Alaska Legislature: House Floor Session, 4/8/26, 10:30am

Hmm.

Would the House please come to order?

Will the House please come to order?

Will members please indicate their presence by voting?

Will members please indicate their presence by voting?

Now that everybody's voted,

Now that everybody's voted,

Madam Clerk, would you please tally the board?

Madam Clerk,

would you please tally the board?

40 members present.

Forty members present.

With 40 members present,

With forty members present, we have a quorum present to conduct business. Mr. Majority Leader?

we have a quorum present to conduct business,

Mr. Majority Leader.

Mr. Speaker, there are no previous excused absences today.

Mr. Speaker,

there are no previous excused absences today.

Leading the invocation this morning is Dave Muldoon,

Leading the invocation this morning is Dave Muldoon,

Worship Leader at St.

Worship Leader at St.

Brendan's Episcopal Church in the Mendenhall Valley.

Brendan's Episcopal Church in the Mendenhall Valley.

Will members please rise.

Will members please rise?

in this room in our great state.

in this room in our great state. Thank you.

Oh God,

Oh God, the fountain of wisdom.

the fountain of wisdom,

with the— let me put this down here.

With the—

Sorry.

For all is good and occasions that lead to trade. Forgive me.

For all is good and occasions that lead to trade.

Let me start one more time.

Forgive me, let me start one more time.

Oh God of wisdom,

Oh God of wisdom,

who's good and gracious,

who is good and gracious,

and who is all the truth,

and who is all the truth,

we beseech thee to guide our representatives in the Alaska State Legislature to commence with great laws and bring together all the laws that shall please thee and serve the people of this great state.

we beseech thee to guide our representatives in the Alaska State Legislature to commence with great laws and bring together all the laws that shall please thee and serve the people of this great state. We humbly ask this through Jesus Christ our Lord. Amen.

We humbly ask this through Jesus Christ our Lord.

Amen.

Representative Fields,

Representative Fields,

will you please lead us in the Pledge of Allegiance?

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,

I pledge allegiance to the flag of the United States of America and to the Republic for which it stands,

one nation under God,

one nation under God,

indivisible,

indivisible, with liberty and justice for all.

with liberty and justice for all.

Representative Story.

Representative Story.

Thank you, Mr. Speaker.

Thank you, Mr.

Thank you, Mr. Speaker.

I move and ask unanimous consent that the prayer be spread across the journal.

I move and ask unanimous consent that the prayer be spread across the journal.

Hearing no objection,

Hearing no objection,

the prayer will be spread across the journal.

the prayer will be spread across the journal.

Will the clerk please certify the journal for the previous legislative days?

Will the clerk please certify the journal for the previous legislative days?

I certify as to the correctness of the journal for the 72nd through the 78th legislative days.

I certify as to the correctness of the journal for the 72nd through the 78th legislative days.

Mr. Majority Leader.

Mr.

Mr. Majority Leader.

Mr. Speaker, I move and ask unanimous consent

Mr. Speaker,

I move and ask unanimous consent

Madam Speaker, consent that the journal of the previous days be approved as certified by the chief clerk.

Madam Speaker, consent that the journal of the previous days be approved as certified by the chief clerk.

Hearing no objection,

Hearing no objection,

the journal stands approved.

the journal stands approved.

Are there guests for introduction this morning?

Are there guests for introduction this morning?

Representative Kerrick.

Representative Karik.

Thank you, Mr.

Thank you, Mr.

Speaker.

Speaker.

Good morning. I get the pleasure to introduce in the Paratrovich Gallery,

Good morning. I get the pleasure to introduce in the Pratchevich Gallery,

Tracy Adams,

Tracy Adams,

if she would stand.

if she would stand.

Tracy is the community services manager at Thread,

Tracy is the Community Services Manager at Thread,

which is Alaska's statewide child resource center and referral organization.

which is Alaska's statewide child resource center and referral organization.

She was born in Nome and has always had a strong passion for supporting and advocating for children and families across the state,

She was born in Nome and has always had a strong passion for supporting and advocating for children and families across the state,

especially in rural Alaska.

especially in rural Alaska.

She got her bachelor's degree at UAF from the early childhood and family studies program.

She got her bachelor's degree at UAF from the Early Childhood and Family Studies program.

and she's a preschool teacher in Fairbanks where she's lived for the last 24 years she has three amazing daughters and she is often found at the hockey rink supporting the girls hockey team but she also enjoys beating crafting swimming and going golfing with her husband please help me welcome Tracy

And she's a preschool teacher in Fairbanks where she's lived for the last 24 years.

She has three amazing daughters and she is often found at the hockey rink supporting the girls hockey team,

but she also enjoys beating,

crafting,

swimming and going golfing with her husband.

Please help me welcome Tracy.

Representative Holland.

Representative Holland.

Good morning, Mr. Speaker.

Good morning, Mr. Speaker.

I have two constituents that are here this morning in the Taylor Gallery if Monty Worthington and April O'Connor could stand please.

I have two constituents that are here this morning in the Taylor Gallery if Monty Worthington and April O'Connor could stand, please.

Monty is an oncology genic counselor at Providence Center in Anchorage. He's lived in Alaska for 50 years and he enjoys exploring Alaska including a recent trip on the lost coast of Alaska between Yakutat and Cordova with a beach cart and his family including two young kids. It sounds like.

Monty is an oncology genetic counselor at Providence Center in Anchorage. He's lived in Alaska for 50 years and he enjoys exploring Alaska including a recent trip on the lost coast of Alaska between Yakutat and Cordova with a beach cart and his family including two young kids. It sounds like.

Sounds like quite an adventure.

Sounds like quite an adventure.

April O'Connor is an oncology genetic counselor at Providence Center in Anchorage.

April O'Connor is an oncology genetic counselor at Providence Center in Anchorage.

She's practiced in the fields of oncology, cardiology, and perinatal genetics for 21 years.

