Alaska House of Representatives

Alaska House of Representatives
General Information
Party control:	Split
Session start:	January 20, 2026
Session end:	May 20, 2026
Term length:	2 years
Term limits:	None
Redistricting:	Commission
Salary:	$84,000/year + per diem
Members
Total:	40
Democrats:	14
Republicans:	21
Other:	4 (Nonpartisan) 1 (Undeclared)
Vacancies:	0
Leadership
Speaker:	Bryce E. Edgmon
Maj. Leader:	Charles Kopp (R)
Min. Leader:	DeLena Johnson (R)
Elections
Last election:	November 5, 2024
Next election:	November 3, 2026

The Alaska House of Representatives is the lower chamber of the Alaska State Legislature. Alongside the Alaska State Senate, it forms the legislative branch of the Alaska state government and works alongside the governor of Alaska to create laws and establish a state budget. Legislative authority and responsibilities of the Alaska House of Representatives include passing bills on public policy matters, setting levels for state spending, raising and lowering taxes, and voting to uphold or override gubernatorial vetoes.

The Alaska House of Representatives meets in the state capitol building in Juneau, Alaska.

All 40 Alaska House seats are up for election in 2026.

All 40 Alaska House seats were up for election in 2024. As a result of the 2024 elections, there were 21 Republicans, 14 Democrats, and 5 independent members in the chamber.

Alaska has a divided government where neither party holds a trifecta. The Republican Party controls the office of governor and the upper chamber of the state legislature. Control of the lower chamber of the state legislature is split between parties.

This page contains the following information on the Alaska House of Representatives.

• Which party controls the chamber
• The chamber's current membership
• Partisan control of the chamber over time
• Elections in the chamber and how vacancies are filled
• A district map
• How redistricting works in the state
• Legislation currently under consideration
• Legislative session dates
• Legislative procedures, such as veto overrides and the state budget process
• A list of committees

Party control[edit]

Current partisan control[edit]

The table below shows the partisan breakdown of the Alaska House of Representatives as of January 2026:

Bipartisan coalition[edit]

See also: Alaska House of Representatives elections, 2024

Following the 2024 elections, there were 22 Republicans, 13 Democrats, and five independent members of the House. A predominantly Democratic, 21-member coalition assumed control of the chamber following the election, with the new coalition majority leader being Charles Kopp (R). On Nov. 6, 2024, the coalition announced it had secured enough votes to select Rep. Bryce Edgmon (I) as speaker of the House.^[1] The new House Majority caucus contained 14 Democrats, five independents, and two Republicans, meaning the new caucus would be majority-Democrat as opposed to the majority-Republican caucus created after the 2022 elections.^[2]

Members[edit]

Leadership[edit]

The speaker of the House is the presiding officer of the body.^[3]

Leadership and members[edit]

• Speaker of the House: Bryce E. Edgmon
• Majority leader: Charles Kopp (R)
• Minority leader: DeLena Johnson (R)

Salaries[edit]

See also: Comparison of state legislative salaries

State legislative salaries, 2025[4]
Salary	Per diem
$84,000/year	Non-Juneau legislators receive a per diem of $307 per day; Juneau legislators receive none.

Swearing in dates[edit]

See also: When state legislators assume office after a general election

Alaska legislators assume office on the third Tuesday of January following their election.^[5][6]

Membership qualifications[edit]

See also: State legislature candidate requirements by state

Article II, Section 2 of the Alaska Constitution states: "A member of the legislature shall be a qualified voter who has been a resident of Alaska for at least three years and of the district from which elected for at least one year, immediately preceding his filing for office. A senator shall be at least twenty-five years of age and a representative at least twenty-one years of age."^[7]

Historical party control[edit]

A multipartisan governing coalition has controlled the Alaska House of Representatives since 2016. These coalitions primarily consisted of Democrats and independents after the 2016, 2018, and 2020 elections. Following the 2022 elections, it consisted primarily of Republicans. After the 2024 elections, the coalition returned to a Democratic majority.

The table below shows the partisan history of the Alaska House following every general election from 1992 to 2024. All data from 2006 or earlier comes from Michael Dubin's Party Affiliations in the State Legislatures (McFarland Press, 2007). Data after 2006 was compiled by Ballotpedia staff.

