Passed Legislation
Below are some of the bills that the Legislature has passed this year:
→ SB 40: Hispanic Heritage Month
Senate Bill 40 establishes Hispanic Heritage Month between September 15th and October 15th. This period commemorates the independence of several Latin American countries, including Costa Rica, El Salvador, Guatemala, Honduras, Nicaragua, and Mexico, that gained independence on September 15, 1821. By officially recognizing Hispanic Heritage Month, we honor the contributions of Hispanic Alaskans past and present. Signed into law 5/11/26
→ SB 89: Physician Assistant Scope of Practice
This legislation allows physician assistants (PAs) who have obtained 4,000 hours of postgraduate clinical experience under a collaborating agreement with a physician to operate without physician supervision in the state. By allowing physician assistants (PAs) to provide medical care to the fullest extent of their licensure, this bill reduces unnecessarily strict regulations on physician assistants. Senate concurred House version 5/8/26
→ SB 192: Evacuation Designation Levels
Senate Bill 192 amends the Alaska Disaster Act to standardize evacuation language and colors for maps and public messaging. Standardizing wildfire evacuation messaging across Alaska will minimize confusion during public alert and warning phases, helping save lives. Transmitted to the Governor 5/8/26
→ HB 26: Community Transit Plans
HB 26 aims to support and secure accessible transportation options for all Alaskans by improving DOT&PF’s public engagement process and broadening the study of transportation options across the state. HB 26 improves the annual study, reporting, and development of Alaska's multimodal transportation network. Transmitted to the Governor 5/8/26
→ HB 33: Conflicts of Interest, Boards of Fisheries and Game
This legislation changes the way the Board of Fisheries and Board of Game function by allowing members to deliberate - but not to vote - on subjects for which they have a declared personal or financial interest. Allowing members with expertise in particular fields to deliberate will assist the boards in making more informed decisions, lead to stronger resource management statewide, and align process with intent as far as the boards benefit from members’ knowledge and diverse views. Signed into law 4/30/26
→ SB 41: Mental Health Education
SB 41, sponsored by Senator Gray-Jackson, expands access to critical mental health resources, improves continuity of care for young Alaskans, and helps address Alaska's persistently high suicide rates, especially in communities where access to services can be limited. SB 41 received broad bipartisan support and passed the Legislature on Thursday. Years ago, my office sponsored the first version of this important legislation and I'm pleased that Alaskans will have a better understanding of the relationship between physical health and mental health. Senate concurred House version 5/15/26
→ Update: HB 78: Pension Retirement Plan
House Bill 78 was transmitted to the Governor on April 30 is due back on Monday, May 18. Article II, Section 17 of the Alaska Constitution establishes procedures for a governor's veto of legislation. If the Legislature is in session, the governor has 15 days to sign or veto a bill before it becomes law automatically. If the Legislature is in session when the veto occurs, the Constitution requires the Legislature to meet in joint session "immediately." If the governor vetoes a bill after session adjourns, the Legislature will not consider an override unless the Legislature meets in special session.
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