Legislature(2025 - 2026)GRUENBERG 120
02/12/2026 03:15 PM House STATE AFFAIRS
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| Audio | Topic |
|---|---|
| Start | |
| HB124 | |
| Adjourn |
* first hearing in first committee of referral
+ teleconferenced
= bill was previously heard/scheduled
+ teleconferenced
= bill was previously heard/scheduled
| += | HB 124 | TELECONFERENCED | |
| + | TELECONFERENCED |
HB 124-AIDEA
CHAIR CARRICK announced that the only order of business would be
HOUSE BILL NO. 124, "An Act relating to the Alaska Industrial
Development and Export Authority; and providing for an effective
date." [Before the committee, adopted as a working document on
2/5/26, was the proposed committee substitute (CS) for HB 124,
Version 34-LS0411\N, Walsh, 2/4/26 ("Version N").]
REPRESENTATIVE MCCABE said he did some research since he got
calls that Alaska Industrial Development and Export Authority
(AIDEA) is not communicative. In 2025, the Alaska Industrial
Development and Export Authority (AIDEA) held 15 board and
special meetings and had public comments and written comments.
He stated that AIDEA publishes "a ton" of information,
especially about Ambler Road. He shared other projects that
AIDEA supports in Alaska.
CHAIR CARRICK stated that AIDEA did provide written responses to
questions asked, which were distributed to offices.
REPRESENTATIVE HIMSCHOOT stated changes in Ketchikan under AIDEA
with shipyard operators and said 70 jobs were restored, which
she appreciated.
3:26:20 PM
The committee took a brief at-ease at 3:26 p.m.
3:26:33 PM
CHAIR CARRICK stated she would not be offering Amendment 1 [in
the committee file] as it is duplicative of another amendment.
3:27:05 PM
REPRESENTATIVE ST. CLAIR moved to adopt Amendment 2 to HB 124,
Version N, labeled 34-LS0411\N.14, Walsh, 2/7/26, which read as
follows [original punctuation provided]:
Page 2, lines 17 - 18:
Delete all material.
Renumber the following bill sections accordingly.
Page 7, lines 10 - 18:
Delete all material.
Renumber the following bill sections accordingly.
CHAIR CARRICK objected.
REPRESENTATIVE ST. CLAIR stated currently AIDEA can sue and be
sued. The proposed legislation requires the approval of the
Attorney General (AG). There is no other corporation in the
state that requires AG approval. This only applies to AIDEA.
CHAIR CARRICK said she supports Amendment 2. She agrees that
this is unnecessary to make a requirement on AIDEA that is not
on other corporations.
CHAIR CARRICK withdrew her objection to Amendment 2. There
being no further objection, Amendment 2 was adopted.
3:29:35 PM
CHAIR CARRICK moved to adopt Amendment 3 to HB 124, Version N,
as amended, labeled 34-LS0411\N.21, Walsh, 2/10/26, which read
as follows:
Page 5, line 3:
Delete "legislative approval by law"
Insert "approval of the Legislative Budget and
Audit Committee"
REPRESENTATIVE MCCABE objected.
CHAIR CARRICK stated this removes the requirement that AIDEA get
legislative approval by law for projects over $100 million. The
amendment changes it to the Joint Legislative Budget and Audit
Committee especially during the legislative [interim]. She said
it reduces the burden and could be approved through that
committee's process year-round.
REPRESENTATIVE MCCABE stated he was opposed to Amendment 3. He
said the Joint Legislative Budget & Audit Committee doesn't meet
as much as the legislature would like. It is a political
committee and depends on who is in control of the House and
Senate. The legislature is trying to insert itself into a
business. He posited that the legislature should let AIDEA do
the business of the state as it has in the past. He understands
the concerns that AIDEA hasn't been responsive or had meetings.
He said under Mr. Ruaro, AIDEA is trying to become more
responsive and take public testimony. He characterized AIDEA as
one of Alaska's jewel organizations.
3:32:34 PM
REPRESENTATIVE ST. CLAIR said he opposes Amendment 3. He echoed
Representative McCabe that it politicizes the process. He asked
whether there is another state corporation that has this same
requirement.
REPRESENTATIVE HIMSCHOOT said there are some differences, one
this is public money. Second, other corporations are making
large decisions but not necessarily investments decisions. She
asked does Joint Legislative Budget and Audit Committee have a
monthly standing meeting or does it meet as needed.
3:33:08 PM
CHAIR CARRICK replied that the Joint Legislative Budget and
Audit Committee sets its own schedule. She said that committee
has broad authority and meets when there are pending activities.
