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NEWS: Senator Stevens Introduces Legislation Increasing the Minimum Age for Tobacco and E-Cigarettes From 19 to 21

JUNEAU – On Wednesday, Senate President Gary Stevens (R-Kodiak) introduced Senate Bill 89, which seeks to increase the minimum age to buy, sell, and possess tobacco and E-cigarettes from 19 to 21 years old, and also places a point-of-sale (retail sales) tax on electronic smoking products (ESPs). The tax would apply to closed-system ESPs when

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NEWS: Senator Jesse Bjorkman Introduces Local Lumber Grading Bill

JUNEAU – Senator Jesse Bjorkman (R-Nikiski) introduced Senate Bill 87 yesterday to allow Alaskan sawmill operators who have been State certified to produce and grade dimensional lumber for use in some residential construction applications. Representative Jesse Sumner (R-Wasilla) expects to introduce companion legislation in the House on Friday. 

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NEWS: Senate Majority Members Introduce New Retirement Package for Public Employees and Teachers

JUNEAU – Today, Senator Cathy Giessel (R-Anchorage) introduced Senate Bill 88to establish a new retirement system for public employees and teachers. Upon introduction, the bill received 9 co-sponsors. The legislation would create a new defined benefit system for public employees and teachers and provide an option for current Tier IV employees to convert their defined

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NEWS: Senate Unanimously Passes Resolution Supporting the Willow Project

JUNEAU – Today, the Alaska Senate unanimously passed House Joint Resolution 6, sponsored by Representative Josiah Patkotak (I-Utqiaġvik), urging President Biden and the United States Department of the Interior to approve the Willow Project by selecting the preferred Alternative E plan. This plan allows for three drilling sites, which helps the project remain profitable.

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NEWS: Senator Matt Claman Introduces Legislation Strengthening Involuntary Commitment Statutes

JUNEAU – Today, Senator Matt Claman (D-Anchorage) introduced legislation strengthening involuntary commitment statutes by adding a five-year option to current Alaska law. With this approach, the state can seek involuntary commitment of individuals who have been found incompetent to stand trial, have a history of repeated felony offenses against the person, and have prior 30, 90,

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NEWS: Senate Majority Announces Committee Chairs and Priorities for the 33rd Alaska State Legislature

ANCHORAGE – Today, the Alaska Senate Majority finalized committee chairs and announced their initial legislative priorities for the 33rd Alaska State Legislature. In November, the Senate Majority announced their leadership structure with Senator Gary Stevens (R-Kodiak) as Senate President, Sen.-elect Cathy Giessel (R-Anchorage) as Majority Leader, Sen. Bill Wielechowski (D-Anchorage) as Rules Chair, Sen. Click

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NEWS: Republicans and Democrats form Senate Majority for the 33rd Alaska State Legislature

ANCHORAGE – Today, eight Republicans and nine Democrats came together to announce the Senate Majority in the Alaska State Senate for the 33rd Alaska State Legislature.  Read More >

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