Bjorkman-Press

Nikiski, AK – On Tuesday, July 30, 2024, Governor Dunleavy signed SB 196 into law, providing a simpler way to conduct drug and alcohol testing of employees when necessary. Sponsored by Senator Jesse Bjorkman through the Labor and Commerce Committee that he chairs, the bill would add saliva or “oral fluids” to the samples an […]

Nikiski, AK – Prior to the recent conclusion of its session in May, the Alaska Legislature passed Senate Bill 179, sponsored by Senator Jesse Bjorkman, R-Nikiski. This legislation, a result of extensive discussions with realtors, farmers, and municipal representatives, prohibits local governments from adding transfer taxes to the sale of houses and other real property, improves the

JUNEAU – The Alaska State Legislature unanimously approved a simpler option for employers and employees to conduct drug and alcohol testing when the House passed Senate Bill 196 yesterday. Sponsored by the Senate Labor and Commerce Committee, the bill would add saliva or “oral fluids” to the samples an employer may collect for testing. 

JUNEAU – The Alaska Senate moved today to better ensure injured workers receive timely benefits payments with the passage of Senate Bill 183 by a vote of 17 to 1. Sponsored by the Senate Labor and Commerce Committee, the bill would allow the Workers’ Compensation Benefits Guarantee Fund to retain its fiscal year-end balance to

JUNEAU – Employers and employees in Alaska would have a simpler option for drug and alcohol testing under Senate Bill 196, which passed the Senate unanimously today. Sponsored by the Senate Labor and Commerce Committee, the bill would add saliva or “oral fluids” to the samples an employer may collect for testing.

JUNEAU – Senate Bill 93, which increases the limits on payouts from the Alaska Fisherman’s Fund for commercial fishing illnesses and injuries, passed the Alaska House 39 – 1 on Thursday.  The bill, sponsored by the Senate Labor and Commerce Committee, better ensures fishing crew members’ medical costs from fishing related incidents are covered.

JUNEAU – Senate Bill 161, which supports Alaska farmers by improving their municipal property tax breaks, unanimously passed the Senate on Monday. Sponsored by Senator Jesse Bjorkman, R-Nikiski, the bill expands the tax breaks to include structures on farmlands and updates the financial qualifications and application requirements.