She's practiced in the fields of oncology,

cardiology,

and perinatal genetics for 21 years.

Her dream was to live in Alaska,

Her dream was to live in Alaska,

and she's now here with her husband and made the dream a reality when they built her home in south Anchorage.

and she's now here with her husband and made the dream a reality when they built their home in South Anchorage.

Monte and April are visiting the capital in support of licensure for genetic counselors in the state of Alaska.

Monty and April are visiting the capital in support of licensure for genetic counselors in the state of Alaska.

and invite all of you to help me welcome them to the capital.

and invite all of you to help me welcome them to the capital.

Representative Stutes.

Representative Stutes.

Good morning,

Good morning, Mr. Speaker,

Mr.

Speaker,

and thank you. I am delighted to have a constituent here from Seward.

and thank you. I am delighted to have a constituent here from Seward.

Cassie Werner, who is in the Paratavich Gallery,

Cassie Werner, who is in the Paratavich Gallery,

if she would stand kindly.

if she would stand kindly.

She is a lifelong Seward resident,

She is a lifelong Seward resident,

small business owner,

small business owner,

and city council member of Seward.

and city council member of Seward.

She serves as director of Hiper under Seward Prevention Coalition,

She serves as Director of HIPER under Seward Prevention Coalition,

where she leads efforts to expand child care capacity,

where she leads efforts to expand child care capacity,

support workforce stability,

support workforce stability,

and build sustainable early childhood systems.

and build sustainable early childhood systems.

Her work connects children,

Her work connects children,

child care,

child care,

housing,

housing,

and workforce development to ensure Alaska's community remain resilient,

and workforce development to ensure Alaska's community remain resilient,

healthy,

healthy,

strong,

strong,

and able to go. So I would be delighted if you all would help me welcome her.

and able to go. So I would be delighted if you all would help me welcome her.

Come hurt here.

Come her here.

Representative Hall?

Representative Hall.

Thank you, Mr. Speaker,

Thank you, Mr. Speaker, and good morning.

and good morning.

I have two constituents in the Paratrovich Gallery that I'd like to introduce to the body.

I have two constituents in the Peratrovich Gallery that I'd like to introduce to the body.

I'd like to start by introducing Rebecca Cofford, who is visiting today from Anchorage to observe the legislative process.

I'd like to start by introducing Rebecca Coford,

who is visiting today from Anchorage to observe the legislative process.

Mrs.

Mrs.

Cofford is an attorney in the Alaska Court System's Administrative Office.

Coford is an attorney in the Alaska court system's administrative office.

In her work, she handles a range of legal issues for all of Alaska's judicial districts, including responding to records requests.

In her work, she handles a range of legal issues for all of Alaska's judicial districts, including responding to records requests.

Prior to joining the court system,

Prior to joining the court system,

Rebecca served as the Executive Director for Anchorage Youth Court,

Rebecca served as the executive director for Anchorage Youth Court,

and before moving to Alaska,

and before moving to Alaska,

she practiced law in Texas for several years.

she practiced law in Texas for several years.

When she has free time,

When she has free time,

Rebecca enjoys sewing and raising two small children into slightly larger children every day.

Rebecca enjoys sewing and raising two small children into slightly larger children every day.

The second constituent I would like to introduce also in the Paratrovich Gallery is Mr.

The second constituent I would like to introduce also in the Paratrovich Gallery is Mr.

Nick Moe. He's in Juneau to help parents access the child care they need.

Nick Moe.

He's in Juneau to help parents access the child care they need.

Nick is a fourth generation Alaskan and the parent of two students at Turnagin Elementary.

Nick is a fourth generation Alaskan and the parent of two students at Turnagin Elementary.

His wife Allie is a nurse practitioner and their family is very excited to welcome another daughter this fall.

His wife Allie is a nurse practitioner and their family is very excited to welcome another daughter this fall.

Nick has a long history of civic engagement in Alaska,

Nick has a long history of civic engagement in Alaska,

working on local,

working on local,

state and federal policy issues throughout his career.

state and federal policy issues throughout his career.

his career.

his career.

He is a graduate of the University of Alaska Anchorage with a degree in political science and currently serves as the public policy manager at Thread.

He is a graduate of the University of Alaska Anchorage with a degree in political science and currently serves as the public policy manager at Thread.

So would the body please help me warmly welcome my two constituents.

So would the body please help me warmly welcome my two constituents.

Not seeing any additional guests to be introduced this morning.

Not seeing any additional guests to be introduced this morning.

Madam Clerk, are there any messages from the Governor?

Madam Clerk, are there any messages from the Governor?

A message dated April 6 stating the Governor noted the following resolution and is transmitting the engrossed and enrolled copies to the Lieutenant Governor's Office for permanent filing,

A message dated April 6 stating the Governor noted the following resolution and is transmitting the engrossed and enrolled copies to the Lieutenant Governor's office for permanent filing,

House Concurrent Resolution No.

House Concurrent Resolution number 11 extending the October 9,

11 extending the October 9,

2025 West Coast Storm Declaration of Disaster,

2025 West Coast Storm Declaration of Disaster, legislative resolve No.

Legislative Resolve number 24.

24.

A declaration of disaster emergency dated March 25 and accompanying letter dated April 6 regarding widespread infrastructure damage due to extreme cold temperatures was received.

A Declaration of Disaster,

emergency dated March 25,

and accompanying letter dated April 6 regarding widespread infrastructure damage due to extreme cold temperatures was received.

The declaration and letter were copied to the Finance Committee co-chairs and are on file in the Chief Clerk's office.

The declaration and letter were copied to the Finance Committee co-chairs and are on file in the Chief Clerk's Office.

A letter dated April 6.

A letter dated April 6.

Was received requesting concurrence from the legislature to extend the conditions of the 2025 West Coast storm disaster emergency in accordance with AS 2623020. The letter was copied to the Finance Committee co-chairs and is on file in the Chief Clerk's office.

