[{"_1":2,"_111":-5,"_112":-5},"loaderData",{"_3":4,"_26":27},"root",{"_5":6,"_17":10,"_18":19,"_20":21,"_22":10,"_23":-5,"_24":-5,"_25":10},"user",{"_7":8,"_9":10,"_11":10,"_12":-5,"_13":-5,"_14":15,"_16":-5},"roles",[],"isAuthenticated",false,"isPremium","planName","subscriptionStatus","featureFlags",{},"insightsBudget","isDevelopmentHost","userPreferences",{},"recaptchaSiteKey","6LcvOJcUAAAAAHsB-gPGfGktcRlKpH7OTIU_dMTD","isImpersonating","impersonation","affiliateStatus","isFreedomPortal","routes/v2/article/layout",{"_28":29,"_30":31},"notFound",true,"relatedArticles",[32,75,87,99],{"_33":34,"_35":36,"_37":38,"_39":40,"_41":42,"_43":44,"_45":44,"_46":47,"_48":49,"_50":51,"_52":53,"_54":55,"_56":57,"_58":59,"_60":61,"_62":63,"_64":65,"_66":67,"_68":69,"_70":71,"_72":73,"_74":73},"mediaId",6242603,"mediaKeyId","3247352-c9aac011b5c04c231afb2d845bb74326","parentId",3247352,"title","Committee hears second presentation on HB1 to recognize gold and silver specie as legal tender; amendment deadline set","audioSeconds",0,"startMs",5717000,"endMs","viewUrl","/Search/View?dp=1&key=3247352-c9aac011b5c04c231afb2d845bb74326&start=5717&end=5717","thumbnailUrl","https://assets.pipeline.soar.com/3247352-c9aac011b5c04c231afb2d845bb74326/thumbnail_5717000.jpg","articleUrl","/articles/6242603/Alaska/Committee-hears-second-presentation-on-HB1-to-recognize-gold-and-silver-specie-as-legal-tender-amendment-deadline-set","mediaUrl","https://secure.pipeline.soar.com/6242603-0ed9521f04dbd1e420d1c73f84c501ed/orig.mp4?Expires=1775915990&Signature=L6bpSkdsT~mBxWkuxV5Kvq8MAh4FbGGjbhOKIVuTxteFVWD90MU-wKGZaTwZv39nwuHndSYijOyRLNALZw-8Hd3OggD5GrLh~MLiwG-mAY-5ybGxUxmrEzHDgm2IYMuiCbwQ2S0UcXTCTWdBpsJdkvafOhURuacRVl5uvtrqdoATgazEcko~dk66ITr45qT9B6eLnYU~XR3bSZuFBdjyKMZbBKYO0raedLnuiS-ubgiXFkZPhylH3kdnRVmSgLvWq~eGX816nHAdXKWVQCCb3uq-96euIvt8XOjxv8Yf-Csm1wIrMNTkycnOnOdpR4a6MAtTHoet3i36oDtTF4Jf6A__&Key-Pair-Id=KUT5TJCACFTXG","author","Alaska Legislature","date","2025-05-08T00:00:00Z","article","Representative Kevin McCabe reintroduced House Bill 1 on May 8, 2025, in House State Affairs. HB 1 would recognize gold and silver specie as legal tender in Alaska, and the committee set an amendment deadline of Monday, May 12 at 5:00 p.m.

“HB 1 is about choice, not mandates. No one is required to use gold or silver,” Representative McCabe told the committee, describing the bill as affirming Alaskans’ ability to use sound money under constitutional principles. He positioned the measure as enabling the use of physical gold and silver as a form of payment consistent with Article I, Section 10 of the U.S. Constitution.

Members asked about consumer protections and how value would be determined in transactions. Vice Chair Story noted a Department of Commerce, Community and Economic Development response that the state “does not currently accept cryptocurrency as a valid form of payment for any debts, dues or obligations,” and that cryptocurrency must first be converted to U.S. dollars. The sponsor and invited testifiers clarified this bill addresses physical gold and silver specie, not cryptocurrency.

Larry Hilton, co‑founder and general counsel of Goldback Inc., described Goldbacks as negotiable instruments redeemable for U.S. Minted gold dollars and said the product incorporates multiple anti‑counterfeit features and is already accepted by some merchants nationally. He said the specie’s paper‑dollar equivalent would typically be set by market negotiation or by reference to spot gold pricing and that merchants and apps exist to show current exchange values.

