05/15/2025 01:30 PM Senate COMMUNITY & REGIONAL AFFAIRS
| Audio | Topic |
|---|---|
| Start | |
| HB58 | |
| HB26 | |
| SB143 | |
| SB185 | |
| SB192 | |
| Adjourn |
+ teleconferenced
= bill was previously heard/scheduled
| += | HB 58 | TELECONFERENCED | |
| += | SB 185 | TELECONFERENCED | |
| *+ | HB 26 | TELECONFERENCED | |
| + | SB 143 | TELECONFERENCED | |
| *+ | SB 192 | TELECONFERENCED | |
ALASKA STATE LEGISLATURE
SENATE COMMUNITY AND REGIONAL AFFAIRS STANDING COMMITTEE
May 15, 2025
1:45 p.m.
MEMBERS PRESENT
Senator Kelly Merrick, Chair
Senator Forrest Dunbar, Vice Chair
Senator Elvi Gray-Jackson
Senator Robert Yundt
MEMBERS ABSENT
Senator Donald Olson
COMMITTEE CALENDAR
HOUSE BILL NO. 58
"An Act relating to the office of public advocacy; and relating
to the public advocate."
- MOVED HB 58 OUT OF COMMITTEE
COMMITTEE SUBSTITUTE FOR HOUSE BILL NO. 26(TRA) AM
"An Act relating to the duties of the Department of
Transportation and Public Facilities; and relating to a
statewide public and community transit plan."
- HEARD & HELD
SENATE BILL NO. 143
"An Act relating to the terms of office of municipal school
board members; and providing for an effective date."
- HEARD & HELD
SENATE BILL NO. 185
"An Act relating to the business of insurance; relating to
exceptions to prohibited rebates; relating to the powers of the
director of the division of insurance; relating to prohibited
practices in the advertisement of insurance; and providing for
an effective date."
- MOVED SB 185 OUT OF COMMITTEE
SENATE BILL NO. 192
"An Act relating to evacuation designation levels; and relating
to the Alaska Disaster Act."
- HEARD & HELD
PREVIOUS COMMITTEE ACTION
BILL: HB 58
SHORT TITLE: OPA: PUBLIC ADVOCATE APPOINTMENT
SPONSOR(s): REPRESENTATIVE(s) FIELDS
01/22/25 (H) READ THE FIRST TIME - REFERRALS
01/22/25 (H) CRA, STA
03/11/25 (H) CRA AT 8:00 AM BARNES 124
03/11/25 (H) Heard & Held
03/11/25 (H) MINUTE(CRA)
03/13/25 (H) CRA AT 8:00 AM BARNES 124
03/13/25 (H) Heard & Held
03/13/25 (H) MINUTE(CRA)
03/18/25 (H) CRA AT 8:00 AM BARNES 124
03/18/25 (H) Moved HB 58 Out of Committee
03/18/25 (H) MINUTE(CRA)
03/21/25 (H) CRA RPT 4DP 1NR
03/21/25 (H) DP: HOLLAND, HALL, HIMSCHOOT, MEARS
03/21/25 (H) NR: PRAX
03/27/25 (H) STA AT 3:15 PM GRUENBERG 120
03/27/25 (H) Heard & Held
03/27/25 (H) MINUTE(STA)
03/29/25 (H) STA AT 1:00 PM GRUENBERG 120
03/29/25 (H) Heard & Held
03/29/25 (H) MINUTE(STA)
04/08/25 (H) STA AT 3:15 PM GRUENBERG 120
04/08/25 (H) Moved HB 58 Out of Committee
04/08/25 (H) MINUTE(STA)
04/09/25 (H) STA RPT 5DP 2NR
04/09/25 (H) DP: MOORE, HOLLAND, HIMSCHOOT, STORY,
CARRICK
04/09/25 (H) NR: VANCE, MCCABE
04/30/25 (H) TRANSMITTED TO (S)
04/30/25 (H) VERSION: HB 58
05/02/25 (S) READ THE FIRST TIME - REFERRALS
