FY2026-27 Agreement for Lobbying Services Between Kodiak Island Borough and Hickey & Associates Including Legislative ReportsLegislators Continue to Prioritize K-12 Education Funding
Despite the $700 increase to the Base Student Allocation (BSA) approved in 2025, state legislators are
advocating for additional funding for K-12 public schools, arguing that years of flat state support
coupled with declining enrollment and rising costs have left districts struggling to balance their
budgets and maintain basic services and programs. Senate Education Committee Chair, Senator Loki
Tobin (D -Anchorage), emphasized that the 2025 increase has been insufficient to keep pace with inflation and
operational needs, leaving schools across the state—in urban and rural districts alike—facing deficits that will
force cuts to teachers, services and student programs. Lawmakers noted that without a meaningful boost to the
state's BSA or with one-time money, districts will continue needing layoffs and reductions and urged colleagues
and Governor Dunleavy to find ways to direct more revenue toward education during current budget
negotiations.
School districts across the state are citing serious financial trouble. The Anchorage School District—which
depleted much of its reserves last year due to uncertainty in state funding—is now confronting a
projected $90 million shortfall. The Matanuska-Susitna Borough School District anticipates a $23
million gap, while the Kenai Peninsula Borough School District estimates it is short by about $8.5
million. Schools in Juneau are also grappling with a deficit exceeding $5 million. Deferred maintenance
of school buildings has also plagued school districts across the state and has been described as a "crisis." Last
week, school board members and students from districts across the state shared stories about failing sewer
systems, deteriorating buildings, and mold. Senate Finance Committee Co -Chair, Senator Bert Stedman (R-
Sitka), has cited a $401 million dollars in deferred maintenance. "We need to have a dialogue with the
administration and try to get them to work with us so we can, you know, slow down this deferred maintenance.
Because every year [it] doesn't get addressed, it just gets worse," he said.
• Legislators have introduced several bills to address these deficits and unpredictable funding streams, including
House Bill No. 261. Sponsored by House Education Committee Co -Chair, Representative Andi Story (D -
Juneau), the bill would allow school districts to calculate student attendance based on last year's count
or the district's previous three-year average, whichever is greater. Supporters say the change would
create more predictable funding for districts prior to the beginning of the school year, regardless of whether
student enrollment rises or falls from year to year.
Tough Sledding for Governor's Fiscal Plan
• Both the House and Senate have begun hearings on Governor Dunleavy's seasonal sales tax
proposal, which is the centerpiece of his new fiscal plan. Several bills have been introduced by the
governor as his comprehensive fiscal plan, including a statewide sales tax, restructuring the
Permanent Fund dividend program, oil tax changes and elimination of the state's corporate income
tax in 2031. These proposals are estimated to generate around $900 million in annual revenue.
The House Finance Committee held several hearings in the last two weeks, including taking two
hours of public testimony. Every Alaskan who testified opposed the sales tax. Following that
hearing, members of House leadership from both the majority and minority said Dunleavy's
plan has almost no support among state legislators and is likely "dead on arrival".
• In response, the governor expressed frustration about the reaction by most legislators to his
proposals and the lack of an alternative plan coming from either the Senate or House. He
said that with 120 days in the legislative session, lawmakers have time to work on the issue and
figure things out. Dunleavy also cautioned legislators "will be disappointed if they think that
negotiating with a new governor will be any easier."
Mark Hickey & Andrea Watts February 15, 2026
North Pacific Fishery Management Council Actions
Two recent decisions by the North Pacific Fishery Management Council (NPFMC) are of significance
for Alaska's commercial fisheries. The NPFMC voted last week to impose a salmon chum
bycatch limit for the Bering Sea pollock fishery. The limit is in response to the near complete
collapse of the of salmon fisheries in the Yukon and Kuskokwim river systems. The action
includes provision for a partial closure for the Bering Sea pollock fishery if it exceeds the bycatch
cap. The measure will go into effect in 2028.
• Taking some type of action to impose bycatch limits has been under consideration for years. The
final decision is viewed as a compromise versus other stricter limits. It sets an annual limit in
Western Alaska to not more than 45,000 fish bycatch of Western Alaska chum salmon, with
some variations among different pollock sectors. A partial closure for half of the fishing
corridor is triggered if the cap is exceeded. The closure can remain in effect for the following
season if trawlers fail to follow the closure in the prior year.
• In a separate action, the council approved a 37.5% increase in the total allowable catch for
Pacific cod in the Gulf of Alaska. The decision was delayed by the lengthy shutdown of the
federal government last fall. Heatwaves in the last 10 years caused a sharp decline in the Pacific
cod population and led to significant reductions in allowable harvests. Recent surveys suggest the
fishery has recovered after the most recent heatwave in 2019.
Alaska Marine Highway System (AMHS) Budget Challenges
AMHS could run out of funding this summer. The budget for AMHS operations is done on a
calendar year basis which usually provides more predictability during the busy summer season.
About $78 million or roughly 45% of the system's annual operating budget depends on federal funds
first provided under the 2021 Infrastructure Investment and Jobs Act (IIJA). The federal funds are
provided under an annual grant program, which didn't open last fall during the extended government
shutdown. That process is now planned to open this spring. State lawmakers and DOT/PF are
looking at other options, but this could significantly impact the 2026 summer's schedule.
• More troubling is the long-term picture after 2027. The funding through the IIJA was for a five-
year period. It expires next year. Whether there will be an extension of this arrangement is
unknown. The state elected to use these funds to supplant general funds in the annual operating
budget versus treating the funds as one-time money to fix the aging ferry system. AMHS
proponents face a brewing challenge next session to find the general funds needed in the
operating budget debate if the federal money is gone.
Other Capitol News
Legislature Approves Extension of Disaster Declaration: Legislators narrowly approved
Senate Concurrent Resolution No. 12, a 30 -day extension of the state disaster declaration
tied to the powerful fall 2025 storms that devastated Western Alaska, allowing continued
spending from the state's disaster response fund for cleanup and repairs. After passing the
Senate unanimously, the measure nearly stalled in the House when Republican minority members
raised procedural objections. The House ultimately passed the resolution 22-18, enabling the
governor to continue authorizing state disaster expenditures amid ongoing recovery efforts.
• Senator Proposes Sending Incarcerated People Out of State: The Senate State Affairs
Committee considered Senate Bill No. 126 last week, the second hearing on the bill. Sponsored by
Senator Rob Yundt (R-Wasilla), the bill would permit the Department of Corrections to reduce costs
by sending incarcerated Alaskans who have seven or more years remaining on their sentence term
to an out-of-state facility.
Mark Hickey & Andrea Watts February 15, 2026
Summary of State Legislation
Okavanqo Delta, Botswana
Below is a list of legislative measures of interest, divided into six main topics: fiscal measures,
general municipal issues, education measures, fishery & resource issues, energy matters, and
election & voting issues. House measures are described first, followed by Senate measures.
Companion bills (measures in both bodies) are listed together. Priority focus will be on those
likely to get traction. Happy to address other measures if asked. More information about
these measures can be found at Alaska Municipal League Legislative Tracker or Alaska State
Legislature. Check out what your legislators are doing. New bills are in BLUE, change in
status in RED, and passed bills in GREEN.
Fiscal Measures
Measure
Summary
Status
HJR 10 by Schrage
Creates a single account in the Permanent Fund and allows no more
HJR 10 pending House FIN
SJR 14 by Senate FIN
than an annual 5% POMV draw.
SJR 14 pending Senate FIN
HJR 30 by governor
Constitutional amendment enshrining Permanent Fund dividend based
HJR 30 pending Finance
on 50/50 split between dividends and government services. Combines
two accounts in Fund capping annual draw at 5%. Part of governor's
fiscal plan
HB 263/SB 213 by
FY 2027 Operating Budget: Fully funds BSA including $700 per pupil
HB 263 pending House Finance
governor
increase approved last August. Funds school debt reimbursement at
SB 213 pending Senate Finance
100%.
HB 264/SB 214 by
FY 2027 Capital Budget: No funds for renewable energy grants or K-12
HB 264 pending House Finance
governor
major maintenance projects. Transportation match in supplemental.