Committee members raised several practical questions: whether contractors’ payments and taxes differ when paid in specie, how merchants and consumers would agree on conversion rates, and whether the state’s designation would create additional consumer protections. Representative McCabe responded that protections are similar to existing protections for other currencies and that reputable vendors and security features provide buyer safeguards. The committee did not vote on the bill; rather it set the amendment deadline and encouraged members to submit amendments for consideration.

The committee indicated it may consider HB1 further later in session and will accept amendments up to the May 12 deadline.","mediaType","Video","parentTitle","05/08/2025 03:15 PM House STATE AFFAIRS","oneSentenceSummary","Representative Kevin McCabe reintroduced HB1, which would recognize gold and silver specie as legal tender. Committee set an amendment deadline of May 12 at 5:00 p.m. and heard invited testimony from private proponents and industry representatives on consumer protections and valuation.","taxTitle","2025 Legislature Alaska, Alaska","taxId",78559,"location","Alaska","headline","","shortSummary",{"_33":76,"_35":36,"_37":38,"_39":77,"_41":78,"_43":79,"_45":80,"_46":81,"_48":82,"_50":83,"_52":84,"_54":55,"_56":57,"_58":85,"_60":61,"_62":63,"_64":86,"_66":67,"_68":69,"_70":71,"_72":73,"_74":73},6242608,"Committee advances \"Kathleen's Law\" to increase penalties for failing to report violent crimes; trafficking amendment fails",1401,3673000,5074000,"/Search/View?dp=1&key=3247352-c9aac011b5c04c231afb2d845bb74326&start=3673&end=5074","https://assets.pipeline.soar.com/3247352-c9aac011b5c04c231afb2d845bb74326/thumbnail_3673000.jpg","/articles/6242608/Alaska/Committee-advances-Kathleens-Law-to-increase-penalties-for-failing-to-report-violent-crimes-trafficking-amendment-fails","https://secure.pipeline.soar.com/6242608-aa44afd43822611db71a552ac3f5737d/orig.mp4?Expires=1775915990&Signature=KTWATrxOQOtMG-puVqJo-uQ4wYZFf0YuZ2hjSbMcmE8BN8Ljr19ba879BMyq2gAl2gDlpNQu-vIE3Nahuf54HQEtQd6acxdC2-shGGZZcthhrqWb2SLess4jEbWajQnJSX0ggI~5XpdG5zujF2u1Ji52uoszICI-oi9BLY7jEY99BZm8K5MU-KrrkOjd4THIybDHEf9Zc2hopxRQ90qtqRu-jGeNY9JC0Ep8965W9N1yWIBDoOlo1j0EjXG0axePrFYt5ORkrFv4Bd8nsQYval8QnMIxXygK8VTE4Cdqoy2uttZJzM-lEPnhT9714wLYariwPbfEXbq68bLJmSjz5g__&Key-Pair-Id=KUT5TJCACFTXG","The House State Affairs Committee voted to move House Bill 170, a measure to increase penalties for failing to report violent crimes, out of committee on May 8, 2025. The sponsor described the bill as an accountability measure aimed at ensuring silence does not shield perpetrators, and linked the proposal to efforts addressing missing and murdered Indigenous persons.

Representative Robin Burke, sponsor of HB 170, said the bill “seeks to increase penalties for failing to report violent crimes committed against adults. This bill is an accountability, justice, and ensuring that silence in the face of violence no longer shields perpetrators from consequences.” She invoked the bill’s association with the effort known in testimony as “Kathleen's Law.”

Representative Vance offered Amendment 1 to add first‑degree human trafficking and first‑degree sex trafficking to the list of violent crimes that must be reported. He said those offenses constitute “human slavery” and belong on the list. Representative Burke said she opposed adding the trafficking language at this stage, citing concerns that the change could inadvertently criminalize bystanders who witness unclear conduct and do not recognize trafficking.

Legal advisers and witnesses clarified statutory terms. Nancy Mead, general counsel for the Alaska Court System, noted that the statutes in question list specific offenses for the failure‑to‑report provision and that \"violent crime\" is not generally defined by a single statute. Casey Schroeder, senior assistant attorney general with the Department of Law, explained the knowledge standard the state would have to prove in a prosecution: a witness must have observed conduct they knew, or reasonably should have known, was a listed violent offense. She said the legislature is free to add offenses to the statute, but prosecutions would require evidence the witness knew the nature of the offense.

