Celebrating the 34^th Legislature

SB 40 – Hispanic Heritage

This bill was signed into law on May 8^th after passing with bipartisan support. This legislation designates September 15 to October 15 each year as Hispanic Heritage Month in Alaska. It honors the many contributions Hispanic and Latino communities have made to Alaska’s culture, economy, and communities, while also creating opportunities for schools, organizations, and individuals to celebrate and recognize this rich heritage.

SB 41 – Mental Health Education in Public Schools

After several years of hard work, I am incredibly proud that SB 41 finally passed this session. This piece of legislation strengthens mental health support for Alaska’s students by integrating mental health education into our K–12 public school system. In collaboration with state and national health experts and tribal health organizations, an age-appropriate curriculum will be developed for Alaska’s students. This legislation is especially important as Alaska’s youth continue to face the highest suicide rate in the nation. I am deeply grateful to all the advocates, educators, organizations, and community members who dedicated their time and effort to making this bill a reality. I also want to thank Representative Alyse Galvin, who championed this bill in the House. It would not have passed without her tireless advocacy.

SB 43 – Women’s History Month

This bill, which was passed in during the first session of 34^th Legislature, aligns Alaska with the federal recognition of Women’s History Month by officially designating March as Women’s History Month in the Alaska statute. It honors the countless contributions women have made to our state’s history and provides an opportunity for schools, community groups, and individuals to celebrate and highlight women’s achievements. This recognition is especially timely, as the Alaska Legislature currently has the highest number of women in its history, showcasing the power of diverse leadership.

SJR 8 – International Relations with Taiwan

This resolution reaffirms Alaska’s commitment to strengthening its relationship with Taiwan, recognizing the long-standing economic, cultural, and educational ties between our state and this key international partner. Alaska and Taiwan share core values, including democracy, human rights, and the rule of law. The resolution highlights the importance of maintaining and expanding this partnership, including the potential re-establishment of an Alaska Trade Office in Taipei to promote key Alaskan exports such as fish, timber, and other natural resources.

SJR 16 – Federal Ensuring Lasting Smiles Act (ELSA)

This resolution was inspired by a constituent, Emily Brubaker, who advocated for its passage to support two bipartisan bills introduced in the 119th Congress. It urges Alaska’s Congressional Delegation to support legislation requiring insurance coverage for medically necessary procedures for individuals born with rare congenital anomalies—procedures often misclassified as “cosmetic.” I was proud to champion this resolution in the Senate, alongside Representative Galvin, who carried the companion bill in the House. Together, we took a meaningful step toward ensuring access to essential medical care for those who need it most.

SB 20 – Amended into HB 27

I initially introduced this bill during the 33^rd Legislature and have been actively working to see it passed. This bill proposes a one-hour CPR training requirement for K-12 students, equipping them with life-saving skills. I'm pleased that Representative Mina allowed an amendment to her bill (HB 27; Major Medical Emergencies) that added Senate Bill 20, which passed the House and the Senate. I am thankful for the strong support from advocates, organizations, and community members who played an important role in helping this bill become a reality.

SB 103 – CNA Training (Achieved through HB244 – Rep. Underwood)

Last year, I introduced a bill to equip Certified Nurse Assistants (CNAs) with the skills to recognize the signs and symptoms of dementia and Alzheimer’s. While the Board of Nursing adopted regulations to carry out the intent of this legislation, implementation had been delayed by the current regulation freeze. In the meantime, Representative Underwood from District 27 in Wasilla championed a companion bill - HB244, which created another path to ensure this important training can move forward. Her bill passed both the House and the Senate unanimously. Dementia and Alzheimer’s impact families across Alaska. By helping CNAs identify these conditions early, we can better support those affected and strengthen care for Alaska’s aging communities.

Legislature Considers Two Veto Override Votes

The Alaska Legislature considered two veto override votes this session following Governor Mike Dunleavy’s rejection of bipartisan legislation passed during this session.

The first involved Senate Bill 64, a bipartisan elections reform measure aimed at improving Alaska’s election system by updating processes such as ballot tracking, prepaid postage for absentee ballots, and faster election processing. Governor Dunleavy vetoed the bill on April 30^th, 2026. The Legislature met in a joint session on May 4^th to consider overriding the veto, but ultimately fell short of the 40 votes needed for passage (38-22).

Lawmakers also voted to override House Bill 78, a public employee pension bill that would have restored a defined benefit retirement option for public employees and teachers for the first time since 2005. Governor Dunleavy vetoed HB 78 on May 18^th, 2026. The override vote was considered during the May 19^th joint session and failed 33–27, short of the 40 votes required.

Although both override efforts were unsuccessful, these debates reflected ongoing discussions about strengthening Alaska’s workforce, improving public services, and ensuring accessible elections for all Alaskans. I appreciate my colleagues who supported these bills and look forward to their passage in the future.

Honoring Assemblyman Rivera

While I was unable to attend the presentation due to the legislative session, it was my honor to write a legislative honorarium recognizing Felix Rivera for his nine years of dedicated service on the Anchorage Assembly and his continued commitment to the Anchorage community.

Initially coming to Alaska to pursue higher education, Felix has demonstrated a deep commitment to public service and civic engagement. During his time representing Midtown Anchorage on the Assembly, he approached every issue with thoughtfulness, integrity, and compassion for the people he served.

Felix worked tirelessly on issues that matter greatly to Anchorage residents, including housing and homelessness, public safety, transportation, and responsible budgeting. He consistently advocated for accessible and responsive local government while ensuring that all voices, especially those too often left out of the conversation, were heard and respected.