She stated that the Joint Legislative Budget and Audit Committee
may have an increase in meetings due to this legislation.
REPRESENTATIVE MCCABE agreed that it is public money. He asked
whether, since the Alaska Railroad or Alaska Housing Finance
Corporation (AHFC) are public money, the legislature should be
more involved or trust the board process. The governor has
appointed a board for AIDEA. He said it is public money and
belongs to all of Alaska. He maintained his objection.
3:35:45 PM
A roll call vote was taken. Representatives Story, Himschoot,
Holland, and Carrick voted in favor of Amendment 3 to HB 124,
Version N, as amended. Representatives St. Clair, Vance, and
McCabe voted against it. Therefore, Amendment 3, was adopted by
a vote of 4-3.
REPRESENTATIVE MCCABE moved to adopt Amendment 4 to HB 124,
Version N, as amended, labeled 34-LS0411\N.4, Walsh, 2/5/26,
which read as follows [original punctuation provided]:
Page 1, line 7, through page 2, line 5:
Delete all material.
Renumber the following bill sections accordingly.
Page 2, line 7:
Delete "(a)(2) - (4) [(a)(2)]"
Insert "(a)(2)"
Page 7, line 20, through page 8, line 11:
Delete all material.
Renumber the following bill section accordingly.
CHAIR CARRICK objected.
REPRESENTATIVE MCCABE said five public members are currently
appointed by the governor and not approved by the legislature.
He said all board members must meet an objective standard as
reasonable and prudent investors. Currently, all board members'
terms are two years, but under HB 124 it would be different.
The House speaker and Senate president each appoint a member,
which further politicizes the board. He stated that
qualifications are important. The legislation politicizes the
board but does not necessarily appoint qualified board members.
CHAIR CARRICK stated opposition to Amendment 4 as she views one
challenge is AIDEA operating on its own. Further, she said
there is a call for more input from the public. This bill would
provide more diversity of perspective.
3:38:45 PM
REPRESENTATIVE MCCABE said for the record, the legislature
doesn't do this for other corporations like the Alaska Railroad
Corporation (ARRC), AFHC, the Permanent Fund Dividend
Corporation (PFDC), or other actual corporations of the state.
He can't stress enough that this is a huge mistake.
CHAIR CARRICK maintained her objection.
REPRESENTATIVE STORY said this is an important part of the bill.
She wants to build public confidence in AIDEA. She thinks it is
appropriate to have board members appointed by these two
different roles. She would like to see it not as politicized,
as the goal is to have economic development.
REPRESENTATIVE ST. CLAIR said he supports Amendment 4. On Page
1, line 13, the bill addresses demonstrated leadership skills.
He said AIDEA has made money and has a higher credit rating.
3:41:46 PM
A roll call vote was taken. Representatives McCabe, St. Clair,
and Vance voted in favor of Amendment 4. Representatives Story,
Himschoot, Holland, and Carrick voted against it. Therefore,
Amendment 4 failed to be adopted by a vote of 3-4.
3:42:23 PM
CHAIR CARRICK stated Amendment 5 [in the committee file] would
not be offered as it is the same as Amendment 2, which was
already adopted.
3:42:41 PM
REPRESENTATIVE MCCABE moved to adopt Amendment 6 to HB 124,
Version N, as amended, labeled 34-LS0411\N.5, Walsh, 2/5/26,
which read as follows [original punctuation provided]:
Page 2, lines 6 - 9:
Delete all material.
Renumber the following bill sections accordingly.
Page 7, line 28:
Delete "as amended by sec. 3 of this Act,"
Page 8, lines 10 - 11:
Delete "secs. 2 and 3"
Insert " sec. 2"
CHAIR CARRICK objected.
REPRESENTATIVE MCCABE said currently AIDEA board members serve
two-year terms. Under the proposed legislation, members would
serve three-year terms with no ability for the governor to
remove members for breach of statutory duties of a board member.
This politicizes the board and the decision-making process of
the board. The board must always act on behalf of AIDEA's
mission and make decisions on standard business rules. He feels
that a board member needs to be able to be removed.
3:44:01 PM
REPRESENTATIVE ST. CLAIR stated his support for Amendment 6.
This is an AIDEA accountability bill. Now putting members on
AIDEA without any accountability and with the governor not being
able to terminate members.
3:44:43 PM
REPRESENTATIVE STORY said if a person does something ethically
wrong, members would be removed from the AIDEA Board.
REPRESENTATIVE ST. CLAIR asked who has the legal authority to
remove a member. He said the governor having this authority is
within his scope and it needs to be retained.
