[{"_1":2,"_124":-5,"_125":-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",[32,76,88,100,112],{"_33":34,"_35":36,"_37":38,"_39":40,"_41":42,"_43":44,"_45":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,"_75":74},"mediaId",6053943,"mediaKeyId","3342341-0862f757654c14b35d2a35d9b760ff6f","parentId",3342341,"title","Committee reports out bill to add minority member seats on Legislative Council and Budget & Audit","audioSeconds",288,"startMs",3639000,"endMs",3927000,"viewUrl","/Search/View?dp=1&key=3342341-0862f757654c14b35d2a35d9b760ff6f&start=3639&end=3927","thumbnailUrl","https://assets.pipeline.soar.com/3342341-0862f757654c14b35d2a35d9b760ff6f/thumbnail_3639000.jpg","articleUrl","/articles/6053943/Alaska/Committee-reports-out-bill-to-add-minority-member-seats-on-Legislative-Council-and-Budget-Audit","mediaUrl","https://secure.pipeline.soar.com/6053943-9432753121e2d04bf716d903d211c318/orig.mp4?Expires=1775465340&Signature=LWC08yHKRendidKkzU2WMXLbaALhKT~7CKpKTlFzAXbKDMDSv~0aU7zhWgc0gkcCya1L3KZ3G9xBMEQMB5jDewliIC57OAw5HDFX95fACQ~i~cxUO7PAm9HJv-Uqb7enTXyjL-bXq2X8AYI3J2gWvo-8tuTmuFDHl0wHJeeSNApc8n6is6myMBBNUY-gAEuG8xL-hAweo~2EpzV8rsPauQ9z275Aehycl0szrkqWkeCwAzYhi-IV6WEqp~QUTQcRGoIO-aHMMTjK~-xCsRZ4xuDtkda4Nv5xYvgCpFVApht59uZQ-og8ApWdVibnCfND5ismf4NZfbMiry8mEkOc3w__&Key-Pair-Id=KUT5TJCACFTXG","author","Alaska Legislature","date","2025-05-15T00:00:00Z","article","Senate State Affairs on May 15 reported out Senate Bill 160, a measure to guarantee the minority party in each legislative chamber a seat on the Legislative Council and the Legislative Budget and Audit Committee, subject to a 25% minority rule.

Sponsor Sen. Mike Schauer described SB 160 as \"simple\" and focused on allowing a minority member from each body to serve on the two committees while maintaining a 25% rule provision to ensure the minority constitutes at least 25% of the appointing body. \"It simply allows a minority in each body to have a member on [Legislative Budget and Audit] and on the Legislative Council,\" Schauer told the committee.

Senator Grama Jackson moved that the committee report the bill out with individual recommendations and an attached fiscal note of zero. The committee proceeded without objection and SB 160, work draft 34, was reported out of committee with individual recommendations and the attached zero fiscal note. Legislative Affairs Agency staff prepared the fiscal note and recorded it as zero because the measure does not increase the number of committee members.

The sponsor noted the bill had been carried in prior sessions but had not reached final passage. The committee took no additional public testimony on the item and recorded the motion to report out without objection.

SB 160 will proceed in the legislative process with the committee's report and the attached zero fiscal note.","mediaType","Video","parentTitle","05/15/2025 03:30 PM Senate STATE AFFAIRS","oneSentenceSummary","Senate Bill 160, to ensure a minority member from each legislative chamber may sit on Legislative Council and Legislative Budget & Audit (with a 25% minority threshold), was reported out of the Senate State Affairs Committee with individual recommendations and a zero fiscal note.","taxTitle","2025 Legislature Alaska, Alaska","taxId",78559,"location","Alaska","headline","","shortSummary",{"_33":77,"_35":36,"_37":38,"_39":78,"_41":79,"_43":80,"_45":81,"_47":82,"_49":83,"_51":84,"_53":85,"_55":56,"_57":58,"_59":86,"_61":62,"_63":64,"_65":87,"_67":68,"_69":70,"_71":72,"_73":74,"_75":74},6053948,"Committee hears House Joint Resolution 13 seeking renewed U.S. special immigrant visa efforts for Afghans",550,2292000,2842000,"/Search/View?dp=1&key=3342341-0862f757654c14b35d2a35d9b760ff6f&start=2292&end=2842","https://assets.pipeline.soar.com/3342341-0862f757654c14b35d2a35d9b760ff6f/thumbnail_2292000.jpg","/articles/6053948/Alaska/Committee-hears-House-Joint-Resolution-13-seeking-renewed-US-special-immigrant-visa-efforts-for-Afghans","https://secure.pipeline.soar.com/6053948-93de6253daacbdb93346d7b73b0b154c/orig.mp4?Expires=1775465340&Signature=o7d8fe-Z0oWGdgeqC~-GyQyXbNImMbNBwa8buV3rlEU9FQB4lD0Tj6enhT-O8FXzb3bM2rdW1jv0-gA8zo6hgp7GiEPoPVsmhMgYsvYWBR83VV~meP1quxNK3XERGoUOjJ4DN5sQBfYMoStTfzW-3Acke~IY-j80uZxsn7cthEx8Rx6qyT4rFIpBNV3y1AjMiME8wy3GIxI1drJmoif34O3up4GvDNYcf4-QEfwK8IO0ZJgkgjGW5SQVtEckHZX805uCLorMLnvO7c6lqm8lrmaS3ACOpOlWiPSuKHFa3cA5w53HKxZJF-BQoHSBUqwjRb~b58782D1pSYZUGujMTg__&Key-Pair-Id=KUT5TJCACFTXG","The Senate State Affairs Committee on May 15 heard House Joint Resolution 13, which urges federal authorities to reinstate or accelerate the special immigrant visa (SIV) program for Afghans who provided vital support to U.S. forces and now face danger under Taliban rule.