Alaska House of Representatives election results: 1992-2024

Year	'92	'94	'96	'98	'00	'02	'04	'06	'08	'10	'12	'14	'16[8]	'18[9]	'20[10]	'22[11]	'24[12]
Democrats	20	17	16	14	13	13	14	17	18	16	15	16	17	16	15	13	14
Republicans	18	22	24	26	27	27	26	23	22	24	25	23	21	23	21	21	21
Independents	2	1	0	0	0	0	0	0	0	0	0	1	2	1	4	6	5[13]

Before 1992[edit]

Alaska gained statehood in 1959, after which Democrats won House majorities in 13 of the 16 elections held between 1960 and 1994. Governing coalitions controlled the chamber after the 1962, 1972, and 1982 elections, each of which elected a Republican speaker.

Trifecta history[edit]

A state government trifecta is a term that describes single party government, when one political party holds the governor's office and has majorities in both chambers of the legislature in a state government. Between 1992 and 2023, Alaska was under the following types of trifecta control:

• Democratic trifecta: None
• Republican trifecta: 2003-2006, 2013-2014
• Divided government: 1992-2002, 2007-2012, 2015-2023

Alaska Party Control: 1992-2026
No Democratic trifectas  •  Six years of Republican trifectas
Scroll left and right on the table below to view more years.

Year	92	93	94	95	96	97	98	99	00	01	02	03	04	05	06	07	08	09	10	11	12	13	14	15	16	17	18	19	20	21	22	23	24	25	26
Governor	I	I	R	D	D	D	D	D	D	D	D	R	R	R	R	R	R	R	R	R	R	R	R	I	I	I	I	R	R	R	R	R	R	R	R
Senate	S	R	R	R	R	R	R	R	R	R	R	R	R	R	R	D	D	D	D	D	D	R	R	R	R	R	R	R	R	R	R	S	S	S	S
House	D	D	D	R	R	R	R	R	R	R	R	R	R	R	R	R	R	R	R	R	R	R	R	R	R	D	D	S	S	S	S	S	S	S	S

Elections[edit]

Elections by year[edit]

Alaska state representatives serve two-year terms, with all seats up for election every two years. Alaska holds elections for its legislature in even years.

2026[edit]

See also: Alaska House of Representatives elections, 2026

Elections for the Alaska House of Representatives will take place in 2026. The general election is on November 3, 2026. The primary is August 18, 2026. The filing deadline is June 1, 2026.

2024[edit]

See also: Alaska House of Representatives elections, 2024

Elections for the Alaska House of Representatives took place in 2024. The general election was on November 5, 2024. The primary was August 20, 2024. The filing deadline was June 1, 2024.

Democrats gained one seat in the 2024 elections, reducing the Republican numerical majority to 21-14-5. A 21-member coalition of 14 Democrats, five independents, and two Republicans assumed chamber control.

Alaska House of Representatives
Party		As of November 5, 2024	After November 6, 2024
	Democratic Party	13	14
	Republican Party	22	21
	Nonpartisan	4	4
	Undeclared	1	1
Total		40	40

2022[edit]

See also: Alaska House of Representatives elections, 2022

Elections for the Alaska House of Representatives took place in 2022. The general election was on November 8, 2022. A primary was scheduled for August 16, 2022. The filing deadline was June 1, 2022.

In the 2022 elections, Republicans maintained 21 seats in the chamber. Democrats decreased by one to hold 14 seats, independents increased by one to hold four seats, and one seat stayed nonpartisan.

Alaska House of Representatives
Party		As of November 8, 2022	After November 9, 2022
	Democratic Party	15	13
	Republican Party	21	21
	Independent	3	4
	Nonpartisan	1	2
Total		40	40

2020[edit]

See also: Alaska House of Representatives elections, 2020

Elections for the office of Alaska House of Representatives took place in 2020. The general election was held on November 3, 2020. A primary was scheduled for August 18, 2020. The filing deadline was June 1, 2020.

In the 2020 elections, Republicans won 21 seats and Democrats won 15 seats. One nonpartisan candidate and three independents were elected to the state House.

