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FY2026-27 Agreement for Lobbying Services Between Kodiak Island Borough and Hickey & Associates Including Legislative ReportsGovernor Vetoes Pension Bill; Calls for Special Session • The 34th Alaska Legislature officially adjourned its regular session last Wednesday night, just hours ahead of the midnight deadline. However, due to failed negotiations on the natural gas pipeline legislation, Governor Dunleavy called the legislature back into a single -subject special session to address the Alaska LNG project, starting the following morning. • The end -of -session tension centered on a sweeping floor amendment to Senate Bill No. 180, which served as the primary vehicle to establish the municipal property tax exemptions and fiscal framework for the multi -billion -dollar gasline project—Dunleavy's top priority. However, the adoption of that amendment and subsequent attempts to further address concerns by legislators, the governor, developer, and other key stakeholders, were not adequate to reach a compromise. The gasline legislation was also tied to the Governor's approval of House Bill No. 78, the public pension bill, which he vetoed on May 18 after the high-profile, gasline deal fell apart. In a message accompanying the veto, Dunleavy said that the pension plan "contains unresolved legal, tax, administrative, and fiscal issues that create uncertainty" and that the plan would return "unfunded liability risk to the state and participating employers." Bipartisan legislative leadership sharply criticized the move, arguing that Alaska's public sector recruitment crisis should not be leveraged against unrelated infrastructure policy. An effort the following day to override the veto failed. 33-27, below the needed 40 votes. • Moving forward, some provisions that may be key to reaching a gasline deal include closing the S corporation tax loophole to impose income tax on certain energy producers; implementing sunset provisions; and capping the price at which the gas can be sold to utilities. Including acceptable financial arrangements to address impacts to adjacent municipalities and provide a reasonable return in tax revenues to the state are also critical components. Both the House and the Senate have delayed floor sessions until June 4. In the meantime, the policy work will be conducted by the House and Senate Finance Committees and their staff, in coordination and communication with the Resources Committee members and staff. The House began their work on the first day of the special session and considered the House Resources version of House Bill No. 381 (the presentation by the Department of Revenue can be found here). Members of the Senate Finance Committee are scheduled to return on May 27 to begin work on Senate Bill No. 2001. Finance co-chair Senator Bert Stedman (R-Sitka) noted that because "there is nothing else on the deck," the highly focused, single -subject format will hopefully lead to a less contentious path forward for a final legislative agreement on the project. FY 2027 Operating & Capital Budgets Approved by Legislature • Both the FY 2027 operating and capital budgets were approved by the legislature on the last day of the regular session. Below is a list of highlights from the approved operating budget. • Based on an oil price forecast of $75 per barrel forecast. Keeps $50 million as a reserve. Eliminates the need for a draw from the Constitutional Budget Reserve. • Sets the 2026 permanent fund dividend at $1,000 along with another $200 for energy cost relief. • Provides full funding for school and harbor debt reimbursement in FY 2027. • Funds K-12 education under current foundation formula. Approved bill provides up to $115 million in one-time money for K-12 contingent on oil prices averaging $95 per barrel for the rest of the fiscal year ending on June 30. • Adds $29 million for school districts and $20 for communities to help address increased fuel and energy costs. Mark Hickey & Andrea Watts May 23, 2026 • Full funding of PCE payments. This includes amount needed to cover the extra funding because of increasing energy costs. • An increase of $10 million for FY 2027 Community Assistance payments. This action restores FY 2027 payments to the full level of $30 million. Adds $50 million to re -capitalize the fund back to $90 million for future years. • Full funding of state raw fish taxes sharing with municipalities. • An increase of $49.5 million in FY 2027 for Alaska Marine Highway System operations in FY 2027. This money is included as backstop funding in case the anticipated grant of federal funds is not received or is less than expected. Accepted department request to change AMHS from a calendar year fiscal year to a multi-year appropriation. • Full funding of state's share of additional contribution for public employees and teachers' retirement systems. This includes another $40 million to meet the actuarial determined contribution rates recommended by the Alaska Retirement Management Board. The final version of the FY 2027 capital budget (Senate Bill No. 214) approved by the legislature remained unchanged for the most part after leaving the House Finance Committee. An explanation of the major changes can be found here. Key additions included another $48.4 million for school major maintenance projects (funding through project #33 on the list), another $9.3 million for Round 18 Renewable Energy grants (funding through project #9) and additional money to fund $10.9 million for a variety of Alaska LNG project workforce development projects around the state. Passed Education Legislation In addition to the one-time money for schools in the FY 2007 operating budget, several policy bills relating to education passed the legislature in the final days. Most notable is House Bill No. 28. The final version includes an energy relief program for school districts starting in FY 2028, providing 100% reimbursement of these costs subject to appropriation by the legislature. The formula increase for pupil transportation was removed, while the legislature added Senate Bill No. 204 allowing retired teachers serving on school boards to substitute teach, and Senate Bill No. 278 capping the annual increase in local required contribution at 4%. • Other education bills that pass include Senate Bill No. 20 (CPR curriculum in public schools), Senate Bill No. 23 (civics education), Senate Bill No. 41 (mental health education at schools), and Senate Bill No. 143 (four-year terms for school board members). House Bill No. 261, allowing districts to base the annual student count on previous counts if greater, died in the Senate Finance Committee. Other Capitol News Legislature Passes Omnibus Crime Bill: On the final day of session, the legislature passed House Bill No. 239, an omnibus crime bill that combines ten separate pieces of legislation aimed at restructuring state criminal justice laws. More notably, the package raises Alaska's age of consent from 16 to 18 (utilizing a "close -in -age" exemptions to prevent penalizing consensual behavior between teenagers within a six-year age gap), establishes strict felony penalties for AI - generated child sexual abuse material, outlaws mail theft, and authorizes release of prisoners with permanent or degenerative medical conditions who do not pose a threat to the public. Additional information can be found here. Campaign Finance Reform Bill: House Bill No. 16, a bill intended to restore limits on campaign donations, was passed by the legislature, but a dispute over when those limits should take effect could create legal and political complications. The bill caps individual donations to candidates at $2,000 per election cycle, with higher limits for donations to governor races and parties or groups. Although the bill originally called for the restrictions to begin after the 2026 elections, lawmakers failed to approve the delayed effective date, meaning the limits would instead take effect in the middle of the current election cycle. Failure to approve the delayed start may encourage a veto of the bill. If Dunleavy vetoes it, Alaska voters would still decide on a nearly identical ballot measure during the August primary election. Mark Hickey & Andrea Watts May 23, 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. Fireweed in Juneau! 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. HB 263/SB 213 by FY 2027 Operating Budget: Final version provides $115 million in one- Conference Committee Report for governor time K-12 funding, $29.1 million to school districts for energy relief and HB 263 passed legislature 5/20 100% school debt funding. PFD equals $1,200. SB 213 pending Senate Finance HB 264/SB 214 by FY 2027 Capital Budget: Final version includes $93.6 million for top 33 HB 264 pending House Finance governor K-12 major maintenance projects & $14.3 million for top 9 renewable SB 214 passed legislature 5/20 energy rants. 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 Applies corporate income tax to online sales from outside corporations. HB 280 passed legislature 5/20 HB 284/SB 227 by Senate Resources CS removes sales tax, adds HB 280 (Multistate Tax HB 284 pending House Finance governor Compact), SB 113, SB 92 and SB 112, adds education head tax and SB 227 pending Senate Finance modifies other oil taxes. HB 289 by governor Fast-track supplemental appropriations bill including $70 million in Signed by governor 4/10 match funds for federal transportation projects. HB 310 by Gray Imposes a 3% state bed tax for rentals less than 31 days. Pending L&C HB 350 by Fields Imposes a 9.4% income tax on entities with annual taxable income Pending Finance more than $25 million. SJR 2 by Claman Proposes constitutional amendment to change veto override threshold Pending House Finance 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 passed legislature 5/20 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 (House failed to Resources tions. The bill is directed at Hilcorp. Added to HB 194 on Senate floor. concur HB 194 with SB 92 added 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. Pending Resources SB 274 by Senate Lowers percent of market value draw rate from the Alaska Permanent Pending Rules Finance Fund from 5% to 4.5% over a five-year period. SB 280/HB 381 by Alters state's current oil & gas property tax structure to an alternate tax SB 280 moved out S RES 5/19 governor based on throughput volume for the AK Liquified Natural Gas Project. HB 381 heard/held H FIN 5/8 — 5/21 Summary of Senate Resources CS can be found here. Mark Hickey & Andrea Watts May 23, 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 municipality to exempt/partially exempt from taxation a struc- Passed legislature 5/20 ture converted from short-term to long-term rental unit. HB 286 by Rep. Elam was added to this bill. 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 FIN 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 Ian. HB 133 by Himschoot Creates a payment deadline for the state of 30 days for all grants or HB 133 passed legislature 5/19 SB 129 by Kawasaki other agreements, with a 21 -day deadline if federal funds involved. SB 129 pending Senate L&C 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 Rules 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 Moved out Finance 5/19 funds. Increases funding for Success Training Employment Program. An increase in maximum weekly benefit passed legislature in HB 302. 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 Passed legislature as part of HB 13 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 Pending CRA material from a fee for an owner of a deteriorated property. HB 301 by Galvin Amends state law to prohibit explicitly discrimination based on sexual Pending State Affairs orientation or gender identity. HB 346 by Holland Requires DOT/PF to comply with local planning and zoning ordinances Pending Transportation near state-owned airports unless it creates a hazard to aircraft. HB 363 by Stutes Authorizes a patriotic organization to sell or dispense alcoholic Passed legislature 5/19 beverages at an event organized by that group. HB 377 by House State Adds audio and video recordings to management of public records law. Pending State Affairs Affairs (by request Permits a municipality to charge for handling record requests. HB 378 by House Finance Proposes several changes to PERS/TRS retirement systems, adopting Pending Finance some provisions from HB 231. Fixes 2008 salary floor problem. HB 379 by House State Removes voter approval requirement prospectively for creation of, or Pending Rules Affairs (by request annexation to, for new service areas. Passed legislature in SB 200 HB 386 by House L&C Authorizes certain gaming activities on behalf of the Alaska Marine Heard & held L&C 5/11 Highway System; revises charitable gaming statutes. 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 I SB 21 passed legislature 5/19 I HB 338 by Co� of a qualified retirement plan. HB 338 pending House L&C Mark Hickey & Andrea Watts May 23, 2026 Measure Summary Allows teachers & other public employees a choice between a defined �m Pending Labor & Commerce SB 27 by Kiehl Resolution urging federal government to waive the new H-1 B fees for benefit DB pension versus the current defined contribution DC plan. SJR 28 by Senate EDC SB 28 by Giessel Provides defined benefit plan for all new public employees. Final SB 28 pending Senate L&C HB 78 by House Finance version amended on Senate floor to allow political subdivisions to opt HB 78 vetoed by governor 5/18, Provides added medical coverage for children with disabilities. out of PERS DB; contribution cap changed from 24% to 22.5%. override vote failed 5/19 SB 34 by Giessel Repeals 90 -day session limit. Pending Rules SB 42 by Gray -Jackson Omnibus law enforcement reform bill adding required municipal police Pending Community & Regional Establishes student loan repayment pilot program. Final version added officer standards and reporting of incidents of use of force. Affairs SB 53 by Gray -Jackson Imposes accreditation standards for law enforcement agencies in Pending State Affairs cap for growth in local required contribution at 4%, and SB 204. Alaska including a municipal police department. HB 38 by Saddler SB 55 by Stedman Requires all TRS/PERS employers to participate in SBS system for Pending Rules security. those not in social security. Amended in Finance to phase in contribu- HB 39 by Allard Requires DEED to establish a centralized program for deaf students tions; removes provision to shift most costs to employers through 2037. SB 8 by Gray -Jackson SB 63 by Cronk Changes makeup of Local Boundary Commission to require one Passed legislature 5/11 Districts must designate sports team as male, female or co-ed & bars member from unorganized borough. Requires members from each trans ender girls from female sports. .udicial district to live and vote in that district. SB 81 by Stedman Imposes contribution requirement on TRS/PERS employers for past Pending Finance 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 Open Meetings Act. SB 162 by Cronk Prohibits home rule boroughs or general law municipalities from SB 162 pending Senate Rules HB 1 by McCabe imposing a sales or use tax on sale or exchange of old/silverspecie. HB 1 passed legislature 5/12 SB 184 by Senate Extends moratorium on the school debt reimbursement program from Pending Finance Finance July 1, 2025, to July 1, 2027. SB 198 by Kaufman Reduces requirement under current TRS/PERS DC plans to qualify for Pending Finance medical benefits to 25 years. SB 200 by Bjorkman Requires Schedule F (Form 1040) or similar information to access the SB 200 passed legislature 5/20 HB 323 by Moore exemption provisions of AS 29.45.060 for farm or agricultural land. HB HB 223 pending House CRA 379 by House State Affairs was added to this bill. SB 242 by Merrick Authorizes Department of Public Safety to contract with a municipality Pending State Affairs to provide various law enforcement duties for a fee. Requires the state to reimburse municipalities for these costs on a sliding scale. SB 255 by Yundt Allows DNR to transfer land under municipal land entitlement program Pending Resources without a land survey if requested by the municipality. SB 259 by Bjorkman Allows a municipality to impose a percentage limit on amount of an Pending Finance increase in an annual property value assessment. SB 273 by Senate State Requires municipalities to waive certain building -related fees for Pending CRA Affairs (by request disabled veterans if changes are needed to accommodate disability. Education Measures Measure Summary Status HJR 39 by Galvin Resolution urging federal government to waive the new H-1 B fees for HJR 39 passed legislature 5/13 SJR 28 by Senate EDC teachers in the state. SJR 28 pending House L&C HB 9 by Carrick Increases charter school funding if districts receive extra funds. Pending Education Provides added medical coverage for children with disabilities. HB 12 by Dibert Requires school districts provide free breakfast and lunch subject to Pending Finance appropriation. HB 28 by Story Establishes student loan repayment pilot program. Final version added Passed legislature 5/20 energy relief payments of $43.7 million starting in FY 2028, an annual cap for growth in local required contribution at 4%, and SB 204. 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 legislature 5/20 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. Mark Hickey & Andrea Watts May 23, 2026 Measure HB 59/SB 66 by governor Summary Establishes a five-year pilot program for state -tribal education compact Status 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 & several funding initiatives outside the BSA. SB 82 pending Senate EDC HB 98 by Fields Establishes maximum K-12 pupil -teacher ratios for certain classrooms HB 98 pending House Education HB 165 by Coulombe at public schools. HB 165 pending Senate 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 Finance partners, trusts and estates. HB 163 by Underwood Requires 4 -year terms for all local school boards. Makes Election Day Pending CRA a legal holiday. 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 more correspondence study money, and reading incentive grants. SB 182 pending Senate Finance 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. 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 Passed legislature 5/20 agency by 16%. HB 261 by Story Changes K-12 annual enrollment counts using past year or average of Pending Senate Finance last 3 whichever is higher. EDC CS allows use of current count too. 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 Pending Education beyond the required local contribution. HB 313 by Ruffridge Requires a school district to allow any professional employee Pending Education association equal access to communicate or meet with new or existing employees. HB 319 by Elam Permits a municipality to create municipal education service areas to Pending Education finance capital improvements. HB 333 by Bynum Creates technical readiness and career training education system and Pending Education increase funding factor from 1.015 to 1.025. HB 339 by Costello Requires school districts to establish a personal finance education Pending Education program for grades 9 though 12 HB 343 by Allard Allows students more chances to earn secondary school course credit Pending Military & Veteran Affairs by assessment. Expands right to attend public schools for a military dependent. HB 358 by Elam Creates career & technical education mobility grant program and Pending Education expands pre -apprenticeship and work -based learning for secondary school students. HB 365 by Bynum Implements participation in the Federal Tax Credit Scholarship Pending CRA Program funding scholarships for K-12 education. HB 374 by House Raises the Base Student Allocation by $630 to $7,290. Pending Education Education HB 383 by House Establishes building management specialist positions at the I Pending Education Education Department of Education & Early Development. Mark Hickey & Andrea Watts May 23, 2026 Measure HB 387 by H EDC Summa Establishes Joint Legislative Alaska Native Languages Academic Status HB 387 pending House Rules SB 287 b S EDC Force. Report due in one year from first meeting. SB 287 pending Senate Rules SJR 22 by Tobin Constitutional amendment recognizing cultural heritage of Alaska Pending Education Natives & American Indians in state's public educations stem. SJR 29 by Senate Finance Proposes constitutional amendment to create a dedicated public On House CAL, not taken up 5/20 education fund. Money and earnings stay in the fund. 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 Pending House Finance Pacific Islanders in the U.S. SB 20 by Gray-Jackson Requires DEED to develop and implement education of public SB 20 passed leg. in HB 27 5/20 HB 92 by Gray students with hands-on CPR training. Added to HB 27. 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 passed legislature 5/20 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 passed legislature 5/15 7 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 House 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 four-year terms for school board members. Amended to SB 143 passed legislature 5/17 HB 160 by Moore include ethics and budget training for school board members. HB 160 pending House Education SB 146 by Senate Finance Permits use of REAA & small municipal school district fund for Mt. Pending Rules Ed ecumbe. Teacher housing language removed in latest version. SB 151 by Bjorkman Requires school districts adopt a policy on students with live head lice. Pending Finance Students cannot attend school. SB 178 by S HSS Expands core early intervention services eligibility for children with SB 178 pending Senate Finance HB 376 by H EDC developmental delays and disabilities. HB 376 pending House Finance SB 187 by Wielechowski Prohibits certain food additives in public school meals. Passed legislature 5/15 SB 204 by Cronk Allows school board member to substitute teach. Prohibits felons from SB 204 passed leg. in HB 28 5/20 serving on school board. Added to HB 28. SB 206 by Tobin Requires reporting of bullying in schools and suicide threats. Creates Pending Finance 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 Pending CRA public education. SB 228 by Rauscher Requires DEED to develop opioid abuse awareness & prevention Pending Education curriculum for grades 6-12. SB 238 by Kawasaki Limits local government's ability to restrict or remove controversial Pending Judiciary books from school and public libraries. SB 247 by Kiehl Creates new crime for distribution of generated obscene child sexual Pending Judiciary abuse material & requires teaching certificate revocation for life if violated. SB 257 by Cronk Amends the statutory formula for funding residential schools resulting SB 257 pending Senate EDC HB 380 by House EDC in increased money. HB 380 pending House Finance SB 267 by Bjorkman Establishes a public-school financial data Internet website ensuring Pending Education the public has access to this info. SB 277 by Senate Omnibus education policy bill which includes a modest BSA increase Pending Education Education of $126.54, increases for correspondence study & public transpor- tation, and provides for an education funding study. SB 278 by Senate Limits size of annual increase in the required local contribution by I SB 278 passed leg. in HB 28 5/20 Education districts for K-12 funding. Added to HB 28 with 4% cap. Mark Hickey & Andrea Watts May 23, 2026 Fishery & Resources Issues Measure Summary Status HB 33 by Stutes Allows members of Game or Fisheries Boards to deliberate and discuss Passed legislature 4/24, signed into matters if they or a family member have a personal or financial interest. law 4/30 HB 93 by Himschoot Changes hunting, trapping and sport fishing residency requirements to Passed legislature 5/17 match allowable absences to receive a permanent fund dividend. 