Legislature(2025 - 2026)ADAMS 519
12/16/2025 01:00 PM Senate LEGISLATIVE COUNCIL
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ALASKA STATE LEGISLATURE
LEGISLATIVE COUNCIL
DECEMBER 16, 2025
1:00 PM
MEMBERS PRESENT
Representative Sara Hannan, Chair
Representative Bryce Edgmon
Representative Chuck Kopp
Representative Mike Prax
Representative Calvin Schrage
Representative Louise Stutes
Representative Donna Mears (alternate)
Senator Matt Claman
Senator Cathy Giessel
Senator Elvi Gray-Jackson
Senator Jesse Kiehl
Senator Bert Stedman
MEMBERS ABSENT
Senator Gary Stevens, Vice Chair
Representative Ashley Carrick
Senator Lyman Hoffman
Senator Löki Tobin(alternate)
OTHER MEMBERS PRESENT
Representative Ky Holland
Representative Rebecca Himschoot
AGENDA
APPROVAL OF AGENDA
APPROVAL OF MINUTES
COMMITTEE BUSINESS
EXECUTIVE SESSION
SPEAKER REGISTER
Sant Lesh, Acting Executive Director, Legislative Affairs
Agency (LAA)
JC Kestel, Procurement Officer, LAA
Tim Powers, Chief Technology and Outreach Officer, LAA
Emily Nauman, Legal Services Director, LAA
Megan Wallace, Chief Counsel, LAA
Michael Mason, Staff to Senator Tobin
I. Call to Order
1:03:02 PM
CHAIR HANNAN called the Legislative Council meeting to
order at 1:03pm on December 16, 2025, in Room 519 (House
Finance) of the State Capitol.
Present at the call were Representatives Edgmon, Kopp,
Prax, Schrage, Stutes, Mears, Hannan; Senators Claman,
Giessel, Gray-Jackson, Kiehl, Stedman.
Twelve members present.
II. Approval of the Agenda
1:04:26 PM
SENATOR STEDMAN moved and asked unanimous consent that
Legislative Council approve the agenda as presented.
The motion passed without objection.
III. Approval of Minutes
a. November 5, 2025, Meeting Minutes
1:04:47 PM
SENATOR STEDMAN moved and asked unanimous consent that
Legislative Council approve the minutes dated November 5,
2025, as presented.
The motion passed without objection.
IV. Sanctioning of Charitable Events
a. Alaska Sealife Center Annual Soiree
1:05:15 PM
SENATOR STEDMAN moved and asked unanimous consent that
Legislative Council ratify the Chair's sanctioning of the
following charitable event per AS 24.60.080(a)(2)(B):
Alaska Sealife Center Annual Soiree.
CHAIR HANNAN objected for the purpose of discussion, and
stated that the 501(c)(3) status of the Sealife Center has
been verified.
There was no further discussion, Chair Hannan removed her
objection, and the sanctioning was ratified.
V. Committee Business
a. Late Travel Reimbursement Claims
i. Senator Cronk
ii. Representative Holland
1:07:07 PM
SENATOR STEDMAN moved that Legislative Council approve
Senator Cronk's late travel reimbursement request for
travel which took place from August 24 to August 26, 2025.
CHAIR HANNAN objected for the purpose of discussion.
REPRESENTATIVE STUTES commented that this issue has
occurred before and noted there were multiple instances on
the agenda. She suggested it may be appropriate for
Legislative Council, Accounting, or the Rules offices to
send reminders about applicable time limits and the need
for more timely submissions.
CHAIR HANNAN stated that she has asked that the sixty-day
deadline be emphasized during annual staff and new member
orientation, so it is clearly communicated, particularly to
freshman members, and heard more than once.
SENATOR STEDMAN asked whether there was a written excuse or
explanation for the late request by Senator Cronk, or
whether testimony would be provided.
CHAIR HANNAN stated that documentation in members' packets
shows Accounting verified the expenses as legitimate. She
said Senator Cronk was listed as being online for
questions, although she did not see him present, and noted
she did not know why the request was submitted late but
that it was submitted in November.
Seeing no further discussion, Chair Hannan removed her
objection and a roll call vote was taken.
1:10:11 PM
YEAS: Representatives Edgmon, Kopp, Prax, Schrage, Stutes,
Mears, Hannan; Senators Claman, Giessel, Gray-Jackson,
Kiehl, Stedman
NAYS: none
The motion passed 12-0.
1:11:17 PM
SENATOR STEDMAN moved that Legislative Council approve
Representative Holland's late travel reimbursement request
for travel which took place July 16 through July 24; August
28; and September 14 through September 19, 2025.
CHAIR HANNAN objected for the purpose of discussion.