Alaska House of Representatives
Party		As of November 3, 2020	After November 4, 2020
	Democratic Party	15	15
	Republican Party	22	21
	Independent	2	3
	Nonpartisan	0	1
	Vacancy	1	0
Total		40	40

2018[edit]

See also: Alaska House of Representatives elections, 2018

Elections for the Alaska House of Representatives took place in 2018. A hybrid primary election took place on August 21, 2018.^[14] The general election was held on November 6, 2018.^[15] The candidate filing deadline was June 1, 2018. The deadline for independent and minor party candidates to submit signatures was August 21, 2018.^[16]

In the 2018 elections, Republicans won 23 seats, Democrats won 16 seats, and a Democratic-aligned independent won another race. However, due to defections from within their caucus, Republicans were not able to organize a majority in House. Read more about the aftermath of the elections here.

Alaska House of Representatives
Party		As of November 6, 2018	After November 7, 2018
	Democratic Party	17	16
	Republican Party	20	23
	Independent	3	1
Total		40	40

2016[edit]

See also: Alaska House of Representatives elections, 2016

Elections for the Alaska House of Representatives took place in 2016. The primary election took place on August 16, 2016, and the general election was held on November 8, 2016. The candidate filing deadline was June 1, 2016. All 40 seats in the Alaska House of Representatives were up for election in 2016. Republicans lost two seats but still retained a numerical majority in the chamber. However, a coalition between House Democrats, three Republican representatives, and two independent representatives gave effective control of the chamber to Democrats.

Alaska House of Representatives
Party		As of November 7, 2016	After November 8, 2016
	Democratic Party	16	17[17]
	Republican Party	23	21
	Independent	1	2
Total		40	40

