ALASKA STATE LEGISLATURE
SENATE STATE AFFAIRS STANDING COMMITTEE
February 18, 2025
3:29 p.m.
MEMBERS PRESENT
Senator Scott Kawasaki, Chair
Senator Jesse Bjorkman, Vice Chair
Senator Bill Wielechowski
Senator Elvi Gray-Jackson
Senator Robert Yundt
MEMBERS ABSENT
All members present
COMMITTEE CALENDAR
SENATE BILL NO. 31
"An Act relating to the duties of the Department of
Administration; creating an address confidentiality program; and
providing for an effective date."
- MOVED CSSB 31(STA) OUT OF COMMITTEE
SENATE BILL NO. 43
"An Act establishing the month of March as Women's History
Month."
- HEARD & HELD
PREVIOUS COMMITTEE ACTION
BILL: SB 31
SHORT TITLE: ADDRESS CONFIDENTIALITY PROGRAM
SPONSOR(s): SENATOR(s) KIEHL
01/10/25 (S) PREFILE RELEASED 1/10/25
01/22/25 (S) READ THE FIRST TIME - REFERRALS
01/22/25 (S) STA, FIN
01/28/25 (S) STA AT 3:30 PM BELTZ 105 (TSBldg)
01/28/25 (S) Heard & Held
01/28/25 (S) MINUTE(STA)
02/18/25 (S) STA AT 3:30 PM BELTZ 105 (TSBldg)
BILL: SB 43
SHORT TITLE: WOMEN'S HISTORY MONTH
SPONSOR(s): SENATOR(s) GRAY-JACKSON
01/17/25 (S) PREFILE RELEASED 1/17/25
01/22/25 (S) READ THE FIRST TIME - REFERRALS
01/22/25 (S) STA
02/18/25 (S) STA AT 3:30 PM BELTZ 105 (TSBldg)
WITNESS REGISTER
SENATOR JESSE KIEHL, District B
Alaska State Legislature
Juneau, Alaska
POSITION STATEMENT: Sponsor of SB 31.
LAUREE MORTON, Deputy Director
Alaska Network on Domestic Violence and Sexual Assault
Juneau, Alaska
POSITION STATEMENT: Testified in support of SB 31.
DEIRDRE GOINS, Staff
Senator Gray-Jackson
Alaska State Legislature
Juneau, Alaska
POSITION STATEMENT: Provided the sectional analysis on SB 43.
JESSIE LAVOIE, CEO
Young Women's Christian Association (YWCA)
Anchorage, Alaska
POSITION STATEMENT: Testified by invitation on SB 43.
TERESA JACOBSSON, Founder
Alaska Women's Leadership Forum
Anchorage, Alaska
POSITION STATEMENT: Testified by invitation on SB 43.
ACTION NARRATIVE
3:29:44 PM
CHAIR KAWASAKI called the Senate State Affairs Standing
Committee meeting to order at 3:29 p.m. Present at the called to
order were Senators Gray-Jackson, Yundt and Chair Kawasaki.
Senators Wielechowski and Bjorkman arrived shortly after.
SB 31-ADDRESS CONFIDENTIALITY PROGRAM
3:30:55 PM
CHAIR KAWASAKI announced the consideration of SENATE BILL NO. 31
"An Act relating to the duties of the Department of
Administration; creating an address confidentiality program; and
providing for an effective date."
3:31:13 PM
CHAIR KAWASAKI solicited a motion.
3:31:21 PM
SENATOR GRAY-JACKSON moved to adopt the committee substitute
(CS) for SB 31, work order 34-LS0306\N, as the working document.
3:31:34 PM
CHAIR KAWASAKI objected for purposes of discussion.
3:31:45 PM
SENATOR JESSE KIEHL, District B, Alaska State Legislature,
Juneau, Alaska, as sponsor of SB 31 he explained the summary of
changes as follows:
The committee substitute before the State Affairs
Committee makes just one change. It tightens the
title. It removes the broad phrase relating to the
duties of the Department of Administration. And in
that way, it gets much more specific to the actual
contents of the bill, the address confidentiality
program, and its effective date.
3:32:38 PM
CHAIR KAWASAKI removed his objection.