SB 214 pending Senate Finance
HB 209 by Fields
Caps the amount for annual PFD at $1,000 and limits payment to a
Pending Judiciary
needs -based system.
HB 274/SB 222 by
Requires sunset review of all state agencies by the Legislative Budget
HB 274 pending House L&C
governor
& Audit Committee every six years. Sunsets agency unless legislature
SB 222 pending Senate Finance
acts by law to continue. Part ofgovernor's fiscal plan.
HB 275/SB 223 by
Amends state's appropriation limit by reducing allowable growth in state
HB 275 pending Senate Finance
governor
spending from 5% to 1 %. Part ofgovernor's fiscal plan
SB 223 pending Senate Finance
HB 280 by House Rules
Amends state's corporate income tax to include online sales from
HB 280 sched. House FIN 2/18
outside corporations.
HB 284/SB 227 by
Proposes a temporary 2% sales tax which increases to 4% April thru
HB 284 heard/held H FIN 2/12
governor
September. Also increases oil taxes, adds online corporate income tax
SB 227 sched. S RES 2/16, 2/18
vetoed SB 113 and eliminates state's corporate income tax in 2031.
SJR 2 by Claman
Proposes constitutional amendment to change veto override threshold
Scheduled Finance 2/17
from 3/4ths to two-thirds of legislature.
SJR 5 by Kaufman
Proposes constitutional amendment to convert the Permanent Fund to
Pending Judiciary
a single account with a maximum 5.5% POMV allowed. Places
dividend in the constitution with formula subject to voter approval.
SB 24 by Stevens
Proposes state retail tax of 25% on e -cigarette products and changes
SB 24 pending House FIN
HB 49 by Hannan
thea a to use tobacco from 19 to 21 for possession.
HB 49 pending House FIN
SB 92 by Senate
Proposes a 9.4% tax on income over $5 million earned by S corpora-
Pending Rules
Resources
tions. The bill targets Hilcorp, the company that runs Prudhoe Bay.
SB 109 by Hoffman
Institutes a 75/25 split of the annual permanent fund draw between
Pending Finance
entire committee
state services and the dividend.
SB 112 by Senate Rules
Reforms Alaska's per barrel oil tax credit to increase state revenue and
Pending Resources
tightens its use.
Mark Hickey & Andrea Watts February 15, 2026
General Municipal Issues
Measure
Summary
Status
HB 3 by Rauscher
Moves regular legislative sessions from Juneau to Anchorage.
Pending CRA
HB 13 by Gray
Permits a municipality to exempt or partially exempt from taxation a
Pending Senate CRA
structure converted from a short-term to long-term rental unit.
HB 17 by Rauscher
Removes PERS retirement eligibility restrictions for disabled veterans
Pending Senate Finance
with service -connected condition.
HB 29 by Vance
Allows municipalities and school district to join state's health insurance
HB 29 pending House EDC
SB 5 by Hughes
program.
SB 5 pending Senate EDC
HB 41 by Allard
HB 41/SB 26 places Alaska permanently on daylight saving time if
HB 41 pending House STA
SB 26 by Merrick
federal law changes are enacted by Congress. SB 102 exempts
SB 26 pending House STA
SB 102 by Senate STA
Alaska from daylight savings time. HB 229 is a companion to SB 102.
SB 102 pending Senate Rules
HB 229 by Holland
HB 229 pending House STA
HB 42 by Allard
Eliminates moratorium on ability to issue new debt using the school
HB 42 pending Education
bond debt reimbursement program.
HB 60/SB 67 by governor
Increases purchase price differential for required in-state purchases of
HB 60 pending House L&C
food & fishery products by the state, municipalities & school districts.
SB 67 pending Senate RES
HB 107 by Tomaszewski
Allows school districts and other public employers to participate in the
Pending Finance
Supplemental Benefits System.
HB 108 by Rauscher
Provides certain peace officers a choice between a defined benefit
Pending State Affairs
pension versus the current 401 k plan.
HB 133 by Himschoot
Creates a payment deadline for the state of 30 days for all grants or
HB133 pending House Finance
SB 129 by Kawasaki
other agreements, with a 21 -day deadline if federal funds involved.
SB 129 moved out Senate CRA 2/3
HB 146 by Hall
Clarifies requirement in state law prohibiting public employers from
Pending State Affairs
disclosing certain personal information such as email addresses.
HB 155 by Foster
Expands only allowable local options on sale of alcohol to include
Pending CRA
restaurant licensee, beverage dispensary, or municipal package store.
HB 163 by Underwood
Requires 4 -year terms for municipal governing bodies and school
Pending CRA
boards. Moves Election Day to November and makes it a legal holiday.
HB 169 by Tomaszewski
Increases state property tax exemption for senior citizens, disabled
Pending CRA
veterans and widow/widower provision from $150,000 to $250,000.
HB 193 by Hall
Creates paid parental leave program using unemployment insurance
Pending Finance
funds. Increases funding for Success Training Employment Program.
HB 254 by Vance
Prohibits an increase in municipal property tax assessments by no
Pending CRA
more than 5% over the previous ear's assessed value.
HB 286 by Elam
Allows a municipality to enact an optional property tax exemption for
Scheduled CRA 2/17
volunteer firefighters, and EMS or mobile intensive care paramedics.
HB 291 by Coulombe
Permits a municipal owner of a landfill to exempt disposal of waste
Referred CRA, Finance
material from a fee for an owner of a deteriorated property.
HIS 301 by Galvin
Amends state law to prohibit explicitly discrimination based on sexual
Referred State Affairs, Finance
orientation or gender identity.
SJR 3 by Claman
Proposes constitutional amendment to limit regular sessions of the
Pending Judiciary
legislature to 90 days.
SB 10 by Dunbar
Requires state to procure a family leave insurance plan. Political
Pending Labor & Commerce
subdivisions may elect to join.
SB 21 by Wielechowski
Creates Alaska Word & Save Program for employees who are not part
Scheduled Finance 2/17
of a qualified retirement plan.
SB 27 by Kiehl
Allows teachers & other public employees a choice between a defined
Pending Labor & Commerce
benefit DBpension versus the current defined contribution DC Ian.
SB 28 by Giessel
Provides defined benefit plan for all new public employees. L&C CS
SB 28 pending Senate L&C
HB 78 by House Finance
requires new employees must join the new DB plan.
HB 78 heard/held Senate FIN 2/9
SB 34 by Giessel
Repeals 90 -day session limit.
Moved out Finance 2/3
SB 42 by Gray -Jackson
Omnibus law enforcement reform bill adding required municipal police
Pending Community & Regional
officer standards and reporting of incidents of use of force.
Affairs
SB 50 by Dunbar
Amends state law to require a housing plan under the comprehensive
Pending House Rules
plan requirement for first and second class boroughs.
SB 53 by Gray -Jackson
Imposes accreditation standards for law enforcement agencies in
Pending State Affairs
Alaska including a municipal police department.
Mark Hickey & Andrea Watts February 15, 2026
Measure
Summarj:�����F.1'7
Requires all TRS/PERS employers to participate in SBS system for
Pending Finance
SB 55 by Stedman
those not in social security. Amended in L&C to shift most costs to
HB 12 by Dibert
employers through 2037.
Pending Education
SB 63 by Cronk
Changes makeup of Local Boundary Commission to require one
Pending Rules
HB 28 by Story
member from unorganized borough. Requires members from each
Pending Senate Education
judicial district to live and vote in that district.
SB 81 by Stedman
Imposes contribution requirement on TRS/PERS employers for past
Moved out Labor & Commerce 2/9
service liability. Likely contradicts current requirement for state to cover.
SB 153 by Yundt
Exempts municipal service area boards from all requirements of state's
Pending CRA
SB 8 by Gray -Jackson
Open Meetings Act.
SB 8 pending Senate Finance
SB 162 by Cronk
Prohibits home rule boroughs or general law municipalities from
SB 162 pending Senate STA
HB 1 by McCabe
imposing a sales or use tax on sale or exchange of old/silverspecie.