Click [show] to see election information dating back to 2000

2014[edit] See also: Alaska House of Representatives elections, 2014 Elections for the Alaska House of Representatives took place in 2014. A primary election took place on August 19, 2014. The general election was held on November 4, 2014. The signature filing deadline for candidates wishing to run in this election was June 2, 2014. All 40 seats in the Alaska House of Representatives were up for election in 2014. Heading into the election, Republicans held a 26-14 majority. Republicans lost three seats in the election, giving them a 23-16 majority. Alaska House of Representatives Party As of November 3, 2014 After November 4, 2014      Democratic Party 14 16      Republican Party 26 23      Independent 0 1 Total 40 40 2012[edit] See also: Alaska House of Representatives elections, 2012 Elections for the office of Alaska House of Representatives took place in 2012. The primary election was held on August 28, 2012, and the general election was held on November 6, 2012. The candidate filing deadline was June 1, 2012. All 40 seats in the Alaska House of Representatives were up for election in 2012. Heading into the election, Republicans held a 24-16 majority. Republicans gained one seat in the election, giving them a 25-15 majority. Alaska House of Representatives Party As of November 5, 2012 After the 2012 Election      Democratic Party 16 15      Republican Party 24 25 Total 40 40 The table below details the 10 districts with the smallest margin of victory in the November 6 general election in 2012. 2012 Margin of Victory, Alaska House of Representatives District Winner Margin of Victory Total Votes Top Opponent District 34 Jonathan Kreiss-Tomkins 0.4% 8,232 William A. Thomas District 4 Scott Kawasaki 2.7% 6,152 David Pruhs District 25 Lance D. Pruitt 2.8% 8,037 Pete Petersen District 2 Tammie Wilson 4.8% 8,432 Bob Miller District 38 David Guttenberg 4.9% 6,355 Alan S. Dick District 5 Pete Higgins 7.3% 7,360 David Watts District 22 Chris Tuck 7.8% 5,892 Lisa M. Vaught District 14 Max F. Gruenberg, Jr. 8.1% 6,274 Don Hadley District 36 Bryce Edgmon 10.1% 4,621 Carl M. Morgan, Jr. District 19 Lindsey Holmes 10.2% 7,633 Anand Dubey 2010[edit] See also: Alaska House of Representatives elections, 2010 Elections for the office of Alaska House of Representatives took place in 2010. The primary election was held on August 24, 2010, and the general election was held on November 2, 2010. The candidate filing deadline was June 1, 2010. All 40 seats in the Alaska House of Representatives were up for election in 2010. Heading into the election, Republicans held a 21-18 majority. Republicans gained three seats in the election, giving them a 24-16 majority. Alaska House of Representatives Party As of November 1, 2010 After the 2010 Election      Democratic Party 18 16      Republican Party 21 24      Vacancy 1 - Total 40 40 During the 2010 election, the total value of contributions to the 82 House candidates was $3,254,576. The top 10 contributors were:[18] 2010 Donors, Alaska House of Representatives Donor Amount Ivey, Patricia M $99,981 Ledoux, Gabrielle $85,551 Alaska House Democratic Campaign Cmte $79,717 Alaska State Employees Association Local 52 $53,000 Alaska Republican Party $46,300 Alaska Public Employees Association $42,395 Alaska Laborers Local 341 $35,430 Alaska Education Association $34,500 Alaska Association of Realtors $34,274 Alaska Public Employees Local 71 $30,000 2008[edit] See also: Alaska House of Representatives elections, 2008 Elections for the office of Alaska House of Representatives consisted of a primary election on August 26, 2008, and a general election on November 4, 2008. All 40 seats in the Alaska House of Representatives were up for election in 2008. During the 2008 election, the total value of contributions to House candidates was $2,919,909. The top 10 contributors were:[19] 2008 Donors, Alaska House of Representatives Donor Amount House Democratic Campaign Cmte of Alaska $114,703 Alaska Public Employees Association $53,500 Alaska State Employees Association Local 52 $53,000 Electrical Workers Local 1547 $50,651 Alaska Republican Party $42,769 Alaska Laborers Local 341 $38,501 Associated General Contractors of Alaska $37,500 Alaska Association of Realtors $37,000 Alaska Region Council of Carpenters Local 1281 $34,001 Alaska Public Employees Local 71 $33,500 2006[edit] See also: Alaska House of Representatives elections, 2006 Elections for the office of Alaska House of Representatives consisted of a primary election on August 22, 2006, and a general election on November 7, 2006. All 40 seats in the Alaska House of Representatives were up for election in 2006. During the 2006 election, the total value of contributions to House candidates was $3,973,988. The top 10 contributors were:[20] 2006 Donors, Alaska House of Representatives Donor Amount Alaska Republican Party $115,700 House Democratic Campaign Cmte of Alaska $106,200 Moffatt, William M (Tom) $88,300 Alaska Public Employees Association $79,252 Electrical Workers Local 1547 $73,251 Alaska Association of Realtors $60,500 Associated General Contractors of Alaska $53,750 Alaska State Employees Association Local 52 $51,500 Operating Engineers Local 302 $51,500 Alaska Public Employees Local 71 $44,750 2004[edit] See also: Alaska House of Representatives elections, 2004 Elections for the office of Alaska House of Representatives consisted of a primary election on August 24, 2004, and a general election on November 2, 2004. All 40 seats in the Alaska House of Representatives were up for election in 2004. During the 2004 election, the total value of contributions to House candidates was $4,077,001. The top 10 contributors were:[21] 2004 Donors, Alaska House of Representatives Donor Amount Alaska Republican Party $139,115 Electrical Workers Local 1547 $67,500 Wickersham, Kirk $60,162 Alaska Public Employees Association $57,000 Moffatt, William M (Tom) $52,883 Operating Engineers Local 302 $49,000 Alaska Laborers Local 341 $48,750 Alaska Public Employees Local 71 $48,500 House Democratic Campaign Cmte of Alaska $47,500 Moore, Matt $44,679 2002[edit] See also: Alaska House of Representatives elections, 2002 Elections for the office of Alaska House of Representatives consisted of a primary election on August 27, 2002, and a general election on November 5, 2002. All 40 seats in the Alaska House of Representatives were up for election in 2002. During the 2002 election, the total value of contributions to House candidates was $3,385,516. The top 10 contributors were:[22] 2002 Donors, Alaska House of Representatives Donor Amount Alaska Republican Party $150,484 Electrical Workers Local 1547 $35,500 Alaska Public Employees Local 71 $35,000 Gatto, Carl J $34,341 Mayo, Earl $32,557 Alaska Teamsters $30,000 Associated General Contractors of Alaska $26,750 Alaska Public Employees Association $24,000 Allen, Robert E $22,552 Gara, Les $22,045 2000[edit] See also: Alaska House of Representatives elections, 2000 Elections for the office of Alaska House of Representatives consisted of a primary election on August 22, 2000, and a general election on November 7, 2000. All 40 seats in the Alaska House of Representatives were up for election in 2000. During the 2000 election, the total value of contributions to House candidates was $2,737,767. The top 10 contributors were:[23] 2000 Donors, Alaska House of Representatives Donor Amount Alaska Republican Party $134,808 House Democratic Campaign Cmte of Alaska $57,294 Alaska Public Employees Local 71 $37,000 Electrical Workers Local 1547 $36,500 Alaska Teamsters $28,000 Alaska Power Association $22,000 Bollenbach, Amy $21,707 Alaska Public Employees Association $20,750 Ledoux, Gabrielle $20,142 Associated General Contractors of Alaska $19,500

