 24 passed the Senate, was signed by the President and Secretary and returned to the House. 2026-05-20 Senate Journal Page 2823 SB 211 Message dated May 19 was read stating the House passed and returned for consideration CS FOR SENATE BILL NO. 211(L&C) "An Act extending the termination date of the Board of Professional Counselors; extending the termination date of the Board of Marital and Family Therapy; extending the termination date of the Board of Psychologist and Psychological Associate Examiners; extending the termination date of the Real Estate Commission; extending the termination date of the Board of Certified Real Estate Appraisers; extending the termination date of the Board of Social Work Examiners; relating to reports on the Board of Psychologist and Psychological Associate Examiners and the Board of Certified Real Estate Appraisers; and providing for an effective date" with the following amendment: CS FOR SENATE BILL NO. 211(L&C) am H "An Act extending the termination date of the State Board of Registration for Architects, Engineers, and Land Surveyors; extending the termination date of the Board of Professional Counselors; extending the termination date of the Board of Marital and Family Therapy; extending the termination date of the Board of Psychologist and Psychological Associate Examiners; extending the termination date of the Real Estate Commission; extending the termination date of the Board of Certified Real Estate Appraisers; extending the termination date of the Board of Social Work Examiners; relating to reports on the Board of Psychologist and Psychological Associate Examiners and the Board of Certified Real Estate Appraisers; and providing for an effective date." Senator Bjorkman moved and asked unanimous consent to withdraw the bill. Without objection, the bill was withdrawn. SB 239 Message dated May 19 was read stating the House passed and returned for consideration SENATE BILL NO. 239 "An Act relating to the registration and titling of legally imported motor vehicles; and providing for an effective date" with the following amendment: 2026-05-20 Senate Journal Page 2824 SENATE BILL NO. 239 am H "An Act relating to commercial motor vehicle licensing examinations; relating to the registration and titling of legally imported motor vehicles; relating to proof of financial responsibility for suspension for nonpayment of judgments; and providing for an effective date." Senator Giessel moved the Senate concur in the House amendment. The question being: "Shall the Senate concur in the House amendment(s)?" The roll was taken with the following result: SB 239 am H Shall the Senate Concur in the House Amendment to SB 239? Effective Date(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 Senate concurred in the House amendment, thus adopting SENATE BILL NO. 239 am H "An Act relating to commercial motor vehicle licensing examinations; relating to the registration and titling of legally imported motor vehicles; relating to proof of financial responsibility for suspension for nonpayment of judgments; and providing for an effective date." Senator Giessel moved and asked unanimous consent the vote on concurrence be considered the vote on the effective date clause. Without objection, it was so ordered. The Secretary was requested to notify the House. The bill was referred to the Secretary for enrollment. 2026-05-20 Senate Journal Page 2825 HCR 29 HOUSE CONCURRENT RESOLUTION NO. 29 Suspending Rules 24(c), 35, 41(b), and 42(e), Uniform Rules of the Alaska State Legislature, concerning Senate Bill No. 239, relating to the registration and titling of legally imported motor vehicles, was before the Senate on final passage. The question being: "Shall HOUSE CONCURRENT RESOLUTION NO. 29 Suspending Rules 24(c), 35, 41(b), and 42(e), Uniform Rules of the Alaska State Legislature, concerning Senate Bill No. 239, relating to the registration and titling of legally imported motor vehicles, pass the Senate?" The roll was taken with the following result: HCR 29 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. 29 passed the Senate, was signed by the President and Secretary and returned to the House. SB 249 Message dated May 19 was read stating the House passed and returned for consideration CS FOR SENATE BILL NO. 249(JUD) am with the following amendment: HOUSE CS FOR CS FOR SENATE BILL NO. 249(L&C) "An Act relating to virtual currency kiosks; relating to transactions involving virtual currency; relating to unfair trade or deceptive acts or practices; and providing for an effective date." Senator Giessel moved the Senate concur in the House amendment. 2026-05-20 Senate Journal Page 2826 The question being: "Shall the Senate concur in the House amendment(s)?" The roll was taken with the following result: HCS CSSB 249(L&C) Shall the Senate Concur in the House Amendment(s) to CSSB 249(JUD) am? Effective Date(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 Senate concurred in the House amendment, thus adopting HOUSE CS FOR CS FOR SENATE BILL NO. 249(L&C) "An Act relating to virtual currency kiosks; relating to transactions involving virtual currency; relating to unfair trade or deceptive acts or practices; and providing for an effective date." Senator Giessel moved and asked unanimous consent the vote on concurrence be considered the vote on the effective date clause. Without objection, it was so ordered. The Secretary was requested to notify the House. The bill was referred to the Secretary for enrollment. SB 282 Message dated May 19 was read stating the House passed and returned for consideration CS FOR SENATE BILL NO. 282(STA) with the following amendment: HOUSE CS FOR CS FOR SENATE BILL NO. 282(STA) "An Act relating to the Joint Armed Services Committee; and providing for an effective date." Senator Giessel moved the Senate concur in the House amendment. 2026-05-20 Senate Journal Page 2827 The question being: "Shall the Senate concur in the House amendment(s)?" The roll was taken with the following result: HCS CSSB 282(STA) Shall the Senate Concur in the House Amendment(s) to CSSB 282(STA)? Effective Date(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 Senate concurred in the House amendment, thus adopting HOUSE CS FOR CS FOR SENATE BILL NO. 282(STA) "An Act relating to the Joint Armed Services Committee; and providing for an effective date." Senator Giessel moved and asked unanimous consent the vote on concurrence be considered the vote on the effective date clause. Without objection, it was so ordered. The Secretary was requested to notify the House. The bill was referred to the Secretary for enrollment. SB 237 Message dated May 19 was read stating the House passed and returned 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; and providing for an effective date." 2026-05-20 Senate Journal Page 2828 Senator Giessel moved the Senate concur in the House amendment. The question being: "Shall the Senate concur in the House amendment(s)?" The roll was taken with the following result: CSSB 237(JUD) am H Shall the Senate Concur in the House Amendment to CSSB 237(JUD)? Effective Date(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 Senate concurred in the House amendment, thus adopting 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; and providing for an effective date." Senator Giessel moved and asked unanimous consent the vote on concurrence be considered the vote on the effective date clause. Without objection, it was so ordered. The Secretary was requested to notify the House. The bill was referred to the Secretary for enrollment. HCR 21 HOUSE CONCURRENT RESOLUTION NO. 21 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 before the Senate on final passage. The question being: "Shall HOUSE CONCURRENT RESOLUTION NO. 21 Suspending Rules 24(c), 35, 41(b), and 42(e), Uniform Rules of the Alaska State Legislature, concerning Senate Bill No. 237, 2026-05-20 Senate Journal Page 2829 relating to data sharing by the Department of Administration for driver's license data verification purposes, pass the Senate?" The roll was taken with the following result: HCR 21 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. 21 passed the Senate, was signed by the President and Secretary and returned to the House. Standing Committee Reports HB 110 The Finance Committee considered HOUSE BILL NO. 110 am "An Act relating to a social work licensure compact; relating to the practice of social work; and providing for an effective date" and recommended it be replaced with SENATE CS FOR HOUSE BILL NO. 110(FIN) "An Act relating to the interstate medical licensure compact; relating to the PA licensure compact; relating to the psychology interjurisdictional compact; relating to the practice of respiratory care; relating to the duties of the Department of Commerce, Community, and Economic Development; relating to telehealth provided by respiratory care practitioners; relating to a social work licensure compact; relating to the practice of social work; relating to medical malpractice liability of respiratory care practitioners; relating to immunity from civil liability for a respiratory care practitioner providing free health care services; relating to national criminal history record checks; relating to 2026-05-20 Senate Journal Page 2830 respiratory care practitioners providing documentation and treatment plans for public school students with asthma or anaphylaxis; relating to the recognition of EMS personnel licensure interstate compact; prohibiting unfair discrimination under group health insurance against respiratory care practitioners; and providing for an effective date." (Title Change SCR 25) Signing do pass: Senator Hoffman, Cochair. Signing no recommendation: Senators Olson, Stedman, Cochairs; Senators Kaufman, Cronk, Merrick. Signing do not pass: Senator Kiehl. The following fiscal information was published today: Fiscal Note No. 4, Department of Commerce, Community, and Economic Development Fiscal Note No. 5, zero, Department of Health Fiscal Note No. 6, Department of Public Safety The bill is on today’s calendar. HB 193 The Finance Committee considered CS FOR HOUSE BILL NO. 193(FIN) am "An Act relating to minimum paid sick leave requirements; establishing a paid parental leave program; relating to employer surcharges; relating to the employment assistance and training program account; relating to unemployment benefits; relating to the collection of child support obligations; relating to employee unemployment tax credits; relating to employer contributions to unemployment; relating to the duties of the Department of Labor and Workforce Development; and providing for an effective date." Signing do pass: Senators Olson, Hoffman, Cochairs. Signing no recommendation: Senator Stedman, Cochair; Senators Kaufman, Cronk, Merrick. Signing amend: Senator Kiehl. The following fiscal information was published today: Fiscal Note No. 7, Department of Labor and Workforce Development Fiscal Note No. 8, Department of Labor and Workforce Development Fiscal Note No. 9, Department of Labor and Workforce Development 2026-05-20 Senate Journal Page 2831 The following previously published fiscal information applies: Fiscal Note No. 4, zero, Department of Administration The bill was referred to the Rules Committee. HB 195 The Finance Committee considered CS FOR HOUSE BILL NO. 195(FIN) "An Act changing the term 'physician assistant' to 'physician associate'; relating to physician associates; relating to collaborative practice agreements for pharmacists; relating to the prescription of opioid overdose drugs; relating to the prescription and administration of drugs and devices by pharmacists; relating to reciprocity for pharmacists; amending the definition of 'practitioner'; and providing for an effective date." Signing do pass: Senators Olson, Hoffman, Cochairs; Senator Kiehl. Signing no recommendation: Senator Stedman, Cochair; Senators Kaufman, Cronk, Merrick. The following previously published fiscal information applies: Fiscal Note No. 2, Department of Commerce, Community, and Economic Development The bill is on today’s calendar. Consideration of the Calendar Second Reading of House Bills HB 50 HOUSE BILL NO. 50 "An Act relating to snow classics" was read the second time. Senator Giessel moved and asked unanimous consent the bill be advanced to third reading and placed on final passage. Without objection, it was so ordered. HOUSE BILL NO. 50 was read the third time. 2026-05-20 Senate Journal Page 2832 The question being: "Shall HOUSE BILL NO. 50 "An Act relating to snow classics" pass the Senate?" The roll was taken with the following result: HB 50 Third Reading - Final Passage YEAS: 19 NAYS: 1 EXCUSED: 0 ABSENT: 0 Yeas: Bjorkman, Claman, Cronk, Dunbar, Giessel, Gray-Jackson, Hoffman, Kaufman, Kawasaki, Merrick, Myers, Olson, Rauscher, Stedman, Stevens, Tilton, Tobin, Wielechowski, Yundt Nays: Kiehl and so, HOUSE BILL NO. 50 passed the Senate, was signed by the President and Secretary and returned to the House. HB 110 HOUSE BILL NO. 110 am "An Act relating to a social work licensure compact; relating to the practice of social work; and providing for an effective date" was read the second time. Senator Hoffman, Cochair, moved and asked unanimous consent for the adoption of the Finance Senate Committee Substitute offered today. Without objection, SENATE CS FOR HOUSE BILL NO. 110(FIN) "An Act relating to the interstate medical licensure compact; relating to the PA licensure compact; relating to the psychology interjurisdictional compact; relating to the practice of respiratory care; relating to the duties of the Department of Commerce, Community, and Economic Development; relating to telehealth provided by respiratory care practitioners; relating to a social work licensure compact; relating to the practice of social work; relating to medical malpractice liability of respiratory care practitioners; relating to immunity from civil liability for a respiratory care practitioner providing free health care services; relating to national criminal history record checks; relating to respiratory care practitioners providing documentation and treatment plans for public school students with asthma or anaphylaxis; relating to the recognition of EMS personnel licensure interstate compact; prohibiting unfair discrimination under group health insurance against respiratory care practitioners; and providing for an effective date" was adopted. 