03/27/2025 03:30 PM Senate STATE AFFAIRS
| Audio | Topic |
|---|---|
| Start | |
| SB64 | |
| SB77 | |
| SB116 | |
| Adjourn |
+ teleconferenced
= bill was previously heard/scheduled
| += | SB 64 | TELECONFERENCED | |
| += | SB 77 | TELECONFERENCED | |
| *+ | SB 116 | TELECONFERENCED | |
ALASKA STATE LEGISLATURE
SENATE STATE AFFAIRS STANDING COMMITTEE
March 27, 2025
3:31 p.m.
MEMBERS PRESENT
Senator Scott Kawasaki, Chair
Senator Jesse Bjorkman, Vice Chair
Senator Bill Wielechowski
Senator Elvi Gray-Jackson
Senator Robert Yundt
MEMBERS ABSENT
All members present
OTHER LEGISLATORS PRESENT
SENATOR KELLY MERRICK (via teleconference)
COMMITTEE CALENDAR
SENATE BILL NO. 64
"An Act relating to elections; relating to voters; relating to
voting; relating to voter preregistration for minors at least 16
years of age; relating to voter registration; relating to the
Alaska Public Offices Commission; relating to synthetic media in
electioneering communications; relating to campaign signs;
relating to public official financial disclosures; relating to
the crime of unlawful interference with voting in the first
degree; and providing for an effective date."
- MOVED CSSB 64(STA) OUT OF COMMITTEE
SENATE BILL NO. 77
"An Act relating to national criminal history record checks for
certain employees of the Department of Revenue; relating to
allowable absences for eligibility for a permanent fund
dividend; relating to the confidentiality of certain information
provided on a permanent fund dividend application; relating to
the duties of the Department of Revenue; and providing for an
effective date."
- HEARD & HELD
SENATE BILL NO. 116
"An Act amending campaign contribution limits for state and
local office; directing the Alaska Public Offices Commission to
adjust campaign contribution limits for state and local office
once each decade beginning in 2031; and relating to campaign
contribution reporting requirements."
- HEARD & HELD
PREVIOUS COMMITTEE ACTION
BILL: SB 64
SHORT TITLE: ELECTIONS
SPONSOR(s): RULES
01/24/25 (S) READ THE FIRST TIME - REFERRALS
01/24/25 (S) STA, FIN
01/30/25 (S) STA AT 3:30 PM BELTZ 105 (TSBldg)
01/30/25 (S) Heard & Held
01/30/25 (S) MINUTE(STA)
02/04/25 (S) STA AT 3:30 PM BELTZ 105 (TSBldg)
02/04/25 (S) Heard & Held
02/04/25 (S) MINUTE(STA)
03/11/25 (S) STA AT 3:30 PM BELTZ 105 (TSBldg)
03/11/25 (S) Heard & Held
03/11/25 (S) MINUTE(STA)
03/13/25 (S) STA AT 3:30 PM BELTZ 105 (TSBldg)
03/13/25 (S) Heard & Held
03/13/25 (S) MINUTE(STA)
03/18/25 (S) STA AT 3:30 PM BELTZ 105 (TSBldg)
03/18/25 (S) Heard & Held
03/18/25 (S) MINUTE(STA)
03/20/25 (S) STA AT 3:30 PM BELTZ 105 (TSBldg)
03/20/25 (S) Heard & Held
03/20/25 (S) MINUTE(STA)
03/25/25 (S) STA AT 3:30 PM BELTZ 105 (TSBldg)
03/25/25 (S) Heard & Held
03/25/25 (S) MINUTE(STA)
03/27/25 (S) STA AT 3:30 PM BELTZ 105 (TSBldg)
BILL: SB 77
SHORT TITLE: PERM FUND; EMPLOYMENT; ELIGIBILITY
SPONSOR(s): KIEHL
01/27/25 (S) READ THE FIRST TIME - REFERRALS
01/27/25 (S) L&C, STA
02/03/25 (S) L&C AT 1:30 PM BELTZ 105 (TSBldg)
02/03/25 (S) Heard & Held
02/03/25 (S) MINUTE(L&C)
02/07/25 (S) L&C AT 1:30 PM BELTZ 105 (TSBldg)
02/07/25 (S) Moved SB 77 Out of Committee
02/07/25 (S) MINUTE(L&C)
02/10/25 (S) L&C RPT 3DP 2NR
02/10/25 (S) DP: BJORKMAN, DUNBAR, GRAY-JACKSON
02/10/25 (S) NR: MERRICK, YUNDT
03/27/25 (S) STA AT 3:30 PM BELTZ 105 (TSBldg)
BILL: SB 116
SHORT TITLE: CAMPAIGN FINANCE, CONTRIBUTION LIMITS
SPONSOR(s): STATE AFFAIRS
03/05/25 (S) READ THE FIRST TIME - REFERRALS
03/05/25 (S) STA, FIN
03/27/25 (S) STA AT 3:30 PM BELTZ 105 (TSBldg)
WITNESS REGISTER
MAXINE LABERGE, Staff
Senator Bill Wielechowski
Alaska State Legislature
Juneau, Alaska
POSITION STATEMENT: Presented the summary of changes from
version T to version O of SB 64.
