Senate committee advances SB63 to require district residency, add seat and change chair selection for local boundary commission

Senate Community and Regional Affairs Committee Chair Senator Merrick presided over a Feb. 18, 2025, committee meeting that advanced Senate Bill 63, a measure to change how Alaska's Local Boundary Commission is composed and how its chair is chosen. The committee moved the bill from committee by unanimous consent after brief discussion.

Senator Mike Kronk, sponsor of SB 63, told the committee the bill would require commissioners appointed from each of the four judicial districts to live and vote in the district that appoints them, create an additional seat on the commission, require that at least one commissioner come from an unorganized borough, and change the statute so that the commission chair is elected by members rather than being the at‑large member automatically.

The measure drew a question from Senator Grama Jackson about whether adding one seat would create an even number of commissioners and thus increase the likelihood of tied votes. Jackson asked, "Because then it would be an even number for situation when vote is tied. What's your thoughts on that?"

Paul Minkie, staff to Senator Kronk, responded that drafters had been careful not to upset the commission's balance and that they had not intended to "pack" the commission with unorganized‑borough members, but said, "if it is the will of the committee, we would be open to adding a 7 seat." That exchange shows staff were willing to consider changing the membership count if the committee preferred.

Senator Dunbar provided background on the bill's drafting process and why the at‑large seat had been retained in earlier discussions: officials at the division worried that removing the at‑large member would make it harder to find qualified appointees. Dunbar also cautioned about the practical effect of an even number of members: "An even number just means it's inherently more conservative. That is to say, the tie vote fails a measure."

After the brief discussion the committee took formal action. Senator Dunbar moved "Senate Bill 63 version 34 LS 04 22\alpha from committee with individual recommendations and accompanying fiscal note and authorized legislative legal services to make conforming changes." There was no objection; the chair declared SB 63 moved from committee. The committee did not record a roll‑call vote in the transcript; the motion was approved by voice/unanimous consent.

The meeting opened at 1:30 p.m. and the committee adjourned at 1:35 p.m. Committee members present at the start of the record included Senator Dunbar, Senator Grama Jackson, Senator Young and Chair Senator Merrick; Senator Olson was excused. Sponsor Senator Mike Kronk joined the table with staff to present the bill. Staff were asked to remain after adjournment to sign paperwork; members noted the committee will not meet next week because of finance budget subcommittee hearings.

Votes at a glance: SB 63 ' Moved from committee with individual recommendations and an accompanying fiscal note; mover: Senator Dunbar; second: not specified; outcome: moved from committee by unanimous consent (no roll call recorded).