2026-05-20 Senate Journal Page 2833 Senator Dunbar offered Amendment No. 1 : Page 1, line 1, following "Act": Insert "relating to the rural health transformation program;" Page 1, line 12, following "practitioners;": Insert "establishing the Rural Health Transformation Program Advisory Council;" Page 143, following line 26: Insert new bill sections to read: "* Sec. 31. AS 44.29 is amended by adding new sections to read: Article 5A. Rural Health Transformation Program. Sec. 44.29.410. Rural Health Transformation Program Advisory Council. (a) The Rural Health Transformation Program Advisory Council is established in the department. (b) The council consists of eight members as follows: (1) the deputy commissioner of health, or the deputy commissioner of health's designee, who shall serve as the chair and is a nonvoting member; (2) one member who represents a tribal health organization or consortium, appointed by the governor; in this paragraph, "tribal health organization" means an organization recognized by the United States Indian Health Service to provide health-related services; (3) one member who represents a federally qualified health center or professional organization for federally qualified health centers, appointed by the governor; in this paragraph, "federally qualified health center" has the meaning given in 42 U.S.C. 1396d(l)(2)(B); (4) one member who represents a hospital or professional organization for hospitals, appointed by the governor; (5) one member who represents a local government, appointed by the governor; (6) one member who represents the Alaska 2026-05-20 Senate Journal Page 2834 Mental Health Trust Authority, appointed by the governor; (7) one member of the house of representatives, appointed by the speaker of the house; and (8) one member of the senate, appointed by the president of the senate. (c) In addition to the qualifications required under (b)(2) - (6) of this section, the governor shall appoint members under (b)(2) - (6) of this section (1) based on interest in public affairs, good judgment, knowledge, and ability in the field of action of the council; (2) with a view to providing diversity of interest and points of view in the membership; (3) without consideration of political affiliation; and (4) so that the members appointed under (b)(2) - (6) of this section collectively represent each judicial district. (d) A member of the council serves at the pleasure of the appointing authority of the member. (e) Members of the council are not entitled to compensation or per diem and travel expenses authorized under AS 39.20.180. (f) The council shall meet in person, telephonically, or by electronic means at least biannually. (g) The council shall advise the department on the state's participation in the rural health transformation program. (h) The council may adopt bylaws for the operation of the council. Sec. 44.29.420. Department duties. (a) The department shall (1) establish specific criteria for scoring grant applications; (2) publish on the department's Internet website (A) the state's application for the rural health transformation program, changes to the application, and the state's approved application; (B) the criteria established under 2026-05-20 Senate Journal Page 2835 (1) of this subsection; (C) annual updates on the grant applications the state receives, the application scores, the grants awarded, how the awarded grants are being used by grantees, and the progress of each grantee in achieving the goals identified in the grantee's application; and (D) annual updates on all state projects funded with money received by the state under the rural health transformation program; and (3) by the first day of each regular session of the legislature, deliver copies of the reports the department submitted to the federal government in the previous year under the rural health transformation program to the senate secretary and the chief clerk of the house of representatives and notify the legislature that the reports are available. (b) The department may use funds received by the state under the rural health transformation program to award grants. The department shall award grants in a manner that addresses the initiatives identified in the state's approved application. Sec. 44.29.450. Definitions. In AS 44.29.410 - 44.29.450, (1) "approved application" means an application to participate in the rural health transformation program that has been approved by the federal government; (2) "council" means the Rural Health Transformation Program Advisory Council; (3) "department" means the Department of Health; (4) "rural health transformation program" means the program authorized under 42 U.S.C. 1397ee(h). * Sec. 32. AS 44.29.410, 44.29.420, and 44.29.450 are repealed December 31, 2031." Renumber the following bill sections accordingly. Page 144, line 5: Delete "31" Insert "33" 2026-05-20 Senate Journal Page 2836 Senator Dunbar moved for the adoption of Amendment No. 1. Senator Cronk objected. The question being: "Shall Amendment No. 1 be adopted?" The roll was taken with the following result: SCS HB 110(FIN) Second Reading Amendment No. 1? YEAS: 13 NAYS: 7 EXCUSED: 0 ABSENT: 0 Yeas: Bjorkman, Claman, Dunbar, Gray-Jackson, Hoffman, Kawasaki, Kiehl, Merrick, Myers, Olson, Stevens, Tobin, Wielechowski Nays: Cronk, Giessel, Kaufman, Rauscher, Stedman, Tilton, Yundt and so, Amendment No. 1 was adopted. Senator Giessel moved and asked unanimous consent the bill be considered engrossed, advanced to third reading and placed on final passage. Without objection, it was so ordered. SENATE CS FOR HOUSE BILL NO. 110(FIN) am S "An Act relating to the rural health transformation program; relating to the interstate medical licensure compact; relating to the PA licensure compact; relating to the psychology interjurisdictional compact; relating to the practice of respiratory care; relating to the duties of the Department of Commerce, Community, and Economic Development; relating to telehealth provided by respiratory care practitioners; relating to a social work licensure compact; relating to the practice of social work; relating to medical malpractice liability of respiratory care practitioners; relating to immunity from civil liability for a respiratory care practitioner providing free health care services; relating to national criminal history record checks; relating to respiratory care practitioners providing documentation and treatment plans for public school students with asthma or anaphylaxis; relating to the recognition of EMS personnel licensure interstate compact; prohibiting unfair discrimination under group health insurance against respiratory care practitioners; establishing the Rural Health Transformation Program Advisory Council; and providing for an effective date" was read the third time. 2026-05-20 Senate Journal Page 2837 The question being: "Shall SENATE CS FOR HOUSE BILL NO. 110(FIN) am S "An Act relating to the rural health transformation program; relating to the interstate medical licensure compact; relating to the PA licensure compact; relating to the psychology interjurisdictional compact; relating to the practice of respiratory care; relating to the duties of the Department of Commerce, Community, and Economic Development; relating to telehealth provided by respiratory care practitioners; relating to a social work licensure compact; relating to the practice of social work; relating to medical malpractice liability of respiratory care practitioners; relating to immunity from civil liability for a respiratory care practitioner providing free health care services; relating to national criminal history record checks; relating to respiratory care practitioners providing documentation and treatment plans for public school students with asthma or anaphylaxis; relating to the recognition of EMS personnel licensure interstate compact; prohibiting unfair discrimination under group health insurance against respiratory care practitioners; establishing the Rural Health Transformation Program Advisory Council; and providing for an effective date" pass the Senate?" The roll was taken with the following result: SCS HB 110(FIN) am S Third Reading - Final Passage YEAS: 9 NAYS: 11 EXCUSED: 0 ABSENT: 0 Yeas: Bjorkman, Claman, Dunbar, Kaufman, Merrick, Myers, Rauscher, Wielechowski, Yundt Nays: Cronk, Giessel, Gray-Jackson, Hoffman, Kawasaki, Kiehl, Olson, Stedman, Stevens, Tilton, Tobin and so, SENATE CS FOR HOUSE BILL NO. 110(FIN) am S failed. HB 195 CS FOR HOUSE BILL NO. 195(FIN) "An Act changing the term 'physician assistant' to 'physician associate'; relating to physician associates; relating to collaborative practice agreements for pharmacists; relating to the prescription of opioid overdose drugs; relating to the prescription and administration of drugs and devices by pharmacists; relating to reciprocity for pharmacists; amending the definition of 'practitioner'; and providing for an effective date" was read the second time. 2026-05-20 Senate Journal Page 2838 Senator Giessel moved and asked unanimous consent the bill be advanced to third reading and placed on final passage. Senator Myers objected. Senator Kawasaki called the Senate. The call was satisfied. Senator Giessel moved and asked unanimous consent to withdraw her motion. Without objection, it was so ordered. Senator Giessel moved and asked unanimous consent CS FOR HOUSE BILL NO. 195(FIN) be moved to the bottom of the calendar. Without objection, it was so ordered. HB 110 Senator Tilton moved the Senate rescind its previous action in in failing SENATE CS FOR HOUSE BILL NO. 110(FIN) am S "An Act relating to the rural health transformation program; relating to the interstate medical licensure compact; relating to the PA licensure compact; relating to the psychology interjurisdictional compact; relating to the practice of respiratory care; relating to the duties of the Department of Commerce, Community, and Economic Development; relating to telehealth provided by respiratory care practitioners; relating to a social work licensure compact; relating to the practice of social work; relating to medical malpractice liability of respiratory care practitioners; relating to immunity from civil liability for a respiratory care practitioner providing free health care services; relating to national criminal history record checks; relating to respiratory care practitioners providing documentation and treatment plans for public school students with asthma or anaphylaxis; relating to the recognition of EMS personnel licensure interstate compact; prohibiting unfair discrimination under group health insurance against respiratory care practitioners; establishing the Rural Health Transformation Program Advisory Council; and providing for an effective date." The question being: "Shall the Senate rescind its previous action?" The roll was taken with the following result: SCS HB 110(FIN) am S Rescind Previous Action? 2026-05-20 Senate Journal Page 2839 YEAS: 13 NAYS: 7 EXCUSED: 0 ABSENT: 0 Yeas: Bjorkman, Claman, Cronk, Dunbar, Gray-Jackson, Kaufman, Kawasaki, Merrick, Myers, Rauscher, Tilton, Wielechowski, Yundt Nays: Giessel, Hoffman, Kiehl, Olson, Stedman, Stevens, Tobin and so, the Senate rescinded its previous action in failing SENATE CS FOR HOUSE BILL NO. 110(FIN) am S. SENATE CS FOR HOUSE BILL NO. 110(FIN) am S was before the Senate on final passage. The question being: "Shall SENATE CS FOR HOUSE BILL NO. 110(FIN) am S "An Act relating to the rural health transformation program; relating to the interstate medical licensure compact; relating to the PA licensure compact; relating to the psychology interjurisdictional compact; relating to the practice of respiratory care; relating to the duties of the Department of Commerce, Community, and Economic Development; relating to telehealth provided by respiratory care practitioners; relating to a social work licensure compact; relating to the practice of social work; relating to medical malpractice liability of respiratory care practitioners; relating to immunity from civil liability for a respiratory care practitioner providing free health care services; relating to national criminal history record checks; relating to respiratory care practitioners providing documentation and treatment plans for public school students with asthma or anaphylaxis; relating to the recognition of EMS personnel licensure interstate compact; prohibiting unfair discrimination under group health insurance against respiratory care practitioners; establishing the Rural Health Transformation Program Advisory Council; and providing for an effective date" pass the Senate?" The roll was taken with the following result: SCS HB 110(FIN) am S Third Reading - Final Passage YEAS: 13 NAYS: 7 EXCUSED: 0 ABSENT: 0 Yeas: Bjorkman, Claman, Cronk, Dunbar, Kaufman, Kawasaki, Merrick, Myers, Rauscher, Stevens, Tilton, Wielechowski, Yundt Nays: Giessel, Gray-Jackson, Hoffman, Kiehl, Olson, Stedman, Tobin 2026-05-20 Senate Journal Page 2840 and so, SENATE CS FOR HOUSE BILL NO. 110(FIN) am S 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 HB 110(FIN) am S Effective Date Clause(s) YEAS: 19 NAYS: 1 EXCUSED: 0 ABSENT: 0 Yeas: Bjorkman, Claman, Cronk, Dunbar, Gray-Jackson, Hoffman, Kaufman, Kawasaki, Kiehl, Merrick, Myers, Olson, Rauscher, Stedman, Stevens, Tilton, Tobin, Wielechowski, Yundt Nays: Giessel and so, the effective date clause was adopted and the bill was referred to the Secretary for engrossment. SCR 25 SENATE CONCURRENT RESOLUTION NO. 25 Suspending Rules 24(c), 35, 41(b), and 42(e), Uniform Rules of the Alaska State Legislature, concerning House Bill No. 110, relating to a social work licensure compact; and relating to the practice of social work, was before the Senate on final passage. The question being: "Shall SENATE CONCURRENT RESOLUTION NO. 25 Suspending Rules 24(c), 35, 41(b), and 42(e), Uniform Rules of the Alaska State Legislature, concerning House Bill No. 110, relating to a social work licensure compact; and relating to the practice of social work, pass the Senate?" The roll was taken with the following result: SCR 25 Final Passage 2026-05-20 Senate Journal Page 2841 YEAS: 19 NAYS: 1 EXCUSED: 0 ABSENT: 0 Yeas: Bjorkman, Claman, Cronk, Dunbar, Giessel, Gray-Jackson, Hoffman, Kaufman, Kawasaki, Merrick, Myers, Olson, Rauscher, Stedman, Stevens, Tilton, Tobin, Wielechowski, Yundt Nays: Kiehl and so, SENATE CONCURRENT RESOLUTION NO. 25 passed the Senate and was referred to the Secretary for engrossment. HB 243 HOUSE BILL NO. 243 "An Act relating to the powers and duties of the Board of Barbers and Hairdressers and the Department of Commerce, Community, and Economic Development; and providing for an effective date" was read the second time. Senator Giessel moved and asked unanimous consent the bill be advanced to third reading and placed on final passage. Without objection, it was so ordered. HOUSE BILL NO. 243 was read the third time. The question being: "Shall HOUSE BILL NO. 243 "An Act relating to the powers and duties of the Board of Barbers and Hairdressers and the Department of Commerce, Community, and Economic Development; and providing for an effective date" pass the Senate?" The roll was taken with the following result: HB 243 Third Reading - Final Passage Effective Date(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, HOUSE BILL NO. 243 passed the Senate. Senator Giessel moved and asked unanimous consent the vote on the passage of the bill be considered the vote on the effective date clause. Without objection, it was so ordered and the bill was signed by the President and Secretary and returned to the House. 