3:32:45 PM
CHAIR KAWASAKI found no further objection and CSSB 31 was
adopted as the working document.
3:33:10 PM
CHAIR KAWASAKI opened public testimony on SB 31.
3:33:28 PM
LAUREE MORTON, Deputy Director, Alaska Network on Domestic
Violence and Sexual Assault, Juneau, Alaska, testified in
support of SB 31 as follows:
[Original punctuation provided.]
Most address confidentiality programs are one tool in
part of a larger safety plan. Violence frequently
escalates when people who choose to cause harm believe
they are losing control of the victim. One of the most
dangerous times for victims is when they attempt to
leave. If victims are successful in escaping, the
person causing harm will usually focus their energy on
finding the victim; often searching public records
including voter registration and driver's license
rolls. The address confidentiality program will
provide enhanced safety options for survivors.
Will the program be used frequently? I think it will
be used occasionally when the circumstances are
extreme, the danger real, and secrecy is critical to a
victim's survival. It isn't a safety measure to be
taken lightlyall first-class mail delivery will be
delayed which of course is never optimal, but in these
cases necessary. Safety planning will explore the
necessity of subscribing to the program and afford the
victim an opportunity to balance the potential gains
in participating, against any detriments.
We appreciate the ability given to the department to
set standards in addition to protective orders when
making enrollment decisions. There are times and
situations where protective orders are not in the best
interest of the victim, when lethality is particularly
high and providing information through the protective
order is considered placing the victim at greater
risk. In such situations it will be even more
beneficial to allow the victim to enroll in the
address confidentiality program.
One life lost to domestic violence is one too many.
For survivors who are in danger, an address
confidentiality program could be lifesaving.
3:36:09 PM
CHAIR KAWASAKI closed public testimony on SB 31.
3:37:04 PM
CHAIR KAWASAKI solicited the will of the committee.
3:37:09 PM
SENATOR BJORKMAN moved to report CSSB 31, work order 34-
LS0306\N, from committee with individual recommendations and
attached fiscal note(s).
3:37:29 PM
CHAIR KAWASAKI found no objection and CSSB 31(STA) was reported
from the Senate State Affairs Standing Committee.
3:37:41 PM
At ease.
SB 43-WOMEN'S HISTORY MONTH
3:39:01 PM
CHAIR KAWASAKI reconvened the meeting and announced the
consideration of SENATE BILL NO. 43 "An Act establishing the
month of March as Women's History Month."
3:39:26 PM
SENATOR GRAY-JACKSON, speaking as the sponsor of SB 43 provided
the following introduction:
[Original punctuation provided.]
Alaska's history is a story of resilience, strength,
and leadershipqualities that are exemplified by the
many women who have shaped our past and continue to
guide our future. Yet, too often, the contributions of
women are overlooked or relegated to the margins of
our history books. That is why I am proud to stand
before you in support of Senate Bill 43, which would
officially designate March as Women's History Month in
Alaska.
This recognition is long overdue. Women have been at
the heart of Alaska's historyfrom the Indigenous
women who have safeguarded cultural traditions for
generations, to the pioneers who braved the harshest
conditions to build our communities, to the educators,
scientists, and public servants who have shaped policy
and progress in our state.
Today, we are witnessing an inspiring shift. In 2025,
Alaska's Legislature is home to 26 female legislators
the highest number in our history. This milestone is
not just a number; it is a testament to the progress
we have made in ensuring women's voices are heard in
the halls of power. The formation of the first Women
in Alaska Legislature Group underscores our collective
commitment to elevating and supporting women's
leadership.
By designating March as Women's History Month, we
create an opportunity to formally recognize and
celebrate these achievements. It will be a time for
schools, community organizations, and individuals
across our state to engage in meaningful
conversations, learn about the remarkable women who
have come before us, and inspire future generations of
Alaskan women to lead in every sector of our society.
Honoring women's history is not just about the past;
it is about shaping the future. When we uplift women's
contributions, we reaffirm our commitment to equity,
progress, and the enduring strength of our state.
I urge this committee to advance Senate Bill 43 so
that we can ensure the stories of Alaska's womenpast,
present, and futureare told, honored, and celebrated.