3:45:27 PM
CHAIR CARRICK said she is opposed to Amendment 6. The original
language is not meant to politicize the board. When the
governor can add and remove members at will, a member might feel
an obligation to the governor. If someone is conducting illegal
conduct, the governor is not the only one who can act. She
stated that three-year terms were deliberate as less subject to
the current sitting governor. She said a little longer-term
leads to more informed decisions.
REPRESENTATIVE MCCABE described a problem wherein a friend of
the speaker of the House is appointed and makes choices that are
unethical or fiduciarily [irresponsible] and the governor cannot
remove that individual. He emphasized this is a huge political
problem.
REPRESENTATIVE STORY pointed to the language about expertise and
demonstrated leadership skills on page 1, lines 12-14, of HB
124, as amended.
REPRESENTATIVE MCCABE asked who determines expertise.
3:49:15 PM
REPRESENTATIVE VANCE said she likes the three-year staggered
terms to create longevity and planning. She acknowledges
Representative McCabe's point regarding serving at the pleasure
of the governor. She asked, "Who then are the members
accountable to?" She compared it to the Board of Fisheries.
She said she prefers longer terms.
3:52:52 PM
REPRESENTATIVE HIMSCHOOT said she does not support Amendment 6.
She likes the longer terms and likes the stability of the AIDEA
Board. Members need to be able to serve out their terms.
REPRESENTATIVE MCCABE maintained his objection. He said there
is no way for the governor or legislature to dismiss someone on
the AIDEA board.
CHAIR CARRICK said the long service term might lead to dismissal
based on the governor. The decisions are at "your purview"
versus the decisions that the governor would want.
REPRESENTATIVE HIMSCHOOT said that the staggered terms mean that
turnover will happen. This bill will ensure high quality people
despite politics.
3:56:40 PM
REPRESENTATIVE HOLLAND said he is not going to support Amendment
6. He likes the language, but the legislative involvement is
not constitutional.
REPRESENTATIVE MCCABE said clearly in his opinion this is a
thinly disguised way to stack the board with environmentally
conscious people. There is no way to take them off the AIDEA
board.
CHAIR CARRICK maintained her objection.
3:58:48 PM
A roll call vote was taken. Representatives McCabe, St. Clair,
and Vance voted in favor of Amendment 6. Representatives Story,
Himschoot, Holland, and Carrick voted against it. Therefore,
Amendment 6 failed to be adopted by a vote of 3-4.
3:59:27 PM
REPRESENTATIVE MCCABE moved to adopt Amendment 7 to HB 124,
Version N, as amended, labeled 34-LS0411\N.6, Walsh, 2/5/26,
which read as follows [original punctuation provided]:
Page 2, lines 10 - 16:
Delete all material.
Renumber the following bill sections accordingly.
CHAIR CARRICK objected.
REPRESENTATIVE MCCABE stated that AIDEA is already subject to
the state personnel laws. The AIDEA Board can hire the
executive director. He stated this is another attempt to
politicize the board.
CHAIR CARRICK maintained her objection. She said the board
should establish personnel policies and minimum qualifications
for an executive director.
4:01:10 PM
A roll call vote was taken. Representatives McCabe, St. Clair,
and Vance voted in favor of Amendment 7. Representatives Story,
Himschoot, Holland, and Carrick voted against it. Therefore,
Amendment 7 failed to be adopted by a vote of 3-4.
4:01:51 PM
The committee took a brief at-ease at 4:01 p.m.
4:02:40 PM
REPRESENTATIVE MCCABE moved to adopt Amendment 8 to HB 124,
Version N, as amended, labeled 34-LS0411\N.8, Walsh, 2/5/26,
which read as follows [original punctuation provided]:
Page 3, lines 19 - 28:
Delete all material.
Renumber the following bill sections accordingly.
CHAIR CARRICK objected.
REPRESENTATIVE MCCABE stated that currently AIDEA can keep its
assets if it pays a statutory dividend to the state. Under this
bill, AIDEA's assets are no longer separate from the state.
AIDEA cannot keep any assets over the threshold and must pay the
funds to the legislature. There is some constitutional
discussion in the Supreme Court that indicates that AIDEA is not
subject to the Executive Budget Act and this would be forward
funding by requiring AIDEA to put any assets over the threshold.
He said there are legal and constitutional structural issues
with this legislation. He said when the legislature raids
AIDEA, it loses its bond rating and it is looked at with a
skeptical eye.
4:04:59 PM
REPRESENTATIVE HOLLAND said he supports Amendment 8. As this
moves ahead, the amendment is part of a foundation of later
amendments. Fundamentally, he is supportive of AIDEA having an
open-ended fund size and okay for AIDEA to grow. He has
concerns about the process of looking at the dividends.
