Ethics subcommittee moves into executive session under AS 24.60.160, returns with no public business

Chair Conner Thomas called the Alaska State Legislature Select Committee on Legislative Ethics House Subcommittee to order at 3:31 p.m. on Jan. 31, 2025, and the members confirmed a quorum.

Public Member Skip Cook moved to approve the meeting agenda; the chair stated there were no objections and the agenda was approved. Chair Thomas then opened the public comment period; the record states there was no public comment.

Chair Thomas then "entertained a motion to go into EXECUTIVE SESSION to discuss matters which by law must remain confidential under AS 24.60.160, Uniform Rule 22(b) regarding executive sessions, and Rules of Procedure Section 5," the transcript states. Representative Bynum moved to go into executive session, and the subcommittee moved into executive session shortly after 3:33 p.m.

The committee remained in executive session until it returned to public session at 4:19 p.m. Upon return, Public Member Skip Cook moved to return to public session; there were no objections. The subcommittee recorded, "There was no business to discuss." The transcript does not disclose the subject matter of the executive session because the cited statute and rules require confidentiality for certain personnel, reputational or financial matters.

With no other business, Public Member Skip Cook moved to adjourn. Chair Thomas adjourned the meeting at 4:20 p.m.

Actions recorded in the public minutes included approval of the agenda, a motion and entry into executive session under AS 24.60.160 (as referenced in the motion), and an adjournment. No formal votes or public decisions on matters substantive to the committee’s oversight responsibilities were recorded in the public portion of the meeting.