SENATOR STEDMAN commented that there appeared to be a
lengthy list of items and asked whether any were filed on
time, or whether this reflected a large volume of travel
with a few requests submitted late.
CHAIR HANNAN stated that she believed Representative
Holland had been on the line but noted that he had dropped
off the call.
REPRESENTATIVE KOPP stated that he would appreciate any
explanation from Representative Holland.
CHAIR HANNAN stated Council would take a brief at ease.
1:12:24 PM
Council took a brief at ease.
1:14:15 PM
Council returned from a brief at ease.
CHAIR HANNAN asked Representative Holland to provide
additional explanation for the three late travel
reimbursement requests, noting that both Senator Stedman
and Representative Kopp had requested clarification.
REPRESENTATIVE HOLLAND apologized for the confusion and
said he appreciated the questions. He explained that the
reason for his late travel claims was he had set aside
several reimbursement requests and did not realize the
sixty-day requirement at the time. He said the three trips
were part of those delayed submissions, acknowledged the
oversight as a lesson learned, and thanked the committee
for its consideration.
Seeing no further discussion, Chair Hannan removed her
objection, and a roll call vote was taken.
1:16:27 PM
YEAS: Representatives Edgmon, Kopp, Prax, Schrage, Stutes,
Mears, Hannan; Senators Claman, Giessel, Gray-Jackson,
Kiehl, Stedman.
NAYS: none
The motion passed 12-0.
b. Anchorage LOB Security Contract Renewal No. 3
1:17:50 PM
SENATOR STEDMAN moved that Legislative Council approve
Renewal No. 3 of the contract for armed security services
with Security Services Northwest in an amount not to exceed
$199,449.20.
CHAIR HANNAN objected for the purpose of discussion and
asked Legislative Affairs Agency Procurement Officer JC
Kestel to come forward to provide information about the
contract and be available for any questions members may
have.
JC KESTEL, Procurement Officer, Legislative Affairs Agency
(LAA), explained that the Agency is seeking to exercise the
third one-year renewal before the contract expires on
December 31, which would extend the contract through
December 31, 2026. He noted that, if approved, two
additional one-year renewal options would remain. He said
he was available to answer questions.
CHAIR HANNAN took a moment to note that Mike Warenda was
available online to answer any questions related to the
security contract and to announce that he is retiring after
working at the Anchorage Legislative Office Building for
twenty-four years, with Friday being his last day. She
thanked him for his service to the Legislature and
congratulated him on his retirement.
SENATOR GRAY-JACKSON thanked Mr. Warenda for his service,
stating that he has been an outstanding employee and will
be greatly missed. She expressed her appreciation on behalf
of herself and her staff.
REPRESENTATIVE EDGMON thanked Mr. Warenda for his many
years of service, his willingness to work late hours when
needed, and said Mike will be missed.
SENATOR CLAMAN thanked Mr. Warenda for his exceptional
service at the Anchorage LIO. Noting the creativity and
dedication required to address daily challenges, that Mr.
Warenda was a strong problem solver, and will be greatly
missed.
CHAIR HANNAN commented that while Mr. Warenda will likely
not miss late night emergency calls related to keys and
building issues and winter maintenance, he often addressed
unexpected problems and solved them creatively. She thanked
him for his service and wished him restful holidays.
Seeing no further discussion, Chair Hannan removed her
objection and called for a roll call vote.
1:22:40 PM
YEAS: Representatives Edgmon, Kopp, Prax, Schrage, Stutes,
Mears, Hannan; Senators Claman, Giessel, Gray-Jackson,
Kiehl, Stedman
NAYS: none
The motion passed 12-0.
c. Capitol Security Screening Contract Renewal No. 1
1:23:41 PM
SENATOR STEDMAN moved that Legislative Council approve
Assignment and Renewal No. 1 of the contract for security
screening services to Universal Protection Service, Limited
Partnership in an amount not to exceed $65,000.00.
CHAIR HANNAN objected for the purpose of discussion and
asked Mr. Kestel to provide information on the contract.
MR. KESTEL explained that the assignment reflects a
corporate name change from Universal Protection Services,
LP to Universal Protection Services, Limited
Partnership. He said the contractor provided security
screening services at the Capitol at the end of the last
regular session and during the special session. He added
that the Agency is requesting approval to renew the
contract for a one-year period from January 1 through
December 31, 2026, to continue providing security screening
services at the Capitol for the upcoming legislative
session.
REPRESENTATIVE STUTES asked what services the contract
covers and whether it applies to Capitol security personnel
or to screening of individuals entering the building.
MR. KESTEL responded that the contract is for lobby
screening services, with contractors operating the x-ray
machine and metal detector used for the public. In response
to a follow-up question, he clarified that the contract
provides screening services during legislative sessions and
special sessions only.