HB 1 pending House Finance
SB 184 by Senate
Extends moratorium on the school debt reimbursement program from
Pending Finance
Finance
July 1, 2025, to July 1, 2027.
SB 66 pending Senate EDC
SB 198 by Kaufman
Reduces requirement under current TRS/PERS DC plans to qualify for
Moved out Labor & Commerce 2/6
medical benefits to 25 years.
SB 82 pending Senate EDC
SB 200 by Bjorkman
Requires Schedule F (Form 1040) or similar information to access the
Scheduled CRA 2/17
HB 98 by Fields
exemption provisions of AS 29.45.060 for farm oragricultural land.
HB 98 pending Education
SB 242 by Merrick
Authorizes Department of Public Safety to contract with a municipality
Referred State Affairs, CRA
HB 112 by Bynum
to provide various law enforcement duties for a fee. Requires the state
Pending Finance
to reimburse municipalities for these costs on a sliding scale.
Education Measures
Measure
Summary
Increases charter school funding if districts receive extra funds.
Status
Pending Education
—
HB 9 by Carrick
Provides added medical coverage for children with disabilities.
HB 12 by Dibert
Requires school districts provide free breakfast and lunch subject to
Pending Education
appropriation.
HB 28 by Story
Establishes a student loan repayment pilot program at the
Pending Senate Education
Commission on Postsecondary Education.
HB 38 by Saddler
Allows SBS participation by TRS employees for those not in social
Pending Labor & Commerce
security.
HB 39 by Allard
Requires DEED to establish a centralized program for deaf students
HB 39 passed House 2/2
SB 8 by Gray -Jackson
with residential services.
SB 8 pending Senate Finance
HB 40 by Allard
Districts must designate sports team as male, female or co-ed & bars
Pending Judiciary
trans ender girls from female sports.
HB 59/SB 66 by governor
Establishes a five-year pilot program for state -tribal education compact
HB 59 pending House EDC
schools working with five tribes.
SB 66 pending Senate EDC
HB 76/SB 82 by governor
Omnibus education bill on charter school approval, cell phone bans,
HB 76 pending House EDC
allowing open enrollment and several funding initiatives outside the
SB 82 pending Senate EDC
BSA.
HB 98 by Fields
Establishes maximum K-12 pupil -teacher ratios for certain classrooms
HB 98 pending Education
HB 165 by Coulombe
at public schools.
HB 165 pending Education
HB 112 by Bynum
Provides a special appropriation of $680 more in the Base Student
Pending Finance
Allocation for FY 2026.
HB 122 by Prax
Eliminates the mandatory Required Local Contribution from K-12
Pending Education
Foundation Formula.
HB 152 by Galvin
Reimposes an education head tax on income of individuals, S -Corp
Scheduled State Affairs 2/17
partners, trust and estates.
HB 163 by Underwood
Requires 4 -year terms for all local school boards. Makes Election Day
Pending CRA
a legal holiday.
HB 166 by Rauscher
Requires DEED to develop opioid abuse awareness & prevention
Pending Education
curriculum for grades 6-12.
HB 183 by Story
Increases funding to a full-time equivalent count for students in a
Pending Finance
district -wide early education program.
HB 204/SB 182 by
New K-12 funding bill with a $560 BSA increase, open enrollment,
I
HB 204 pending House Finance
governor
more correspondence study money, and reading incentive grants.
SB 182 pending Senate Finance
Mark Hickey & Andrea Watts February 15, 2026
Measure
HB 212 by Story
Summa
Clarifies in-kind contributions by a school district are not subject to
Status
Pending Education
local required contribution cap.
HB 219 by Costello
Creates new corporate income tax credit for support of career and
Pending Labor & Commerce
technical education.
HB 223 by Schwanke
Increase funding for correspondence study using the special needs
Pending Education
factor and intensive services figure.
HB 231 by Frier
Creates teacher bonus payments, exit interviews, reopener for former,
Pending Education
non -vested PERS DB members in TRS DC to stay in DB, and
broadens rural eligibility for Teacher Education Loan Program.
HB 237 Underwood
Creates new mathematics education program modeled after approach
HB 237 pending House EDC
SB 197 by Hughes
under the Alaska Reads Act.
SB 197 pending Senate EDC
HB 240 by D. Nelson
Requires school districts to adopt a digital harassment & non-
Pending Education
consensual digital impersonation policy.
HB 246 by Josephson
Increases required funding amount for special education service
Pending Education
agency by 16%.
HB 261 by Story
Changes K-12 annual enrollment counts using past year or average of
Heard & held Education 2/6
last three whichever is higher.
HB 248 by Galvin
Requires correspondence assessment participation to equal or exceed
Pending Education
a district's assessment rate.
HB 256 by Stapp
Creates new funding factor for students of military families and a
Pending Military & Veteran Affairs
purple star designation program.
HB 288 by Fields
Eliminates the cap in the foundation formula on local contributions
Referred Education, Finance
beyond the required local contribution.
SJR 22 by Tobin
Constitutional amendment recognizing cultural heritage of Alaska
Pending Education
Natives & American Indians in state's public educations stem.
SB 3 by Hughes
Requires school districts to allow arming of individuals if requested
Pending Education
subject to various requirements.
SB 6 by Gray -Jackson
Requires education in history & contributions of Asian Americans and
Moved out House Education 2/13
Pacific Islanders in the U.S.
SB 20 by Gray -Jackson
Requires DEED to develop and implement education of public
SB 20 passed Senate 2/11
HB 92 by Gray
students with hands-on CPR training.
HB 92 pending House Education
SB 22 by Wielechowski
Requires school districts to provide all high school students a financial
SB 22 pending Senate FIN
HB 90 by Eischeid
literacy education course.
HB 90 pending House FIN
SB 23 by Stevens
Adds civics exam requirement to graduate from secondary school.
SB 23 heard/held Senate FIN 2/11
HB 168 by Johnson
HB 168 pending House EDC
SB 41 by Gray -Jackson
Directs DEED to develop guidelines for mental health instruction in
SB 41 pending Senate Finance
HB 105 by Galvin
consultation with the Health department and others.
HB 105 pending House Rules
SS for SB 46 by Claman
Replaces current K-12 education funding mechanism with a direct
Pending Education
appropriation.
SB 93 by Tobin
Amends foundation formula to count a student in early education as a
Pending Finance
full-time equivalent student.
SB 101 by Gray -Jackson
Requires DEED to establish a health and personal safety program for
Pending Education
K-12 public schools.
SB 127 by Gray -Jackson
Adds required services for visually impaired children including braille
Pending Education
instruction.
SB 143 by Yundt
Permits municipalities to use four-year terms for school board
SB 143 pending Senate CRA
HB 160 by Moore
members.
HB 160 pending House Education
SB 146 by Senate Finance
Permits use of REAA & small municipal school district fund for Mt.
SB 146 sched. Senate floor 2/16
Ed ecumbe & teacher housing projects.
SB 151 by Bjorkman
Requires school districts adopt a policy on students with live head lice.
Pending Finance
Students cannot attend school.
SB 187 by Wielechowski
Prohibits certain food additives in public school meals.
Pending Education
SB 204 by Cronk
Allows school board member to substitute teach. Prohibits felons from
Pending Education
serving on school board.
SB 206 by Tobin
Requires reporting of bullying in schools and suicide threats. Creates
Heard & held HSS 2/10
firearm safe storage grant fund.
SB 209 by Bjorkman
Adds high school graduation requirement for civics, US history & state
Pending Education
history proficiency.
SB 210 by Tobin
Adds state policy to encourage recognition of Indigenous cultures in
Scheduled Education 2/16
public education.
Mark Hickey & Andrea Watts February 15, 2026
Fishery & Resources Issues
Measure
Summary
Status
HB 33 by Stutes
Allows members of Game or Fisheries Boards to deliberate and discuss
Scheduled Senate CRA 2/17
SB 149 by Wielechowski
matters if they or a family member have a personal or financial interest.
SB 149 pending Senate L&C
HB 93 by Himschoot
Changes hunting, trapping and sport fishing residency requirements to
Scheduled Senate Judiciary 2/16
governor
match allowable absences to receive a permanent fund dividend.