Was received requesting concurrence from the Legislature to extend the conditions of the 2025 West Coast storm disaster emergency in accordance with A.S.

26.23.020.

The letter was copied to the Finance Committee co-chairs and is on file in the Chief Clerk's office.

I have no further messages from the Governor this morning,

I have no further messages from the Governor this morning,

Mr.

Mr.

Speaker.

Speaker.

Are there any messages from the other body?

Are there any messages from the other body?

Message dated April 1st stating the Senate has passed and is transmitting the following for consideration.

Message dated April 1st stating the Senate has passed and is transmitting the following for consideration.

Senate Joint Resolution Number 29 by the Senate Finance Committee proposing an amendment to the Constitution of the State of Alaska relating to a public education fund.

Senate Joint Resolution Number 29 by the Senate Finance Committee proposing an amendment to the Constitution of the State of Alaska relating to a public education fund.

Finance Committee.

Finance Committee.

Senate Bill Number 63 amended by

Senate Bill Number 63 amended by

By Senators Cronk, Keel, and Rousher Entitled an act relating to the local boundary commission, and providing for an effective date

By Senators Cronk, Keel, and Rauscher, entitled an act relating to the local boundary commission and providing for an effective date.

Community and Regional Affairs

Community and Regional Affairs.

Committee substitute for Senate Bill Number 130, Finance, by the Senate Finance Committee,

Committee substitute for Senate Bill number 130,

Finance by the Senate Finance Committee,

entitled an Act Relating to the Fisheries Product Development Tax Credit, Providing for an Effective Date by Amending the Effective Date of Section 2, Chapter 31, SLA 2022, and Providing for an Effective Date.

entitled an act relating to the fisheries product development tax credit; providing for an effective date by amending the effective date of section two,

chapter 31,

SLA 2022 and providing for an effective date.

Finance committee.

Finance Committee?

Finance Committee.

Committee substitute for Senate bill number 143,

Committee substitute for Senate Bill number 143, community and regional affairs, by the Senate community and regional affairs committee entitled an act relating to the terms of office of municipal school board members relating to the size of the city council in second-class cities and providing for an effective date.

community and regional affairs by the Senate community and regional affairs committee entitled an act relating to the terms of office of municipal school board members relating to the size of the city council in second class cities and providing for an effective date.

Education Committee.

Education Committee.

And the Senate has passed and is transmitting the following for consideration.

And the Senate has passed and is transmitting the following for consideration.

Committee substitute for Senate Bill number 185 Labor and Commerce by the Senate Labor and Commerce Committee entitled An Act relating to the business of insurance,

Committee substitute for Senate Bill number 185, Labor and Commerce by the Senate Labor and Commerce Committee,

entitled an act relating to the business of insurance,

relating to exceptions to prohibited rebates, relating to the powers of the director of the division of insurance,

relating to exceptions to prohibited rebates, relating to the powers of the director of the division of insurance,

relating to prohibited practices in the advertisement of insurance and providing for an effective date.

relating to prohibited practices in the advertisement of insurance and providing for an effective date.

Labor and Commerce Committee.

Labor and Commerce Committee.

I have no further messages from the other body.

I have no further messages from the other body.

Madam Clerk,

Madam Clerk,

are there any communications?

are there any communications?

There are no communications this morning.

There are no communications this morning.

Are there any reports of standing committees?

Are there any reports of standing committees?

In accordance with A.S. 39-05-080,

In accordance with AS 39.05.080,

the Community and Regional Affairs Committee considered Regulatory Commission of Alaska appointee Julie Volk.

the Community and Regional Affairs Committee considered Regulatory Commission of Alaska Appointee Julie Volk.

Vogler.

Vogler, signing the report representatives Holland,

Signing the report: Representatives Holland,

Prox, Hall,

Prox Hall,

Sinclair,

Sinclair,

G. Nelson,

G.

Nelson and co-chairs Himeshoot and Mears.

and Co-Chairs Himschoot and Meers.

The House Labor and Commerce Committee considered to the board to the Alaska Labor Relations Agency Jennifer McConnell signing the report representatives Freer,

The House Labor and Commerce Committee considered to the Alaska Labor Relations Agency Jennifer McConnell signing the report: Representatives Freer, Karik, and Co-Chairs Fields and Hall.

Carrick and co-chairs Fields and Hall.

The State Affairs Committee considered the state board of parole appointee, Steve Meyer,

The State Affairs Committee considered the state board of parole appointee Steve Meyer and the Alaska Police Standards Council appointee Brrronia Lambertson. Signing the report,

and the Alaska Police Standards Council appointee, Veronica Lambertson. Signing the report, representatives McCabe,

Representatives McCabe,

St.

St.

Clair, Holland,

Clair, Holland,

Hemschoot,

Hemshue,

Story,

Story,

and Chair Garrick.

and Chair Carrick.

The Finance Committee considered House Bill ninety one, marijuana tax retail stores registration, recommends it be replaced with committee substitute for House Bill ninety one finance with a new title:

The Finance Committee considered House Bill 91,

marijuana tax retail stores registration, recommends it be replaced with Committee substitute for House Bill 91 finance with a new title,

attach seven new fiscal notes,

attach seven new fiscal notes,

signing the report do pass Representatives Jimmy Hannon and co-chairs Schrage and Foster. Do not pass, Tomachevsky, amend Galvin, Stapp and co-chair Josephson. The bill has no further referral.

signing the report due pass,

Representatives Jimmy Hannon and co-chairs Schrage and Foster.

Do not pass Tomoshevsky, amend Galvin,

Stap,

and co-chair Josephson. The bill has no further referral.

The Health and Social Services Committee considered House Bill 157 effective adoption decree on siblings attached to new indeterminate fiscal notes and one new zero fiscal note signing the report due pass Representatives Gray and Mears no recommendation Procks and Fields amend Schwanke and Cheramina the bill has a further referral to the Judiciary Committee.