ALEX KOPLIN, representing self
Homer, Alaska
POSITION STATEMENT: Testified in support of SB 64.
ROBERT WELTON, representing self
Juneau, Alaska
POSITION STATEMENT: Testified with concerns on SB 64.
CAROL BEECHER, Director
Division of Elections
Anchorage, Alaska
POSITION STATEMENT: Answered questions on SB 64.
SONJA KAWASAKI, Assistant
Senate Majority Legal Counsel
Alaska State Legislature
Juneau, Alaska
POSITION STATEMENT: Answered questions on SB 64.
SENATOR JESSE KIEHL, District B
Alaska State Legislature
Juneau, Alaska
POSITION STATEMENT: Sponsor of SB 77.
CATHY SCHLINGHEYDE, Staff
Senator Jesse Kiehl
Alaska State Legislature
Juneau, Alaska
POSITION STATEMENT: Provided the sectional analysis for SB 77.
BEVERLY WOOLEY, representing self
Big Lake, Alaska
POSITION STATEMENT: Testified in support of SB 77.
KATI CAPOZZI, President
Alaska Chamber of Commerce
Anchorage, Alaska
POSITION STATEMENT: Testified in support of SB 77.
JOE HAYES, Staff
Senator Scott Kawasaki
Alaska State Legislature
Juneau, Alaska
POSITION STATEMENT: Introduced SB 116.
PAT RACE, representing self
Citizens Against Money in Politics (CAMP)
Juneau, Alaska
POSITION STATEMENT: Testified by invitation on SB 116.
SHARMAN HALEY, Activist
Alaska Move to Amend
Anchorage, Alaska
POSITION STATEMENT: Testified by invitation on SB 116.
CAROLINE STORM, representing self
Anchorage, Alaska
POSITION STATEMENT: Testified in support of SB 116.
ACTION NARRATIVE
3:31:42 PM
CHAIR KAWASAKI called the Senate State Affairs Standing
Committee meeting to order at 3:31 p.m. Present at the call to
order were Senators Bjorkman, Wielechowski, Gray-Jackson, Yundt
and Chair Kawasaki.
SB 64-ELECTIONS
3:32:24 PM
CHAIR KAWASAKI announced the consideration of SENATE BILL NO. 64
"An Act relating to elections; relating to voters; relating to
voting; relating to voter preregistration for minors at least 16
years of age; relating to voter registration; relating to the
Alaska Public Offices Commission; relating to synthetic media in
electioneering communications; relating to campaign signs;
relating to public official financial disclosures; relating to
the crime of unlawful interference with voting in the first
degree; and providing for an effective date."
3:32:42 PM
CHAIR KAWASAKI solicited a motion.
3:32:46 PM
SENATOR BJORKMAN moved to adopt the committee substitute (CS)
for SB 64, work order 34-LS0153\O, as the working document.
3:33:02 PM
CHAIR KAWASAKI objected for purposes of discussion.
3:33:32 PM
MAXINE LABERGE, Staff, Senator Bill Wielechowski, Alaska State
Legislature, Juneau, Alaska, presented the summary of changes
from version T to version O of SB 64:
[Original punctuation provided.]