05/02/25 (S) CRA, JUD
05/13/25 (S) CRA AT 1:30 PM BELTZ 105 (TSBldg)
05/13/25 (S) Heard & Held
05/13/25 (S) MINUTE(CRA)
05/15/25 (S) CRA AT 1:30 PM BELTZ 105 (TSBldg)
BILL: HB 26
SHORT TITLE: STATEWIDE PUBLIC & COMMUNITY TRANSIT PLAN
SPONSOR(s): REPRESENTATIVE(s) MINA
01/22/25 (H) PREFILE RELEASED 1/10/25
01/22/25 (H) READ THE FIRST TIME - REFERRALS
01/22/25 (H) CRA, TRA
02/27/25 (H) CRA AT 8:00 AM BARNES 124
02/27/25 (H) Heard & Held
02/27/25 (H) MINUTE(CRA)
03/18/25 (H) CRA AT 8:00 AM BARNES 124
03/18/25 (H) Heard & Held
03/18/25 (H) MINUTE(CRA)
03/20/25 (H) CRA AT 8:00 AM BARNES 124
03/20/25 (H) Moved CSHB 26(CRA) Out of Committee
03/20/25 (H) MINUTE(CRA)
03/21/25 (H) CRA RPT CS(CRA) 4DP 1DNP 1AM
03/21/25 (H) DP: HOLLAND, HALL, HIMSCHOOT, MEARS
03/21/25 (H) DNP: PRAX
03/21/25 (H) AM: RUFFRIDGE
03/27/25 (H) TRA AT 1:00 PM BARNES 124
03/27/25 (H) Heard & Held
03/27/25 (H) MINUTE(TRA)
04/01/25 (H) TRA AT 1:00 PM BARNES 124
04/01/25 (H) Heard & Held
04/01/25 (H) MINUTE(TRA)
04/10/25 (H) TRA AT 1:00 PM BARNES 124
04/10/25 (H) Moved CSHB 26(TRA) Out of Committee
04/10/25 (H) MINUTE(TRA)
04/11/25 (H) TRA RPT CS(TRA) 5DP 2DNP
04/11/25 (H) DP: MOORE, MINA, STUTES, EISCHEID,
CARRICK
04/11/25 (H) DNP: MCCABE, TILTON
05/02/25 (H) TRANSMITTED TO (S)
05/02/25 (H) VERSION: CSHB 26(TRA) AM
05/05/25 (S) READ THE FIRST TIME - REFERRALS
05/05/25 (S) CRA, TRA
05/15/25 (S) CRA AT 1:30 PM BELTZ 105 (TSBldg)
BILL: SB 143
SHORT TITLE: MUNICIPAL SCHOOL BOARD TERMS
SPONSOR(s): SENATOR(s) YUNDT
03/26/25 (S) READ THE FIRST TIME - REFERRALS
03/26/25 (S) EDC, CRA
04/09/25 (S) EDC AT 3:30 PM BELTZ 105 (TSBldg)
04/09/25 (S) Heard & Held
04/09/25 (S) MINUTE(EDC)
05/05/25 (S) EDC AT 3:30 PM BELTZ 105 (TSBldg)
05/05/25 (S) Moved CSSB 143(EDC) Out of Committee
05/05/25 (S) MINUTE(EDC)
05/07/25 (S) EDC RPT CS 4NR 1DP SAME TITLE
05/07/25 (S) NR: TOBIN, BJORKMAN, STEVENS, KIEHL
05/07/25 (S) DP: CRONK
05/15/25 (S) CRA AT 1:30 PM BELTZ 105 (TSBldg)
BILL: SB 185
SHORT TITLE: INSURANCE; REBATES; ADVERTISING
SPONSOR(s): LABOR & COMMERCE
04/25/25 (S) READ THE FIRST TIME - REFERRALS
04/25/25 (S) CRA, L&C
05/13/25 (S) CRA AT 1:30 PM BELTZ 105 (TSBldg)
05/13/25 (S) Heard & Held
05/13/25 (S) MINUTE(CRA)
05/15/25 (S) CRA AT 1:30 PM BELTZ 105 (TSBldg)
BILL: SB 192
SHORT TITLE: EVACUATION DESIGNATION LEVELS
SPONSOR(s): BJORKMAN
05/12/25 (S) READ THE FIRST TIME - REFERRALS
05/12/25 (S) CRA, RES
05/15/25 (S) CRA AT 1:30 PM BELTZ 105 (TSBldg)
WITNESS REGISTER
REPRESENTATIVE ZACK FIELDS, District 17
Alaska State Legislature
Juneau, Alaska
POSITION STATEMENT: Provided an overview of HB 58.
HAHLEN BEHNKEN, Staff
Representative Genevieve Mina
Alaska State Legislature
Juneau, Alaska
POSITION STATEMENT: Introduced HB 26 on behalf of the sponsor.