2026-05-20 Senate Journal Page 2842 HB 388 CS FOR HOUSE BILL NO. 388(FIN) "An Act relating to loans made from the bulk fuel loan account; and providing for an effective date" was read the second time. Senator Giessel moved and asked unanimous consent the bill be advanced to third reading and placed on final passage. Without objection, it was so ordered. CS FOR HOUSE BILL NO. 388(FIN) was read the third time. The question being: "Shall CS FOR HOUSE BILL NO. 388(FIN) "An Act relating to loans made from the bulk fuel loan account; and providing for an effective date" pass the Senate?" The roll was taken with the following result: CSHB 388(FIN) Third Reading - Final Passage Effective Date(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, CS FOR HOUSE BILL NO. 388(FIN) passed the Senate. Senator Giessel moved and asked unanimous consent the vote on the passage of the bill be considered the vote on the effective date clause. Without objection, it was so ordered and the bill was signed by the President and Secretary and returned to the House. Third Reading of House Bills HB 280 SENATE CS FOR 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" was read the third time. 2026-05-20 Senate Journal Page 2843 The question being: "Shall SENATE CS FOR 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" pass the Senate?" The roll was taken with the following result: SCS CSHB 280(FIN) Third Reading - Final Passage Effective Date(s) YEAS: 17 NAYS: 3 EXCUSED: 0 ABSENT: 0 Yeas: Bjorkman, Claman, Cronk, Dunbar, Giessel, Gray-Jackson, Hoffman, Kaufman, Kawasaki, Kiehl, Merrick, Olson, Stedman, Stevens, Tobin, Wielechowski, Yundt Nays: Myers, Rauscher, Tilton and so, SENATE CS FOR CS FOR HOUSE BILL NO. 280(FIN) passed the Senate. Senator Giessel moved and asked unanimous consent the vote on the passage of the bill be considered the vote on the effective date clause. Without objection, it was so ordered and the bill was referred to the Secretary for engrossment. HB 13 SENATE CS FOR CS FOR SPONSOR SUBSTITUTE FOR HOUSE BILL NO. 13(STA) "An Act relating to optional municipal property tax exemptions for real property owned and occupied by volunteer certified or licensed providers of fire fighting, emergency medical, mobile intensive care paramedic services, or hazardous materials response services; relating to optional municipal property tax exemptions for certain long-term rental units, certain mobile home parks, real property rented to low-income families, real property owned and occupied as a permanent place of abode, and real property owned by first-time homebuyers; and relating to municipal tax refunds" was read the third time. 2026-05-20 Senate Journal Page 2844 Senators Tilton, Yundt moved and asked unanimous to abstain from voting due to a conflict of interest. Objections were heard and Senators Tilton, Yundt were required to vote. The question being: "Shall SENATE CS FOR CS FOR SPONSOR SUBSTITUTE FOR HOUSE BILL NO. 13(STA) "An Act relating to optional municipal property tax exemptions for real property owned and occupied by volunteer certified or licensed providers of fire fighting, emergency medical, mobile intensive care paramedic services, or hazardous materials response services; relating to optional municipal property tax exemptions for certain long-term rental units, certain mobile home parks, real property rented to low-income families, real property owned and occupied as a permanent place of abode, and real property owned by first-time homebuyers; and relating to municipal tax refunds" pass the Senate?" The roll was taken with the following result: SCS CSSSHB 13(STA) Third Reading - 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 CS FOR CS FOR SPONSOR SUBSTITUTE FOR HOUSE BILL NO. 13(STA) passed the Senate and was referred to the Secretary for engrossment. SCR 14 SENATE CONCURRENT RESOLUTION NO. 14 Suspending Rules 24(c), 35, 41(b), and 42(e), Uniform Rules of the Alaska State Legislature, concerning House Bill No. 13, relating to optional municipal property tax exemptions for certain long-term rental units, certain mobile home parks, real property rented to low-income families, real property owned and occupied as a permanent place of abode, and real property owned by first-time homebuyers, was before the Senate on final passage. 2026-05-20 Senate Journal Page 2845 The question being: "Shall SENATE CONCURRENT RESOLUTION NO. 14 Suspending Rules 24(c), 35, 41(b), and 42(e), Uniform Rules of the Alaska State Legislature, concerning House Bill No. 13, relating to optional municipal property tax exemptions for certain long-term rental units, certain mobile home parks, real property rented to low- income families, real property owned and occupied as a permanent place of abode, and real property owned by first-time homebuyers, pass the Senate?" The roll was taken with the following result: SCR 14 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. 14 passed the Senate and was referred to the Secretary for engrossment. HB 73 SENATE CS FOR CS FOR HOUSE BILL NO. 73(FIN) am S "An Act relating to special needs ballots; relating to complex care residential homes; and providing for an effective date" was read the third time. Senator Wielechowski moved and asked unanimous consent the Senate return to second reading for the purpose of rescinding its previous action in adopting Amendment No. 1. Without objection, the bill was returned to second reading. Senator Wielechowski moved the Senate rescind its previous action in adopting Amendment No. 1. Without objection, it was so ordered. Senator Wielechowski moved and asked unanimous consent to withdraw Amendment No. 1. Objections were heard. The question being: "Shall Amendment No. 1 be withdrawn?" The roll was taken with the following result: 2026-05-20 Senate Journal Page 2846 SCS CSHB 73(FIN) am S Second Reading Withdraw Amendment No. 1? 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, Amendment No. 1 was withdrawn. SENATE CS FOR CS FOR HOUSE BILL NO. 73(FIN) "An Act relating to complex care residential homes; and providing for an effective date" was automatically in third reading. The question being: "Shall SENATE CS FOR CS FOR HOUSE BILL NO. 73(FIN) "An Act relating to complex care residential homes; and providing for an effective date" pass the Senate?" The roll was taken with the following result: SCS CSHB 73(FIN) Third Reading - Final Passage Effective Date(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, SENATE CS FOR CS FOR HOUSE BILL NO. 73(FIN) passed the Senate. Senator Giessel moved and asked unanimous consent the vote on the passage of the bill be considered the vote on the effective date clauses. Without objection, it was so ordered and the bill was referred to the Secretary for engrossment. HB 173 SENATE CS FOR CS FOR HOUSE BILL NO. 173(FIN) am S "An Act relating to occupational therapist licensure; relating to occupational therapy assistant licensure; relating to an occupational 2026-05-20 Senate Journal Page 2847 therapist licensure compact; relating to an executive administrator for the State Physical Therapy and Occupational Therapy Board; relating to physical therapist licensure; relating to physical therapist assistant licensure; relating to audiologist licensure; relating to speech-language pathologist licensure; and relating to national criminal history record checks" was read the third time. The question being: "Shall SENATE CS FOR CS FOR HOUSE BILL NO. 173(FIN) am S "An Act relating to occupational therapist licensure; relating to occupational therapy assistant licensure; relating to an occupational therapist licensure compact; relating to an executive administrator for the State Physical Therapy and Occupational Therapy Board; relating to physical therapist licensure; relating to physical therapist assistant licensure; relating to audiologist licensure; relating to speech-language pathologist licensure; and relating to national criminal history record checks" pass the Senate?" The roll was taken with the following result: SCS CSHB 173(FIN) am S Third Reading - Final Passage YEAS: 14 NAYS: 6 EXCUSED: 0 ABSENT: 0 Yeas: Bjorkman, Claman, Cronk, Dunbar, Hoffman, Kaufman, Kiehl, Merrick, Myers, Rauscher, Stedman, Tilton, Wielechowski, Yundt Nays: Giessel, Gray-Jackson, Kawasaki, Olson, Stevens, Tobin and so, SENATE CS FOR CS FOR HOUSE BILL NO. 173(FIN) am S passed the Senate and was referred to the Secretary for engrossment. SCR 27 SENATE CONCURRENT RESOLUTION NO. 27 Suspending Rules 24(c), 35, 41(b), and 42(e), Uniform Rules of the Alaska State Legislature, concerning House Bill No. 173, relating to occupational therapist licensure; relating to occupational therapy assistant licensure; and relating to an occupational therapist licensure compact, was before the Senate on final passage. 2026-05-20 Senate Journal Page 2848 The question being: "Shall SENATE CONCURRENT RESOLUTION NO. 27 Suspending Rules 24(c), 35, 41(b), and 42(e), Uniform Rules of the Alaska State Legislature, concerning House Bill No. 173, relating to occupational therapist licensure; relating to occupational therapy assistant licensure; and relating to an occupational therapist licensure compact, pass the Senate?" The roll was taken with the following result: SCR 27 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. 27 passed the Senate and was referred to the Secretary for engrossment. HB 246 HOUSE BILL NO. 246 "An Act relating to allocations for the special education service agency; and providing for an effective date" was read the third time. The question being: "Shall HOUSE BILL NO. 246 "An Act relating to allocations for the special education service agency; and providing for an effective date" pass the Senate?" The roll was taken with the following result: HB 246 Third Reading - Final Passage Effective Date(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, HOUSE BILL NO. 246 passed the Senate. 2026-05-20 Senate Journal Page 2849 Senator Giessel moved and asked unanimous consent the vote on the passage of the bill be considered the vote on the effective date clause. Without objection, it was so ordered and the bill was signed by the President and Secretary and returned to the House. HB 302 SENATE CS FOR CS FOR HOUSE BILL NO. 302(TRA) "An Act relating to travel insurance; relating to the business of insurance; relating to exceptions to prohibited rebates; relating to the powers of the director of the division of insurance; relating to prohibited practices in the advertisement of insurance; and providing for an effective date" was read the third time. Senator Kiehl moved the bill be returned to second reading for all amendments offered today. Without objection, the bill was returned to second reading. Senator Kiehl offered Amendment No. 1 : Page 1, line 3, following the second occurrence of "insurance;": Insert "relating to unemployment benefits;" Page 21, following line 7: Insert new bill sections to read: "* Sec. 10. AS 23.20.350(d) is amended to read: (d) An individual who is eligible under (a) of this section is entitled to receive the weekly benefit amount set out in column (B) of the table in this subsection that is opposite the amount set out in column (A) of the individual's base period wages determined under (c) of this section: (A) (B) Base Period Wages Weekly Benefit Amount At least But less than 0 2,500 $ 0 2,500 2,750 56 2,750 3,000 58 3,000 3,250 60 3,250 3,500 62 3,500 3,750 64 2026-05-20 Senate Journal Page 2850 3,750 4,000 66 4,000 4,250 68 4,250 4,500 70 4,500 4,750 72 4,750 5,000 74 5,000 5,250 76 5,250 5,500 78 5,500 5,750 80 5,750 6,000 82 6,000 6,250 84 6,250 6,500 86 6,500 6,750 88 6,750 7,000 90 7,000 7,250 92 7,250 7,500 94 7,500 7,750 96 7,750 8,000 98 8,000 8,250 100 8,250 8,500 102 8,500 8,750 104 8,750 9,000 106 9,000 9,250 108 9,250 9,500 110 9,500 9,750 112 9,750 10,000 114 10,000 10,250 116 10,250 10,500 118 10,500 10,750 120 10,750 11,000 122 11,000 11,250 124 11,250 11,500 126 11,500 11,750 128 11,750 12,000 130 12,000 12,250 132 12,250 12,500 134 12,500 12,750 136 12,750 13,000 138 13,000 13,250 140 13,250 13,500 142 13,500 13,750 144 2026-05-20 Senate Journal Page 2851 13,750 14,000 146 14,000 14,250 148 14,250 14,500 150 14,500 14,750 152 14,750 15,000 154 15,000 15,250 156 15,250 15,500 158 15,500 15,750 160 15,750 16,000 162 16,000 16,250 164 16,250 16,500 166 16,500 16,750 168 16,750 17,000 170 17,000 17,250 172 17,250 17,500 174 17,500 17,750 176 17,750 18,000 178 18,000 18,250 180 18,250 18,500 182 18,500 18,750 184 18,750 19,000 186 19,000 19,250 188 19,250 19,500 190 19,500 19,750 192 19,750 20,000 194 20,000 20,250 196 20,250 20,500 198 20,500 20,750 200 20,750 21,000 202 21,000 21,250 204 21,250 21,500 207 [206] 21,500 21,750 209 [208] 21,750 22,000 212 [210] 22,000 22,250 214 [212] 22,250 22,500 216 [214] 22,500 22,750 219 [216] 22,750 23,000 221 [218] 23,000 23,250 224 [220] 23,250 23,500 226 [222] 23,500 23,750 228 [224] 2026-05-20 Senate Journal Page 2852 23,750 24,000 231 [226] 24,000 24,250 233 [228] 24,250 24,500 236 [230] 24,500 24,750 238 [232] 24,750 25,000 240 [234] 25,000 25,250 243 [236] 25,250 25,500 245 [238] 25,500 25,750 248 [240] 25,750 26,000 250 [242] 26,000 26,250 252 [244] 26,250 26,500 255 [246] 26,500 26,750 257 [248] 26,750 27,000 260 [250] 27,000 27,250 262 [252] 27,250 27,500 264 [254] 27,500 27,750 267 [256] 27,750 28,000 269 [258] 28,000 28,250 272 [260] 28,250 28,500 274 [262] 28,500 28,750 276 [264] 28,750 29,000 279 [266] 29,000 29,250 281 [268] 29,250 29,500 284 [270] 29,500 29,750 286 [272] 29,750 30,000 288 [274] 30,000 30,250 291 [276] 30,250 30,500 293 [278] 30,500 30,750 296 [280] 30,750 31,000 298 [282] 31,000 31,250 300 [284] 31,250 31,500 303 [286] 31,500 31,750 305 [288] 31,750 32,000 308 [290] 32,000 32,250 310 [292] 32,250 32,500 313 [294] 32,500 32,750 315 [296] 32,750 33,000 317 [298] 33,000 33,250 320 [300] 33,250 33,500 322 [302] 33,500 33,750 325 [304] 2026-05-20 Senate Journal Page 2853 33,750 34,000 327 [306] 34,000 34,250 329 [308] 34,250 34,500 332 [310] 34,500 34,750 334 [312] 34,750 35,000 337 [314] 35,000 35,250 339 [316] 35,250 35,500 341 [318] 35,500 35,750 344 [320] 35,750 36,000 346 [322] 36,000 36,250 349 [324] 36,250 36,500 351 [326] 36,500 36,750 353 [328] 36,750 37,000 356 [330] 37,000 37,250 358 [332] 37,250 37,500 361 [334] 37,500 37,750 363 [336] 37,750 38,000 365 [338] 38,000 38,250 368 [340] 38,250 38,500 370 [342] 38,500 38,750 373 [344] 38,750 39,000 375 [346] 39,000 39,250 377 [348] 39,250 39,500 380 [350] 39,500 39,750 382 [352] 39,750 40,000 385 [354] 40,000 40,250 387 [356] 40,250 40,500 389 [358] 40,500 40,750 392 [360] 40,750 41,000 394 [362] 41,000 41,250 397 [364] 41,250 41,500 399 [366] 41,500 41,750 401 [368] 41,750 42,000 404 [370] 42,000 42,250 406 42,250 42,500 409 42,500 42,750 411 42,750 43,000 413 43,000 43,250 416 43,250 43,500 418 43,500 43,750 421 2026-05-20 Senate Journal Page 2854 43,750 44,000 423 44,000 44,250 425 44,250 44,500 428 44,500 44,750 430 44,750 45,000 433 45,000 45,250 435 45,250 45,500 438 45,500 45,750 440 45,750 46,000 442 46,000 46,250 445 46,250 46,500 447 46,500 46,750 450 46,750 47,000 452 47,000 47,250 454 47,250 47,500 457 47,500 47,750 459 47,750 48,000 462 48,000 48,250 464 48,250 48,500 466 48,500 48,750 469 48,750 49,000 471 49,000 49,250 474 49,250 49,500 476 49,500 49,750 478 49,750 50,000 481 50,000 50,250 483 50,250 50,500 486 50,500 50,750 488 50,750 51,000 490 51,000 51,250 493 51,250 51,500 495 51,500 51,750 498 51,750 52,000 500 52,000 52,250 502 52,250 52,500 505 52,500 52,750 507 52,750 53,000 510 53,000 53,250 512 53,250 53,500 514 53,500 53,750 517 2026-05-20 Senate Journal Page 2855 53,750 54,000 519 54,000 54,250 522 54,250 54,500 524 54,500 524 [370]. * Sec. 11. AS 23.20.350(f) is amended to read: (f) An individual who establishes a benefit year is eligible for an allowance for dependents in addition to the individual's weekly benefit amount. The department may require an individual claiming or receiving an allowance for dependents to produce income tax returns, birth certificates, notices of adoption or custody, social security account number of spouse, verification of support documents, or other information necessary to verify that the allowance is payable to the individual. The allowance for dependents (1) is $72 [$24] per week for each dependent, except that the total allowance for dependents paid to an individual may not exceed $216 [$72] for each week of unemployment; (2) is payable beginning with the week during the benefit year in which the individual claims an allowance for the dependent and is payable for the remainder of the individual's eligibility for regular, extended, or supplemental payments during the benefit year; (3) may not be claimed for a new dependent after the end of the benefit year or after the exhaustion of regular benefits in the benefit year [; (4) REPEALED (5) REPEALED]. * Sec. 12. AS 23.20.350 is amended by adding a new subsection to read: (h) On January 1 of each year, the department shall increase the maximum base period wages in (d) of this section by a percentage equal to the percentage increase in the base of contributions calculated under AS 23.20.175 in comparison to the base contributions calculated for the prior year. The new base period wage amount shall be rounded to the nearest $250. The department shall increase the corresponding weekly benefit amount in (d) of this section by $2 for each $250 increase in base period wages. The department may not decrease the base period wage amount of the weekly benefit amount." 