Representative Will Stapp, sponsor, described the resolution as an appeal to the federal administration to \"reinstat[e] the program\" that once allowed interpreters and other allies to come to the United States with their families. \"So many afghan interpreters and service members that assisted our forces during Operation Enduring Freedom... ended up leaving many of those individuals who had approved special immigrant visas behind,\" Stapp said during the presentation.

Staffer Henry Thompson summarized the program's statutory history: an SIV program for Iraqi and Afghan interpreters began in 2006, expanded in 2008 and 2009, and the Afghan principal visa pool ultimately accounted for tens of thousands of approvals for principal and derivative visas. Thompson said processing and transport delays following the rapid collapse of the Afghan government impeded getting applicants and visa-holders safely to the United States.

During questioning, the sponsor acknowledged that vetting is rigorous and that many applicants must demonstrate service with U.S. forces; he and his staff said records sometimes exist in U.S. files even when applicants destroyed physical documents. The committee did not receive public testimony in the hearing and set the resolution aside for a future meeting.

The resolution asks federal authorities to review program processing and to consider measures to reunify Afghans who supported U.S. missions with their families in the United States.","House Joint Resolution 13 asks federal authorities to reinstate or expedite special immigrant visa processing for Afghans who assisted U.S. forces; sponsor and staff described the historical SIV program and asked the committee to support an appeal to the federal government; the resolution was set aside for later consideration.",{"_33":89,"_35":36,"_37":38,"_39":90,"_41":91,"_43":92,"_45":93,"_47":94,"_49":95,"_51":96,"_53":97,"_55":56,"_57":58,"_59":98,"_61":62,"_63":64,"_65":99,"_67":68,"_69":70,"_71":72,"_73":74,"_75":74},6053952,"Committee hears House Bill 17 to let totally and permanently disabled veterans access PERS retirement earlier",874,1455000,2329000,"/Search/View?dp=1&key=3342341-0862f757654c14b35d2a35d9b760ff6f&start=1455&end=2329","https://assets.pipeline.soar.com/3342341-0862f757654c14b35d2a35d9b760ff6f/thumbnail_1455000.jpg","/articles/6053952/Alaska/Committee-hears-House-Bill-17-to-let-totally-and-permanently-disabled-veterans-access-PERS-retirement-earlier","https://secure.pipeline.soar.com/6053952-88c56ae5a2cbd045ae221169b7f08406/orig.mp4?Expires=1775465340&Signature=OJNtMaUCbB48a9uhGLrFm5hKH1hIJee9PBHIkihRnJwZzQLt5FAAwPK4A73synipnh1FTd~KpH3QORkDj9J4nvlgSgmbkReFQfJZhrPh4d2BRSvAV0Bljof-SI840VtWPQNZkidNbnhka1idm~Epay3-8EyWGQnMTQWM9iKY~qhRctjq4XJxsBRKIayTXsLh7VVvu5YNWMZb4p2KMNpaEF34-Yk82jBt45V6zKU7Av~vJ7vTOMY3habAZzXmLuAy76q9hIG3EcqxzLXplumMDhvTlPgCbFyOavpIvFvgDryHhbqkO~Ns5sNVfU4JRLLqIlfXPR8sJwJBAHET9IuDHg__&Key-Pair-Id=KUT5TJCACFTXG","The Senate State Affairs Committee on May 15 took testimony on House Bill 17, which would allow Alaskan public employees who are rated by the U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs as totally and permanently disabled from a service-connected condition to take PERS retirement so long as they have at least five years of credited service.