REPRESENTATIVE GENEVIEVE MINA, District 19
Alaska State Legislature
Juneau, Alaska
POSITION STATEMENT: Sponsor of HB 26.
PATRICK REINHART, Executive Director
Governor's Council on Disabilities and Special Education
Anchorage, Alaska
POSITION STATEMENT: Testified by invitation in support of HB 26.
GERRY HOPE, Government Relations Director
Sitka Tribe of Alaska
Sitka, Alaska
POSITION STATEMENT: Testified by invitation in support of HB 26.
GEORGE HAYS, Deputy Borough Manager
Mat-Su Borough
Palmer, Alaska
POSITION STATEMENT: Testified by invitation in support of
SB 143.
SAVAYA BIEBER, Staff
Senator Jesse Bjorkman
Alaska State Legislature
Juneau, Alaska
POSITION STATEMENT: Gave a brief reintroduction of SB 185 on
behalf of the Senate and Labor Commerce Committee, Senator
Bjorkman, Chair.
SENATOR JESSE BJORKMAN, District D
Alaska State Legislature
Juneau, Alaska
POSITION STATEMENT: Sponsor of SB 192.
BRENDA AHLBERG, Emergency Manager
Kenai Peninsula Borough
Soldotna, Alaska
POSITION STATEMENT: Testified by invitation on SB 192.
MICHELLE WESTON, Fire Chief
Girdwood Fire and Rescue
Anchorage, Alaska
POSITION STATEMENT: Testified in support of SB 192.
ACTION NARRATIVE
1:45:04 PM
CHAIR MERRICK called the Senate Community and Regional Affairs
Standing Committee meeting to order at 1:45 p.m. Present at the
call to order were Senators Yundt, Gray-Jackson, Dunbar, and
Chair Merrick.
HB 58-OPA: PUBLIC ADVOCATE APPOINTMENT
1:45:45 PM
CHAIR MERRICK announced the consideration of HOUSE BILL NO. 58
"An Act relating to the office of public advocacy; and relating
to the public advocate."
1:46:10 PM
REPRESENTATIVE ZACK FIELDS, District 17, Alaska State
Legislature, Juneau, Alaska, said that HB 58 would change the
selection process for the Public Advocate Director to match that
of the Public Defender. He explained that the Alaska Legislature
founded the Alaska Public Defender Agency in 1969 and the Office
of Public Advocacy (OPA) in 1983. He surmised that the different
selection processes likely resulted from an oversight. He
briefly described the process the Alaska Judicial Council uses
to select nominees for Public Defender; HB 58 would apply the
same (or similar) process to the selection of the Public
Advocacy Director. He stated that HB 58 would disallow arbitrary
removal of the OPA Director and would require "for cause"
removal. He noted that this is aligned with the requirements for
the removal of the Public Defender. He added that both offices
provide legal assistance to indigent Alaskans. He noted that OPA
has broader authorities, including guardian ad litem. He stated
that both agencies are important and offer significant cost
savings to the State of Alaska. He emphasized that HB 58 is not
a critique of the governor or OPA; rather, it is a forward-
looking, good governance change that would protect the
independence of the OPA director into the future.
1:48:11 PM
CHAIR MERRICK solicited the will of the committee.
1:48:15 PM
SENATOR DUNBAR moved to report HB 58, work order 34-LS0011\A,
from committee with individual recommendations and attached
fiscal note(s) and authorize Legislative Legal Services to make
conforming changes.
1:48:29 PM
CHAIR MERRICK found no objection and HB 58 was reported from the
Senate Community and Regional Affairs Standing Committee.
1:48:34 PM
At ease.
HB 26-STATEWIDE PUBLIC & COMMUNITY TRANSIT PLAN
1:49:56 PM
CHAIR MERRICK reconvened the meeting and announced the
consideration of CS FOR HOUSE BILL NO. 26(TRA) am "An Act
relating to the duties of the Department of Transportation and
Public Facilities; and relating to a statewide public and
community transit plan."
1:50:11 PM
At ease.
1:51:00 PM
CHAIR MERRICK reconvened the meeting.
1:51:23 PM
HAHLEN BEHNKEN, Staff, Representative Genevieve Mina, Alaska
State Legislature, Juneau, Alaska, paraphrased the sponsor
statement for HB 26:
[Original punctuation provided.]
CSHB 26 (TRA), Version I Sponsor Statement
"An Act relating to the duties of the Department of
Transportation and Public Facilities; and relating to
a statewide public and community transit plan."
