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Select Committee on Legislative Ethics approves Sealaska internship program for 2027 session
Summary
The Select Committee on Legislative Ethics approved Sealaska Corporation’s proposal to establish an annual internship/fellowship for shareholders and descendants beginning in the 2027 legislative session, with 2–5 interns receiving stipends, housing assistance and travel support; language changes and procedural clarifications were requested.
The Select Committee on Legislative Ethics voted unanimously on Nov. 21 to approve a Sealaska Corporation proposal to establish an annual internship and fellowship program for Sealaska shareholders and descendants beginning with the 2027 legislative session. Chair Joyce Anderson said the committee would require specified language changes and compliance with legislative ethics rules before placement.
Charlotte Moore, Internship Program Coordinator for Sealaska, outlined the proposal’s key elements, including placement of two to five interns in legislative offices to work on tribal affairs, fisheries, land and resources, environmental conservation and education. Moore said Sealaska intends to provide living stipends, housing assistance and travel support to participating interns.
Committee members raised ethics and scope questions during the presentation. Senator Gary Stevens asked about phrasing in the draft that suggested interns might "carry legislation;" Moore clarified that interns would not carry legislation and said the draft language would be corrected. Representative Alyse Galvin objected to describing the program as "advocacy work," and Moore agreed to revise the wording to reflect nonpartisan staff expectations.
Administrator Kevin Reeve and other committee members discussed public blogging by interns and whether residency limitations would be appropriate; no final determination was made and Moore said she would consult Sealaska leadership about residency limits. The committee also clarified that all interns, including those placed through Sealaska, must complete legislative ethics training and that office placement requires Rules Committee approval.
Carl White moved to approve the Sealaska internship program "as presented, with an understanding that language in the proposal will be updated regarding terminology and legislative requirements." The committee voted unanimously to approve the program; individual roll-call votes were not recorded in the minutes. The committee directed staff and Sealaska to revise the draft to address the concerns raised, then complete the formal placement process before the 2027 session.
Next steps: Sealaska will update the proposal language to reflect nonpartisan staff duties and the committee’s procedural requirements; the committee will provide or confirm additional drafting guidance as needed.
