Alaska Legislature: House Floor Session, 4/27/26, 10:30am

បាន្រាន្រាន្រាន្រាន្រាំ ទ្ទ្ទ្ទ្ទ្ទ្ទ្ទ្ទ្ទ្ទ្ទ្ទ្ទ្ទ្ទ្ទ្ទ្ទ្ទ្ទ្ទ្ទ្ទ្ទ្ទ្ទ្ទ្ទ្ទ្ទ្ទ្ទ្ទ្ទ្ទ្ទ្ទ្ទ្ទ្ទ្ទ្ទ្ទ្ទ� ទំទំ ទំទំ ទំទំ ទំទំ ទំទំ ទំទំ ទំទំ ទំទំ ទំទំ ទំទំ ទំទំ ទំទំ ទំទំ ទំទំ ទំទំ ទំទំ ទំទំ ទំទំ ទំទំ ទំទំ ទំទំ ទ� ទំទំ ទំទំ ទំទំ ទំទំ ទំទំ ទំទំ ទំទំ ទំទំ ទំទំ ទំទំ ទំទំ ទំទំ ទំទំ ទំទំ ទំទំ ទំទំ ទំទំ ទំទំ ទំទំ ទំទំ ទំទំ ទ� අපි ස්තූතියි ස්තූතියි ប្រាន្រាន្រាន្រាន្រាន្រាន្រាន្រាន្រាន្រាន្រាន្រាន្រាន្រាន្រាន្រាន្រាន្រាន្រាន្រាន្រាន្រាន្រាន្រាន្រ

Will the House please come to order. Will members please indicate their presence by voting.

Representative Eichide. Will the clerk please tally the board?

40 Members present. With 40 members present, we have a quorum present to conduct business. Mr. Majority Leader. Mr. Speaker, I have no previous excused absences today.

Leading the invocation this Monday morning is Pastor Anton Farrell of the Calvary Fellowship Church. Members, please rise.

With the deepest respect for all religious beliefs of all Alaskans, offer the following prayer. Let us pray. Almighty God, we gather today mindful of the heavy clouds over our nation. As our country faces the harsh realities of war, and as we witness the deep fractures within our own federal government, the weight of the world feels incredibly close. Decades ago, Marvin Gaye looked at a divided nation and simply asked, "What's going on?" Today, God, we ask you to bring that much-needed compassion into this chamber.

No matter the storms raging beyond the borders, here we are Alaskans first. As the vital work of this legislature moves through committee rooms and across the House floor, fill this space with understanding and peace. Where party lines and philosophical divisions threaten to pull us apart, Give us the grace to bridge the gap. Remind us that beyond our differences, we share a single unified purpose: discovering what is truly best for all Alaskans. Help us to see hope.

Give these leaders the courage to consistently believe the very best in one another. We ask for a radical shift in perspective today. For every one thing we see in a colleague that we do not like, appreciate, or agree with, may we intentionally seek out 10 things that are valuable, lovely, and admirable. May we appreciate our differences not as obstacles, but as the very foundation of our strength. We ask for your continued guidance and a blessing upon this House session.

In your wonderful name we pray. Amen. Representative Johnson, will you please 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.

Representative Story. Thank you, Mr. Speaker. I move and ask unanimous consent that the prayer be spread across the journal. Hearing no objection, the prayer will be spread across the journal. Will the clerk please certify the journal for the previous legislative days?

I certify as to the correctness of the journal for the 95th through the 97th legislative days. Mr. Majority Leader.

Mr. Speaker, I move and ask unanimous consent that the journal be approved as certified by the Chief Clerk. Hearing no objection, the journal stands approved. Are there guests for introduction this morning? Representative Johnson.

Thank you, Mr. Speaker, and I will have to ask for permission to read as I have a number of members here. We're quite privileged to have a delegation in the gallery that is here from mostly from Washington. It's— they're from— with PNWER, Pacific Northwest Economic Region. And the goal is to get— to continue the relationship that Alaska and Washington have, as far as we know, our economic ties and a lot of activity with ports that have been— we know a lot about the money that's coming in.

But they're here to do some touring, but also just to continue to to support PNWR and to continue to build those relationships. And I know there's been past conversations. They've been very helpful in a number of things that we've had to change with legislation. So if I would, if you would please stand and as I say your name and then we can hold the applause till the end. We have a number of people, but we have Representative Jake By the chair of the House Transportation Committee for Washington's 27th District, and he's the co-chair of the Joint Transportation Committee.

We have Representative Andrew Barkus, who is the ranking minority member on transportation, and he represents Washington's 2nd District on the House Transportation Committee. Greg Nance is the House Transportation Committee— on the Transportation Committee and the Post— and also the House Post Secondary Education Workforce Chair. I'm not certain if we have Representative Janice Zahn, who is the Chief Engineer, Port of Seattle, and also on the House Transportation Committee representing the 41st District. And I'm not certain if she has arrived quite yet. [SPEAKING NATIVE LANGUAGE] Oh, very good.