4:06:27 PM
CHAIR CARRICK said she is going to oppose Amendment 8. The
language is duplicative in another amendment that she supports.
4:07:15 PM
REPRESENTATIVE HIMSCHOOT asked the maker of the amendment, if
the cap were not changed, whether it would prevent AIDEA from
doing anything.
REPRESENTATIVE MCCABE answered that in 2019, the legislature
took money from AIDEA, which caused its bond rating to fall.
4:08:32 PM
RANDY RUARO, Executive Director, Alaska Industrial Development
and Export Authority (AIDEA), offered that Section 8 has a cap
at $3 billion. He stated that if AIDEA is successful with its
Arctic National Wildlife Refuge (ANWR) investment, it will run
past the cap very quickly. Also, he said the transfer of funds
out of AIDEA triggered when the cap is exceeded that separate
AIDEA's assets from the state control is a constitutional issue.
4:09:56 PM
REPRESENTATIVE VANCE said she is in support of Amendment 8. She
said she is most concerned about Section 8 following Mr. Ruaro's
comments. She provided an example of this situation in private
business. She said this could start obligating money in a non-
prudent manner. She gave example of the Department of
Transportation & Public Facilities (DOT&PF) spending end of the
year money. She doesn't want to put AIDEA in the position to
obligate money, so that it doesn't lose it. She stated it
doesn't fall in line with accountability and transparency.
4:13:12 PM
REPRESENTATIVE HOLLAND asked for clarification with the upcoming
future amendments. He asked whether, if the committee were to
adopt Amendment 8, it would create a problem with future
amendments.
CHAIR CARRICK stated there is nothing in Amendment 8 that
affects future amendments. This amendment only removes the cap
without addressing the AIDEA revolving fund.
REPRESENTATIVE HIMSCHOOT pointed to slide 9 from AIDEA [from a
previous hearing and included in the committee file], and noted
that AIDEA's funds income or receipts cannot constitute money of
the state. She then cited Section 8, which would cause money to
lapse into the general fund (GF).
REPRESENTATIVE MCCABE suggested that Ian Walsh, from Legislative
Legal Services, could help with these types of questions.
REPRESENTATIVE MCCABE suggested that the Department of Law
rather than Legislative Legal Services would be the appropriate
entity to comment.
4:17:23 PM
CHAIR CARRICK suggested that the committee put aside Amendment 8
for future consideration.
4:17:37 PM
CHAIR CARRICK moved to table Amendment 8.
REPRESENTATIVE MCCABE objected.
4:18:04 PM
A roll call vote was taken. Representatives Story, Himschoot,
Holland, and Carrick voted in favor of the motion to table
Amendment 8. Representatives McCabe, St. Clair, and Vance voted
against it. Therefore, Amendment 8 was tabled by a vote of 4-3.
4:18:42 PM
REPRESENTATIVE MCCABE moved to adopt Amendment 9 to HB 124,
Version N, as amended, labeled 34-LS0411\N.9, Walsh, 2/5/26,
which read as follows:
Page 3, line 29, through page 5, line 3:
Delete all material.
Renumber the following bill sections accordingly.
CHAIR CARRICK objected.
REPRESENTATIVE MCCABE stated that Section 9 in subsection 1,
currently AIDEA must obtain approval of a certified resolution.
He said failure to obtain unanimous consent would stop the
project. Subsection 2 repeats requirements already in statute.
Subsection 3 would have AIDEA do a redundant study and conduct a
public hearing which is done with the National Environmental
Policy Act of 1969 (NEPA) study. Subsection 4 - AIDEA will have
to get approval for all major projects with no timeline. He
said this process politicizes project approval while bringing
uncertainty and delays. He said most project sponsors will not
use AIDEA in the future due to the uncertainty.
4:22:50 PM
REPRESENTATIVE VANCE stated she is in support of this amendment.
Page 4, line 29, requires Legislative Budget and Audit Committee
approval of a contractor which adds another layer of red tape
that will slow projects down. She gave an example of a hatchery
project which received funding from AIDEA and helped in coastal
communities for sport and commercial use. The legislature may
not agree with AIDEA putting money toward a hatchery program
from hearing information that is not accurate. She stated that
most of this is already in practice and another study takes more
time. If one member of the Legislative Budget and Audit
Committee is opposed to the project, it could slow down the
feasibility study. She is in support of Amendment 9.
4:26:35 PM
REPRESENTATIVE HOLLAND noted that there are portions of
Amendment 9 that he supports. He said some of this oversight is
more than needed.
