The bill introduces significant amendments to the operations of the Alaska legislature, primarily by changing the location of legislative sessions to the Municipality of Anchorage instead of the capital city. It also revises lobbying regulations, specifically prohibiting legislators and legislative employees from soliciting or accepting campaign contributions within Anchorage during regular or special sessions, with exceptions for personal campaigns. Additionally, the bill requires lobbyists to provide their temporary addresses while sessions are held in Anchorage and mandates that the legislature host annual student guests from high schools statewide to observe the legislative process, thereby promoting civic engagement.

Moreover, the bill clarifies the rules regarding the acceptance of gifts and hospitality by legislators and legislative employees, allowing certain types of hospitality and gifts while excluding vacation homes outside the state. It also empowers the governor to declare temporary locations for the seat of government or legislative sessions during emergencies, such as enemy attacks or imminent threats. The bill repeals certain sections of existing law and sets an effective date of January 1, 2027, for the new provisions, aiming to enhance transparency, ethical conduct, and modernize legislative practices in Alaska.

Statutes affected:
HB0003A, AM HB 3, introduced 01/10/2025: 15.13.072, 15.13.100, 24.05.090, 24.05.100, 24.10.030, 24.10.130, 24.45.041, 24.45.031, 15.80.010, 24.50.010, 24.50.040, 24.60.030, 24.60.080, 24.60.075, 25.05.261, 24.05.190, 24.60.031, 44.99.007