Legislature(2025 - 2026)
2026-03-23 House Journal
Full Journal pdf2026-03-23 House Journal Page 1913 HB 278 The following was read the second time: HOUSE BILL NO. 278 "An Act establishing the Alaska-Ireland Trade Commission; and providing for an effective date." with the: Journal Page STA RPT CS(STA) 6DP 1NR 1818 FN1: INDETERMINATE(CED) 1818 Representative Kopp moved and asked unanimous consent that the following committee substitute be adopted in lieu of the original bill: CS FOR HOUSE BILL NO. 278(STA) (same title) There being no objection, it was so ordered. Amendment No. 1 was offered by Representative Gray: Page 1, line 1, following "Commission;" (title amendment): Insert "establishing the Alaska-Estonia Trade Commission;" Page 1, line 4: Delete "a new section" Insert "new sections" Page 1, line 5: Delete "Alaska-Ireland Trade Commission" Insert "Trade Commissions" 2026-03-23 House Journal Page 1914 Page 3, following line 16: Insert a new section to read: "Sec. 44.33.445. Alaska-Estonia Trade Commission. (a) The Alaska-Estonia Trade Commission is established in the department. (b) The commission consists of five members appointed by the governor. The members of the commission serve staggered three-year terms at the pleasure of the governor. (c) The purpose of the commission is to (1) advance bilateral trade and investment between the state and Estonia; (2) initiate joint action on policy issues of mutual interest to the state and Estonia; (3) promote business, entrepreneurship, new venture development, and academic exchanges between the state and Estonia; (4) promote research collaborations and funding opportunities that advance the mutual interests of the state and Estonia; (5) encourage mutual economic support between the state and Estonia; (6) encourage mutual investment in the infrastructure of the state and Estonia; and (7) address other issues as determined by the commission. (d) The commission shall elect a chair from among its members. A majority of the members of the commission constitute a quorum for the transaction of business. (e) Except for meetings held outside of the state that the commission determines should be conducted in person, the commission shall meet by electronic means. The commission shall provide public notice of a meeting at least seven days before the meeting. (f) If the department obtains the information required under (h)(1) of this section and provides a copy of that information to the commission, the department may accept a grant, donation, or gift from a public or private source to pay for (1) per diem and travel expenses of the commission; or (2) other assistance and support the commission requires to carry out the purposes of this section. 2026-03-23 House Journal Page 1915 (g) Except as permitted under (f)(1) of this section, members of the commission serve without compensation and are not entitled to per diem and travel expenses authorized by law under AS 39.20.180. (h) By the 30th day of each regular legislative session, the commission shall prepare a report, deliver the report to the governor, senate secretary, and chief clerk of the house of representatives, and notify the legislature that the report is available. The report must include (1) information on the grants, donations, and gifts accepted under (f) of this section in the previous year, including (A) the date and amount or value of each grant, donation, and gift; (B) the total amount or value of all grants, donations, and gifts; (C) the name and address of each person who made a grant, donation, or gift, and the dates and total amount or value of the grants, donations, or gifts; and (D) for grants, donations, or gifts in excess of $50 in the aggregate during the previous year, the principal occupation and employer of the person who made the grant, donation, or gift; and (2) the commission's findings, results, and recommendations. (i) The commission may not contract for writing services or support to prepare the report required under (h) of this section unless a grant, donation, or gift is made for that purpose under (f) of this section. The department may not provide staff to the commission to provide writing services or support to prepare the report required under (h) of this section. (j) In this section, "department" means the Department of Commerce, Community, and Economic Development." Page 3, line 19, following "TERMS.": Insert "(a)" Page 3, following line 25: Insert a new subsection to read: "(b) Notwithstanding AS 44.33.445(b), enacted by sec. 1 of this Act, the members of the Alaska-Estonia Trade Commission appointed 2026-03-23 House Journal Page 1916 under AS 44.33.445(b), enacted by sec. 1 of this Act, are appointed to initial terms as follows: (1) one member shall serve a one-year term; (2) two members shall serve two-year terms; and (3) two members shall serve three-year terms." Representative Gray moved and asked unanimous consent that Amendment No. 1 be adopted. There was objection. Representative Gray moved and asked unanimous consent to withdraw Amendment No. 1. There being no objection, it was so ordered. Representative Kopp moved and asked unanimous consent that CSHB 278(STA) be considered engrossed, advanced to third reading, and placed on final passage. There was objection. CSHB 278(STA) will advance to third reading on the March 25 calendar.