The Alaska Department of Transportation and Public
Facilities (DOT&PF) stewards the state's
transportation system as the lead body in developing
the Statewide Transportation Improvement Program
(STIP). HB 26 aims to support and secure accessible
transportation options for all Alaskans by improving
DOT&PF's public engagement process and broadening the
study of transportation options across the state.
First, HB 26 seeks to improve DOT&PF's public
engagement process in statewide transportation
planning. Sufficient collaboration with local and
regional entities is federally required to secure
funding for transportation and infrastructure
projects. HB 26 codifies this federal requirement by
specifying that DOT&PF must coordinate with public,
Tribal, and community transit programs in their
development of Alaska's comprehensive, long-range,
intermodal transportation plan (e.g., STIP). In this
case, these transit programs refer to programs such as
Nome's Tribal Transit Program, Juneau's Capital
Transit, Tok's Interior Alaska Bus Line, and
Anchorage's People Mover.
Second, HB 26 expands DOT&PF's responsibility to study
alternative transportation options by including rural
and remote areas. DOT&PF is statutorily responsible
for studying alternative means of transportation in
Alaska, but they are currently only required to study
urban areas. Alternative transportation methods, such
as public transportation, are essential for those who
do not have a car or cannot drive and provide more
options for Alaskans and visitors to move around our
state. According to a 2022 DOT&PF report on The
Economic Value of Public Transit in Alaska, transit
delivers benefits including increased business sales,
less road congestion, less air pollution, and better
travel times to Alaska communities.
Public transit is often the only transportation option
for Alaskans with disabilities, low-income Alaskans,
youth, and the elderly. Securing federal funding and
improving access to public and community transit is
essential to connect all Alaskans to their jobs,
schools, healthcare, and communities. HB 26 improves
the annual study, reporting, and development of
Alaska's multimodal transportation network.
1:53:38 PM
REPRESENTATIVE GENEVIEVE MINA, District 19, Alaska State
Legislature, Juneau, Alaska, added that the Governor's Council
on Disabilities and Special Education and the Alaska Mobility
Coalition requested HB 26. She emphasized that people with
disabilities face gaps in access to public transportation. She
said HB 26 would codify the practices of the Department of
Transportation and Public Facilities (DOTPF) while ensuring that
those impacted by public transit are part of the transit access
conversation.
1:54:24 PM
CHAIR MERRICK announced invited testimony on HB 26.
1:54:38 PM
PATRICK REINHART, Executive Director, Governor's Council on
Disabilities and Special Education, Anchorage, Alaska, said the
Governor's Council on Disabilities and Special Education is one
of the founding members of the Alaska Mobility Coalition. He has
been a disability advocate in Alaska for 40 years. He stated
that transportation problems are a daily challenge for people
with disabilities in Alaska. He noted that the same is true for
senior citizens, as both populations rely heavily on public
transportation. He briefly discussed public transportation in
communities around the state, pointing out that some communities
(e.g. Anchorage) have robust public transit systems, while
others have no reliable public transit. He briefly discussed
human services grants. He stated that this grant program has
successfully started many small public transit systems. He noted
a low number of current human service grant applicants. He
surmised that this is related to a lack of planning for public
transit in small, rural communities. He added that it is
difficult for small communities to apply for the grants, which
are a combination of state and federal funding. He opined that
better planning from DOTPF and input from the impacted community
would be beneficial.
[1:57:46]
MR. REINHART said DOTPF recently received an influx of federal
funding for rural transit projects; however, DOTPF distributed
those funds to existing programs despite community support for
new transit programs. He asserted that this was a lost
opportunity. He emphasized the importance of planning. He said
that a state transit conference would be helpful and could be
part of DOTPF's planning process. He emphasized the importance
of making this a statutory requirement and of communicating the
importance of public transportation in Alaska.
2:00:25 PM
GERRY HOPE, Government Relations Director, Sitka Tribe of
Alaska, Sitka, Alaska, said HB 26 is a 2025 legislative priority
for Sitka Tribe of Alaska. He explained that Sitka Tribe of
Alaska operates public transit in Sitka and is a member of the
Alaska Mobility Coalition. He said it is difficult to get DOTPF
to recognize challenges that are not in statute. He noted that
HB 26 identifies some items in simple language. He directed
attention to HB 26, page 1, line 15, which adds "including
public, tribal, and community transit programs." He then
directed attention to HB 26, page 2, lines 5-6, which adds
language to create transit systems through coordination with
local governments and tribal entities. He emphasized that these
are critically important changes that would make an important
difference in the way Sitka Tribe of Alaska works with DOTPF. It
would also impact the delivery of public transit services within
communities across the state.