Vacancies[edit]

See also: How vacancies are filled in state legislatures

If there is a vacancy in the Alaska State Legislature, the governor is responsible for selecting a replacement. The governor must select the replacement within 30 days after the vacancy happens. Nevertheless, if the predecessor's term is set to expire or if a special election is scheduled to fill a vacancy in the state Senate before the legislature reconvenes, the governor is not authorized to appoint someone to fill the vacancy.^[24]

See sources: Alaska Stat. §15.40.320

District map[edit]

See also: Alaska state legislative districts

The state of Alaska has 40 state House districts. Each district elects one representative.

Use the interactive map below to find your district.

Redistricting[edit]

See also: Redistricting in Alaska

Because Alaska has only one congressional district, congressional redistricting is not necessary. A non-politician commission draws state legislative district lines. In place since 1998, Alaska's redistricting commission comprises five members. Two commissioners are appointed by the governor, one by the state Senate majority leader, one by the state House majority leader, and one by the chief justice of the Alaska Supreme Court. State law mandates that commissioners "be chosen without regard to party affiliation." One commissioner must be selected from each of the state's judicial districts.^[25]

The Alaska Constitution requires that state legislative districts be contiguous and compact. Furthermore, every state legislative district must contain a "relatively integrated socio-economic area." Each state legislative district is served by one state senator and two state representatives.^[25]

2020[edit]

See also: Redistricting in Alaska after the 2020 census

Alaska completed its state legislative redistricting on May 24, 2022, when the Alaska Redistricting Board adopted a new map of state Senate districts at the direction of the state supreme court. In its ruling, the Alaska Supreme Court upheld a May 16, 2022, decision by the Third District of Alaska's Superior Court that determined that the mapping of state House districts to Senate ones was unconstitutional and ordered the Alaska Redistricting Board to adopt another proposed plan for pairing the districts. Click here to read more about litigation surrounding Alaska's legislative boundaries. These maps took effect for Alaska's 2022 legislative elections. On May 15, 2023, the Alaska Redistricting Board adopted its 2022 interim maps as final state legislative maps. The final maps were used in the 2024 elections.^[26]

Alaska had initially enacted legislative district boundaries on November 10, 2021, following a 3-2 vote by the Alaska Redistricting Board. The three Republican-appointed board members voted in favor of the map and the two nonpartisan board members voted against it.^[27] On March 25, 2022, the Alaska Supreme Court ruled that one state House and one state Senate district did not comply with the state constitution and required they be redrawn.^[28] The Alaska Redistricting Board adopted new legislative district boundaries to comply with the state supreme court's ruling on April 13, 2022.^[29]

District map before and after 2020 redistricting[edit]

Below is the state House map in effect before and after the 2020 redistricting cycle.

2010[edit]

See also: Redistricting in Alaska after the 2010 census

The Alaska Redistricting Board officially began the work of legislative redistricting with a public meeting on March 16, 2011.^[30] On April 13, 2011, the preliminary redistricting maps for the Alaska State Legislature were released.^[31] The Redistricting Board submitted the state’s redistricting plan to the Department of Justice on August 11, 2011, for pre-clearance as required under the Voting Rights Act.^[32] The U.S. Department of Justice approved Alaska's legislative redistricting plan on October 11, 2011.^[33] On December 28, 2012, the Alaska Supreme Court ordered the state's redistricting plan be redrawn for the 2014 elections, ruling that the Redistricting Board did not follow the process as instructed by the court.^[34] On July 14, 2013, the Alaska Redistricting Board adopted its 2013 Proclamation Plan.^[35][36]