And then we have Tacoma Commissioner Deanna Keller, who serves as the Vice President of the Port of Tacoma Commission. Port Committee assignments include Local Economic Development Investment Fund and Workforce Development Committee. We have the Tacoma Port Commissioner Deanna Keller serving as the Vice President of the Port of Tacoma Commission, and Stephanie Bowman, Vice President of the Transportation Institute's U.S. West Coast Operations.

Elaine Nessel— Elaine is the Executive Director of the Coalition for American Gateways and Trade Corridors.

We have Xochitl Castañeda, Director of the Pacific Northwest and Alaska Gateway Office for the U.S. Department of Marine Transportation, including her area is Alaska, Oregon, and Washington. Bruce Agnew, pleased to have Bruce here. He is the Director of PINWAR, the Regional Infrastructure Accelerator, and he has more than 30 years experience with the Pacific Northwest transportation industry. Hannah Meister is the program coordinator also with PNWAR with also expertise in infrastructure and development across the Pacific Northwest.

And then lastly, we have Tom Lang, assistant director of the Regional Infrastructure Accelerator at PNWAR, and specializing in supporting that program. And helping to advance rail and freight transportation developments across the Panama region. So we're just quite privileged to have this delegation here, and I hope that we can have an opportunity to meet them at lunch for pizza in the Speaker's office. And again, they'll be traveling throughout Alaska, and if you have any transportation questions, this would be the time to have those conversations. So if you would help me welcome these folks to Juneau.

Representative Stutes. Good morning, Mr. Speaker, and thank you. I am fortunate today to have one of my constituents who has traveled here to Juneau all the way from the northernmost Hawaiian island, also known as Kodiak. With us today we have Scott Arndt. Scott has been a good friend for years and years.

He's a 62-year resident of Kodiak. He's the longest surviving member of the road service in Kodiak. He's spent several terms as an assembly member and most recently just retired from being the borough mayor. He's, he's been very active in our community both politically and socially, and I would like to have you all help me welcome him here to the chamber.

Welcome to all of our guests, the Penwar delegation and members of the Washington State Legislature, and Mr. Arndt, Kodiak. I do not see any additional Guests to be introduced this morning, and just for the body's awareness, we will take a break at noon today to allow for the event with folks in the gallery and come back probably mid-afternoon. We'll see where we're at here shortly and go from there. Madam Clerk, are there any messages from the governor? Messages dated April 24th and 27th stating that on January 22nd and February 18th, in accordance with Article 3, Sections 26 and 27 of the Alaska Constitution and Alaska Statute 39-05080.

The governor submitted a list of appointees for confirmation. The following appointees have withdrawn from consideration effective immediately: Board of Massage Therapists, Victoria Akree; the Alaska Police Standards Council, Veronica Lambertson; the Board of Nursing, Ashley Scholl; Alaska Judicial Council, John Wood. I have no further messages from the governor this morning. Good morning.

Are there any messages from the other body?

Messages dated April 24th stating the Senate has passed and is returning the following: House Bill number 33, Conflict of Interest, Board of Fisheries and Game. The Senate has passed and is transmitting the following for consideration: Senate Concurrent Resolution number 17, recognizing the 50th anniversary of the state's regional education attendance areas. And celebrating the enduring contributions of the state's regional education attendance areas to public education, local leadership, and community life in rural areas of the state. Education Committee.

Committee substitute for Senate Bill 192, Community and Regional Affairs, by the Senate Community and Regional Affairs Committee, entitled an Act Relating to Evacuation Designation Levels and Relating to the Alaska Disaster Act. Community and Regional Affairs Committee. Senate Bill number 272 by the Senate Health and Social Services Committee entitled an Act Relating to the Electronic Health Information Exchange System and Providing for an Effective Date. Health and Social Services Committee. I have no further messages from the other body, Mr. Speaker.

Are there any communications? There are no communications this morning. Any reports of standing committees? The State Affairs Committee considered House Bill 188, Welcoming Alaska Office, recommends it be replaced with committee substitute for House Bill 188, State Affairs, with a new title. Attached 2 new fiscal notes and 1 new zero fiscal note.

Signing the report, do pass Representatives Holland, Hemshoot Story, and Chair Carrick. No recommendation, McCabe. Amend Vance and St. Clair. The bill has a further referral to the Finance Committee. The Labor and Commerce Committee considered House Bill 211, Insurance Prepaid Legal Plans, recommends it be replaced with Committee Substitute for House Bill 211, Labor and Commerce, with a new title.

Attached one new zero fiscal note. Signing the report do pass: Representatives Freer, Carrick, and co-chairs Hall and Nelson— excuse me, Fields. No recommendation: Sadler and D. Nelson. The bill has no further referral.

