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Committee debates constitutional amendment (HJR 23) to require governor's initial budget be balanced without CBR

Alaska House State Affairs Committee · February 24, 2026

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Summary

HJR 23 would require the governor's initial budget submission to be balanced without using the Constitutional Budget Reserve; sponsors say it sets a fiscal starting point, critics raised questions about definitions of "anticipated revenue" and access to Permanent Fund distributions, and the committee set an amendment deadline for Feb. 25.

Representative Jubilee Underwood reintroduced House Joint Resolution 23 on Feb. 24, 2026, proposing a constitutional amendment that would require the governor’s initial budget submission to be balanced without using the Constitutional Budget Reserve (CBR) or drawing on certain savings as defined in the amendment.

Underwood and staff emphasized the proposal is limited to the governor’s initial submission to the legislature and does not remove the legislature’s appropriation powers; Buddy Witt (staff) clarified that a three-quarters vote in each chamber is required for a constitutional amendment to go to the ballot and that the measure would not require the governor’s signature.

Committee members probed technical language about "anticipated revenue," asking whether Permanent Fund income available for appropriation (POMV or ERA sources) would count as revenue in this context. Staff said the amendment lists revenue categories and that eventual legal interpretation — including potential judicial review — would determine precise treatment. Members flagged Wilikowski v. Alaska as precedent that might inform future court review.

Critics warned that prohibiting initial use of savings could force sharper cuts during downturns and stressed the unique Alaska context of dividends and large reserves. Sponsor and staff said the amendment aims to start the process with greater fiscal constraint while preserving legislative authority to appropriate as needed. Chair Kerrick set an amendment deadline for Wednesday, Feb. 25 at 5 p.m. for further refinement and legal review.

The committee did not vote on HJR 23 during the Feb. 24 hearing.