2:02:55 PM
CHAIR MERRICK opened public testimony on HB 26; finding none,
she closed public testimony.
2:03:17 PM
REPRESENTATIVE MINA stressed the importance of public
transportation across the state. She noted that previous
amendments to HB 26 incorporated different facets of public
transportation, including ferries and potentially including
commuter rail. She emphasized the importance of including all
communities in Alaska.
2:03:48 PM
[CHAIR MERRICK held HB 26 in committee.]
2:03:51 PM
At ease.
SB 143-MUNICIPAL SCHOOL BOARD TERMS
[CSSB 143(EDC) was before the committee.]
2:04:52 PM
CHAIR MERRICK reconvened the meeting and announced the
consideration of SENATE BILL NO. 143 "An Act relating to the
terms of office of municipal school board members; and providing
for an effective date."
2:05:08 PM
SENATOR YUNDT, speaking as sponsor, said SB 143 is a local
control issue addressing school board term length. He explained
that currently, Alaskan communities can choose terms of office
(3- or 4-year terms) for mayor and assembly; however, the school
board is limited to 3 years. SB 143 would change extend the 3-
or 4-year option to school board terms. This would eliminate
off-year elections in communities that have chosen 4-year terms
for local assembly and mayoral elections. He stated that this
would provide a financial savings and streamline the electoral
process. He emphasized that this would allow local communities
to choose the term length. He noted that local governments could
not change the term length without ballot approval.
2:06:34 PM
CHAIR MERRICK announced invited testimony on SB 143.
2:06:49 PM
GEORGE HAYS, Deputy Borough Manager, Mat-Su Borough, Palmer,
Alaska, said SB 143 proposes a simple, yet significant change by
allowing municipal governments to determine (by ordinance) the
terms of office for municipal school board members. This
strengthens local control, promotes flexibility, and allows
municipalities to tailor governance to the needs of the
community. He noted that state law allows municipalities to
change mayoral and assembly term length. He explained that the
Mat-Su Borough recently changed its mayoral and assembly terms
to coincide with the state and federal elections. A 4-year
school board term would match up with these, which would greatly
improve voter turnout. He outlined the following three reasons
why SB 143 matters for local governments:
1. SB 143 would significantly enhance local control.
• Municipalities across the state vary greatly
in population, geography, and local
priorities. SB 143 provides local governing
bodies to set local school terms that align
with local needs and electoral cycles.
2. SB 143 supports community engagement.
• In some cases, adjusting term lengths may
improve voter turnout, streamline elections,
and/or increase interest in school board
service.
3. SB 143 promotes administrative efficiency.
• Aligning school board terms with other local
election cycles has the potential to greatly
reduce costs and administrative burdens.
This would create more efficient government
operations.
MR. HAYS noted that SB 143 gives municipalities the option of
changing school board term length. He emphasized that the
changes made by this legislation would still be subject to local
ordinance processes, including public input, transparency, and
accountability. He stated that trusting municipalities to make
these decisions reinforces the value of local governments while
empowering communities to build stronger, more responsive
institutions.
2:09:53 PM
CHAIR MERRICK opened public testimony on SB 143; finding none,
she closed public testimony.
2:10:15 PM
SENATOR YUNDT explained the impetus for SB 143. He said that [in
the Mat-Su Borough] odd-year elections have seen voter turnout
rates of 9-14 percent. Shifting to even-year elections (i.e.
holding all elections on the same 4-year cycle) increased voter
turnout to 48 percent. He said that holding all elections on
even years would create more ease for voters (thus increasing
voter turnout) and would save municipalities money.
2:10:53 PM
CHAIR MERRICK held SB 143 in committee.
2:10:56 PM
At ease.
SB 185-INSURANCE; REBATES; ADVERTISING
2:11:48 PM
CHAIR MERRICK reconvened the meeting and announced the
consideration of SENATE BILL NO. 185 "An Act relating to the
business of insurance; relating to exceptions to prohibited
rebates; relating to the powers of the director of the division
of insurance; relating to prohibited practices in the
advertisement of insurance; and providing for an effective
date."
2:12:12 PM
SAVAYA BIEBER, Staff, Senator Jesse Bjorkman, Alaska State
Legislature, Juneau, Alaska, paraphrased the sponsor statement
for SB 185:
[Original punctuation provided.]
