Legislature Passing Bills and Considering Governor’s Nominations

Protecting Your Rights: Serving West Anchorage

In this issue:

• Crime Bill Update
• Confirmations
• Passed Legislation
• Education Funding Update
• AAPI month
• Community Information & Events



Dear Friends and Neighbors,

The last day of the regular session is May 20th. The Governor can choose to call a special session within one hour of adjournment, if he chooses.

The Legislature has already passed many good bills and both budgets include additional funding for education. Finally, the Legislature met in Joint Session on Thursday to consider appointees for numerous Boards & Commissions.

Please read on for more information.

In April, the Senate Judiciary Committee passed House Bill 239, a consolidated crime bill including a number of bipartisan public safety priorities. These priorities include House Bill 101, legislation raising the age of consent, and Senate Bill 247/ House Bill 47, legislation banning AI-generated child sexual abuse material. The bill is currently in the Senate Finance Committee.

To read more about the full bill, click here.

On Thursday, the Legislature met in Joint Session to consider the Governor's appointees to State Boards and Commissions. Notably, the Legislature voted not to confirm the appointee for Attorney General, Stephen Cox. Two other appointees failed to be confirmed: Crystal Herring (Board of Professional Counselors) and Hannah Mielke (Alaska State Medical Board). I voted against confirmation for the three appointees rejected by the Legislature.

The Legislature confirmed former Senator Mike Miller, the appointee to a non-attorney seat on the Alaska Judicial Council. Mr. Miller's appointment came after John Wood withdrew his name from consideration and resigned from the seat on the Alaska Judicial Council. There was broad public concern about John Wood's appointment because Mr. Wood was a previous member of the Alaska Bar Association and because he is a contractor for the Executive Branch and holds a "position of profit" with the State. Both of these reasons disqualified him for the seat. I am pleased that the Governor appointed a qualified person to the non-attorney seat. I voted for confirmation of Mr. Miller.

The Legislature also confirmed West Anchorage residents Jana Weltzin, Tom McKay, Elizabeth Stuart, Pamela Dupras, Michael McNamara, Sara Rasmussen, and Jillane Garrity to various boards and commissions. I voted in favor of all of our West Anchorage appointees. Congratulations to our constituents for their confirmations!

Below are some of the bills that the Legislature has passed this year:

→ SB 40: Hispanic Heritage Month

Senate Bill 40 establishes Hispanic Heritage Month between September 15th and October 15th. This period commemorates the independence of several Latin American countries, including Costa Rica, El Salvador, Guatemala, Honduras, Nicaragua, and Mexico, that gained independence on September 15, 1821. By officially recognizing Hispanic Heritage Month, we honor the contributions of Hispanic Alaskans past and present. Signed into law 5/11/26

→ SB 89: Physician Assistant Scope of Practice

This legislation allows physician assistants (PAs) who have obtained 4,000 hours of postgraduate clinical experience under a collaborating agreement with a physician to operate without physician supervision in the state.  By allowing physician assistants (PAs) to provide medical care to the fullest extent of their licensure, this bill reduces unnecessarily strict regulations on physician assistants. Senate concurred House version 5/8/26

→ SB 192: Evacuation Designation Levels

Senate Bill 192 amends the Alaska Disaster Act to standardize evacuation language and colors for maps and public messaging. Standardizing wildfire evacuation messaging across Alaska will minimize confusion during public alert and warning phases, helping save lives. Transmitted to the Governor 5/8/26

→ HB 26: Community Transit Plans

HB 26 aims to support and secure accessible transportation options for all Alaskans by improving DOT&PF’s public engagement process and broadening the study of transportation options across the state. HB 26 improves the annual study, reporting, and development of Alaska's multimodal transportation network. Transmitted to the Governor 5/8/26