SB 150 scheduled Senate L&C 2/18
HB 111/SB 108 by
Authorizes finfish farming in freshwater for fish such as tilapia, catfish,
HB 111 pending House FSH
governor
or carp. Prohibits the farming of salmon.
SB 108 pending Senate RES
HB 117 by House FSH
Allows set gillnet entry permit holders to fish cooperatively. The
Pending Rules
SB 16 by Myers
cooperative can consist of no more than 10 permit holders.
Scheduled Labor & Commerce 2/16
HB 125 by Jimmie
Changes Board of Fisheries composition to provide two seats for
Pending Senate CRA
SB 61 by Tobin
subsistence fishing, two for commercial, two for sport and one for a
Pending Finance
fisheries scientist.
HB 129 by House FSH
Extends fisheries product development tax credit program until 2030
HB 129 pending House FIN
SB 130 by Senate RLS
and expands it. Submitted on behalf of Seafood Industry Task Force.
SB 130 pending Senate FIN
HB 203 by McCabe
Prohibits use of trawl or dredge fishing gear that makes substantial
Pending Fisheries
bottom contact with the seafloor in state waters.
HB 233 by Edgmon
Prohibits hard rock mining activities within the watershed of Bristol Bay
Pending Fisheries
Fisheries Reserve.
HB 253 by Bynum
Expands access to the state fisheries enhancement loan program to
Referred Fisheries
qualified regional associations and federally recognized tribes.
HB 266/SB 216 by
Creates limitations on transfer of big game hunting permits to only
HB 266 pending House RES
governor
qualified persons and only before first day of the relevant open season.
SB 216 scheduled RES 2/18, 2/20
HB 297 by Schwanke
Establishes preference for taking of fishery resources by residents for
Referred Fisheries, Resources
personal/family consumption. Adds factor for BOF allocation decisions
of whether there is a fair & reasonable chance to take the resource.
HB 304 by McCabe
Imposes a new sports fishing anglers access surcharge. Creates new
Scheduled Fisheries 2/19
account based on these charges. Surcharge sunsets January 1, 2032.
SB 29 by B'orkman
Adds executive director for Big Game Commercial Services Board.
Pending House Finance
SB 105/HB 109 by
Expands existing remote cabin sites program to increase access to
SB 105 pending Senate RES
governor
state lands for lease and purchase.
HB 109 pending House RES
SB 131/HB 135 by
Allows the Alaska Seafood Marketing Institute (ASMI) to promote
SB 131 pending Senate Finance
governor
Alaskan mariculture products.
HB 135 pending House Fisheries
SB 135 by Senate Rules
Amends sharing of state fisheries taxes to increase municipal share to
Pending Finance
60% until 2035. Submitted on behalf of Seafood Industry Task Force.
SB 199 by Giessel
Repeals the Alaska Commercial Fisheries Limited Entry Commission
Pending Resources
and transfers its duties to Department of Fish & Game.
Energy Matters
Measure
Summary
Status
HB 153 by Holland
Establishes a Renewable Energy Portfolio Standard (RPS) for Alaska
HB 153 pending House Energy
SB 149 by Wielechowski
and requires inclusion in an integrated resource plan.
SB 149 pending Senate L&C
HB 164/SB 150 by
Requires certain utilities to provide net metering service and establishes
HB 164 sched. House Energy 2/19
governor
a net metering reimbursement fund at Alaska Energy Authority.
SB 150 scheduled Senate L&C 2/18
HB 196 by Burke
Places 20% of carbon offset revenue into the renewable energy grant
Pending Energy
fund and requires AEA to provide technical support to communities
under 2,000 in population to prepare grant applications for projects.
SB 16 by Myers
Provides a simplified rate filing procedure for utility rate adjustments
Scheduled Labor & Commerce 2/16
subject to Regulatory Commission of Alaska approval.
SB 61 by Tobin
Establishes an electronic products stewardship program. Includes
Pending Finance
electronics recycling advisory council and grant program authority.
SB 91 by Senate
Creates new program at Department of Natural Resources to allow
Pending Resources
Resources
I clean energy projects to obtain a license for use of state lands.
SB 120 by Gray -Jackson
Establishes the Alaska Climate Change Emergency Response
Pending Finance
Commission, with 9 municipal representatives out of 16 members.
Mark Hickey & Andrea Watts February 15, 2026
Election &Voting Issues
Measure
Summary
Status
HB 16 by Schrage
Establishes schedule of campaign contribution limits for individuals &
HB 16 pending Senate Rules
SB 116 by Senate STA
groups. Includes inflation adjuster.
SB 116 pending Senate Finance
HJR 31 by Fields
Constitutional amendment to prevent corporations & other entities from
Referred JUD, STA, FIN
making contributions. Allows contributions by groups organized solely
to influence elections.
HB 16 by Schrage
Establishes schedule of campaign contribution limits for individuals &
HB 16 pending Senate Rules
:1
SB 116 b Senate STA
groups. Includes inflation adjuster.
SB 116 pendingSenate Finance
HB 21 by Story
Allows voter preregistration for minors at least 16 years of age and
Pending Finance
keeps the registration confidential.
HB 43 by Schrage
Omnibus reform bill allowing same day registration, ballot tracking &
Pending Finance
curing, postage -paid absentee ballots and other reforms.
HB 63/SB 70 by governor
Numerous changes including repeal of PFD voter registration, reducing
HB 63 pending House STA
early voting period, and requiring receipt of absentee ballots by election
SB 70 pending Senate STA
date.
HB 100 by Fields
Imposes a 5% tax on federal campaign spending in state.
Pending State Affairs
SB 64 by Senate Rules
Senate majority reform bill includes same day registration, ballot
Pending House Finance
tracking & curing, and postage -paid absentee ballots. New CS
removes repeal of signature verification.
SB 179 by Senate
Amends ranked choice voting by reducing number of advancing
Pending State Affairs
Judiciary
candidates from 4 to 3 and allowing voters to rank up to two choices.
"Oh no! Not another joint session!" — King Penguins, St. Andrews Bay, South Georgia
Mark Hickey & Andrea Watts February 15, 2026
LEGISLATIVE REPORT #26-0I
Governor's State of the State
• Governor Dunleavy delivered his eighth and final State of the State Address to a joint session of the
members of the 34th Alaska Legislature on January 22. A full copy of his speech can be found here
and a recorded livestream of the address can be found here. The governor primarily reflected on
his accomplishments in the last seven years, including reductions of crime, resource
development, infrastructure investments, and federal funding wins. Highlights include:
• Crime Reductions and Public Safety: Citing public safety as his "No. 1 priority," Dunleavy
said Alaska's overall crime rate dropped 41.8% since he took office, crediting, in part, investment
in troopers, Village Public Safety Officers, prosecutors, and investigators. While the overall crime
rate has decreased statewide, he drew attention to a new partnership the state has formed with
the Municipality of Anchorage to address its disproportionately higher crime rates, citing the
Quality of Life Initiative".
Resource Development: Dunleavy praised President Donald Trump's support for Alaska's
resource development sector, saying his close working relationship with the president
helped secure tens of millions of dollars in federal highway funding, promote the Alaska natural
gas pipeline, advance new mining projects, and obtain hundreds of millions of dollars for rural health
care services. He touted the success of the Alaska Industrial Development and Export Authority
(AIDEA), citing the Ambler Access Road and the state's ANWR leases. The governor also
mentioned "reforming and upgrading" the major power transmission system on the Railbelt
and expansion of the Bradley Lake hydro project through the Alaska Energy Authority.
• Federal Funding and Infrastructure Improvements: The governor highlighted the receipt of 183
million in federal funds for transportation infrastructure improvements, advancements in the
Kotzebue and Nome port projects for "expanded Arctic shipping and national security interests," and
the implementation of a Preventative Maintenance System for the Alaska Marine Highway ferries.
Governor Introduces Fiscal Plan
• Governor Dunleavy introduced several bills this week as a comprehensive fiscal plan.
Included is a statewide sales tax, restructuring the Permanent Fund dividend program, oil tax
changes and elimination of the state's corporate income tax in 2031. These proposals are
estimated to generate around $900 million in annual revenue.