The Judiciary Committee considered committee substitute for Senate Bill 9, Judiciary, Surrender of Infants, Infant Safety Device, recommends it be replaced with House Committee Substitute for Committee Substitute for Senate Bill 9, Judiciary, with a new title, HCR 14, forthcoming. Attached 3 previously published zero fiscal notes. Signing the report, do pass, Representatives Vance, Underwood, Costello. No recommendation. Ayes, Scheidemena and Chair Gray.

The bill has no further referral. The Labor and Commerce Committee considered committee substitute for Senate Bill number 185, Labor and Commerce Insurance Rebates Advertising, recommends it be replaced with House Committee Substitute for Committee Substitute for Senate Bill 185, Labor and Commerce, with a new title forthcoming, attached one new fiscal note, Signing the report do pass, Representatives Freer and co-chairs Hall and Fields. No recommendation, Carrick, Sadler, and Nelson. The bill has no further referral, and I have no further reports of standing committees.

Are there any reports of special committees? There are no reports of special committees this morning. Are there.

Are any citations or resolutions for introduction? There's a special order citation calendar this morning. Mr. Majority Leader.

Mr. Speaker, I move and ask unanimous consent that notice and publication requirements be waived on the citations on the first special order citation calendar. It may be special order of business. Without objection. Once again, Mr. Majority Leader.

Mr. Speaker, I move and ask unanimous consent that the House approve the citations on the first special order citation calendar. Hearing no objection, the first special order citation calendar is approved. Madam Clerk, are there any bills for introduction? House Concurrent Resolution Number 14 by the House Judiciary Committee suspending Rules 24C, 35, 41B, and 42E Uniform Rules of the Alaska State Legislature concerning Senate Bill Number 9 relating to the surrender of infants. There are no further citations or resolutions, and there are no bills for introduction this morning.

This brings us to consideration of the daily calendar. Madam Clerk, if you would please read the first item on today's calendar. Committee subs— excuse me.

House Bill number 96 by Representatives Prox, Fields, Kopp, Jimmy, Dybert, Hall, Johnson, Bynum, Ruffridge, Mena, Costello, and Galvin. Entitled An Act Establishing the Home Care Employment Standards Advisory Board Relating to Payment for Personal Care Services and Providing for an Effective Date.

The Health and Social Services Committee considered the bill, recommends it be replaced with committee substitute for House Bill 96, Health and Social Services, with the same title. Attached one new fiscal note. Signing the report, do pass: Representatives Prox, Fields, Schwanke, Ruffridge, Mears, and Chair Mena. The Labor and Commerce Committee considered the bill, recommends it be replaced with committee substitute for House Bill 96, Labor and Commerce, with the same title. Attached 1 previously published fiscal note.

Signing the report: do pass, Representatives Burke and co-chairs Hall and Fields. No recommendation, Carrick and Nelson. Amend: Calombe and Sadler. The Finance Committee also considered the bill, recommends it be replaced with committee substitute for House Bill 96, Labor and Commerce with the same title, attached one new fiscal note. Signing the report: do pass.

Representatives Bynum, Moore, Jimmy, Galvin, Hannon, and co-chairs Josephson, Schrag, and Foster. No recommendation. Staff: Amend, Allard, and Tomaszewski. There are two committee substitutes. Mr.

Majority Leader.

Mr. Speaker, I move and ask unanimous consent that the Labor and Commerce Committee substitute for House Bill 96 be adopted in lieu of the original bill. Hearing no objection, Labor and Commerce Committee substitute has been adopted. Madam Clerk, are there any amendments? Amendment number 1 by Representative Prox, beginning page 6, line 11. Representative Prox.

Thank you, Mr. Speaker. I move Amendment 1. Hearing no obje— There is an objection for purposes of discussion. Representative Prox. All right.

Thank you, Mr. Speaker. Basically, Amendment 1 just updates the effective date of the bill from July 1st, 2026 to July 1st, 2027. And just because this has taken a while to get the bill through. I move by the objection. The objection has been removed.

Is there additional objection? Hearing none, Amendment Number 1 has been adopted. Madam Clerk. I have no further amendments, Mr. Speaker. Mr.

Majority Leader. Mr. Speaker, I move and ask unanimous consent that the Labour and Commerce Committee substitute for House Bill 96 be considered a gross advance to third reading and placed on final passage.

Is there an objection? Brief it is.

Hearing no objection, so ordered. Madam Clerk, please read the title for the third and final time. Committee Substitute for House Bill Number 96, Labor and Commerce, amended by the House Labor and Commerce Committee. Entitled An Act Establishing the Home Care Employment Standards Advisory Board Relating to Payment for Personal Care Services and Providing for an Effective Date. Representative Prox.

Thank you, Mr. Speaker. Um, kind of a short Reader's Digest version of the bill. To put it in context, HB 96 Home Care Employment Standards Advisory Board was originally filed as HB 360 in 2024.

And it was filed to align Alaska's statutes with changes that we anticipated were coming down from the federal Medicaid regulations.

And didn't make it through in that legislature. So now it's before us as HB 96.

