Ninety people focused on funding services. Most of the other 11 asked for spending cuts.
State Government
Marine highway reform bills introduced in state House
Juneau Rep. Sam Kito III has introduced legislation that’s part of a larger plan to restructure ferry funding and management. One measure would move nearly $200 million from the Alaska Permanent Fund’s earnings reserve into a ferry operations account.
Lacking competitive benefits, exodus of troopers causes ‘critically low’ staffing
The Alaska State Troopers are at “critically low” staffing levels, according to a recruitment and retention plan report from the Department of Public Safety.
Alaska SB 92 would crack down on derelict boats
Senate Bill 92 would expand title and registration requirements for the tens of thousands of boats in Alaska. Supporters say better vessel tracking is key to cracking down on derelicts.
Senate votes to let car insurers base renewal rates on credit histories
In 2003, the state allowed insurers to start using these records for new applicants. But they still couldn’t use them for people who are renewing policies.
Initiative to protect salmon habitat on track to make ballot
The Alaska Division of Elections says an initiative aimed at protecting salmon habitat has cleared a significant hurdle on its track to making a November state election ballot.
Stedman sponsors resolution to control sea otter growth
A Senate resolution seeking an increase in the number of sea otters hunted in Southeast Alaska is making its way through the legislative process.
Bill would let Alaska judges temporarily take guns from likely threats
Twenty-nine of the first 30 people who testified on the bill said they support it as a way of preventing suicides and homicides.
House committee scales back draw from permanent fund earnings
Homer Republican Rep. Paul Seaton said the smaller draw is more sustainable. He chairs the House Finance Committee, which voted for it 6 to 4.
Did Russia compromise Alaska election websites or systems? NBC News report says it did
However, Alaska elections officials had said in September that operatives did not compromise the election system. Alaska has asked the U.S. Department of Homeland Security for any information related to the new news report.