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 Passed legislature 5/17 cooperative can consist of no more than 10 permit holders. HB 125 by Jimmie Changes Board of Fisheries composition to provide two seats for Pending Senate CRA subsistence fishing, two for commercial, two for sport and one for a 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 passed legislature 5/17 HB 203 by McCabe Prohibits use of trawl or dredge fishing gear that makes substantial HB 203 pending House Fisheries SB 161 by Cronk bottom contact with the seafloor in state waters. SB 261 pending Senate RES 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 Pending 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 pending Senate RES 2/20 HB 297 by Schwanke Establishes preference for taking of fishery resources by residents for Pending Fisheries 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 Pending Finance account based on these charges. Surcharge sunsets January 1, 2032. HB 321 by Josephson Proposes several changes to state law pertaining to state refuges, Pending Finance sanctuaries, and fish & game habitat areas. More details found here. HB 356 by Vance Establishes the Alaska Coastal Micro -Fisheries Act, amending state law Pending Fisheries reaardina health & sanitary requirements related to commercial fishing. HB 361 by Ruffridge Amends existing laws regarding licensing of professional fishing guides Pending Fisheries and requires any revocation of a license must be for cause. HB 364 by Josephson Adds several new requirements for intensive management of big game Pending Resources prey populations. Allows same-day airborne predator control hunting. HIS 368 by Foster Requires Board of Fisheries to hold at least one meeting or hearing per Pending Fisheries year in a community of 7,000 people not connected to roads stem. SB 29 by B'orkman Adds executive director for Big Game Commercial Services Board. Passed legislature 5/18 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. SB 268 by Stevens Exempts seafood processing workers from Alaska's minimum wage SB 268 moved out S L&C 5/15 HB 375 by House Rules requirement. HB 375 pending House CRA SB 269 by Hoffman Restructures the Board of Fisheries into three regional boards Pending Resources consisting of five members each appointed by the governor. SB 275 by Senate Comprehensive bill titled, `Alaska Gasline Transparency & Account- Pending Resources Resources ability Act". Expands legislature access to project info, increases its oversight ability and addresses several revenue -related concerns. Mark Hickey & Andrea Watts May 23, 2026 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 pending House FIN 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 Finance HB 16 by Schrage fund and requires AEA to provide technical support to communities HB 16 passed legislature 5/20 SB 116 by Senate STA under 2,000 in population to prepare grant applications for projects. SB 116 pending Senate Finance HB 257 by Eischeid Authorizes use of portable solar devices for residential use. Pending Energy HB 359 by Mears Amends state laws related to regulation of large energy use facilities. Pending CRA HB 43 by Schrage Requires community benefit agreements with municipalities. Pending Finance HB 369 by House Energy Omnibus energy bill setting new energy efficiency and diversification Pending Energy HB 63/SB 70 by governor goals. Adds HB 257 (portable solar devices), HB 153 (diversified HB 63 pending House STA portfolio standard) & SB 32 streamlined small renewable projects). SB 70 pending Senate STA HB 388 by House FIN Doubles cap on loans from the bulk fuel loan account from $750,000 to HB 388 passed legislature 5/20 SB 288 by Senate FIN $1.5 million. SB 288 pending Senate FIN SB 16 by Myers Provides a simplified rate filing procedure for utility rate adjustments Pending Rules HB 390/SB 289 by sub'ect to Requlatory Commission of Alaska approval. HB 390 pending House STA SB 61 by Tobin Establishes an electronic products stewardship program. Includes Pending Finance SB 64 by Senate Rules electronics recycling advisory council and grant program authority. Vetoed by governor 4/30 SB 91 by Senate Creates new program at Department of Natural Resources to allow Pending Resources Resources 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 Judiciary Commission, with 9 municipal representatives out of 16 members. SB 250 by Tobin Regulates relationship between utilities & entities operating data Passed House 5/16 centers. Requires municipalities to set up community benefit agreements before construction of new data centers. SB 285 by Senate Creates the Rural Energy Infrastructure Organization to build, own and Pending CRA Finance operate electric transmission and generation facilities in rural areas. Election &Voting Issues Measure Summary Status HJR 31 by Fields Constitutional amendment to prevent corporations & other entities from Pending Judiciary making contributions. Allows contributions by groups organized solely to influence elections. HJR 43 by House Affirms that privacy of state voters' confidential personal information is a Pending Rules Judiciary state rights issue. HB 16 by Schrage Establishes schedule of campaign contribution limits for individuals & HB 16 passed legislature 5/20 SB 116 by Senate STA groups. Includes inflation adjuster and immediate effective date. SB 116 pending Senate Finance HB 21 by Story Allows voter preregistration for minors at least 16 years of age and Pending Rules keeps the registration confidential. HB 43 by Schrage Omnibus reform bill allowing same day registration, ballot tracking & Pending Finance curing, absentee ballots and other reforms. HB 63/SB 70 by governor Numerous changes - repeal of PFD voter registration, reducing early HB 63 pending House STA voting period, & requiring receipt of absentee ballots by election date. SB 70 pending Senate STA HB 100 by Fields Imposes a 5% tax on federal campaign spending in state. Pending State Affairs HB 320 by Elam Makes automatic voter registration optional for PFD applicants. Pending State Affairs HB 371 by McCabe Omnibus campaigning financing bill relating to state and local elections. Moved out State Affairs 5/14 HB 390/SB 289 by Similar bill to SB 64 with some exceptions and a delay in effective date HB 390 pending House STA governor to 2027. SB 289 heard/held S STA 5/12 SB 64 by Senate Rules Senate majority reform bill includes same day registration, ballot Vetoed by governor 4/30 tracking & curing, and postage -paid absentee ballots. Final version 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 May 23, 2026 Education Legislation Updates The House Finance Committee moved a revised version of House Bill No. 261—a bill sponsored by Representative Andi Story (D -Juneau) to address K-12 student enrollment fluctuations and fiscal unpredictability. The bill was drafted to accelerate the funding timeline, which would allow districts to issue educator contracts earlier in the spring and better align the process with municipal budgeting statutes. The bill is calendared for the House Floor on May 11. A change was made in House Finance to base the count options on the average daily membership (ADM) of each school versus the district's ADM. • The main components of the current version of the bill are described below. • Funding for the upcoming school year is based on a student count that is the greater of (1) school's prior three-year ADM; (2) the previous fiscal year ADM; or (3) the current ADM for each school if the school experiences a growth in enrollment that exceeds the previous count options by at least five percent. • The stabilization of funding for some small districts by mitigating the "funding cliffs" that typically occur if enrollment dips below the critical thresholds of 100 or 425 students to buffer the budgetary impact of minor fluctuations in student numbers. • The modification of the student count for intensive needs funding by providing three distinct calculation options: the ADM from the current fiscal year, the previous fiscal year, or a second count conducted by February 15 of the current fiscal year if they opt for an additional count. • A transition period for districts currently under "hold harmless" status, or those that reach it by July 1, 2026, by grandfathering in their hold harmless status as the new ADM count options are phased in. • House Bill No. 28, also sponsored by Rep. Story, is scheduled to be heard in Senate Finance on May 11. As previously reported, in Legislative Report #26-07, the current version of the bill has been amended to pair the loan forgiveness program for Alaska teachers with one-time funding for energy relief, transportation, literacy, and vocational training. Additionally, it introduces several policy reforms targeting homeschooling and other educational programs. Governor Vetoes Elections Bill, Proposes Similar Alternative • Following the veto of Senate Bill No. 64, the bipartisan elections bill, Governor Dunleavy introduced Senate Bill No. 289, a new version that includes signature verification and delays implementation until 2027. House Bill No. 390 is a companion bill. While Dunleavy argued the delay is necessary to ensure the Division of Elections can securely implement the changes, legislative leaders have expressed strong resistance to the proposal. • The Legislature attempted to override the governor's veto on May 4, but the effort failed by just two votes in a joint session. The override required a two-thirds majority (40 votes), but Senator Bert Stedman (R-Sitka) and Representative Jeremy Bynum (R-Ketchikan) flipped from their previous support of the bill to sustain the veto. Both cited the governor's concerns regarding the difficulty of implementing the new system before the upcoming November general election. Mark Hickey & Andrea Watts May 10, 2026 House Speaker Bryce Edgmon (I -Dillingham) and Senator Bill Wielechowski (D -Anchorage) contend there is insufficient time remaining in the session to process a new bill. Critics also point out that the new version weakens the "ballot curing" provisions—limiting them only to signature issues—and argue that delaying reforms until 2027 makes the effort counterproductive for the current election cycle. While the governor's attempt at a "do -over" is unlikely to pass before the session ends due to the Legislature's lack of political will and the high cost of the proposed signature verification software, the bill is scheduled for a hearing in the Senate State Affairs Committee on Mav 12. Resources Committees Continue Work on Gasline Bills The House Resources Committee moved its committee substitute for House Bill No. 381, Governor Dunleavy's property tax bill for the Alaska Liquified Natural Gas (LNG) Project, out of committee. The bill was heard for the first time in the House Finance Committee late last week, and is scheduled for additional hearings May 11-15. The statement of changes from version "A" to version "T" can be found here. Additionally, the Senate Resources Committee continued its analysis and hearings on the gasline project and adopted a new committee substitute of Senate Bill No. 280. A presentation on the changes from version "G," to the current version "H," can be found here. The bill is also scheduled for additional hearings May 11-15. This includes an opportunity for the public to testify on Wednesday, May 13 at 3:30 PM. FY 2027 Operating & Capital Budgets Update • The Senate approved its version of the FY 2027 operating budget on May 7. The final version tracked closely with what was reported in Legislative Report #26-07. One change increased the amount of one-time K-12 education funding to $111 million. The House failed to concur in the changes to the bill on May 8. The Conference Committee to work on the final version is expected to begin work early next week. • The House Finance Committee completed its work on the FY 2027 capital budget (Senate Bill No. 214) on May 8 and moved it out of committee. An explanation of the changes can be found here. Key additions included another $48.4 million for school major maintenance projects (funding through project #33 on the list), another $9.3 million for Round 18 Renewable Energy grants (funding through project #9) and another $9.5 million for a variety of Alaska LNG project workforce development projects around the state. Other Capitol News Pension Bill Passes Legislature, Awaiting Action by Governor: The Senate passed House Bill No. 78 on April 28, followed quickly by House concurrence on April 29. The bill has been sent to the governor for his consideration. He has until May 18 to either sign, veto or let it become law without signature. A joint session to consider an override vote is expected if he vetoes the bill. The final version was amended on the Senate floor to allow political subdivisions to opt out of PERS DB versus having to opt in to the new system. The employer contribution rate for political subdivisions using the new system was reduced from 24% to 22.5%. • Increase in Bulk Fuel Loan Fund Cap: The Finance Committee in each body introduced legislation to double the cap on the maximum loan amount from the Bulk Fuel Loan Account. House Bill No. 3881Senate Bill No. 288 raise the cap from $750,000 per loan to $1.5 million. The move is in response to the sharp rise in fuel costs stemming from the continuing conflict in Iran. Both bodies have begun to work on these measures and are expected to approve the proposal. Mark Hickey & Andrea Watts May 10, 2026 Summary of State Legislation Black-browed Albatrosses, Falkland Islands 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. HB 263/SB 213 by FY 2027 Operating Budget: Approved Senate version proposes $111 HB 263 passed Senate 5/7 governor million in one-time K-12 funding, $29.1 million to school districts for SB 213 pending Senate Finance energy relief and 100% school debt funding. PFD equals $1,150. HB 264/SB 214 by FY 2027 Capital Budget: House FIN CS adds $48.4 million for K-12 HB 264 pending House Finance governor major maintenance projects & $9.3 million for renewable energy grants. SB 214 moved out House FIN 5/8 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 Applies corporate income tax to online sales from outside corporations. HB 280 sched. Senate FIN 5/14 HB 284/SB 227 by Senate Resources CS removes sales tax, adds HB 280 (Multistate Tax HB 284 pending House Finance governor Compact), SB 113, SB 92 and SB 112, adds education head tax and SB 227 sched. Senate Finance 5/14 modifies other oil taxes. HB 289 by governor Fast-track supplemental appropriations bill including $70 million in Signed by governor 4/10 match funds for federal transportation projects. HB 310 by Gray Imposes a 3% state bed tax for rentals less than 31 days. Pending L&C HB 350 by Fields Imposes a 9.4% income tax on entities with annual taxable income Moved out L&C 4/29 more than $25 million. SJR 2 by Claman Proposes constitutional amendment to change veto override threshold Moved out House Judiciary 5/1 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. SJR 29 by Senate Proposes constitutional amendment to permit the legislature to create a Moved out House FIN 5/4 Finance dedicated public education fund. Money and earnings stay in the fund. SB 24 by Stevens Proposes state retail tax of 25% on e -cigarette products and changes SB 24 sched. House FIN 5/11 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 (House failed to Resources tions. The bill is directed at Hilcor . Added to HB 194 on Senate floor. concur HB 194 with SB 92 added 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. Pending Resources SB 274 by Senate Lowers percent of market value draw rate from the Alaska Permanent Pending Rules Finance Fund from 5% to 4.5% over a five-year period. SB 280/HB 381 by Alters state's current oil & gas property tax structure to an alternate tax SB 280 sched. S RES 5/11 — 5/15 governor based on throughput volume for the AK Liquified Natural Gas Project. HB 381 moved out House RES 5/8; Senate RES CS explained here. House RES CS summarized here. sched. House Finance 5/11 — 5/15 Mark Hickey & Andrea Watts May 10, 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 municipality to exempt/partially exempt from taxation a struc- Heard & held Senate STA 5/2 ture converted from short-term to long-term rental unit. Senate STA proposing CS to reduce interest payments on tax refunds by muni's. 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 moved out House STA 5/7 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 Ian. HB 133 by Himschoot Creates a payment deadline for the state of 30 days for all grants or HB 133 heard/held Senate FIN 5/7 SB 129 by Kawasaki other agreements, with a 21 -day deadline if federal funds involved. SB 129 pending Senate L&C 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 Scheduled Senate L&C 5/13 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 Scheduled Finance 5/12 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 Pending Finance 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 Pending CRA material from a fee for an owner of a deteriorated property. HB 301 by Galvin Amends state law to prohibit explicitly discrimination based on sexual Pending State Affairs orientation or gender identity. HB 346 by Holland Requires DOT/PF to comply with local planning and zoning ordinances Pending Transportation near state-owned airports unless it creates a hazard to aircraft. HIS 363 by Stutes Authorizes a patriotic organization to sell or dispense alcoholic Scheduled Senate L&C 5/13 beverages at an event organized by that group. HB 377 by House State Adds audio and video recordings to management of public records law. Heard & held State Affairs 4/28 Affairs (by request Permits a municipality to charge for handling record requests. HB 378 by House Finance Proposes several changes to PERS/TRS retirement systems, adopting Pending Finance some provisions from HB 231. Fixes 2008 salary floor problem. HB 379 by House State Removes voter approval requirement prospectively for creation of, or Moved out State Affairs 5/5 Affairs (by request annexation to, for new service areas. HIS 386 by House L&C Authorizes certain gaming activities on behalf of the Alaska Marine Scheduled L&C 5/11 Highway System; revises charitable gaming statutes. 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 SB 21 moved out House L&C 5/4 HB 338 by Costell I of a qualified retirement plan. I HB 338 heard/held House L&C 4/27 Mark Hickey & Andrea Watts May 10, 2026 Measure Summary Allows teachers & other public employees a choice between a defined �m Pending Labor & Commerce SB 27 by Kiehl teachers in the state. benefit DB pension versus the current defined contribution DC plan. HB 9 by Carrick SB 28 by Giessel Provides defined benefit plan for all new public employees. Final SB 28 pending Senate L&C HB 78 by House Finance version amended on Senate floor to allow political subdivisions to opt HB 78 passed the legislature; sent Requires school districts provide free breakfast and lunch subject to out of PERS DB; contribution cap changed from 24% to 22.5%. to governor, due back by 5/18 SB 34 by Giessel Repeals 90 -day session limit. Pending Rules SB 42 by Gray -Jackson Omnibus law enforcement reform bill adding required municipal police Pending Community & Regional CS added several provisions from SB 277 CS, including energy relief 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 Allows SBS participation by TRS employees for those not in social plan requirement for first and second class boroughs. SB 53 by Gray -Jackson Imposes accreditation standards for law enforcement agencies in Pending State Affairs Requires DEED to establish a centralized program for deaf students Alaska including a municipal police department. SB 8 by Gray -Jackson SB 55 by Stedman Requires all TRS/PERS employers to participate in SBS system for Moved out Finance 3/26 Districts must designate sports team as male, female or co-ed & bars those not in social security. Amended in Finance to phase in contribu- [not transmitted to Rules yet] trans ender girls from female sports. tions; removes provision to shift most costs to employers through 2037. SB 63 by Cronk Changes makeup of Local Boundary Commission to require one 3`d reading, House floor 5/11 member from unorganized borough. Requires members from each judicial district to live and vote in that district. SB 81 by Stedman Imposes contribution requirement on TRS/PERS employers for past Pending Finance 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 Open Meetings Act. SB 162 by Cronk Prohibits home rule boroughs or general law municipalities from SB 162 pending Senate Rules HB 1 by McCabe imposing a sales or use tax on sale or exchange of old/silverspecie. HB 1 passed House 5/7 SB 184 by Senate Extends moratorium on the school debt reimbursement program from Pending Finance Finance July 1, 2025, to July 1, 2027. SB 198 by Kaufman Reduces requirement under current TRS/PERS DC plans to qualify for Pending Finance medical benefits to 25 years. SB 200 by Bjorkman Requires Schedule F (Form 1040) or similar information to access the SB 200 sched. House CRA 5/12 HB 323 by Moore exemption provisions of AS 29.45.060 for farm oragricultural land. HB 223 pending House CRA SB 242 by Merrick Authorizes Department of Public Safety to contract with a municipality Pending State Affairs to provide various law enforcement duties for a fee. Requires the state to reimburse municipalities for these costs on a sliding scale. SB 255 by Yundt Allows DNR to transfer land under municipal land entitlement program Pending Resources without a land survey if requested by the municipality. SB 259 by Bjorkman Allows a municipality to impose a percentage limit on amount of an Heard & held Finance 5/4 increase in an annual property value assessment. SB 273 by Senate State Requires municipalities to waive certain building -related fees for Pending CRA Affairs (by request) disabled veterans if changes are needed to accommodate disability. Education Measures Measure HJR 39 by Galvin Summary Resolution urging federal government to waive the new H-1 B fees for Status HJR 39 pending Senate Rules SJR 28 by Senate EDC teachers in the state. SJR 28 pending House L&C HB 9 by Carrick Increases charter school funding if districts receive extra funds. Pending Education Provides added medical coverage for children with disabilities. HB 12 by Dibert Requires school districts provide free breakfast and lunch subject to Pending Finance appropriation. HB 28 by Story Establishes student loan repayment pilot program. Senate Education Scheduled Senate Finance 5/11 CS added several provisions from SB 277 CS, including energy relief payments of $43.7 million. 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 moved out Senate FIN 4/30 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. Mark Hickey & Andrea Watts May 10, 2026 Measure HB 59/SB 66 by governor Summary Establishes a five-year pilot program for state -tribal education compact Status HB 59 pending House EDC schools working with five tribes. SB 66 heard/held Senate EDC 4/27 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 House Education HB 165 by Coulombe at public schools. HB 165 pending Senate 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 Finance partners, trusts and estates. HB 163 by Underwood Requires 4 -year terms for all local school boards. Makes Election Day Pending CRA a legal holiday. 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 more correspondence study money, and reading incentive grants. SB 182 pending Senate Finance 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. HB 231 by Frier Creates teacher bonus payments, exit interviews, reopener for former, Heard & held Education 5/1 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 heard/held H EDC 4/27 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 Passed House 5/6 agency by 16%. HB 261 by Story Changes K-12 annual enrollment counts using past year or average of Scheduled House floor 5/11 last 3 whichever is higher. EDC CS allows use of current count too. 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 Pending Education beyond the required local contribution. HB 313 by Ruff ridge Requires a school district to allow any professional employee Pending Education association equal access to communicate or meet with new or existing employees. HB 319 by Elam Permits a municipality to create municipal education service areas to Pending Education finance capital improvements. HB 333 by Bynum Creates technical readiness and career training education system and Pending Education increase funding factor from 1.015 to 1.025. HB 339 by Costello Requires school districts to establish a personal finance education Pending Education program for grades 9 though 12 HB 343 by Allard Allows students more chances to earn secondary school course credit Pending Military & Veteran Affairs by assessment. Expands right to attend public schools for a military dependent. HB 358 by Elam Creates career & technical education mobility grant program and Pending Education expands pre -apprenticeship and work -based learning for secondary school students. HB 365 by Bynum Implements participation in the Federal Tax Credit Scholarship Pending CRA Program funding scholarships for K-12 education. HB 374 by House Raises the Base Student Allocation by $630 to $7,290. Pending Education Education Mark Hickey & Andrea Watts May 10, 2026 Measure Summary Establishes building management specialist positions at the Status Pending Education — HB 383 by House Education Department of Education & Early Development. HB 387 by H EDC Establishes Joint Legislative Alaska Native Languages Academic HB 387 moved out House EDC 5/6 SB 287 by S EDC Force. Report due in one year from first meeting. SB 287 scheduled Senate STA 5/12 SJR 22 by Tobin Constitutional amendment recognizing cultural heritage of Alaska Pending Education Natives & American Indians in state's public educations stem. SJR 29 by Senate Finance Proposes constitutional amendment to permit creation of a dedicated Moved out House Finance 5/4 public education fund. Money and earnings stay in the fund. 