And since then, just a couple of weeks ago, we were notified that those federal regulations were not being implemented, have not been implemented as of yet, and we don't know whether the Trump administration, if you will, is going to allow those regulations to go through. So since the federal regulations have not been finalized, HB 96 has to be evaluated on its own merits.

And I maintain that it is still worth implementing even though we're not driven by federal regulations. Federal regulations at this point.

Permission to refer to my notes.

HB 96 accomplishes 3 things. It establishes the— and it establishes the composition, powers, and duties of the Home Care Advisory Board. It sets paid distribution rates for home care services, and it sets effective dates for how these regulations will be implemented. Section 1 establishes the board and sets out the commissioners— or excuse me, the members of the board. The board is an advisory board to the Commissioner of Health and Social Services, and it's empowered to advise and consult with the department on medical assistant program payment rates for personal care services, hourly respite services, and chore services.

Um— And Section 2 sets up the authority to advise on the standards for the pay rates and the standards for the services themselves. And the reason this is needed is that the home care industry has kind of developed organically, if you will, and there are no professional licensing requirements at this time, but they do need to set up some recognizable standards to kind of organize the industry for purposes of pay and services and et cetera. And then Section 3, well, the other sections just are kind of technical that set effective dates and et cetera. So if there are any questions about it, I'd be happy to answer them. Under debate.

Representative Johnson. Thank you, Mr. Speaker. I would ask for the sponsor a question, and if he would just explain the changes between the CS. I didn't have a chance to object. If you just explain the changes in the— between the original bill and the CS.

Thank you. Representative Allard.

Thank you, Mr. Speaker, and it won't come as any surprise to the sponsor of the bill because we have spoken about where I stand on this bill. And although I do support the need for the home care employment position, I also know that there are 3 other boards.

And commissions that could address this issue. And instead of taking two positions and making them new, which raises a fiscal note over the course of the next 5 years, roughly close to $2 million for this board with salaries, they could usually take those positions that are vacant positions within HSS and move those positions over to Health and Social Services so that we don't have to comprise an entire new board. I'd also state that these individuals that are looking to get pay raises, that's not where the government should kind of step in and do anything with it. And during finance, we had a union individual come in and say that anybody who wants to get a pay raise, the unions were going to negotiate on their behalf and be paid about 1.5% of the individual's monthly salary, which is alarming because they're already complaining they don't get enough money as it is. But I do commend the sponsor for bringing it forward.

It's just with so many boards and commissions, I feel we can do a consolidation. And that's all I have. Thank you, Mr. Speaker. Representative Fields. Thank you, Mr. Speaker.

I just want to thank the bill sponsor for his years of work on this very important subject. The core provision of the bill ensures efficient use of public money, um, by minimizing administrative overhead. That's a good thing to do across state functions. It's certainly a good thing to do for long-term home care. I want to note we have the most rapidly aging population of any state in America on a per capita basis.

It costs more when our elders live in a nursing home as opposed to being able to stay in their own home. It is also more humane when they can stay in their own home. What this bill is all about is having a functioning home care workforce which is actually in the state's best financial interest. It both minimizes our long-term expenses for long-term care while keeping our elders in the place that they prefer to stay, which is their home with their family. So it is both a humane bill and also a bill that's all about holding down our long-term costs, and I thank the bill sponsor for his diligence on it.

In wrap-up, Representative Prox.

Briefities, I have to find the briefities.

Will the House please come back to order?

We—. At brief, it is.

Will the House please come back to order. Representative Prox. Thank you, thank you, Mr. Speaker. Thank you for your indulgence. I've renewed my membership to the Organization for the Advancement of the Organizationally Challenged.

So, um, question was they wanted the explanation of changes.

Text makes a change to Section 4429.940 in version H on page line 11 through 23 were deleted and replaced with, um, the River Beach Department shall take the recommendations for the board into consideration when setting rates for covered services. If the rate set by the department for a covered service drift significantly from the rate recommendation by the Board, the Commissioner shall notify the Board and the chair of each legislative committee having jurisdiction of health and social services in writing. With this change, the report delivery is simplified and there is no approval process by the Commissioner. Instead, the report goes directly to the body tasked with setting the new rates, and if there is a discrepancy, then the new rates and relative legislative bodies are informed. Changes Section 4429.945.

The definition of a covered provider on page 6, lines 2 and 3 was changed. They replaced the words enrolled with, enrolled with to certified by. The intent is to clarify that the covered provider references home care agencies rather than caregivers themselves. And we're changing the word from enrolled, which would theoretically apply to agencies and individual caregivers, which can apply only to an agency in this context. It clarifies the separation in the legal definition of the agency and the provider.

The agency has to be enrolled the providers are not necessarily enrolled. It's kind of a technicality. It amends— changes Section 47.07-045. The start date was changed from 2025 to 2026, and the requirement to conduct an initial investigation and publish the results were removed. The intent is to ensure that the Department of Health has a time to select and install the required board members and produce work on a flexible timeline.

