Bill would update statutes to guarantee organized caucus representation on Legislative Council and budget/audit committee

Juneau — Senate Bill 160, presented May 1 to the Senate State Affairs Committee, would amend Alaska statutes governing Legislative Council and the Legislative Budget and Audit Committee to ensure organized caucuses that comprise at least 25% of a chamber’s membership receive representation on those panels.

Sponsor Senator Mike Schauer told the committee the bill updates membership rules to reflect modern caucusing practice and the results of ballot measure changes that allow candidates to run without listing a party. “SB160 seeks to update the membership statutes for both Legislative Council and the LBNA committee to reflect these changes in law and practice to ensure fair caucus representation on these committees,” the sponsor said.

Scott Crawford, legislative counsel for the senate minority, explained the measure’s sections: it would amend AS 24.20.020 to include at least one member of a minority caucus on Legislative Council (language drawn from Senate uniform rules); amend AS 24.21.061 to include at least one minority member on the Legislative Budget and Audit Committee and change “chairman” to “chair;” and add a statutory definition of “minority” as an organized group that elects leadership and represents at least 25% of the chamber.

Schauer and witnesses said the change is intended to protect representation for organized minority caucuses in situations where majorities are coalitions that include members from both parties, which can leave organized minority caucuses without a statutory guarantee of committee seats.

The committee set an amendment deadline for SB160 (materials requested by next Monday, close of business) and otherwise set the bill aside for further work. No public testimony was offered May 1.