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 Pending House Finance Pacific Islanders in the U.S. SB 20 by Gray -Jackson Requires DEED to develop and implement education of public SB 20 pending House Finance 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 sched. House Finance 5/12 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 House Rules 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 Scheduled House Finance 5/14 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 House Rules 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. Pending Rules Ed ecumbe. Teacher housing language removed in latest version. SB 151 by Bjorkman Requires school districts adopt a policy on students with live head lice. Pending Finance Students cannot attend school. SB 178 by S HSS Expands core early intervention services eligibility for children with SB 178 pending Senate Finance HB 376 by H EDC developmental delays and disabilities. HB 376 pending House Finance SB 187 by Wielechowski Prohibits certain food additives in public school meals. Moved out House Education 5/4 SB 204 by Cronk Allows school board member to substitute teach. Prohibits felons from Scheduled State Affairs 5/12 serving on school board. SB 206 by Tobin Requires reporting of bullying in schools and suicide threats. Creates Heard & held Finance 4/30 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 Pending CRA public education. SB 228 by Rauscher Requires DEED to develop opioid abuse awareness & prevention Pending Education curriculum for grades 6-12. SB 238 by Kawasaki Limits local government's ability to restrict or remove controversial Pending Judiciary books from school and public libraries. SB 247 by Kiehl Creates new crime for distribution of generated obscene child sexual Pending Judiciary abuse material & requires teaching certificate revocation for life if violated. SB 257 by Cronk Amends the statutory formula for funding residential schools resulting SB 257 heard/held Senate EDC 5/4 HB 380 by House EDC in increased money. HB 380 pending House Finance SB 267 by Bjorkman Establishes a public -school financial data Internet website ensuring Pending Education the public has access to this info. SB 277 by Senate Omnibus education policy bill which includes a modest BSA increase Pending Education Education of $126.54, increases for correspondence study & public transpor- tation, and provides for an education funding study. SB 278 by Senate Limits size of annual increase in the required local required Pending Education Education contribution by districts for K-12 funding. Mark Hickey & Andrea Watts May 10, 2026 Fishery & Resources Issues Measure Summary Status HB 33 by Stutes Allows members of Game or Fisheries Boards to deliberate and discuss Passed legislature 4/24, signed into matters if they or a family member have a personal or financial interest. law 4/30 HB 93 by Himschoot Changes hunting, trapping and sport fishing residency requirements to Scheduled Senate Resources 5/12 match allowable absences to receive a permanent fund dividend. 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 Scheduled Senate Resources 5/12 cooperative can consist of no more than 10 permit holders. HB 125 by Jimmie Changes Board of Fisheries composition to provide two seats for Pending Senate CRA subsistence fishing, two for commercial, two for sport and one for a 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 scheduled House FIN 5/11 HB 203 by McCabe Prohibits use of trawl or dredge fishing gear that makes substantial HB 203 pending House Fisheries SB 161 by Cronk bottom contact with the seafloor in state waters. SB 261 pending Senate RES 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 Pending 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 pending Senate RES 2/20 HB 297 by Schwanke Establishes preference for taking of fishery resources by residents for Pending Fisheries 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 Pending Finance account based on these charges. Surcharge sunsets January 1, 2032. HB 321 by Josephson Proposes several changes to state law pertaining to state refuges, Pending Finance sanctuaries, and fish & game habitat areas. More details found here. HB 356 by Vance Establishes the Alaska Coastal Micro -Fisheries Act, amending state law Pending Fisheries reaardina health & sanitary requirements related to commercial fishing. HB 361 by Ruffridge Amends existing laws regarding licensing of professional fishing guides Pending Fisheries and requires any revocation of a license must be for cause. HB 364 by Josephson Adds several new requirements for intensive management of big game Pending Resources prey populations. Allows same-day airborne predator control hunting. HIS 368 by Foster Requires Board of Fisheries to hold at least one meeting or hearing per Pending Fisheries year in a community of 7,000 people not connected to roads stem. SB 29 by B'orkman Adds executive director for Big Game Commercial Services Board. Scheduled House Finance 5/11 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 IndustryTask Force. SB 199 by Giessel Repeals the Alaska Commercial Fisheries Limited Entry Commission Pending Resources and transfers its duties to Department of Fish & Game. SB 268 by Stevens Exempts seafood processing workers from Alaska's minimum wage SB 268 sched. Senate L&C 5/15 HB 375 by House Rules requirement. HB 375 pending House CRA SB 269 by Hoffman Restructures the Board of Fisheries into three regional boards Pending Resources consisting of five members each appointed by the governor. SB 275 by Senate Comprehensive bill titled, `Alaska Gasline Transparency & Account- Pending Resources Resources ability Act". Expands legislature access to project info, increases its oversight ability and addresses several revenue -related concerns. Mark Hickey & Andrea Watts May 10, 2026 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 pending House FIN governor a net metering reimbursement fund at Alaska Energy Authority. SB 150 heard/held Senate L&C 5/1 HB 196 by Burke Places 20% of carbon offset revenue into the renewable energy grant Pending Finance HB 16 by Schrage fund and requires AEA to provide technical support to communities HB 16 pending Senate Rules SB 116 by Senate STA under 2,000 in population to prepare grant applications for projects. SB 116 pending Senate Finance HB 257 by Eischeid Authorizes use of portable solar devices for residential use. Pending Energy HB 359 by Mears Amends state laws related to regulation of large energy use facilities. Pending CRA HB 43 by Schrage Requires community benefit agreements with municipalities. Pending Finance HB 369 by House Energy Omnibus energy bill setting new energy efficiency and diversification Pending Energy HB 63/SB 70 by governor goals. Adds HB 257 (portable solar devices), HB 153 (diversified HB 63 pending House STA portfolio standard) & SB 32 streamlined small renewable projects). SB 70 pending Senate STA HB 388 by House FIN Doubles cap on loans from the bulk fuel loan account from $750,000 to HB 388 heard/held House FIN 5/8 SB 288 by Senate FIN $1.5 million. SB 288 scheduled Senate FIN 5/14 SB 16 by Myers Provides a simplified rate filing procedure for utility rate adjustments Pending Community & Regional HB 390/SB 289 by subject to Requlatory Commission of Alaska approval. Affairs SB 61 by Tobin Establishes an electronic products stewardship program. Includes Pending Finance SB 64 by Senate Rules electronics recycling advisory council and grant program authority. Vetoed by governor 4/30 SB 91 by Senate Creates new program at Department of Natural Resources to allow Pending Resources Resources 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 Judiciary Commission, with 9 municipal representatives out of 16 members. SB 250 by Tobin Regulates relationship between utilities & entities operating data Scheduled Labor & Commerce 5/13 centers. Requires municipalities to set up community benefit agreements before construction of new data centers. SB 285 by Senate Creates the Rural Energy Infrastructure Organization to build, own and Pending CRA Finance operate electric transmission and generation facilities in rural areas. Election &Voting Issues Measure Summary Status HJR 31 by Fields Constitutional amendment to prevent corporations & other entities from Pending Judiciary making contributions. Allows contributions by groups organized solely to influence elections. HJR 43 by House Affirms that privacy of state voters' confidential personal information is a Pending Rules Judiciary state rights issue. 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 HB 21 by Story Allows voter preregistration for minors at least 16 years of age and Pending Rules keeps the registration confidential. HB 43 by Schrage Omnibus reform bill allowing same day registration, ballot tracking & Pending Finance curing, absentee ballots and other reforms. HB 63/SB 70 by governor Numerous changes - repeal of PFD voter registration, reducing early HB 63 pending House STA voting period, & requiring receipt of absentee ballots by election date. SB 70 pending Senate STA HB 100 by Fields Imposes a 5% tax on federal campaign spending in state. Pending State Affairs HB 320 by Elam Makes automatic voter registration optional for PFD applicants. Pending State Affairs HB 371 by McCabe Omnibus campaigning financing bill relating to state and local elections. Scheduled State Affairs 5/12, 5/14 HB 390/SB 289 by Generally the same bill as SB 64 with a delay in effective dates to 2027. HB 390 referred H STA, JUD, FIN governor SB 289 sched. Senate STA 5/12 SB 64 by Senate Rules Senate majority reform bill includes same day registration, ballot Vetoed by governor 4/30 tracking & curing, and postage -paid absentee ballots. Final version removes repeal of signature verification. SB 179 by Senate Amends ranked choice voting by reducing number of advancing I Pending State Affairs Judiciary candidates from 4 to 3 and allowing voters to rank up to two choices. Mark Hickey & Andrea Watts May 10, 2026 House Education Bill Amended to Include Funding and Oversight • The Senate Education Committee moved out of committee a revised version of House Bill No. 28—a bill sponsored by Representative Story (D -Juneau) originally drafted to establish a pilot, loan repayment program for teachers and state employees. The committee amended the bill to limit the loan program to teachers who teach certain subjects and who have "exhausted" other loan options. Lawmakers hope this incentive will help reduce teacher turnover and outmigration. Additional changes include the addition of approximately $85 million in one-time funding, including $44 million for energy relief, $7 million for student transportation, $22 million for reading improvement grants, and nearly $10 million for career and technical education. The proposal also introduces new oversight requirements for publicly funded correspondence programs, a more limited approach after earlier, broader changes faced pushback. An explanation of the most recent changes can be viewed here. FY 2027 Operating Budget Status, Senate Approves FY 2027 Capital Budget • The House completed its work on the FY 2027 operating budget on April 14 and transmitted the approved version (House Bill No. 263) to the Senate on April 21. The Senate in turn finished its work on the FY 2027 capital budget and sent that bill to the House on April 21. A summary of the House's operating budget can be viewed in Legislative Report #26-06. Details on the Senate's capital budget (Senate Bill No. 214) are provided below. Once the House approved their version of the FY 2027 operating budget, the Senate Finance Committee unveiled a proposed committee substitute with a number of differences. Below is a summary of key highlights. • Based on an oil price forecast of $73 per barrel, versus the $75 per barrel forecast used by the House. Keeps $50 million as a reserve. Eliminates the need for a draw from the Constitutional Budget Reserve. • Adjusts the 2026 permanent fund dividend to $1,000 per person versus the House number of $1,500 per person. Adds another $150 per individual PFD recipient for energy cost relief. • Provides full funding for school and harbor debt reimbursement in FY 2027. • Funds K-12 education under current foundation formula. CS provides up to $100 million in one-time money for K-12. Provision of entire $100 million is contingent on oil prices averaging $95 per barrel for the rest of the fiscal year ending on June 30. A lesser amount is provided if oil prices are below that average for rest of the fiscal year. Attachment A provides the estimated impact by school district of the added $100 million. • Adds $29 million for school districts and $20 for communities to help address increased fuel and energy costs. • Full funding of PCE payments. This includes amount needed to cover the extra funding needed because of increasing energy costs. • An increase of $10 million for FY 2027 Community Assistance payments. This action restores FY 2027 payments to the full level of $30 million. Adds $50 million to re -capitalize the fund back to $90 million for future years. • Full funding of state raw fish taxes sharing with municipalities. • An increase of $49.5 million in FY 2027 for Alaska Marine Highway System operations in FY 2027. This money is included as backstop funding in case the anticipated grant of federal funds is not received or is less than expected. Accepted department request to change AMHS from a calendar year fiscal year to a multi-year appropriation. • Full funding for state's share of additional contribution for public employees and teachers' retirement systems. This includes another $40 million to meet the actuarial determined contribution rates recommended by the Alaska Retirement Management Board. • Adds $1.25 million to fund Village Public Safety operations during FY 2026. • Added $5.3 million to fund the first three Round 18 renewable energy grants. Mark Hickey & Andrea Watts April 26, 2026 • The Senate approved version of the FY 2027 capital budget adds nearly $100 million in spending to the governor's proposal, with the majority of this money going to fund facilities needs for schools and the university. This includes $57.8 million to address K-12 major maintenance and construction projects. This funds the top 15 projects from the state's FY 2027 major maintenance list, plus money for three schools needing emergency fuel tank repairs. • The House Finance Committee has begun its deliberations on the bill and is expected to add up to $100 million in general fund spending. A hearing to take public testimony in this committee has been scheduled for Wednesday, April 29, starting at 4:30 PM. Gasline Bill Amended in Senate Resources • The Alaska Senate Resources Committee adopted a committee substitute for Senate Bill No. 280, Governor Dunleavy's property tax bill for the Alaska gasline project. Supporters of the changes assert the proposed language ensures Alaska receives a fairer share of the revenue from the project while critics warn the higher taxes could jeopardize the project's financial viability and construction timeline. Below is a summary of key changes in the new version. More info can be found here. • A central feature of the bill is the implementation of an Alternative Volumetric Tax (AVT), which serves as a substitute for traditional property taxes. Under the revised version, this tax is divided into three components based on the infrastructure used. The revenue generated is split 50/50 between the State of Alaska and the municipalities or boroughs directly impacted by the infrastructure. To ensure project momentum, these tax provisions are subject to a sunset clause if construction does not begin by January 2028. • The bill introduces significant protections for Alaska consumers and local economies, requiring the Alaska Gasline Development Corporation (AGDC) to prioritize gas supply for in-state public utilities over export sales and sets strict price caps on the gas sold to those utilities. The project developer is prohibited from passing construction cost overruns onto utility ratepayers. To ensure local benefits, the bill attempts to mandate use of in-state contractors and labor and requires the pursuit of a spur line to serve the Fairbanks North Star Borough. • The new version mandates that project economics impacting state fiscal policy cannot be kept confidential. It also ensures that legislators and public agents have access to critical information and strengthens the state's ability to acquire interests in revenue -generating projects through notification and accounting procedures. • SB 280 addresses the immediate socio-economic impacts of construction by establishing a dedicated payment system. Developers will be assessed a fee of $1 million for every mile of pipeline constructed, with the resulting funds placed into a grant program managed by the Department of Commerce, Community, and Economic Development. These funds are intended to help local communities mitigate the strain on public facilities and services caused by large- scale pipeline construction activity. The bill also updates the corporate tax structure for pass-through entities like LLCs, applying a bracketed tax rate of up to 9.4% for those directly involved in the oil and gas industry. Other Capitol News Pension Reform Bill Advances to Senate Floor: Following ten hearings, the Senate Finance Committee moved out of committee an amended version of House Bill No. 78—a pension reform bill that would bring back a defined benefits pension plan to public employees. The bill is expected to be on the Senate floor early next week. The revised bill raises the required pension contribution rate for non -state PERS employers from 22% to 24%, if the employer chooses to opt -in to the new plan. However, if the PERS employer does not elect to participate in the defined benefits pension option, the current 22% employer contribution rate cap will stay the same. • Alaska House Fails to Approve Corporate Income Tax: On a vote of 17-23, the House rejected a bill approved by the Senate to impose the state's corporate income tax on privately owned oil and gas companies. The tax, which could have generated up to $100 million or more in new revenue, would have applied to companies licensed as S corporations such as Hilcorp who operates the Prudhoe Bay oil fields. Four members of the House majority joined the minority in opposition. Mark Hickey & Andrea Watts 1ZApril 26, 2026 Summary of State Legislation ■-1b, 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, hi and passed bills in GREEN. Inaugural Saab 2000 flight, Saint Paul Island 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. HB 263/SB 213 by FY 2027 Operating Budget: Draft Senate Finance CS proposes $100 HB 263 passed House 4/14; sched. governor million in one-time K-12 funding, $29.1 million to school districts for Senate Finance 4/28, 4/29 energy relief and 100% school debt funding. PFD equals $1,150. SB 213 pending Senate Finance HB 264/SB 214 by FY 2027 Capital Budget: Senate FIN CS adds $57.8 million for K-12 HB 264 pending House Finance governor major maintenance projects & $5.3 million for renewable energy grants. SB 214 passed Senate 4/21 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 Applies corporate income tax to online sales from outside corporations. HB 280 heard/held Senate FIN 4/21 HB 284/SB 227 by Senate Resources CS removes sales tax, adds HB 280 (Multistate Tax HB 284 pending House Finance governor Compact), SB 113, SB 92 and SB 112, adds education head tax and SB 227 pending Senate Finance modifies other oil taxes. HB 289 by governor Fast-track supplemental appropriations bill including $70 million in Signed by governor 4/10 match funds for federal transportation projects. HB 310 by Gray Imposes a 3% state bed tax for rentals less than 31 days. Pending L&C HB 350 by Fields Imposes a 9.4% income tax on entities with annual taxable income Scheduled L&C 4/29 more than $25 million. SJR 2 by Claman Proposes constitutional amendment to change veto override threshold Scheduled House Judiciary 5/1 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. SJR 29 by Senate Proposes constitutional amendment to permit the legislature to create a Heard & held House FIN 4/21 Finance dedicated public education fund. Money and earnings stay in the fund. 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 (House failed to Resources tions. The bill is directed at Hilcor . Added to HB 194 on Senate floor. concur HB 194 with SB 92 added 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. Pending Resources SB 274 by Senate Lowers percent of market value draw rate from the Alaska Permanent Pending Rules Finance Fund from 5% to 4.5% over a five-year period. SB 280/HB 381 by Alters state's current oil & gas property tax structure to an alternate tax SB 280 sched. S RES 4/27 — 5/1 governor based on throughput volume for the AK Liquified Natural Gas Project. HB 381 sched. H RES 4/27 - 5/1 Senate Resources released a proposed rewrite explained here. Mark Hickey & Andrea Watts April 26, 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 municipality to exempt/partially exempt from taxation a struc- Scheduled Senate STA 4/28, 5/2 ture converted from short-term to long-term rental unit. Senate STA proposing CS to reduce interest payments on tax refunds by muni's. HB 17 by Rauscher Removes PERS retirement eligibility restrictions for disabled veterans Heard/held Senate Finance 4/14 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 Ian. HB 133 by Himschoot Creates a payment deadline for the state of 30 days for all grants or HB 133 passed House 4/22 SB 129 by Kawasaki other agreements, with a 21 -day deadline if federal funds involved. SB 129 pending Senate L&C 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 Rules 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 Scheduled Finance 4/30 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 Pending Finance 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 Pending CRA material from a fee for an owner of a deteriorated property. HB 301 by Galvin Amends state law to prohibit explicitly discrimination based on sexual Pending State Affairs orientation or gender identity. HB 346 by Holland Requires DOT/PF to comply with local planning and zoning ordinances Pending Transportation near state-owned airports unless it creates a hazard to aircraft. HIS 363 by Stutes Authorizes a patriotic organization to sell or dispense alcoholic Scheduled 2nd reading, H floor 4/27 beverages at an event organized by that group. HB 377 by House State Adds audio and video recordings to management of public records law. Scheduled State Affairs 4/28 Affairs (by request Permits a municipality to charge for handling record requests. HB 378 by House Finance Proposes several changes to PERS/TRS retirement systems, adopting Pending Finance some provisions from HB 231. Fixes 2008 salary floor problem. HB 379 by House State Removes voter approval requirement prospectively for creation of, or Scheduled State Affairs 4/30 Affairs (by request annexation to, for new service areas. HIS 386 by House L&C Authorizes certain gaming activities on behalf of the Alaska Marine Scheduled L&C 5/1 Highway System; revises charitable gaming statutes. 