\"This bill does not create new benefits. It simply removes existing barriers so that eligible disabled veterans can retire with dignity and stability they've earned through both public and military service,\" Craig Valdez, chief of staff to Rep. Rauscher, told the committee. Valdez said the bill permits purchase of military service as allowed under current PERS rules to count toward the five-year minimum.

Testimony from veterans underscored the bill's purpose. Mark Weisenhundt of Palmer testified the measure recognizes hardships faced by totally and permanently disabled veterans who often struggle to maintain employment; he estimated up to 48 PERS members might be eligible though the retirement division does not track exact numbers. Austin Flavin, also of Palmer, described his military service, a subsequent diagnosis he attributes to service conditions, and his desire to access retirement benefits earlier. Both witnesses asked the committee to support the bill.

Mindy Voigt, deputy director of the Division of Retirement and Benefits, told the committee that as written \"there is no cost to claim, to pay for this bill.\" She clarified that the bill would create an obligation for the retirement system if eligible members claim the benefit, which could increase unfunded liability for the plan: \"The ultimate cost would be this plan... would pay this benefit, which would lead to unfunded liability,\" Voigt said.

Committee members asked for clarification about how disability would be verified; staff said the administration envisions using a VA form (DD 214 and VA rating evidence) and a 100 percent VA rating as the likely method to determine eligibility. The bill does not alter health benefits rules: retirement medical benefits remain subject to existing statutes that generally require 10 or more years of service for eligibility and early retirees would pay the full premium until they meet statutory thresholds.

No vote was taken; the committee set House Bill 17 aside for a future hearing to allow additional review and potential fiscal analysis.","House Bill 17 would allow Alaskans rated by the U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs as totally and permanently service-connected disabled to take PERS retirement if they have at least five years of credited service; the committee took testimony and set the bill aside for a future hearing.",{"_33":101,"_35":36,"_37":38,"_39":102,"_41":103,"_43":104,"_45":105,"_47":106,"_49":107,"_51":108,"_53":109,"_55":56,"_57":58,"_59":110,"_61":62,"_63":64,"_65":111,"_67":68,"_69":70,"_71":72,"_73":74,"_75":74},6053957,"Committee hears testimony urging Congress to extend voting and commissioning rights to American Samoans",841,599000,1440000,"/Search/View?dp=1&key=3342341-0862f757654c14b35d2a35d9b760ff6f&start=599&end=1440","https://assets.pipeline.soar.com/3342341-0862f757654c14b35d2a35d9b760ff6f/thumbnail_599000.jpg","/articles/6053957/Alaska/Committee-hears-testimony-urging-Congress-to-extend-voting-and-commissioning-rights-to-American-Samoans","https://secure.pipeline.soar.com/6053957-cbb5562fe0eea6090efe6c2cdba70134/orig.mp4?Expires=1775465340&Signature=eATmtnP2JfLpKnzOO14TIywPoFo3tjik-sW5MxCdKXSDWg5Mrf17Z21t3VryMeQhCzjf1PcReNRrfwI9SgrwKay5E-tjCE~AYVs74hFOBv4wXcF91GWzzdve5Ie8dUkET7hyU~uyoL6GO8DHLt~uOpZ0Zw4g4zo0E2XpeEp~TqEZJ3SYjTEd0w24Zbxebi4PCMEH2CNL97DJ4rv7W2Lv8r8s~Ho9rerhGg9UDfcvgTeHPOTFanl4pRQM4ffkzO6fxc~SP3F-hajoikukRwVest00CRGa7qOVcSjkYELhl9stoUV5pUNH2Am3bLUp9TphDKVC1ToAADqgd1oE9rxsAw__&Key-Pair-Id=KUT5TJCACFTXG","Senate State Affairs on May 15 heard testimony on Senate Resolution 3, which urges the U.S. Congress to grant American Samoans the right to serve as commissioned officers in U.S. uniformed services and to vote in federal elections.

\"I'm here to present Senate Resolution 3, which urges The United States Congress to grant American Samoans the ability to serve as commissioned officers in the uniform services of The United States and the right to vote in federal elections,\" Maxine LaBerge, staff to Sen. Wilikowski, said to open the item. LaBerge said the resolution grew out of requests from community members and that local leaders were available to testify.

Testimony included a retired U.S. Army veteran from American Samoa who described military service and asked the committee to \"fight for fair treatment of the American Samoans to have the same rights that are currently offered to similar territories of The United States Of America.\" Charles Alai Lima, identified as associated with Right to Democracy in Washington, outlined the historical and legal context, citing the Fourteenth Amendment and the complex statutory history that leaves American Samoans classified as U.S. nationals rather than citizens. Safirisa Noa Solea Hoa, executive director of Pacific Community of Alaska, urged committee support and noted the community's continued military service and civic contributions.