The Health and Social Services Committee considered House Bill 157,

effective adoption decree on siblings,

attached two new indeterminate fiscal notes and one new zero fiscal note,

signing the report due pass Representatives Gray and Mears,

no recommendation Prox and Fields,

amend Schwanke and Chermina.

The bill has a further referral to the Judiciary Committee.

The Community and Regional Affairs Committee considered sponsor substitute for House Bill Number 234,

The Community and Regional Affairs Committee considered sponsor substitute for House Bill number 234,

PERS Emergency Dispatchers.

PERS,

Emergency Dispatchers, attached two new zero fiscal notes.

Attached two new zero fiscal notes.

Signing the report due pass representatives Holland,

Signing the report do pass Representatives Holland,

Prox, Hall and co-chairs Meares and Hemschoot. No recommendation.

Prox, Hall,

and Co-Chairs Mears and Hemshoot. No recommendation,

G. Nelson,

G.

Nelson,

Amund,

Amend,

St.

St.

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

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

The Judiciary Committee considered House Bill 242, Sexual Assault by Health Care Worker, attached three previously published zero fiscal notes.

The Judiciary Committee considered House Bill 242, Sexual Assault by a Health Care Worker, attached three previously published zero fiscal notes.

Signing the report do pass, Representative Mina,

Signing the report do pass,

representatives Meena Costello,

Costello,

Underwood,

Underwood,

Eichheit, Vance,

Eishide, Vance,

Kopp and Chair Gray.

Kopp, and Chair Gray. The bill has no further referral.

The bill has no further referral.

The Health and Social Services Committee considered House Bill 244, CNA Training,

The Health and Social Services Committee considered House Bill 244, CNA training, attached one news error fiscal note. Signing the report, due pass,

attached one news era fiscal note.

Signing the report due pass,

Representatives Prox, Gray,

Representatives Prox, Gray,

Mears,

Mears, Schwaneke,

Schwenke and Chair Mina.

and Chair Mina.

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

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

The Finance Committee considered House Bill 262, number of superior court judges,

The Finance Committee considered House Bill 262, number of Superior Court judges,

attached three previously published fiscal notes and one new fiscal note. Signing the report due pass,

attached three previously published fiscal notes and one new fiscal note.

Signing the report do pass,

representatives Jimmy Galvin,

representatives Jimmy,

Galvin,

Hannon,

Hannon,

Stapp,

Stapp,

Allard,

Allard,

Bynum, and co-chairs Josephson,

Bynum, and co-chairs Josephson, Schrage,

Schrage,

and Foster.

and Foster.

No recommendation,

No recommendation,

Tomaszewski.

Tomaszewski.

The bill has no further referral.

The bill has no further referral.

The Finance Committee considered House Bill 263,

The Finance Committee considered House Bill 263, appropriations, operating budget.

appropriations operating budget.

Amend Supplemental recommends it be replaced with committee substitute for House Bill 263 Finance with a new title.

Amend supplemental recommends it be replaced with committee substitute for House Bill 263, finance, with a new title.

Signing the report due pass,

Signing the report do pass,

Representatives Jimmy and co-chairs Josephson Foster and Triage amend Galvin, Tomoszewski,

Representatives Jimmy and Co-Chairs Josephson,

Foster,

and Chiragi.

Amend Galvin, Tomaszewski,

Hannon,

Hannon,

Moore,

Moore,

Bynum, Allard,

Bynum, Allard, and Stapp.

and Stapp.

The bill is on today's calendar.

The bill is on today's calendar.

The Finance Committee considered House Bill 265, Appropriations Mental Health Budget,

The Finance Committee considered House Bill 265, appropriations mental health budget,

recommends it be replaced with committee substitute for House Bill 265, Finance, with the same title. Signing the report do pass, Representatives Jimmy,

recommends it be replaced with committee substitute for House Bill 265 finance with the same title. Signing the report do pass, Representatives Jimmy,

Galvin, Hannon,

Galvin,

Hannan, and co-chairs Josephson,

and co-chairs Josephson,

Foster,

Foster,

Schrage.

Schrage,

No recommendation,

no recommendation,

Tomoszewski,

Tomaszewski,

Allard,

Allard,

Feinstein,

Bynum Stapp,

amend more.

amend more.

The bill is on today's calendar.

The bill is on today's calendar.

The Health and Social Services Committee considered House Bill 272,

The Health and Social Services Committee considered House Bill 272, insurance for prosthetics and orthotics,

Insurance for Prosthetics and Orthotics,

recommends it be replaced with Committee Substitute for House Bill 272, Health and Social Services, with the same title; attached one new fiscal note and one new indeterminate fiscal note; signing the report,

recommends it be replaced with committee substitute for House Bill 272, Health and Social Services with the same title; attached one new fiscal note and one new indeterminate fiscal note.

Signing the report,

do pass, representatives Fields,

do pass,

Representatives Fields,

Gray,

Gray,

Meares,

Meares,

and Chair Mina.

and Chairman; no recommendation,

No recommendation,

Schwaneke; amend,

Schwanke,

amend,

Prox; the bill has a further referral to the Finance Committee.

prox. The bill has a further referral to the Finance Committee.

The Labour and Commerce Committee considered a committee substitute for Senate Bill number eighty nine, second L_C_

The Labor and Commerce Committee considered a committee substitute for Senate Bill number eighty nine, second L_C_ Physician Assistant Assistant Scope of Practice recommends to be replaced with House committee substitute for committee substitute for Senate Bill eighty nine, health and social services with the same title, attached one new excuse me, one previously published zero fiscal note. Signing the report, due pass, representatives Frayer, Carrick and Co-chairs Fields and Hall. The bill has no further referral.

Position assistant assistant scope of practice recommends it be replaced with House Committee Substitute for Committee Substitute for Senate Bill eighty nine, Health and Social Services with the same title. Attached one new, excuse me, one previously published zero fiscal note. Signing the report, do pass, representatives Freear, Kerrick and co-chairs Fields and Hall. The bill has no further referral.

