House Bill 1 would give people the option to permanently vote by mail and allow for same day registration, among other things. It’s intended to help rural Alaska especially — which tends to vote blue — which could help Democrats in statewide races.
Caroline Halter, KTOO
Rep. Josephson says he will rework trapping legislation
State Rep. Andy Josephson wants to make it illegal to set traps within 200 feet of public trails, but he’s getting a lot of pushback from the trapping community.
Alaska lawmakers deal with death in the digital age
Alaska lawmakers are considering a bill that seeks to help loved ones get access to online accounts of the deceased, from Facebook to digital photo libraries and financial investments, without having to go through a lengthy legal process. It’s called the Fiduciary Access to Digital Assets Act — also known as FADA.
Claman renews effort to give Alaska women 12-month prescriptions for birth control
Rep. Matt Claman is picking up where he left off last year with legislation that would require public and private insurers to cover 12-month prescriptions for birth control. He’s pitching it as a way for the state to save money by reducing unintended pregnancies.
Fairbanks Four may receive dividends for 18 years of wrongful imprisonment
It took the work of journalists, lawyers, tribal leaders and citizens to release the Fairbanks Four, after they wrongfully convicted on a murder charge and other serious crimes. Now there is an effort underway to compensate the men for the 18 years they spent in prison. Marvin Roberts, one of the Fairbanks Four, shared his thoughts on the issue.
Lawmakers press ahead with Uber legislation
Ride-sharing company Uber left Alaska in 2015, agreeing not to return until a state law was in place that exempted the company from paying workers’ compensation insurance for its drivers.
Now, three state legislators are leading the effort to lay the groundwork for the company’s return, including a measure moving through the state House and one in the Senate.
Lawmakers debate impact of government cuts on Alaska’s economy
This week two state lawmakers voiced very different opinions on government spending. Their comments illustrate the depth of the divide over Alaska’s fiscal and economic crisis.
New holiday would honor contributions of black soldiers to Alaska Highway
State lawmakers are considering making a new holiday to honor the contributions of black soldiers who helped build what is still the only road connecting Alaska to the Lower 48. The legislation is sponsored by Sen. David Wilson, and it would make October 25 African American Soldiers’ Contribution to Building the Alaska Highway Day. It’s quite a
Alaska farmers push for hemp legalization
The 2014 federal Farm Bill allows states to grow and harvest hemp through pilot programs. Sen. Shelley Hughes is sponsoring legislation that would establish such a program in Alaska. Supporters see it as a way to diversify Alaska’s economy.
Lobbyist tax gets pushback in Alaska state House
Representative Sam Kito III wants to close a $200,000 funding gap at the Alaska Public Offices Commission, or APOC, which oversees the activity of candidates, political groups and lobbyists. His solution is to levy a selective income tax on lobbyists.