Alaska Legislature: Senate Floor Session, 3/20/26, 10:30am

Sa.

So will the Senate please come to order,

and will members please signify your presence by voting.

The roll shows 17 members present.

Senators Cronk, Myers,

Olson are excused from a call of the Senate today.

Thank you, Madam Secretary.

With 17 members shown as present,

we have a quorum to conduct business.

The invocation this morning will be given by Pastor Danny Sherian from Valley Church.

Members,

please rise.

Dear Lord Jesus,

I praise you because you give the ability to overcome.

It's not by our own hands that we overcome,

it's by your strength that we're able to find victory because you love us.

So I ask for your help and that you would bring clarity today.

Your Bible says in Psalms 44,

verse 3,

It was not by their sword that they won the land, nor did their arm bring them victory.

It was your right hand, your arm,

and the light of your face because you love them.

I ask that you would please keep our senators,

their staff,

their families safe as they're traveling back and forth from Juneau.

And I ask that you give them wisdom,

peace,

and strength as they make good decisions for the people of our great state of Alaska.

In Jesus'

name I pray.

Amen.

Amen.

Thank you, Pastor Sharon,

for being with us all week.

Senator Steadman, if you'd lead us in the Pledge of Allegiance.

I pledge allegiance to the flag of the United States of America,

and to the republic for which it stands,

one nation,

under God,

indivisible,

with liberty and justice for all.

Thank you, Senator Stedman.

Would you please certify the journal,

Madam Secretary?

I certify as to the correctness of the journal for the 58th and 59th legislative days.

Thank you, Madam Majority Leader.

Mr. President,

I move to ask unanimous consent that the journals be approved as certified by the Senate Secretary.

Hearing no objection,

the journals have been approved.

Senator Hoffman.

Good morning, Mr. President. I move and ask unanimous consent that the prayer be spread on the journal.

Seeing no objection,

the prayer has been spread upon the journal.

At this time, are there guests for introduction?

Please go ahead, Senator Klement.

Thank you, Mr.

Thank you, Mr. President. Seated in the Grove Gallery today is James Armstrong,

one of my constituents,

and he has a long history working here in the Capitol. He started in 1986 as a house page.

From 1988 to 1994 he was a teleconference moderator.

He finally got a promotion in 1994 and worked from 1994 to 2001 for Senator Dave Donnelly. 2001 to 2003, worked in Anchorage for Mayor George Wuerch and was the AMATS coordinator. 2004 worked for Representative Bill Williams. In 2005 to 2006 worked for Senator Gary Wilkins.

2007 to 2012,

Representative Bill Stoltz, and in 2012 for a brief time for Representative Bill Thomas,

then 2013 to 2016, Senator Pete Kelly,

and last in 2017.

What I can say with confidence is that Mr.

Armstrong saved the best for last. He worked for Senator Lyman Hoffman.

The rumor is he is here today specifically to wish Senator Hoffman good tidings on his 40th year in the legislature,

and so I am very pleased that James is here. During his time he was the lead staff on eight operating budgets,

six capital budgets.

More importantly,

he was instrumental in putting together the putting course for the Betty Ferrenkamp and Tim Kelly charity putting tournament that went on for three decades,

and he was also the legislative bowling commissioner for six sessions.

The rumor is that they cut his signing bonus as commissioner of the

bowling league and that was one of the reasons he said he wasn't coming back after 2017.

But he is back and I will say my memory is that since he left working for the legislature he's shown up pretty much every year to see how we're doing.

He's wise enough to only come for a few days and doesn't stay for long but if you would please welcome James Armstrong.

Thank you, Senator.

Good to see you, James. Any further guests for introduction?

Madam Secretary,

are there messages from the governor?

A message dated March 18 stating on February 18 in accordance with Article 3,

Sections 26 and 27 of the Alaska Constitution,

NAS 39050-80, a list of appointees was submitted to the Legislature for confirmation.

Due to the appointee's resignation,

the following appointee is withdrawn from consideration effective immediately.

Alaska Workers'

Compensation Board.

Randy Kempton.

Those are all the messages from the Governor this morning, Mr.

President.

Thank you, Madam Secretary.

Are there messages from the House?

I have no messages from the House today.

And are there communications?

The following report is on file from the Department of Commerce, Community and Economic Development,

Division of Community and Regional Affairs,

2026 Designated Legislative Lapsing Grant Report.

I have no further communications today,

Mr. President.