The Education Committee considered Senate Bill number 181, employment information disclosure,

The Education Committee considered Senate Bill Number one eighty one, employment information disclosure, attached one previously published zero fiscal note. Signing the report due pass, representatives Diebert, Eishide, and co-chairs Hemshute and Story. No recommendation, Schwanke, Elam and Underwood. The bill has a further referral to the Labour and Commerce Committee. I have no further reports of standing committees.

attached one previously published zero fiscal note. Signing the report due pass,

Representatives Deibert,

Eichheit, and Co-chairs Henshut and Story.

No recommendation,

Schwanke,

Elam, and Underwood.

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

I have no further reports of standing committees.

mr. majority leader hearing

Mr. Majority Leader?

Mr. Majority Leader.

Mr. Speaker,

Mr. Speaker, I move and ask unanimous consent that the deadline for submitting amendments to the Chief Clerk's Office for House Bills 263 and 265 be set for today,

I move and ask unanimous consent that the deadline for submitting amendments to the Chief Clerks Office for House Bills 263 and 265 be set for today,

Wednesday,

Wednesday,

April 8th at 5 p.m.

April 8th at 5 p.m.

Hearing no objection,

no objection the deadline to submit amendments to the Chief Clerk's Office for House Bills 263

the deadline to submit amendments to the Chief Clerk's Office for House Bills 263

At 2:65, otherwise known as the operating budget and the mental health trust budget, will be set at today at 5 p.m.

and 265, otherwise known as the operating budget and the mental health trust budget, will be set at today at 5:00 PM. Madam Clerk, are there any reports of special committees?

Madam Clerk, are there any reports of special committees?

I have no reports of special committees this morning.

I have no reports of special committees this morning.

Are there any citations or resolutions for introduction?

Are there any citations or resolutions for introduction?

There is the first special order citation calendar.

There is the first special order citation calendar.

Mr. Majority Leader.

Mr. Majority Leader?

Mr. Speaker,

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 be made a special order of business.

I move and ask unanimous consent that notice and publication requirements be waived on the citations on the first special order citation calendar being made a special order of business.

Without objection,

Without objection, Mr.

Mr.

Mr. Majority Leader.

Majority Leader.

Mr. Speaker, I move and ask unanimous consent that the House approve the citations on the first special order citation calendar.

Mr. Speaker, I move and ask unanimous consent that the House approve the citations on the first special order citation calendar.

Hearing no objection,

Hearing no objection,

the first special order citation calendar is approved.

the first special order citation calendar is approved.

Madame Clerk,

Madam Clerk,

are there any bills for introduction?

are there any bills for introduction?

House Bill number 384 by the House Judiciary Committee entitled An Act Relating to the Definition of Victim Counseling Center for disclosure of certain communications concerning sexual assault or domestic violence.

House Bill number 384 by the House Judiciary Committee entitled an act relating to the definition of victim counseling center for disclosure of certain communications concerning sexual assault or domestic violence.

House Special Committee on Tribal Affairs and Judiciary Committee.

House Special Committee on Tribal Affairs and Judiciary Committee.

I have no further bills for introduction this morning.

I have no further bills for introduction this morning.

As we turn our attention to consideration of the daily calendar for the body's awareness,

As we turn our attention to consideration of the daily calendar for the body's awareness,

it will be the plan to take a break probably around noon or so,

it will be the plan to take a break probably around noon or so,

a half an hour break for lunch,

a half an hour break for lunch and then we'll continue on with amendments throughout the afternoon and make a determination in terms of a dinner break later on and I'll certainly work with you all to accommodate or arrive at the best time to do all that.

and then we'll continue on with amendments throughout the afternoon and make a determination in terms of a dinner break later on and I'll certainly work with you all to accommodate or arrive at the best time to do all of that.

So, with that, Madam Clerk,

So, with that,

Madam Clerk,

please read the first item on today's calendar.

please read the first item on today's calendar.

House Bill number 263 by the House Rules Committee,

House Bill No.

263 by the House Rules Committee by request of the Governor,

by request of the governor,

entitled an act making appropriations for the operating and loan program expenses of state government and for certain programs,

entitled an act making appropriations for the operating and loan program expenses of state government and for certain programs,

capitalizing funds,

capitalizing funds,

amending appropriations, making supplemental appropriations, making appropriations under Article 9, Section 17C, Constitution of the state of Alaska, from the Constitutional Budget Reserve Fund and providing for an

amending appropriations, making supplemental appropriations, making appropriations under Article IX,

Section 17c,

Constitution of the State of Alaska from the Constitutional Budget Reserve Fund,

and providing for an effective

for an effective date.

for an effective date.

date."

The Finance Committee considered the bill,

The Finance Committee considered the bill,

recommends it be replaced with committee substitute for House Bill 263 Finance with a new title.

recommends it be replaced with committee substitute for House Bill 263 Finance with a new title,

signing the report due pass,

Signing the report do pass Representatives Jimmy,

Representatives Jimmy,

Co-chairs Josephson,

Co-Chairs Josephson, Foster,

Foster,

and Schrage,

and Schrage,

Amend Galvin Tomoszewski, Hannon Moore,

Amend Galvin-Tomaszewski,

Hannon, Moore,

Bynum, Allard, and Stapp.

Bynum, Allard, and Stapp.

There's one committee substitute.

There's one committee substitute.

Mr.

Mr. Majority Leader.

Mr.

Mr.

Majority Leader.

Mr. Speaker, I move and ask unanimous consent that the Finance Committee substitute for House Bill 263 be adopted in lieu of the original bill.

Mr. Speaker,

I move and ask unanimous consent that the Finance Committee substitute for House Bill 263 be adopted in lieu of the original bill.

Hearing no objection,

Hearing no objection,

the Finance Committee substitute has been adopted.

the Finance Committee substitute has been adopted.

Brief at ease.

Brief at ease.

The House please come back to order.

The House please come back to order.

We are under amendments.