• HB 2841SB 227 proposes a temporary 2% sales tax which increases to 4% April thru
September. The bill also limits exemptions on municipal sales taxes, increases oil taxes, adds
online corporate income tax (vetoed SB 113) and eliminates state's corporate income tax in 2031.
Passage of the tax bill is contingent on adopting the other components of his fiscal plan.
• HJR 30 proposes a constitutional amendment enshrining the Permanent Fund dividend
based on 50/50 split between dividends and government services. The bill also combines the
two accounts in the Permanent Fund and caps the allowed annual draw at 5%.
• HB 2751SB 223 amends the state's appropriation limit by reducing allowable growth in state
spending from 5% to 1%. The final piece (HB 274/SB 222) requires a sunset review of all state
agencies by the Legislative Budget & Audit Committee every six years. Sunsets agency unless the
legislature acts by law to continue.
Mark Hickey & Andrea Watts February 1, 2026
Alaska Liquid Natural Gas Pipeline Update
• Development of the Alaska liquid natural gas (LNG) pipeline is expected to be a major topic during
this session. Glenfarne, the developer of the project, recently announced it has completed
several preliminary agreements that they expect will allow laying pipe as early as December
2026. Many observers, including members of leadership in both bodies, are expressing caution
since these agreements are not binding.
• Preliminary agreements include deals with Exxon Mobile and Hilcorp to provide North Slope gas and
letters of intent to supply gas to major users such as Enstar and the Donlin Gold Mine developer
which are critical to proceeding with the first phase of the project to build the line. Glenfarne went
on to state it has not reached a final investment decision in the Alaska LNG project.
• The second phase of the project requires construction of a gas liquefaction plant at Nikiski and a gas
treatment plant on the North Slope to support delivery of LNG to Asian countries. Glenfarne reports
preliminary purchase agreements are in place with buyers in Japan, Korea, Taiwan and Thailand.
The construction cost for both phases has long been estimated at $44 billion. Glenfarne apparently
has updated the cost estimate but has not publicly released it.
• Other unresolved elements to allow the project to proceed include possible long-term state
tax or royalty changes or deals and state investment, if any, given the state's 25% ownership
in the project's development.
Legislature Welcomes New Members in House and Senate
• Following the resignation of Senators Mike Shower (R-Wasilla) and Shelly Hughes (R -Palmer) due
to their respective bids for Lieutenant Governor and Governor in this year's election, Governor
Dunleavy appointed former Representatives Cathy Tilton (R-Wasilla) and George Rauscher
(R -Sutton) to their seats. Consequently, the vacancies in the House were filled by Steve St.
Clair (replacing Tilton) and Garett Nelson (replacing Rauscher).
• Leadership & Committee Changes: In addition to the new appointments in the House and Senate,
the House minority chose Rep. Delena Johnson (R -Palmer) to replace Rep. Mia Costello (R -
Anchorage) as Minority Leader, and the Senate minority chose Senator Mike Cronk (R-
Tok/Northway) to fill the role of minority leader, a position left vacant by Shower's departure. Lastly,
an updated committee list can be found here.
Other Capitol News
Legislature Fails to Override Governor's Veto of SB 113: In the first week of session, a joint
floor session of the legislature failed to override the governor's veto of Senate Bill No. 113 by
a vote of 35-25. The bill would generate an estimated $25-65 million annually for public education
programs by taxing out-of-state and international corporations to pay corporate taxes based on
location of their sales rather than the location of their physical infrastructure. New versions of the
proposal have been introduced by the House Rules Committee and as a part of the governor's fiscal
plan.
• Defined Benefit Pension Bill Moves: House Bill No. 78 by the House Finance Committee creates
a new defined benefit (DB) plan option for new public employees. The bill passed the House at
the end of last session and moved out of the Senate Labor & Commerce Committee on
January 30. The latest version requires new employees must join the new DB plan. The measure
now moves to the Senate Finance Committee.
Mark Hickey & Andrea Watts February 1, 2026
Summary of State Legislation
Below is a list of legislative measures of interest, divided into six main topics: fiscal measures,
general municipal issues, education measures, fishery & resource issues, energy matters,
and election & voting issues. House measures are described first, followed by Senate
measures. Companion bills (measures in both bodies) are listed together. Priority focus
will be on those likely to get traction. Happy to address other measures if asked. More
information about these measures can be found at Alaska Municipal League Legislative
Tracker or Alaska State Legislature. Check out what your legislators are doing. New bills
are in BLUE, change in status in RED, and passed bills in GREEN.
From one swamp to another?
Fiscal Measures
Measure
Summary
Status
HJR 10 by Schrage
Creates a single account in the Permanent Fund and allows no more
HJR 10 pending House FIN
SJR 14 by Senate FIN
than an annual 5% POMV draw.
SJR 14 pending Senate FIN
HJR 30 by governor
Constitutional amendment enshrining Permanent Fund dividend based
HJR 30 referred Finance
on 50/50 split between dividends and government services. Combines
two accounts in Fund capping annual draw at 5%. Part of governor's
fiscal plan
HB 263/SB 213 by
FY 2027 Operating Budget: Fully funds BSA including $700 per pupil
HB 263 referred House Finance
governor
increase approved last August. Funds school debt reimbursement at
SB 213 referred Senate Finance
100%.
HB 264/SB 214 by
FY 2027 Capital Budget: No funds for renewable energy grants or K-12
HB 264 referred House Finance
governor
major maintenance projects. Transportation match in supplemental.
SB 214 referred Senate Finance
HB 209 by Fields
Caps the amount for annual PFD at $1,000 and limits payment to a
Pending Judiciary
needs -based system.
HB 274/SB 222 by
Requires sunset review of all state agencies by the Legislative Budget
HB 274 referred House L&C, FIN
governor
& Audit Committee every six years. Sunsets agency unless legislature
SB 222 referred Senate Finance
acts by law to continue. Part of governor's fiscal plan.
HB 275/SB 223 by
Amends state's appropriation limit by reducing allowable growth in state
HB 275 referred Senate Finance
governor
spending from 5% to 1 %. Part ofgovernor's fiscal plan
SB 223 referred Senate Finance
HB 284/SB 227 by
Proposes a temporary 2% sales tax which increases to 4% April thru
HB 284 sched. House FIN 2/5, 2/6
governor
September. Also increases oil taxes, adds online corporate income tax
SB 227 scheduled Senate RES 2/6
vetoed SB 113 and eliminates state's corporate income tax in 2031.
SJR 2 by Claman
Proposes constitutional amendment to change veto override threshold
Passed State Affairs 1/22/26
from 3/4ths to two-thirds of legislature.
SJR 5 by Kaufman
Proposes constitutional amendment to convert the Permanent Fund to
Pending Judiciary
a single account with a maximum 5.5% POMV allowed. Places
dividend in the constitution with formula subject to voter approval.
SB 24 by Stevens
Proposes state retail tax of 25% on e -cigarette products and changes
SB 24 pending House FIN
HB 49 by Hannan
thea a to use tobacco from 19 to 21 for possession.
HB 49 pending House FIN
SB 92 by Senate
Proposes a 9.4% tax on income over $5 million earned by S corpora-
Pending Rules
Resources
tions. The bill targets Hilcor , the company that runs Prudhoe Bay.
SB 96 by Senate Rules
Extends sunset date for education tax credits. Fixes legal problem with
Signed into law by governor 7/30/25
similar bill passed last year.
SB 109 by Hoffman
Institutes a 75/25 split of the annual permanent fund draw between
Pending Finance
entire committee
state services and the dividend.
SB 112 by Senate Rules
Reforms Alaska's per barrel oil tax credit to increase state revenue and
Pending Resources
tightens its use.
SB 113 by Senate Rules
Amends state's corporate income tax to include online sales from
I
SB 113 override vote failed 1/22/26
I
HB 280 by House Rules
outside corporations.
HB 280 referred House Finance
Mark Hickey & Andrea Watts February 1, 2026
General Municipal Issues
Measure
Summary
Status
HB 3 by Rauscher
Moves regular legislative sessions from Juneau to Anchorage.