Thank you. Are there reports of standing committees?

Report dated March 18 stating in accordance with AS 390-5080,

the Education Committee held a hearing on the following appointees. A signature on this report does not reflect an intent by any of the members to vote for or against the confirmation of the individuals during any further sessions. Court of Education and Early Development.

Sally Stockhausen. Pamela Dupras.

Professional Teaching Practices Commission Michael Robbins signing the report.

Senator Tobin, Chair.

Senators Yunt,

Bjorkman,

Stevens,

Keel.

The State Affairs Committee considered Senate Bill number 162,

specie as legal tender,

and recommended it be replaced with the State Affairs Committee substitute. New zero fiscal notes,

signing no recommendation,

Senator Kawasaki,

Chair,

Senator Wielechowski,

signing do pass.

Senators Gray-Jackson,

Bjorkman,

Tilton.

The bill has a further referral to the Finance Committee.

The Labor and Commerce Committee considered Senate Bill number 226,

Homemade Food Reduced Oxygen Packaging.

New zero fiscal note,

signing due pass,

Senator Bjorkman,

Chair,

Senators Dunbar,

Gray Jackson.

The bill has a further referral to the Resources Committee.

The Community and Regional Affairs Committee considered Senate Bill number 258,

Contract Licensing Software Applications.

New zero fiscal note,

signing no recommendation,

Senator Merrick, Chair,

Senator Yunt.

Signing due pass,

Senator.

Senators Dunbar,

Gray Jackson.

The bill has a further referral to the Labor and Commerce Committee.

The Finance Committee considered C_S_ for House Bill number seventy three, finance, complex care residential homes, and recommended it be replaced with a Finance Senate Committee substitute, new fiscal indeterminate and zero fiscal notes,

signing do pass Senators Steadman, Hoffman, Co-chairs; Senators Kaufman,

Cronk, Merrick, Kiel. The bill has no further referral. It is in the Rules Committee. Those are all the standing committee reports this morning, Mr President.

Thank you, Madam Secretary. Are there reports of special committees?

Report dated March 19th stating,

Mr.

President,

Mr.

Speaker,

the conference committee considering CS for House Bill number 298,

Finance,

Budget Reserve Fund Supermajority failed,

and Senate CS for CS for House Bill number 289,

Finance Amended Senate Supplemental Appropriations,

respectfully requests limited powers of free conference on the appropriations and language

that are not identical in the House and Senate versions of House Bill 289.

Signing the report,

Representative Josephson,

Chair,

Representatives Schrage,

Stapp,

Senator Hoffman, Chair,

Senators Stedman,

Kiehl.

Thank you. I'm granting the limited powers of free conference as requested.

I have no further special committee reports today,

Mr.

President.

Thank you, Madam Secretary.

Are there Senate resolutions for introduction?

Senate Concurrent Resolution number 14

by the Senate Community and Regional Affairs Committee,

suspending Rules 24C,

35,

41B,

and 42E,

Uniform Rules of the Alaska State Legislature,

concerning House Bill number 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.

Senate concurred. Resolution number 14 will lay on the Secretary's desk.

Senate Joint Resolution number 30 by the Senate State Affairs Committee expressing gratitude for the United States military and supporting increased defense readiness through infrastructure development and public military partnerships.

Refer to state affairs.

Those are all the Senate resolutions for introduction today.

Thank you. Are the Senate bills for introduction?

Senate Bill number 280 by the Senate Rules Committee by request of the Governor,

an act relating to the taxation of certain natural gas pipeline.

property relating to municipal taxation limitations establishing an alternative volumetric tax on natural gas throughput relating to the allocation of revenue from the alternative volumetric tax and providing for an effective date those

Referred to Resources and Finance.

Those are all the Senate bills for introduction today, Mr.

President.

Thank you, Madam Secretary. Please read the first item on today's calendar.

Senate Bill No.

158,

an act relating to administrative areas for regulation of certain commercial set net entry permits and providing for an effective date before the Senate in third reading on final passage.

There is an amendment number one by Senator Bjorkman on members desks.

Thank you, Senator Bjorkman.

Thank you, Mr.

President.

I move and ask unanimous consent that Senate Bill 158 be returned to second reading for the purposes of hearing one amendment.

Thank you, hearing no objection,

the Senate Bill 188 is back in second reading and will remain there until all amendments have been considered.