2026-05-20 Senate Journal Page 2856 Renumber the following bill sections accordingly. Page 21, line 11: Delete "10" Insert "13" Page 21, line 12: Delete "10" Insert "13" Page 21, following line 19: Insert new bill sections to read: "* Sec. 16. The uncodified law of the State of Alaska is amended by adding a new section to read: STATE UNEMPLOYMENT INSURANCE LAW FEDERAL APPROVAL. To the extent necessary to implement this Act, the Department of Labor and Workforce Development shall submit for federal approval the changes to the unemployment insurance laws of the state enacted by secs. 10 - 12 of this Act. * Sec. 17. The uncodified law of the State of Alaska is amended by adding a new section to read: CONDITIONAL EFFECT; NOTIFICATION. (a) Sections 10 - 12 of this Act take effect only if, and to the extent that, on or before July 1, 2027, the United States Secretary of Labor approves the changes to the unemployment insurance laws of this state under 26 U.S.C. 3304 (Federal Unemployment Tax Act), or determines that approval is not necessary. (b) The commissioner of labor and workforce development shall notify the revisor of statutes in writing within 30 days after the United States Secretary of Labor approves or does not approve the changes to the unemployment insurance laws of this state. * Sec. 18. If secs. 10 - 12 of this Act take effect, they take effect on January 1, 2027, or the day after the United States Secretary of Labor approves the changes to the unemployment insurance laws of this state, whichever is later." Renumber the following bill sections accordingly. Page 21, line 20: Delete "Section 12 of this Act takes" 2026-05-20 Senate Journal Page 2857 Insert "Sections 15 and 16 of this Act take" Page 21, line 21: Delete "sec. 13" Insert "secs. 18 and 19" Senator Kiehl moved for the adoption of Amendment No. 1. Objections were heard. Senator Kiehl moved and asked unanimous consent to withdraw Amendment No. 1. Without objection, Amendment No. 1 was withdrawn. Senator Giessel moved and asked unanimous consent SENATE CS FOR CS FOR HOUSE BILL NO. 302(TRA) be moved to bottom of the calendar. Without objection, it was so ordered. HB 262 HOUSE BILL NO. 262 "An Act increasing the number of superior court judges in the third judicial district; and providing for an effective date" was read the third time. The question being: "Shall HOUSE BILL NO. 262 "An Act increasing the number of superior court judges in the third judicial district; and providing for an effective date" pass the Senate?" The roll was taken with the following result: HB 262 Third Reading - Final Passage Effective Date(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, HOUSE BILL NO. 262 passed the Senate. Senator Giessel moved and asked unanimous consent the vote on the passage of the bill be considered the vote on the effective date clause. Without objection, it was so ordered and the bill was signed by the President and Secretary and returned to the House. 2026-05-20 Senate Journal Page 2858 HB 14 Senator Giessel moved and asked unanimous consent HOUSE BILL NO. 14 be moved to bottom of calendar. Without objection, it was so ordered. HB 39 CS FOR HOUSE BILL NO. 39(EDC) "An Act relating to public school students who are deaf or hard of hearing" was read the third time. Senators Merrick, Olson moved and asked unanimous consent to be shown as cross sponsors on the bill. Without objection, it was so ordered. The question being: "Shall CS FOR HOUSE BILL NO. 39(EDC) "An Act relating to public school students who are deaf or hard of hearing" pass the Senate?" The roll was taken with the following result: CSHB 39(EDC) Third Reading - 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, CS FOR HOUSE BILL NO. 39(EDC) passed the Senate, was signed by the President and Secretary and returned to the House. Second Reading of House Resolutions HJR 46 CS FOR HOUSE JOINT RESOLUTION NO. 46(CRA) Recognizing the sovereign decisions of the communities of Kipnuk and Kwigillingok to relocate in the wake of the devastation caused by Typhoon Halong; affirming the right of Alaska Native communities to self-determination; and urging full state and federal support for relocation of those communities, was read the second time. 2026-05-20 Senate Journal Page 2859 Senator Giessel moved and asked unanimous consent the resolution be advanced to third reading and placed on final passage. Without objection, it was so ordered. CS FOR HOUSE JOINT RESOLUTION NO. 46(CRA) was read the third time. The question being: "Shall CS FOR HOUSE JOINT RESOLUTION NO. 46(CRA) Recognizing the sovereign decisions of the communities of Kipnuk and Kwigillingok to relocate in the wake of the devastation caused by Typhoon Halong; affirming the right of Alaska Native communities to self-determination; and urging full state and federal support for relocation of those communities, pass the Senate?" The roll was taken with the following result: CSHJR 46(CRA) Third Reading - 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, CS FOR HOUSE JOINT RESOLUTION NO. 46(CRA) passed the Senate, was signed by the President and Secretary and returned to the House. HJR 20 HOUSE JOINT RESOLUTION NO. 20 Encouraging the United States Congress to establish hiring goals for apprentices and veteran apprentices, was read the second time. Senator Giessel moved and asked unanimous consent the resolution be advanced to third reading and placed on final passage. Without objection, it was so ordered. HOUSE JOINT RESOLUTION NO. 20 was read the third time. 2026-05-20 Senate Journal Page 2860 Senators Tobin, Dunbar, Merrick, Kawasaki, Bjorkman, Wielechowski, Yundt, Cronk, Giessel, Gray-Jackson, Claman, Myers, Rauscher, Kaufman, Tilton, Stedman, Stevens moved and asked unanimous consent to be shown as cross sponsors on the resolution. Without objection, it was so ordered. The question being: "Shall HOUSE JOINT RESOLUTION NO. 20 Encouraging the United States Congress to establish hiring goals for apprentices and veteran apprentices, pass the Senate?" The roll was taken with the following result: HJR 20 Third Reading - 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 JOINT RESOLUTION NO. 20 passed the Senate, was signed by the President and Secretary and returned to the House. HJR 18 CS FOR HOUSE JOINT RESOLUTION NO. 18(RES) am Supporting the continued development of the Alaska Liquefied Natural Gas Project; recognizing the importance of the Alaska Liquefied Natural Gas Project to the economy of the state, energy independence, and national security; and urging the United States Congress, President Donald J. Trump, Secretary of the Interior Douglas Burgum, and relevant federal agencies to take all necessary actions to expedite the success of the Alaska Liquefied Natural Gas Project, was read the second time. Senator Giessel, Chair, moved and asked unanimous consent for the adoption of the Resources Senate Committee Substitute offered on page 2194. Without objection, SENATE CS FOR CS FOR HOUSE JOINT RESOLUTION NO. 18(RES) Supporting and recognizing the importance of a natural gas pipeline project in the state; and urging the federal government to take all necessary actions to expedite the state natural gas pipeline project, was adopted. 2026-05-20 Senate Journal Page 2861 Senator Giessel moved and asked unanimous consent the resolution be considered engrossed, advanced to third reading and placed on final passage. Without objection, it was so ordered. SENATE CS FOR CS FOR HOUSE JOINT RESOLUTION NO. 18(RES) Supporting and recognizing the importance of a natural gas pipeline project in the state; and urging the federal government to take all necessary actions to expedite the state natural gas pipeline project, was read the third time. Senator Myers moved and asked unanimous consent to be removed as a cross sponsor on the resolution. Without objection, it was so ordered. Senators Dunbar, Merrick, Kawasaki, Tobin, Wielechowski, Giessel moved and asked unanimous consent to be shown as cross sponsors on the resolution. Without objection, it was so ordered. The question being: "Shall SENATE CS FOR CS FOR HOUSE JOINT RESOLUTION NO. 18(RES) Supporting and recognizing the importance of a natural gas pipeline project in the state; and urging the federal government to take all necessary actions to expedite the state natural gas pipeline project, pass the Senate?" The roll was taken with the following result: SCS CSHJR 18(RES) Third Reading - 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 CS FOR CS FOR HOUSE JOINT RESOLUTION NO. 18(RES) passed the Senate and was referred to the Secretary for engrossment. SCR 18 SENATE CONCURRENT RESOLUTION NO. 18 Suspending Rules 24(c), 35, 41(b), and 42(e), Uniform Rules of the Alaska State Legislature, concerning House Joint Resolution No. 18, supporting the 2026-05-20 Senate Journal Page 2862 continued development of the Alaska Liquefied Natural Gas Project; recognizing the importance of the Alaska Liquefied Natural Gas Project to the economy of the state, energy independence, and national security; and urging the United States Congress, President Donald J. Trump, Secretary of the Interior Douglas Burgum, and relevant federal agencies to take all necessary actions to expedite the success of the Alaska Liquefied Natural Gas Project, was read the second time and was before the Senate on final passage. The question being: "Shall SENATE CONCURRENT RESOLUTION NO. 18 Suspending Rules 24(c), 35, 41(b), and 42(e), Uniform Rules of the Alaska State Legislature, concerning House Joint Resolution No. 18, supporting the continued development of the Alaska Liquefied Natural Gas Project; recognizing the importance of the Alaska Liquefied Natural Gas Project to the economy of the state, energy independence, and national security; and urging the United States Congress, President Donald J. Trump, Secretary of the Interior Douglas Burgum, and relevant federal agencies to take all necessary actions to expedite the success of the Alaska Liquefied Natural Gas Project, pass the Senate?" The roll was taken with the following result: SCR 18 Final Passage YEAS: 19 NAYS: 1 EXCUSED: 0 ABSENT: 0 Yeas: Bjorkman, Claman, Cronk, Dunbar, Giessel, Gray-Jackson, Hoffman, Kaufman, Kawasaki, Kiehl, Merrick, Olson, Rauscher, Stedman, Stevens, Tilton, Tobin, Wielechowski, Yundt Nays: Myers and so, SENATE CONCURRENT RESOLUTION NO. 18 passed the Senate and was referred to the Secretary for engrossment. HCR 4 HOUSE CONCURRENT RESOLUTION NO. 4 Proclaiming May 2025 as Myositis Awareness Month, was read the second time. 2026-05-20 Senate Journal Page 2863 Senator Dunbar, Chair, moved and asked unanimous consent for the adoption of the Health and Social Services Senate Committee Substitute offered on page 2074. Without objection, SENATE CS FOR HOUSE CONCURRENT RESOLUTION NO. 4(HSS) Proclaiming May 2026 as Myositis Awareness Month, was adopted and was before the Senate on final passage. The question being: "Shall SENATE CS FOR HOUSE CONCURRENT RESOLUTION NO. 4(HSS) Proclaiming May 2026 as Myositis Awareness Month, pass the Senate?" The roll was taken with the following result: SCS HCR 4(HSS) Second Reading - 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 CS FOR HOUSE CONCURRENT RESOLUTION NO. 4(HSS) passed the Senate and was referred to the Secretary for engrossment. SCR 16 SENATE CONCURRENT RESOLUTION NO. 16 Suspending Rules 24(c), 35, 41(b), and 42(e), Uniform Rules of the Alaska State Legislature, concerning House Concurrent Resolution No. 4, proclaiming May 2025 as Myositis Awareness Month, was before the Senate on final passage. The question being: "Shall SENATE CONCURRENT RESOLUTION NO. 16 Suspending Rules 24(c), 35, 41(b), and 42(e), Uniform Rules of the Alaska State Legislature, concerning House Concurrent Resolution No. 4, proclaiming May 2025 as Myositis Awareness Month, pass the Senate?" The roll was taken with the following result: SCR 16 Final Passage YEAS: 20 NAYS: 0 EXCUSED: 0 ABSENT: 0 2026-05-20 Senate Journal Page 2864 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. 16 passed the Senate and was referred to the Secretary for engrossment. Special Order of Business Senator Giessel moved and asked unanimous consent the following Citation Calendar be made a special order of business. Without objection, it was so ordered. Citation Calendar Honoring – Dr. Cary Keller Senator(s) Kawasaki, Cronk Representative(s) Dibert Honoring – Janice “Jan” Wrentmore Senator(s) Kiehl Representative(s) Hannan, Story th Honoring – City of Houston 60 Anniversary Senator(s) Rauscher In Memoriam – Robert “Bob” Busey Senator(s) Kawasaki, Claman Representative(s) Costello In Memoriam – Senan Brandon O’Mahony Senator(s) Kawasaki Representative(s) Dibert, Carrick In Memoriam – Dean Maloney Senator(s) Bjorkman Senator Giessel moved and asked unanimous consent the Citation Calendar be adopted. Without objection, the citations were adopted and referred to the Secretary for transmittal. 2026-05-20 Senate Journal Page 2865 Senator Giessel moved and asked unanimous consent the following citation be made a special order of business. Without objection, it was so ordered. Special Order of Business In Memoriam – Joe Nathan Haynes Senator(s) Kawasaki Representative(s) Dibert, Stapp Senator Giessel moved and asked unanimous consent the citation be adopted. Without objection, the citation was adopted and referred to the Secretary for transmittal. 