Sessions[edit]

Legislation[edit]

The legislation tracker below displays all legislation that the Alaska House of Representatives has approved in its most recent legislative session—this includes legislation that has been sent from the House to the Senate and legislation that has already been approved by both chambers and signed by the governor. The table below includes the bill number, its name, progress, most recent action date, and sponsor. Scroll up and down and side to side to see more. Click the bill number to read the bill text and see its voting history. Click the headings to sort the content. Rearrange the order of the headings by clicking and dragging them. Click the magnifying glass in the bottom left corner to search for specific terms. The legislation tracker is maintained and updated by BillTrack50.

Dates of legislative sessions in Alaska by year[edit]

2025[edit]

See also: 2025 Alaska legislative session and Dates of 2025 state legislative sessions

In 2025, the legislature was scheduled to convene on January 21, 2025, and adjourn on May 20, 2025.

Click [show] for past years' session dates.

2024[edit] See also: 2024 Alaska legislative session and Dates of 2024 state legislative sessions In 2024, the legislature was scheduled to convene on January 16, 2024, and adjourn on May 15, 2024. 2023[edit] See also: 2023 Alaska legislative session and Dates of 2023 state legislative sessions In 2023, the legislature was scheduled to convene on January 17, 2023, and adjourn on May 17, 2023. 2022[edit] See also: 2022 Alaska legislative session and Dates of 2022 state legislative sessions In 2022, the legislature was scheduled to convene on January 18, 2022, and adjourn on May 18, 2022. 2021[edit] See also: 2021 Alaska legislative session and Dates of 2021 state legislative sessions In 2021, the legislature was scheduled to convene on January 19, 2021, and adjourn on May 19, 2021. 2020[edit] See also: 2020 Alaska legislative session and Dates of 2020 state legislative sessions In 2020, the legislature was scheduled to convene on January 21, 2020, and adjourn on May 20, 2020. Effect of coronavirus pandemic[edit] See also: Changes to state legislative session dates in response to the coronavirus (COVID-19) pandemic, 2020 Coronavirus pandemic Select a topic from the dropdown below to learn more. Political responses overviewState reopening plansDocumenting America's Path to RecoveryElection changesChanges to vote-by-mail and absentee voting proceduresFederal responsesState responsesState executive ordersStay-at-home ordersMultistate agreementsNon-governmental reopening plansEvictions and foreclosures policiesTravel restrictionsEnacted state legislationState legislative session changesSchool closuresState court closuresInmate releasesLocal government responsesDiagnosed or quarantined politiciansBallot measure changesArguments about government responsesThe 1918 influenza pandemicPandemic Response Accountability CommitteeUnemployment filingsLawsuitsBallotpedia's polling on the coronavirus pandemicSubmit Several state legislatures had their sessions impacted as a result of the 2020 coronavirus pandemic. On March 29, 2020, the Alaska State Legislature suspended its session, effective immediately and continuing through May 18, 2020. The legislature adjourned on May 20, 2020.[37][38] 2019[edit] See also: 2019 Alaska legislative session and Dates of 2019 state legislative sessions In 2019, the legislature was in session from January 15, 2019, through May 14, 2019. 2018[edit] See also: 2018 Alaska legislative session and Dates of 2018 state legislative sessions In 2018, the legislature was in session from January 16, 2018, through May 13, 2018. To read about notable events and legislation from this session, click here. 2017[edit] See also: Dates of 2017 state legislative sessions In 2017, the legislature was in session from January 17, 2017, through May 17, 2017. The legislature held its first special session from May 18, 2017, to June 16, 2017. The legislature held its second special session from June 16, 2017, to July 15, 2017. The legislature held a one-day special session on July 27, 2017. The legislature began its fourth special session on October 23. It ended on November 21. 2016[edit] See also: Dates of 2016 state legislative sessions In 2016, the legislature was in session from January 19 through May 18 (extended session). The legislature held a special session from May 23, 2016, to June 19, 2016. The legislature held a second special session from July 11 to July 18. Major issues in 2016[edit] Major issues in the 2016 legislative session included a $3.5 billion budget deficit, a possible state income tax, government cuts, and the formation of a ways and means committee.[39] 2015[edit] See also: Dates of 2015 state legislative sessions In 2015, the legislature was in session from January 20 through April 27 (Session extended). The first special session was held from April 28 to May 21. The second special session was held from May 21 to June 11. A third special session was held from October 24 to November 5. Major issues in 2015[edit] Major issues in the 2015 legislative session included the state budget. Decreasing oil prices created a multi-billion dollar shortfall, so legislators looked to find cuts and improved efficiencies.[40] 2014[edit] See also: Dates of 2014 state legislative sessions In 2014, the legislature was in session from January 21 to April 20. Major issues in 2014[edit] Major issues in the 2014 legislative session included education, the state budget, high energy prices, and a natural gas pipeline.[41] 2013[edit] See also: Dates of 2013 state legislative sessions In 2013, the legislature was in session from January 15 to April 14. Major issues in 2013[edit] Major issues during the 2013 legislative session included oil tax reform, state agency performance reviews, and a budget for fiscal year 2014.[42][43] 2012[edit] See also: Dates of 2012 state legislative sessions In 2012, the legislature was in regular session from January 17 to April 15. It was in special session from April 15 to April 30.[44] Major issues[edit] Legislators took up Governor Sean Parnell's (R) suggestion to decrease the oil tax in order to increase economic growth. They also considered a ban on texting while driving, education funding, the state's unfunded pension liability, and whether to extend the legislative session from 90 to 120 days.[45] 2011[edit] See also: Dates of 2011 state legislative sessions In 2011, the legislature was in session from January 18 to April 17. Lawmakers remained in Juneau from April 18 to May 14 to resolve ongoing disagreements over the state's operating budget; the final compromise included money for a new in-state natural gas pipeline and a $20 million payout to the state's schools.[46] A second special session was held from June 27 to 28 to discuss reauthorization of the state's Coastal Management Program, which was set to expire June 30. Measures to reauthorize the program failed during the regular session.[47] The program ended on schedule after the House failed to pass a Senate proposal to save it.[48] 2010[edit] See also: Dates of 2010 state legislative sessions In 2010, the legislature was in session from January 19th to April 18th.

