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Alaska Legislature Unanimously Passes SB 137 to Extend Four State Boards
JUNEAU – On May 20th, the Alaska House of Representatives unanimously passed Senate Bill 137, legislation sponsored by Senator Jesse Bjorkman (R-Nikiski), to extend the sunset dates for four state boards. The boards allow Alaskans to have a voice in the oversight of their industries and to protect the public through careful consideration of parole requests.
Senate Bill 137 extends the sunset dates for the Boards of Certified Direct-Entry Midwives, Nursing, Veterinary Examiners, and Parole.
“I appreciate that our Legislature places sunset dates on state boards so that we are forced to consider whether these boards continue to provide value to the public in order for them to be periodically extended,” said Senator Bjorkman. “I sponsored this bill because I believe all four of these boards provide value to the respective professions that pay regulator fees and to the Alaskan public.”
The Division of Legislative Audit reviewed each of the four boards and reported that they continue to provide a public benefit. The sunset extensions are based on recommendations from the Division.
- The Board of Certified Direct-Entry Midwives, extended to June 30, 2031, certifies midwives and oversees regulations to enhance public safety and improve the certification process.
- The Board of Nursing, extended to June 30, 2031, licenses nursing professionals, and oversees nursing regulations to uphold professional standards and protect the public.
- The Board of Veterinary Examiners, extended to June 30, 2031, licenses veterinary professionals and oversees regulations to address statutory changes and improve public protection.
- The Board of Parole, extended to June 30, 2029, conducts parole hearings, sets conditions, and grants discretionary parole in compliance with state law. The shorter extension was recommended to allow greater legislative oversight due to a decrease in the parole approval rate, unjustified staff positions, and outdated regulations. The Legislature will monitor these issues during the annual operating budget approval process.
Each board is composed of members with relevant expertise that serve on a volunteer basis, often reducing the state’s administrative burden while improving regulatory effectiveness.
Senate Bill 137 now heads to the Governor for signature after receiving a unanimous 19-0 vote in the Senate earlier this year.
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