Summary of Changes Draft CS Version T to Draft CS
Version O
The following provisions were added to the bill:
• Section 1, subsection 9 & section 25 clarify that
voters will have their ballot counted for the
races they are still eligible to vote in if they
vote in a district which includes their former
voting residence.
• In Section 6, subsection 4 & Section 10,
subsections (i)-(l): additional voter roll
cleanup procedures were added to require notices
be sent to voters whose permanent mailing address
in Division records has been outside of Alaska
for at least two years. These notices will give
the voters the opportunity to confirm they are
still Alaska residents, cancel their
registration, or move to federal only status.
• In Section 10 the following subsections were
added:
-Subsection (g) requires the Division to adopt
regulations to conduct a review of the voter
register.
-Subsection (h) requires the Division to consult
with an expert to conduct a review of the voter
register and to submit a report to the
Legislature.
The following changes were made to existing provisions
in the bill:
• In Section 38 the existing ballot tracking
language is replaced with provisions that can be
implemented by the Division.
• In Section 1 clarifications are made to the
definition of residency.
3:35:25 PM
CHAIR KAWASAKI removed his objection. He found no further
objection and CSSB 64 was adopted as the working document.
3:36:20 PM
CHAIR KAWASAKI opened public testimony on SB 64.
3:36:38 PM
ALEX KOPLIN, representing self, Homer, Alaska, testified in
support of SB 64 and stated that he supports ballot curing,
witness signatures, and prepaid envelopes. He stressed the
importance of protecting voting access, noting that voters can
make mistakes and should still have their votes counted. He said
while the overall proposal is complex, he believes passing at
least one reform this year would be a big step forward and could
lay the groundwork for future improvements before the next
election.
3:38:57 PM
ROBERT WELTON, representing self, Juneau, Alaska, testified with
concerns on SB 64 and discussed Section 42 of version T, which
requires the lieutenant governor to create a cybersecurity
program for voter registration records. He stated that he is
supportive of stronger security but had two concerns: First,
cybersecurity should be managed by a nonpartisan election
official, not the lieutenant governor, to avoid political
influence and mistrust. Second, the scope is too narrow,
covering only voter registration records, and should also
include vote tabulation systems. He said he supports expanding
cybersecurity but suggested shifting responsibility to the
Division of Elections.
3:41:27 PM
CHAIR KAWASAKI closed public testimony on SB 64.
3:41:38 PM
CHAIR KAWASAKI stated that the committee has discussed how the
division can make sure ballots are properly tracked. Since some
legislators see ballot tracking as essential to knowing exactly
where a ballot is in the process, the committee added Section 38
on page 21, version O of SB 64. He asked Ms. Beecher to explain
the divisions thoughts regarding this new section.
3:42:31 PM
CAROL BEECHER, Director, Division of Elections, Anchorage,
Alaska, answered questions on SB 64 and responded that the
division confirmed it can meet the section's requirements either
with existing systems or with a vendor. The only challenge is
tracking the exact delivery date of ballots to voters, since
that relies on USPS tracking. She added that residency
requirements for voting mandate a person to be a resident of the
state in which they vote, regardless of whether it is a state or
federal race. Section 6 and 10 of SB 64 address residency
requirements for voting. She noted that although the language in
Section 10(I) may seem confusing, nonresidents of a state are
not permitted to vote under any circumstances.
3:45:31 PM
SONJA KAWASAKI, Assistant Senate Majority Legal Counsel Alaska
State Legislature Juneau, Alaska answered questions on SB 64 and
stated that the two sections in question were drafted to clarify
residency rules for voting. These sections allow someone who has
a reasonable plan to return to the state or their former voting
district to continue voting there, as mentioned in SB 64,
Section 1(2). She said this reflects how the Division of
Elections already handles ballots when voters move from their
original registration address. While the sections may need
further legal review, they are seen as technical clarifications
rather than substantive changes.
3:47:28 PM
SENATOR WIELECHOWSKI opined that the fundamental issue is
sometimes people leave their residence, move overseas, but under
federal law still retain the right to vote. Sections 6 and 10 of
SB 64 address this situation.