About legislative sessions in Alaska[edit]

The Tenth Amendment of the U.S. Constitution declares that any power not already given to the federal government is reserved to the states and the people.^[49] State governments across the country use this authority to hold legislative sessions where a state's elected representatives meet for a period of time to draft and vote on legislation and set state policies on issues such as taxation, education, and government spending. The different types of legislation passed by a legislature may include resolutions, legislatively referred constitutional amendments, and bills that become law.

Section 8 of Article II of the Alaska Constitution contains provisions relating to the timing and length of sessions of the Alaska State Legislature, of which the House of Representatives is a part. However, the provisions related to the convening date of the Legislature have been changed by law, and the provisions limiting the length of legislative sessions have been changed by the Alaska 90-Day Legislative Session Amendment. This amendment was passed in a 2006 ballot initiative, and it limits the regular sessions of the Legislature to ninety days.

Section 9 of Article II allows for special sessions to be called by the governor of Alaska or by a two-thirds vote of the legislators. Special sessions are limited to thirty days.

Legislative roles and procedures[edit]

Every state legislature throughout the country features its own internal procedures that it uses to govern itself and how it interacts with other parts of state government. Ballotpedia's coverage of internal state legislative procedures includes veto overrides, the role of the legislature in the state budget, and procedures for filling membership vacancies.

Veto overrides[edit]

See also: Veto overrides in state legislatures

State legislatures can override governors' vetoes. Depending on the state, this can be done during the regular legislative session, in a special session following the adjournment of the regular session, or during the next legislative session. The rules for legislative overrides of gubernatorial vetoes in Alaska are listed below.

How many legislators are required to vote for an override? Two-thirds of members in a joint session.

Two-thirds of all legislators in a joint session must vote to override a veto, which is 40 of the 60 members in both chambers of the Alaska State Legislature. Alaska is the only state that requires a two-thirds vote from its combined legislative chambers to override a veto.

How can vetoes be overridden after the legislature has adjourned?

According to Article II, Section 16 of the Alaska Constitution, bills vetoed following the first year of the legislative session can be overridden during a special session or in the regular session the following year. Bills vetoed following the second regular session can only be overridden in a special session, which can be called by two-thirds of legislators.[50]

Are there other special rules?

