Gov. Mike Dunleavy announced legislation to enhance election integrity by ending the automatic voter registration that occurs every time a person files for a Permanent Fund dividend.
HB63 Election Efficiency and Integrity Bill does the following:
- Repeals provisions of Ballot Measure No. 1 (2016) that allowed voter registration through PFD applications.
- Closes early voting five days before Election Day.
- Authorizes by-mail voting for communities with populations under 750.
- Provides postage-paid return envelopes for absentee ballots.
- Requires absentee ballots to be received by Election Day.
- Allows the Division to begin counting absentee ballots sooner.
- Increases flexibility in pay for election workers and standards for voting booths.
“This bill is a necessary step to ensure the integrity and transparency of our election process while addressing Alaskans’ concerns about reliability,” Dunleavy said. “By modernizing our election code, we can provide a more efficient and trustworthy system for voters and election officials alike.”
Currently, anyone who files for a PFD can end up with a voter ID card, even though they are not qualified.
It is doubtful the Democrats who control the Alaska House and Senate will let this bill move. Removing this provision may take a lawsuit.
Dunleavy also filed HB59, State-Tribal Education Compact Schools Pilot Program Bill
Building on the foundation of Senate Bill 34 in 2022, Dunleavy would establish a five-year pilot program to launch State-Tribal Education Compact schools in partnership with five federally recognized Tribes and Tribal organizations.
Key features of the bill:
- Creates a framework for DEED and tribes to negotiate compacts for tribally operated public schools.
- Mandates reporting on student data and enrollment to ensure accountability.
- Provides funding for STEC schools comparable to regional education attendance areas.
- Requires annual progress reports to the legislature, culminating in a comprehensive review at the end of the pilot program.
“Parents should be able to send their children to a school that they love and meets their educational needs. State Tribal Education Compact Schools are sure to be one of the public-school options that work the best for many Alaskan students, regardless of Tribal affiliation,” Dunleavy said. “This bill is a major milestone in bringing this transformative educational model to fruition.”
Dunleavy also announced HB62 Sexual Assault Kit Tracking System Bill
This legislation ensures the comprehensive implementation of a statewide Sexual Assault Examination Kit Tracking System, reinforcing transparency and accountability in addressing sexual assault cases.
Key provisions include:
- Mandates healthcare providers notify law enforcement of completed kits within seven days.
- Requires law enforcement to update survivors on kit status within 14 days of testing.
- Establishes clear accountability at every stage of the kit collection, transmission, and testing process.
“Survivors of sexual assault deserve a system that prioritizes their well-being and delivers justice,” Dunleavy said. “This bill reflects our commitment to creating a trauma-informed, survivor-centered process.”