Section 44.29.915 was clarified that community meetings can be held in any format, including teleconference. And Section 44.29.930, the references to specific and detailed data categories that can be requested by the committee were removed. Replacing them with the more generic term data. And the intent was to ensure that any data request does not result in a burdensome report and grant the flexibility of the department to respond efficiently to requests for information. And so with that, it— It will be important for the stakeholders to participate in the board, to participate on the board, and that will finally determine the outcome, and that should expedite readjusting Medicare or Medicaid payment rates.

So I encourage everyone to vote for the committee substitute for HB 96. Are you ready for the question? The question being, shall committee substitute for House Bill 96, Labor and Commerce, amended, pass the House? Members may proceed to vote.

Will the clerk please lock the roll? Does any member wish to change his or her vote? Will the clerk please announce the vote? 35 Yeas, 5 nays. For the vote of 35 yeas to 5 nays, House Bill 96 has passed the body.

Mr. Majority Leader. Mr. Speaker, I move and ask unanimous consent that the roll call vote on the passage of the bill be considered the roll call vote on the effective date clause. Hearing no objection, the effective date clause has been adopted. Madam Clerk.

House Bill number 214 by Representative Galvin entitled An Act Relating to Proof of Financial Responsibility for Suspension of Non— for Nonpayment of Judgments. The State Affairs Committee considered the bill, recommends it be replaced with committee substitute for House Bill 214, State Affairs, with the same title. Attached one new zero fiscal note. Signing the report do pass: Representatives Sinclair, Holland, Hemmschut, Story, and Chair Kerrick. No recommendation.

Vance and McCabe, there is one committee substitute. Mr. Majority Leader. Mr. Speaker, I move and ask unanimous consent that the State Affairs Committee substitute for House Bill 214 be adopted in lieu of the original bill. There, there is an objection.

Representative Johnson. I would like to have the sponsor explain the changes between the committee substitute and the original bill. Representative Gilvin. Thank you, Mr. Speaker. The changes that were made to the original bill is there was a— trying to think of the best way to say this— instead of there being one penalty, it was a set of three penalties so that we would see an escalation of penalties per judgment.

That was not met. And the other change that was made is that there was an amendment to help with the implementation to ensure that those who are currently paying this SR-22 an excessive amount be notified of the new law.

Subjection maintained. [FOREIGN LANGUAGE] Subjection has been removed. Thus, the committee subs— the State Affairs Committee substitute has been adopted. Madam Clerk, are there.

Any amendments? I have no amendments, Mr. Speaker. Mr. Majority Leader. Mr. Speaker, I move and ask unanimous consent the State Affairs Committee substitute for House Bill 214 be considered engrossed, advanced to third reading, and placed on final passage.

There is an objection. This bill be held to the next day's calendar. Madam Clerk.

House Bill Number 221 by Representatives Hall and Galvin, entitled an Act Establishing June 21st as Alaska Arts and Culture Day and Providing for an Effective Date. The State Affairs Committee considered the bill, recommends it be replaced with Committee Substitute for House Bill 221, State Affairs, with a new title, attached 1 new zero fiscal note. Signing the report, do pass: Representatives Holland, Storey, and Chair Carrick. No recommendation. Hem shoot.

There is one committee substitute. Mr. Majority Leader. Mr. Speaker, I move and ask unanimous consent that the State Affairs Committee substitute for House Bill 221 with a new title be adopted in lieu of the original bill. There is an objection.

Thank you, Mr. Speaker. I would, uh, my objection is to ask the sponsor to explain the changes between the original bill and the committee Representative Hall.

Thank you, Mr. Speaker. Permission to read? Permission granted. Thank you, Mr. Speaker. Version N of HB 221 changes the original bill date from June 21st to the first Friday of October.

This change reflects discussion and committee over which date best serves goals of HB 221 to uplift and recognize Alaska arts and culture. The first Friday in October each year provides several benefits that June 21st did not. For one, this date ensures that schools can recognize Arts and Culture Day on a school day should they choose to celebrate. This date would also coincide with First Friday art events across Alaska and align Alaska's Arts and Culture Day with the national recognition of October as Arts and Humanities Month. Overall, the date change better aligns HB 221 with its intent to raise awareness and encourage participation in Alaska's arts and culture activities.

Thank you, Mr. Speaker. Is the objection maintained? I remove my objection. The objection has been removed. Thusly, the committee substitute is adopted.

Madam Clerk. I have no amendments, Mr. Speaker. Mr. Major Leader. Mr. Speaker, I move and ask unanimous consent that the State Affairs Committee substitute for House Bill 221 be considered engrossed, advanced to third reading, and placed on final passage. Is there an objection?

Hearing none.

Mr. Or Madam Clerk, Committee Substitute for House Bill Number 221, State Affairs, by the House State Affairs Committee, entitled An Act Establishing the First Friday of Every October as Alaska Arts and Culture Day and Providing for an Effective Date. Representative Hall.

