A Look Ahead:

Prefiling Bills for the Upcoming Session

I'm excited to share a preview of the bills I'll be prefiling for the upcoming legislative session. I'm committed to building upon the progress we've made last session and bringing back several key pieces of legislation that came close to passage. These bills address important issues impacting our communities, from education to public safety.

Here's a brief overview of the bills I plan to prefile:

• Asian American/Pacific Islander (AAPI) Program: This bill will mandate the inclusion of AAPI history and culture in the curriculum of all Alaskan public schools. It's crucial that our students have a comprehensive understanding of the diverse history and contributions of all communities that make up our state.
• CPR Curriculum: This legislation will require school districts to teach CPR to students at appropriate grade levels. Equipping our young people with these life-saving skills can make a significant difference in emergency situations.
• Mental Health Education: Recognizing the importance of mental well-being, this bill will require all school districts to integrate age-appropriate mental health curriculum into the mandated health curriculum. By prioritizing mental health education, we can empower students with the knowledge and resources they need to thrive.
• Chokehold Ban: This bill will ban the use of carotid holds and tracheal holds, as well as any restraint that impedes a person’s breathing or circulation in a way that could produce a loss of consciousness. This legislation aims to enhance public safety and prevent tragic outcomes.

I believe these bills represent crucial steps forward for our state. I look forward to working with my colleagues and engaging with the community to ensure their successful passage in the upcoming session. I will continue to provide updates on these and other legislative efforts.

The Legislative Process in Alaska

For many of us, the basics of how a bill becomes a law might spark memories of Schoolhouse Rock! But here’s a quick refresher tailored to how things work here in Juneau:

The process starts when a lawmaker introduces a bill. Once introduced, the bill is referred to one or more committees where members review it in detail. If the bill has a fiscal note, it is also referred to the Finance Committee. Committees hold public hearings, and suggest changes through amendments to improve the bill.

Once the bill passes out of each committee, it moves to the Rules Committee where the bill is prepared to go to the floor for a vote by the House or Senate, depending on where it was introduced. If it passes that vote, it travels to the other chamber, where it goes through the same process.

For a bill to become law, both the House and Senate must agree on the exact same version of the bill. If they do, it heads to the Governor's desk. The Governor can either sign the bill into law, veto it, or allow it to become law without a signature.

This careful, step-by-step public process ensures that each piece of legislation gets the thorough consideration before becoming law.

34th Legislature Staffing

I'm thrilled to announce additions to my team!

Please join me in welcoming Clark Bickford as my new Chief of Staff. Clark brings a wealth of experience and a track record of success, and I know he will be an invaluable asset.

I'm also excited to welcome Chantil Bergmann as staff to the Legislative Budget and Audit Committee. As you may know, I will be Chair of this committee for the next two years. In addition, I'd also like to welcome Zander Kotlarov as our Session Intern.

These new team members join my competent staffers Jeff Stepp and Deirdre Goins. The energy and enthusiasm in the office is high and I look forward to seeing how much we can accomplish this session!

I hope many of you have a chance to visit with me and my staff at my office in the Capitol in Juneau.

Governor's 2025 Budget

Governor Mike Dunleavy released his budget proposal on December 12th, and I wanted to provide a summary of what his priorities are within his proposed budget for the upcoming legislative session.

In the proposal we see more money allocated for public advocacy, IT assets, rural power system maintenance, and vocational education.

A closer look at the Governor’s Key Highlights in his budget proposal:

Public Safety

• $2.4M for a Talkeetna State Trooper Post.
• $1.3M for new child crime investigators in rural Alaska.
• $1.2M to expand Village Public Safety Officer (VPSO) positions to 90.
• $6.5M for emergency response aircraft.

Education

• $1.5B total for K-12 education, including $1.1B for foundation funding.
• $2.75M for teacher recruitment and career/technical education.

Energy Development

• $50M for AK LNG Project advancement.
• $6.3M for renewable energy grants.

Affordability

• $11.5M for rural housing programs.
• $6M for expanded childcare assistance.

As the Governor stated during his press availability, his budget is just the starting point. My office will provide updates on the budget as hearings are held and Finance Subcommittee meetings begin.

Martin Luther King Jr. Day

This day is a time to reflect on the life and work of Martin Luther King Jr. and his principles of racial equality. It’s a day to honor his legacy by actively engaging in efforts that promote justice and equality.



Let’s consider Martin Luther King Jr. Day as a "day on," focusing on actions that contribute positively to society, rather than just a day off.

The interim is winding down, but that means my office and I are picking up the pace. As we prepare for the 34th Legislature, keep on the lookout for the first releases of pre-filed bills!



As always, it is my honor to work for you!

If you have any questions or concerns, please reach out to my office at:

Clark Bickford

Chief of Staff

907-269-0176

Deirdre Goins

Legislative Aide

907-269-0174

Jeff Stepp

Legislative Budget & Audit Aide

907-465-4068