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.]