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 I SB 21 passed Senate 4/22 HB 338 by Costell of a qualified retirement plan. I HB 338 sched. House L&C 4/27 Mark Hickey & Andrea Watts April 26, 2026 Measure Summary Allows teachers &other public employees a choice between a defined �m Pending Labor &Commerce SB 27 by Kiehl teachers in the state. benefit DB pension versus the current defined contribution DC plan. HB 9 by Carrick SB 28 by Giessel Provides defined benefit plan for all new public employees. Finance SB 28 pending Senate L&C HB 78 by House Finance CS further amended to make PERS DB an opt in choice for political HB 78 moved out Senate FIN 4/24 Requires school districts provide free breakfast and lunch subject to subdivisions. Change from 22% to 24% rate only if entity opts in to DB. SB 34 by Giessel Repeals 90 -day session limit. Pending Rules SB 42 by Gray -Jackson Omnibus law enforcement reform bill adding required municipal police Pending Community & Regional CS added several provisions from SB 277 CS, including energy relief 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 Allows SBS participation by TRS employees for those not in social plan requirement for first and second class boroughs. SB 53 by Gray -Jackson Imposes accreditation standards for law enforcement agencies in Pending State Affairs Requires DEED to establish a centralized program for deaf students Alaska including a municipal police department. SB 8 by Gray -Jackson SB 55 by Stedman Requires all TRS/PERS employers to participate in SBS system for Moved out Senate FIN 3/26 Districts must designate sports team as male, female or co-ed & bars those not in social security. Amended in Finance to phase in contribu- [not transmitted yet, not added to trans ender girls from female sports. tions; removes provision to shift most costs to employers through 2037. HB 78] SB 63 by Cronk Changes makeup of Local Boundary Commission to require one Passed House CRA 4/23 member from unorganized borough. Requires members from each judicial district to live and vote in that district. SB 81 by Stedman Imposes contribution requirement on TRS/PERS employers for past Pending Finance 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 Open Meetings Act. SB 162 by Cronk Prohibits home rule boroughs or general law municipalities from SB 162 pending Senate Finance HB 1 by McCabe imposing a sales or use tax on sale or exchange of old/silverspecie. HB 1 scheduled House Finance 5/1 SB 184 by Senate Extends moratorium on the school debt reimbursement program from Pending Finance Finance July 1, 2025, to July 1, 2027. SB 198 by Kaufman Reduces requirement under current TRS/PERS DC plans to qualify for Pending Finance medical benefits to 25 years. SB 200 by Bjorkman Requires Schedule F (Form 1040) or similar information to access the SB 200 pending Senate Rules HB 323 by Moore exemption provisions of AS 29.45.060 for farm oragricultural land. HB 223 pending House CRA SB 242 by Merrick Authorizes Department of Public Safety to contract with a municipality Pending State Affairs to provide various law enforcement duties for a fee. Requires the state to reimburse municipalities for these costs on a sliding scale. SB 255 by Yundt Allows DNR to transfer land under municipal land entitlement program Heard & held Resources 4/20 without a land survey if requested by the municipality. SB 259 by Bjorkman Allows a municipality to impose a percentage limit on amount of an Scheduled Labor & Commerce 4/27 increase in an annual property value assessment. SB 273 by Senate State Requires municipalities to waive certain building -related fees for Pending CRA Affairs (by request) disabled veterans if changes are needed to accommodate disability. Education Measures Measure HJR 39 by Galvin Summary Resolution urging federal government to waive the new H-1 B fees for Status HJR 39 moved out S EDC 4/20 SJR 28 by Senate EDC teachers in the state. SJR 28 passed Senate 4/20 HB 9 by Carrick Increases charter school funding if districts receive extra funds. Pending Education Provides added medical coverage for children with disabilities. HB 12 by Dibert Requires school districts provide free breakfast and lunch subject to Moved out Education 4/13 appropriation. HB 28 by Story Establishes student loan repayment pilot program. Senate Education Passed Senate Education 4/20 CS added several provisions from SB 277 CS, including energy relief payments of $43.7 million. 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 sched. Senate Finance 4/28 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. Mark Hickey & Andrea Watts April 26, 2026 Measure HB 59/SB 66 by governor Summary Establishes a five-year pilot program for state -tribal education compact Status HB 59 pending House EDC schools working with five tribes. SB 66 sched. Senate EDC 4/27 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 House Education HB 165 by Coulombe at public schools. HB 165 pending Senate 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 Finance partners, trusts and estates. HB 163 by Underwood Requires 4 -year terms for all local school boards. Makes Election Day Pending CRA a legal holiday. 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 more correspondence study money, and reading incentive grants. SB 182 pending Senate Finance 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. HB 231 by Frier Creates teacher bonus payments, exit interviews, reopener for former, Scheduled Education 5/1 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 sched. House EDC 4/27 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 Moved out Finance 4/15 agency by 16%. HB 261 by Story Changes K-12 annual enrollment counts using past year or average of Scheduled Finance 4/27, 5/1 last 3 whichever is higher. EDC CS allows use of current count too. 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 Pending Education beyond the required local contribution. HB 313 by Ruff ridge Requires a school district to allow any professional employee Pending Education association equal access to communicate or meet with new or existing employees. HB 319 by Elam Permits a municipality to create municipal education service areas to Pending Education finance capital improvements. HB 333 by Bynum Creates technical readiness and career training education system and Pending Education increase funding factor from 1.015 to 1.025. HB 339 by Costello Requires school districts to establish a personal finance education Pending Education program for grades 9 though 12 HB 343 by Allard Allows students more chances to earn secondary school course credit Scheduled M&VA 4/30 by assessment. Expands right to attend public schools for a military dependent. HB 358 by Elam Creates career & technical education mobility grant program and Pending Education expands pre -apprenticeship and work -based learning for secondary school students. HB 365 by Bynum Implements participation in the Federal Tax Credit Scholarship Pending CRA Program funding scholarships for K-12 education. HB 374 by House Raises the Base Student Allocation by $630 to $7,290. Pending Education Education Mark Hickey & Andrea Watts April 26, 2026 Measure Summary Establishes building management specialist positions at the Status Heard & held Education 4/13 — HB 383 by House Education Department of Education & Early Development. HB 387 by H EDC Establishes Joint Legislative Alaska Native Languages Academic HB 387 scheduled H EDC 4/27 SB 287 by S EDC Force. Report due in one year from first meeting. SB 287 referred Senate STA SJR 22 by Tobin Constitutional amendment recognizing cultural heritage of Alaska Pending Education Natives & American Indians in state's public educations stem. SJR 29 by Senate Finance Proposes constitutional amendment to permit creation of a dedicated Heard & held House Finance 4/21 public education fund. Money and earnings stay in the fund. 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 Pending House Finance Pacific Islanders in the U.S. SB 20 by Gray -Jackson Requires DEED to develop and implement education of public SB 20 moved out House EDC 4/20 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 moved out House EDC 4/13 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 moved out House FIN 4/22 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 moved out House EDC 4/20 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. Pending Rules Ed ecumbe. Teacher housing language removed in latest version. SB 151 by Bjorkman Requires school districts adopt a policy on students with live head lice. Pending Finance Students cannot attend school. SB 178 by S HSS Expands core early intervention services eligibility for children with SB 178 pending Senate FIN HB 376 by H EDC developmental delays and disabilities. HB 376 moved out House HSS 4/14 SB 187 by Wielechowski Prohibits certain food additives in public school meals. Passed Senate 4/20 SB 204 by Cronk Allows school board member to substitute teach. Prohibits felons from Scheduled State Affairs 5/2 serving on school board. SB 206 by Tobin Requires reporting of bullying in schools and suicide threats. Creates Scheduled Finance 4/30 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 Heard & held CRA 4/16 public education. SB 228 by Rauscher Requires DEED to develop opioid abuse awareness & prevention Pending Education curriculum for grades 6-12. SB 238 by Kawasaki Limits local government's ability to restrict or remove controversial Pending Judiciary books from school and public libraries. SB 247 by Kiehl Creates new crime for distribution of generated obscene child sexual Heard & held Judiciary 4/15 abuse material & requires teaching certificate revocation for life if violated. SB 257 by Cronk Amends the statutory formula for funding residential schools resulting SB 257 pending Senate EDC HB 380 by House EDC in increased money. HB 380 pending House Finance SB 267 by Bjorkman Establishes a public -school financial data Internet website ensuring Pending Education the public has access to this info. SB 277 by Senate Omnibus education policy bill which includes a modest BSA increase Pending Education Education of $126.54, increases for correspondence study & public transpor- tation, and provides for an education funding study. SB 278 by Senate Limits size of annual increase in the required local required Pending Education Education contribution by districts for K-12 funding. Mark Hickey & Andrea Watts April 26, 2026 Fishery & Resources Issues Measure Summary Status HB 33 by Stutes Allows members of Game or Fisheries Boards to deliberate and discuss Passed House 4/24 matters if they or a family member have a personal or financial interest. HB 93 by Himschoot Changes hunting, trapping and sport fishing residency requirements to Pending Senate Resources match allowable absences to receive a permanent fund dividend. 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 Heard & held Senate RES 4/20 cooperative can consist of no more than 10 permit holders. HB 125 by Jimmie Changes Board of Fisheries composition to provide two seats for Heard & held Senate CRA 4/16 subsistence fishing, two for commercial, two for sport and one for a 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 scheduled House FIN 4/29 HB 203 by McCabe Prohibits use of trawl or dredge fishing gear that makes substantial HB 203 pending House Fisheries SB 161 by Cronk bottom contact with the seafloor in state waters. SB 261 pending Senate RES 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 Pending 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 pending Senate RES 2/20 HB 297 by Schwanke Establishes preference for taking of fishery resources by residents for Pending Fisheries 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 Pending Finance account based on these charges. Surcharge sunsets January 1, 2032. HB 321 by Josephson Proposes several changes to state law pertaining to state refuges, Moved out Resources 4/17 sanctuaries, and fish & game habitat areas. More details found here. HB 356 by Vance Establishes the Alaska Coastal Micro -Fisheries Act, amending state law Heard & held Fisheries 4/23 reaardina health & sanitary requirements related to commercial fishing. HB 361 by Ruffridge Amends existing laws regarding licensing of professional fishing guides Pending Fisheries and requires any revocation of a license must be for cause. HB 364 by Josephson Adds several new requirements for intensive management of big game Pending Resources prey populations. Allows same-day airborne predator control hunting. HIS 368 by Foster Requires Board of Fisheries to hold at least one meeting or hearing per Pending Fisheries year in a community of 7,000 people not connected to roads stem. 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 IndustryTask Force. SB 199 by Giessel Repeals the Alaska Commercial Fisheries Limited Entry Commission Pending Resources and transfers its duties to Department of Fish & Game. SB 268 by Stevens Exempts seafood processing workers from Alaska's minimum wage SB 268 pending Senate CRA HB 375 by House Rules requirement. HB 375 pending House CRA SB 269 by Hoffman Restructures the Board of Fisheries into three regional boards Pending Resources consisting of five members each appointed by the governor. SB 275 by Senate Comprehensive bill titled, `Alaska Gasline Transparency & Account- Heard & held Resources 4/20 Resources ability Act". Expands legislature access to project info, increases its oversight ability and addresses several revenue -related concerns. Mark Hickey & Andrea Watts April 26, 2026 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 pending House FIN governor a net metering reimbursement fund at Alaska Energy Authority. SB 150 scheduled Senate L&C 5/1 HB 196 by Burke Places 20% of carbon offset revenue into the renewable energy grant Pending Finance HB 16 by Schrage fund and requires AEA to provide technical support to communities HB 16 pending Senate Rules SB 116 by Senate STA under 2,000 in population to prepare grant applications for projects. SB 116 pending Senate Finance HB 257 by Eischeid Authorizes use of portable solar devices for residential use. Pending Energy HB 359 by Mears Amends state laws related to regulation of large energy use facilities. Pending CRA HB 43 by Schrage Requires community benefit agreements with municipalities. Pending Finance HB 369 by House Energy Omnibus energy bill setting new energy efficiency and diversification Pending Energy HB 63/SB 70 by governor goals. Adds HB 257 (portable solar devices), HB 153 (diversified HB 63 pending House STA portfolio standard) & SB 32 streamlined small renewable projects). SB 70 pending Senate STA SB 16 by Myers Provides a simplified rate filing procedure for utility rate adjustments Pending Community & Regional HB 100 by Fields subject to Regulatory Commission of Alaska approval. Affairs SB 61 by Tobin Establishes an electronic products stewardship program. Includes Pending Finance HB 371 by McCabe electronics recycling advisory council and grant program authority. Pending State Affairs SB 91 by Senate Creates new program at Department of Natural Resources to allow Pending Resources Resources clean energy projects to obtain a license for use of state lands. to governor, due back 4/30 SB 120 by Gray -Jackson Establishes the Alaska Climate Change Emergency Response Pending Finance SB 179 by Senate Commission, with 9 municipal representatives out of 16 members. Pending State Affairs SB 250 by Tobin Regulates relationship between utilities & entities operating data Moved out CRA 4/21 centers. Requires municipalities to set up community benefit agreements before construction of new data centers. SB 285 by Senate Creates the Rural Energy Infrastructure Organization to build, own and Referred CRA, Finance Finance operate electric transmission and generation facilities in rural areas. Election &Voting Issues Measure Summary Status HJR 31 by Fields Constitutional amendment to prevent corporations & other entities from Pending Judiciary making contributions. Allows contributions by groups organized solely to influence elections. HJR 43 by House Affirms that privacy of state voters' confidential personal information is a Pending Rules Judiciary state rights issue. 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 HB 21 by Story Allows voter preregistration for minors at least 16 years of age and Pending Rules keeps the registration confidential. HB 43 by Schrage Omnibus reform bill allowing same day registration, ballot tracking & Pending Finance curing, 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 HB 320 by Elam Makes automatic voter registration optional for PFD applicants. Pending State Affairs HB 371 by McCabe Omnibus campaigning financing bill relating to state and local elections. Pending State Affairs SB 64 by Senate Rules Senate majority reform bill includes same day registration, ballot Passed legislature 3/25, transmitted tracking & curing, and postage -paid absentee ballots. Final version to governor, due back 4/30 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 April 26, 2026 Attachment A Estimated Impact of 11IM MYliao Addltlmd row"atlaa Sch-g F asrscc 1112 2(121 F1' 202 7 i, Pcetrared trr LePtubre;i�ce Or.tuon 1..1 [Montt Addttkmal Yw.d.tr. iLmdYa! (ST►a... a&I TOIAL 14110.10"S A la.ka (o6—v 5564 Alcutwc R.1— 79.5 Aleut..ts Lr 307 1 A 27,990.8 At. cm Itknd 197.0 tic.Strut 2 -5 F%,.k4 143.9 7wdA 243.5 ! 3603 ftnv 4114 Md- a 1819 n 192.1 Della lice 713.6 Dm.h 547.6 Ddln m 166.1 1 aab.+tka 8,931 • 'son. 3,060.6 liana 2361 11—sh 1737 IIrd.Pur 79.3 lda.-d A,= 1901 u.c.0 3,23)1 Ka6c 1606 Kalun., f 123.8 Xc w Pet.a.ul. k6l9 7 Kckh&— (' 1,"9 4 x w—" 1590 Kul.ck lid 1,959 9 xUTA 501 7 IAke a Pmirsd4 SSS 4 lama Kodmkve SAW 2 Iowa Yuku 3,0608 Mat Su 11,007 1 Nmans 9" 1 Name 714.5 %.nh SkT, 2.213 1 S-th.,w ArctK SII 0 Pc4.n 29.1 PoMbLyz 509 3 Pnbikl 934 SomMary. 2743 Saks 9494 ,AM -v1 1416 1.UM 1123 S—th-19 — 894 1 n.lrka 1976 N, hic, 5174 'A'awn 2514 Yakuut 916 Yukua F1ta 4115 1.669 Y \' 7121 4t F.dssa,.mw 2560 Mark Hickey & Andrea Watts April 26, 2026 Senator Murkowski Addresses Legislature • U.S. Senator Lisa Murkowski (R -Alaska) delivered her annual address to a joint session of the Alaska Legislature on March 31. A copy of her speech can be found here and a recorded video can be found here. Highlights from Sen. Murkowski's speech are outlined below. • Economic Growth, Resource Development & Tax Policy: Murkowski highlighted federal efforts to maintain low taxes and provide broad tax relief, alongside strong momentum in Alaska's resource sector, noting that "nothing is going better for Alaska than resource development." Murkowski pointed to advancing projects like Willow and Pikka, record lease sale revenues in the National Petroleum Reserve -Alaska on Alaska's North Slope, and opportunities to expand natural gas exports to Asia as evidence that this progress is "real, meaningful, and happening now." • Fiscal Responsibility: She urged adoption of a responsible long-term fiscal plan, warning that rising federal debt and tightening future budgets will require greater discipline at both state and federal levels. She cautioned that while higher oil prices provide short-term relief, they are not a sustainable revenue strategy, stressing that Alaska must avoid relying on price spikes instead of stable production. Murkowski called for breaking the boom -and -bust cycle by strengthening fiscal planning and treating windfalls as temporary, not structural solutions. State -Level Responsibilities & Infrastructure Needs: Murkowski pressed legislators to meet federal matching requirements to fully unlock available funding—not just for large transportation projects, but also smaller, high -impact programs like earthquake early warning systems and food security grants that may only require limited staffing support. She stressed that better coordination and timely follow-through at the state level can significantly expand Alaska's access to federal dollars. Murkowski also underscored the urgency of investing in core infrastructure, particularly the Alaska Marine Highway System, calling it a critical statewide asset for economic connectivity. She warned that federal support—while substantial in recent years—"is a lifeline, it's not an entitlement," cautioning that reliance on competitive, temporary funding to cover a large share of operating costs is unsustainable and leaves the system vulnerable without stronger long-term state commitment. Education & Workforce Challenges: She outlined interconnected challenges in education and workforce development, citing deteriorating school facilities and ongoing teacher shortages driven by pay, housing, and benefits. While she supported increased education funding, she stressed that money alone will not solve deeper structural issues. She warned of long-term outmigration among working -age residents and growing reliance on non-resident workers, emphasizing that Alaska is not retaining enough of its own talent. She pointed to the University of Alaska as a key pipeline for keeping graduates in-state and framed workforce development as a broader quality -of -life issue requiring investments in housing, childcare, public safety, education, and community infrastructure. House Nears Completion of FY 2027 Operating Budget Work • The House spent three full days on the floor debating amendments to the FY 2027 operating budget. The initial plan was to complete work by the weekend. However, the bill has been held over to the House floor session on April 13. Roughly 50 amendments, mostly from House minority members, were debated. Few were adopted. One amendment that was approved changes the size of the 2026 permanent fund dividend from a full statutory dividend of $3,800 per person to approximately $1,500 per person. Another approved amendment moved $11 million from the one-time K-12 education funding of $158 million to support pupil transportation directly. Additional money for the PCE program to offset expected impacts from higher fuel costs and another $10 million into the community assistance program are other changes of note since the last report. If the added $10 million makes it through the process, it will return the community assistance program to the full $30 million level for FY 2027. Mark Hickey & Andrea Watts April 12, 2026 Based on the spring revenue forecast from the Department of Revenue, the House's current budget is projected to result in a deficit of over $100 million. This does not include costs for the FY 2027 capital budget which will be unveiled by the Senate in the next couple of weeks. Once the House sends the operating budget to the Senate, the full Senate Finance Committee will consider the work of its finance subcommittees as well as the House changes in crafting the Senate version. Typically, remaining differences between the two bodies are resolved in a joint conference committee. Dedicated Education Fund Gains Momentum The Alaska Senate quickly introduced and passed Senate Joint Resolution No. 29, a proposed constitutional amendment to create a dedicated fund for K-12 education, designed to provide more stable and predictable long-term funding for public schools. The proposal would establish a new funding strategy to deposit money and protect it in a restricted account used solely for education, effectively overriding Alaska's constitutional ban on dedicated funds. Supporters argued the change would help address chronic underfunding, school district deficits, and aging infrastructure, and said it could be a "tremendous tool" to improve schools and "elevate education funding to a higher level" by reducing annual budget uncertainty, according to Senator Lyman Hoffman (D -Bethel). Advocates also pointed to broader concerns that districts face significant budget shortfalls and decades of deferred maintenance, with some schools in disrepair and staffing pressures persisting statewide. The resolution passed the Senate on a bipartisan 17-3 vote, clearing the two- thirds threshold required in the legislature for constitutional amendments. If the House also approves the measure, it will go before Alaska voters in the November general election needing approval by a majority of voters. Additional information can be found here. Other Capitol News • Fast -Track Supplemental Appropriation Bill Siqned By Governor: Governor Dunleavy signed the fast-track supplemental appropriation bill into law on April 10, clearing the way to provide matching funds this summer for federally funded transportation projects vetoed by the governor last year. The approved measure provides $450 million for disaster relief, construction match, corrections officer overtime and some public assistance programs. Another Education Funding Bill Gets Traction: The House Education Committee recently moved House Bill No. 261. The bill is now in the House Finance Committee. The primary focus of the legislation amends the method for student counts in October which is the basis for K-12 education funding using the Base Student