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