Pending CRA
HB 13 by Gray
Permits a municipality to exempt or partially exempt from taxation a
Pending Senate CRA
structure converted from a short-term to long-term rental unit.
HB 17 by Rauscher
Removes PERS retirement eligibility restrictions for disabled veterans
Pending Senate Finance
with service -connected condition.
HB 29 by Vance
Allows municipalities and school district to join state's health insurance
HB 29 pending House EDC
SB 5 by Hughes
program.
SB 5 pending Senate EDC
HB 41 by Allard
HB 41/SB 26 places Alaska permanently on daylight saving time if
HB 41 pending House STA
SB 26 by Merrick
federal law changes are enacted by Congress. SB 102 exempts
SB 26 pending House STA
SB 102 by Senate STA
Alaska from daylight savings time. HB 229 is a companion to SB 102.
SB 102 pending Senate Rules
HB 229 by Holland
HB 229 referred House STA
HB 42 by Allard
Eliminates moratorium on ability to issue new debt using the school
HB 42 pending Education
bond debt reimbursement program.
HB 60/SB 67 by governor
Increases purchase price differential for required in-state purchases of
HB 60 pending House L&C
food & fishery products by the state, municipalities & school districts.
SB 67 pending Senate RES
HB 107 by Tomaszewski
Allows school districts and other public employers to participate in the
Pending Finance
Supplemental Benefits System.
HB 108 by Rauscher
Provides certain peace officers a choice between a defined benefit
Pending State Affairs
pension versus the current 401 k plan.
HB 133 by Himschoot
Creates a payment deadline for the state of 30 days for all grants or
HB133 heard/held H FIN 1/22, 1/29
SB 129 by Kawasaki
other agreements, with a 21 -day deadline if federal funds involved.
SB 129 sched. Senate CRA 2/3
HB 146 by Hall
Clarifies requirement in state law prohibiting public employers from
Pending State Affairs
disclosing certain personal information such as email addresses.
HB 155 by Foster
Expands only allowable local options on sale of alcohol to include
Pending CRA
restaurant licensee, beverage dispensary, or municipal package store.
HB 163 by Underwood
Requires 4 -year terms for municipal governing bodies and school
Pending CRA
boards. Moves Election Day to November and makes it a legal holiday.
HB 169 by Tomaszewski
Increases state property tax exemption for senior citizens, disabled
Pending CRA
veterans and widow/widower provision from $150,000 to $250,000.
HB 193 by Hall
Creates paid parental leave program using unemployment insurance
Pending Finance
funds. Increases funding for Success Training Employment Program.
HB 254 by Vance
Prohibits an increase in municipal property tax assessments by no
Referred CRA, L&C
more than 5% over the previous ear's assessed value.
HB 286 by Elam
Allows a municipality to enact an optional property tax exemption for
Referred CRA, Finance
volunteer firefighters, and EMS or mobile intensive care paramedics.
SJR 3 by Claman
Proposes constitutional amendment to limit regular sessions of the
Pending Judiciary
legislature to 90 days.
SB 10 by Dunbar
Requires state to procure a family leave insurance plan. Political
Pending Labor & Commerce
subdivisions may elect to join.
SB 21 by Wielechowski
Creates Alaska Word & Save Program for employees who are not part
Pending Finance
of a qualified retirement plan.
SB 27 by Kiehl
Allows teachers & other public employees a choice between a defined
Pending Labor & Commerce
benefit DB pension versus the current defined contribution DC plan.
SB 28 by Giessel
Provides defined benefit plan for all new public employees. L&C CS
SB 28 pending Senate L&C
HB 78 by House Finance
requires new employees must join the new DB plan.
HB 78 passed Senate L&C 1/30
SB 34 by Giessel
Repeals 90 -day session limit.
Scheduled Finance 2/3
SB 42 by Gray -Jackson
Omnibus law enforcement reform bill adding required municipal police
Pending Community & Regional
officer standards and reporting of incidents of use of force.
Affairs
SB 50 by Dunbar
Amends state law to require a housing plan under the comprehensive
Pending House Rules
Ian requirement for first and second class boroughs.
SB 53 by Gray -Jackson
Imposes accreditation standards for law enforcement agencies in
Pending State Affairs
Alaska including a municipal police department.
SB 55 by Stedman
Requires all TRS/PERS employers to participate in SBS system for
Pending Finance
those not in social security. Amended in L&C to shift most costs to
employers through 2037.
SB 63 by Cronk
Changes makeup of Local Boundary Commission to require one
Pending Rules
member from unorganized borough. Requires members from each
judicial district to live and vote in that district.
Mark Hickey & Andrea Watts February 1, 2026
Measure
Summan�����
Imposes contribution requirement on TRS/PERS employers for past
Scheduled Labor & Commerce 2/2
SB 81 by Stedman
Provides added medical coverage for children with disabilities.
service liability. Likely contradicts current requirement for state to cover.
Requires school districts provide free breakfast and lunch subject to
SB 153 by Yundt
Exempts municipal service area boards from all requirements of state's
Pending CRA
Open Meetings Act.
Establishes a student loan repayment pilot program at the
SB 162 by Cronk
Prohibits home rule boroughs or general law municipalities from
SB 162 pending Senate STA
HB 1 by McCabe
imposing a sales or use tax on sale or exchange of old/silverspecie.
HB 1 pending House Finance
SB 184 by Senate
Extends moratorium on the school debt reimbursement program from
Pending Rules
Finance
July 1, 2025, to July 1, 2027.
Requires DEED to establish a centralized program for deaf students
SB 198 by Kaufman
Reduces requirement under current TRS/PERS DC plans to qualify for
Scheduled Labor & Commerce 2/6
SB 8 pending Senate Finance
medical benefits to 25 years.
Districts must designate sports team as male, female or co-ed & bars
SB 200 by Bjorkman
Requires Schedule F (Form 1040) or similar information to access the
Referred CRA, Resources
exemption provisions of AS 29.45.060 for farm ora ricultural land.
Establishes a five-year pilot program for state -tribal education compact
Education Measures
Measure
Summary Status
Increases charter school funding if districts receive extra funds. Pending Education
HB 9 by Carrick
Provides added medical coverage for children with disabilities.
HB 12 by Dibert
Requires school districts provide free breakfast and lunch subject to
Pending Education
appropriation.
HB 28 by Story
Establishes a student loan repayment pilot program at the
Pending Senate Education
Commission on Postsecondary Education.
HB 38 by Saddler
Allows SBS participation by TRS employees for those not in social
Pending Labor & Commerce
security.
HB 39 by Allard
Requires DEED to establish a centralized program for deaf students
SB 8 by Gray -Jackson
with residential services.
SB 8 pending Senate Finance
HB 40 by Allard
Districts must designate sports team as male, female or co-ed & bars
Pending Judiciary
trans ender girls from femalesports.
HB 59/SB 66 by governor
Establishes a five-year pilot program for state -tribal education compact
HB 59 pending House EDC
schools working with five tribes.
SB 66 pending Senate EDC
HB 69 by Himschoot
Legislature approved a stripped -down version with a BSA increase of
Vetoed by governor 4/17, override
$1,000 per student only.
vote failed 33-27 4/22
HB 76/SB 82 by governor
Omnibus education bill on charter school approval, cell phone bans,
HB 76 pending House EDC
allowing open enrollment and several funding initiatives outside the
SB 82 pending Senate EDC
BSA.
HB 98 by Fields
Establishes maximum K-12 pupil -teacher ratios for certain classrooms
HB 98 pending Education
HB 165 by Coulombe
at public schools.
HB 165 pending Education
HB 112 by Bynum
Provides a special appropriation of $680 more in the Base Student
Pending Finance
Allocation for FY 2026.
HB 122 by Prax
Eliminates the mandatory Required Local Contribution from K-12
Pending Education
Foundation Formula.
HB 152 by Galvin
Reimposes an education head tax on income of individuals, S -Corp
Pending State Affairs
partners, trust and estates.
HB 163 by Underwood
Requires 4 -year terms for all local school boards. Makes Election Day
Pending CRA
a legal holiday.