3:48:00 PM
MS. KAWASAKI explained that under current law, Alaskans who
move, whether overseas, to another state, or within Alaska, can
still vote in the district they intend to return to. Sections 6
and 10 aim to align with how the Division of Elections already
applies the law, but with a shift from a vague "subjective
intent" to a clearer requirement that the voter have an
articulable and reasonable plan to return.
3:49:21 PM
SENATOR WIELECHOWSKI noted that Alaska has more registered
voters than actual citizens, partly because people register to
vote in Alaska and then leave the state. Some do this to claim
Alaska as their legal residence for tax reasons or to receive
permanent fund dividends, which is fraudulent. He said that if
the bill, as written, aligns with federal law, then the
committee shouldn't delay its progress.
3:51:03 PM
CHAIR KAWASAKI referenced SB 64, page 2, lines 17-19, and sought
confirmation that a person does not lose their Alaska residency
by temporarily leaving the state with the intent to return. He
gave an example of a child leaving for college from the parent's
home.
3:51:43 PM
SENATOR WIELECHOWSKI replied that is exactly the intent. He
explained that the law aims to allow people who temporarily
leave Alaska, such as students, seasonal residents, or military
members, to maintain residency and vote, if they have a clear
and reasonable plan to return. This prevents the voter rolls
from being inflated by individuals with no real connection or
intent to return to Alaska.
3:52:34 PM
CHAIR KAWASAKI referenced Section 6 that addresses the loss of
Alaska residency by establishing residency or voting in another
state and to reestablish one's voting right must requalify under
AS 15.05. He asked Ms. Beecher if the Division can comply with
Section 6.
3:53:32 PM
MS. BEECHER responded that someone who was a resident of Alaska,
such as a person currently overseas, can still be considered an
Alaska resident for voting purposes. However, everyone must have
a state of residency; you cannot be without jurisdiction. She
said residency, in this context, determines where a person is
eligible to vote.
3:54:30 PM
SENATOR WIELECHOWSKI referenced page 2, lines 9-13, that allows
voters to maintain residency based on their "intention to
return," but the Division of Elections cannot determine
someone's intentions. The proposed change requires voters to
have a clear, reasonable, and articulable plan to return, rather
than a vague intention, making the standard more concrete and
enforceable.
3:56:26 PM
CHAIR KAWASAKI solicited the will of the committee.
3:56:30 PM
SENATOR BJORKMAN moved to report CSSB 64, work order 34-
LS0153\O, from committee with individual recommendations and
attached fiscal note(s).
3:56:48 PM
CHAIR KAWASAKI found no objection and CSSB 64 (STA) was reported
from the Senate State Affairs Standing Committee.
3:57:02 PM
At ease.
SB 77-PERM FUND; EMPLOYMENT; ELIGIBILITY
3:58:30 PM
CHAIR KAWASAKI reconvened the meeting and announced the
consideration of SENATE BILL NO. 77 "An Act relating to national
criminal history record checks for certain employees of the
Department of Revenue; relating to allowable absences for
eligibility for a permanent fund dividend; relating to the
confidentiality of certain information provided on a permanent
fund dividend application; relating to the duties of the
Department of Revenue; and providing for an effective date."
3:58:53 PM
SENATOR JESSE KIEHL, District B, Alaska State Legislature,
Juneau, Alaska, sponsor of SB 77. He stated that eligibility for
the Alaska Permanent Fund Dividend (PFD) requires being a state
resident with the intent to remain. SB 77 updates rules around
allowable absences for PFD purposes. Currently, residents may be
gone up to 180 days in a qualifying year, with 16 specific
categories of allowable absences. SB 77 outlines several key
changes:
-Merchant Marine Training: Previously, absences for merchant
mariners in training outside the state weren't fully counted,
even though deployed merchant mariners may be gone longer. The
bill now allows additional days for training programs located
outside Alaska, helping those who work in Alaska's maritime
industries.
-College Students: Full-time students attending school out of
state already receive extra allowable days, but breaks (like
Thanksgiving or spring break) didn't count, creating
difficulties and extra paperwork. SB 77 treats these breaks as
allowable absences, making the system fairer for students,
especially those from lower- or middle-income families. He
stated that this provision doesn't include summer months.