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 4:07 p.m. After Recess The Senate reconvened at 5:39 p.m. Senator Giessel moved and asked unanimous consent the Senate return to Messages from the House. Without objection, the Senate returned to: Messages from the House (continued) HB 16 Message dated May 20 was read stating the House concurred in the Senate amendment to CS FOR HOUSE BILL NO. 16(STA), thus adopting: CS FOR HOUSE BILL NO. 16(STA) am S(efd fld H) "An Act requiring a group supporting or opposing a candidate or ballot proposition in a state or local election to maintain an address in the state; amending campaign contribution limits for state and 2026-05-20 Senate Journal Page 2866 local office; directing the Alaska Public Offices Commission to adjust campaign contribution limits for state and local office once each decade beginning in 2031; relating to campaign contribution reporting requirements; relating to administrative complaints filed with the Alaska Public Offices Commission; relating to state election expenditures and contributions made by a foreign-influenced corporation or foreign national." HB 28 Message dated May 20 was read stating the House concurred in the Senate amendments to CS FOR HOUSE BILL NO. 28(FIN) am, thus adopting: SENATE CS FOR CS FOR HOUSE BILL NO. 28(FIN) am S "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." HB 126 Message dated May 20 was read stating the House concurred in the Senate amendment to 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" thus adopting: SENATE CS FOR CS FOR HOUSE BILL NO. 126(L&C) "An Act relating to the reinstatement of Native village corporations; relating to proxy 2026-05-20 Senate Journal Page 2867 solicitations to shareholders of corporations organized under state law under the Alaska Native Claims Settlement Act; and providing for an effective date." (Title Change SCR 13) HB 239 Message dated May 20 was read stating the House concurred in the Senate amendment to CS FOR HOUSE BILL NO. 239(JUD) "An Act relating to criminally negligent homicide; relating to the duty of an operator immediately after an accident; and providing for an effective date" thus adopting: SENATE CS FOR CS FOR HOUSE BILL NO. 239(FIN) "An Act relating to crime and criminal procedure; relating to civil claims by victims of sexual abuse of a minor; relating to homicide; relating to assault; relating to sexual assault; relating to stalking; relating to sexual abuse of a minor; relating to enticement and unlawful exploitation of a minor; relating to cruelty to animals; relating to endangering the welfare of a child; relating to indecent exposure; relating to theft; relating to generated obscene child sexual abuse material; relating to sending an explicit image of a minor; relating to solicitation or production of an indecent picture of a minor; relating to distribution of indecent material to minors; relating to prostitution; relating to the Controlled Substances Advisory Committee; relating to the testimony of children in criminal proceedings; relating to sentencing; relating to sexual assault examination kits; restricting the release of certain records of convictions; relating to teaching certificates; relating to the definition of 'victim counseling center' for disclosure of certain communications concerning sexual assault or domestic violence; relating to motor vehicle offenses; relating to the board of parole; relating to parole; relating to medical release for service of sentence by electronic monitoring; relating to licensing of school 2026-05-20 Senate Journal Page 2868 bus drivers; creating and relating to the address confidentiality program; and providing for an effective date." (Title Change SCR 22) HB 278 Message dated May 20 was read stating the House concurred in the Senate amendment to CS FOR HOUSE BILL NO. 278(STA), thus adopting: SENATE CS FOR CS FOR HOUSE BILL NO. 278(STA) "An Act establishing the Alaska- Ireland Trade Commission; and providing for an effective date." SB 163 Message dated May 20 was read stating the House passed and returned: CS FOR SENATE BILL NO. 163(L&C) "An Act relating to inactive state accounts and funds; repealing the public access fund; repealing the Alaska temporary assistance program emergency account; repealing the 2001 Special Olympics World Winter Games reserve fund; and providing for an effective date." The bill was referred to the Secretary for enrollment. SB 164 Message dated May 20 was read stating the House passed and returned: CS FOR SENATE BILL NO. 164(L&C) "An Act eliminating deductions for the remittance of the motor fuel tax, tobacco taxes, and tire fees; relating to discounts on cigarette stamps; and providing for an effective date." The bill was referred to the Secretary for enrollment. 2026-05-20 Senate Journal Page 2869 SB 252 Message dated May 20 was read stating the House passed and returned: SENATE BILL NO. 252 "An Act relating to the Uniform Commercial Code; relating to secured transactions; relating to controllable accounts, controllable electronic records, and controllable payment intangibles; relating to sales; relating to negotiable instruments; relating to letters of credit; relating to warehouse receipts, bills of lading, and other documents of title; relating to investment securities; relating to leases of goods; and relating to fund transfers." The bill was referred to the Secretary for enrollment. Concur Messages SB 214 Senator Giessel moved the Senate concur in the House amendments to CS FOR SENATE BILL NO. 214(FIN) "An Act making appropriations, including capital appropriations, supplemental appropriations, and reappropriations; making appropriations to capitalize funds; amending appropriations; and providing for an effective date" (page 2753). The question being: "Shall the Senate concur in the House amendments?" The roll was taken with the following result: HCS CSSB 214(FIN) am H Shall the Senate Concur in the House Amendment(s) to CSSB 214(FIN)? Effective Date(s) YEAS: 18 NAYS: 2 EXCUSED: 0 ABSENT: 0 Yeas: Bjorkman, Claman, Cronk, Dunbar, Giessel, Gray-Jackson, Hoffman, Kaufman, Kawasaki, Kiehl, Merrick, Olson, Rauscher, Stedman, Stevens, Tobin, Wielechowski, Yundt Nays: Myers, Tilton 2026-05-20 Senate Journal Page 2870 and so, the Senate concurred in the House amendments, thus adopting HOUSE CS FOR CS FOR SENATE BILL NO. 214(FIN) am H "An Act making appropriations, including capital appropriations, supplemental appropriations, and reappropriations; making appropriations to capitalize funds; amending appropriations; and providing for an effective date." 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. SB 79 Message dated May 20 was read stating the House passed and returned for consideration SENATE BILL NO. 79 "An Act relating to wage payments" with the following amendment: HOUSE CS FOR SENATE BILL NO. 79(FIN) Senator Giessel moved the Senate concur in the House amendment. The question being: "Shall the Senate concur in the House amendment?" The roll was taken with the following result: HCS SB 79(FIN) Shall the Senate Concur in the House Amendment(s) to SB 79? Effective Date(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 Senate concurred in the House amendment, thus adopting HOUSE CS FOR SENATE BILL NO. 79(FIN) "An Act relating to wage payments; and providing for an effective date." 2026-05-20 Senate Journal Page 2871 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. SB 258 Message dated May 20 was read stating the House passed and returned for consideration SENATE BILL NO. 258 "An Act relating to contracts for the licensing of software applications" with the following amendment: HOUSE CS FOR SENATE BILL NO. 258(L&C) Senator Giessel moved the Senate concur in the House amendment. The question being: "Shall the Senate concur in the House amendment?" The roll was taken with the following result: HCS SB 258(L&C) Shall the Senate Concur in the House Amendment(s) to SB 258? 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. 258(L&C) "An Act relating to contracts for the licensing of software applications." The Secretary was requested to notify the House. The bill was referred to the Secretary for enrollment. 2026-05-20 Senate Journal Page 2872 Special Committee Reports HB 263 Senator Giessel moved the Senate adopt the Conference Committee Report on HB 263, which had been read (page 2756). The question being: "Shall the Senate adopt the Conference Committee Report?" The roll was taken with the following result: CCS HB 263 Shall the Senate Adopt the Conference Committee Report? Effective Date(s) - CBR section(s) YEAS: 17 NAYS: 3 EXCUSED: 0 ABSENT: 0 Yeas: Bjorkman, Claman, Cronk, Dunbar, Giessel, Gray-Jackson, Hoffman, Kaufman, Kawasaki, Kiehl, Merrick, Olson, Stedman, Stevens, Tobin, Wielechowski, Yundt Nays: Myers, Rauscher, Tilton and so, the report was adopted, thus adopting: 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." Senator Giessel moved for the adoption of the constitutional budget reserve fund section. The question being: "Shall the constitutional budget reserve fund section (Article IX, Section 17(c) Constitution of the State of Alaska) be adopted?" The roll was taken with the following result: 2026-05-20 Senate Journal Page 2873 CCS HB 263 Shall the Senate Adopt the Constitutional Budget Reserve Fund Section(s) YEAS: 17 NAYS: 3 EXCUSED: 0 ABSENT: 0 Yeas: Bjorkman, Claman, Cronk, Dunbar, Giessel, Gray-Jackson, Hoffman, Kaufman, Kawasaki, Kiehl, Merrick, Olson, Stedman, Stevens, Tobin, Wielechowski, Yundt Nays: Myers, Rauscher, Tilton and so, the constitutional budget reserve fund section was adopted. Senator Giessel moved and asked unanimous consent the vote on the adoption of the Conference Committee Report be considered the vote on the effective date clauses. Without objection, it was so ordered. The Secretary was requested to notify the House. HB 265 Senator Giessel moved the Senate adopt the Conference Committee Report on HB 265, which had been read (page 2756). The question being: "Shall the Senate adopt the Conference Committee Report?" The roll was taken with the following result: CCS HB 265 Shall the Senate Adopt the Conference Committee Report? Effective Date(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 report was adopted, thus adopting: 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." 2026-05-20 Senate Journal Page 2874 Senator Giessel moved and asked unanimous consent the vote on the adoption of the Conference Committee Report be considered the vote on the effective date clause. Without objection, it was so ordered. The Secretary was requested to notify the House. Consideration of the Calendar (continued) House Bills in Second Reading (continued) HB 195 Senator Giessel moved and asked unanimous consent CS FOR HOUSE BILL NO. 195(FIN) "An Act changing the term 'physician assistant' to 'physician associate'; relating to physician associates; relating to collaborative practice agreements for pharmacists; relating to the prescription of opioid overdose drugs; relating to the prescription and administration of drugs and devices by pharmacists; relating to reciprocity for pharmacists; amending the definition of 'practitioner'; and providing for an effective date" be advanced to third reading and placed on final passage. Senator Myers objected. President Stevens stated in accordance with Rule 43(b), Alaska State Legislature Uniform Rules, engrossment may be waived on all bills transmitted to the House this legislative day. 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 6:27 p.m. After Recess The Senate reconvened at 7:00 p.m. 2026-05-20 Senate Journal Page 2875 Consideration of the Calendar (continued) House Bills in Second Reading (continued) HB 195 Senator Giessel again moved and asked unanimous consent CS FOR HOUSE BILL NO. 195(FIN) be advanced to third reading and placed on final passage. Senator Myers objected. The question being: “Shall CS FOR HOUSE BILL NO. 195(FIN) advance from Second to Third Reading?” The roll was taken with the following result: CSHB 195(FIN) Advance from Second to Third Reading? YEAS: 16 NAYS: 4 EXCUSED: 0 ABSENT: 0 Yeas: Bjorkman, Claman, Cronk, Dunbar, Giessel, Gray-Jackson, Hoffman, Kaufman, Kawasaki, Kiehl, Merrick, Olson, Stedman, Stevens, Tobin, Wielechowski Nays: Myers, Rauscher, Tilton, Yundt and so, CS FOR HOUSE BILL NO. 195(FIN) advanced to third reading. CS FOR HOUSE BILL NO. 195(FIN) was read the third time. The question being: "Shall CS FOR HOUSE BILL NO. 195(FIN) "An Act changing the term 'physician assistant' to 'physician associate'; relating to physician associates; relating to collaborative practice agreements for pharmacists; relating to the prescription of opioid overdose drugs; relating to the prescription and administration of drugs and devices by pharmacists; relating to reciprocity for pharmacists; amending the definition of 'practitioner'; and providing for an effective date" pass the Senate?" The roll was taken with the following result: CSHB 195(FIN) Third Reading - Final Passage Effective Date(s) 2026-05-20 Senate Journal Page 2876 YEAS: 15 NAYS: 5 EXCUSED: 0 ABSENT: 0 Yeas: Bjorkman, Claman, Dunbar, Giessel, Gray-Jackson, Hoffman, Kaufman, Kawasaki, Kiehl, Merrick, Olson, Stedman, Stevens, Tobin, Wielechowski Nays: Cronk, Myers, Rauscher, Tilton, Yundt and so, CS FOR HOUSE BILL NO. 195(FIN) passed the Senate. Senator Giessel moved and asked unanimous consent the vote on the passage of the bill be considered the vote on the effective date clause. Without objection, it was so ordered and the bill was signed by the President and Secretary and returned to the House. HB 302 SENATE CS FOR CS FOR HOUSE BILL NO. 302(TRA) "An Act relating to travel insurance; relating to the business of insurance; relating to exceptions to prohibited rebates; relating to the powers of the director of the division of insurance; relating to prohibited practices in the advertisement of insurance; and providing for an effective date" was read. Senator Kiehl offered Amendment No. 2 : Page 1, line 3, following the second occurrence of "insurance;": Insert "relating to unemployment benefits;" Page 21, following line 7: Insert new bill sections to read: "* Sec. 10. AS 23.20.350(d) is amended to read: (d) An individual who is eligible under (a) of this section is entitled to receive the weekly benefit amount set out in column (B) of the table in this subsection that is opposite the amount set out in column (A) of the individual's base period wages determined under (c) of this section: (A) (B) Base Period Wages Weekly Benefit Amount At least But less than 0 2,500 $ 0 2026-05-20 Senate Journal Page 2877 2,500 2,750 56 2,750 3,000 58 3,000 3,250 60 3,250 3,500 62 3,500 3,750 64 3,750 4,000 66 4,000 4,250 68 4,250 4,500 70 4,500 4,750 72 4,750 5,000 74 5,000 5,250 76 5,250 5,500 78 5,500 5,750 80 5,750 6,000 82 6,000 6,250 84 6,250 6,500 86 6,500 6,750 88 6,750 7,000 90 7,000 7,250 92 7,250 7,500 94 7,500 7,750 96 7,750 8,000 98 8,000 8,250 100 8,250 8,500 102 8,500 8,750 104 8,750 9,000 106 9,000 9,250 108 9,250 9,500 110 9,500 9,750 112 9,750 10,000 114 10,000 10,250 116 10,250 10,500 118 10,500 10,750 120 10,750 11,000 122 11,000 11,250 124 11,250 11,500 126 11,500 11,750 128 11,750 12,000 130 12,000 12,250 132 12,250 12,500 134 2026-05-20 Senate Journal Page 2878 12,500 12,750 136 12,750 13,000 138 13,000 13,250 140 13,250 13,500 142 13,500 13,750 144 13,750 14,000 146 14,000 14,250 148 14,250 14,500 150 14,500 14,750 152 14,750 15,000 154 15,000 15,250 156 15,250 15,500 158 15,500 15,750 160 15,750 16,000 162 16,000 16,250 164 16,250 16,500 166 16,500 16,750 168 16,750 17,000 170 17,000 17,250 172 17,250 17,500 174 17,500 17,750 176 17,750 18,000 178 18,000 18,250 180 18,250 18,500 182 18,500 18,750 184 18,750 19,000 186 19,000 19,250 188 19,250 19,500 190 19,500 19,750 192 19,750 20,000 194 20,000 20,250 196 20,250 20,500 198 20,500 20,750 200 20,750 21,000 202 21,000 21,250 204 21,250 21,500 207 [206] 21,500 21,750 209 [208] 21,750 22,000 212 [210] 22,000 22,250 214 [212] 22,250 22,500 216 [214] 2026-05-20 Senate Journal Page 2879 22,500 22,750 219 [216] 22,750 23,000 221 [218] 23,000 23,250 224 [220] 23,250 23,500 226 [222] 23,500 23,750 228 [224] 23,750 24,000 231 [226] 24,000 24,250 233 [228] 24,250 24,500 236 [230] 24,500 24,750 238 [232] 24,750 25,000 240 [234] 25,000 25,250 243 [236] 25,250 25,500 245 [238] 25,500 25,750 248 [240] 25,750 26,000 250 [242] 26,000 26,250 252 [244] 26,250 26,500 255 [246] 26,500 26,750 257 [248] 26,750 27,000 260 [250] 27,000 27,250 262 [252] 27,250 27,500 264 [254] 27,500 27,750 267 [256] 27,750 28,000 269 [258] 28,000 28,250 272 [260] 28,250 28,500 274 [262] 28,500 28,750 276 [264] 28,750 29,000 279 [266] 29,000 