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Each chamber of the Legislature has ten standing committees set out in the Uniform Rules, which govern procedure in the Legislature. Other committees are set out in the Alaska Statutes. In the current 34th Legislature, I serve on three standing committees and two statutory committees: Senate Judiciary Committee, Senate Resources Committee, Senate Health and Social Services Committee, Legislative Council, and Select Committee on Legislative Ethics.
Senate Judiciary Committee
The Judiciary Committee considers legislation relating to the department of law, the judiciary, the third branch of government, and other legal matters. This legislation includes any bill relating to crime, courts, corrections, public safety, and more. As Chair of this committee, my office determines which bills to hear and prioritize.
Senate Resources Committee
The Resources Committee considers legislation dealing with natural resources, including oil & gas, energy, mining, fish & game, environmental conservation, and more. On the agenda this year is monitoring and addressing the Cook Inlet gas crisis. Other issues include the creation of a Department of Agriculture, taxes on oil and gas corporations, the latest proposals for a natural gas pipeline from the North Slope and more.
Senate Health & Social Services Committee
The Health and Social Services Committee considers legislation regarding public health and social services. For example, this year, the committee has heard -my bills relating to telehealth pay parity and youth in psychiatric treatment facilities. Other committee work may include complex care residential homes, physicians' assistants' scope of practice, and more.
Legislative Council
Legislative Council is a permanent committee of the Legislature and is responsible for conducting the business of the Legislature, including matters that arise when we are not in session. This Council often approves contracts for maintenance, security, personnel, and generally ensuring that the Legislature has the tools it needs to do our work.
Select Committee on Legislative Ethics
The Select Committee on Legislative Ethics is comprised of four Legislators and five public members. The committee administers the Legislative Ethics Act, which establishes a code of conduct for legislators and staff alike. I serve as an alternate on the Ethics Committee.
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