If the governor vetoes a revenue or appropriation bill, a three-fourths vote by the legislature is required to override the veto, which is 45 of 60 legislators.[51]

Authority: Article II, Section 16 of the Alaska Constitution.

"Upon receipt of a veto message during a regular session of the legislature, the legislature shall meet immediately in joint session and reconsider passage of the vetoed bill or item. Bills to raise revenue and appropriation bills or items, although vetoed, become law by affirmative vote of three-fourths of the membership of the legislature. Other vetoed bills become law by affirmative vote of two-thirds of the membership of the legislature."

Role in state budget[edit]

See also: Alaska state budget and finances

Alaska on

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The state operates on an annual budget cycle, with the fiscal year beginning July 1 and ending June 30. The sequence of key events in the budget process is as follows:^[52]

1. Budget instructions are sent to state agencies in July.
2. Agencies submit their budget requests to the governor in October.
3. The governor submits his or her proposed budget to the state legislature by December 15.
4. The legislature adopts a budget by a simple majority in April.

The governor is required by statute to submit a balanced budget. Likewise, the legislature is required by statute to pass a balanced budget.^[52]

Alaska is one of 44 states in which the governor has line item veto authority.^[52][53]

Committees[edit]

See also: List of committees in Alaska state government

Every state legislature and state legislative chamber in the country contains several legislative committees. These committees are responsible for studying, amending, and voting on legislation before it reaches the floor of a chamber for a full vote. The different types of committees include standing committees, select or special, and joint.

• Standing committees are generally permanent committees, the names of which sometimes change from session to session.
• Select or special committees are temporary committees formed to deal with specific issues such as recent legislation, major public policy or proposals, or investigations.
• Joint committees are committees that feature members of both chambers of a legislature.

Ballotpedia covers standing and special committees in Alaska. The Alaska House of Representatives has 12 standing committees:

Constitutional amendments[edit]

In every state but Delaware, voter approval is required to enact a constitutional amendment. In each state, the legislature has a process for referring constitutional amendments before voters. In 18 states, initiated constitutional amendments can be put on the ballot through a signature petition drive. There are also many other types of statewide measures.

The methods in which the Alaska Constitution can be amended:

See also: Article XIII of the Alaska Constitution and Laws governing ballot measures in Alaska

The Alaska Constitution provides two mechanisms for amending the state's constitution—a legislative process, and a state constitutional convention. Alaska requires a simple majority vote (50% plus 1) for voters to approve constitutional amendments. Alaskans do not have the power to use a citizen initiative to amend the state's constitution. The power of initiative in Alaska is restricted to proposing state statutes.

Legislature[edit]

See also: Legislatively referred constitutional amendment

A two-thirds vote in each legislative chamber of the Alaska State Legislature during one legislative session to refer a constitutional amendment to the ballot. That amounts to a minimum of 27 votes in the Alaska House of Representatives and 14 votes in the Alaska State Senate, assuming no vacancies. Amendments do not require the governor's signature to be referred to the ballot.

Convention[edit]

See also: Convention-referred constitutional amendment

According to Section 3 of Article 13 of the Alaska Constitution, a question about whether to hold a state constitutional convention is to automatically appear on the state's ballot every 10 years starting in 1970. Alaska is one of 14 states that provides for an automatic constitutional convention question.

The table below shows the last and next constitutional convention question election years:

State	Interval	Last question on the ballot	Next question on the ballot
Alaska	10 years	2022	2032

See also[edit]

Elections	Alaska State Government	State Legislatures	State Politics
Alaska House of Representatives elections, 2026 Alaska House of Representatives elections, 2024 Alaska House of Representatives elections, 2022 Alaska House of Representatives elections, 2020 Alaska House of Representatives elections, 2018	Alaska State Legislature Alaska State Senate Governor of Alaska Alaska Supreme Court	State legislative elections: 2026, 2025, 2024, 2023, 2022, 2021, 2020, 2019, and 2018	State government trifectas State government triplexes State executives State courts Ballot measures The State Legislative Decade

External links[edit]

• Alaska House of Representatives

Footnotes[edit]

	v • e State of Alaska Juneau (capital)
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