29,250 281 [268] 29,250 29,500 284 [270] 29,500 29,750 286 [272] 29,750 30,000 288 [274] 30,000 30,250 291 [276] 30,250 30,500 293 [278] 30,500 30,750 296 [280] 30,750 31,000 298 [282] 31,000 31,250 300 [284] 31,250 31,500 303 [286] 31,500 31,750 305 [288] 31,750 32,000 308 [290] 32,000 32,250 310 [292] 32,250 32,500 313 [294] 2026-05-20 Senate Journal Page 2880 32,500 32,750 315 [296] 32,750 33,000 317 [298] 33,000 33,250 320 [300] 33,250 33,500 322 [302] 33,500 33,750 325 [304] 33,750 34,000 327 [306] 34,000 34,250 329 [308] 34,250 34,500 332 [310] 34,500 34,750 334 [312] 34,750 35,000 337 [314] 35,000 35,250 339 [316] 35,250 35,500 341 [318] 35,500 35,750 344 [320] 35,750 36,000 346 [322] 36,000 36,250 349 [324] 36,250 36,500 351 [326] 36,500 36,750 353 [328] 36,750 37,000 356 [330] 37,000 37,250 358 [332] 37,250 37,500 361 [334] 37,500 37,750 363 [336] 37,750 38,000 365 [338] 38,000 38,250 368 [340] 38,250 38,500 370 [342] 38,500 38,750 373 [344] 38,750 39,000 375 [346] 39,000 39,250 377 [348] 39,250 39,500 380 [350] 39,500 39,750 382 [352] 39,750 40,000 385 [354] 40,000 40,250 387 [356] 40,250 40,500 389 [358] 40,500 40,750 392 [360] 40,750 41,000 394 [362] 41,000 41,250 397 [364] 41,250 41,500 399 [366] 41,500 41,750 401 [368] 41,750 42,000 404 [370] 42,000 42,250 406 42,250 42,500 409 2026-05-20 Senate Journal Page 2881 42,500 42,750 411 42,750 43,000 413 43,000 43,250 416 43,250 43,500 418 43,500 43,750 421 43,750 44,000 423 44,000 44,250 425 44,250 44,500 428 44,500 44,750 430 44,750 45,000 433 45,000 45,250 435 45,250 45,500 438 45,500 45,750 440 45,750 46,000 442 46,000 46,250 445 46,250 46,500 447 46,500 46,750 450 46,750 47,000 452 47,000 47,250 454 47,250 47,500 457 47,500 47,750 459 47,750 48,000 462 48,000 48,250 464 48,250 48,500 466 48,500 48,750 469 48,750 49,000 470 49,000 470 [370]. * Sec. 11. AS 23.20.350(f) is amended to read: (f) An individual who establishes a benefit year is eligible for an allowance for dependents in addition to the individual's weekly benefit amount. The department may require an individual claiming or receiving an allowance for dependents to produce income tax returns, birth certificates, notices of adoption or custody, social security account number of spouse, verification of support documents, or other information necessary to verify that the allowance is payable to the individual. The allowance for dependents (1) is $72 [$24] per week for each dependent, except that the total allowance for dependents paid to an individual may not exceed $216 [$72] for each week of unemployment; 2026-05-20 Senate Journal Page 2882 (2) is payable beginning with the week during the benefit year in which the individual claims an allowance for the dependent and is payable for the remainder of the individual's eligibility for regular, extended, or supplemental payments during the benefit year; (3) may not be claimed for a new dependent after the end of the benefit year or after the exhaustion of regular benefits in the benefit year [; (4) REPEALED (5) REPEALED]. * Sec. 12. AS 23.20.350 is amended by adding a new subsection to read: (h) On January 1 of each year, the department shall increase the maximum base period wages in (d) of this section by a percentage equal to the percentage increase in the base of contributions calculated under AS 23.20.175 in comparison to the base contributions calculated for the prior year. The new base period wage amount shall be rounded to the nearest $250. The department shall increase the corresponding weekly benefit amount in (d) of this section by $2 for each $250 increase in base period wages. The department may not decrease the base period wage amount of the weekly benefit amount." Renumber the following bill sections accordingly. Page 21, line 11: Delete "10" Insert "13" Page 21, line 12: Delete "10" Insert "13" Page 21, following line 19: Insert new bill sections to read: "* Sec. 16. The uncodified law of the State of Alaska is amended by adding a new section to read: STATE UNEMPLOYMENT INSURANCE LAW FEDERAL APPROVAL. To the extent necessary to implement this Act, the Department of Labor and Workforce Development shall submit for federal approval the changes to the unemployment insurance laws of 2026-05-20 Senate Journal Page 2883 the state enacted by secs. 10 - 12 of this Act. * Sec. 17. The uncodified law of the State of Alaska is amended by adding a new section to read: CONDITIONAL EFFECT; NOTIFICATION. (a) Sections 10 - 12 of this Act take effect only if, and to the extent that, on or before July 1, 2027, the United States Secretary of Labor approves the changes to the unemployment insurance laws of this state under 26 U.S.C. 3304 (Federal Unemployment Tax Act), or determines that approval is not necessary. (b) The commissioner of labor and workforce development shall notify the revisor of statutes in writing within 30 days after the United States Secretary of Labor approves or does not approve the changes to the unemployment insurance laws of this state. * Sec. 18. If secs. 10 - 12 of this Act take effect, they take effect on January 1, 2027, or the day after the United States Secretary of Labor approves the changes to the unemployment insurance laws of this state, whichever is later." Renumber the following bill sections accordingly. Page 21, line 20: Delete "Section 12 of this Act takes" Insert "Sections 15 and 16 of this Act take" Page 21, line 21: Delete "sec. 13" Insert "secs. 18 and 19" Senator Kiehl moved for the adoption of Amendment No. 2. Senator Cronk objected. The question being: "Shall Amendment No. 2 be adopted?" The roll was taken with the following result: SCS CSHB 302(TRA) Second Reading Amendment No. 2? YEAS: 14 NAYS: 6 EXCUSED: 0 ABSENT: 0 Yeas: Bjorkman, Claman, Dunbar, Giessel, Gray-Jackson, Hoffman, 2026-05-20 Senate Journal Page 2884 Kawasaki, Kiehl, Merrick, Olson, Stedman, Stevens, Tobin, Wielechowski Nays: Cronk, Kaufman, Myers, Rauscher, Tilton, Yundt and so, Amendment No. 2 was adopted. Senator Kaufman offered Amendment No. 3 : Page 1, line 3, following the second occurrence of "insurance;": Insert "relating to minimum paid sick leave requirements;" Page 21, following line 7: Insert new bill sections to read: "* Sec. 10. AS 23.10.066 is amended to read: Sec. 23.10.066. Minimum paid sick leave benefit. Employers in the state with 10 or more employees are required to provide their employees paid sick leave as follows: (1) [EMPLOYERS WITH 15 OR MORE EMPLOYEES SHALL ALLOW EMPLOYEES TO ACCRUE] a minimum of one hour of paid sick leave shall accrue for every 30 hours worked, but employees are not entitled to accrue or use more than 56 hours of paid sick leave a [PER] year, unless their employer sets a higher limit; (2) [EMPLOYERS WITH FEWER THAN 15 EMPLOYEES SHALL ALLOW EMPLOYEES TO ACCRUE A MINIMUM OF ONE HOUR OF PAID SICK LEAVE FOR EVERY 30 HOURS WORKED, BUT EMPLOYEES ARE NOT ENTITLED TO ACCRUE OR USE MORE THAN 40 HOURS OF PAID SICK LEAVE PER YEAR, UNLESS THEIR EMPLOYER SETS A HIGHER LIMIT; (3)] employees who are exempt from overtime requirements under 29 U.S.C. 213(a)(1) shall be assumed to work 40 hours in each work week for purposes of paid sick leave accrual unless their normal work week is less than 40 hours, in which case paid sick leave accrues based on [UPON] that normal work week; (3) [(4)] paid sick leave shall carry over to the following year, but an employer is not required to allow 2026-05-20 Senate Journal Page 2885 an employee to use more than the applicable amounts of paid sick leave described in (1) [AND (2)] of this section a [PER] year; (4) [(5)] paid sick leave as provided in this section shall begin to accrue at the commencement of employment or July 1, 2025, whichever is later; an employee shall be entitled to use paid sick leave as it is accrued; (5) [(6)] any employer with a paid leave or paid time off policy [,] who makes available an amount of paid leave that is sufficient to meet the requirements of this section and that may be used for the same purposes and under the same conditions as paid sick leave under this section [,] is not required to provide additional paid sick leave; (6) [(7)] an employee who is transferred to a separate entity or location, but remains employed by the same employer, is entitled to all paid sick leave accrued at the former [PRIOR] entity or location; when there is a separation from employment, but the employee is rehired within six months after [OF] separation by the same employer, previously accrued and unused paid sick leave shall be immediately reinstated; when a different employer succeeds or takes the place of an existing employer, all employees of the original employer who remain employed by the successor employer are entitled to all accrued and unused paid sick leave; (7) an employer may, at the employee's request, allow an employee to exchange accrued sick leave for the cash value of the accrued sick leave. * Sec. 11. AS 23.10.067 is amended to read: Sec. 23.10.067. Use [UTILIZATION] of paid sick leave benefit. The paid sick leave benefit required under AS 23.10.066 may be used [UTILIZED] as follows: (1) employees shall be permitted to use paid sick leave for [:] (A) an employee's mental or physical illness, injury, or health condition; the employee's need for medical diagnosis, care, or treatment; or the employee's need for preventative medical care; (B) care or assistance to the 2026-05-20 Senate Journal Page 2886 employee's family member relating to the needs described in (A) of this paragraph; in this subparagraph, "family member" means an immediate family member as defined in AS 39.52.960 [PURSUANT TO AS 39.52.960(11)]; a domestic partner; a foster child, legal ward, or person to whom the employee stands in loco parentis; a foster parent, adoptive parent, legal guardian, or [A] person who stood in loco parentis when the employee was a minor child; or any other individual related by blood or whose close association is the equivalent of a family relationship; or (C) absences necessary due to domestic violence, sexual assault, or stalking, if [PROVIDED] the leave is to allow the employee to obtain, for the employee or a family member, [:] medical or psychological attention; services from a victim's aid organization; relocation or steps to secure an existing home; or legal services, including participation in any investigation or civil or criminal proceeding; (2) when the need for paid sick leave is foreseeable, an [THE] employee who is not incapacitated shall make a good faith effort to provide notice to the employer in advance of the use of paid sick leave and before the beginning of the employee's workday for which the sick leave is used and make a reasonable effort to schedule use of paid sick leave in a manner that does not unduly disrupt the employer's operations; (3) for paid sick leave of more than three consecutive workdays, an employer may require reasonable documentation as follows, showing that the paid sick leave has been used for a purpose covered by (1) of this section: (A) [;] documentation signed by a health care professional indicating that paid sick leave is or was necessary shall be considered reasonable documentation for the purposes of (1)(A) or (B) of this section [PURPOSES], but an employer may not require that the documentation explain the nature or details of the illness or underlying health 2026-05-20 Senate Journal Page 2887 needs; (B) [(A)] in cases of domestic violence, sexual assault, or stalking [,] under (1)(C) of this section, one of the following types of documentation selected by the employee shall be considered reasonable documentation: a police report; a written statement from a witness advocate affirming services from a victim's aid organization; a court document indicating relevant legal action; or a written, non-notarized statement from the employee affirming that paid sick leave was taken for a qualifying purpose of (1)(C) of this section; (C) [(B)] unless otherwise required by law, an employer may not require disclosure of the details of an employee's or an employee's family member's health or safety information as a condition of providing paid sick leave under AS 23.10.066 and must treat any health or safety information regarding an employee or employee's family member as confidential medical records; (4) paid sick leave under AS 23.10.066 may be used in the smaller of hourly increments or the smallest increment that the employer's payroll system uses to account for absences or use of other time; (5) an employer may not interfere with, restrain, or deny the exercise of, or the attempt to exercise, the right to paid sick leave under AS 23.10.066; an employer may not [:] (A) engage in retaliation or discrimination [,] or take any other adverse action, against an employee who uses [UTILIZES], or attempts to use [UTILIZE], their paid sick leave; (B) require, as a condition of an employee's taking paid sick leave under this section and AS 23.10.066, that the employee search for or find a replacement worker to cover the hours during which the employee is using paid sick leave; or (C) use an absence control policy that counts paid sick leave taken under AS 23.10.066 and this section as an absence that may lead to or 2026-05-20 Senate Journal Page 2888 result in retaliation or any other adverse action. * Sec. 12. AS 23.10.068(c) is amended to read: (c) Employers shall give employees who are entitled to paid sick leave written notice of the following at the commencement of employment or within 30 days after [OF] this section's effective date, whichever is later: that beginning July 1, 2025, employees are entitled to paid sick leave and the amount of paid sick leave, the terms of its use guaranteed under AS 23.10.066 and 23.10.067, and that retaliation against employees who request or use paid sick leave is prohibited. * Sec. 13. AS 23.10.069 is amended by adding a new subsection to read: (d) Employment of seasonal workers is exempt from the requirements of AS 23.10.066 - 23.10.068. In this subsection, "seasonal worker" means an employee who is hired for a specific period related to peak business need, not to exceed six months in each calendar year." Renumber the following bill sections accordingly. Page 21, line 11: Delete "10" Insert "14" Page 21, line 12: Delete "10" Insert "14" Page 21, line 20: Delete "Section 12" Insert "Section 16" Page 21, following line 20: Insert a new bill section to read: "* Sec. 18. Sections 10 - 13 of this Act take effect July 1, 2026." Renumber the following bill section accordingly. Page 21, line 21: 2026-05-20 Senate Journal Page 2889 Delete "sec. 13" Insert "secs. 17 and 18" Senator Kaufman moved for the adoption of Amendment No. 3. Objections were heard. Senator Kaufman moved and asked unanimous consent to withdraw Amendment No. 3. Without objection, Amendment No. 3 was withdrawn. SENATE CS FOR CS FOR HOUSE BILL NO. 302(TRA) am S "An Act relating to travel insurance; relating to the business of insurance; relating to exceptions to prohibited rebates; relating to the powers of the director of the division of insurance; relating to prohibited practices in the advertisement of insurance; relating to unemployment benefits; and providing for an effective date" was automatically in third reading. The question being: "Shall SENATE CS FOR CS FOR HOUSE BILL NO. 302(TRA) am S "An Act relating to travel insurance; relating to the business of insurance; relating to exceptions to prohibited rebates; relating to the powers of the director of the division of insurance; relating to prohibited practices in the advertisement of insurance; relating to unemployment benefits; and providing for an effective date" pass the Senate?" The roll was taken with the following result: SCS CSHB 302(TRA) am S Third Reading - Final Passage Effective Date(s) YEAS: 14 NAYS: 6 EXCUSED: 0 ABSENT: 0 Yeas: Bjorkman, Claman, Dunbar, Giessel, Gray-Jackson, Hoffman, Kawasaki, Kiehl, Merrick, Olson, Stedman, Stevens, Tobin, Wielechowski Nays: Cronk, Kaufman, Myers, Rauscher, Tilton, Yundt and so, SENATE CS FOR CS FOR HOUSE BILL NO. 302(TRA) am S passed the Senate. Senator Giessel moved and asked unanimous consent the vote on the passage of the bill be considered the vote on the effective date clauses. Without objection, it was so ordered and the bill was referred to the Secretary for engrossment. 