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Committee hears bill to designate March as Alaska Women's History Month; amendment deadline set
Summary
Senate Bill 43, to officially designate March as Women's History Month in Alaska, received a first hearing Feb. 18 with sponsor testimony and support from the YWCA of Alaska and the Alaska Women's Leadership Forum. The committee set an amendment deadline and held the bill over for further consideration.
The Alaska Senate State Affairs Committee on Feb. 18 held a first hearing on Senate Bill 43, a measure that would add a new section to Alaska Statute 44.12 establishing March as Women’s History Month and encouraging observance by schools, community groups, public and private agencies and individuals.
Senator Elvi Gray‑Jackson, sponsor of SB 43 and representing District G in Anchorage, described the designation as a way to recognize and elevate the contributions of Alaska women past and present. “This recognition is long overdue,” she told the committee, noting that Alaska’s 2025 legislature includes a historic number of female legislators and that observance would create opportunities for education and celebration across the state.
Deirdre Gowans, staff to Senator Gray‑Jackson, read the bill’s single section into the record and told the committee the section “adds a new section to Alaska Statute 44.12” that establishes March as Women’s History Month and says it “may be observed by schools, community groups, and other public and private agencies, and individuals.” Gowans confirmed the bill does not have a fiscal note.
Invited testimony came from Jesse Lavoie, chief executive officer of the YWCA of Alaska, who said the organization has recognized women leaders for decades through events such as Women of Achievement. “Given the stats that we have here in Alaska… celebrating them in the month of March only makes sense,” Lavoie said. Teresa Jacobson of the Alaska Women’s Leadership Forum also testified in support, saying the designation would “create an opportunity for our state, our schools, communities, and organizations to recognize these contributions” and help inspire future leaders.
The committee set an amendment deadline for SB 43 of Thursday, Feb. 20, and held the bill over for a further hearing. No fiscal implications were reported at this hearing. Committee business then moved on to scheduling and upcoming presentations for future meetings.
SB 43 will return to Senate State Affairs for additional consideration and any amendments by the stated deadline.