Allocation (BSA). It allows school districts to choose either the previous school year's October student count or a three-year average of prior counts, whichever is greater. The Department of Education & Early Development estimates the added cost from the bill at $100 million for FY 2027. The middle column in Attachment A shows the estimated FY 2027 impact by district. Alaska Shipping Rates Rise as Fuel Costs Surge: Major shipping companies serving Alaska, including Alaska Marine Lines (AML), Matson, and Tote Maritime, are increasing fuel surcharges due to rising global fuel prices tied to the war with Iran, leading to higher freight costs across the state. AML is raising its surcharge from 11 % to 18.5% in Southeast Alaska; Matson is boosting rates from 20.5% to 26.5%; and Tote has made a smaller increase from 24% to 27%. Businesses that rely on shipped goods, such as restaurants and hardware stores, say the higher costs will likely be passed on to customers, though individual price increases may be modest. Rural school districts and communities are expected to experience the biggest impact over the next several months. Mark Hickey & Andrea Watts 1zApril 12, 2026 Summary of State Legislation 19 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. Adelie penguin, Antarctica 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%. HB 263/SB 213 by FY 2027 Operating Budget: Funds school debt reimbursement at HB 263 3rd reading House floor 4/13 governor 100%. Floor amendment moves $11 million of added K-12 $158 million SB 213 pending Senate Finance to pupil transportation. PF dividend amended to $1,500 per person. HB 264/SB 214 by FY 2027 Capital Budget: No funds for renewable energy grants or K-12 HB 264 heard/held House FIN 4/9 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 Applies corporate income tax to online sales from outside corporations. HB 280 passed House 4/8 HB 284/SB 227 by Senate Resources CS removes sales tax, adds HB 280 (Multistate Tax HB 284 pending House Finance governor Compact), SB 113, SB 92 and SB 112, adds education head tax and SB 227 heard/held Senate FIN 3/25 modifies other oil taxes. HB 289 by governor Fast-track supplemental appropriations bill including $70 million in Signed by governor 4/10 match funds for federal transportation projects. HB 310 by Gray Imposes a 3% state bed tax for rentals less than 31 days. Pending L&C HB 350 by Fields Imposes a 9.4% income tax on entities with annual taxable income Scheduled L&C 4/15 more than $25 million. SJR 2 by Claman Proposes constitutional amendment to change veto override threshold Passed Senate 3/31, sched. House from 3/4ths to two-thirds of legislature. JUD 4/10 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. SJR 29 by Senate Proposes constitutional amendment to permit the legislature to create a Passed Senate 4/1, sched. House Finance dedicated public education fund. Money and earnings stay in the fund. FIN 4/14 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 (HB 194 with SB 92 Resources tions. The bill is directed at Hilcorp. Added to HB 194 on Senate floor. added awaiting House concurrence 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. Pending Resources SB 274 by Senate Lowers percent of market value draw rate from the Alaska Permanent Moved out Finance 4/1 Finance Fund from 5% to 4.5% over a five-year period. SB 280/HB 381 by Alters state's current oil & gas property tax structure to an alternate tax SB 280 sched. S RES 4/13 - 4/17 governor based on throughput volume for the Alaska Liquified Natural Gas HB 381 sched. H RES 4/13 — 4/17 Project. Extends tax exemption for the project from the construction period to commencement of commercial operations. Mark Hickey & Andrea Watts April 12, 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 municipality to exempt/partially exempt from taxation a struc- Pending Senate State Affairs ture converted from short-term to long-term rental unit. Senate STA proposing CS to reduce interest payments on tax refunds by muni's. 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 heard/held House STA 3/31 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 Ian. 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 pending Senate L&C 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 Moved out L&C 3/30 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 Scheduled Finance 4/16 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 Pending Finance 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 Pending CRA material from a fee for an owner of a deteriorated property. HB 301 by Galvin Amends state law to prohibit explicitly discrimination based on sexual Pending State Affairs orientation or gender identity. HB 346 by Holland Requires DOT/PF to comply with local planning and zoning ordinances Pending Transportation near state-owned airports unless it creates a hazard to aircraft. HIS 363 by Stutes Authorizes a patriotic organization to sell or dispense alcoholic Pending Rules beverages at an event organized by that group. HB 377 by House State Adds audio and video recordings to management of public records law. Pending State Affairs Affairs (by request Permits a municipality to charge for handling record requests. HB 378 by House Finance Proposes several changes to PERS/TRS retirement systems, adopting Pending Finance some provisions from HB 231. Fixes 2008 salary floor problem. HB 379 by House State Removes voter approval requirement prospectively for creation of, or Scheduled CRA 4/14 Affairs (by request) annexation to, for new service areas. 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 SB 21 pending Senate Rules HB 338 by Costello I of a qualified retirement plan. I HB 338 pending House L&C 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. Mark Hickey & Andrea Watts April 12, 2026 SB 28 by Giessel Provides defined benefit plan for all new public employees. Finance SB 28 pending Senate L&C HB 78 by House Finance CS allows new employees a choice between DC or DB option. Also HB 78 heard/held Senate FIN 4/9 SJR 28 by Senate EDC amended to increase municipal PERS contribution rate from 22 to 24%. SJR 28 moved out Senate EDC 4/8 SB 34 by Giessel Repeals 90 -day session limit. Pending Rules SB 42 by Gray -Jackson Omnibus law enforcement reform bill adding required municipal police Pending Community & Regional HB 12 by Dibert 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 HB 28 by Story plan requirement for first and second class boroughs. Heard & held Senate Education 4/8 SB 53 by Gray -Jackson Imposes accreditation standards for law enforcement agencies in Pending State Affairs HB 38 by Saddler Alaska including a municipal police department. Pending Labor & Commerce SB 55 by Stedman Requires all TRS/PERS employers to participate in SBS system for Moved out Finance 3/26 HB 39 by Allard those not in social security. Amended in Finance to phase in contribu- HB 39 pending Senate Finance SB 8 by Gray -Jackson tions; removes provision to shift most costs to employers through 2037. SB 8 pending Senate Finance SB 63 by Cronk Changes makeup of Local Boundary Commission to require one Passed Senate 4/1, scheduled member from unorganized borough. Requires members from each House CRA 4/16 HB 59/SB 66 by governor .udicial district to live and vote in that district. HB 59 pending House EDC I SB 81 by Stedman Imposes contribution requirement on TRS/PERS employers for past Pending Finance 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 Open Meetings Act. SB 162 by Cronk Prohibits home rule boroughs or general law municipalities from SB 162 pending Senate Finance 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 198 by Kaufman Reduces requirement under current TRS/PERS DC plans to qualify for Pending Finance medical benefits to 25 years. SB 200 by Bjorkman Requires Schedule F (Form 1040) or similar information to access the SB 200 pending Senate Rules HB 323 by Moore exemption provisions of AS 29.45.060 for farm oragricultural land. HB 223 pending House CRA SB 242 by Merrick Authorizes Department of Public Safety to contract with a municipality Pending State Affairs to provide various law enforcement duties for a fee. Requires the state to reimburse municipalities for these costs on a sliding scale. SB 255 by Yundt Allows DNR to transfer land under municipal land entitlement program Pending Resources without a land survey if requested by the municipality. SB 259 by Bjorkman Allows a municipality to impose a percentage limit on amount of an Scheduled CRA 4/15 increase in an annual property value assessment. SB 273 by Senate State Requires municipalities to waive certain building -related fees for Pending CRA Affairs (by request disabled veterans if changes are needed to accommodate disability. Education Measures Measure Summary Status HJR 39 by Galvin Resolution urging federal government to waive the new H-1 B fees for HJR 39 sched. Senate EDC 4/13 SJR 28 by Senate EDC teachers in the state. SJR 28 moved out Senate EDC 4/8 HB 9 by Carrick Increases charter school funding if districts receive extra funds. Pending Education Provides added medical coverage for children with disabilities. HB 12 by Dibert Requires school districts provide free breakfast and lunch subject to Scheduled Education 4/15 appropriation. HB 28 by Story Establishes a student loan repayment pilot program at the Heard & held Senate Education 4/8 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 pending Senate Finance 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 I schools working with five tribes. SB 66 pending Senate EDC Mark Hickey & Andrea Watts April 12, 2026 Measure Summary Status 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 House Education HB 165 by Coulombe at public schools. HB 165 pending Senate 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 Finance partners, trusts and estates. HB 163 by Underwood Requires 4 -year terms for all local school boards. Makes Election Day Pending CRA a legal holiday. 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 more correspondence study money, and reading incentive grants. SB 182 pendin Senate Finance 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. HB 231 by Frier Creates teacher bonus payments, exit interviews, reopener for former, Scheduled, not heard EDC 4/10 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 Scheduled Finance 4/15 agency by 16%. HB 261 by Story Changes K-12 annual enrollment counts using past year or average of Moved out Education 4/1 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 Pending Education beyond the required local contribution. HB 313 by Ruffridge Requires a school district to allow any professional employee Pending Education association equal access to communicate or meet with new or existing employees. HB 319 by Elam Permits a municipality to create municipal education service areas to Pending Education finance capital improvements. HB 333 by Bynum Creates technical readiness and career training education system and Pending Education increase funding factor from 1.015 to 1.025. HB 339 by Costello Requires school districts to establish a personal finance education Pending Education program for grades 9 though 12 HB 343 by Allard Allows students more chances to earn secondary school course credit Pending Military & Veteran Affairs by assessment. Expands right to attend public schools for a military dependent. HB 358 by Elam Creates career & technical education mobility grant program and Pending Education expands pre -apprenticeship and work -based learning for secondary school students. HB 365 by Bynum Implements participation in the Federal Tax Credit Scholarship Pending CRA Program funding scholarships for K-12 education. HB 374 by House Raises the Base Student Allocation by $630 to $7,290. Pending Education Education HB 383 by House Establishes building management specialist positions at the Scheduled Education 4/13 Education Department of Education & Early Development. Mark Hickey & Andrea Watts April 12, 2026 — Measure SJR 22 by Tobin Summary__ Constitutional amendment recognizing cultural heritage of Alaska Status Pending Education Natives & American Indians in state's public educations stem. SJR 29 by Senate Finance Proposes constitutional amendment to permit creation of a dedicated Passed Senate 4/1, scheduled public education fund. Money and earnings stay in the fund. House Finance 4/14 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 Pending House Finance Pacific Islanders in the U.S. SB 20 by Gray -Jackson Requires DEED to develop and implement education of public SB 20 sched. House EDC 4/13 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 scheduled House EDC 4/13 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 passed Senate 4/10 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 passed Senate 4/1, HB 160 by Moore members. scheduled House EDC 4/15, 4/17 HB 160 pending House Education SB 146 by Senate Finance Permits use of REAA & small municipal school district fund for Mt. Pending Rules _l Ed ecumbe. Teacher housing language removed in latest version. SB 151 by Bjorkman Requires school districts adopt a policy on students with live head lice. Pending Finance Students cannot attend school. SB 178 by S HSS Expands core early intervention services eligibility for children with SB 178 pending Senate FIN HB 376 by H EDC developmental delays and disabilities. HB 376 scheduled House HSS 4/14 SB 187 by Wielechowski Prohibits certain food additives in public school meals. Scheduled HSS 4/14 SB 204 by Cronk Allows school board member to substitute teach. Prohibits felons from Moved out Education 4/8 serving on school board. SB 206 by Tobin Requires reporting of bullying in schools and suicide threats. Creates Pending Finance 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 Pending CRA public education. SB 228 by Rauscher Requires DEED to develop opioid abuse awareness & prevention Pending Education curriculum for grades 6-12. SB 238 by Kawasaki Limits local government's ability to restrict or remove controversial Moved out Education 3/23 books from school and public libraries. SB 247 by Kiehl Creates new crime for distribution of generated obscene child sexual Scheduled Judiciary 4/15 abuse material & requires teaching certificate revocation for life if violated. SB 257 by Cronk Amends the statutory formula for funding residential schools resulting SB 257 pending Senate EDC HB 380 by House EDC in increased money. HB 380 moved out House EDC 4/1 SB 267 by Bjorkman Establishes a public -school financial data Internet website ensuring Pending Education the public has access to this info. SB 277 by Senate Omnibus education policy bill which includes a modest BSA increase Pending Education Education of $126.54, increases for correspondence study & public transpor- tation, and provides for an education funding study. SB 278 by Senate Limits size of annual increase in the required local required Heard & held Education 4/8 Education contribution by districts for K-12 funding. Mark Hickey & Andrea Watts April 12, 2026 Fishery & Resources Issues Measure Summary Status HB 33 by Stutes Allows members of Game or Fisheries Boards to deliberate and discuss Pending Senate Rules matters if they or a family member have a personal or financial interest. HB 93 by Himschoot Changes hunting, trapping and sport fishing residency requirements to Pending Senate Resources match allowable absences to receive a permanent fund dividend. 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 Passed House 4/1 cooperative can consist of no more than 10 permit holders. HB 125 by Jimmie Changes Board of Fisheries composition to provide two seats for Scheduled Senate CRA 4/16 subsistence fishing, two for commercial, two for sport and one for a 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 passed Senate 4/1 HB 203 by McCabe Prohibits use of trawl or dredge fishing gear that makes substantial HB 203 pending House Fisheries SB 161 by Cronk bottom contact with the seafloor in state waters. SB 261 pending Senate RES 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 Pending 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 pending Senate RES 2/20 HB 297 by Schwanke Establishes preference for taking of fishery resources by residents for Pending Fisheries 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 Pending Finance account based on these charges. Surcharge sunsets January 1, 2032. HB 321 by Josephson Proposes several changes to state law pertaining to state refuges, Scheduled Resources 4/17 sanctuaries, and fish & game habitat areas. More details found here. HB 356 by Vance Establishes the Alaska Coastal Micro -Fisheries Act, amending state law Scheduled Fisheries 4/16 reaardina health & sanitary requirements related to commercial fishing. HB 361 by Ruffridge Amends existing laws regarding licensing of professional fishing guides Pending Fisheries and requires any revocation of a license must be for cause. HB 364 by Josephson Adds several new requirements for intensive management of big game Pending Resources prey populations. Allows same-day airborne predator control hunting. HB 368 by Foster Requires Board of Fisheries to hold at least one meeting or hearing per Pending Fisheries year in a community of 7,000 people not connected to roads stem. 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 IndustryTask Force. SB 199 by Giessel Repeals the Alaska Commercial Fisheries Limited Entry Commission Pending Resources and transfers its duties to Department of Fish & Game. SB 268 by Stevens Exempts seafood processing workers from Alaska's minimum wage SB 268 pending Senate CRA HB 375 by House Rules requirement. HB 375 pending House CRA SB 269 by Hoffman Restructures the Board of Fisheries into three regional boards Pending Resources consisting of five members each appointed by the governor. SB 275 by Senate Comprehensive bill titled, `Alaska Gasline Transparency & Account- Scheduled Resources 4/14 — 4/16 Resources ability Act". Expands legislature access to project info, increases its oversight ability and addresses several revenue -related concerns. Mark Hickey & Andrea Watts April 12, 2026 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 moved out House FIN 3/31 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 Finance HB 16 by Schrage fund and requires AEA to provide technical support to communities HB 16 pending Senate Rules SB 116 by Senate STA under 2,000 in population to prepare grant applications for projects. SB 116 pending Senate Finance HB 257 by Eischeid Authorizes use of portable solar devices for residential use. Pending Energy HB 359 by Mears Amends state laws related to regulation of large energy use facilities. Pending CRA HB 43 by Schrage Requires community benefit agreements with municipalities. Pending Finance HB 369 by House Energy Omnibus energy bill setting new energy efficiency and diversification Pending Energy HB 63/SB 70 by governor goals. Adds HB 257 (portable solar devices), HB 153 (diversified HB 63 pending House STA portfolio standard) & SB 32 streamlined small renewable projects). SB 70 pending Senate STA SB 16 by Myers Provides a simplified rate filing procedure for utility rate adjustments Pending Community & Regional HB 100 by Fields subject to Regulatory Commission of Alaska approval. Affairs SB 61 by Tobin Establishes an electronic products stewardship program. Includes Pending Finance HB 371 by McCabe electronics recycling advisory council and grant program authority. Pending State Affairs SB 91 by Senate Creates new program at Department of Natural Resources to allow Pending Resources Resources clean energy projects to obtain a license for use of state lands. transmittal to governor SB 120 by Gray -Jackson Establishes the Alaska Climate Change Emergency Response Pending Finance SB 179 by Senate Commission, with 9 municipal representatives out of 16 members. Pending State Affairs SB 250 by Tobin Regulates relationship between utilities & entities operating data Scheduled Community & Regional centers. Requires municipalities to set up community benefit Affairs 4/16 agreements before construction of new data centers. Election & Voting Issues Measure Summary Status HJR 31 by Fields Constitutional amendment to prevent corporations & other entities from Pending Judiciary making contributions. Allows contributions by groups organized solely to influence elections. HJR 43 by House Affirms that privacy of state voters' confidential personal information is a Moved out Judiciary 3/30 Judiciary state rights issue. 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 HB 21 by Story Allows voter preregistration for minors at least 16 years of age and Pending Rules keeps the registration confidential. HB 43 by Schrage Omnibus reform bill allowing same day registration, ballot tracking & Pending Finance curing, 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 HB 320 by Elam Makes automatic voter registration optional for PFD applicants. Pending State Affairs HB 371 by McCabe Omnibus campaigning financing bill relating to state and local elections. Pending State Affairs SB 64 by Senate Rules Senate majority reform bill includes same day registration, ballot Passed legislature 3/25, awaiting tracking & curing, and postage -paid absentee ballots. Final version transmittal to governor 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 April 12, 2026 Attachment A Mark Hickey & Andrea Watts April 12, 2026 LEGISLATIVE REPORT #26-05 Elections Bill Clears House and Senate Hurdles The Alaska House of Representatives passed the comprehensive elections reform bill, Senate Bill No. 64, on March 23, with a bipartisan 23-16 vote. Two days later, the Senate concurred with the changes made in the House along caucus lines, except for minority members Senators Mike Cronk (R-Tok) and Rob Yundt (R-Wasilla), for a total of 40 votes in both bodies—the minimum needed to override a potential veto by Governor Dunleavy. The bill has not yet been transmitted to the governor, but when that happens, he will have 15 days, excluding Sundays, to decide whether to sign or veto the bill, or let it become law without signature. • If the bill becomes law, it will implement a ballot tracking system, provide prepaid postage for absentee ballots, allow voters to correct errors on ballots, and speed up election results. It also includes measures to maintain accurate voter rolls, accept tribal IDs for registration, retain witness signatures for absentee ballots, establish a rural elections liaison, improve cybersecurity, and add write-in lines for presidential ballots. • The legislation reflects a decade-long bipartisan effort, sponsored by the Senate Rules Committee and carried largely by Senator Bill Wielechowski (D -Anchorage) and Representative Sarah Vance (R -Homer). The legislation is intended to address logistical challenges in Alaska's geographically dispersed communities, including supporting poll workers and improving elections access for rural voters. • "I am profoundly grateful for the bipartisan collaboration that has defined this process," said Speaker Bryce Edgmon (I -Dillingham) in a press release shared by the Senate Majority. "With the passage of SB 64, we are proving that we can protect the integrity of our elections while making them more accessible for voters." FY 2027 Operating Budget Update • The House Finance Committee is nearly completion of its work to craft the FY 2027 operating budget. A new committee substitute (CS) for House Bill No. 263 (Version "O") for the governor's proposal was recently adopted as the committee's working document. The committee intends to consider amendments starting on March 30. The budget is expected to be on the House floor the following week. Below is a summary of key highlights. • Restores full funding for school and harbor debt reimbursement in FY 2027. • Funding of K-12 education under current foundation formula. New CS adds $158.6 million in one-time money for K- 12, contingent on failure of passage of legislation with a substantial BSA increase such as House Bill No. 374. • Full funding of PCE payments. • An increase of $10 million for FY 2027 Community Assistance payments. This action restores FY 2027 payments to the full level of $30 million. Adds another $20 million to re -capitalize the fund for future years. • Full funding of state raw fish taxes sharing with municipalities. • An increase of $49.5 million in FY 2027 for Alaska Marine Highway System operations in FY 2027. This money is included as backstop funding in case the anticipated grant of federal funds is not received or is less than expected. Accepted department request