2026-05-20 Senate Journal Page 2890 SCR 28 SENATE CONCURRENT RESOLUTION NO. 28 Suspending Rules 24(c), 35, 41(b), and 42(e), Uniform Rules of the Alaska State Legislature, concerning House Bill No. 302, relating to travel insurance, was before the Senate on final passage. The question being: "Shall SENATE CONCURRENT RESOLUTION NO. 28 Suspending Rules 24(c), 35, 41(b), and 42(e), Uniform Rules of the Alaska State Legislature, concerning House Bill No. 302, relating to travel insurance, pass the Senate?" The roll was taken with the following result: SCR 28 Final Passage YEAS: 16 NAYS: 4 EXCUSED: 0 ABSENT: 0 Yeas: Bjorkman, Claman, Cronk, Dunbar, Giessel, Gray-Jackson, Hoffman, Kawasaki, Kiehl, Merrick, Olson, Stedman, Stevens, Tobin, Wielechowski, Yundt Nays: Kaufman, Myers, Rauscher, Tilton and so, SENATE CONCURRENT RESOLUTION NO. 28 passed the Senate and was referred to the Secretary for engrossment. Third Reading of House Bills HB 14 HOUSE BILL NO. 14 "An Act repealing programs for catastrophic illness assistance and medical assistance for chronic and acute medical conditions" was read the third time. Senator Claman moved the bill be returned to second reading for all amendments offered today. Without objection, the bill was returned to second reading. Senator Claman offered Amendment No. 1 : Page 1, line 1, following "Act": Insert "relating to health care insurance; relating to insurance reimbursement for health care services provided 2026-05-20 Senate Journal Page 2891 through telehealth; relating to telehealth;" Page 1, line 2, following "conditions": Insert "; providing for an effective date by amending the effective date of secs. 9 and 10, ch. 38, SLA 2022; and providing for an effective date" Page 1, following line 3: Insert new bill sections to read: "* Section 1. AS 21.42.422(b) is amended by adding a new paragraph to read: (3) "health care provider" has the meaning given in AS 21.07.250. * Sec. 2. AS 21.42.422 is amended by adding a new subsection to read: (c) A health care insurer shall reimburse a health care provider for health care services, including behavioral health services, provided through telehealth on the same basis and at least at the same rate as for comparable health care services provided in person. A health care insurer may use a geographic pay differential to reimburse out-of-state health care providers. * Sec. 3. AS 29.10.200 is amended by adding a new paragraph to read: (68) AS 29.20.420 (health care insurance plans). * Sec. 4. AS 29.20 is amended by adding a new section to article 5 to read: Sec. 29.20.420. Health care insurance plans. (a) If a municipality offers a group health care insurance plan covering municipal employees, including by means of self- insurance, the municipal health care insurance plan is subject to the requirements of AS 21.42.422(c). (b) This section applies to home rule and general law municipalities. (c) In this section, "health care insurance plan" has the meaning given in AS 21.54.500." Page 1, line 4: Delete "Section 1" 2026-05-20 Senate Journal Page 2892 Insert "Sec. 5" Renumber the following bill sections accordingly. Page 1, following line 7: Insert new bill sections to read: "* Sec. 6. AS 39.30.090(a) is amended to read: (a) The Department of Administration may obtain a policy or policies of group insurance covering state employees, persons entitled to coverage under AS 14.25.168, 14.25.480, AS 22.25.090, AS 39.35.535, 39.35.880, or former AS 39.37.145, employees of other participating governmental units, or persons entitled to coverage under AS 23.15.136, subject to the following conditions: (1) a group insurance policy shall provide one or more of the following benefits: life insurance, accidental death and dismemberment insurance, weekly indemnity insurance, hospital expense insurance, surgical expense insurance, dental expense insurance, audiovisual insurance, or other medical care insurance; (2) each eligible employee of the state, the spouse and the unmarried children chiefly dependent on the eligible employee for support, and each eligible employee of another participating governmental unit shall be covered by the group policy, unless exempt under regulations adopted by the commissioner of administration; (3) a governmental unit may participate under a group policy if (A) its governing body adopts a resolution authorizing participation and payment of required premiums; (B) a certified copy of the resolution is filed with the Department of Administration; and (C) the commissioner of administration approves the participation in writing; (4) in procuring a policy of group health or group life insurance as provided under this section or excess loss insurance as provided in AS 39.30.091, the Department of Administration shall comply with the dual choice 2026-05-20 Senate Journal Page 2893 requirements of AS 21.86.310, and shall obtain the insurance policy from an insurer authorized to transact business in the state under AS 21.09, a hospital or medical service corporation authorized to transact business in this state under AS 21.87, or a health maintenance organization authorized to operate in this state under AS 21.86; an excess loss insurance policy may be obtained from a life or health insurer authorized to transact business in this state under AS 21.09 or from a hospital or medical service corporation authorized to transact business in this state under AS 21.87; (5) the Department of Administration shall make available bid specifications for desired insurance benefits or for administration of benefit claims and payments to (A) all insurance carriers authorized to transact business in this state under AS 21.09 and all hospital or medical service corporations authorized to transact business under AS 21.87 who are qualified to provide the desired benefits; and (B) insurance carriers authorized to transact business in this state under AS 21.09, hospital or medical service corporations authorized to transact business under AS 21.87, and third- party administrators licensed to transact business in this state and qualified to provide administrative services; the specifications shall be made available at least once every five years; the lowest responsible bid submitted by an insurance carrier, hospital or medical service corporation, or third-party administrator with adequate servicing facilities shall govern selection of a carrier, hospital or medical service corporation, or third-party administrator under this section or the selection of an insurance carrier or a hospital or medical service corporation to provide excess loss insurance as provided in AS 39.30.091; (6) if the aggregate of dividends payable under the group insurance policy exceeds the governmental unit's share of the premium, the excess shall be applied by the governmental unit for the sole benefit of the employees; (7) a person receiving benefits under AS 14.25.110, AS 22.25, AS 39.35, or former AS 39.37 may continue the life insurance coverage that was in effect under this section at the time of termination of employment with the state or participating governmental unit; 2026-05-20 Senate Journal Page 2894 (8) a person electing to have insurance under (7) of this subsection shall pay the cost of this insurance; (9) for each permanent part-time employee electing coverage under this section, the state shall contribute one-half the state contribution rate for permanent full-time state employees, and the permanent part-time employee shall contribute the other one-half; (10) a person receiving benefits under AS 14.25, AS 22.25, AS 39.35, or former AS 39.37 may obtain auditory, visual, and dental insurance for that person and eligible dependents under this section; the level of coverage for persons over 65 shall be the same as that available before reaching age 65 except that the benefits payable shall be supplemental to any benefits provided under the federal old age, survivors, and disability insurance program; a person electing to have insurance under this paragraph shall pay the cost of the insurance; the commissioner of administration shall adopt regulations implementing this paragraph; (11) a person receiving benefits under AS 14.25, AS 22.25, AS 39.35, or former AS 39.37 may obtain long-term care insurance for that person and eligible dependents under this section; a person who elects insurance under this paragraph shall pay the cost of the insurance premium; the commissioner of administration shall adopt regulations to implement this paragraph; (12) each licensee holding a current operating agreement for a vending facility under AS 23.15.010 - 23.15.210 shall be covered by the group policy that applies to governmental units other than the state; (13) a group health insurance policy covering employees of a participating governmental unit must meet the requirements of AS 21.42.422(c). * Sec. 7. AS 39.30.091 is amended to read: Sec. 39.30.091. Authorization for self-insurance and excess loss insurance. Notwithstanding AS 21.86.310 or AS 39.30.090, the Department of Administration may provide, by means of self-insurance, one or more of the benefits listed in AS 39.30.090(a)(1) for state employees 2026-05-20 Senate Journal Page 2895 eligible for the benefits by law or under a collective bargaining agreement and for persons receiving benefits under AS 14.25, AS 22.25, AS 39.35, or former AS 39.37, and their dependents. The department shall procure any necessary excess loss insurance under AS 39.30.090. A self-insured group health insurance plan covering active state employees provided under this section is subject to the requirements of AS 21.42.422(c)." Renumber the following bill sections accordingly. Page 5, line 8: Delete "sec. 4" Insert "sec. 10" Page 5, line 9, following "date": Insert "of sec. 10" Page 5, line 12: Delete "sec. 2" Insert "sec. 8" Page 5, line 16, following "date": Insert "of sec. 8" Page 5, line 17, following "date": Insert "of sec. 8" Page 5, line 18: Delete "sec. 3" Insert "sec. 9" Page 5, line 22, following "date": Insert "of sec. 9" Page 5, line 24, following "date": Insert "of sec. 9" Page 5, following line 24: Insert new bill sections to read: 2026-05-20 Senate Journal Page 2896 "* Sec. 19. Section 14, ch. 38, SLA 2022, is amended to read: Sec. 14. If secs. 9 and 10, ch. 38, SLA 2022, [OF THIS ACT] take effect under sec. 13 of this Act, they take effect June 30, 2040 [2030]. * Sec. 20. Sections 1 - 4, 6, 7, and 19 of this Act take effect January 1, 2027." Senator Claman moved for the adoption of Amendment No. 1. Senator Myers objected. The question being: "Shall Amendment No. 1 be adopted?" The roll was taken with the following result: HB 14 Second Reading Amendment No. 1? YEAS: 14 NAYS: 6 EXCUSED: 0 ABSENT: 0 Yeas: Bjorkman, Claman, Dunbar, Giessel, Gray-Jackson, Hoffman, Kawasaki, Kiehl, Merrick, Olson, Stedman, Stevens, Tobin, Wielechowski Nays: Cronk, Kaufman, Myers, Rauscher, Tilton, Yundt and so, Amendment No. 1 was adopted. Amendment No. 2 was not offered. Senator Giessel offered Amendment No. 3 : Page 1, line 1, following "Act": Insert "relating to workers' compensation coverage for disability from diseases for certain firefighters;" Page 1, line 2, following "conditions": Insert "; relating to occupational disability benefits and medical benefits available under the public employees' retirement system; and providing for an effective date" Page 1, following line 3: Insert a new bill section to read: 2026-05-20 Senate Journal Page 2897 "* Section 1. AS 23.30.121(b) is amended to read: (b) For a firefighter covered under AS 23.30.243, (1) there is a presumption that a claim for compensation for disability as a result of the following diseases is within the provisions of this chapter: (A) respiratory disease; (B) cardiovascular events that are experienced within 72 hours after exposure to smoke, fumes, or toxic substances; and (C) the following cancers: (i) primary brain cancer; (ii) malignant melanoma; (iii) leukemia; (iv) non-Hodgkin's lymphoma; (v) bladder cancer; (vi) ureter cancer; (vii) kidney cancer; (viii) prostate cancer; and (ix) breast cancer; (2) notwithstanding AS 23.30.100(a), following termination of service, the presumption established in (1) of this subsection extends to the firefighter for a period of six [THREE] calendar months for each year of requisite service but may not extend more than 120 [60] calendar months following the last date of employment; (3) the presumption established in (1) of this subsection applies only to an active or former firefighter who has a disease described in (1) of this subsection that develops or manifests itself after the firefighter has served in the state for at least six [SEVEN] years and who (A) underwent [WAS GIVEN] a qualifying medical examination (i) upon the first employment as [BECOMING] a firefighter that did not show evidence of the disease; (ii) at least once every two years [(B) WAS GIVEN AN ANNUAL MEDICAL EXAM] during [EACH OF] the first six [SEVEN] years of employment as a firefighter that did not show evidence of the disease; and (B) [(C)] with regard to diseases described in (1)(C) of this subsection, demonstrates that, while in the course of employment as a firefighter, the firefighter was exposed to a known carcinogen, as defined by the International Agency for Research on Cancer or the National Toxicology Program, and the carcinogen is associated with a disabling cancer." 