Legislature(2025 - 2026)SENATE FINANCE 532
05/01/2025 09:00 AM Senate FINANCE
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| Audio | Topic |
|---|---|
| Start | |
| SB95 | |
| SB96 | |
| SB97 | |
| SB14 | |
| HB16 | |
| Adjourn |
* first hearing in first committee of referral
+ teleconferenced
= bill was previously heard/scheduled
+ teleconferenced
= bill was previously heard/scheduled
| + | SB 14 | TELECONFERENCED | |
| + | HB 16 | TELECONFERENCED | |
| + | SB 116 | TELECONFERENCED | |
| += | SB 95 | TELECONFERENCED | |
| += | SB 96 | TELECONFERENCED | |
| += | SB 97 | TELECONFERENCED | |
SENATE FINANCE COMMITTEE
May 1, 2025
9:02 a.m.
9:02:48 AM
CALL TO ORDER
Co-Chair Hoffman called the Senate Finance Committee
meeting to order at 9:02 a.m.
MEMBERS PRESENT
Senator Lyman Hoffman, Co-Chair
Senator Donny Olson, Co-Chair
Senator Bert Stedman, Co-Chair
Senator Mike Cronk
Senator James Kaufman
Senator Jesse Kiehl
Senator Kelly Merrick
MEMBERS ABSENT
None
ALSO PRESENT
Senator Forrest Dunbar, Sponsor; Sonja Kawasaki, Council,
Senate Majority; Senator Cathy Giessel, Sponsor;
Representative Calvin Schrage, Sponsor; Bruce Botelho,
Citizens Against Money in Politics, Juneau; Representative
Ky Holland; Senator Scott Kawasaki.
PRESENT VIA TELECONFERENCE
Michele Brown, Program Director, Housing Alaskans Public
Private Partnership, Anchorage; Nithya Thiru, Housing
Organizer, Alaska Public Interest Research Group,
Anchorage; Jason Norris, Self, Anchorage; Mark Davis,
Special Counsel, Alaska Industrial Development and Export
Authority, Anchorage; Brandon Brefczynski, Deputy Director,
Alaska Industrial Development and Export Authority,
Anchorage; Mike Coons, Self, Wasilla; Mercedes Arciniega,
Outreach and Good Government Lead, Alaska Public Interest
Research Group, Anchorage; Evelynn Trefon, Self, Newhalen;
Kevin Morford, President, Alaska Move to Amend, Chugiak.
SUMMARY
SB 14 AIDEA FINANCE WORKFORCE HOUSING DEVELOP
SB 14 was HEARD and HELD in committee for further
consideration.
SB 95 CHILD CARE: ASSISTANCE/GRANTS
SB 95 was REPORTED out of committee with four "do
pass" recommendations, three "no recommendations"
and with one previously published fiscal note: FN
1(DOH).
SB 96 CHILD CARE: TAX CREDITS
SB 96 was REPORTED out of committee with four "do
pass" recommendations, three "no
recommendations", and with three previously
published fiscal notes: FN 1(LWF), FN 2(REV), and
FN 3(CED).
SB 97 BIG GAME PERMIT PROGRAM
SB 97 was REPORTED out of committee with six "do
pass" recommendations, one "no recommendation",
and with three new fiscal notes: two from
Department of Fish and Game and one from
Department of Natural Resources.
CSHB 16(STA)
CAMPAIGN FINANCE, CONTRIBUTION LIMITS
CSHB 16(STA) was HEARD and HELD in committee for
further consideration.
SENATE BILL NO. 95
"An Act relating to the child care assistance program
and the child care grant program; and providing for an
effective date."
9:04:03 AM
SENATOR FORREST DUNBAR, SPONSOR, reintroduced the
legislation.
Co-Chair Stedman MOVED to REPORT SB 95 from committee with
individual recommendations and attached fiscal note. There
being NO OBJECTION, it was so ordered.
SB 95 was REPORTED out of committee with four "do pass"
recommendations, three "no recommendation and with one
previously published fiscal note: FN 1(DOH).
9:05:25 AM
AT EASE
9:08:41 AM
RECONVENED
SENATE BILL NO. 96
"An Act relating to education tax credits for certain
payments and contributions for child care and child
care facilities; relating to the insurance tax
education credit, the income tax education credit, the
oil or gas producer education credit, the property tax
education credit, the mining business education
credit, the fisheries business education credit, and
the fisheries resource landing tax education credit;
providing for an effective date by amending the
effective date of secs. 1, 2, and 21, ch. 61, SLA
2014; and providing for an effective date."
9:09:32 AM
SONJA KAWASAKI, COUNCIL, SENATE MAJORITY, reintroduced the
legislation.
Senator Kiehl MOVED to REPORT SB 96 from committee with
individual recommendations and attached fiscal note. There
being NO OBJECTION, it was so ordered.
SB 96 was REPORTED out of committee with four "do pass"
recommendations, three "no recommendations", and with three
previously published fiscal notes: FN 1(LWF), FN 2(REV),
and FN 3(CED).
