As the Alaska Legislature approaches its adjournment on Wednesday, May 21 at midnight, several bills are poised for final consideration. Here are some that are currently under deliberation and may pass:
In Senate Rules
HB 16 – Campaign Finance Reform
HB 16 proposes to limit individual contributions to $2,000 per candidate per two-year election cycle and mandates that political groups maintain an in-state address. The bill, sponsored by Rep. Cal Schrage, aligns with a 2026 ballot measure, which would be nullified if HB 16 is enacted. The governor has not publicly commented on the bill, though he has previously expressed a preference for no contribution limits. This bill may see other election items shoved into it at the last minute.
HB 58 – Office of Public Advocacy Appointment
This bill changes the appointment process for the head of the Office of Public Advocacy, requiring selection by the Judicial Council and confirmation by the Legislature. While intended to enhance oversight, concerns have been raised about its constitutionality and necessity. Some see it as a middle finger to the governor, as the only point seems to be to remove power from the governor.
HB 123 – Vehicle Rental Tax
HB 123, by Rep. Kevin McCabe, addresses vehicle rental taxes, including those for peer-to-peer platforms like Turo.
SB 92 – “Yundt Tax”
SB 92 establishes a corporate income tax on certain oil and gas entities operating in Alaska, targeting Hilcorp. The bill was originally sponsored by Sen. Rob Yundt, who collapsed under criticism and passed the bill over to the Senate Resources Committee to sponsor as a committee bill.
SB 184 – School Bond Debt Reimbursement Moratorium
SB 184 extends the moratorium on new school bond debt reimbursement from July 1, 2025, to July 1, 2027. The bill’s education-related subject line may allow for additional education provisions to be shoved into it before final passage.
In Senate Finance
HB 36 / SB 90 – Foster Care and Mental Health Consent
HB 36 focuses on the placement of foster children in psychiatric hospitals and the care of children in state custody placed in out-of-state residential facilities. SB 90 allows minors aged 16 and older to consent to behavioral and mental health treatment, excluding medication.
Both bills have been combined, raising concerns about the adequacy of vetting for the therapeutic foster care license provisions.
HB 10 – University of Alaska Board of Regents Faculty Member
HB 10, sponsored by Rep. Ashley Carrick, adds a faculty member to the University of Alaska Board of Regents, increasing the board from 11 to 12 members.The bill’s education title may make it a vehicle for additional education-related amendments.
HB 194 – State Royalty Oil Sale to Marathon
HB 194 approves the sale of state royalty oil to Marathon Petroleum Supply and Trading Company LLC. While considered routine, the bill’s must-pass status makes it susceptible to amendments, such as incorporating the Hilcorp tax provisions from SB 92.
In House Finance
HB 101 – Age of Consent Adjustment
HB 101, sponsored by Rep. Andrew Gray, proposes raising the age of consent from 16 to 18, aiming to close legal loopholes affecting 16- and 17-year-olds.
SB 24 – E-Cigarette Regulation
SB 24, sponsored by Sen. Gary Stevens, seeks to raise the minimum age for purchasing tobacco and nicotine products, including electronic smoking devices, and introduces taxation on these products.
SB 54 – Professional Board Extensions and Interior Design Registration
SB 54, sponsored by Sen. Matt Claman, extends the termination date of the State Board of Registration for Architects, Engineers, and Land Surveyors and establishes requirements for the practice of registered interior design. The bill has faced scrutiny for combining unrelated professional regulations.