SB 185 Insurance; Rebates; Advertising
Sponsor Statement
Version N
Senate Bill 185 updates Alaska's insurance statutes to
provide clarity and flexibility around allowable
business practices. This legislation aligns Alaska's
statutes with national best practices and the NAIC
Model Act.
SB 185 modernizes Alaska's anti-rebating laws by
clearly defining exceptions for value-added services,
wellness incentives, educational tools, and low-value
promotional gifts. It ensures that insurers and
producers can offer beneficial programs to the
consumer, such as programs including health apps, risk
reduction tools, or financial wellness services.
Under this bill, insurers may also run pilot programs,
provide charitable donations, or host raffles,
provided they follow strict fairness and transparency
guidelines. Additionally, the legislation provides
consumer protection by prohibiting deceptive marketing
claims that suggest insurance is free or that one
policy is being offered solely to induce the purchase
of another.
SB 185 promotes innovation, supports consumer
engagement, and levels the playing field for insurers
operating in multiple states. This bill ensures
Alaskans have access to modern insurance services
while maintaining strong consumer protections.
I urge support of Senate Bill 185 to ensure Alaska
remains aligned with national standards while serving
the best interests of consumers and the industry
alike.
MS. BIEBER said that SB 185 would align Alaska with national
insurance standards, adding the Gramm-Leach-Bliley Act to the
statutory list of federal laws governing trade practices and
fraud.
2:13:06 PM
CHAIR MERRICK opened public testimony on SB 185; finding none,
she closed public testimony.
[2:13:20]
CHAIR MERRICK solicited a motion.
2:13:25 PM
SENATOR DUNBAR moved to report SB 185, work order 34-LS0721\N,
from committee with individual recommendations and attached
fiscal note(s).
2:13:43 PM
CHAIR MERRICK found no objection and SB 185 was reported from
the Senate Community and Regional Affairs Standing Committee.
2:13:45 PM
At ease.
SB 192-EVACUATION DESIGNATION LEVELS
2:15:28 PM
CHAIR MERRICK announced the consideration of SENATE BILL NO. 192
"An Act relating to evacuation designation levels; and relating
to the Alaska Disaster Act."
2:15:45 PM
SENATOR JESSE BJORKMAN, District D, Alaska State Legislature,
Juneau, Alaska, said that emergency managers around the state
requested SB 192. He explained that this would create a
statewide uniform standard of emergency communication and
evacuation. This would clarify what Alaskans need to do in an
emergency and when evacuation is needed.
2:16:49 PM
BRENDA AHLBERG, Emergency Manager, Kenai Peninsula Borough,
Soldotna, Alaska, introduced herself. She emphasized the
importance of unified evacuation messaging across the state. She
said the information in the presentation is from the Kenai
Peninsula's "Ready, Set, Go!" program. While these products are
available to all jurisdictions (and have been shared with 5
municipalities to date), SB 192 would not mandate the use of
these products.
2:17:18 PM
MS. AHLBERG moved to slide 2 and discussed the importance of
statewide standards:
[Original punctuation provided.]
Statewide Standards
Standardizing wildfire evacuation messaging across
Alaska will minimize confusion during public alert and
warning phases, helping save lives. Standardized
evacuation maps clearly demonstrate closed areas,
something that becomes even more important when there
are multiple wildfires in close proximity across the
landscape.
Level 1 Ready An emergency may exist in the area
Level 2 Set Evacuation of the area is imminent
Level 3 Go! A dangerous hazard exists ... Evacuation
now!
2:18:24 PM
MS. AHLBERG moved to slide 3 and discussed the importance of
being ready for an emergency:
[Original punctuation provided.]
Level 1 - Be Ready
Be aware. Be prepared. Promote cross-cultural
perspectives of being in a "ready state" that
encourages the public to be part of response as well
as recovery.
Level 1 - Ready phase provides tips and templates for
helping the public with a variety of preparedness
topics.
Who are our vulnerable populations at Level 1?
1-Ready 2-Set 3-Go!
Take steps now to prepare for emergencies
and hazards.
Protect your home: How will I receive
emergency alerts and warnings?
Create a Plan: Where will I go for shelter
in an emergency?
Gather Supplies: How do I prepare my
household to be self-sufficient for 7 days?
Create Connections: How will my family
communicate during an emergency?
MS. AHLBERG commented that Alaskans are resilient, independent,
and value helping each other. She said that those new to Alaska
are one vulnerable population at Level 1, as they do not always
understand the challenges of living in Alaska - particularly
when it comes to natural disasters. She said that the Ready,
Set, Go! program includes preparedness and outreach in addition
to wildfire designations.
