Legislature(2025 - 2026)BELTZ 105 (TSBldg)
02/03/2026 01:30 PM Senate COMMUNITY & REGIONAL AFFAIRS
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| Audio | Topic |
|---|---|
| Start | |
| HB26 | |
| SB129 | |
| Adjourn |
* first hearing in first committee of referral
+ teleconferenced
= bill was previously heard/scheduled
+ teleconferenced
= bill was previously heard/scheduled
| += | SB 129 | TELECONFERENCED | |
| += | HB 26 | TELECONFERENCED | |
SB 129-PAYMENT OF CONTRACTS
1:35:29 PM
CHAIR MERRICK reconvened the meeting and announced the
consideration of SENATE BILL NO. 129 "An Act establishing a 30-
day deadline for the payment of contracts under the State
Procurement Code; establishing deadlines for the payment of
grants, contracts, and reimbursement agreements to nonprofit
organizations, municipalities, and Alaska Native organizations;
relating to payment of grants to named recipients that are not
municipalities; and providing for an effective date."
CHAIR MERRICK said this is the fourth hearing of SB 129 in the
Senate Community and Regional Affairs Committee. She invited the
bill sponsor to put himself on the record to briefly reintroduce
the bill.
1:35:52 PM
SENATOR SCOTT KAWASAKI, District P, Alaska State Legislature,
Juneau, Alaska, sponsor of SB 129, expressed appreciation to
committee members for their willingness to move the bill
forward. He said SB 129 is a good business bill and a good
government bill. He explained that the intent of SB 129 is to
improve efficiency and ensure State contractors are paid in a
timely manner.
1:36:24 PM
CHAIR MERRICK invited committee members to ask questions.
1:36:29 PM
SENATOR YUNDT sought confirmation that SB 129 defines prompt
payment as 30 days.
1:36:40 PM
JENNA COLQUHOUN, Staff, Senator Scott Kawasaki, Alaska State
Legislature, Juneau, Alaska, answered in the affirmative,
stating 30 days is the deadline.
1:36:50 PM
SENATOR YUNDT expressed appreciation for the bill's intent but
raised concerns about the pressure a 30-day deadline could place
on accounting offices. He said that during a given month,
accounting offices experience periods of heavy workload, and
coupled with holidays, the 30-day deadline could create
complications. He indicated that he recommended an amendment
extending the deadline to 45 to 59 days and said it is something
to consider to improve the bill.
1:37:48 PM
CHAIR MERRICK solicited the will of the committee.
1:37:50 PM
SENATOR DUNBAR moved to report SB 129, work order [34-LS0690\N,]
from committee with individual recommendations and attached
fiscal note(s) and authorized Legislative Legal Services to make
conforming changes.
1:38:07 PM
At ease.
1:38:23 PM
[CHAIR MERRICK reconvened the meeting.]
SENATOR DUNBAR clarified that the work order number is 34-
LS0690\N.
1:38:35 PM
CHAIR MERRICK found no objection and SB 129 was reported from
the Senate Community and Regional Affairs Standing Committee.
| Document Name | Date/Time | Subjects |
|---|---|---|
| SB129 - Public Testimony Rec'd SCRA 2.2026.pdf |
SCRA 2/3/2026 1:30:00 PM |
SB 129 |