Throughout periods of challenge and change in our municipality, Felix provided steady, collaborative leadership that strengthened our community and reinforced the importance of civic participation. His dedication to fairness, inclusion, and public service has left a lasting impact on Anchorage.

I am grateful for Felix Rivera’s years of service and proud that the 34th Alaska Legislature recognized his contributions through this citation. On behalf of the Alaska State Senate, I thank Felix for his leadership, dedication, and unwavering commitment to the people of Anchorage.

Bills that remain active priorities for next Session

SB 6: Asian American and Pacific Islander (AAPI) Curriculum

This bill would require the inclusion of AAPI history in public school curriculum. Asian American and Pacific Islander communities have made significant contributions to America and Alaska—building infrastructure, working in canneries, and more. Amid a rise in anti-Asian hate during the COVID-19 pandemic, the U.S. Human Rights Commission recommended implementing this curriculum to better educate students.

Senate Bill 42: Law Enforcement: Registry & Use of Force Reporting

This bill would strengthen oversight of police conduct by requiring reporting of use-of-force incidents and aligning officer standards through the Alaska Police Standards Council. It seeks to increase accountability and public trust.

Senate Bill 119: Fundamental Rights, Anti-Discrimination

With Alaska’s unhoused population growing, this bill seeks to affirm fundamental rights regardless of housing status. Similar legislation is being adopted nationwide to address the housing crisis.

Senate Bill 120: Climate Change Commission

This bill proposes creating a dedicated commission to address climate change impacts in Alaska, from wildfires to glacial melt. It was heard in the Senate State Affairs Committee and will continue through the process next year.

Senate Bill 235: Automated Traffic Safety Cameras

A companion to Rep. Fields' HB 282, this bill would allow municipalities in Alaska to regulate and use automated traffic safety cameras to help enforce traffic laws and improve roadway safety. The legislation is intended to reduce dangerous driving behaviors, increase accountability, and support local efforts to prevent traffic-related injuries and fatalities.

Senate Bill 260: Workers’ Comp. Insurance Certificates

This bill would improve transparency and accountability in Alaska’s workers’ compensation system by requiring insurers to provide employers with detailed workers’ compensation insurance certificates, including policy information and a QR code linking to online verification tools. The legislation is intended to help workers, contractors, and the public more easily verify insurance coverage and ensure compliance with state workers’ compensation requirements.

Senate Bill 261: Unhoused Young Adults: IDS, Birth Cert.

A companion to Rep. Mina’s HB 334, this bill would help unhoused young adults access important identification documents by allowing them to obtain certified copies of birth certificates and state identification cards more easily. The legislation aims to reduce barriers to housing, employment, education, and social services by ensuring vulnerable youth have access to the identification documents often required for daily life and long-term stability.

Although these bills did not pass during the 34^th Legislature, they remain important priorities moving forward. We are committed to continuing conversations with stakeholders, advocates, and community members and plan to reintroduce and advance these measures during the 35^th Legislative Session.

Legislative Budget & Audit Committee

The Legislative Budget and Audit Committee is one of the Alaska Legislature’s three permanent committees authorized to operate year-round — not just during session. The committee’s job is to keep a steady eye on the state’s finances through budget oversight, independent audits, and contract approvals, and I am honored to serve as its chair.

It was a productive session for the committee. We reviewed the Legislature’s own annual audit — which received a clean opinion — and formally released the statewide Single Audit, a thorough review of how Alaska manages federal funds. We approved contracts to strengthen the state’s cybersecurity and to secure independent expertise on major energy projects such as the Alaska LNG Project, ensuring legislators have the best information available before making consequential decisions. Some of the committee’s most significant work, including a special audit of the Oil and Gas Production Tax audit process, is confidential by law. Even so, I want constituents to know the committee takes its oversight responsibility seriously and continues to ask the tough questions on your behalf.

Alaska Budget and PFD Analysis

The Alaska Legislature passed a budget focused on limiting spending while still providing direct payments to residents. Lawmakers approved a $1,000 Permanent Fund Dividend (PFD) along with a separate $200 energy relief payment, bringing the total payout to $1,200 per eligible Alaskan.

The main debate during the session centered on whether the state should provide a larger PFD or prioritize funding for education, public safety, and other essential state services. Some lawmakers supported a higher dividend, while others argued that larger payments would increase the state deficit and reduce long-term financial stability.

The final budget reflects a compromise approach. Legislators attempted to balance inflation concerns and high energy costs with the need to preserve state savings and avoid deeper budget gaps in future years.

I support funding our essential services while still providing money for the PFD. A balanced approach helps ensure Alaska can meet its long-term obligations while continuing to return a reasonable share of resource revenue back to residents.

My dedicated and highly capable staff this session (left to right): Chantil Bergmann, Jamie Bagley, Jeff Stepp, myself, Denali Zantop, and Clark Bickford.

Interim is Here!

I’m pleased to announce that my Anchorage legislative office will officially be up and running beginning June 8. My staff and I will be available to assist constituents, answer questions, and help connect residents with state resources and services. I look forward to continuing to serve our community and encourage anyone needing assistance or wishing to share concerns, ideas, or feedback to contact the office or stop by once we are open.



My staff and I have had one of our most productive and successful sessions yet! We are looking forward to returning to the Anchorage Office and continuing to “represent your interests!”



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

Staff contact:

Clark Bickford

Chief of Staff

907-269-0174

Jamie Bagley

Legislative Aide

907-269-0174

Jeff Stepp

Legislative Budget & Audit Aide

907-465-3721