4:02:16 PM
SENATOR KIEHL continued with his introduction:
-Medical Absences: The current rules for being out of state for
medical care not available in Alaska are overly complex. SB 77
simplifies this, ensuring that unexpected medical emergencies
outside the state don't retroactively disqualify someone from
receiving their PFD.
-Division Employee Security: SB 77 allows the PFD division to
fingerprint its employees and job applicants (not PFD
applicants) to ensure they don't have a history of fraud or
embezzlement, protecting Alaskans' personal and financial
information.
-Privacy of Applicant Lists: SB 77 keeps the list of PFD
applicants' names private. This protects personal data from
being harvested internationally and used to submit fraudulent
applications.
-Electronic Notices for Garnishments: Alaskans who opt in for
electronic notifications about their PFD will also receive
electronic notices if their PFD is subject to garnishment,
giving them the same choice as other notifications.
SENATOR KIEHL stated that SB 77 simplifies rules for state
absences, strengthens security for the PFD division, protects
applicant privacy, and expands electronic notification options,
building on prior proposals and aiming to streamline
administration while enhancing protections.
4:06:37 PM
CATHY SCHLINGHEYDE, Staff, Senator Jesse Kiehl, Alaska State
Legislature, Juneau, Alaska, provided the sectional analysis for
SB 77:
[Original punctuation provided.]
Sectional Analysis
Sec. 1: Requires the Permanent Fund Dividend division
to fingerprint its staff and applicants for a
background check.
Sec. 2: Amends allowable absences for PFD eligibility
Adds allowable absence for school breaks during the
academic year Adds allowable absence for merchant
mariner training Keeps medical absences from limiting
the length of voluntary absences
Sec. 3: Conforms to Sec. 1 requiring the PFD division
to fingerprint its staff and applicants for a
background check.
Sec. 4: Makes the names of PFD applicants confidential
Sec. 5: Lets people opt-in for electronic levy notices
Sec. 6: Sets an effective date
4:07:32 PM
CHAIR KAWASAKI asked whether finger printing is a common
standard in other divisions or if it's being proposed as a new
standard for employment in the PFD division.
4:07:58 PM
MS. SCHLINGHEYDE responded that she isn't familiar with the
Department of Motor Vehicles(DMV) but she is aware of many state
government divisions handling sensitive information, including
several within the Department of Revenue (DNR), which already
requires fingerprinting for employees.
4:08:18 PM
SENATOR KIEHL explained that fingerprinting must be authorized
in statute to access the federal system for background checks.
This requirement is specific to certain job groups and does not
automatically apply to all state employment; the legislature
reviews it on a case-by-case basis.
4:08:53 PM
CHAIR KAWASAKI [announced invited testimony] and public
testimony for SB 77.
4:09:11 PM
BEVERLY WOOLEY, representing self, Big Lake, Alaska, testified
in support of SB 77. She said she is a cancer survivor. She
described the challenges of accessing out-of-state medical care
under the current eligibility rules for the Alaska Permanent
Fund Dividend(PFD) eligibility. She said her and her spouse
needed treatment unavailable in Alaska, which required spending
time out of state. Fortunately, early diagnoses allowed them to
stay within the allowable 180 days and receive their PFD, which
was critical for covering medical and travel costs. She
highlighted the problem if a serious medical diagnosis occurs
late in the year after already using the allowable 180 days.
Current rules could force Alaskans to limit necessary treatment
to meet the 180-day cap, delay care until the following year, or
lose the PFD. She said none of these options are practical or
fair, especially given the stress, travel logistics, and
additional costs involved in medical emergencies. She emphasized
that retirees and other Alaskans may also use allowable days
early in the year for travel or family visits, further
complicated access to care. She said that SB 77 would alleviate
this stress by simplifying rules and ensuring medical
emergencies requiring out-of-state treatment don't unfairly
jeopardize a PFD.
