Senators press questions after report that lobbyist was paid to advocate on Digital Bridge; bill‑beneficiary claims raised

During media questions, reporters asked about recent lobbying activity and whether proposed legislation would benefit specific businesses.

Jeff Langford of Alaska Beacon said "Digital Bridge hired lobbyist Frank Pickford for $71,000" and asked whether that had anything to do with a bill under consideration. Senator Stebbins criticized the lobbyist's advocacy in strong terms, accusing the lobbyist of pressing the commissioner of revenue to "abrogate his fiduciary responsibilities" and of seeking private counsel to facilitate what Stebbins called a breach of fiduciary duty. "The man should have been paid double," Stebbins said, adding that he expects scrutiny of the lobbyist's presence in the building and how the advocacy was presented.

Langford also asked about HB 271 and whether the bill would directly benefit John Hendricks and his company. Senator Giesel responded that she did not know of any legislation that had actually passed to benefit him and emphasized that the Department of Natural Resources had conducted an administrative assessment on royalty reduction decisions; she said those actions were administrative rather than legislative.

Reporters pressed senators for further review; senators said they expect additional oversight and discussion as committee work continues.