Alaska Legislature: Senate Floor Session - June 15, 2026 11:00am

Will the Senate please come to order, and will members please signify your presence by voting.

The roll shows 17 members present. Senator Tobin is excused from a call of the Senate today. Thank you. With 17 members shown as present, we have a quorum to conduct business. Madam Majority Leader.

Mr. President, I move and ask unanimous consent that Senators Clayman and Olson be excused today and not subject to a call of the Senate. Thank you. Hearing no objection, so ordered. The invocation this morning will be given by Senator Tilton. Members, please rise.

Good morning. I offer the following prayer with respect to the religious traditions and faiths of all Alaskans. Heavenly Father, Almighty God, Creator and Sustainer of all things, I stand before you today recognizing that you are the ultimate sovereign, the King of Kings and Lord of Lords. As lawmakers and public servants, we humble ourselves before your throne, acknowledging that all true justice, wisdom, and authority flow from you. Your word remind us in Romans 13:1-7 that there is no authority except you, and that the governing bodies such as this which exist have been instituted by your divine hand.

You have called us to be your servants for the good of the people, wielding civil authority to maintain order and protect the innocent. Furthermore, your servant Peter instructs us in 1 Peter 2:13-17 that we are here as earthly institution for your sake, living as free people but using our freedom to honor you, love the brotherhood, and respect the positions of leadership for which we have been granted. Lord, as lawmakers, I invoke your holy blessing upon our deliberative body and upon all civil authorities across our state. Grant us supernatural wisdom. May we not lean on our own understanding but look to your truth to guide our policy, our debate, and our decision-making.

Decisions. Help us to cultivate a servant's heart. Remove pride from our chambers and replace it with a profound sense of accountability to you and to the citizens we represent. May the light of your truth illuminate our halls, and may the laws align with your righteous standards. We ask for your protection over us as leaders and our families, your blessing upon our nation, and your grace to lead with integrity.

I ask all these things in the mighty In the saving name of our Lord and Savior, Jesus Christ. Amen. Amen. Thank you, Senator Tilton. Senator Rauscher, would 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.

Thank you, Senator Rauscher. Will the Secretary please certify the journals? I certify as to the correctness of the journal for the 121st day of the 2nd regular session and the 1st through 25th days of the 2nd special session. Thank you, Madam Majority Leader. Mr. President, I move and 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. Mr. President, I move and ask unanimous consent that the prayer be spread on the journal. Thank you. Seeing no objection, the prayer has been spread upon the journal.

At this time, are there guests for introduction?

Seeing none, are there messages from the governor? An amended declaration of disaster emergency dated June 1st was received regarding severe weather conditions along the Parks and Richardson highways and the Alaska Railroad, with an accompanying letter. Has been received pursuant to AS 26-23020. The declaration and letter have been copied to the Finance Committee co-chairs. Those are all the messages from the governor this morning, Mr. President.

Thank you. Are there messages from the House? A message dated June 12 stating the House passed and is transmitting for consideration CS for House Bill number 381, Finance, amended by the House Finance Committee, an act relating to the taxation of certain natural gas Project property and related facilities, relating to local contributions for public school funding, relating to municipal property taxes, relating to the Alaska Gas Line Development Corporation, relating to reporting requirements for natural gas pipeline projects, relating to approval of contracts by the Regulatory Commission of Alaska, and inflation adjustment of the maximum price of natural gas, relating to an alternative volumetric tax on natural gas throughput relating to agreements and a payment related to a natural gas project relating to municipal impact grants and providing for an effective date. House Bill 381 will be referred to the Finance Committee. Those are all the messages from the House this morning, Mr. President.

Thank you, Madam Secretary. Are there communications? I have no communications today. Are there reports of standing committees? There are no reports of standing committees.

Thank you. Are there reports of special committees? I have no special committee reports today. Are there Senate resolutions for introduction? There are no Senate resolutions for introduction.

And are there Senate bills for introduction? I have no Senate bills for introduction today. Thank you, Madam Secretary. Please read the first item on the day's calendar. There are no items for consideration on today's daily calendar.

Thank you. We are now under unfinished business, and at this time I am removing Senator Clayman from membership on the— on the Legislative Council. And appointing Senator Tobin as his replacement. Is there any further unfinished business at this time? Seeing none, are there committee announcements?

Are there any other announcements? And are there special orders? Madam Majority Leader. Mr. President, I move and ask unanimous consent that the Senate stand in adjournment until 11:00 a.m. Wednesday, June 17th, 2026. Thank you.

Hearing no objection, the Senate is adjourned.