We are under amendments. Madam Clerk,

Madam Clerk,

are there any amendments by chance?

are there any amendments by chance?

Amendment number 1 by Representatives McCabe and Underwood, beginning page 1, lines 3 through 4.

Amendment number 1 by Representatives McCabe and Underwood, beginning page 1, lines 3 through 4.

Amendment number one will be rolled to the bottom.

Amendment number one will be rolled to the bottom, Madam Clerk.

Madam Clerk.

Amendment number 2 by Representative McCabe, beginning page 4,

Amendment number 2 by Representative McCabe, beginning page 4, lines 8 through 13.

lines 8 through 13.

Representative McCabe.

Representative McCabe.

Thank you, Mr.

Thank you, Mr. Speaker. I will not be offering amendment two at this time.

Speaker.

I will not be offering Amendment 2 at this time.

Amendment number two will not be offered at this time.

Amendment number two will not be offered at this time.

Madam Clerk.

Madam Clerk.

Amendment number 3 by Representative McCabe, beginning page 66,

Amendment number 3 by Representative McCabe, beginning page 66, line 4.

line 4.

Representative McCabe.

Representative McCabe.

Thank you, Mr.

Thank you, Mr. Speaker.

Thank you, Mr. Speaker.

I move Amendment 3.

I move amendment 3.

Amendment number three has been moved. There is an objection. Representative McCabe.

Amendment number 3 has been moved. There is an objection. Representative McCabe.

Thank you, mr Speaker. So amendment three is pretty simple. Um I was uh at a uh community council meeting not too long ago and they announced that they were giving uh community council grants to uh non-profit whose sole intent is to work against the state of Alaska in resource development. And we crafted this amendment uh so that it fit under the constitution for uh intent language.

Thank you, Mr. Speaker. So amendment three is pretty simple. Um I was uh at a uh community council meeting not too long ago and they announced that they were giving uh community council grants to uh non-profit whose sole intent is to work against the state of Alaska in resource development and we crafted this amendment uh so that it fit under the constitution for uh intent language.

Our Constitution is clear,

Our Constitution is clear,

Mr.

Mr.

Speaker. Our resources are to be developed for the maximum benefit of Alaskans.

Speaker. Our resources are to be developed for the maximum benefit of Alaskans.

That's not optional. It's foundational to our Constitution.

That's not optional. It's foundational to our Constitution and for us to appropriate money from this body to the Community Assistance Program,

And for us to appropriate money from this body to the Community Assistance Program,

Community Assistance Grants, and then have them turn around and provide it to an environmental group whose sole function is to work against.

Community Assistance Grants, and then have them turn around and provide it to an environmental group whose sole function is to work against.

Our constitutional mandate to develop our resources to me seems a little bit of a vicious cycle. We could continue to do that, but I think that we need to clearly tell the communities that are providing these grants that we don't want them working using our money that we appropriate to work against what we need, such as the gas line,

Our constitutional mandate to develop our resources to me seems a little bit of a vicious cycle. We could continue to do that, but I think that we need to clearly tell the communities that are providing these grants that we don't want them working and using our money that we appropriate to work against what we need,

such as the gas line,

such as roads,

such as roads,

all of our infrastructure development.

all of our infrastructure development.

And I think that we need to make that intent clear, hence this amendment.

And I think that we need to make that intent clear. Hence this amendment.

I'm happy to take questions.

I'm happy to take questions. Thank you.

Thank you.

Thank you. Any discussion on amendment number 3?

Any discussion on amendment number 3?

Minority Leader Johnson?

Minority Leader Johnson.

Thank you, Mr.

Thank you, Mr.

Speaker.

Speaker.

I will be a yes vote on this amendment,

I will be a yes vote on this amendment,

and I think it's

and I think it's

critical if we realize how much money that we give out in community revenue sharing and I've been a big proponent of that but the fact that that money can be used to fund political advocacy when I think about our community revenue sharing I think of a variety of things that it might be used for it might be used for a playground it might be used for trails it might be used for upgrading the building that they have their meeting in but when I think about giving community

critical if we realize how much money that we give out in community revenue sharing and I've been a big proponent of that but the fact that that money can be used to fund political advocacy when I think about our community revenue sharing I think of a variety of things that it might be used for it might be used for a playground it might be used for trails it might be used for upgrading the building that they have their meeting in but when I think about giving community

revenue sharing to our communities, it's not to fund political activities.

revenue sharing to our communities it's not to fund political activities and so that I think this is a good amendment for that reason and I will be a yes vote

And so I think this is a good amendment for that reason and I will be a yes vote.

Representative Nelson.

Representative Nelson.

Thank you, Mr.

Thank you, Mr. Speaker. I rise in support of Amendment 3.

Speaker.

I rise in support of Amendment 3.

And as the chair of a community council and been a member for quite a few years, we've given out these community assistance funds.

And as the chair of a community council and been a member for quite a few years, we've given out these community assistance funds.

There have been times where...

There have been times where.

I mean, our goal was to follow the intent of the legislature and there's very little language that actually lines that out.

I mean, our goal was to follow the intent of the legislature,

and there's very little language that actually lines that out. And so I think this is a good amendment. It gives some direction to the people that want to be responsible with the funds that are given and want to provide them to the community in the most effective way possible. So I think this intent language is good and clarifies things for just the multitude of community councils that are out there.

And so I think this is a good amendment.

It gives some direction to the people that want to be responsible with the funds that are given and want to provide them to the community in the most effective way possible. So I think this intent language is good and clarifies things for just the multitude of community councils that are out there.

So I would urge all members to vote yes. Thank you, Mr.

So I would urge all members to vote yes.

Thank you, Mr. Speaker.

Speaker.

Representative Costello.

Representative Costello.

Good morning, Mr.

Good morning, Mr.

Speaker.

Speaker.

I rise in support of this amendment.

I rise in support of this amendment.

It is intent language,

It is intent language,

which I think is important in this budget.

which I think is important in this budget.

