State & Legislature

Sen. Robert Myers, a North Pole Republican, smiles while on the Senate floor in early May. On Saturday the Alaska House of Representatives unanimously passed a bill he sponsored that would require the state’s Department of Corrections to issue state IDs to anyone leaving the state’s custody who does not have one at the time of their release. (Clarise Larson / Juneau Empire File)

Bill to offer incarcerated people in Alaska state IDs upon release heads to governor

The House passed the bill unanimously Saturday afternoon.

 

Angela Harris (center) gives testimony Wednesday on Senate bill 53 to the House Judiciary Committee while she sits next to the bill’s sponsor, Sen. Matt Claman, an Anchorage Democrat (right) and a member of his staff, Emma Potter (left) Harris survived a stabbing by a known offender who was released because of his incompetence to face criminal charges. (Mark Sabbatini / Juneau Empire)

Bill allowing up to 2 years of involuntary commitment in psychiatric facilities advances in Legislature

Senate passed the bill 14-6 on Monday, House heard testimony on Wednesday.

 

State Rep. Neal Foster, D-Nome, second from left, listens as Rep. Bart LeBon, far left,R-Fairbanks, foreground, speaks during a budget conference committee meeting in Juneau, Alaska, on Sunday, June 13, 2021. Alaska legislators who are leading negotiators on a committee tasked with hashing out differences on a state spending package said they would like to reach a tentative agreement as early as Sunday. (AP Photo / Becky Bohrer)

Lawmakers reach tentative deal on budget, dividend

Negotiators reached a tentative agreement Sunday on a package that includes an estimated $1,100 PFD.

 

This photo from the Alaska State Library Historical Collections shows Jalmar Kerttula. The longtime lawmaker has died. He was 92. (Courtesy Photo / Alaska State Library - Historical Collections)

Longtime former Alaska lawmaker dies

He was 92.

This photo from the Alaska State Library Historical Collections shows Jalmar Kerttula. The longtime lawmaker has died. He was 92. (Courtesy Photo / Alaska State Library - Historical Collections)
This screenshot from a project by University of Alaska Southeast postdoctoral researcher John Harley shows Alaska’s cities and census-designated places. Darker-colored areas on the map are communities with higher social vulnerability indices. (Screenshot)

Researcher hopes map project can aid pandemic response

Grant-funded effort offers a detailed look at where Alaska’s most at-risk populations live.

This screenshot from a project by University of Alaska Southeast postdoctoral researcher John Harley shows Alaska’s cities and census-designated places. Darker-colored areas on the map are communities with higher social vulnerability indices. (Screenshot)
This photo shows absentee ballot paperwork sent to an Alaskan voter in July 2020. United States Postal Service workers in Juneau will not be able to act as witnesses for absentee ballots. (Ben Hohenstatt / Juneau Empire)
Video

Primary Elections: Where to vote

Masks required in Juneau.

This photo shows absentee ballot paperwork sent to an Alaskan voter in July 2020. United States Postal Service workers in Juneau will not be able to act as witnesses for absentee ballots. (Ben Hohenstatt / Juneau Empire)
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Dunleavy reverses decision to veto early education funds

Dunleavy reverses decision to veto early education funds

Dunleavy says he won’t veto Head Start, Pre-K from HB 2001

Dunleavy reverses decision to veto early education funds
Dunleavy signs ‘step-down’ compact with University of Alaska

Dunleavy signs ‘step-down’ compact with University of Alaska

Plan will introduce cuts over three years rather than one

Dunleavy signs ‘step-down’ compact with University of Alaska
Scientists: Pebble Mine study doesn’t account for all risks

Scientists: Pebble Mine study doesn’t account for all risks

Group says Army Corps study does not pass as credible science.

Scientists: Pebble Mine study doesn’t account for all risks
Are you a fisherman who’s been hurt on the job? This bill could help.

Are you a fisherman who’s been hurt on the job? This bill could help.

By fishermen, for fishermen.

Are you a fisherman who’s been hurt on the job? This bill could help.
Bill would help immersion school teachers

Bill would help immersion school teachers

Professor says it will help preserve Alaska Native languages.

Bill would help immersion school teachers
Capitol Live: Republicans look into agency over rifle sticker uproar

Capitol Live: Republicans look into agency over rifle sticker uproar

Follow along with live updates from Alaska’s Capitol.

Capitol Live: Republicans look into agency over rifle sticker uproar
Senate votes to roll back conflict of interest restrictions

Senate votes to roll back conflict of interest restrictions

Five Democrats voted no on the rollback.

Senate votes to roll back conflict of interest restrictions
Are hospitals in jeopardy? What about your dental care? Here’s a look at Dunleavy’s Medicaid plan

Are hospitals in jeopardy? What about your dental care? Here’s a look at Dunleavy’s Medicaid plan

Lawmaker asks for cost analysis of sending patients out of state.

Are hospitals in jeopardy? What about your dental care? Here’s a look at Dunleavy’s Medicaid plan
New data shows Alaska suicide rate increase

New data shows Alaska suicide rate increase

Someone in Alaska dies by suicide every 44 hours.

New data shows Alaska suicide rate increase
Capitol Live: Dunleavy’s proposed Medicaid cuts would be made in two phases

Capitol Live: Dunleavy’s proposed Medicaid cuts would be made in two phases

Follow along with live updates from Alaska’s Capitol.

Capitol Live: Dunleavy’s proposed Medicaid cuts would be made in two phases
Capitol Live: University president says university tied to state’s future

Capitol Live: University president says university tied to state’s future

Follow along with live updates from Alaska’s Capitol.

Capitol Live: University president says university tied to state’s future
Capitol Live: Lawmakers celebrate Seward’s Day

Capitol Live: Lawmakers celebrate Seward’s Day

Follow along with live updates from Alaska’s Capitol.

Capitol Live: Lawmakers celebrate Seward’s Day
Tuition assistance for medical students on the chopping block

Tuition assistance for medical students on the chopping block

Alaska would be the only state in the country to not provide state assistance for medical education.

Tuition assistance for medical students on the chopping block
Governor unveils spending plan for the next decade

Governor unveils spending plan for the next decade

He compares his plan to three other options.

Governor unveils spending plan for the next decade