CHAIR CARRICK maintained her objection. She said that Sections
8 and 9 were her constituents' concerns.
REPRESENTATIVE HOLLAND noted that there is already precedence
for this in the enterprise development account in statute that
has a $25 million limit with legislative approval.
REPRESENTATIVE MCCABE stated that the Interior Gas Utility was
$139 million. The legislature passed a small amount of bills
that were proposed. He said this is just another way to put a
roadblock on a project whether it is good for the state or not.
Also, bigger projects are approaching the cap, such as the gas
project.
4:31:04 PM
CHAIR CARRICK maintained her objection.
4:31:10 PM
A roll call vote was taken. Representatives McCabe, St. Clair,
and Vance voted in favor of Amendment 9. Representatives Story,
Himschoot, Holland, and Carrick voted against it. Therefore,
Amendment 9 failed to be adopted by a vote of 3-4.
REPRESENTATIVE MCCABE moved to adopt Amendment 10 to HB 124,
Version N, as amended, labeled 34-LS0411\N.10, Walsh, 2/5/26,
which read as follows:
Page 5, line 12, through page 6, line 8:
Delete all material.
Renumber the following bill sections accordingly.
CHAIR CARRICK objected.
REPRESENTATIVE MCCABE stated that current reporting of assets is
due on January 10 each year. He said this section is
unnecessary.
4:32:26 PM
The committee took a brief at-ease at 4:32 p.m.
4:32:40 PM
CHAIR CARRICK opposed Amendment 10 as a later amendment will
address this issue and provide a better definition of indirect
ownership.
4:33:30 PM
REPRESENTATIVE ST. CLAIR said that this amendment does not
address Section 10 but deals with Section 11.
CHAIR CARRICK replied that's correct. She still is opposed to
this amendment. She doesn't want to delete Section 11 and the
Executive Budget Act (EBA). She stands by an annual report due
by January 10.
4:34:50 PM
REPRESENTATIVE HOLLAND asked for clarification that Amendment 10
would repeal Section 11. He is speaking in opposition to the
amendment. He said AIDEA is already subject to the EBA. The
language simply clarifies extending the EBA and the performance-
based oversight over what the state is doing with its assets.
REPRESENTATIVE MCCABE stated that Section 11 will result in
destruction of AIDEA's bond rating. He said only the operating
budget was under the EBA. This section puts the entire agency
under EBA. He says there is a reason why it is news about bond
ratings. He is unclear why the drafter changed the line with
the date.
CHAIR CARRICK replied that Legislative Legal Services made
technical changes.
REPRESENTATIVE HOLLAND replied that he doesn't agree that making
this change will have an effect on the bond rating of AIDEA. He
said this will add transparency and accountability.
REPRESENTATIVE MCCABE said that in 2019, the legislature dipped
into AIDEA, and AIDEA's bond rating went down 20 points. He
said that AIDEA is a target for looking for money. He stated
that bond rating agencies look to see whether AIDEA is impacted
by outside influences.
4:41:58 PM
CHAIR CARRICK maintained her objection.
4:42:05 PM
A roll call vote was taken. Representatives McCabe, St. Clair,
and Vance voted in favor of Amendment 10. Representatives
Story, Himschoot, Holland, and Carrick voted against it.
Therefore, Amendment 10 failed to be adopted by a vote of 3-4.
4:42:35 PM
REPRESENTATIVE MCCABE moved to adopt Amendment 11 to HB 124,
Version N, as amended, labeled 34-LS0411\N.11, Walsh, 2/5/26,
which read as follows:
Page 6, lines 9 - 28:
Delete all material.
Renumber the following bill sections accordingly.
CHAIR CARRICK objected.
REPRESENTATIVE MCCABE stated that Amendment 11 deletes Section
12. This section is unnecessary as AIDEA already submits its
financial audit and annual report by January 10. He looked
through the minutes of board actions which were posted on
AIDEA's website.
CHAIR CARRICK maintained her objection. The staff noted that on
February 3, Mr. Ruaro had offered commentary that AIDEA does not
oppose the metrics and measures. She said this is a positive
thing for accountability and transparency.
4:44:40 PM
REPRESENTATIVE VANCE asked a question on page 6, lines 23-24.
She said it requires a list of all actions taken by AIDEA. She
asked, "Who's going to read this and look at every single
action?" This is duplicative and she wonders what the purpose
of this specific line is.
CHAIR CARRICK replied a list of action taken as being somewhat
open to interpretation. This requirement would be more
streamlined than looking at minutes. This is all information
that AIDEA can provide.