Thank you, Mr. Speaker. Permission to read. Permission granted. Thank you, Mr. Speaker. I appreciate the opportunity to have this bill before the body.

In Alaska, we are fond of naming days after our state's important resources. We have Alaska Wild Salmon Day, Alaska Mining Day, and Alaska Agriculture Day. These days serve as recurring reminders of the importance of our assets and encourage our engagement with them. The legislation before you provides this long overdue recognition to one of Alaska's greatest assets, our arts and culture. Arts and culture might conjure images of great Alaska paintings, many of which hang on the walls of the Capitol, or it might be local performances such as those at Folk Fest or Salmon Jam.

For many, arts and culture are the thousands of years of Native history and tradition in our state embodied in performance, artwork, and language. Alaska arts and culture touch all our lives. It is the local traditions, museums, and arts councils that form the beating heart of our communities. House Bill 221 honors Alaska's Alaska's cultural and artistic assets by establishing the first Friday of each October as Alaska Arts and Culture Day. It recognizes First Friday celebrations held in many communities.

It allows schools to engage their students and helps mark the beginning of National Arts and Humanities Month. In short, this date is ideal for the bill's goal of educating Alaska's younger generations and raising widespread awareness for our arts and culture. Naming an Alaska Arts and Culture Day encourages celebration of the many artistic and cultural treasures that bring economic prosperity, beauty, and meaning to Alaska communities. I kindly urge a yes vote. Thank you, Mr. Speaker.

Any debate?

Seeing no wrap-up comments, are we ready for the question? The question being, shall committee substitute for House Bill 221, State Affairs, passed the House? Members may proceed to vote.

Will the clerk please lock the roll? Does any member wish to change his or her vote?

Will the clerk please announce the vote? 37 Yeas, 3 nays. With a vote of 37 yeas to 3 nays, House Bill 221 has passed the body. Mr. Majority Leader.

Mr. Speaker, I move and ask unanimous consent that the roll call vote on the passage of the bill be considered the roll call vote on the effective date of the bill. Effective date clause. Hearing no objection, the effective date clause has been adopted. Madam Clerk.

House Bill number 363 by Representatives Stutes and Sadler entitled an act relating to the sale of alcohol, relating to the sale or dispensing of alcoholic beverages by patriotic organizations and providing for an effective date. The House Special Committee on Military and Veterans Affairs considered the bill Recommends it be replaced with Committee Substitute for House Bill 363, Military and Veterans Affairs, with a new title. Attached 1 new zero fiscal note. Signing the report do pass: Representatives Fields, Gray, Hall, Sadler, and Chair Eichide. The Labor and Commerce Committee considered the bill.

Recommends it be replaced with Committee Substitute for House Bill 363, Military and Veterans Affairs, with a new title. Attached 1 previously published zero fiscal note. Signing the report do pass: Representatives Freer, Carrick, Sadler, D. Nelson, and co-chairs Hall and Fields. No recommendation. Colon.

There is one committee substitute. Mr. Majority Leader.

Mr. Speaker, I move and ask unanimous consent that the Military and Veterans Affairs Committee substitute for House Bill 363 with the new title be adopted in lieu of the original bill.

There is an objection. Representative Johnson. Thank you, Mr. Speaker. I objected for the purposes to allow the sponsor to explain the changes between the original bill and committee substitute. Representative Stutes.

Thank you, Mr. Speaker, and thank you for the question. The first change was a title change. Page 1, line 1 to 3 relating to club licenses was added since it is addressed in Section 2 of the bill. The second change was in Section 2, page 2, lines 1 to 8. It provides clarifying language as to when a club licensee may solicit public patronage to a permitted event.

Thank you, Mr. Speaker. Is the objection maintained? Objection has been removed. Not seeing additional objected— objection. The committee substitute has been adopted.

Madam Clerk, are there any amendments? I have no amendments, Mr. Speaker. Mr. Majority Leader. Mr. Speaker, I move and ask unanimous consent that the Military and Veterans Affairs Committee substitute for House Bill 363 be considered at gross advance to third reading and placed on final passage.

Hearing no objection, so ordered. Madam Clerk, please read the title for the third, third and final time. Committee substitute for House Bill number 363, Military and Veterans Affairs, by the House Special Committee on Military and Veterans Affairs entitled an act relating to the sale of alcohol, relating to the sale or dispensing of alcoholic beverages by patriotic organizations, relating to club licenses, and providing for an effective date. Representative Stutes. Thank you, Mr. Speaker.

Permission to read from my notes? Permission granted. Thank you, Mr. Speaker. Um, patriotic organizations are non- nonpartisan, not-for-profit organizations committed to preserving, promoting, and celebrating national pride and advocating for veterans, soldiers, and their communities. The American Legion was the first patriotic organization in America, chartered and incorporated by Congress in 1919 after World War I.