9:10:44 AM
AT EASE
9:12:34 AM
RECONVENED
SENATE BILL NO. 97
"An Act establishing a big game guide concession area
permit program on land in the state; relating to the
duties of the Big Game Commercial Services Board, the
Board of Game, the Department of Fish and Game, and
the Department of Natural Resources; requiring the
Board of Game to establish an initial big game guide
concession area; and providing for an effective date."
9:13:02 AM
SENATOR CATHY GIESSEL, SPONSOR, reintroduced the
legislation.
Senator Cronk MOVED to REPORT SB 97 from committee with
individual recommendations and attached fiscal note. There
being NO OBJECTION, it was so ordered.
SB 97 was REPORTED out of committee with six "do pass"
recommendations, one "no recommendation and with three
new fiscal notes: two from Department of Fish and Game and
one from Department of Natural Resources.
9:14:01 AM
AT EASE
9:16:19 AM
RECONVENED
SENATE BILL NO. 14
"An Act relating to the Alaska Industrial Development
and Export Authority; and relating to workforce
housing development projects."
9:16:41 AM
SENATOR FORREST DUNBAR, SPONSOR, introduced the
legislation.
9:19:34 AM
Senator Kiehl wondered how the bill would guide Alaska
Industrial Development and Export Authority's (AIDEA)
participation.
Senator Dunbar replied that there would be private sectors
involved, but there would be flexibility to decide the
various means of financing.
Senator Kiehl stated that he would have further
conversations with the sponsor about the financing.
9:21:48 AM
Co-Chair Stedman asked whether the bill would inadvertently
put the state in a mortgage business with the inclusion of
AIDEA in the bill.
Senator Dunbar replied that it was difficult to get private
sector financing for multi-family housing construction in
the state.
9:25:04 AM
Co-Chair Stedman stressed that the issue was about suitable
lenders. He felt that the state might undercut the private
marketplace. He felt that there was already a housing
mechanism in the state through the Alaska Housing Finance
Corporation (AHFC).
Senator Dunbar replied that the idea was originally
proposed by a private sector developer, in which could be
provided by AIDEA.
Co-Chair Stedman felt that AHFC had various means of
financing.
9:30:34 AM
MICHELE BROWN, PROGRAM DIRECTOR, HOUSING ALASKANS PUBLIC
PRIVATE PARTNERSHIP, ANCHORAGE (via teleconference), spoke
in support of the bill.
9:34:39 AM
AT EASE
9:35:03 AM
RECONVENED
9:35:58 AM
Co-Chair Hoffman OPENED public testimony.
9:36:19 AM
NITHYA THIRU, HOUSING ORGANIZER, ALASKA PUBLIC INTEREST
RESEARCH GROUP, ANCHORAGE (via teleconference), spoke in
support of the bill.
9:38:27 AM
JASON NORRIS, SELF, ANCHORAGE (via teleconference),
testified in support of the legislation.
Co-Chair Stedman wanted to hear from AIDEA.
Co-Chair Hoffman CLOSED public testimony.
Co-Chair Stedman wanted to know about the housing
development in commercial areas, and AIDEA's participation
in those projects.
9:41:56 AM
MARK DAVIS, SPECIAL COUNSEL, ALASKA INDUSTRIAL DEVELOPMENT
AND EXPORT AUTHORITY, ANCHORAGE (via teleconference),
replied that AIDEA had the ability to work on workforce
housing with various programs, and currently used the
programs for housing on shipyards. He stressed that AIDEA
did not make many direct loans, so it was usually a
collaborative process with other funding sources.
9:43:47 AM
BRANDON BREFCZYNSKI, DEPUTY DIRECTOR, ALASKA INDUSTRIAL
DEVELOPMENT AND EXPORT AUTHORITY, ANCHORAGE (via
teleconference), echoed Mr. Davis's comments. He stated
that the loan participation programs was one of AIDEA's
most successful programs.
9:45:32 AM
Co-Chair Stedman stressed that he was aware of a housing
need in his district, and cautioned AIDEA about converting
a fabrication facility into housing. He encouraged the
examination of offsite housing.
Senator Kiehl reviewed the fiscal note.
SB 14 was HEARD and HELD in committee for further
consideration.
CS FOR HOUSE BILL NO. 16(STA)
"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 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; and providing for an effective
date."
9:47:39 AM
REPRESENTATIVE CALVIN SCHRAGE, SPONSOR, introduced the
legislation. He referred to the Sponsor Statement (copy on
file):
In 2024, Alaska 23RCF2 was certified after a
grassroots effort that gathered signatures from nearly
30,000 registered Alaskan voters and met the 7 percent
threshold in 32 out of Alaska's 40 house districts.
23RCF2 will be put before voters in the 2026 primary
election if the Alaska Legislature does not pass
materially similar legislation.
Alaska has historically touted some of the strongest,
most effective campaign finance laws in the nation,
which served to promote better accountability and
trust in our elections and elected officials. In
recent years, Alaskans have shown their support for
fair and reasonable contribution limits, including a
2006 ballot initiative that passed overwhelmingly with
73 percent support. However, in 2021, the Ninth
Circuit Court of Appeals struck down Alaska's
statutory campaign contribution limits, opening our
state and local elections to the threat of unlimited
political contributions directly to candidates from
anyone, anywhere in the country.