4:48:38 PM
REPRESENTATIVE HOLLAND stated he opposes Amendment 11. The
requirements are good. The expectation of communication with
the legislature has been lacking. He said if AIDEA did this
well then probably the legislature would not be having these
conversations. These changes are valuable and provide more
clarity. The annual reports are due at the end of June. There
is a huge gap between the end of June and January. The list of
key actions would be extremely helpful and provide a lot more
transparency. He said if AIDEA did this well, it would be a
very positive step in building more confidence in AIDEA.
4:51:34 PM
REPRESENTATIVE MCCABE stated this is how the legislature "spends
your money." The fiscal notes should be higher because of the
people AIDEA will need to hire to put together this information.
This amendment is timely and [requires] a budget amendment.
CHAIR CARRICK maintained her objection.
4:52:59 PM
A roll call vote was taken. Representatives McCabe, St. Clair,
and Vance voted in favor of Amendment 11. Representatives
Story, Himschoot, Holland, and Carrick voted against it.
Therefore, Amendment 11 failed to be adopted by a vote of 3-4.
4:53:35 PM
REPRESENTATIVE MCCABE moved to adopt Amendment 12 to HB 124,
Version N, as amended, labeled 34-LS0411\N.12, Walsh, 2/5/26,
which read as follows:
Page 6, line 29, through page 7, line 9:
Delete all material.
Renumber the following bill sections accordingly.
CHAIR CARRICK objected.
REPRESENTATIVE MCCABE stated this amendment deletes Section 13.
He said that if anyone is applying for an AIDEA loan, all the
financial information would have to be public, and the result
will be that people won't come to AIDEA.
4:55:05 PM
REPRESENTATIVE ST. CLAIR said that he would not do business with
someone that releases his information.
4:55:23 PM
REPRESENTATIVE VANCE asked about Section 13, on page 7, line 6.
She asked what the intent was. Projects have had legislators
sign a nondisclosure agreement (NDA). The legislator knew
information and kept confidentiality. The public is looking for
transparency. She said that she must trust that AIDEA is doing
its due diligence and the board is making good decisions. A
bigger question of taking a breach of public trust is that the
legislature can communicate what it is that the legislature
knows.
CHAIR CARRICK said in Section 13 [subsection] (b), the board
retains the authority to adopt regulations to determine what is
confidential. She said Version N is modeled after the Railroad.
4:59:46 PM
The committee took an at-ease from 4:59 p.m. to 5:02 p.m.
5:02:44 PM
CHAIR CARRICK maintained her objection.
5:03:07 PM
A roll call vote was taken. Representatives McCabe, St. Clair,
and Vance voted in favor of Amendment 12. Representatives
Story, Himschoot, Holland, and Carrick voted against it.
Therefore, Amendment 12 failed to be adopted by a vote of 3-4.
5:03:35 PM
REPRESENTATIVE MCCABE moved to adopt Amendment 13 to HB 124,
Version N, as amended, labeled 34-LS0411\N.13, Walsh, 2/5/26,
which read as follows:
Page 7, line 19:
Delete all material.
Renumber the following bill sections accordingly.
CHAIR CARRICK objected for discussion.
REPRESENTATIVE MCCABE said the amendment reestablishes
protection for AIDEA employees.
5:04:15 PM
CHAIR CARRICK removed her objection to Amendment 13. There
being no further objection, Amendment 13 was adopted.
5:04:57 PM
REPRESENTATIVE MCCABE moved to adopt Amendment 14 to HB 124,
Version N, as amended, labeled 34-LS0411\N.2, Walsh, 2/5/26,
which read as follows:
Page 8, following line 11:
Insert a new bill section to read:
"* Sec. 17. The uncodified law of the State of
Alaska is amended by adding a new section to read:
LEGISLATIVE APPROVAL OF AMBLER ROAD PROJECT. (a)
The Alaska Industrial Development and Export Authority
is authorized to develop and complete the Ambler Road
Project contemplated by resolutions approved by the
Alaska Industrial Development and Export Authority,
including Resolutions G20-19, G21-09, G20-29, G22-03,
G23-07A, G24-13, and G25-01.
(b) This section constitutes legislative
approval under AS 44.88.179(6), added by sec. 9 of
this Act, for the Alaska Industrial Development and
Export Authority to expend more than $100,000,000 on
the project described in (a) of this section."
Renumber the following bill section accordingly.
CHAIR CARRICK objected.
REPRESENTATIVE MCCABE stated Ambler Road is required under
ANILCA by Congress. This road has been going through a robust
public process, as there is no alternative route to this mining
area. In October 2025, President Trump approved this project.