Its role was to advocate for veterans and to work towards securing veteran benefits like the GI Bill and the establishment of the VA healthcare system. Today, patriotic organizations thrive. They remain committed to their original mission while also offering programs and activities that strengthen their communities. Patriotic organizations sponsor youth or sport programs, advocate for patriotism, honor, and promote national security, along with continuing their devotion to fellow service members and veterans. House Bill 363 was brought to us by the American Legion Post 5 in Seward, and what it does is it allows patriotic organizations to sell alcoholic beverages to members.

Other than— to members of other patriotic organizations incorporated under Alaska's Nonprofit Corporate Act and possessing a club license under Title IV. These organizations are defined in the bill as 3 patriotic organizations that currently hold liquor licenses. They include the American Legion, the Veterans of Foreign Wars, and American Veteran Organization, also known as AMVETS. This change allows for better parity between veterans and active duty military personnel. Under current law, active duty military personnel may be served alcohol in patriotic organizations.

However, current law does not allow a veteran who is members of other patriotic organizations to be served in patriotic organizations when they're not a member. And this allows the parity that if you are a member of one organization, you may be served in another without becoming a member.

Secondly, House Bill 363 allows for patriotic organizations during a permitted event to serve liquor as well as beer and wine during the event. This must happen at the club's licensed premise and in accordance with the terms of the event permit. Under current law, patriotic organizations are only allowed to serve beer and wine at these events if you are a non-member. So House Bill 363 focuses on making patriotic organizations more congenial and, and a welcoming place for active military personnel, veterans, their guests, and their families. Thank you, Mr. Speaker.

Is there any debate?

I do. Representative Prox. Thank you, Mr. Speaker. I just— I support the bill, but I just want to ask a question publicly so that we know the scope of it. I think there's a distinction in law between fraternal organizations and patriotic organization.

And I'm wondering if this applies to fraternal organization. The only one I can think of in Fairbanks, um, is definitely a patriotic group, but they don't happen to be under the either the Legion or the VFW. So I'm just wondering and want to make it clear for those members of the public listening how far this applies. Thank you.

Representative Stutes, wrap up. Thank you, Mr. Speaker, and to the maker of the question. This is specific to patriotic organizations, which is defined in statute. So With that, I hope everyone presses the green button. Are you ready for the question?

The question being, shall committee substitute for House Bill 363, Military Veterans Committee? Uh, Eddie's.

My apologies. Let me start all that over again. Question before the body is shall Committee Substitute for House Bill 363, Military and Veterans Affairs Committee, pass the body? Members may proceed to vote.

Will the clerk please lock the roll? Does any member wish to change his or her vote? Will the clerk please call the roll. Clerk, please announce the votes. 40 Yeas, 0 nays.

With a vote of 40 yeas to 0 nays, House Bill 363 has passed the body. Mr. Majority Leader. Mr. Speaker, I move and ask unanimous consent that the roll call vote on the passage of the bill be considered the roll call vote on the effective date clause. Hearing no objection, the effective date clause has been adopted.

Madam Clerk. Committee substitute for House Bill 249, Labor and Commerce, by the House Labor and Commerce Committee, entitled an act relating to the transfer of a vehicle to an insurance company. The bill is in third reading, final passage.

Representative Moore.

Thank you, Mr. Speaker. And permission to read. Permission granted. I just want to first start out by saying thank you to the body for hearing this bill today. House Bill 249 would modernize Alaska's vehicle title transfer process to allow for the use of electronic signature in place of the current notary requirement for transfer of title to and from the insurance company.

This would occur after a vehicle has been totaled out by an insurance company and payment of damages have been made. Currently, the law requires the use of a notary for a transfer to occur. This places unnecessary restrictions on many individuals across Alaska, particularly in rural areas where access to a notary may be nonexistent. It also restricts those who may have mobility or access issues by placing an unnecessary burden on them to physically go to a notary. By eliminating the notary requirement and allowing for the use of electronic signatures, this legislation would maintain the integrity of the title transfer process by also improving efficiency and accessibility.

This change aligns with modern business practice, including the use of electronic signatures by both the state of Alaska and the federal government. House Bill 249 was brought to me by a constituent, and it's been an honor to be able to have the bill through committees and through the body. And I thank you for the support. Representative Stapp.

Oh, thank you, Mr. Speaker. I rise in strong support of this bill. Uh, you know, a lot of times when we do things here, Mr. Speaker, people, um, people might not understand that, like, our roles are really just kind of working hard to make the ball a little better. This is very practical, uh, kind of fix for a current issue in law with title transfer. Um, some people might think it might not change the future of the state of Alaska, Mr. Speaker, but things like this are, are just small ways that we better our constituents' lives.

And the next time someone has to go transfer a title And when this bill passes, I hope they think of the member from Wasilla when they don't have as much hassle. Thank you, Mr. Speaker, and I urge a yes vote on this transformative piece of legislation.

With those endorsements, Representative Morge, wrap-up comments?

I think we're good. Are you ready for the question? The question being, shall committee substitute for House Bill 249, Labor and Commerce, has passed the House. Members may proceed to vote.