2:19:22 PM
MS. AHLBERG moved to slide 4, and discussed Level 2:
[Original punctuation provided.]
Level 2 - Get Set
Often the public cannot decide when to evacuate during
Level 2 phase, particularly when messaging continues
to imply "be ready to evacuate."
Messaging needs to stress actions that must be
completed in this phase, i.e. bags packed, plans
shared, shelter location identified.
Level 2 - Get Set: also encourage early evacuation for
those that need extra time to leave the area.
Leaving early isn't just for folks with mobility
issues, who or what else should leave now?
1-Ready 2-Set 3-Go!
Be ready to evacuate
• Have your bags packed and your plans made.
• Go now if you or a loved one need extra
time!
• Move livestock or recreational vehicles.
MS. AHLBERG said that level 2 is designated by yellow. She said
that level 2 indicates imminent danger. Residents can elect to
leave during this time. This early warning is beneficial for
those who need extra time to evacuate (e.g. those with mobility
issues, or who need to move livestock and/or recreational
vehicles). She said that, historically, 50 percent of the
population has elected to leave during the level 2 phase.
2:20:06 PM
MS. AHLBERG moved to slide 5, and discussed Level 3:
[Original punctuation provided.]
Level 3 - Go!
Take the "PLEASE" out of the message. The urgency of
leaving an evacuated area must be clear, concise and
assertive. Keeping the public out of the evacuated
area can also be challenging.
GO now! Evacuate the area now!
This bill does not amend the State of Alaska "Right-
to-Stay" law.
Go! Evacuate Now!
1-Ready 2-Set 3-Go!
Grab your keys, kits, and Go!
• Follow recommended evacuation routes.
• Go to your nearest shelter or away from the
danger.
• Stay Alert!
MS. AHLBERG emphasized that at Level 3 leaving is urgent. She
expressed hope that the messaging provided during outreach and
preparedness venues would have impressed upon residents the
importance of this phase. She noted that Alaska law prevents
mandatory evacuations; however, at Level 3, residents are urged
to leave dangerous areas.
2:20:50 PM
MS. AHLBERG moved to slide 6, and briefly discussed management
action points as they relate to operational maps:
[Original punctuation provided.]
Management Action Points Operationalized
Ready - Level 1
Set - Level 2
Go! - Level 3
MS. AHLBERG suggested that this would help to clarify why SB 143
is necessary for the standardization of evacuation maps and
messaging.
2:21:14 PM
MS. AHLBERG moved to slide 7 and discussed how the current use
of red and green cause confusion. [Slide 7 contains 3 maps to
illustrate how the colors green, yellow, and red are used to
communicate the action level of a particular area.] She shared
an anecdote to illustrate that people tend to see red as
indicating danger and necessary evacuation. However, green was
used to indicate closed areas during a recent Denali borough
fire. This led to confusion. She said the emergency manager for
the Denali Borough shared that he developed a greater
understanding of why red should be used to indicate closed or
evacuated areas.
2:22:11 PM
MS. AHLBERG moved to slide 8 and offered examples of areas in
the Pacific Northwest that that uses red to define closed areas.
Those areas also use the Ready, Set, Go! program. In that
program, Level 1 is green, Level 2 is yellow, and Level 3 is
red.
2:22:51 PM
MS. AHLBERG moved to slide 9 and provided Alaska Evacuation
Examples from 2019 to 2024. [Slide 9 contains maps from the 2019
Swan Lake fire; 2022 Minto Lake fire; 2023 Lost Horses Creek;
2023 McCoy Creek fire; and 2024 McDonald fire.] Unified mapping
indicated closed areas in red. She said this was a successful
campaign across the landscape.
2:23:08 PM
MS. AHLBERG moved to slide 10 and discussed re-entry:
[Original punctuation provided.]
Learn When to Return
Areas or streets colored green indicate safe access
for phased re-entry. Red indicates closed areas to the
public.
Multiple resources utilized to distribute unified
messaging, i.e. shelters, R911, radio, social media,
phone trees, static media, traplines, etc.
Continued coordinated messaging with utility
companies, solid waste, roads and other cooperators as
neighborhoods are reopened.
MS AHLBERG explained that in some instances, areas may be
partially reentered, but still be closed. Utility outages and
roadway closures may result in some areas remaining
inaccessible. In these instances, the Ready, Set, Go! program
uses red to indicate closed areas and green to indicate open
areas.