This still requires necessary permits to build the road. He
stated that Alaskans understand that Ambler Road is the reason
behind this bill. He is opposed to the bill.
CHAIR CARRICK said she does not support Amendment 14. This
legislation is being brought forward because constituents want
public comment and transparency. She stated this legislation is
coming from broader concerns instead of a specific project. She
said she is neither in support of nor opposed to Ambler Road.
REPRESENTATIVE MCCABE said it wasn't his intent to question
Chair Carrick's motive. He said she is doing what her
constituents asked. He said AIDEA has problems in the past with
transparency and public comments.
CHAIR CARRICK maintained her objection.
5:11:28 PM
REPRESENTATIVE HOLLAND stated that he found it ironic that the
legislature should be kept out of AIDEA's business. He said the
general nature of these amendments and this bill is not about
Ambler Road. He has gotten requests from constituents on other
issues regarding accountability and transparency of AIDEA and
how it goes about its investments. He stated opposition to
Amendment 14.
5:13:08 PM
REPRESENTATIVE ST. CLAIR stated this is exactly what AIDEA was
designed for to fund development projects. This is its mission
statement. The legislature has gotten involved in things that
the legislature should not have.
REPRESENTATIVE MCCABE said these amendments are numbered the way
they are for a specific reason. This bill is the "Hail Mary."
5:14:34 PM
A roll call vote was taken. Representatives McCabe, St. Clair,
and Vance voted in favor of Amendment 14. Representatives
Story, Himschoot, Holland, and Carrick voted against it.
Therefore, Amendment 14 failed to be adopted by a vote of 3-4.
5:15:27 PM
REPRESENTATIVE MCCABE moved to adopt Amendment 15 to HB 124,
Version N, as amended, labeled 34-LS0411\N.3, Walsh, 2/5/26,
which read as follows:
Page 8, following line 11:
Insert a new bill section to read:
"* Sec. 17. The uncodified law of the State of
Alaska is amended by adding a new section to read:
LEGISLATIVE APPROVAL OF COASTAL PLAIN OIL AND GAS
DEVELOPMENT PROJECTS. (a) The Alaska Industrial
Development and Export Authority is authorized to
obtain and develop oil and gas leases in the coastal
plain area of the Arctic National Wildlife Refuge.
(b) This section constitutes legislative
approval under AS 44.88.179(6), added by sec. 9 of
this Act, for the Alaska Industrial Development and
Export Authority to expend more than $100,000,000 on
the projects described in (a) of this section."
Renumber the following bill section accordingly.
CHAIR CARRICK objected.
REPRESENTATIVE MCCABE said he has two pages to read on this one.
He stated that AIDEA owns the 10.02 section of ANWR and AIDEA
has the leases and should be able to develop. He said the
legislature is trying to shut down AIDEA to shut down ANWR
development. He said AIDEA is supposed to be doing exactly this
- create jobs and be responsible for developing fossil fuels.
He said that AIDEA develops Alaska's resources responsibly.
CHAIR CARRICK maintained her objection.
5:17:48 PM
A roll call vote was taken. Representatives McCabe, St. Clair,
and Vance voted in favor of Amendment 15. Representatives
Story, Himschoot, Holland, and Carrick voted against it.
Therefore, Amendment 15 failed to be adopted by a vote of 3-4.
5:18:35 PM
REPRESENTATIVE STORY moved to adopt Amendment 16 to HB 124,
Version N, as amended, labeled 34-LS0411\N.22, Walsh, 2/11/26,
which read as follows:
Page 3, line 5, following "minutes":
Insert "or, if a shorter time allotment is
necessary to allow all members of the public to
present, not less than one minute"
Page 3, line 8, following "comments":
Insert "on the authority's public Internet
website"
Page 3, line 11, following "justification":
Insert "on the authority's public Internet
website"
REPRESENTATIVE MCCABE objected.
REPRESENTATIVE STORY said the bill, as written, may make public
comments no shorter than one minute. Written comments must be
published on the AIDEA website. She said that it is to ensure
AIDEA is doing due diligence and build public confidence. She
stated that AIDEA must provide rationale for resolutions.
5:20:48 PM
REPRESENTATIVE ST. CLAIR stated objection to Amendment 16. He
stated that he didn't agree with if a shorter time allotment is
necessary on page 3, line 5. There is a standard set for the
legislature. He asked if AIDEA published written comments. He
questioned whether justification is needed and the legislature
is setting higher standards for AIDEA.
5:22:03 PM
REPRESENTATIVE MCCABE stated he has been to several AIDEA
meetings in the last two years. There has been no time limit
for public comment. He said AIDEA has been very responsive
under this leadership. He agrees with Representative St. Clair
on the written comments. The bill is too prescriptive by
setting time limits on public testimony.