to change AMHS from a calendar year fiscal year to a multi-year appropriation. • Full funding for state's share of additional contribution for public employees and teachers' retirement systems. • Added $5.3 million to fund the first three Round 18 renewable energy grants. • No funds have been included yet for the 2026 permanent fund dividend. Mark Hickey & Andrea Watts March 29, 2026 Resource Committees Consider Governor's Gasline Tax Bill • The Senate and House Resource Committees heard House Bill No. 381 and Senate Bill No. 280 for the first time last week, a proposal by Governor Dunleavy eliminating oil and gas property and sales taxes for the $46 billion Alaska LNG project to incentivize construction of an 800 -mile North Slope gas pipeline and export facilities, replacing those taxes with a volume -based tax once production reaches significant levels. • The bills aim to remove what Dunleavy calls a "structural barrier" to get the project built, which supporters say could create thousands of construction jobs, spur new industries, and lower natural gas costs for consumers. Glenfarne Group LLC, a New York -based company which owns 75% of the project, and the Alaska Gasline Development Corporation (AGDC), are leading the two-phase project, with domestic gas delivery expected as early as 2029 and LNG exports later. The state is projected to collect $22.5 billion over 36 years, mostly from production taxes and royalties, but municipalities along the pipeline—including the North Slope, Denali, Fairbanks North Star, Matanuska-Susitna, and Kenai Peninsula boroughs—would see a 90% reduction in property tax revenue under the proposal, or an approximate loss of $13 billion in revenue through 2062, if the project is built under current tax law, raising concerns from local officials and some legislators. Supporters describe the project as an "industrial renaissance" for Alaska, while mayors from impacted boroughs questioned whether steep tax breaks are necessary and whether local communities will benefit soon enough from the volume -based tax. The bills are scheduled to be heard again on Monday, March 30, in the Senate and on Wednesday, April 1, in the House. Other Capitol News Fast -Track Supplemental Appropriation Bill Passes Legislature: After several weeks of debate, the legislature passed House Bill No. 289 this week, clearing the way to provide matching funds for federally -funded transportation projects vetoed by the governor last year. The approved measure provides $450 million for disaster relief, construction match, corrections officer overtime and some public assistance programs. The proposal to access funds from the Constitutional Budget Reserve (CBR) failed to pass, relying instead on an expected increase in state revenues due to recent rise in oil prices. The bill has been sent to the governor for his action. Oil Prices Increases Helps State Budget; Hurts Communities, School Districts: Since the start of the war in Iran on February 28, the daily price for ANS crude has increased from $72.75 per barrel to $105.80 per barrel as of March 26. The current rule of thumb is every $1 increase in oil prices equals an increase of between $40 to $50 million in revenue on an annualized basis. This could mean as much as $1.5 billion in more revenue in FY 2027. The most recent information suggests the state expects another $515 million in revenue during FY 2027 compared to the Department of Revenue Fall Forecast. Unfortunately, the sizeable increase in oil prices will negatively impact communities, school districts and individuals having to pay higher fuel costs. Rural communities are now gathering price quotes for summer fuel deliveries and are seeing increases in price of 20% for gasoline and up to 35% or more for diesel fuel. Senate Finance Committee Begin Work to Rewrite Oil & Gas Production Tax: Senate Bill No. 227 which started as the governor's seasonal sales tax proposal, was modified by the Senate Resources Committee to do a major overhaul of the state oil and gas tax laws. While the bill includes a "menu" of revenue choices (etc., education tax; digital corporate income tax; "S" corporation oil production corporate tax), the centerpiece of this bill is to switch the state's oil and gas production tax to a gross revenues tax. Recent action by the Senate approved applying the state's corporate tax for oil producers who are "S" corporations as part of House Bill No. 194. This is estimated to generate $100 million per year in additional revenue. Mark Hickey & Andrea Watts March 29, 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. RIP Charlie Hustle! Play Ball! 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%. HB 263/SB 213 by FY 2027 Operating Budget: CS added $158 million in one-time K-12 if HB 263 sched. H FIN 3/30-4/1 governor equivalent BSA bill fails. Funds school debt reimbursement at 100%. SB 213 pending Senate Finance HB 264/SB 214 by FY 2027 Capital Budget: No funds for renewable energy grants or K-12 HB 264 sched. House Finance 4/2 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 of governor'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 Applies corporate income tax to online sales from outside corporations. HB 280 sched. House floor 3/30 HB 284/SB 227 by Senate Resources CS removes sales tax, adds HB 280 (Multistate Tax HB 284 pending House Finance governor Compact), SB 113, SB 92 and SB 112, adds education head tax and SB 227 heard/held Senate FIN 3/25 modifies other oil taxes. HB 289 by governor Fast-track supplemental appropriations bill including $70 million in Passed legislature 3/25, awaiting match funds for federal transportation projects. governor action HB 310 by Gray Imposes a 3% state bed tax for rentals less than 31 days. Pending L&C HB 350 by Fields Imposes a 9.4% income tax on entities with annual taxable income Heard & held L&C 3/16 more than $25 million. SJR 2 by Claman Proposes constitutional amendment to change veto override threshold Senate floor, 3rd reading 3/30 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. SJR 29 by Senate Proposes constitutional amendment to permit the legislature to create a Moved out Finance 3/24 Finance dedicated public education fund. Money and earnings stay in the fund. 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 is directed at Hilcor . Added to HB 194 on Senate floor. 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. Pending Resources SB 274 by Senate Lowers percent of market value draw rate from the Alaska Permanent Scheduled Finance 4/1 Finance Fund from 5% to 4.5% over a five-year period. SB 280/HB 381 by Alters state's current oil & gas property tax structure to an alternate tax SB 280 sched. Senate RES 3/30 governor based on throughput volume for the Alaska Liquified Natural Gas HB 381 sched. House RES 4/1 Project. Extends tax exemption for the project from the construction period to commencement of commercial operations. Mark Hickey & Andrea Watts March 29, 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 Moved out Senate CRA 3/17 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 scheduled House STA 3/31 SB 26 by Merrick federal law changes are enacted by Congress. SB 102 exempts SB 26 heard/held House STA 3/29 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 heard/held House STA 3/29 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 pending Senate L&C 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 Scheduled L&C 3/30 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 Heard & held Finance 3/18 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 Moved out CRA 3/19 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 Pending CRA material from a fee for an owner of a deteriorated property. HB 301 by Galvin Amends state law to prohibit explicitly discrimination based on sexual Pending State Affairs orientation or gender identity. HB 346 by Holland Requires DOT/PF to comply with local planning and zoning ordinances Pending Transportation near state-owned airports unless it creates a hazard to aircraft. HB 363 by Stutes Authorizes a patriotic organization to sell or dispense alcoholic Moved out MVA 3/25 beverages at an event organized by that group. HB 377 by House State Adds audio and video recordings to management of public records law. Scheduled CRA 3/31 Affairs (by request Permits a municipality to charge for handling record requests. HB 378 by House Finance Proposes several changes to PERS/TRS retirement systems, adopting Pending Finance some provisions from HB 231. Fixes 2008 salary floor problem. HB 379 by House State Removes voter approval requirement prospectively for creation of, or Heard & held CRA 3/26 Affairs (by request) annexation to, for new service areas. 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 SB 21 moved out Senate FIN 3/26 HB 338 by Costello I of a qualified retirement plan. I HB 338 pending House L&C 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 plan. Mark Hickey & Andrea Watts March 29, 2026 SB 28 by Giessel Provides defined benefit plan for all new public employees. Finance SB 28 pending Senate L&C HB 78 by House Finance CS allows new employees a choice between the DC or DB option. HB 78 action expect soon S FIN SB 34 by Giessel Repeals 90 -day session limit. Pending Rules 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. SB 55 by Stedman Requires all TRS/PERS employers to participate in SBS system for Moved out Finance 3/26 those not in social security. Amended in L&C to shift most costs to HB 39 by Allard employers through 2037. HB 39 pending Senate Finance SB 63 by Cronk Changes makeup of Local Boundary Commission to require one Pending Rules HB 40 by Allard member from unorganized borough. Requires members from each Pending Judiciary judicial district to live and vote in that district. SB 81 by Stedman Imposes contribution requirement on TRS/PERS employers for past Pending Finance service liability. Likely contradicts current requirement for state to cover. SB 66 pending Senate EDC SB 153 by Yundt Exempts municipal service area boards from all requirements of state's Heard & held CRA 3/19 Open Meetings Act. SB 162 by Cronk Prohibits home rule boroughs or general law municipalities from SB 162 moved out S STA 3/19 HB 1 by McCabe imposing a sales or use tax on sale or exchange of old/silver specie. 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 198 by Kaufman Reduces requirement under current TRS/PERS DC plans to qualify for Pending Finance medical benefits to 25 years. SB 200 by Bjorkman Requires Schedule F (Form 1040) or similar information to access the SB 200 moved out S RES 3/25 HB 323 by Moore exemption provisions of AS 29.45.060 for farm oragricultural land. HB 223 pending House CRA SB 242 by Merrick Authorizes Department of Public Safety to contract with a municipality Pending State Affairs to provide various law enforcement duties for a fee. Requires the state to reimburse municipalities for these costs on a sliding scale. SB 255 by Yundt Allows DNR to transfer land under municipal land entitlement program Moved out CRA 3/17 without a land survey if requested by the municipality. SB 259 by Bjorkman Allows a municipality to impose a percentage limit on amount of an Heard & held CRA 3/17 increase in an annual property value assessment. SB 273 by Senate State Requires municipalities to waive certain building -related fees for Pending CRA Affairs (by request) disabled veterans if changes are needed to accommodate disabilit . Education Measures Measure Summary Status HJR 39 by Galvin Resolution urging federal government to waive the new H-1 B fees for HJR 39 passed House 3/20 SJR 28 by Senate EDC teachers in the state. SJR 28 sched. Senate EDC 3/30 HB 9 by Carrick Increases charter school funding if districts receive extra funds. Pending Education Provides added medical coverage for children with disabilities. HIS 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 pending Senate Finance 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 Mark Hickey & Andrea Watts March 29, 2026 Measure Summary Status 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 House Education HB 165 by Coulombe at public schools. HB 165 pending Senate 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 Moved out State Affairs 3/24 partners, trusts and estates. HB 163 by Underwood Requires 4 -year terms for all local school boards. Makes Election Day Pending CRA a legal holiday. 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 more correspondence study money, and reading incentive grants. SB 182 pendin Senate Finance 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. 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 Finance agency by 16%. HB 261 by Story Changes K-12 annual enrollment counts using past year or average of Scheduled Education 4/1 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 Pending Education beyond the required local contribution. HB 313 by Ruffridge Requires a school district to allow any professional employee Pending Education association equal access to communicate or meet with new or existing employees. HB 319 by Elam Permits a municipality to create municipal education service areas to Pending Education finance capital improvements. HB 333 by Bynum Creates technical readiness and career training education system and Pending Education increase funding factor from 1.015 to 1.025. HB 339 by Costello Requires school districts to establish a personal finance education Pending Education program for grades 9 though 12 HB 343 by Allard Allows students more chances to earn secondary school course credit Pending Military & Veteran Affairs by assessment. Expands right to attend public schools for a military dependent. HB 358 by Elam Creates career & technical education mobility grant program and Heard & held Education 3/16 expands pre -apprenticeship and work -based learning for secondary school students. HB 365 by Bynum Implements participation in the Federal Tax Credit Scholarship Pending CRA Program funding scholarships for K-12 education. HB 374 by House Raises the Base Student Allocation by $630 to $7,290. Heard & held EDC 3/23 Education SJR 22 by Tobin Constitutional amendment recognizing cultural heritage of Alaska Pending Education Natives & American Indians in state's public educations stem. Mark Hickey & Andrea Watts March 29, 2026 Measure Summary Status SJR 29 by Senate Finance Proposes constitutional amendment to permit creation of a dedicated Moved out Finance 3/24 public education fund. Money and earnings stay in the fund. 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 Pending House Finance Pacific Islanders in the U.S. SB 20 by Gray -Jackson Requires DEED to develop and implement education of public SB 20 heard & held H EDC 3/23 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 scheduled House EDC 4/1 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 scheduled Senate FIN 4/1 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. Moved out House Finance 3/27 Ed ecumbe. Teacher housing language removed in latest version. SB 151 by Bjorkman Requires school districts adopt a policy on students with live head lice. Pending Finance Students cannot attend school. SB 178 by S HSS Expands core early intervention services eligibility for children with SB 178 pending Senate FIN HB 376 by H EDC developmental delays and disabilities. HB 376 scheduled HSS 4/2 SB 187 by Wielechowski Prohibits certain food additives in public school meals. Moved out Education 3/20 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 Pending Finance 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 Pending CRA public education. SB 228 by Rauscher Requires DEED to develop opioid abuse awareness & prevention Heard & held Education 3/20 curriculum for grades 6-12. SB 238 by Kawasaki Limits local government's ability to restrict or remove controversial Moved out Education 3/23 books from school and public libraries. SB 247 by Kiehl Creates new crime for distribution of generated obscene child sexual Heard & held CRA 3/19 abuse material & requires teaching certificate revocation for life if violated. SB 257 by Cronk Amends the statutory formula for funding residential schools resulting SB 257 pending Senate EDC HB 380 by House EDC in increased money. HB 380 sched. House EDC 4/1 SB 267 by Bjorkman Establishes a public -school financial data Internet website ensuring Pending Education the public has access to this info. SB 277 by Senate Omnibus education policy bill which includes a modest BSA increase Heard & held Education 3/18 Education of $126.54, increases for correspondence study & public transpor- tation, and provides for an education funding study. SB 278 by Senate Limits size of annual increase in the required local required Referred Education, Finance Education contribution by districts for K-12 funding. Mark Hickey & Andrea Watts March 29, 2026 Fishery & Resources Issues Measure Summary Status HB 33 by Stutes Allows members of Game or Fisheries Boards to deliberate and discuss Moved out Senate RES 3/25 matters if they or a family member have a personal or financial interest. HB 93 by Himschoot Changes hunting, trapping and sport fishing residency requirements to Moved out Senate Judiciary 3/25 match allowable absences to receive a permanent fund dividend. 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 Scheduled House floor 3/30 cooperative can consist of no more than 10 permit holders. HB 125 by Jimmie Changes Board of Fisheries composition to provide two seats for Pending Senate CRA subsistence fishing, two for commercial, two for sport and one for a 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 moved out Senate FIN 3/24 HB 203 by McCabe Prohibits use of trawl or dredge fishing gear that makes substantial HB 203 pending House Fisheries SB 161 by Cronk bottom contact with the seafloor in state waters. SB 261 pending Senate RES 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 Pending 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 pending Senate RES 2/20 HB 297 by Schwanke Establishes preference for taking of fishery resources by residents for Pending Fisheries 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 Pending Finance account based on these charges. Surcharge sunsets January 1, 2032. HB 321 by Josephson Proposes several changes to state law pertaining to state refuges, Scheduled Resources 3/30 sanctuaries, and fish & game habitat areas. More details found here. HB 356 by Vance Establishes the Alaska Coastal Micro -Fisheries Act, amending state law Pending Fisheries reaardina health & sanitary requirements related to commercial fishing. HB 361 by Ruffridge Amends existing laws regarding licensing of professional fishing guides Pending Fisheries and requires any revocation of a license must be for cause. HB 364 by Josephson Adds several new requirements for intensive management of big game Pending Resources prey populations. Allows same-day airborne predator control hunting. HIS 368 by Foster Requires Board of Fisheries to hold at least one meeting or hearing per Pending Fisheries year in a community of 7,000 people not connected to roads stem. 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 IndustryTask Force. SB 199 by Giessel Repeals the Alaska Commercial Fisheries Limited Entry Commission Pending Resources and transfers its duties to Department of Fish & Game. SB 268 by Stevens Exempts seafood processing workers from Alaska's minimum wage SB 268 heard/held S CRA 3/19 HB 375 by House Rules requirement. HB 375 pending House CRA SB 269 by Hoffman Restructures the Board of Fisheries into three regional boards Heard & held Resources 3/27 consisting of five members each appointed by the governor. SB 275 by Senate Comprehensive bill titled, `Alaska Gasline Transparency & Account- Heard & held Resources 3/20 Resources ability Act". Expands legislature access to project info, increases its oversight ability and addresses several revenue -related concerns. Mark Hickey & Andrea Watts March 29, 2026 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 3/31 governor a net metering reimbursement fund at Alaska Energy Authority. SB 150 heard & held S L&C 3/20 HB 196 by Burke Places 20% of carbon offset revenue into the renewable energy grant Pending Finance HB 16 by Schrage fund and requires AEA to provide technical support to communities HB 16 pending Senate Rules SB 116 by Senate STA under 2,000 in population to prepare grant applications for projects. SB 116 pending Senate Finance HB 257 by Eischeid Authorizes use of portable solar devices for residential use. Pending Energy HB 359 by Mears Amends state laws related to regulation of large energy use facilities. Pending Energy HB 43 by Schrage Requires community benefit agreements with municipalities. Pending Finance HB 369 by House Energy Omnibus energy bill setting new energy efficiency and diversification Heard & held Energy 3/24 HB 63/SB 70 by governor goals. Adds HB 257 (portable solar devices), HB 153 (diversified HB 63 pending House STA portfolio standard) & SB 32 streamlined small renewable projects). SB 70 pending Senate STA SB 16 by Myers Provides a simplified rate filing procedure for utility rate adjustments Pending Community & Regional HB 100 by Fields subject to Regulatory Commission of Alaska approval. Affairs SB 61 by Tobin Establishes an electronic products stewardship program. Includes Pending Finance HB 371 by McCabe electronics recycling advisory council and grant program authority. Pending State Affairs SB 91 by Senate Creates new program at Department of Natural Resources to allow Pending Resources Resources clean energy projects to obtain a license for use of state lands. transmittal to governor SB 120 by Gray -Jackson Establishes the Alaska Climate Change Emergency Response Pending Finance SB 179 by Senate Commission, with 9 municipal representatives out of 16 members. Pending State Affairs SB 250 by Tobin Regulates relationship between utilities & entities operating data Pending Community & Regional centers. Requires municipalities to set up community benefit Affairs agreements before construction of new data centers. Election & Voting Issues Measure Summary Status HJR 31 by Fields Constitutional amendment to prevent corporations & other entities from Pending Judiciary making contributions. Allows contributions by groups organized solely to influence elections. HJR 43 by House Affirms that privacy of state voters' confidential personal information is a Scheduled Judiciary 3/30 Judiciary state rights issue. 