4:13:58 PM
KATI CAPOZZI, President, Alaska Chamber of Commerce, Anchorage,
Alaska, testified in support of SB 77 and the clarifying PFD
statute, so Alaskans in the uniformed services or merchant
marine training remain eligible to receive the PFD, if they meet
all other requirements. Since 1997, over 700 Alaskans, including
youth, Alaska Natives, displaced workers, and veterans, have
trained at the Paul Hall Center for Maritime Training, gaining
Coast Guard certified skills. She said maritime companies rely
on these programs to meet their commitment to hire locally.
Denying PFDs during training could discourage younger Alaskans
from pursuing these careers, which are designed to bring workers
back to Alaska to live, work, and contribute to the economy.
4:16:48 PM
CHAIR KAWASAKI held SB 77 in committee.
4:16:55 PM
At ease.
SB 116-CAMPAIGN FINANCE, CONTRIBUTION LIMITS
4:17:37 PM
CHAIR KAWASAKI reconvened the meeting and announced the
consideration of SENATE BILL NO. 116 "An Act amending campaign
contribution limits for state and local office; directing the
Alaska Public Offices Commission to adjust campaign contribution
limits for state and local office once each decade beginning in
2031; and relating to campaign contribution reporting
requirements."
4:18:10 PM
JOE HAYES, Staff, Senator Scott Kawasaki, Alaska State
Legislature, Juneau, Alaska, introduced SB 116 on behalf of the
Senate State Affairs Standing Committee, Senator Kawasaki,
Chair:
[Original punctuation provided.]
Sponsor Statement
"An Act amending campaign contribution limits for
state and local office; directing the Alaska Public
Offices Commission to adjust campaign contribution
limits for state and local office once each decade
beginning in 2031; and relating to campaign
contribution reporting requirements."
Alaska has historically touted some of the strongest,
most effective campaign finance laws in the nation
which served to promote better accountability and
trust in our elections and elected officials. In
recent years, Alaskans have shown their support for
fair and reasonable contribution limits, including a
2006 ballot initiative that passed overwhelmingly with
73 percent support. But, in 2021, the Ninth Circuit
Court of Appeals struck down Alaska's statutory
campaign contribution limits, opening our state and
local elections to the threat of unlimited political
contributions directly to candidates from anyone,
anywhere in the country.
4:19:22 PM
MR. HAYES continued with the sponsor statement:
In 2024, Alaska 23RCF2 [ballot initiative] was
certified after a grassroots effort that gathered
signatures from nearly 30,000 registered Alaskan
voters and met the 7 percent threshold in 32 out of
Alaska's 40 house districts. SB 116 mirrors 23RCF2
[ballot initiative].
SB 116 reinstates fair, reasonable, and constitutional
campaign contribution limits adjusted based on
Alaska's consumer price index rates moving forward,
ensuring these limits remain constitutional.
To accomplish this, SB 116 does the following:
• Moves Alaska's campaign contributions to a "per
election cycle" basis.
• Increases the statutory individual-to-candidate
limit from $500 per year to $2,000 per election
cycle and the group-to-candidate limit from
$1,000 per year to $4,000 per election cycle.
• Directs the Alaska Public Offices Commission to
adjust contribution limits for inflation.
These changes address the concerns laid out by the
Ninth Circuit Court of Appeals and United States
Supreme Court precedent while upholding the expressed
desire of Alaskan voters for fair and reasonable
contribution limits and transparency in our elections.
4:21:16 PM
SENATOR YUNDT asked if the committee has in-house legal opinions
on SB 116 and stated the Ninth Circuit and the Supreme Court
have both ruled on different portions of campaign contribution
limits in the past.
4:21:28 PM
CHAIR KAWASAKI answered yes and that he would invite legislative
legal staff to discuss the limits with the committee at the next
hearing of the bill. He referenced a past memo that seemed to
indicate adjusting for inflation would meet legal standards but
said he would share an official memo on SB 116 with the
committee once he receives it.
4:22:17 PM
CHAIR KAWASAKI [announced invited testimony] and opened public
testimony on SB 116.
