The legislative session starts on Tuesday at the Alaska State Capitol and lawmakers in the Alaska House and Senate have still not selected their leadership. The House is deadlocked with 20 Republicans on one side and a coalition of 20 Democrats, Independents and a Republican on the other. At least 21 members are needed to form a majority caucus and select a House Speaker. On the Senate side, Republicans outnumber Democrats 13-to-seven, but Republicans have not yet been able to form a majority caucus.
Despite the present uncertainty with regards to leadership, the legislative session officially begins on Tuesday.
Alaska lawmakers have filed 89 new bills and five proposed constitutional amendments ahead of the session. Several bills have been sponsored by the legislators representing areas throughout the Kenai Peninsula.
Proposals on the agenda this year include reviving Alaska’s state income tax, creating a state lottery, banning the use of chokeholds by police officers, moving the Legislature to Anchorage, and making Daylight Saving Time permanent across Alaska.
Senator Peter Micciche of District O has put forth an act regarding powers of the Alaska Commercial Fisheries Entry Commission, specifically establishing a buy-back program for certain set net entry permits.
Senator Gary Stevens of District P is sponsoring a number of bills, including an act establishing the Alaska middle-college program for public school students, as well as an act to establish public schools through state-tribal compacts.
Representative Sarah Vance of District 31 has her name stamped upon a bill regarding the Tutka Bay Hatchery.
The full list of pending pieces of legislation can be found here.