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 HB 21 by Story Allows voter preregistration for minors at least 16 years of age and Moved out Finance 3/25 keeps the registration confidential. HB 43 by Schrage Omnibus reform bill allowing same day registration, ballot tracking & Pending Finance curing, 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 HB 320 by Elam Makes automatic voter registration optional for PFD applicants. Pending State Affairs HB 371 by McCabe Omnibus campaigning financing bill relating to state and local elections. Pending State Affairs SB 64 by Senate Rules Senate majority reform bill includes same day registration, ballot Passed legislature 3/25, awaiting tracking & curing, and postage -paid absentee ballots. Final version transmittal to governor 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 March 29, 2026 ft 0 V L EELS A TI VF, R F, POR T #26-04 7 Spring Revenue Forecast Projects Increased Revenue The Department of Revenue (DOR) released the Spring 2026 Revenue Forecast on March 13. DOR predicts a sizeable revenue increase for FY 2026 because of the war in Iran's impact on world oil markets. An average price of $91.09 per barrel for the rest of FY 2026 is projected to generate more than $500 million in new revenue. If this price is obtained, it negates the need for a draw from the Constitutional Budget Reserve (CBR) to cover supplemental costs in FY 2026 as proposed in the Senate approved version of House Bill No. 289. That bill is back in the House awaiting final action on the proposed CBR draw. The following describes highlights. • The picture for FY 2027 is also improved compared to DOR's Fall 2025 Revenue Forecast. The new forecast projects an increase of $13 per barrel in FY 2027, going up from a prediction of $62 per barrel in the fall versus $75 per barrel in the new forecast. The amount of revenue predicted now for FY 2027 should allow for a status quo operating budget (versus anticipated reductions) and a 2026 Permanent Fund Dividend of $1,000 or possibly more. • Rep. Andy Josephson (D -Anchorage), House Finance Co -Chair who handles the operating budget, said "Because of the revenue projections it's going to be easier to be operating budget chair than it was going to be 24 hour ago ... we have some opportunities to look at maybe a larger capital budget, more education funding, maybe a larger dividend, maybe more operation adds." • On the production side, DOR anticipates an increase from 459,200 barrels per day of Alaska North Slope (ANS) crude in FY 2026 to 518,500 barrels per day for FY 2027. The projected increase next year is primarily due to the first production from the Pikka Oil Field, which is expected to have an initial peak of 80,000 barrels per day. Unlike other projects on the North Slope currently in development (such as the Willow Project), Pikka is entirely on state-owned land maximizing the state's revenue expected including the sale of royalty oil. • Several legislators are urging caution about basing the FY 2027 budget entirely on the new forecast. DOR's report states that "oil markets are currently experiencing a period of historically high uncertainty and volatility, driven by the unfolding conflict with Iran and related impacts to expectations around oil supply, demand, and transportation." Senator Bert Stedman (R-Sitka), Senate Finance Co -Chair, said "We don't want to get in a position of overspending the budget and have a snap back in, you know, over optimistic oil prices... so, we want to be a little careful." House Finance Committee Moving to Finalize FY 2027 Budget • This week the House Finance Committee finished finance subcommittee work on the FY 2026 operating budget and took public testimony for three days. Prior to hearing from the public, a committee substitute (CS) for the governor's proposal was adopted as the committee's working document. Another version is expected next week. Below is a summary of key highlights. • Full funding of school and harbor debt reimbursement for FY 2027. • Funding of K-12 education undercurrent foundation formula. CS does not reflect increase in one-time funding which House leaders have discussed. Current plan may be to rely on House Bill No. 374 which proposes a $630 BSA increase. • Full funding of PCE payments. • No increase for FY 2027 Community Assistance payments. The FY 2027 payments will be based on $20 million, which is a small reduction from FY 2026 amounts. No additional funding yet to re -capitalize the fund for future years. • Full funding of state raw fish taxes sharing with municipalities. • No funding yet for the 2026 permanent fund dividend. • Flat funding for Alaska Marine Highway System operations in FY 2027. Some additional funds included for FY 2028. 55% of operating budget based on receipt of annual federal grant which has not been obtained yet for current year. Accepted department request to change AMHS from a calendar year fiscal year to a multi-year appropriation. • Removed the governor's proposal to pay for a statutory dividend of about $3,650. Mark Hickey & Andrea Watts March 15, 2026 Congressman Begich Addresses Legislature • On March 10, U.S. Congressman Nick Begich III (R -Alaska) delivered his second address to a joint session of the 34th Alaska State Legislature. A copy of his speech can be found here and a recording of the address can be found here. Begich, who is running for re-election, focused on "Alaska's role in achieving American energy dominance," as well as his goal to strengthen the state's energy and resource development, fisheries, and infrastructure. • Energy and Resource Development: Begich emphasized a new era of Alaska -first energy policy, highlighting a presidential executive order aimed at "unleashing Alaska's resource potential" by streamlining permitting and prioritizing local energy production. Central to this vision is the Alaska LNG pipeline project, which he noted has gained significant momentum through a partnership with Glenfarne LLC and official recognition of the project as a key piece of national energy strategy. To ensure success, Begich insisted that Alaskans—rather than Washington bureaucrats—lead these efforts, and he pushed for federal loan guarantees and export agreements with partners like Japan. • Protecting Alaska's Fisheries: Describing fisheries as the cultural and economic lifeblood of the state, Begich noted that they are "an inseparable component of our economy and a resounding symbol of identity for our coastal communities." Recognizing the crisis caused by unprecedented closures in the Bering Sea and the decline in salmon species, he called for a shift toward science -based research to address root causes like bycatch and ecosystem collapse. Begich also pledged to overhaul the federal disaster relief process, seeking to ensure that relief funds reach affected coastal communities quickly and efficiently without unnecessary delays. • Modernizing Infrastructure: The final pillar of the Congressman's vision addressed the need for a resilient infrastructure system to lower the high cost of living in Alaska. Begich proposed a dual -track approach to maritime logistics - modernizing the Port of Alaska while developing Port MacKenzie to ensure the state is "not overly reliant on a single point of failure." Beyond ports, Begich advocated for a rail connection through Canada to link Alaska to the Lower 48 and reaffirmed his support for the Alaska Marine Highway System. He also remains focused on energy infrastructure, such as rural microgrids and interconnected power systems, to ensure that every Alaskan has access to affordable and reliable power. • Responses to Begich: Reactions to the speech ranged from Representative Zack Fields (D -Anchorage) staging a floor protest against federal immigration policies (later drawing calls for a reprimand), while Senate leadership expressed caution in response to Begich's resource development timeline. Other lawmakers remained focused on pressing for more tangible federal solutions to local crises, specifically regarding disaster relief for Western Alaska communities. Additional information can be found here. Other Capitol News K-12 Education Funding Increases: Following extensive, multi -week hearings and hours of testimony regarding the impacts of public education deficits and deferred maintenance across the state, the House and the Senate Education Committees have introduced bills to address these issues. The House Education Committee introduced House Bill No. 374, which raises the Base Student Allocation (BSA) by $630 (the BSA was increased by $700 per student last year—a $20 increase from previous, outside -the -formula funding). This $158.6 million funding increase aims to support districts currently facing teacher layoffs and school closures. The Senate Education Committee introduced Senate Bill No. 277, an omnibus education policy bill which includes a modest BSA increase of $126.54, increased funding for correspondence study & public transportation, and provides for an education funding study. If these bills garner the support of the legislature, their survival depends on securing a bipartisan supermajority to overcome a likely veto by Governor Dunleavy. SAVE America Act Faces Opposition in U.S. Senate: Though President Trump has prioritized the SAVE America Act—legislation requiring documentary proof of U.S. citizenship to register for federal elections—the bill faces stiff opposition as it heads to the Senate as early as next week. In Alaska, the Act presents unique logistical challenges because 80% of communities are off the road system. Consequently, strict in-person registration and documentation requirements currently unsupported by Tribal or REAL IDs threaten to disenfranchise thousands of rural and Alaska Native voters. While Senator Lisa Murkowski (R -Alaska) supports the concept of voter ID. she maintains that states should decide which specific documents are acceptable, whereas Senator Dan Sullivan (R -Alaska) and Congressman Nick Begich have both signed on as bill sponsors. Mark Hickey & Andrea Watts March 15, 2026 Summary of State Legislation Pub Crawl, Belfast, Ireland 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 heard/held House Finance governor increase approved last August. Funds school debt reimbursement at 3/11, 3/12, 3/13 100%. SB 213 pending Senate Finance 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 scheduled Finance 3/19 outside corporations. HB 284/SB 227 by Senate Resources CS removes sales tax, adds HB 280 (Multistate Tax HB 284 pending House Finance governor Compact), SB 113, SB 92 and SB 112, adds education head tax and SB 227 sched. Senate FIN 3/19 modifies other oil taxes. HB 289 by governor New fast-track supplemental appropriations bill including $70 million in Passed Senate 3/11; CBR vote match funds for federal transportation projects. failed House 3/12 HIS 310 by Gray Imposes a 3% state bed tax for rentals less than 31 days. Pending L&C HB 350 by Fields Imposes a 9.4% income tax on entities with annual taxable income Scheduled L&C 3/16 more than $25 million. SJR 2 by Claman Proposes constitutional amendment to change veto override threshold Pending Rules 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. SJR 29 by Senate Proposes constitutional amendment to permit the legislature to create a Scheduled Finance 3/17, 3/19 Finance dedicated public education fund. Money and earnings stay in the fund. 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. SB 274 by Senate Lowers percent of market value draw rate from the Alaska Permanent Scheduled Finance 3/17 Finance Fund from 5% to 4.5% over a five-year period. Mark Hickey & Andrea Watts March 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 Scheduled Senate CRA 3/17 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 pending Senate L&C 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 Moved out CRA 3/12 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 Scheduled Finance 3/18 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 3/19 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 Pending CRA material from a fee for an owner of a deteriorated property. HB 301 by Galvin Amends state law to prohibit explicitly discrimination based on sexual Pending State Affairs orientation or gender identity. HB 346 by Holland Requires DOT/PF to comply with local planning and zoning ordinances Scheduled TRA 3/19 near state-owned airports unless it creates a hazard to aircraft. HB 363 by Stutes Authorizes a patriotic organization to sell or dispense alcoholic Scheduled MVA 3/17, 3/19 beverages at an event organized by that group. HB 377 by House State Adds audio and video recordings to management of public records law. Scheduled L&C 3/17 Affairs (by request Permits a municipality to charge for handling record requests. HB 378 by House Finance Proposes several changes to PERS/TRS retirement systems, adopting Referred Finance some provisions from HB 231. Fixes 2008 salary floor problem. 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 SB 21 pending Senate Finance HB 338 by Costello of a qualified retirement plan. HB 338 pending House L&C 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 an. 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 S FIN 3/9 - 3/12 SB 34 by Giessel Repeals 90 -day session limit. Pending Rules Mark Hickey & Andrea Watts March 15, 2026 Measure Summary Status SB 42 by Gray -Jackson Omnibus law enforcement reform bill adding required municipal police Pending Community & Regional SJR 28 by Senate EDC 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 Scheduled Finance 3/17 those not in social security. Amended in L&C to shift most costs to HB 38 by Saddler employers through 2037. Pending Labor & Commerce SB 63 by Cronk Changes makeup of Local Boundary Commission to require one Pending Rules HB 39 by Allard member from unorganized borough. Requires members from each HB 39 pending Senate Finance SB 8 by Gray -Jackson judicial district to live and vote in that district. SB 8 pending Senate Finance SB 81 by Stedman Imposes contribution requirement on TRS/PERS employers for past Pending Finance 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 Scheduled CRA 3/19 Open Meetings Act. SB 66 pending Senate EDC 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/silver specie. 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. HB 98 pending Education SB 198 by Kaufman Reduces requirement under current TRS/PERS DC plans to qualify for Pending Finance medical benefits to 25 years. SB 200 by Bjorkman Requires Schedule F (Form 1040) or similar information to access the SB 200 sched. Senate RES 3/16 HB 323 by Moore exemption provisions of AS 29.45.060 for farm oragricultural land. HB 223 pending House CRA SB 242 by Merrick Authorizes Department of Public Safety to contract with a municipality Pending State Affairs to provide various law enforcement duties for a fee. Requires the state to reimburse municipalities for these costs on a sliding scale. SB 255 by Yundt Allows DNR to transfer land under municipal land entitlement program Scheduled CRA 3/17 without a land survey if requested by the municipality. SB 259 by Bjorkman Allows a municipality to impose a percentage limit on amount of an Scheduled CRA 3/17 increase in an annual property value assessment. SB 273 by Senate State Requires municipalities to waive certain building -related fees for Referred CRA, STA Affairs (by request disabled veterans if changes are needed to accommodate disability. Education Measures Measure Summary Status HJR 39 by Galvin Resolution urging federal government to waive the new H-1 B fees for HJR 39 moved out House EDC 3/13 SJR 28 by Senate EDC teachers in the state. SJR 28 referred Senate L&C HB 9 by Carrick Increases charter school funding if districts receive extra funds. Pending Education Provides added medical coverage for children with disabilities. HB 12 by Dibert Requires school districts provide free breakfast and lunch subject to Heard & held Education 3/13 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 pending Senate Finance 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 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 HIS 165 by Coulombe at public schools. I HB 165 pending Education Mark Hickey & Andrea Watts March 15, 2026 Measure Summary Status 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 3/19 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 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 more correspondence study money, and reading incentive grants. SB 182 pending Senate Finance 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. HB 231 by Frier Creates teacher bonus payments, exit interviews, reopener for former, Heard & held Education 3/13 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- Scheduled Education 3/16 consensual digital impersonation policy. HB 246 by Josephson Increases required funding amount for special education service Moved out Education 3/2 agency by 16%. HB 261 by Story Changes K-12 annual enrollment counts using past year or average of Pending Education 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 Pending Education beyond the required local contribution. HB 313 by Ruffridge Requires a school district to allow any professional employee Pending Education association equal access to communicate or meet with new or existing employees. HB 319 by Elam Permits a municipality to create municipal education service areas to Pending Education finance capital improvements. HB 333 by Bynum Creates technical readiness and career training education system and Pending Education increase funding factor from 1.015 to 1.025. HB 339 by Costello Requires school districts to establish a personal finance education Pending Education program for grades 9 though 12 HB 343 by Allard Allows students more chances to earn secondary school course credit Pending Military & Veteran Affairs by assessment. Expands right to attend public schools for a military dependent. HB 358 by Elam Creates career & technical education mobility grant program and Schedule Education 3/16 expands pre -apprenticeship and work -based learning for secondary school students. HB 365 by Bynum Implements participation in the Federal Tax Credit Scholarship Pending CRA Program funding scholarships for K-12 education. HB 374 by House Raises the Base Student Allocation by $630 to $7,290. Heard & held EDC 3/9, 3/11 Education 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 Pending House Finance Pacific Islanders in the U.S. SB 20 by Gray -Jackson Requires DEED to develop and implement education of public SB 20 pending House Education HB 92 by Gray I students with hands-on CPR training. HB 92 pending House Education Mark Hickey & Andrea Watts March 15, 2026 Measure Summary Requires school districts to provide all high school students a financial Status SB 22 pending Senate FIN SB 22 by Wielechowski 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 scheduled House EDC 3/18 HB 168 by Johnson Allows set gillnet entry permit holders to fish cooperatively. The cooperative can consist of no more than 10 permit holders. HB 168 pending House EDC SB 41 by Gray -Jackson Directs DEED to develop guidelines for mental health instruction in SB 41 heard/held Senate FIN 3/10 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 Heard & held Finance 3/4 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 pending House Finance 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 178 by S HSS Expands core early intervention services eligibility for children with SB 178 pending Senate FIN HB 376 by H EDC developmental delays and disabilities. HB 376 scheduled Education 3/16 SB 187 by Wielechowski Prohibits certain food additives in public school meals. Scheduled Education 3/20 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 Moved out HSS 3/10 firearm safe storage grant fund. SB 209 by Bjorkman Adds high school graduation requirement for civics, US history & state Heard & held Education 3/4 history proficiency. SB 210 by Tobin Adds state policy to encourage recognition of Indigenous cultures in Moved out Education 3/4 public education. SB 228 by Rauscher Requires DEED to develop opioid abuse awareness & prevention Scheduled Education 3/20 curriculum for grades 6-12. SB 238 by Kawasaki Limits local government's ability to restrict or remove controversial Heard & held Education 3/2 books from school and public libraries. SB 247 by Kiehl Creates new crime for distribution of generated obscene child sexual Pending CRA abuse material & requires teaching certificate revocation for life if violated. SB 257 by Cronk Amends the statutory formula for funding residential schools resulting Pending Education in increased money. SB 267 by Bjorkman Establishes a public -school financial data Internet website ensuring Pending Education the public has access to this info. SB 277 by Senate Omnibus education policy bill which includes a modest BSA increase Scheduled Education 3/18 Education of $126.54, increases for correspondence study & public transpor- tation, and provides for an education funding study. Fishery & Resources Issues Measure Summary Allows members of Game or Fisheries Boards to deliberate and discuss matters if they or a family member have a personal or financial interest. Status Scheduled Senate RES 3/20 HB 33 by Stutes HB 93 by Himschoot Changes hunting, trapping and sport fishing residency requirements to match allowable absences to receive a permanent fund dividend. Scheduled Senate Judiciary 3/16 HB 111/SB 108 by governor Authorizes finfish farming in freshwater for fish such as tilapia, catfish, or carp. Prohibits the farming of salmon. HB 111 pending House FSH SB 108 pending Senate RES HB 117 by House FSH Allows set gillnet entry permit holders to fish cooperatively. The cooperative can consist of no more than 10 permit holders. Pending Rules Mark Hickey & Andrea Watts March 15, 2026 Measure Summary Status HB 125 by Jimmie Changes Board of Fisheries composition to provide two seats for Pending Senate CRA SB 149 by Wielechowski subsistence fishing, two for commercial, two for sport and one for a SB 149 pending Senate L&C HB 164/SB 150 by fisheries scientist. HB 164 pending House Energy 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 scheduled Senate FIN 3/19 HB 203 by McCabe Prohibits use of trawl or dredge fishing gear that makes substantial HB 203 pending Fisheries SB 161 by Cronk bottom contact with the seafloor in state waters. SB 261 heard/held Senate RES 3/4 HB 233 by Edgmon Prohibits hard rock mining activities within the watershed of Bristol Bay Pending Fisheries HB 359 by Mears Fisheries Reserve. Pending Energy HB 253 by Bynum Expands access to the state fisheries enhancement loan program to Heard & held Fisheries 3/3 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 pending Senate RES 2/20 HB 297 by Schwanke Establishes preference for taking of fishery resources by residents for Pending Fisheries 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 Pending Finance account based on these charges. Surcharge sunsets January 1, 2032. HB 321 by Josephson Proposes several changes to state law pertaining to state refuges, Scheduled Resources 3/16 sanctuaries, and fish & game habitat areas. More details found here. HB 356 by Vance Establishes the Alaska Coastal Micro -Fisheries Act, amending state law Pending Fisheries reaardina health & sanitary requirements related to commercial fishing. HB 361 by Ruffridge Amends existing laws regarding licensing of professional fishing guides Pending Fisheries and requires any revocation of a license must be for cause. HB 364 by Josephson Adds several new requirements for intensive management of big game Pending Resources prey populations. Allows same-day airborne predator control hunting. HB 368 by Foster Requires Board of Fisheries to hold at least one meeting or hearing per Pending Fisheries year in a community of 7,000 people not connected to roads stem. SB 29 by Bjorkman 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. SB 268 by Stevens Exempts seafood processing workers from Alaska's minimum wage SB 268 sched. Senate CRA 3/19 HB 375 by House Rules requirement. HB 375 referred House CRA, L&C SB 269 by Hoffman Restructures the Board of Fisheries into three regional boards Scheduled Resources 3/20 consisting of five members each appointed by the governor. SB 275 by Senate Comprehensive bill titled, `Alaska Gasline Transparency & Account- Scheduled Resources 3/18, 3/20 Resources ability Act". Expands legislature access to project info, increases its oversight ability and addresses several revenue -related concerns. 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 pending House Energy governor a net metering reimbursement fund at Alaska Energy Authority. SB 150 scheduled Senate L&C 3/20 HB 196 by Burke Places 20% of carbon offset revenue into the renewable energy grant Moved out Energy 3/5 fund and requires AEA to provide technical support to communities under 2,000 in population to prepare grant applications for projects. HB 257 by Eischeid Authorizes use of portable solar devices for residential use. Pending Energy HB 359 by Mears Amends state laws related to regulation of large energy use facilities. Pending Energy Requires community benefit agreements with municipalities. Mark Hickey & Andrea Watts March 15, 2026 Measure Summary Omnibus energy bill setting new energy efficiency and diversification Status Scheduled Energy 3/17, 3/19 HB 369 by House Energy Constitutional amendment to prevent corporations & other entities from goals. Adds HB 257 (portable solar devices), HB 153 (diversified making contributions. Allows contributions by groups organized solely portfolio standard) & SB 32 streamlined small renewable projects). SB 16 by Myers Provides a simplified rate filing procedure for utility rate adjustments Pending Community & Regional Affirms that privacy of state voters' confidential personal information is a subject to Regulatory Commission of Alaska approval. Affairs SB 61 by Tobin Establishes an electronic products stewardship program. Includes Pending Finance Establishes schedule of campaign contribution limits for individuals & electronics recycling advisory council and grant program authority. SB 116 by Senate STA SB 91 by Senate Creates new program at Department of Natural Resources to allow Pending Resources Resources 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 Omnibus reform bill allowing same day registration, ballot tracking & Commission, with 9 municipal representatives out of 16 members. SB 250 by Tobin Regulates relationship between utilities & entities operating data Pending Community & Regional Numerous changes including repeal of PFD voter registration, reducing centers. Requires municipalities to set up community benefit Affairs early voting period, and requiring receipt of absentee ballots by election agreements before construction of new data centers. Election & Voting Issues Measure Summary Status HJR 31 by Fields Constitutional amendment to prevent corporations & other entities from Pending Judiciary making contributions. Allows contributions by groups organized solely to influence elections. HJR 43 by House Affirms that privacy of state voters' confidential personal information is a Scheduled Judiciary 3/9 Judiciary state rights issue. 