I believe that it's important that when we do write a budget that we ask others to follow the Constitution. You know, we all took an oath to follow the Constitution, and I believe that it's important that when we fund organizations that they too have an eye to our constitutional responsibility.

I believe that it's important that when we do write a budget that we ask others to follow the Constitution. You know, we all took an oath to follow the Constitution.

And I believe that it's important that when we fund organizations that they too have an eye to our constitutional responsibility.

responsibilities and I want to thank the maker of this amendment and I will be in support of it.

responsibilities and I want to thank the maker of this amendment and I will be in support of it.

Representative Sadler.

Representative Sadler.

Thank you,

Thank you, Mr. Speaker.

Mr. Speaker. It's a pleasure to stand in support of this amendment declaring our clear intention that money we provide communities to help them perform their duties,

It's a pleasure to stand in support of this amendment declaring our clear intention that money we provide to communities to help them perform their duties,

their neutral duties as governments,

their neutral duties as governments,

is not turned around and used to lobby us on issues of personal concern,

is not turned around and used to lobby us on issues of personal concern,

private concern.

private concern.

We do have a constitutional mandate to develop our resources and to understand the details of this case.

We do have a constitutional mandate to develop our resources and understand the details of this case.

It's just stunning to me that people would take money provided to the communities.

It's just stunning to me that people would take money provided to the communities.

and turn around and use it to try and defeat the development that pays the bills in our state.

and turn around and use it to try and defeat the development that pays the bills in our state.

You know, how do you lose your constitutional authority mission?

You know, how do you lose your constitutional authority mission?

Slowly at first, but then all at once. So it's important that we stand in opposition to this kind of thing.

Slowly at first,

but then all at once.

So it's important that we stand in opposition to this kind of thing.

There's precedence as well. We don't provide money to the Judicial Council to advocate for or against judges.

There's precedence as well. We don't provide money to the Judicial Council to advocate for or against judges.

We don't allow other government money to be used to lobby us.

We don't allow other government money to be used to lobby us. So this is an important principle and expressing this through legislative intent is appropriate.

So this is an important principle and expressing this through legislative intent is appropriate.

I hope all members support this amendment.

I hope all members support this amendment.

Brief it ease

Brief it easy.

Will the House please come back to order?

Will the House please come back to order?

Hearing no further objection on Amendment Number 3,

Hearing no further objection on Amendment Number 3, it's been adopted.

it's been adopted.

Madam Clerk,

Madam Clerk,

brief at ease.

brief at ease.

Please come— will the House please come back to order for purposes of clarification for the record? I'm going to return back to Amendment Number 3. Representative Stutes.

Please come— will the House please come back to order for purposes of clarification for the record? I'm going to return back to Amendment Number 3. Representative Stutes.

Thank you, Mr. Speaker. Just in case there's any question,

Thank you, Mr. Speaker,

just in case there's any question,

I would like to remove any objection that I may have made on this Amendment Number 3.

I would like to remove any objection that I may have made on Amendment Number 3.

Hearing no further objection, Amendment Number 3 has been adopted. Madam Clerk.

Hearing no further objection, Amendment Number 3 has been adopted. Madam Clerk.

Amendment number four by Representative McCabe beginning page 59 following line 28.

Amendment number four by Representative McCabe, beginning page 59, following line 28.

A brief at ease.

A brief at ease.

Will the House please come back to order?

Will the House please come back to order.

Amendment number 4 will be ruled to the bottom.

Amendment number 4 will be ruled to the bottom.

Madam Clerk.

Madam Clerk,

Madam Clerk, amendment number 5 by Representative McCabe, beginning page 59,

Madam Clerk, amendment number 5 by Representative McCabe, beginning page 59, lines 19 through 28.

lines 19 through 28.

Representative McCabe.

Representative McCabe.

Thank you, Mr. Speaker.

Thank you, Mr.

Thank you, Mr. Speaker. I move amendment number 5.

I move amendment number five.

There's an objection.

there's an objection.

Representative McCabe.

Representative McCabe.

Thank you, Mr. Speaker. This amendment deals with ADA and it addresses a fundamental issue in this budget.

Thank you, Mr.

Speaker. This amendment deals with ADA and it addresses a fundamental issue in this budget.

We are legislating where we should be appropriating.

We are legislating where we should be appropriating.

The language in this section asserts legislative control over ADA's unrestricted receipts, deciding how these funds are used.

The language in this section asserts legislative control over ADA's unrestricted receipts, deciding how these funds are used.

We talked about, I talked about this last year,

We talked about, I talked about this last year,

Mr.

Mr.

Speaker.

Speaker,

ADA's funds, if the legislature dips into them, we stand a chance of affecting their bond rating,

ADA's funds, if the legislature dips into them, we stand a chance of affecting their bond rating,

which right now is among the top in the country,

which right now is among the top in the country, frankly,

frankly,

in the world. ADA is known as an awesome.

in the world.

ADA is known as an awesome.

funding mechanism until the legislature starts dipping into their receipts.

funding mechanism until the legislature starts dipping into their into their receipts.

ADA was deliberately structured in statute to operate independently of us.

ADA was deliberately structured in statute to operate independently of us.

The board has authority over its finances. Its receipts are not state funds.

The board has authority over its finances. Its receipts are not state funds. There are three or four legal amendments concerning this, Mr.

I have three or four legal amendments concerning this,

Mr. Speaker.

Speaker.

They are exempt, in fact, from the executive budget act. This budget language overrides that framework and sets dangerous precedents.

They are exempt, in fact, from the executive budget act.

This budget language overrides that framework and sets dangerous precedence.

It introduces real financial risk, as I mentioned, with the bonds.

It introduces real financial risk, as I mentioned, with the bonds.

And once we claim control of those revenues,

And once we claim control of those revenues,

future legislatures can then redirect them.

future legislatures can then redirect them.