CHAIR HANNAN restated this clarification after
Representative Stutes indicated she was unable to hear the
response.
REPRESENTATIVE STUTES then asked whether the contract
amounted to approximately $200,000 for a 120-day period.
MR. KESTEL clarified that the previously discussed
Anchorage contract totaled $199,449.20 and had already been
approved, and that the contract currently under
consideration is for Capitol security screening services
only and is not to exceed $65,000 annually.
REPRESENTATIVE STUTES thanked Mr. Kestel for the
clarification.
SENATOR STEDMAN stated that he does not support the
proposed security screening, expressing the view that metal
screening at the Capitol entrance is unnecessary given
existing armed security and staffing throughout the
building. He said the risk from the public is low, past
incidents have been managed without difficulty, and the
measure is redundant and could create barriers for Alaskans
seeking to meet with their legislators or testify in
committees.
SENATOR GRAY-JACKSON asked whether Legislative Council had
previously approved the use of metal detectors and whether
the current action was simply a renewal of an existing
contract.
CHAIR HANNAN confirmed that the policy remains in effect
and that the item before Council is the contract renewal to
carry out that policy.
SENATOR GRAY-JACKSON stated that denying the contract
extension would effectively require reconsideration of the
policy itself.
REPRESENTATIVE EDGMON spoke in support of the contract,
citing prior security concerns, noting that security is a
significant issue nationwide, and emphasizing the
importance of preemptive measures. He stated that safety
cannot be measured by cost and urged Council to move
forward with the contract.
Seeing no further discussion, Chair Hannan removed her
objection and a roll call vote was taken.
1:33:08 PM
YEAS: Representatives Edgmon, Kopp, Schrage, Stutes, Mears,
Hannan; Senators Claman, Giessel, Gray-Jackson
NAYS: Representative Prax; Senators Kiehl, Stedman
The motion passed 9-3.
VI. Executive Session
a. Professional Services ContractingJoint Legislative
Task Force on Education Funding
CHAIR HANNAN stated that Council would now go into
Executive session to discuss professional services
contracting for the Education Funding Task Force.
1:34:42 PM
SENATOR STEDMAN moved that Legislative Council go into
Executive Session under Uniform Rule 22(B)(1), discussion
of matters, the immediate knowledge of which would
adversely affect the finances of a government unit, and
22(B)(3), discussion of a matter that may, by law, be
required to be confidential. The following people may
remain in the room or on-line for the executive session:
Santé Lesh, JC Kestel, Ernest Daigle, Tim Powers, Emily
Nauman, Megan Wallace, Andrew Dunmire, any legislators not
on Legislative Council, and any staff of Legislative
Council members.
1:35:36 PM
Council went into Executive Session.
2:03:21 PM
Council came out of Executive Session.
2:03:26 PM
Roll was taken to establish a quorum. Present at the call
were: Representatives Edgmon, Kopp, Prax, Schrage, Stutes,
Mears, Hannan; Senators Claman, Giessel, Gray-Jackson,
Kiehl, Stedman.
Twelve members present.
a. Professional Services ContractingJoint Legislative
Task Force on Education Funding
2:04:47 PM
SENATOR STEDMAN moved that Legislative Council, under Sec.
040(a)(1) of the Legislative Procurement Code, approve a
contract between the Joint Legislative Task Force on
Education Funding and Matthew Turner dba Concept of Degrees
for professional services for the creation of a final
report of findings and recommendations in an amount not to
exceed $70,000.00.
CHAIR HANNAN objected for the purpose of discussion and
asked Mike Mason, the Task Force Co-Chair Senator Tobin's
staff, to briefly summarize the contract request.
MICHAEL MASON, staff to Senator Tobin, noted for Council
that the Task Force on Education Funding was authorized by
House Bill 57 and is co-chaired by Senator Tobin and
Representative Himschoot. He stated the proposed
professional services contract would allow the Task Force
to engage a qualified education policy writer to document
the Task Force's work and assist in drafting the required
final report. He noted that the Task Force must submit
findings and recommendations by the first day of the
Thirty-Fifth Alaska State Legislature in January 2027 and
requested approval of the contract with Matthew Turner so
work on the report can begin.
SENATOR STEDMAN asked how the $70,000 amount was determined
and expressed that the cost seemed high.
MR. MASON explained that the co-chairs agreed to a flat
rate of $60,000 with Mr. Turner to cover report writing,
research, and outreach. He said the contract was structured
as a not to exceed amount of $70,000 to include up to
$10,000 for travel and related expenses. He further noted
that the contractor is expected to attend Task Force site
visits, including recent and upcoming visits to locations
such as Wasilla, Anchorage, Kenai, Fairbanks, and Nenana,
to observe and document Task Force activities.