The committee voted on Amendment 1 by roll call; the clerk recorded 2 yeas and 5 nays and the amendment failed. Following additional brief discussion, Vice Chair Story moved that HB 170 be moved from committee with individual recommendations and attached fiscal notes. With no objection recorded, the bill was reported out of committee.

The committee record shows the bill will continue to its next referral for further consideration. The transcript shows the committee heard and debated whether trafficking statutes (AS 11.41.360 for human trafficking in the first degree and related statutes for sex trafficking) should be added to the list of violent crimes for purposes of the failure‑to‑report offense.","House Bill 170, which increases penalties for failing to report violent crimes, was moved from committee after debate. An amendment to add first‑degree human and sex trafficking to the list of reportable violent crimes failed on a 2‑5 roll call.",{"_33":88,"_35":36,"_37":38,"_39":89,"_41":90,"_43":91,"_45":92,"_46":93,"_48":94,"_50":95,"_52":96,"_54":55,"_56":57,"_58":97,"_60":61,"_62":63,"_64":98,"_66":67,"_68":69,"_70":71,"_72":73,"_74":73},6242613,"Committee hears bill to restrict release of public employee personal information; sponsors to return with more testimony",2487,1266000,3753000,"/Search/View?dp=1&key=3247352-c9aac011b5c04c231afb2d845bb74326&start=1266&end=3753","https://assets.pipeline.soar.com/3247352-c9aac011b5c04c231afb2d845bb74326/thumbnail_1266000.jpg","/articles/6242613/Alaska/Committee-hears-bill-to-restrict-release-of-public-employee-personal-information-sponsors-to-return-with-more-testimony","https://secure.pipeline.soar.com/6242613-04c2351e6793c72e0d9b415601f1de70/orig.mp4?Expires=1775915990&Signature=WHD75W2RVSPUFF9pqztZJcDjcP6NTT5xsTJbouUw8W4sPQxmKFeTkhqSVDO0xsXQmuQ9aM~m3n~MajUsZXTYq8m1XaMKfXJyNdo4udIYPiB~zw1VoLjrqLNho8S8Z-9mPbVbewZX7vrv320HuPA-hGYdYRCgBlurJ0NsD3U2BgzaoxRey-a0ePLwte9u2cw5YTkss5UYJIGlYsXz4ZXBIDaVBmx-1Fl-0CCGS7JfzA4qZb9lmfd~NaiT7v6hIEQi-6P5NgpKN8~v31qTM8wTq6svOGHlN8-OZxMN5AUW849KHJj7VQHEg9leRDrwrgb1e54kyd5wVXcHsqIsXA6jCQ__&Key-Pair-Id=KUT5TJCACFTXG","Representative Carolyn Hall, sponsor of House Bill 146, presented the measure on May 8, 2025, to the House State Affairs Committee in Room 120. HB 146 would prohibit public employers and their agents from disclosing certain personal information of public employees, and would amend provisions in Title 23 and the public records statute.

“A right to privacy is guaranteed in Alaska's constitution,” Representative Hall told the committee. She said HB 146 would expand AS 23.40.110 (unfair labor practices) and add a conforming change to AS 40.25.120 (public records) to prohibit release of home addresses, dates of birth, personal phone numbers and emails, union and bargaining-unit membership, and certain charitable payroll deduction histories to the public.

Heidi Dragas, executive director of the Alaska State Employees Association (ASCA) Local 52, testified in support and described privacy as a safety issue. “Releasing personal details such as home addresses, phone numbers, or email addresses can put workers at risk of harassment, identity theft, and worse,” Dragas said. She added the bill “does not eliminate public transparency around job titles, salaries, or employment status,” but seeks to keep personal contact details private.

Members asked multiple procedural and scope questions. Representative McCabe argued that privacy protections traditionally belong in collective bargaining agreements and expressed concern about elevating public employees’ protections above those of private-sector workers. Representative Hall replied the bill addresses records that are uniquely subject to the Alaska Public Records Act and thus applies to all public employees, whether unionized or not.

Representative Holland sought clarification on workplace directories and contractors. Representative Hall said the intent is that agency public directories (work email and office phone) remain available for public contact, and that the statute’s language—“a public employer or an agent of a public employer may not”—is intended to reach contractors in some circumstances. Heidi Dragas said, based on her experience, contractors typically are not listed in the state employee directory.