Senator Bjorklund.

Thank you, Mr.

President.

I move amendment number one.

Thank you, Senator Bjerkman. Would you explain Amendment number one, please?

Absolutely. Amendment number one is simply a housekeeping amendment that updates the effective dates of the bill,

just changes the dates that would effectuate some changes from 2026 to 2027.

Thank you.

Thank you, Senator Bjerkman.

Is there discussion?

Is there objection?

Hearing no objection,

Amendment Number 1 has been adopted.

So we are now back in third reading.

Senator Bjorkman.

Thank you again, Mr.

President.

Senate Bill 158 makes a simple administrative change to allow for the unique nature of Eastside setback permits.

For years, the fishery on the east side of Cook Inlet has been uniquely managed. These six statistical areas are under a very different management regime from the rest of Cook Inlet. However,

because they are all included in the same administrative area,

they are treated in the same way by the Commercial Fisheries Entry Commission and others,

which don't allow them to be specifically uniquely managed by the Commercial Fisheries Entry Commission.

The bill before you directs CFEC to establish a new admin area encompassing only these parts of the east side set net fishery that will allow the commercial fisheries entry commission to manage those permits uniquely and more effectively.

And it will give the permit holders in that area the autonomy and self-determination to do what they want with their permits.

This fishery has been shut down many times over the last 10 years,

and so those permit holders are looking for some solutions so that they can have their fishery uniquely managed and not have additional permits move in from other parts of the inlet into their area that would complicate that matter.

that management.

I urge members to vote yes.

Thank you. Senator Bjorklund, is there further discussion?

Seeing none,

if you are ready for the question,

the question being,

shall Senate Bill 108,

as amended,

pass the Senate?

Senators may proceed to vote.

The Secretary will lock the roll.

Do any Senators wish to change their vote?

The Secretary will announce the vote.

17 yeas, 0 nays.

And so by a vote of 17 yeas and 0 nays, Senate Bill 58 amended has passed the Senate.

Madam Majority Leader.

Mr. President,

I move and ask unanimous consent that the vote on the bill be considered the vote on the effective date clause.

Thank you. Hearing no objection,

the effective date clause has been adopted.

Madam Secretary, please read the next item on today's calendar.

Senate Bill No.

181,

an act relating to disclosure of information obtained by the Department of Labor and Workforce Development to other state agencies before the Senate in third reading on final passage.

Senator Keel to carry the bill.

Thank you and good morning, Mr. President.

It's my privilege to grab the baton from you in carrying this bill.

It was a recommendation of and introduced by the Joint Legislative Task Force Evaluating Alaska's Seafood Industry a couple of years back.

This bill supports better and closer collaboration between the University of Alaska and Alaska's Department of Labor and Workforce Development.

It provides clear authority.

for these two agencies to work more seamlessly together to produce reports and

analyses, it lets them operate more efficiently, Mr President. It is theoretically possible and occasionally happens today that the Department of Labour can get some information to university researchers, but it takes her herculean bureaucratic effort. And Senate Bill 181 will make it much much much more efficient.

We all want, Mr President,

good data and good analysis.

We want economists and scientists and policy makers like us to have good data and a strong sense of program outcomes,

cross-sector impacts of various public policy decisions so that when we look at anything,

whether it's a request for a change in the law,

change in a program,

change in spending, we consider not just costs and inputs.

for results we can look at outputs so we're all looking mr.

president always for the best return on the public investment whether that is education and workforce development program programs excuse me or whether that's other changes in the law the seafood task force as we looked at some of the things that we do as a state to make sure we've got skilled workers qualified workers throughout the seafood industry the processing industry

came up against a real lack of knowledge and strong analysis.

This bill will make it easier to get the information we need to help Alaskans do what they do so well.

With that, Mr.

President,

the bill does nothing to erode any privacy protections.

I want to make sure that's clear,

and I recommend the members vote yes.

Thank you, Senator Keel.

Is there discussion?

Seeing none,

if you are ready for the question,

the question being shall Senate Bill 181 pass the Senate,

Senators may proceed to vote.

The Secretary will lock the roll.

Do any Senators wish to change their vote?

The Secretary will announce the vote.

17 yeas, 0 nays.

And so, by vote of 17 yeas to 0 nays,

Senate Bill 181 has passed the Senate.

Madam Secretary, please read the next item on today's calendar.