4:22:50 PM
PAT RACE, representing self, Citizens Against Money in Politics
(CAMP), Juneau, Alaska, testified by invitation on SB 116 and
stated that Alaska's campaign donation limits have bounced
between $500 and $1,000 over the years. He said there was a
lawsuit in 2015 where the courts ultimately said the $500 cap
was too low. The U.S. Supreme Court has ruled that limits are
legal to prevent corruption, but if set too low, they unfairly
protect incumbents and make it harder for challengers to
compete. He said the goal now is to find a fair middle ground
high enough to allow real competition but low enough to prevent
million-dollar donations from overwhelming local elections.
4:26:26 PM
SENATOR YUNDT asked whether this cap is money someone could give
to an independent expenditure or a Political Action Committee
(PAC).
4:26:38 PM
MR. RACE replied that, because of the Citizens United Supreme
Court decision, independent political expenditures may be
unlimited if they are not coordinated with a campaign. This
ruling has led to anonymous spending through outside groups. He
said states can still regulate direct individual donations to
candidates. Raising limits in a balanced way would at least
ensure that large contributions go through super PACswhich
cannot legally coordinate with campaignsrather than directly
influencing candidates.
4:27:47 PM
SENATOR YUNDT expressed concern that even if candidates don't
receive large direct donations, outside groups and PACs will
still spend heavily supporting their preferred candidates.
Unlike candidates, who usually promote their vision positively,
these groups often run negative or misleading campaigns. He said
without limits on independent expenditures, he fears elections
will only become nastier and more dominated by outside money.
4:29:03 PM
SENATOR WIELECHOWSKI stated that it is his belief that unlimited
campaign contributions are damaging to Alaska's political system
and said that Citizens United was one of the worst decisions of
his lifetime. He asked how similar this was to the ballot
initiative.
4:29:27 PM
MR. RACE replied that if the legislature doesn't pass similar
legislation, the unlimited campaign limits will appear in the
2026 ballot. He said advocates would rather avoid running
another campaign since Alaskans have already shown strong
support. Passing the legislation now would ensure reasonable
campaign limits are in place before the 2026 election.
4:30:15 PM
SENATOR WIELECHOWSKI asked if this legislation is the same as
the ballot initiative.
4:30:28 PM
MR. RACE responded it is his belief that this legislation is the
same. He said the proposal raises individual contribution limits
from $500 to $2,000 and group contributions from $1,000 to
$4,000, with adjustments for inflation.
4:30:57 PM
CHAIR KAWASAKI asked why it's necessary to have limits on
individual campaign donations, whether from the donor's
perspective or the candidate receiving them.
4:31:19 PM
MR. RACE replied that large campaign donations can create the
appearance of impropriety, especially in a state with past
corruption scandals like VECO in 2006. He said reasonable limits
on individual contributions help maintain public trust. In 2022,
staff of Alaska's Public Offices Commission (APOC) recommended
new limits, though they weren't formally adopted, and urged the
legislature to revisit campaign finance laws.
4:33:41 PM
SHARMAN HALEY, Activist, Alaska Move to Amend, Anchorage,
Alaska, testified by invitation on SB 116. She paraphrased her
written testimony:
[Original punctuation provided.]
Today we are talking about SB 116. This bill should
not be controversial. It is unassailable legally and
has solid support among your constituents across the
political spectrum. The bill contains the same
language as the Citizen's Initiative that will appear
on the 2026 ballot. But we hope that the Legislature
will pass it this session and save us all the trouble.
4:35:14 PM
MS. HALEY continued with her testimony:
This legislation is legally unassailable because it
was carefully crafted to conform to the five criteria
dictated by the 9th Circuit Court that struck down our
old law. Any grey area that might be grounds for legal
challenge has been eliminated.
It is politically solid because time and again,
Alaskans have expressed their support for strong
campaign finance laws. Alaska's old campaign finance
law, which began as a citizen's initiative, was
enacted by the legislature in 1996. It was one of the
strictest in the country, with contributions limits of
$500. The legislature revisited the issue in 2003,
raising the limit to $1000. But voters stepped up
again in 2006 with another initiative reducing the
limit back to $500. It passed with 73 percent
approval. This week I went down to the state archives
and found that it passed by a wide margin in every
single district of the state. We are saying we want
the law to be strict: it protects our balance of power
as voters and constituents. It limits the
disproportionate influence and corrupting power of big
money in our elections.
