The 34th Alaska Legislature convenes on Tuesday, Jan. 21, 2025. The 90-day session is scheduled to conclude on Apr. 20; however, a special vote can extend the session an additional 30 days if necessary. Legislators have pre-filed a host of House and Senate bills, including six from Peninsula lawmakers.
Representative Sarah Vance (R-House District 6) and Senator Jesse Bjorkman (R-Senate District D) each pre-filed a trio of bills.
Vance, who won reelection after a stiff challenge from former Kenai Peninsula Borough Assembly President Brent Johnson, pre-filed House Bills 29, 46, and 47.
- HB 29 provides for an effective date and group insurance coverage and self-insurance coverage for school district employees, employees of the University of Alaska, and employees of other governmental units in the state.
- HB 46 relates to minors and the distribution and use of electronic applications.
- HB 47 relates to crime and criminal procedure, to generated obscene child sexual abuse material, to the powers of district judges and magistrates, to teaching certificates, and to the licensing of school bus drivers.
Bjorkman, who was also reelected last November after former District 8 Representative Ben Carpenter forewent his seat in the House to challenge for Senate District D, pre-filed Senate Bills 29, 30, and 35.
- SB 29 relates to an executive administrator for the Big Game Commercial Services Board.
- SB 30 seeks to make certain veterans eligible for a lifetime permit to access state park campsites and the parking and restrooms of developed facilities without charge, providing for an effective date.
- SB 35 relates to transportation networks and delivery network companies.
In addition to Vance and Bjorkman, House Representatives Justin Ruffridge (R-District 7) and Bill Elam (R-House District 8) will take part in this year’s legislative session.
Ruffridge Begins his third session after winning reelection over former representative Ron Gilham. Elam enters his freshman legislature after winning the House District 8 seat vacated by Ben Carpenter.