Senate CS for CS for House Joint Resolution Number 29. Resources supporting the extension of the national emergency declared in Executive Order 14024. Supporting the continued national prohibition on Russian seafood imports affected by executive orders 14024, 14068 and 14114 and urging the President of the United States, federal agencies and the United States

Congress to consider additional measures necessary for prohibiting the importation of Russian seafood into the United States and to maintain and strengthen federal measures that ensure fair trade,

protect the state's seafood industry and promote sustainable and ethical seafood production,

before the Senate in third reading on final passage.

Thank you, Senator Stebbin, to carry the bill.

Thank you, Mr.

President.

Well, I think as everybody is aware in the chamber,

our fishing industry has been floundering the last few years,

some of which was related to COVID impacts,

but a lot of it was related to our next door neighbor,

the Russians.

They,

Mr.

President.

I have a totally different structure in their fishing industry.

They virtually have fish traps on their streams.

They release their fish, let them swim out to sea,

come back to their little pretty much a fish trap,

harvest them, process them,

flood the U.S. market, and basically put our fishermen at a cost disadvantage,

production cost disadvantage,

and they're unable to compete with that type of structure and their government subsidies.

So this resolution,

Mr.

President, is a request that we ban,

we extend the ban on Russian imports of fish products.

They banned Alaska's imports in 2014.

And if our fish aren't good enough for the Russians to eat,

their communist fish aren't good enough for us to eat.

And I thank Mr.

President that extending this...

It is beneficial to about 44,000 Alaskans up and down the coast.

The industry is turning around,

Mr. President, because of issues like this where the people stand up in the legislature,

request these bands that we've also done many other things, Mr.

President, to help the industry.

With that, Mr. President, I just urge all my colleagues to support this resolution.

I think it's on the right track.

The domestic product or the domestic marketplace for the U.S. fish is growing.

The value is increasing for our fishermen.

The value added and enhancements that the industry is doing on our fish products is increasing. They're getting more value for the lower quality fish like humpies, better known as pink salmon.

So we are definitely turning the corner and moving forward and I just urge my colleagues to support the fishing industry in the state of Alaska and we ask for an extension of this import ban.

Thank you, Mr. President.

Thank you, Senator Saban.

Is there further discussion?

If you are ready for the question,

the question being, shall Senate CS for CS for House Joint Resolution 29 resources pass the Senate?

Senators may proceed to vote.

The secretary will lock the roll.

Do any senators wish to change their vote?

The secretary will announce the vote.

17 yeas, zero nays.

And so by vote of 17 yeas to zero nays,

Senate CS for CS for House Joint Resolution 29 resources has passed the Senate.

Madam Secretary, please read the next item on today's calendar.

Citations honoring Arctic Man 40th anniversary honoring Dr.

Diane Hirshberg.

Honoring University of Alaska Fairbanks Northwest Campus 50th Anniversary.

Honoring Southern Southeast Regional Aquaculture Association 50th Anniversary.

Honoring University of Alaska Anchorage Institute of Social and Economic Research 65th Anniversary.

In Memoriam,

Glenn Allen Abel.

In Memoriam,

Gail Hatton.

In Memoriam,

Rod .

Combelec in memoriam Donna Cryer in memoriam Ross Edward Walton.

Madam Majority Leader.

Mr. President,

I move and ask unanimous consent that the citations on today's calendar be approved.

Hearing no objection,

the citations are approved.

Madam Secretary.

There are no further items for consideration on today's daily calendar.

We'll move along then to unfinished business.

Is there unfinished business at this time, Senator Giesel?

I

Thank you, Mr.

President.

I move and ask unanimous consent to be shown as a cross sponsor for House Bill 39.

It relates to public school students who are deaf or hard of hearing.

have objections, so order along with Senator Gray Jackson,

Senator Stedman, Senator Wolkowski,

Senator Tobin,

Senator Dunbar,

Senator Yunt,

Senator Klayman, Senator Tilton.

and Stevens and Rusher.

Thank you. Additional unfinished business?

Moving on then to are there committee announcements at this time?

Committee announcements?

Thank you. Are there other announcements?

Seeing none,

are there special orders?

Madam Majority Leader.

Mr. President, I move and ask unanimous consent that the Senate stand in adjournment until 11:00 AM Monday, March 23, 2026.

Hearing no objection,

the Senate is adjourned.

It.