News from Juneau, Alaska
The House State Affairs Committee heard testimony on legislation to create a comprehensive state office to coordinate services for immigrants, refugees, and other newcomers to Alaska.
The Alaska Commercial Fishermen's Fund Advisory and Appeals Council will meet in May to review benefit claims and fund policies, with a public session on May 21.
Alaska environmental officials are seeking public input on Petro Marine's plan to replace an aging fuel dock in Juneau's Gastineau Channel with a new steel structure and rock stabilization.
A mining company is seeking a 15-year permit to install a new wastewater pipeline in Hawk Inlet near Juneau, with public comments due May 6.
The House Education Committee moved forward a bill to eliminate meal costs for 3,326 students who qualify for reduced-price meals but struggle to afford full payment.
Committee heard testimony on legislation to lower developmental delay thresholds from 50% to 25% for early childhood services, potentially serving more children and saving millions in future special education costs.
The House Judiciary Committee reviewed four gubernatorial appointees to state oversight boards, including positions on judicial conduct, crime victim compensation, and police standards councils.
The committee heard testimony on HB 380, which would increase funding for Alaska's nine residential school programs for the first time since 2015.
A joint legislative conference committee convened to reconcile differences between House and Senate versions of the fiscal year 2026 supplemental budget.
The House unanimously passed legislation streamlining professional licensing for barbers and hairdressers while recognizing healthcare achievements at Alaska's only children's hospital.
The House Judiciary Committee postponed a vote on a constitutional amendment that would deny personhood rights to artificial intelligence systems after members requested more time to study the proposal.
House Resources Committee heard testimony on HB 321, which would redesignate state wildlife areas and ban personal watercraft in Kachemak Bay.
The Alaska Senate unanimously approved a resolution supporting continued federal prohibition on Russian seafood imports to protect the state's fishing industry.
Alaska's rehabilitation committee seeks public input on state job services for people with disabilities during a May teleconference meeting.
Alaska's Medical Services Review Committee is holding four public meetings to gather input on workers' compensation medical fee schedules for 2027.
Alaska's Department of Labor is seeking contractors to operate vending machines in government buildings in Juneau, with proposals due April 27, 2026.