HB 166 by Rauscher
Requires DEED to develop opioid abuse awareness & prevention
Pending Education
curriculum for grades 6-12.
HB 183 by Story
Increases funding to a full-time equivalent count for students in a
Pending Finance
district -wide early education program.
HB 204/SB 182 by
New K-12 funding bill with a $560 BSA increase, open enrollment,
HB 204 pending House Finance
governor
charter schools reform, and more money for correspondence study &
SB 182 pending Senate Finance
reading incentive grants.
HB 212 by Story
Clarifies in-kind contributions by a school district are not subject to
Pending Education
local required contribution cap.
HB 219 by Costello
Creates new corporate income tax credit for support of career and
Pending Labor & Commerce
technical education.
HB 223 by Schwanke
Increase funding for correspondence study using the special needs
Pending Education
factor and intensive services figure.
Mark Hickey & Andrea Watts February 1, 2026
Measure
HB 231 by Frier
Summa
Creates teacher bonus payments, exit interviews, reopener for former,
Status
Referred Education, Finance
non -vested PERS DB members in TRS DC to stay in DB, and
broadens rural eligibility for Teacher Education Loan Program.
HB237 Underwood
Creates new mathematics education program modeled after approach
HB 237 referred House EDC, FIN
SB 197 by Hughes
under the Alaska Reads Act.
SB 197 referred Senate EDC, FIN
HB 240 by D. Nelson
Requires school districts to adopt a digital harassment & non-
Referred Education, Finance
consensual digital impersonation policy.
HB 246 by Josephson
Increases required funding amount for special education service
Referred Education, Finance
agency by 16%.
HB 261 by Story
Changes K-12 annual enrollment counts using past year or average of
Scheduled Education 2/2, 2/6
last three whichever is higher.
HB 248 by Galvin
Requires correspondence assessment participation to equal or exceed
Referred Education, Finance
a district's assessment rate.
HB 256 by Stapp
Creates new funding factor for students of military families and a
Referred Military & Veteran Affairs,
purple star designation program.
Education, Finance
SJR 22 by Tobin
Constitutional amendment recognizing cultural heritage of Alaska
Referred Education, State Affairs
Natives & American Indians in state's public educations stem.
SB 3 by Hughes
Requires school districts to allow arming of individuals if requested
Pending Education
subject to various requirements.
SB 6 by Gray -Jackson
Requires education in history & contributions of Asian Americans and
Scheduled House Education 2/2,
Pacific Islanders in the U.S.
2/6
SB 20 by Gray -Jackson
Requires DEED to develop and implement education of public
SB 20 sched. Senate Finance 2/3
HB 92 by Gray
students with hands-on CPR training.
HB 92 pending House Education
SB 22 by Wielechowski
Requires school districts to provide all high school students a financial
SB 22 pending Senate FIN
HB 90 by Eischeid
literacy education course.
HB 90 pending House FIN
SB 23 by Stevens
Adds civics exam requirement to graduate from secondary school.
SB 23 pending Senate Finance
HB 168 by Johnson
HB 168 pending House EDC
SB 41 by Gray -Jackson
Directs DEED to develop guidelines for mental health instruction in
SB 41 pending Senate Finance
HB 105 by Galvin
consultation with the Health department and others.
HB 105 pending House Rules
SS for SB 46 by Claman
Replaces current K-12 education funding mechanism with a direct
Pending Education
appropriation.
SB 93 by Tobin
Amends foundation formula to count a student in early education as a
Pending Finance
full-time equivalent student.
SB 101 by Gray -Jackson
Requires DEED to establish a health and personal safety program for
Pending Education
K-12 public schools.
SB 127 by Gray -Jackson
Adds required services for visually impaired children including braille
Pending Education
instruction.
SB 143 by Yundt
Permits municipalities to use four-year terms for school board
SB 143 pending Senate CRA
HB 160 by Moore
members. I
HB 160 pending House Education
SB 146 by Senate Finance
Permits use of REAA & small municipal school district fund for Mt.
SB 146 pending Senate Finance
HB 174 by Burke
Ed ecumbe & teacher housing projects.
HB 174 vetoed 7/30/25
SB 151 by Bjorkman
Requires school districts adopt a policy on students with live head lice.
Pending Finance
Students cannot attend school.
SB 187 b Wielechowski
Prohibits certain food additives in public school meals.
Pending Education
SB 204 by Cronk
Allows school board member to substitute teach. Prohibits felons from
Scheduled Education 2/4
serving on school board.
SB 206 by Tobin
Requires reporting of bullying in schools and suicide threats. Creates
Referred HSS, Finance
firearm safe storage grant fund.
SB 209 by Bjorkman
Adds high school graduation requirement for civics, US history & state
Referred Education, Finance
history proficiency.
SB 210 by Tobin
Adds state policy to encourage recognition of Indigenous cultures in
Referred Education, Finance
public education.
Fishery & Resources Issues
Mark Hickey & Andrea Watts February 1, 2026
Measure
Summary
Status
HB 33 by Stutes
Allows members of Game or Fisheries Boards to deliberate and discuss
Pending Senate CRA
SB 149 pending Senate L&C
matters if they or a family member have a personal or financial interest.
Requires certain utilities to provide net metering service and establishes
HB 93 by Himschoot
Changes hunting, trapping and sport fishing residency requirements to
Passed House 1/30/26
SB 150 pending Senate L&C
match allowable absences to receive a permanent fund dividend.
Places 20% of carbon offset revenue into the renewable energy grant
HB 111/SB 108 by
Authorizes finfish farming in freshwater for fish such as tilapia, catfish,
HB 111 pending House FSH
governor
or carp. Prohibits the farming of salmon.
SB 108 pending Senate RES
HB 116 by House FSH
Exempts cooperative agreements for commercial fishing from insurance
HB 116 signed into law 7/24/25
SB 115 by Senate RLS
regulation. Submitted on behalf of Seafood Industry Task Force.
SB 115 pending Senate L&C
HB 117 by House FSH
Allows set gillnet entry permit holders to fish cooperatively. The
Pending Rules
Pending Finance
cooperative can consist of no more than 10 permit holders.
electronics recycling advisory council and grant program authority.
HB 125 by Jimmie
Changes Board of Fisheries composition to provide two seats for
Pending Senate CRA
Pending Resources
subsistence fishing, two for commercial, two for sport and one for a
I clean energy projects to obtain a license for use of state lands.
fisheries scientist.
Establishes the Alaska Climate Change Emergency Response
HB 129 by House FSH
Extends fisheries product development tax credit program until 2030
HB 129 pending House FIN
SB 130 by Senate RLS
and expands it. Submitted on behalf of Seafood Industry Task Force.
SB 130 pending Senate FIN
HB 203 by McCabe
Prohibits use of trawl or dredge fishing gear that makes substantial
Pending Fisheries
bottom contact with the seafloor in state waters.
HB 233 by Edgmon
Prohibits hard rock mining activities within the watershed of Bristol Bay
Pending Fisheries
Fisheries Reserve.
HB 253 by Bynum
Expands access to the state fisheries enhancement loan program to
Referred FSH, Finance
qualified regional associations and federally recognized tribes.
Hb 266/SB 216 by
Creates limitations on transfer of big game hunting permits to only
HB 266 referred RES, FIN
governor
qualified persons and only before first day of the relevant open season.
SB 216 referred RES, FIN
SB 29 by Bjorkman
Adds executive director for Big Game Commercial Services Board.
Pending House Finance
SB 80 by Senate Labor &
Extends termination date of the Big Game Commercial Services Board
Signed into law 7/3/25
Commerce
from June 30, 2024, to June 30, 2032.
SB 97 by Senate Rules
Establishes big game commercial concession permit program on state
Signed into law 6/24/25
land, starting with a pilot program. Fixes problem created last year.
SB 105/HB 109 by
Expands existing remote cabin sites program to increase access to
SB 105 pending Senate RES
governor
state lands for lease and purchase.
HB 109 pending House RES
SB 131/HB 135 by
Allows the Alaska Seafood Marketing Institute (ASMI) to promote
SB 131 pending Senate Finance
governor
Alaskan mariculture products.