2026-05-20 Senate Journal Page 2898 Page 1, line 4: Delete "Section 1" Insert "Sec. 2" Renumber the following bill sections accordingly. Page 1, following line 7: Insert new bill sections to read: "* Sec 3. AS 39.35.410(d) is amended to read: (d) The monthly amount of an occupational disability benefit is 75 [40] percent of the disabled employee's gross monthly compensation at the time of termination due todisability. * Sec. 4. AS 39.35.870 is amended by adding a new subsection to read: (h) Notwithstanding (a) and (g) of this section, a disabled employee who is eligible to obtain a disability benefit under AS 39.35.890 is eligible to obtain retiree major medical insurance benefits under AS 39.35.880. * Sec. 5. AS 39.35.880(g) is amended to read: (g) Except as provided under (l) of this section, the [THE] cost of premiums for retiree major medical insurance coverage for an eligible member or surviving spouse who is (1) not eligible for Medicare is an amount equal to the full monthly group premiums for retiree major medical insurance coverage; (2) eligible for Medicare is the following percentage of the premium amounts established for retirees who are eligible for Medicare: (A) 30 percent if the member had 10 or more, but less than 15, years of service; (B) 25 percent if the member had 15 or more, but less than 20, years of service; (C) 20 percent if the member had 20 or more, but less than 25, years of service; (D) 15 percent if the member had 25 or more, but less than 30, years of service; (E) 10 percent if the member had 30 or more years of service. * Sec. 6. AS 39.35.880 is amended by adding a new subsection to read: (l) An eligible member or surviving spouse who receives a disability benefit as provided under AS 39.35.890 or 39.35.891 and is not eligible for Medicare is not required to pay a premium for retiree 2026-05-20 Senate Journal Page 2899 major medical insurance coverage. * Sec. 7. AS 39.35.890(d) is amended to read: (d) The monthly amount of an occupational disability benefit is 75 [40] percent of the disabled employee's gross monthly compensation at the time of termination due to disability. Notwithstanding AS 39.35.790(b), at the time a member is appointed to disability, the member becomes fully vested in the employer contributions made under AS 39.35.750(a). A disabled member is fully vested in the contributions to the member's individual account made under this subsection. An employee is not entitled to elect distributions from the employee's individual contribution account under AS 39.35.810 while the employee is receiving disability benefits under this section. While an employee is receiving disability benefits, based on the disabled employee's gross monthly compensation at the time of termination due to disability, the employer shall make contributions (1) to the employee's individual account under AS 39.35.730 on behalf of the employee, without deduction from the employee's disability payments; and (2) on behalf of the employee under AS 39.35.750." Renumber the following bill sections accordingly. Page 5, line 8: Delete "sec. 4" Insert "sec. 10" Page 5, line 9, following "date": Insert "of sec. 10" Page 5, line 12: Delete "sec. 2" Insert "sec. 8" Page 5, line 16, following "date": Insert "of sec. 8" Page 5, line 17, following "date": Insert "of sec. 8" Page 5, line 18: 2026-05-20 Senate Journal Page 2900 Delete "sec. 3" Insert "sec. 9" Page 5, line 22, following "date": Insert "of sec. 9" Page 5, line 24, following "date": Insert "of sec. 9" Page 5, following line 24: Insert a new bill section to read: "* Sec. 19. Sections 1 and 3 - 7 of this Act take effect immediately under AS 01.10.070(c)." Senator Giessel moved for the adoption of Amendment No. 3. Senator Myers objected, then withdrew his objection. There being no further objection, Amendment No. 3 was adopted. HOUSE BILL NO. 14 am S(efd add S) "An Act relating to workers' compensation coverage for disability from diseases for certain firefighters; relating to health care insurance; relating to insurance reimbursement for health care services provided through telehealth; relating to telehealth; repealing programs for catastrophic illness assistance and medical assistance for chronic and acute medical conditions; relating to occupational disability benefits and medical benefits available under public employees' retirement system; and providing for an effective date" was automatically in third reading. The question being: "Shall HOUSE BILL NO. 14 am S(efd add S) "An Act relating to workers' compensation coverage for disability from diseases for certain firefighters; relating to health care insurance; relating to insurance reimbursement for health care services provided through telehealth; relating to telehealth; repealing programs for catastrophic illness assistance and medical assistance for chronic and acute medical conditions; relating to occupational disability benefits and medical benefits available under public employees' retirement system; and providing for an effective date" pass the Senate?" The roll was taken with the following result: HB 14 am S(efd add S) 2026-05-20 Senate Journal Page 2901 Third Reading - Final Passage Effective Date(s) YEAS: 19 NAYS: 1 EXCUSED: 0 ABSENT: 0 Yeas: Bjorkman, Claman, Cronk, Dunbar, Giessel, Gray-Jackson, Hoffman, Kaufman, Kawasaki, Kiehl, Merrick, Olson, Rauscher, Stedman, Stevens, Tilton, Tobin, Wielechowski, Yundt Nays: Myers and so, HOUSE BILL NO. 14 am S(efd add S) passed the Senate. Senator Giessel moved and asked unanimous consent the vote on the passage of the bill be considered the vote on the effective date clause. Without objection, it was so ordered and the bill was signed by the President and Secretary and returned to the House. SCR 36 SENATE CONCURRENT RESOLUTION NO. 36 Suspending Rules 24(c), 35, 41(b), and 42(e), Uniform Rules of the Alaska State Legislature, concerning House Bill No. 14, repealing programs for catastrophic illness assistance and medical assistance for chronic and acute medical conditions, was before the Senate on final passage. The question being: "Shall SENATE CONCURRENT RESOLUTION NO. 36 Suspending Rules 24(c), 35, 41(b), and 42(e), Uniform Rules of the Alaska State Legislature, concerning House Bill No. 14, repealing programs for catastrophic illness assistance and medical assistance for chronic and acute medical conditions, pass the Senate?" The roll was taken with the following result: SCR 36 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. 36 passed the Senate and was referred to the Secretary for engrossment. 2026-05-20 Senate Journal Page 2902 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 7:38 p.m. After Recess The Senate reconvened at 7:56 p.m. Unfinished Business Senator Tobin moved and asked unanimous consent to be excused from a call of the Senate from morning plane time, May 27 through evening plane time, June 22. Without objection, Senator Tobin was excused. Senator Stedman moved and asked unanimous consent to be excused from a call of the Senate from June 7 through June 16. Without objection, Senator Stedman was excused. Senator Claman moved and asked unanimous consent to be excused from a call of the Senate from June 22 through June 24. Without objection, Senator Claman was excused. Announcements Rule 23(d) of the Alaska State Legislature Uniform Rules is currently in effect. Announcements are at the end of the journal. 2026-05-20 Senate Journal Page 2903 Engrossment HB 13 SENATE CS FOR CS FOR SPONSOR SUBSTITUTE FOR HOUSE BILL NO. 13(STA) "An Act relating to optional municipal property tax exemptions for real property owned and occupied by volunteer certified or licensed providers of fire fighting, emergency medical, mobile intensive care paramedic services, or hazardous materials response services; relating to optional municipal property tax exemptions for certain long-term rental units, certain mobile home parks, real property rented to low-income families, real property owned and occupied as a permanent place of abode, and real property owned by first-time homebuyers; and relating to municipal tax refunds" was engrossed, signed by the President and Secretary and returned to the House for consideration. HB 14 In accordance with Uniform Rule 43, engrossment was waived on HB 14 am S(efd add S) "An Act relating to health care insurance; relating to insurance reimbursement for health care services provided through telehealth; relating to telehealth; relating to workers' compensation coverage for disability from diseases for certain firefighters; repealing programs for catastrophic illness assistance and medical assistance for chronic and acute medical conditions; relating to occupational disability benefits and medical benefits available under the public employees' retirement system; providing for an effective date by amending the effective date of secs. 9 and 10, ch. 38, SLA 2022; and providing for an effective date" and the bill was returned to the House for consideration with certified amendments. HB 73 SENATE CS FOR CS FOR HOUSE BILL NO. 73(FIN) "An Act relating to complex care residential homes; and providing for an effective date" was engrossed, signed by the President and Secretary and returned to the House for consideration. HB 110 SENATE CS FOR HOUSE BILL NO. 110(FIN) am S "An Act relating to the rural health transformation program; relating to the interstate medical licensure compact; relating to the PA licensure 2026-05-20 Senate Journal Page 2904 compact; relating to the psychology interjurisdictional compact; relating to the practice of respiratory care; relating to the duties of the Department of Commerce, Community, and Economic Development; relating to telehealth provided by respiratory care practitioners; relating to a social work licensure compact; relating to the practice of social work; relating to medical malpractice liability of respiratory care practitioners; relating to immunity from civil liability for a respiratory care practitioner providing free health care services; relating to national criminal history record checks; relating to respiratory care practitioners providing documentation and treatment plans for public school students with asthma or anaphylaxis; relating to the recognition of EMS personnel licensure interstate compact; prohibiting unfair discrimination under group health insurance against respiratory care practitioners; establishing the Rural Health Transformation Program Advisory Council; and providing for an effective date" was engrossed, signed by the President and Secretary and returned to the House for consideration. HB 173 SENATE CS FOR CS FOR HOUSE BILL NO. 173(FIN) am S "An Act relating to occupational therapist licensure; relating to occupational therapy assistant licensure; relating to an occupational therapist licensure compact; relating to an executive administrator for the State Physical Therapy and Occupational Therapy Board; relating to physical therapist licensure; relating to physical therapist assistant licensure; relating to audiologist licensure; relating to speech-language pathologist licensure; and relating to national criminal history record checks" was engrossed, signed by the President and Secretary and returned to the House for consideration. HB 280 SENATE CS FOR 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" was engrossed, signed by the President and Secretary and returned to the House for consideration. 2026-05-20 Senate Journal Page 2905 HB 302 SENATE CS FOR CS FOR HOUSE BILL NO. 302(TRA) am S "An Act relating to travel insurance; relating to the business of insurance; relating to exceptions to prohibited rebates; relating to the powers of the director of the division of insurance; relating to prohibited practices in the advertisement of insurance; and providing for an effective date" was engrossed, signed by the President and Secretary and returned to the House for consideration. HJR 18 SENATE CS FOR CS FOR HOUSE JOINT RESOLUTION NO. 18(RES) Supporting and recognizing the importance of a natural gas pipeline project in the state; and urging the federal government to take all necessary actions to expedite the state natural gas pipeline project, was engrossed, signed by the President and Secretary and returned to the House for consideration. SCR 14 SENATE CONCURRENT RESOLUTION NO. 14 Suspending Rules 24(c), 35, 41(b), and 42(e), Uniform Rules of the Alaska State Legislature, concerning House Bill No. 13, relating to optional municipal property tax exemptions for certain long-term rental units, certain mobile home parks, real property rented to low-income families, real property owned and occupied as a permanent place of abode, and real property owned by first-time homebuyers, was engrossed, signed by the President and Secretary and transmitted to the House for consideration. SCR 16 SENATE CONCURRENT RESOLUTION NO. 16 Suspending Rules 24(c), 35, 41(b), and 42(e), Uniform Rules of the Alaska State Legislature, concerning House Concurrent Resolution No. 4, proclaiming May 2025 as Myositis Awareness Month, was engrossed, signed by the President and Secretary and transmitted to the House for consideration. SCR 18 SENATE CONCURRENT RESOLUTION NO. 18 Suspending Rules 24(c), 35, 41(b), and 42(e), Uniform Rules of the Alaska State Legislature, concerning House Joint Resolution No. 18, supporting the 2026-05-20 Senate Journal Page 2906 continued development of the Alaska Liquefied Natural Gas Project; recognizing the importance of the Alaska Liquefied Natural Gas Project to the economy of the state, energy independence, and national security; and urging the United States Congress, President Donald J. Trump, Secretary of the Interior Douglas Burgum, and relevant federal agencies to take all necessary actions to expedite the success of the Alaska Liquefied Natural Gas Project, was engrossed, signed by the President and Secretary and transmitted to the House for consideration. SCR 25 SENATE CONCURRENT RESOLUTION NO. 25 Suspending Rules 24(c), 35, 41(b), and 42(e), Uniform Rules of the Alaska State Legislature, concerning House Bill No. 110, relating to a social work licensure compact; and relating to the practice of social work, was engrossed, signed by the President and Secretary and transmitted to the House for consideration. SCR 27 SENATE CONCURRENT RESOLUTION NO. 27 Suspending Rules 24(c), 35, 41(b), and 42(e), Uniform Rules of the Alaska State Legislature, concerning House Bill No. 173, relating to occupational therapist licensure; relating to occupational therapy assistant licensure; and relating to an occupational therapist licensure compact, was engrossed, signed by the President and Secretary and transmitted to the House for consideration. SCR 28 SENATE CONCURRENT RESOLUTION NO. 28 Suspending Rules 24(c), 35, 41(b), and 42(e), Uniform Rules of the Alaska State Legislature, concerning House Bill No. 302, relating to travel insurance, was engrossed, signed by the President and Secretary and transmitted to the House for consideration. SCR 36 SENATE CONCURRENT RESOLUTION NO. 36 Suspending Rules 24(c), 35, 41(b), and 42(e), Uniform Rules of the Alaska State Legislature, concerning House Bill No. 14, repealing programs for catastrophic illness assistance and medical assistance for chronic and acute medical conditions, was engrossed, signed by the President and Secretary and transmitted to the House for consideration. 2026-05-20 Senate Journal Page 2907 HCR 4 SENATE CS FOR HOUSE CONCURRENT RESOLUTION NO. 4(HSS) Proclaiming May 2026 as Myositis Awareness Month, was engrossed, signed by the President and Secretary and returned to the House for consideration. Adjournment Senator Hoffman moved and asked unanimous consent the Thirty- Fourth Alaska State Senate adjourn sine die. Without objection, the Senate adjourned at 7:58 p.m. Liz Clark Secretary of the Senate 2026-05-20 Senate Journal Page 2908 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 20 Wednesday Beltz 105 (tsbldg) 3:30 PM -- MEETING CANCELED -- + Bills Previously Heard/Scheduled**Streamed live on AKL.tv** ---------------------------------------- FINANCE May 20 Wednesday Senate Finance 532 9:00 AM -- MEETING CANCELED -- + HJR 46 TYPHOON HALONG; SUPPORT COMM. RELOCATION + Bills Previously Heard/Scheduled**Streamed live on AKL.tv** May 20 Wednesday Senate Finance 532 1:30 PM -- MEETING CANCELED -- + Bills Previously Heard/Scheduled**Streamed live on AKL.tv** May 27 Wednesday Senate Finance 532 9:00 AM + SB2001 GAS PIPELINE VOLUMETRIC TAX; AGDC; RCA Presentation: GaffneyCline**Streamed live on AKL.tv** May 28 Thursday Senate Finance 532 9:00 AM += SB2001 GAS PIPELINE VOLUMETRIC TAX; AGDC; RCA Presentation: GaffneyCline **Streamed live on AKL.tv** May 29 Friday Senate Finance 532 9:00 AM += SB2001 GAS PIPELINE VOLUMETRIC TAX; AGDC; RCA **Streamed live on AKL.tv** 2026-05-20 Senate Journal Page 2909 JUDICIARY May 20 Wednesday Butrovich 205 1:30 PM No Meeting Scheduled