REPRESENTATIVE EDGMON stated he does not intend to oppose
the contract but noted concerns given current fiscal
constraints. He compared the proposal to prior Task Forces
where legislative staff prepared reports and said he wanted
to ensure his support was based on a clear understanding of
the role and scope of the contractor.
REPRESENTATIVE PRAX asked whether the flat rate contract
accounted for the number of hours involved and whether
sufficient time was allocated to produce a quality product.
He questioned whether the proposed amount would provide
adequate value, drawing on his experience with the long-
term Fiscal Plan Task Force, and expressed concern that
limited resources could result in a report that does not
receive meaningful consideration.
MR. MASON stated that he trusts the judgment of the Task
Force co-chairs and members, including Senator Tobin and
Representative Himschoot, and expressed confidence in the
quality of the Task Force's work and the report due by the
start of the 2027 legislative session. He said that
determining whether there is sufficient time and expertise
rests with the Task Force leadership and the qualifications
of the contractor. He noted that the contractor has
extensive experience preparing similar reports for
organizations such as the Alaska Department of Education
and Early Development, the Association of Alaska School
Boards, and other Alaska-based entities. He concluded that
the contractor is a skilled writer and educator and that
the co-chairs believe he is well suited for the task.
REPRESENTATIVE PRAX followed up asking whether Senator
Kiehl participated in discussions on the contract and
whether Representative Himschoot could speak to the issue.
He seeks to understand whether the expected hours of work
were considered, noting his assumption that a consultant
might charge around $100 per hour, and expressed a desire
to ensure there was a realistic expectation of the scope
and value of the work.
REPRESENTATIVE HIMSCHOOT responded that the work is
expected to occur over the full duration of the contract,
which exceeds one year, and will involve several weeks of
effort completed in small increments. She stated that the
contract is a flat rate and was not calculated by specific
hours.
REPRESENTATIVE PRAX asked whether the contractor understands
the scope of the work and agreed compensation, and whether
there is a shared understanding of the time commitment, so
the rate does not become unreasonably low.
REPRESENTATIVE HIMSCHOOT stated that the scope of work was
discussed and expected to include a specific number of
meetings and included attending Task Force meetings,
meeting with individual members, consulting with education
stakeholders and tribes, and drafting the report and
recommendations. She said the work will require significant
time in small increments and that the effective rate is
expected to fall between $50 and $100 per hour.
Seeing no further discussion, Chair Hannan removed her
objection and a roll call vote was taken.
2:17:36 PM
YEAS: Representatives Edgmon, Kopp, Prax, Schrage, Stutes,
Mears, Hannan; Senators Claman, Giessel, Gray-Jackson,
Kiehl, Stedman
NAYS: none
The motion passed 12-0.
VII. Adjourn
CHAIR HANNAN stated that Juneau is experiencing an
unusually cold and snowy winter, with record days below
zero. She wished members a warm and happy holiday season
and said she looked forward to seeing everyone back at the
Capitol in about a month.
SENATOR GRAY-JACKSON thanked staff for their work in
supporting the committee, wished members a wonderful
holiday season, and said she looked forward to seeing
everyone in Juneau for the second session of the Thirty-
Fourth Legislature.
There being no further business before the committee, the
Legislative Council meeting was adjourned at 2:20pm.
2:20:25 PM
| Document Name | Date/Time | Subjects |
|---|---|---|
| Item III. a.--November 5 2025 LC Meeting Minutes.pdf |
JLEC 12/16/2025 1:00:00 PM |
|
| Item IV. a.--Alaska Sealife Center 501(c)(3) Verification & Determination Letter.pdf |
JLEC 12/16/2025 1:00:00 PM |
|
| Item V. b.--ALOB Security Contract Renewal No. 3 Request to LEC--12.11.25.pdf |
JLEC 12/16/2025 1:00:00 PM |
|
| Item V. c.--Capitol Security Screening Contract Assignment and Renewal No. 1 Memo to LEC--12.11.2025.pdf |
JLEC 12/16/2025 1:00:00 PM |
|
| Item VI. a.--Education Funding Task Force Memo to Rep Hannan - Professional Services Contract 12.12.2025.pdf |
JLEC 12/16/2025 1:00:00 PM |
|
| Item V. a. i.--Sen. Cronk Late Reimbursement Claim.pdf |
JLEC 12/16/2025 1:00:00 PM |
|
| Item V. a. ii.--Rep. Holland Late Reimbursement Claim No. 1.pdf |
JLEC 12/16/2025 1:00:00 PM |
|
| Item V. a. ii.--Rep. Holland Late Reimbursement Claim No. 2.pdf |
JLEC 12/16/2025 1:00:00 PM |
|
| Item V. a. ii.--Rep. Holland Late Reimbursement Claim No. 3.pdf |
JLEC 12/16/2025 1:00:00 PM |