HB 135 pending House Fisheries
SB 135 by Senate Rules
Amends sharing of state fisheries taxes to increase municipal share to
Pending Finance
60% until 2035. Submitted on behalf of Seafood Industry Task Force.
SB 156 by Senate Rules
Provides one-time infusion of money to the Commercial Fishing &
SB 156 vetoed 7/16/25
HB 199 by House FSH
Agriculture Bank. Submitted on behalf of Seafood Industry Task Force.
HB 199 pending House Rules
SB 199 by Giessel
Repeals the Alaska Commercial Fisheries Limited Entry Commission
Referred Resources, Finance
and transfers its duties to Department of Fish & Game.
Energy Matters
Measure
HB 153 by Holland
Summary
Establishes a Renewable Energy Portfolio Standard (RPS) for Alaska
Status
HB 153 pending House Energy
SB 149 by Wielechowski
and requires inclusion in an integrated resource plan.
SB 149 pending Senate L&C
HB 164/SB 150 by
Requires certain utilities to provide net metering service and establishes
HB 164 pending House Energy
governor
a net metering reimbursement fund at Alaska Energy Authority.
SB 150 pending Senate L&C
HB 196 by Burke
Places 20% of carbon offset revenue into the renewable energy grant
Pending Energy
fund and requires AEA to provide technical support to communities
under 2,000 in population to prepare grant applications for projects.
SB 16 by Myers
Provides a simplified rate filing procedure for utility rate adjustments
Pending Labor & Commerce
subject to Regulatory Commission of Alaska approval.
SB 61 by Tobin
Establishes an electronic products stewardship program. Includes
Pending Finance
electronics recycling advisory council and grant program authority.
SB 91 by Senate
Creates new program at Department of Natural Resources to allow
Pending Resources
Resources
I clean energy projects to obtain a license for use of state lands.
SB 120 by Gray -Jackson
Establishes the Alaska Climate Change Emergency Response
Pending Finance
Commission, with 9 municipal representatives out of 16 members.
Mark Hickey & Andrea Watts February 1, 2026
Election &Voting Issues
Measure
Summary
Status
HB 16 by Schrage
Establishes schedule of campaign contribution limits for individuals &
HB 16 pending Senate Rules
SB 116 by Senate STA
groups. Includes inflation adjuster.
SB 116 pending Senate Finance
HIS 21 by Story
Allows voter preregistration for minors at least 16 years of age and
Pending Finance
keeps the registration confidential.
HB 43 by Schrage
Omnibus reform bill allowing same day registration, ballot tracking &
Pending Finance
curing, postage -paid absentee ballots and other reforms.
HB 63/SB 70 by governor
Numerous changes including repeal of PFD voter registration, reducing
HB 63 pending House STA
early voting period, and requiring receipt of absentee ballots by election
SB 70 pending Senate STA
date.
HB 100 by Fields
Imposes a 5% tax on federal campaign spending in state.
Pending State Affairs
SB 64 by Senate Rules
Senate majority reform bill includes same day registration, ballot
Heard & held House Finance 1/29
tracking & curing, and postage -paid absentee ballots. New CS
removes repeal of signature verification.
SB 179 by Senate
Amends ranked choice voting by reducing number of advancing
Pending State Affairs
Judiciary
candidates from 4 to 3 and allowing voters to rank up to two choices.
Mark Hickey & Andrea Watts February 1, 2026
CONTRACTS TRANSMITTAL FORM
RETENTION SCHEDULE: CL -09 CONTRACTS
Records related to obligations under contracts, leases, and other agreements between the Borough and outside parties,
successful bids, and proposals. Active records are kept by the corresponding department. Apply retention (plus 4 years) once
contract or agreement expires, or once product is procured. Apply retention (plus 25 years) for agreements that involve
real property.
DATE: 11 /10/25 TRANSMITTED BY: Aimee Williams
DEPT: Manager
CONTRACT NO.: FY 2026-27 VENDOR OR CONTRACTOR: Hickey & Associates
CONTRACT TITLE(Please provide details that are available such as purpose and/or the amount):
Agreement for Lobbying Services Between Kodiak Island Borough and Hickey & Associates
Administrative contracts are contracts approved by the manager that are within the spending
authority allowed by code. Assembly approved contracts are beyond the manager's spending
authority and require approval by the Assembly during a meeting.
APPROVED BY: Assembly DATE OF APPROVAL: 10/16/25
TYPE OF CONTRACT: Contract
PROVIDE DETAILS FOR ANY AUTOMATIC RENEWALS OR EXTENSIONS BELOW:
EXPIRATION OR REVIEW DATE: 12/31/2028
PURGE DATE: 12/31/2035
If there's no expiration date or the contract is open-ended, enter 9999 in the date field and explain when
it should be flagged for review:
Are all relevant attachments, exhibits, referenced documents attached? 0
Are the successful bids and proposals incorporated in the attachments? ❑
ONLY COMPLETE THIS SECTION IF THE RECORD AMENDS, EXTENDS, IS A
CHANGE ORDER, OR AN ADDENDUM TO AN EXISTING CONTRACT
DATE:
CONTRACT NO.: FY
APPROVED BY: Select One
REQUESTED BY:
CATEGORY: Select One
TYPE OF CONTRACT: Select One
PROVIDE DETAILS FOR ANY AUTOMATIC RENEWALS OR EXTENSIONS BELOW:
EXPIRATION DATE:
PURGE DATE:
If there is no expiration/purge date, enter 9999 as the year for open-ended contracts AND explain the
process below on how or when it should be flagged for review.
Rev. 04/09/2025
AGREEMENT FOR LOBBYING SERVICES BETWEEN
KODIAK ISLAND BOROUGH AND HICKEY & ASSOCIATES
1 . Hickey & Associates (hereinafter the 'Contractor) agrees to represent the Kodiak
Island Borough (hereinafter the "Borough') from January 1, 2026, through December
31, 2028.
2. The firm will represent the Kodiak Island Borough before the Alaska State
Legislature and Stale Administration. Representation will be focused on the various
projects and issues the Borough will have before the Legislature and administrative
agencies of the State of Alaska. Borough representatives will assist with
representation as appropriate on any legislative or agency issues.
3. The firm will report directly to the Borough Manager of the Kodiak Island Borough.
Mr. Hickey will travel to Kodiak to meet with the Manager, Mayor, and Assembly at
least once each year during the term of the contract at a mutually agreeable time.
4. The firm will provide the Borough Manager with regular updates by phone with the
progress of the Borough's projects during the term of this contract. A monthly,
written status report during session and supplemental written reports during the
interim as well as notification of opportunities to testify or provide comments on
behalf of the community, as events warrant, is required. When representatives of the
Kodiak Island Borough travel to Juneau, a schedule of appointments in advance of
the travel date is to be provided.
5. Kodiak Island Borough priorities for this agreement are the following items:
A. Representation of all Kodiak Island Borough issues and concerns before
legislative bodies and administrative agencies of the State of Alaska.
B. The Kodiak Island Borough Capital Improvement Program as adopted by
resolution of the Assembly.
6. The fixed fee for the above services will be $ 45,000 per year, or a total of $90,000
for the contract period. $33,000 of the annual fee will be payable on the first of the
month during the six months of the session (January through June). The remaining
$12,000 will be payable on a quarterly basis for the last two quarters of the year
(September 1 and December 1). Extraordinary out-of-pocket expenses defined as
direct expenses for borough directed travel and major entertainment/meal expenses
shall be reimbursed over and above the fixed fee and must be approved in advance
by the KIB Manager. The Contractor will pay for the annual trips required under
paragraph # 3 above.
Contract No. FY2026-27
7. The parties agree the contract may be terminated by either party with or without
cause, by providing the other party with a written notice of 30 (thirty) days. If the
Borough terminates this agreement and termination falls between scheduled
payment dates, the Contractor shall be compensated on a pro -rated basis.
This agreement constitutes the full agreement between the parties.
KODIAK ISLAND BOROUGH
Aimee Williams, Borough Manager
b'7 NOV 25
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No a M. Javier, MMC, BorotPh Clerk
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Contract No. FY2026-27