That threatens ADA's creditworthiness,

That threatens ADA's creditworthiness, bonding capability,

bonding capability,

and ability to invest in Alaska projects.

and ability to invest in Alaska projects.

Mr.

Mr.

Speaker,

Speaker, ADA was designed to build up our infrastructure,

ADA was designed to build up our infrastructure,

to build up...

to build up...

Jobs to build up things such as the Ketchikan shipyard, such as Sneddasham Hydroelectric,

Jobs to build up things such as the Ketchikan shipyard,

such as Sneddisham Hydroelectric,

such as the mine to the Red Dog Road and a myriad of other projects that Ada has funded and used over the years and us dipping into them just because they look like a convenient pot of money is a huge mistake.

such as the mine to the Red Dog Road and a myriad of other projects that ADA has funded and used over the years and us dipping into them just because they look like a convenient pot of money is a huge mistake.

This also raises serious legal concerns about those assets can even be appropriated under existing law.

This also raises serious legal concerns about those assets can even be appropriated under existing law.

If we want to change the ADA statute,

If we want to change the ADA statute,

then we should do the right way, through the standalone bill and change the statute,

then we should do the right way through the standalone bill and change the statute,

not buried in a budget. We should not be changing statutes and changing the direction of ADA in a budget,

not buried in a budget.

We should not be changing statutes and changing the direction of ADA in a budget, Mr. Speaker.

Mr.

Speaker.

I urge adoption of this amendment.

I urge adoption of this amendment. Thank you.

Thank you.

Free for these

Free for these.

Will the House please come back to order under discussion on Amendment number five,

Will the House please come back to order under discussion on Amendment number five,

Representative Josephson.

Representative Josephson.

Thank you, Mr.

Thank you, Mr. Speaker.

Speaker.

Mr.

Mr.

Speaker,

Speaker, the language in Section 7C at page 59 does not do what the maker of the amendment purports it does.

the language in Section 7C at page 59 does not do what the maker of the amendment purports it does.

The maker of the amendment said that this language somehow takes money from ADA.

The maker of the amendment said that this language somehow takes money from ADA.

It doesn't do that.

It doesn't do that.

If it did, you'd see a dollar figure in subsection C.

If it did, you'd see a dollar figure in subsection C.

What it says is,

What it says is,

and so no one is taking any of ADA's unobligated funds.

and so no one is taking any of ADA's unobligated funds. In fact, if you look at the language.

In fact, if you look at the language...

From lines 19 to 23,

From lines 19 to 23,

it effectively says all that you have, all that you have, Ada,

it effectively says all that you have, all that you have,

Ada,

is yours.

is yours.

It could be summarized to say all that you have is yours.

It could be summarized to say all that you have is yours.

And then at the very end, it says go forth and prosper with your funds,

And then at the very end it says go forth and prosper with your funds, the Set Stand Fund Arctic Infrastructure Development Fund,

the set fund,

Artic Infrastructure Development Fund,

under procedures your board adopts.

under procedures your board adopts.

That's all it says.

That's all it says.

It says what you have is yours and go use it wisely pursuant to the wishes of your board of directors.

It says what you have is yours and go use it wisely pursuant to the wishes of your board of directors.

That's what it says.

That's what it says.

And there's comparable language for AHFC.

And there's comparable language for HFC.

This language,

This language, by the way, contrary to ADA's comments,

by the way, contrary to Ada's comments,

that I've read something they offered,

I've read something they offered,

was in the budget last year when it left this body. I can't confirm whether it stayed in the budget at this moment.

was in the budget last year when it left this body.

I can't confirm whether it stayed in the budget at this moment.

But this was,

But this was when the Finance Committee was reviewing changes to the language section,

when the finance committee was reviewing changes to the language section,

this was just last year's language.

this was just last year's language.

So there wasn't substantial time spent on it.

So there wasn't substantial time spent on it.

Again,

Again,

what they have is theirs.

what they have is theirs.

Go forth and prosper.

Go forth and prosper.

Thank you.

Thank you.

So I think the amendments are not necessary.

So I think the amendment's not necessary.

Representative Sadler.

Representative Sadler.

Thank you, Mr.

Thank you, Mr. Speaker.

Speaker.

I rise in support of this amendment.

I rise in support of this amendment.

The language on page 59 of this budget bill represents a tremendous power swap in ADA's management. It's very prescriptive, puts limits on what ADA can spend money on.

The language on page 59 of this budget bill represents a tremendous power swap in ADA's management. It's very prescriptive, puts limits on what ADA can spend money on,

So I must support this amendment. I'll explain more briefly why.

so I must support this amendment.

I'll explain more briefly why.

AIDA has been doing good work for a long time for Alaska.

ADA has been doing good work for a long time for Alaska.

One of the things we hear often is that Alaskans want increased economic diversity,

One of the things we hear often is that Alaskans want increased economic diversity,

economic diversification and development to provide the funds for all the services we allocate for here.

economic diversification, and development to provide the funds for all the services we allocate for here.

ADA is one of our prime tools for doing that, Mr.

AIDA is one of our prime tools for doing that, Mr.

Speaker,

Speaker,

and I have been okay with some minor tweaks to how AIDA is managed,

and I have been okay with some minor tweaks to how ADA is managed, which have been put forth in this form before this session,

which have been put forth in this for this session,

as long as they pertain directly to what AIDA has been doing so successfully for so long.

as long as they pertain directly to what ADA has been doing so successfully for so long.

However,

However,

I see this measure,

I see this measure,

the language in the bill right now, which the amendment would just delete,

the language in the bill right now, which the amendment would just delete,

as part of a continuing effort to change the power structure in ADA and redirect its authorities and its funds to goals which might not be in the best interest of the state's desire for economic diversification.

as part of a continuing effort to change the power structure in ADA and redirect its authorities and its funds to goals which might not be in the best interest of the state's desire for economic diversification.

I fear that this will destroy ADA's ability to do what it does so well.

I fear that this will destroy ADA's ability to do what it does so well.

You know, as I said,