Legislature(2025 - 2026)GRUENBERG 120
01/27/2026 03:15 PM House STATE AFFAIRS
Note: the audio ![]()
and video ![]()
recordings are distinct records and are obtained from different sources. As such there may be key differences between the two. The audio recordings are captured by our records offices as the official record of the meeting and will have more accurate timestamps. Use the icons to switch between them.
| Audio | Topic |
|---|---|
| Start | |
| HB124 | |
| HB81 | |
| Adjourn |
* first hearing in first committee of referral
+ teleconferenced
= bill was previously heard/scheduled
+ teleconferenced
= bill was previously heard/scheduled
| += | HB 124 | TELECONFERENCED | |
| += | HB 81 | TELECONFERENCED | |
| *+ | HB 202 | TELECONFERENCED | |
| + | TELECONFERENCED |
HB 81-ACCESS TO MARIJUANA CONVICTION RECORDS
4:41:15 PM
CHAIR CARRICK announced that the final order of business would
be HOUSE BILL NO. 81, "An Act restricting the release of certain
records of convictions; and providing for an effective date."
4:41:48 PM
REPRESENTATIVE DAVID NELSON, Alaska State Legislature, as prime
sponsor, reintroduced and answered questions on HB 81. The bill
is an important step in providing an opportunity for people with
low level marijuana possession convictions to make a more
significant economic impact on the state. He stated that
hardworking Alaskans are facing barriers to employment, housing,
licensing, and volunteering. He shared that 28 states have
already enacted laws that apply specifically to records
confidentiality regarding certain marijuana related offenses.
At a time when Alaska really is struggling to find enough
qualified workers to fill job openings, individuals shouldn't be
excluded based on actions that are no longer illegal. He stated
that HB 81 would make certain marijuana convictions confidential
on basic background checks while keeping those convictions
available for government agencies and qualified individuals.
Individuals that are 21 years or older at the time of the crime,
possessed one ounce or less of marijuana, and not convicted of
any other crimes can request the Department of Public Safety
(DPS) to make those crimes on records confidential. The
proposed legislation doesn't remove the crimes from the records.
He said DPS would have until January 1, 2028, to amend its
database. The Alaska Court System has already amended its
records.
4:43:52 PM
CHAIR CARRICK invited committee questions.
4:44:18 PM
REPRESENTATIVE HOLLAND asked for confirmation that the bill
would apply to pre-legalization offenses in Alaska and does not
pertain to federal offenses.
REPRESENTATIVE D. NELSON confirmed that is correct. He deferred
to Lisa Purinton for further details.
4:46:12 PM
LISA PURINTON, Director, Division of Statewide Services,
Department of Public Safety, advised that it would be limited to
the state convictions and history.
CHAIR CARRICK asked if 35 other states have already done this.
REPRESENTATIVE D. NELSON replied that is correct.
REPRESENTATIVE HIMSCHOOT asked about a constituent unable to
travel overseas because of an earlier marijuana conviction and
asked whether the proposed legislation would help the person be
able to travel.
REPRESENTATIVE D. NELSON replied that he didn't know the
specific facts and there may be extenuating circumstances.
REPRESENTATIVE HIMSCHOOT added that it was a misdemeanor. He
was caught smoking marijuana when it was still illegal.
MS. PURINTON stated that it would limit the displaying
conviction information for those who are 21 years or older and
the possession was under one ounce. The statute is very
specific on when the information would be released; this is
limited to a name-based background check. If a fingerprint-
based background check or a background check for another reason
were requested, then that information would still be released.
CHAIR CARRICK asked if HB 81 was broad enough and asked how many
people would be affected.
REPRESENTATIVE D. NELSON replied around 8,500 Alaskans.
4:49:43 PM
CHAIR CARRICK opened public testimony on HB 81. After
ascertaining there was no one who wished to testify, she closed
public testimony.
4:50:03 PM
The committee took a brief at-ease at 4:50 p.m.
4:50:25 PM
CHAIR CARRICK confirmed there are no more questions from the
committee.
4:50:43 PM
The committee took an at-ease from 4:50 p.m. to 4:51 p.m.
4:51:37 PM
CHAIR CARRICK set an amendment deadline for HB 81 and thanked
the sponsor for his bill.
[HB 81 was held over.]