In 2020, polling showed that 71 percent of Alaskans
would support a US constitutional amendment restoring
our full authority to set reasonable limits on
political spending in elections, including independent
expenditures. The support is strong across both
political parties and independents.
SB116 will set the limit for an individual
contribution to an individual candidate at $2000.
While I myself might have set the limit at $1000, I
accept the political judgement of the sponsors that
$2000 is more politically viable. The two big
improvements in this bill over the old law are that it
automatically adjusts the limits for inflation once
every ten years, and the limit is per election cycle,
not just per year. I and my fellow Alaskans--your
constituents--support this bill and call on you to
support it too.
4:38:53 PM
CHAIR KAWASAKI asked what she will say to the people if Alaska
limits individual donations but outside groups can still spend
unlimited money against candidates.
4:39:23 PM
MS. HALEY replied that independent expenditures are a major
structural problem but noted progress toward a constitutional
amendment that could restore Alaska's authority to regulate
them. She said while contributions to these groups are
unlimited, the groups must be reported, allowing analysis of who
the major donors are and whether the donors are in- or out-of-
state.
4:41:02 PM
CAROLINE STORM, representing self, Anchorage, Alaska, testified
in support of SB 116 and stated that this bill would reduce the
time candidates spend fundraising, likely lower overall campaign
spending, and keep more money circulating in Alaska.
4:42:45 PM
CHAIR KAWASAKI held SB 116 in committee.
4:44:12 PM
There being no further business to come before the committee,
Chair Kawasaki adjourned the Senate State Affairs Standing
Committee meeting at 4:44 p.m.
| Document Name | Date/Time | Subjects |
|---|---|---|
| SB 116 Sponsor Statement.pdf |
SSTA 3/27/2025 3:30:00 PM |
SB 116 |
| SB 116 Sectional Analysis.pdf |
SSTA 3/27/2025 3:30:00 PM |
SB 116 |
| SB 116 Fiscal Note.pdf |
SSTA 3/27/2025 3:30:00 PM |
SB 116 |
| SB 116 Campaign Finance Limits - Legislative Presentation.pdf |
SSTA 3/27/2025 3:30:00 PM |
SB 116 |
| SB 116 ltr of support.pdf |
SSTA 3/27/2025 3:30:00 PM |
SB 116 |
| SB 77 ver. N.pdf |
SSTA 3/27/2025 3:30:00 PM |
SB 77 |
| SB 77 Sponsor Statement ver. N.pdf |
SSTA 3/27/2025 3:30:00 PM |
SB 77 |
| SB 77 Sectional Analysis ver. N.pdf |
SSTA 3/27/2025 3:30:00 PM |
SB 77 |
| SB 77 Fiscal Note ver. N.pdf |
SSTA 3/27/2025 3:30:00 PM |
SB 77 |
| SB 77 Letters of Support Receveived as of 2-10-225.pdf |
SSTA 3/27/2025 3:30:00 PM |
SB 77 |
| Alaska Voter Hub Letter of Support for SB116.pdf |
SSTA 3/27/2025 3:30:00 PM |
SB 116 |
| SB64 Version O.pdf |
SSTA 3/27/2025 3:30:00 PM |
SB 64 |
| SB 64 Summary of Changes T to O.pdf |
SSTA 3/27/2025 3:30:00 PM |
SB 64 |
| CS SB 64.W.pdf |
SSTA 3/27/2025 3:30:00 PM |
SB 64 |
| SB 64 Summary of Changes T to W.pdf |
SSTA 3/27/2025 3:30:00 PM |
SB 64 |
| SB 116 Support letter and responses by Pat Race.pdf |
SSTA 3/27/2025 3:30:00 PM |
SB 116 |
| SB 116 ltr of support2.pdf |
SSTA 3/27/2025 3:30:00 PM |
SB 116 |
| SB 116 opposition letter.pdf |
SSTA 3/27/2025 3:30:00 PM |
SB 116 |
| SB 116 ltr of supportSW.pdf |
SSTA 3/27/2025 3:30:00 PM |
SB 116 |