House Labor Committee Advances Travel Insurance Bill, Hears Disaster Pet Plan

The House Labor and Commerce Committee moved travel insurance legislation forward Tuesday while hearing proposals to strengthen emergency planning for pets and clarify state authority over natural gas contracts.

The committee voted to advance HB 302, which updates Alaska's travel insurance regulations, after adopting technical amendments. The bill now moves to the House floor.

Travel Insurance Bill Moves Forward

The committee adopted an amendment to HB 302 that corrects the insurance classification for travel insurance and delays the effective date to January 1, 2027. The change addresses a drafting error that incorrectly referenced "wet marine and transportation lines" instead of "inland marine line," where travel insurance has historically been filed.

"Wet marine line is typically reserved for high seas, air, and cargo," said Keith Bruce, staff to the bill's sponsor. The amendment also gives the Division of Insurance additional time to prepare for filing changes under the bill.

Heather Carpenter, director of the Division of Insurance, explained that inland marine is "a little bit of a catch-all" that covers items like expensive artwork, jewelry, and travel insurance, despite the maritime terminology.

The committee voted unanimously to report the bill out with individual recommendations.

Pet Emergency Planning Proposal Heard

Representative Ted Eischeid presented HB 335, which would require the state to develop comprehensive disaster plans for pets and service animals. The bill responds to coordination challenges that emerged during the October 2026 typhoon that struck western Alaska communities.

"We know that sometimes folks will actually stay behind in emergencies because they're worried about their pets and what will happen to them if they leave," Eischeid said.

The legislation would direct the Division of Homeland Security and Emergency Management to establish evacuation procedures, identify pet-friendly shelters, and create an identification system to reunite animals with owners. It would also add an animal welfare professional to the Alaska State Emergency Response Commission.

Kelly Donnelly, executive director of the Alaska SPCA, testified that her organization helped coordinate animal care during the typhoon response but found Alaska lacks a fully coordinated system for managing pets during disasters.

"Those breakdowns don't just affect the animals. They slow evacuations. They increase risk to first responders, and they make already difficult situations harder for families," Donnelly said.