2:24:26 PM
MS. AHLBERG moved to slide 11 and explained that the examples
provided are from the Kenai Peninsula Borough's products. Slide
11 contains a QR code for additional information and to access
those products.
2:25:08 PM
CHAIR MERRICK opened public testimony on SB 192.
2:25:25 PM
MICHELLE WESTON, Fire Chief, Girdwood Fire and Rescue,
Anchorage, Alaska, testified in support of SB 192. She said she
is also serving as the liaison officer with the Alaska Incident
Management Team (AIMT) - Search and Rescue (SAR), where she
coordinates evacuations with local governments. She mentioned
her experience working in active evacuations and planning in
other states. She expressed her support of SB 192 and said this
would set Alaska up for success. She emphasized the importance
of uniform evacuation protocols, particularly when tourists are
moving through different areas and jurisdictions that currently
use different colors to indicate what action should be taken in
an emergency. She shared her belief that having clear guidelines
and uniform messaging is very important.
2:26:58 PM
CHAIR MERRICK closed public testimony on SB 192.
2:27:04 PM
SENATOR BJORKMAN expressed appreciation for the committee's
consideration of SB 192, which would unify alert messaging
across the state in the event of a fire or other natural
disaster.
2:27:30 PM
[CHAIR MERRICK held SB 192 in committee.]
2:27:31 PM
There being no further business to come before the committee,
Chair Merrick adjourned the Senate Community and Regional
Affairs Standing Committee meeting at 2:27 p.m.
| Document Name | Date/Time | Subjects |
|---|---|---|
| SB 192 Presentation to SCRA 05.15.2025.pdf |
SCRA 5/15/2025 1:30:00 PM |
SB 192 |
| HB 26 Fiscal Note - DOT - PDSP 2.21.25.pdf |
HCRA 2/27/2025 8:00:00 AM HCRA 3/18/2025 8:00:00 AM HCRA 3/20/2025 8:00:00 AM SCRA 5/15/2025 1:30:00 PM |
HB 26 |
| HB 26 Research - 2022 DOT&PF Study - Economic Value of Public Transit in Alaska.pdf |
HCRA 2/27/2025 8:00:00 AM HCRA 3/18/2025 8:00:00 AM HCRA 3/20/2025 8:00:00 AM SCRA 5/15/2025 1:30:00 PM |
HB 26 |
| HB 26 Research - 2024 AMC Legislative Priorities.pdf |
HCRA 2/27/2025 8:00:00 AM HCRA 3/18/2025 8:00:00 AM HCRA 3/20/2025 8:00:00 AM SCRA 5/15/2025 1:30:00 PM |
HB 26 |
| HB 26 Research - CFR, Title 23, Chapter I, Subchapter E, § 450.218, Subsections (a)-(f).pdf |
HCRA 2/27/2025 8:00:00 AM HCRA 3/18/2025 8:00:00 AM HCRA 3/20/2025 8:00:00 AM SCRA 5/15/2025 1:30:00 PM |
HB 26 |
| HB 26 Sectional Analysis - version I.pdf |
SCRA 5/15/2025 1:30:00 PM |
HB 26 |
| HB 26 Sponsor Statement - version I.pdf |
SCRA 5/15/2025 1:30:00 PM |
HB 26 |
| HB 26 Summary of Changes - version I.pdf |
SCRA 5/15/2025 1:30:00 PM |
HB 26 |
| HB 26 Supporting Document - Letters Received as of 5.14.25.pdf |
SCRA 5/15/2025 1:30:00 PM |
HB 26 |
| SB 192 Sponsor Statement Version A.pdf |
SCRA 5/15/2025 1:30:00 PM |
SB 192 |
| SB 192 Sectional Analysis Version A.pdf |
SCRA 5/15/2025 1:30:00 PM |
SB 192 |
| SB 143 Sectional Analysis Version N.pdf |
SCRA 5/15/2025 1:30:00 PM |
SB 143 |
| SB143 Sponsor Statement- Version N.pdf |
SCRA 5/15/2025 1:30:00 PM |
SB 143 |
| SB 143 Explanation of Changes Version A to Version N 04.30.2025.pdf |
SCRA 5/15/2025 1:30:00 PM |
SB 143 |
| SB 192 Fiscal Note - MVA-HLS-5-14-25 Jpryt.pdf |
SCRA 5/15/2025 1:30:00 PM |
SB 192 |