House Bill 16 (HB 16) reinstates fair, reasonable, and
constitutional campaign contribution limits, which
will be adjusted based on Alaska's consumer price
index rates moving forward. This will ensure that
these limits remain constitutional.
9:50:16 AM
Co-Chair Stedman requested a history of the issue, and
wondered why the federal limits were not included in the
bill.
Representative Schrage detailed some history of campaign
finance reform in the state.
Co-Chair Stedman wondered why the bill was not a ballot
measure.
Representative Schrage responded that it was an attempt to
establish limits before the next election.
9:55:19 AM
Co-Chair Stedman requested a history of large contributions
in the elections.
Representative Schrage replied that an individual was
limited to $2000 per election cycle, and explained that
there were other means to contribute or influence a
political campaign.
Co-Chair Hoffman wondered whether there were specific
limits to political parties on how much they receive and
how much they contribute to candidates.
Representative Schrage responded in the affirmative, agreed
to provide that information.
9:59:10 AM
Co-Chair Hoffman remarked that he had heard of contribution
of "hints" of where the funds would go.
10:04:08 AM
Senator Kiehl asked about the address requirement in the
bill.
Representative Schrage replied that it was an amendment,
and stated that the state could impose disclosure
requirements.
Co-Chair Stedman remarked that the intention was to limit
outside influence from another state.
Representative Schrage replied that it was a $2000 limit.
Co-Chair Hoffman wondered whether each member of a family
could contribute.
Representative Schrage replied in the affirmative.
10:08:01 AM
BRUCE BOTELHO, CITIZENS AGAINST MONEY IN POLITICS, JUNEAU,
spoke in support of the bill.
10:13:01 AM
Co-Chair Stedman wondered why the issue would not be on the
ballot.
Mr. Botelho replied that it was the desire to be in place
for the 2028 election.
Co-Chair Stedman felt that the voters should have the right
to vote on the issue.
Mr. Botelho disagreed, and felt that the voters wanted
campaign contribution limits.
10:15:43 AM
Co-Chair Hoffman wondered if there was a correlation
between urban and rural Alaska.
Mr. Botelho detailed the percentages of support.
10:20:00 AM
Co-Chair Hoffman OPENED public testimony.
10:20:23 AM
MIKE COONS, SELF, WASILLA (via teleconference), testified
against the legislation.
10:23:05 AM
MERCEDES ARCINIEGA, OUTREACH AND GOOD GOVERNMENT LEAD,
ALASKA PUBLIC INTEREST RESEARCH GROUP, ANCHORAGE (via
teleconference), testified in support of the legislation.
10:25:39 AM
EVELYNN TREFON, SELF, NEWHALEN (via teleconference), spoke
in support of the bill.
10:26:56 AM
KEVIN MORFORD, PRESIDENT, ALASKA MOVE TO AMEND, CHUGIAK
(via teleconference), testified in support of the bill.
Co-Chair Hoffman CLOSED public testimony.
Senator Kiehl addressed the one zero fiscal note from the
Department of Administration.
Representative Schrage thanked the committee for hearing
the legislation.
CSHB 16(STA) was HEARD and HELD in committee for further
consideration.
ADJOURNMENT
10:30:48 AM
The meeting was adjourned at 10:30 a.m.
| Document Name | Date/Time | Subjects |
|---|---|---|
| SB 95 SB 96 thread - SB 95 and 96 Letter of Support.pdf |
SFIN 5/1/2025 9:00:00 AM |
SB 95 SB 96 |
| SB 95 SB 96 Vote yes on SB 95 and 96 Stats.pdf |
SFIN 5/1/2025 9:00:00 AM |
SB 95 SB 96 |
| SB 97 DNR DMLW 042525.pdf |
SFIN 5/1/2025 9:00:00 AM |
SB 97 |
| SB 97 DFG DWC 042525.pdf |
SFIN 5/1/2025 9:00:00 AM |
SB 97 |
| SB 97 DFG BFG 042525.pdf |
SFIN 5/1/2025 9:00:00 AM |
SB 97 |
| SB 97 Committee Sectional Anlysis.pdf |
SFIN 5/1/2025 9:00:00 AM |
SB 97 |
| SB 14 Letters Received version A 02.17.2025.pdf |
SFIN 5/1/2025 9:00:00 AM |
SB 14 |
| SB 14 Sectional Analysis version A 02.17.2025.pdf |
SFIN 5/1/2025 9:00:00 AM |
SB 14 |
| SB 14 Sponsor Statement version A 02.17.2025.pdf |
SFIN 5/1/2025 9:00:00 AM |
SB 14 |
| HB 16 Summary of Changes Ver A to N.pdf |
SFIN 5/1/2025 9:00:00 AM |
HB 16 |
| HB 16 Version N Sectional Analysis.pdf |
SFIN 5/1/2025 9:00:00 AM |
HB 16 |
| HB 16 Version N Sponsor Statement.pdf |
SFIN 5/1/2025 9:00:00 AM |
HB 16 |