Speakers described confusion across federal and state agencies over the status of American Samoans, saying the limited statutory exception for the territory has consequences for passports, security clearances, benefits and service eligibility. Lima told committee members the limited status has created \"major confusion for many state and federal government agencies, including here in Alaska.\" Testifiers said the resolution is intended as a formal appeal to Congress to address citizenship and related service restrictions.

No committee vote was taken. After testimony the committee set Senate Resolution 3 aside for further hearing and possible action at a later date.","Senate Resolution 3, urging Congress to allow American Samoans to serve as commissioned officers and to vote in federal elections, drew testimony from veterans and community leaders; the resolution was set aside for a later hearing.",{"_33":113,"_35":36,"_37":38,"_39":114,"_41":115,"_43":116,"_45":117,"_47":118,"_49":119,"_51":120,"_53":121,"_55":56,"_57":58,"_59":122,"_61":62,"_63":64,"_65":123,"_67":68,"_69":70,"_71":72,"_73":74,"_75":74},6053962,"Senate State Affairs adopts committee substitute for Alaska Sunset Commission bill",170,0,170000,"/Search/View?dp=1&key=3342341-0862f757654c14b35d2a35d9b760ff6f&start=0&end=170","https://assets.pipeline.soar.com/3342341-0862f757654c14b35d2a35d9b760ff6f/thumbnail_0.jpg","/articles/6053962/Alaska/Senate-State-Affairs-adopts-committee-substitute-for-Alaska-Sunset-Commission-bill","https://secure.pipeline.soar.com/6053962-6d9cdf76201f8ca2a5a1a5820bb1a9d3/orig.mp4?Expires=1775465340&Signature=WMY0e0oCGVT8EYH4pC-8laL~PoGDHjAkwutOvhYn7l9FidKX2zxYhcn5CLRhkg4Z7aHHRA-c82isprzovs66ppoHip-cPjqT8gikZleU58gQxkvBjzvaKBGVkn3F4qT1XIvDMfIdpVGl8-Ma8IXmmFN4b8wMqpcDGAfRHJGdTBGGLhTqeaGTNbuPVE8zYTARq9FD2rGzIMRarbfkY7IO0P0YCmiwEYeX99kNGlDDCc3iRdq~-~Vo3g8BCQyt2bsC6l46Nn38M-YJ8wXzQIOvLZn7QL~0KavfHV6bDxOY~2CXmJT0YEznUu3wzinF8l~DW1XOQJjur6C7N70UqO0bfw__&Key-Pair-Id=KUT5TJCACFTXG","The Senate State Affairs Committee on May 15 adopted a committee substitute for Senate Bill 107, the measure to revise the Alaska Sunset Commission's membership removal process and expand the commission's review authority to include tax credits.

The committee substitute, adopted as the working document after brief discussion, would \"provide that the governor may only remove a member of the sunset commission for cause and [establish] a process to do so,\" staff to the committee Joe Hayes told members. Hayes also said the substitute \"adds tax credits to the list of programs the commission shall review and prepare recommendations as to whether they should be discontinued or changed.\"

The change to removal authority is on page 4 of the working draft and the tax-credit addition appears on page 5, Hayes said during the committee meeting. A senator moved to adopt the committee substitute; the chair initially objected for purposes of discussion, then withdrew the objection after Hayes summarized the changes and members had no additional comments. The document was adopted as the committee's working draft and the bill was set aside for a future hearing when Senator Wilikowski is available.

Committee discussion during the meeting was procedural and limited to the text in the substitute. No public testimony was received during the session. The committee will take further testimony and consider the bill again at a later date, when the sponsor or additional stakeholders can be present.

The committee did not vote on final passage; the substitute was adopted as the working draft and the bill held over for a subsequent hearing.

The Alaska Sunset Commission reviews state programs to determine whether they should continue; the substitute explicitly adds state tax credits to the commission's review list and narrows the governor's removal authority for commission members.","The Senate State Affairs Committee adopted a committee substitute for Senate Bill 107, which would change removal procedures for Sunset Commission members and add tax credits to the commission's review list; the bill was set aside for a later hearing.","actionData","errors"]

Article not found

Committee reports out bill to add minority member seats on Legislative Council and Budget & Audit

Committee hears House Joint Resolution 13 seeking renewed U.S. special immigrant visa efforts for Afghans

Committee hears House Bill 17 to let totally and permanently disabled veterans access PERS retirement earlier

Committee hears testimony urging Congress to extend voting and commissioning rights to American Samoans

Senate State Affairs adopts committee substitute for Alaska Sunset Commission bill