Will the clerk please lock the roll? Does any member wish to change his or her vote?

Will the clerk please announce the vote? 40 Yeas, 0 nays. With a vote of 40 yeas to 0 nays, House Bill 249 has passed the Madam Clerk, are there additional items on today's calendar? There are no further items on today's calendar, Mr. Speaker. This brings us to unfinished business.

Mr. Majority Leader. Speaker, I have no excused absences to move at this time. At this time, House Bill 292, Insurance Pediatric Neuropsych Disorders, has received a fiscal note, so I'm adding a Finance Committee referral.

Not seeing any additional business under unfinished business. Are there any committee announcements?

This brings us to other announcements. Representative Hannan. Thank you, Mr. Speaker. Many of you know that there was a large retirement party for some old coots from the other body yesterday. But being that we're a younger, more dynamic, more flexible group, I am announcing today that on Sunday, May 3rd, this coming Sunday, from 4 to 7 at the Yacht Club, we will have a retirement event for the co-chair of the operating budget in the Finance Committee.

It is not ticketed. You don't need to plan in advance. We are scheduling sunshine so the Yacht Club's beautiful venue and deck can be used. But if you would like a week to prepare your amendments to anything he's previously passed or you'd like to bring up, just to make sure he's heard all of your amendments for thorough consideration. The Yacht Club on Sunday, May 3rd, from 4 to 7 PM.

Hope to see you there.

That member in question, by the way, is the Honorable Representative Josephson. This brings us to special orders.

Representative Story. Thank you, Mr. Speaker. This is a National Volunteer Firefighter— oh, permission to speak on National Volunteer Firefighter Weekend with a week with a shout out to the Gustavus Volunteer Firefighters. Representative Story. Thank you.

Well, we all know how important firefighters are to our communities. And recently in the community of Gustavus, the volunteer fire department just participated in some training. And permission to read. Permission granted. The volunteers there.

Recently participated 6 members enrolled in the Firefighters 1 certification program, completing 12 weeks of online study followed by 10 days of practical training and a final examination at the University of Alaska Fairbanks. They recently reported by the fire sciences director at UAF, I quote, all 6 Gustavus Firefighters 1 students completed the skills portion of our training. All 6 successfully passed the state of Alaska practice practical skills testing recently. You have a great group of firefighters. It was a pleasure to work with them and an honor to train your firefighters.

I just wanted to personally thank them for what they do for the community of Gustavus. I know their personal sacrifice, their donation of time. They get a modest stipend for being a volunteer firefighter, and they save lives, and they make our, our community feel protected. So thank you to them and to all the volunteer firefighters. Out there in Alaska.

[Speaker:REPRESENTATIVE_BINUM] Thank you, Mr. Speaker. On the topic of making it worth it. [Speaker:REPRESENTATIVE_BINUM] Thank you, Mr. Speaker. As we know, over the past month or two, we've had some real challenges here in the body trying to get our work done, making sure we're getting along. And at times we think to ourselves, why in the heck am I here doing this job?

Mr. Speaker, this past week and weekend we had the opportunity for students to descend upon Juneau from all over the state, and they were here to be inquisitive about what we do here in the Capitol, talking about government and what their role is in government. And I had the opportunity to go over and meet with the students. They came here and then I went to their event over at the high school and got to really talking with them. And they were very engaging with— engaged with what we do here and very appreciative of what we do here. And that little moment, Mr. Speaker, made me think to myself, this is why I'm here doing this job, and it made it worth it.

I just want to say thank you to those students for being engaged with politics, being curious, and wanting to learn more. And I hope that we all can take the moment when we see students to share why we do this job. Thank you, Mr. Speaker. Representative Ballard. Thank you, Mr. Speaker.

Fighting the fight. Representative Ballard. I just wanted to give a shout out to Captain Scott Fisher. He used to serve in the Coast Guard and he is now retiring with 25 years of service with the Chugiak Fire Department. And so just wanted to give him a shout out.

He's done an excellent job and we're all proud of him. So thank you, Mr. Speaker. Representative Sadler. Thank you, Mr. Speaker. Request permission to speak on the topic of amending my comments.

Representative Sadler. Thank you, Mr. Speaker. We just heard briefly from the member from House District 3 expressing her affection for the volunteer firefighters in Gustavus. And contrary to my comments on a previous legislation last week, I do care about Gustavus and especially about their volunteer firefighting department. Volunteer firefighters are great.

We have the Chugiak Volunteer Fire and Rescue Department. At their behest, I have brought legislation forward to make it easier for volunteer firefighters to get work compensation coverage for, for certain work-related cancers. And I hope to get that language advanced to this body and the other body to benefit the people of the volunteer fire department agency in Gustavus, Chugiak, and all across Alaska.

Mr. Majority Leader. Mr. Speaker, I move and ask unanimous consent that the House stand at adjournment until Wednesday, April 29th, at 10:30 AM. There being no objection, the House will stand adjournment until Wednesday, April 29th, at 10:30 AM.