→ HB 33: Conflicts of Interest, Boards of Fisheries and Game

This legislation changes the way the Board of Fisheries and Board of Game function by allowing members to deliberate - but not to vote - on subjects for which they have a declared personal or financial interest. Allowing members with expertise in particular fields to deliberate will assist the boards in making more informed decisions, lead to stronger resource management statewide, and align process with intent as far as the boards benefit from members’ knowledge and diverse views. Signed into law 4/30/26

→ SB 41: Mental Health Education

SB 41, sponsored by Senator Gray-Jackson, expands access to critical mental health resources, improves continuity of care for young Alaskans, and helps address Alaska's persistently high suicide rates, especially in communities where access to services can be limited. SB 41 received broad bipartisan support and passed the Legislature on Thursday. Years ago, my office sponsored the first version of this important legislation and I'm pleased that Alaskans will have a better understanding of the relationship between physical health and mental health. Senate concurred House version 5/15/26

→ Update: HB 78: Pension Retirement Plan

House Bill 78 was transmitted to the Governor on April 30 is due back on Monday, May 18. Article II, Section 17 of the Alaska Constitution establishes procedures for a governor's veto of legislation. If the Legislature is in session, the governor has 15 days to sign or veto a bill before it becomes law automatically. If the Legislature is in session when the veto occurs, the Constitution requires the Legislature to meet in joint session "immediately." If the governor vetoes a bill after session adjourns, the Legislature will not consider an override unless the Legislature meets in special session.

Last year, the Legislature increased the Base Student Allocation from $5,960 to $6,600. Despite the increase, school districts have said that last year's increase was insufficient to keep up with rising costs. The Senate addressed education funding in their budgets.

Senate Operating Budget

Last Thursday, the Senate passed the operating budget. In addition to the formula-based $1.27 billion going to K-12 public education, the budget directs $140 million more to Alaska’s school districts. It includes a one-time $111 million investment outside the Base Student Allocation as well as $29.1 million in energy relief grants. The operating budget (House Bill 263) is now in conference committee.

Senate Capital Budget

The Senate included $57 million for K-12 major maintenance projects, fully funding the top 15 priority schools on the state's deferred maintenance list as well as tank farm repairs at three rural schools. Also included is $17 million to replace the Stebbins school, $14 million in repairs at Mt. Edgecumbe High School, and $17 million for University of Alaska deferred maintenance. The House made amendments to the capital budget (Senate Bill 214) this week, and it will now go to conference committee.

House Bill 261

Currently, education funding is calculated in part by student attendance counts, conducted each October, that delay the budget process. House Bill 261, sponsored by Representative Andi Story, would allow school districts to use prior year attendance records in their calculation for the current year budget. The House amended the bill on the House floor this week to include a 2% cap in the annual growth of local contribution rates to provide relief for local governments, increasingly paying more as property values rise. The amended version has the potential to increase state funding by over $140 million per year. HB 261 passed the House on Tuesday with bipartisan support.

Kincaid Park Master Plan Open House

When: Thursday, May 28th from 5:30 to 7:30 PM

Where: Kincaid Park Chalet (9401 Raspberry Rd)

Anchorage Parks and Recreation is kicking off the Kincaid Park Master Plan update. This plan will help guide park management and use for the future. Updating the plan will involve a substantial public process, including public open houses, stakeholder engagement, and community outreach, to ensure the master plan reflects a shared vision for the continued evolution of Kincaid Park.

As we start the process, the project team has launched a Community Survey and is hosting an Open House to gather public input. The survey closes Thursday, June 11th.

Join us to learn more about the Master Plan process, ask questions, and share your vision, insights, and recommendations! Meeting materials will be available online on Thursday, May 28, and comments can be submitted in person, online, or in writing. Learn more, submit comments, and sign up for updates at https://www.muni.org/Departments/parks/Pages/KincaidMP.aspx

Project Webpage:

https://www.muni.org/Departments/parks/Pages/KincaidMP.aspx

As always, please let us know if you have any questions or concerns.

Sincerely,