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 HB 21 by Story Allows voter preregistration for minors at least 16 years of age and Scheduled Finance 3/20 keeps the registration confidential. HB 43 by Schrage Omnibus reform bill allowing same day registration, ballot tracking & Pending Finance curing, 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 HB 320 by Elam Makes automatic voter registration optional for PFD applicants. Pending State Affairs HB 371 by McCabe Omnibus campaigning financing bill relating to state and local elections. Pending State Affairs SB 64 by Senate Rules Senate majority reform bill includes same day registration, ballot Scheduled House Finance 3/16 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. Still best job available in Ireland! Mark Hickey & Andrea Watts IVMarch 15, 2026 Annual Address by U.S. Senator Dan Sullivan • U.S. Senator Dan Sullivan (R -Alaska) delivered his annual address to a joint session of the Alaska Legislature on February 18. The central theme of his speech was the "Alaska Comeback," after what he described as restrictive federal policies under the Biden administration that targeted the state's economy and resource industries. A transcript and recorded video of his speech can be found here. Highlights are outlined below: Resource Development: Sullivan argued that stable, long-term federal policy is essential for investment in Alaska's energy sector, highlighting mandatory lease sales in NPR -A, ANWR, and Cook Inlet, a new 70/30 federal revenue-sharing split favoring Alaska, and incentives for timber and critical minerals. He projected significant oil production growth by 2034 and emphasized increased jobs and state revenues as a result. Additionally, Sullivan described the Alaska LNG gas line project as a transformative, potentially generational opportunity. Sullivan detailed outreach to Asian partners, federal engagement, and financing mechanisms within the Working Families Tax Cuts Act to support the project. He also proposed expanding Al data centers on Alaska military bases to increase in-state gas demand and strengthen the project's financial viability, urging lawmakers to do "everything in your power to make this dream a reality. Think creatively, be bold." • Military Expansion: Sullivan portrayed Alaska as undergoing its largest military expansion since World War II, restoring its strategic importance. He cited the expansion of the 11th Airborne Division, deployment of F - 35s and F -22s, missile defense investments, base infrastructure upgrades, and reopening Adak. He framed these developments as a successful effort to reverse prior drawdowns and strengthen national security. He focused on the U.S. Coast Guard, highlighted its growth, including new icebreakers, cutters, helicopters, and major infrastructure investments across Alaska communities, including investments in Juneau, Kodiak, Ketchikan, Seward, Sitka, Valdez, and Petersburg. Health Care: Describing affordable healthcare as one of Alaska's "greatest challenges," Sullivan criticized the impact of the Affordable Care Act on the state's insurance market and detailed efforts to increase Alaska's Medicaid match rate (FMAP), which he said were ultimately blocked in the Senate. He highlighted a $1.4 billion allocation to Alaska through an expanded Rural Health Transformation Program and emphasized prescription drug reforms, Medicare protections, and assurances that Social Security and Medicaid benefits would not be reduced. However, following Sullivan's remarks, some legislators were skeptical that increases to healthcare costs would be offset by these programs and benefits, and questioned whether he is prioritizing President Trump's agenda over Alaskans' best interests. Governor Dunleavy's Fiscal Plan Update • The Senate Resources Committee rewrote the centerpiece legislation of his fiscal plan. A Committee Substitute for Senate Bill No. 227 (RES) recently passed out of that committee. The new version deleted the governor's proposed state sales tax of 2% year-round, with an increase to 4% from April to September. The new bill proposes major changes to the state's oil tax structure, replacing the state's current production tax based on net profits with a flat 17.5% tax on the gross value of the oil as it comes out of the ground. This change means the state's take will be a third of the value from each barrel of oil. • Other provisions in the new version adds a $20 to $60 yearly income tax to support public education (like the head tax eliminated in 1980), incorporates the Multistate Tax Compact to capture taxes on Internet sales, and makes oil & gas S corporations subject to corporate income taxes — capturing revenue from the privately held oil & gas company Hilcorp. The Senate Resources Committee estimates that the new bill will generate at least $700 million annually in new revenue. The bill is now in the Senate Finance Committee. • Larry Persily, a longtime Alaska journalist and former government official at the federal, state and municipal level, recently penned an editorial in the Peninsula Clarion, titled "Someday, it will come down to sales vs. income tax." Without explicitly throwing support behind either option, this piece does an excellent job framing the choice Alaskans face in selecting a broad-based state tax which Alaska policymakers will ultimately need to decide. Persily concludes, "It comes down to what would direct more of the tax burden to nonresidents: A tax on income or on visitors spending. Wages or wasabi-crusted salmon dinners." Mark Hickey & Andrea Watts March 1, 2026 House Acts on Fast -Track Supplemental The Alaska State House recently passed the so-called "fast-track" supplemental for FY 2026, approving nearly $500 million in additional spending for the current fiscal year. Included in the package is approximately $70 million in general fund money to match federal highway and aviation funds. This move is needed because of the governor's decision to veto this funding last summer and must be in place for this summer's construction season. Other key elements include $40 million in additional disaster relief in response to the impacts of Typhoon Halong, $55 million for last summer's fire season, $20 million for the Department of Corrections, and millions for public assistance including Medicaid, the Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP), housing vouchers and senior benefits. • The state is currently running a deficit in available revenue, which necessitates a draw from the state's Constitutional Budget Reserve to cover these costs. A vote of three quarters of each body is needed to access this account – or 30 out of 40 House members. This vote failed 24 to 16. Another vote to get the 3/4 approval will be needed when the bill comes back from the Senate. Alaska Permanent Fund Status, 2026 PFD Debate Continues • State lawmakers recently received a briefing that the Alaska Permanent Fund had another strong year, posting a 9.35% return for FY 2025 and 7.9% return for FY 2024. Given this performance, the 5% draw available for dividends and government spending in FY 2027 is $4 billion. This is the largest draw taken in the 49 - year history of the Permanent Fund. • Discussions continue within the Capitol on the likely size of this year's Permanent Fund Dividend (PFD), which is limited by the 5% draw, projections of other state revenue, and the amount of funding needed for government services. Lawmakers crafting the FY 2027 budget are indicating the size of this year's dividend will likely range between $800 and $1,400 per recipient. The governor's request of a full statutory dividend of $3,650 in his FY 2027 budget is not feasible. Most observers expect the actual dividend amount to range between $800 and $1,000 per recipient. Other Capitol News Board of Fisheries Reduces Area M Fishing Time: The Alaska Board of Fisheries voted 4-3 to cut June fishing time in the Area M commercial salmon fishery by about one-third—trimming 136 hours for drift gear and 94 hours for seine—purportedly to reduce interception of chum salmon bound for the Yukon and Kuskokwim rivers. Supporters say it's a conservation step, but critics, including tribal groups and local communities, argue the reduction will not meaningfully help in conserving chum and will harm coastal economies that depend on the June fishery such as Sand Point and King Cove. Concerns were also raised about a possible conflict of interest on the board. The new limits take effect this summer. Additional information can be found here. State Agrees to Provide Voter Rolls to the Department of Justice: Alaska's Division of Elections signed a confidential agreement with the U.S. Department of Justice in December that could allow the federal government to identify individuals on the state voter list who it believes are ineligible to vote and have Alaska place them on a path toward removal from the rolls. State officials say they haven't yet received such notices or removed anyone, but some critics argue the arrangement risks federal overreach into state elections and could undermine voting rights and privacy. • Stricter Fishing, Hunting & Trapping Residency Rules: Legislation is moving this year to require resident fishing, hunting or trapping license holders to be physically present in Alaska for the majority of the year before applying. House Bill No. 93 by Rep. Rebecca Himschoot (Not Affiliated/Stika) passed the House in January 2026 by a vote of 27-12 and has been heard once in the Senate Judiciary Committee. The bill uses the same criteria in place for PFD applicants to determine qualifying for residency status. • Trump Administration Backs Biden Pebble Mine Veto: A recent court filing bV the Trump administration signals full support for a prior decision by then President Biden to veto the Pebble Mine project using under the federal Clean Water Act of 1973. The mine developers are continuing a lawsuit to reverse this action. Mark Hickey & Andrea Watts March 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 ,I 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 1 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. Temple Guard, Luxor, Egypt 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 3/4 outside corporations. HB 284/SB 227 by Senate Resources CS removes sales tax, adds HB 280 (Multistate Tax HB 284 pending House Finance governor Compact), SB 113, SB 92 and SB 112, adds education head tax and SB 227 moved out S RES 2/18 modifies other oil taxes. HB 289 by governor New fast-track supplemental appropriations bill including $70 million in Passed House 2/25; sched. Senate match funds for federal transportation projects. Finance 3/2, 3/3 HB 310 by Gray Imposes a 3% state bed tax for rentals less than 31 days. Referred L&C, Finance HB 350 by Fields Imposes a 9.4% income tax on entities with annual taxable income Referred L&C, Finance more than $25 million. SJR 2 by Claman Proposes constitutional amendment to change veto override threshold Passed out Finance 2/18 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 March 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 Scheduled Senate CRA 3/3 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 pending Senate L&C 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 Scheduled CRA 3/5 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 Heard & held 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 Pending CRA material from a fee for an owner of a deteriorated property. HB 301 by Galvin Amends state law to prohibit explicitly discrimination based on sexual Pending State Affairs orientation or gender identity. HB 346 by Holland Requires DOT/PF to comply with local planning and zoning ordinances Referred Transportation, CRA near state-owned airports unless it creates a hazard to aircraft. HB 363 by Stutes Authorizes a patriotic organization to sell or dispense alcoholic Referred Military & Veterans Affairs, beverages at an event organized by that group. L&C 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 SB 21 heard & held S Finance 2/17 HB 338 by Costello of a qualified retirement plan. HB 338 referred House L&C, FIN 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 sched. Senate FIN 3/2 SB 34 by Giessel Repeals 90 -day session limit. Pending Rules 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. Mark Hickey & Andrea Watts March 1, 2026 Measure SB 53 by Gray -Jackson Summary Imposes accreditation standards for law enforcement agencies in Pending State Affairs HJR 39 by Galvin Alaska including a municipal police department. Scheduled Education 3/2 SB 55 by Stedman Requires all TRS/PERS employers to participate in SBS system for Pending Finance HB 9 by Carrick those not in social security. Amended in L&C to shift most costs to Pending Education 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 HB 28 by Story judicial district to live and vote in that district. Pending Senate Education SB 81 by Stedman Imposes contribution requirement on TRS/PERS employers for past Pending Finance HB 38 by Saddler service liability. Likely contradicts current requirement for state to cover. Pending Labor & Commerce SB 153 by Yundt Exempts municipal service area boards from all requirements of state's Pending CRA HB 39 by Allard Open Meetings Act. HB 39 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. HB 59 pending House EDC SB 198 by Kaufman Reduces requirement under current TRS/PERS DC plans to qualify for Pending Finance HB 76/SB 82 by governor medical benefits to 25 years. HB 76 pending House EDC SB 200 by Bjorkman Requires Schedule F (Form 1040) or similar information to access the SB 200 passed out S CRA 2/17 HB 223 by Moore exemption provisions of AS 29.45.060 for farm oragricultural land. HB 223 referred House CRA, FIN SB 242 by Merrick Authorizes Department of Public Safety to contract with a municipality Pending State Affairs HB 165 by Coulombe to provide various law enforcement duties for a fee. Requires the state HB 165 pending Education HB 112 by Bynum to reimburse municipalities for these costs on a sliding scale. Pending Finance SB 255 by Yundt Allows DNR to transfer land under municipal land entitlement program Scheduled 3/3 CRA HB 122 by Prax without a land survey if requested by the municipality. Pending Education SB 259 by Bjorkman Allows a municipality to impose a percentage limit on amount of an Scheduled 3/3 CRA HB 152 by Galvin increase in an annual property value assessment. Scheduled State Affairs 3/5 Education Measures Measure Summary Status HJR 39 by Galvin Resolution urging federal government to waive the new H-1 B fees for Scheduled Education 3/2 teachers in the state. HB 9 by Carrick Increases charter school funding if districts receive extra funds. Pending Education 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 pending Senate Finance 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 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 3/5 partners, trust and estates. Mark Hickey & Andrea Watts March 1, 2026 Measure HB 163 by Underwood Summary Requires 4 -year terms for all local school boards. Makes Election Day Status 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 more correspondence study money, and reading incentive grants. SB 182 pending Senate Finance 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. 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- Heard & held Education 2/23 consensual digital impersonation policy. HB 246 by Josephson Increases required funding amount for special education service Heard & held Education 2/23 agency by 16%. HB 261 by Story Changes K-12 annual enrollment counts using past year or average of Pending Education 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 Heard & held Military & Veteran purple star designation program. Affairs 2/24 HB 288 by Fields Eliminates the cap in the foundation formula on local contributions Pending Education beyond the required local contribution. HB 313 by Ruffridge Requires a school district to allow any professional employee Referred Education, L&C association equal access to communicate or meet with new or existing employees. HB 319 by Elam Permits a municipality to create municipal education service areas to Referred Education, CRA finance capital improvements. HB 333 by Bynum Creates technical readiness and career training education system and Referred Education, Finance increase funding factor from 1.015 to 1.025. HB 339 by Costello Requires school districts to establish a personal finance education Referred Education, Finance program for grades 9 though 12 HB 343 by Allard Allows students more chances to earn secondary school course credit Referred M&VA, Education by assessment. Expands right to attend public schools for a military dependent. HB 358 by Elam Creates career & technical education mobility grant program and Schedule Education 3/2 expands pre -apprenticeship and work -based learning for secondary school students. HB 365 by Bynum Implements participation in the Federal Tax Credit Scholarship Referred CRA, Labor & Commerce Program funding scholarships for K-12 education. 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 Pending House Finance Pacific Islanders in the U.S. SB 20 by Gray -Jackson Requires DEED to develop and implement education of public SB 20 pending House Education 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 scheduled Senate FIN 3/3 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 Mark Hickey & Andrea Watts March 1, 2026 Measure Summary Status SS for SB 46 by Claman Replaces current K-12 education funding mechanism with a direct I Pending Education appropriation. SB 93 by Tobin Amends foundation formula to count a student in early education as a Scheduled Finance 3/4 full-time equivalent student. SB 101 by Gray -Jackson Requires DEED to establish a health and personal safety program for Pending Education governor K-12 public schools. SB 108 pending Senate RES 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 passed Senate 2/18 HB 129 by House FSH Ed ecumbe & teacher housing projects. HB 129 pending House FIN SB 151 by Bjorkman Requires school districts adopt a policy on students with live head lice. Pending Finance HB 203 by McCabe Students cannot attend school. Pending Fisheries SB 187 by Wielechowski Prohibits certain food additives in public school meals. Heard & held Education 2/25 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 2/24 firearm safe storage grant fund. SB 209 by Bjorkman Adds high school graduation requirement for civics, US history & state Scheduled Education 3/4 governor history proficiency. I SB 216 heard/held S RES 2/20 SB 210 by Tobin Adds state policy to encourage recognition of Indigenous cultures in Heard & held Education 2/16 public education. SB 238 by Kawasaki Limits local government's ability to restrict or remove controversial Scheduled Education 3/2 books from school and public libraries. SB 247 by Kiehl Creates new crime for distribution of generated obscene child sexual Referred CRA, Judiciary abuse material & requires teaching certificate revocation for life if violated. SB 257 by Cronk Amends the statutory formula for funding residential schools resulting Referred Education, Finance in increased money. SB 267 by Bjorkman Establishes a public -school financial data Internet website ensuring Referred Education, Finance the public has access to this info. Fishery & Resources Issues Measure Summary Status HB 33 by Stutes Allows members of Game or Fisheries Boards to deliberate and discuss Passed out Senate CRA 2/17 matters if they or a family member have a personal or financial interest. HB 93 by Himschoot Changes hunting, trapping and sport fishing residency requirements to Heard & held Senate Judiciary 2/16 match allowable absences to receive a permanent fund dividend. 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 cooperative can consist of no more than 10 permit holders. HB 125 by Jimmie Changes Board of Fisheries composition to provide two seats for Pending Senate CRA subsistence fishing, two for commercial, two for sport and one for a 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 Scheduled Fisheries 3/3 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 I qualified persons and only before first day of the relevant open season. I SB 216 heard/held S RES 2/20 Mark Hickey & Andrea Watts March 1, 2026 Measure Summary Status HB 297 by Schwanke Establishes preference for taking of fishery resources by residents for Pending Fisheries SB 149 by Wielechowski personal/family consumption. Adds factor for BOF allocation decisions SB 149 pending Senate L&C HB 164/SB 150 by of whether there is a fair & reasonable chance to take the resource. HB 164 heard/held House ENE 2/19 HB 304 by McCabe Imposes a new sports fishing anglers access surcharge. Creates new Passed out Fisheries 2/26 HB 196 by Burke account based on these charges. Surcharge sunsets January 1, 2032. Scheduled Energy 3/5 HB 321 by Josephson Proposes several changes to state law pertaining to state refuges, Scheduled Resources 3/4 sanctuaries, and fish & game habitat areas. More details found here. HB 356 by Vance Establishes the Alaska Coastal Micro -Fisheries Act, amending state law Referred Fisheries, L&C reaardina health & sanitary requirements related to commercial fishing. 7 HB 361 by Ruff ridge Amends existing laws regarding licensing of professional fishing guides Referred Fisheries, L&C SB 16 by Myers and requires any revocation of a license must be for cause. Moved out L&C 2/25 HB 364 by Josephson Adds several new requirements for intensive management of big game Referred Resources, Finance SB 61 by Tobin prey populations. Allows same-day airborne predator control hunting. Pending Finance HB 368 by Foster Requires Board of Fisheries to hold at least one meeting or hearing per Referred Fisheries, Resources SB 91 by Senate year in a community of 7,000 people not connected to roads stem. Pending Resources SB 29 by Bjorkman 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 161 by Cronk Prohibits use of certain trawl or dredge fishing ear in state water. Scheduled Resources 3/4 SB 199 by Giessel Repeals the Alaska Commercial Fisheries Limited Entry Commission Pending Resources and transfers its duties to Department of Fish & Game. SB 268 by Stevens Exempts seafood processing workers from Alaska's minimum wage Referred CRA, L&C requirement. 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 heard/held House ENE 2/19 governor a net metering reimbursement fund at Alaska Energy Authority. SB 150 heard/held S L&C 2/25 HB 196 by Burke Places 20% of carbon offset revenue into the renewable energy grant Scheduled Energy 3/5 fund and requires AEA to provide technical support to communities under 2,000 in population to prepare grant applications for projects. HB 369 by House Energy Omnibus energy bill setting new energy efficiency and diversification Scheduled Energy 3/5 goals. Adds HB 257 (portable solar devices), HB 153 (diversified 7 portfolio standard) & SB 32 streamlined small renewable projects). SB 16 by Myers Provides a simplified rate filing procedure for utility rate adjustments Moved out L&C 2/25 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 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 March 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 HJR 31 by Fields Constitutional amendment to prevent corporations & other entities from Pending Judiciary 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 HB 320 by Elam Makes automatic voter registration optional for PFD applicants. Referred State Affairs, Judiciary HB 371 by McCabe Omnibus campaigning financing bill relating to state and local elections. Referred State Affairs, Judiciary 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. "Minority Caucus" - Royal Livingston Hotel, Victoria Falls, Zambia Mark Hickey & Andrea Watts IVMarch 1, 2026 Legislators 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 Dale ATTE T: No a M. Javier, MMC, BorotPh Clerk 1 oij 10 0,0? Date HIC Y118Zre CTA E lvlaji i�i n o- Dale Contract No. FY2026-27