Representative Vance asked that the sponsor bring additional witnesses representing a broader set of public employers. Chair Kerrick said the committee would set HB 146 aside and revisit it with additional invited testimony at a future hearing, including public testimony scheduled for the committee’s next meeting.

The discussion clarified the bill’s stated aim to protect personal contact details while preserving job-title and salary transparency. The committee did not take a formal vote on HB 146 and left the measure pending further vetting and invited testimony.","Representative Carolyn Hall introduced HB146 to prohibit public disclosure of certain personal information of public employees; testimony from Alaska State Employees Association cited safety risks. Committee set the bill aside for further vetting and invited additional witnesses.",{"_33":100,"_35":36,"_37":38,"_39":101,"_41":102,"_43":103,"_45":104,"_46":105,"_48":106,"_50":107,"_52":108,"_54":55,"_56":57,"_58":109,"_60":61,"_62":63,"_64":110,"_66":67,"_68":69,"_70":71,"_72":73,"_74":73},6242618,"House State Affairs advances bill recognizing Hispanic Heritage Month",330,826000,1156000,"/Search/View?dp=1&key=3247352-c9aac011b5c04c231afb2d845bb74326&start=826&end=1156","https://assets.pipeline.soar.com/3247352-c9aac011b5c04c231afb2d845bb74326/thumbnail_826000.jpg","/articles/6242618/Alaska/House-State-Affairs-advances-bill-recognizing-Hispanic-Heritage-Month","https://secure.pipeline.soar.com/6242618-8eca041dfb8cbe3c941b2c657e67a604/orig.mp4?Expires=1775915990&Signature=Ji7W3W0VYGSVwNWfrDKwmHoCyNSSW9kb6AtjqFXsd68aZZ2ffSbSdHiFyKPsqlajKvShWMipS3l8jzkH8T5qI21MKSuiQDO11TJKrlEf-Wlie1z4WlR0Z4Xg-DelJdzOjitwe7-DUotNcazL6JSwUo3VDL57rxdKLbAgSGQKuG-BMcoXYV60ei9dwhlvTt~wXlSfxCl9iRXjYN--~I8dYTTx2Y~VvyrVxiMrXyO6z9WzeYNvt6fYWTy6WZdeVPZuVMzJVhRUunYu~gTREbXXjxz-F9HAjbA-XfX3n4TlqIS5UbRg6FiLhgf0WcYyqMbDjd3s-8XO-jV3n1o~bHx77A__&Key-Pair-Id=KUT5TJCACFTXG","The House State Affairs Committee moved Senate Bill 40, a measure to recognize Hispanic Heritage Month, out of committee by unanimous consent on May 8, 2025, in Room 120 of the State Capitol.

Sen. Grama Jackson, representing District G in Anchorage and sponsor of SB 40, told the committee, “By passing this bill, we could send a clearer message that Alaska values diversity, inclusivity, and the recognition of the many communities that contribute to our shared success. I respectfully ask for your support for senate bill 40.”

The bill drew brief discussion. Representative Vance asked the sponsor to identify notable Alaskans of Hispanic heritage the bill would highlight. Sen. Jackson replied that “every citizen in the state of Alaska… who are Hispanic are notable.” Representative Kevin McCabe noted a personal example, saying a member of his staff is Mexican and that is “notable to me.” No amendments were filed by the deadline set for May 7.

Representative Himshoo moved that SB 40 be moved from the House State Affairs Committee with individual recommendations and attached fiscal notes. With no objection, the committee approved the motion and the bill was reported out of committee.

The action sends SB 40 to its next committee or floor referral with the committee’s recommendations and any attached fiscal notes. Further debate or amendments could occur at subsequent referrals.","The House State Affairs Committee voted by unanimous consent to move Senate Bill 40, introduced by Sen. Grama Jackson, out of committee with individual recommendations and attached fiscal notes.","actionData","errors"]

Article not found

Committee hears second presentation on HB1 to recognize gold and silver specie as legal tender; amendment deadline set

Committee advances "Kathleen's Law" to increase penalties for failing to report violent crimes; trafficking amendment fails

Committee hears bill to restrict release of public employee personal information; sponsors to return with more testimony

House State Affairs advances bill recognizing Hispanic Heritage Month