REPRESENTATIVE STORY said she appreciates the comments.
Director Ruaro thought it was reasonable to post comments. In
the legislature, comments to the committee get posted on the
legislature's website, the Bill Action & Status Inquiry System
(BASIS).
5:25:13 PM
A roll call vote was taken. Representatives Story, Himschoot,
Holland, and Carrick voted in favor of Amendment 16.
Representatives McCabe, St. Clair, and Vance voted against it.
Therefore, Amendment 16 was adopted by a vote of 4-3.
5:25:46 PM
CHAIR CARRICK stated she was going to address Amendment 8.
5:26:30 PM
The committee took an at-ease at 5:26 p.m.
5:26:49 PM
CHAIR CARRICK stated that the committee would consider further
amendments at a future hearing on HB 124, Version N, as amended,
beginning with Amendment 8.
[HB 124, Version N, as amended, was held over.]
| Document Name | Date/Time | Subjects |
|---|---|---|
| HB 124 Written Testimony Rec'd 2-5-26.pdf |
HSTA 2/12/2026 3:15:00 PM |
HB 124 |
| HB 124 Backup Alaska Chamber Letter 2-5-26.pdf |
HSTA 2/12/2026 3:15:00 PM |
HB 124 |
| HB 124 AIDEA Response Loan Participation Program 2-5-26.pdf |
HSTA 2/12/2026 3:15:00 PM |
HB 124 |
| HB 124 AIDEA Response Accounting Standards 2-5-26.pdf |
HSTA 2/12/2026 3:15:00 PM |
HB 124 |
| HB 124 AIDEA Response SBED RDIF Programs 2-5-26.pdf |
HSTA 2/12/2026 3:15:00 PM |
HB 124 |
| HB 124 Amendment 1 HSTA.pdf |
HSTA 2/12/2026 3:15:00 PM |
HB 124 |
| HB 124 Amendment 2 HSTA.pdf |
HSTA 2/12/2026 3:15:00 PM |
HB 124 |
| HB 124 Amendment 3 HSTA.pdf |
HSTA 2/12/2026 3:15:00 PM |
HB 124 |
| HB 124 Amendment 4 HSTA.pdf |
HSTA 2/12/2026 3:15:00 PM |
HB 124 |
| HB 124 Amendment 5 HSTA.pdf |
HSTA 2/12/2026 3:15:00 PM |
HB 124 |
| HB 124 Amendment 6 HSTA.pdf |
HSTA 2/12/2026 3:15:00 PM |
HB 124 |
| HB 124 Amendment 7 HSTA.pdf |
HSTA 2/12/2026 3:15:00 PM |
HB 124 |
| HB 124 Amendment 8 HSTA.pdf |
HSTA 2/12/2026 3:15:00 PM |
HB 124 |
| HB 124 Amendment 9 HSTA.pdf |
HSTA 2/12/2026 3:15:00 PM |
HB 124 |
| HB 124 Amendment 10 HSTA.pdf |
HSTA 2/12/2026 3:15:00 PM |
HB 124 |
| HB 124 Amendment 11 HSTA.pdf |
HSTA 2/12/2026 3:15:00 PM |
HB 124 |
| HB 124 Amendment 12 HSTA.pdf |
HSTA 2/12/2026 3:15:00 PM |
HB 124 |
| HB 124 Amendment 13 HSTA.pdf |
HSTA 2/12/2026 3:15:00 PM |
HB 124 |
| HB 124 Amendment 14 HSTA.pdf |
HSTA 2/12/2026 3:15:00 PM |
HB 124 |
| HB 124 Amendment 15 HSTA.pdf |
HSTA 2/12/2026 3:15:00 PM |
HB 124 |
| HB 124 Amendment 16 HSTA.pdf |
HSTA 2/12/2026 3:15:00 PM |
HB 124 |
| HB 124 Amendment 17 HSTA.pdf |
HSTA 2/12/2026 3:15:00 PM |
HB 124 |
| HB 124 Amendment 18 HSTA.pdf |
HSTA 2/12/2026 3:15:00 PM |
HB 124 |
| HB 124 Amendment 19 HSTA.pdf |
HSTA 2/12/2026 3:15:00 PM |
HB 124 |
| HB 124 Amendment 20 HSTA.pdf |
HSTA 2/12/2026 3:15:00 PM |
HB 124 |
| CSHB 124 STA Fiscal Note DCCED-AIDEA-02-12-26.pdf |
HSTA 2/12/2026 3:15:00 PM |
HB 124 |