Until last week, alcohol sellers and others were in agreement over the need to make legal changes.
State Government
Derelict vessel bill heads to Gov. Walker’s desk
Boat and fishing vessel owners will likely be required to meet new registration and title requirements next year.
Office of Special Prosecutions continues to review charges against Fansler
The Office of Special Prosecutions continues to review charges against former Rep. Zach Fansler and may have an update on the case next week.
House passes bill to allow bonds to pay off oil and gas tax credits
The state owes the companies more than $800 million in credits.
Skagway artists applaud state resolution supporting legal use of ivory
Alaska lawmakers passed a resolution that brings concerns of state ivory carvers to a national level. The resolution, passed by the Senate in February and the House in April, urges the U.S. Congress to pass legislation exempting legally acquired walrus, mammoth, and mastodon ivory from ivory bans.
Legislature’s plan to draw from permanent fund is silent on PFDs
Under this compromise bill, the Legislature would have to set PFD amounts each year, or it would have to set a formula through a different bill.
State wants public input on how to spend Volkswagen settlement money
The $8 million could go towards investments in electric vehicle infrastructure or upgrades to diesel-powered transportation.
State analysts say requiring Medicaid recipients to work won’t save money
The state Department of Health and Social Services said the state would need to hire workers to ensure the state meets federal requirements.
Fears over caribou, access vs. mining’s economic promise — BLM releases public input on Ambler Road
“I was impressed with the range of comments that we got,” La Marr said. “Comments from the mining industry, comments from environmental groups, a lot of comments from the tribes… comments from people throughout Alaska and people in the lower 48 as well.”
State Senate passes bill adding ‘hunting preserve’ to 8 state wildlife refuge names
The Alaska Senate passed a bill that adds “hunting preserve” to the names of eight state wildlife refuges. The original version of the bill passed by the House last year, clears up boundary discrepancies for numerous state refuges and critical habitat areas.