3:42:26 PM
DEIRDRE GOINS, Staff, Senator Elvi Gray-Jackson, Alaska State
Legislature, Juneau, Alaska, provided the sectional analysis for
SB 43:
[Original punctuation provided.]
Sectional Analysis-Version A
Section 1- Adds a new section to AS 44.12
Section 44.12.088. Women's History Month. The
month of March each year is established as Women's
History Month. Women's History Month may be observed
by schools, community groups, and other public and
private agencies and individuals with appropriate
activities to honor and recognize the contribution
that women have made in the history of the state and
the nation.
3:43:06 PM
CHAIR KAWASAKI announced invited testimony on SB 43.
3:43:40 PM
JESSIE LAVOIE, CEO, Young Women's Christian Association (YWCA),
Anchorage, Alaska, testified by invitation in support of SB 43.
She paraphrased the following statement:
[Original punctuation provided.]
YWCA Alaska has a long history of supporting Women
leaders in our community. Since 1990, we have honored
women and allies at an annual celebration, sharing
their successes, and uplifting them through our Women
of Achievement event. This long-standing tradition has
recognized over 350 women, all of whom have left
indelible marks on Alaska's history. We are forever
grateful for the paths they walked and paved, so that
younger generations of women know that they too can be
a doctor, lawyer, community advocate, and more.
We are delighted to hear that Senator Elvi Gray-
Jackson and her office are proposing SB43: An Act
establishing the month of March as Women's History
Month." We fully support this bill and her efforts,
especially in these trying times when public support
like this is so desperately needed. Over 60 percent of
women 16 and older are in Alaska's workforce, from
STEM fields to the medical field, small business
owners to industry leaders. Women make up almost half
of Alaska's workforce at 45.2 percent. Despite the
near 50/50 split, women are still paid only 80.5
percent of men in the same position. While this has
trended upward, it is still a noticeable gap.
Despite this, women persist and celebrating them in
the month of March just makes sense. From our own
pioneers like Elizabeth Peratrovich to our friends in
the 34th Alaska State Legislature - Senate like Elvi
Gray-Jackson, Loki Gale-Tobin, Cathy Giessel, Shelley
Hughes, Kelly Merrick, and all our friends in the
House of Representatives, these women have continued
to pave the path that their predecessors started and
to ensure it's there for women leaders to come.
YWCA Alaska stands with Senator Gray-Jackson, and all
women in Alaska, and fully support this bill.
3:46:06 PM
TERESA JACOBSSON, Founder, Alaska Women's Leadership Forum,
Anchorage, Alaska, testified by invitation on SB 43. She
paraphrased the following:
[Original punctuation provided.]
Alaska's history is rich with the stories of
resilient, courageous, and visionary women who have
shaped our communities, our industries, and our
government. From leaders preserving and advocating for
their cultural heritage to women pioneering
advancements in business, science, and public service
Alaskan women have played a pivotal role in our
state's progress. Unfortunately, their contributions
are often overlooked or underrepresented in our
history.
By establishing March as Alaska Women's History Month,
we create a meaningful opportunity for our government,
schools, communities, and organizations to recognize
and celebrate these contributions. This designation is
not simply about reflection it is about inspiration.
It encourages the next generation of female leaders to
see themselves in these stories and to know that their
voices, ideas, and ambitions are part of Alaska's
future.
Alaska has long been home to strong women who have
defied odds, broken barriers, and led with strength.
From Elizabeth Peratrovich, or the thousands of unsung
women entrepreneurs, caregivers, educators, and
leaderstheir legacies deserve to be uplifted and
recognized.
This bill is an opportunity to unify Alaskans in
honoring the past, celebrating the present, and
investing in the future of women in our state. The
Alaska Women's Leadership Forum strongly supports this
initiative and urges the passage of this bill.
Thank you again for your time and for your commitment
to recognizing the impact of women in Alaska's
history.
3:48:14 PM
CHAIR KAWASAKI opened public testimony on SB 43; finding none,
he closed public testimony.
3:49:37 PM
CHAIR KAWASAKI held SB 43 in committee.
3:50:44 PM
There being no further business to come before the committee,
Chair Kawasaki adjourned the Senate State Affairs Standing
Committee meeting at 3:50 p.m.