The bill amends the Legislative Ethics Act in Alaska to enhance ethical standards and oversight of legislative conduct. It explicitly includes the Legislative Budget and Audit Committee and the Select Committee on Legislative Ethics under certain provisions of the Act. The definition of "agency" is expanded to encompass public members and employees of the Select Committee while excluding high-ranking officials and judges. New protections for whistleblowers are introduced to safeguard individuals reporting violations from retaliation. Additionally, the bill outlines the responsibilities of the ethics committee, including the ability to issue subpoenas and the requirement for legislators to disclose gifts valued at $250 or more.

Further changes focus on the handling of complaints against legislators and candidates for state office, establishing a structured investigation process and emphasizing confidentiality. The committee can request additional information from both complainants and subjects of complaints, although participation is not mandatory. The bill also introduces provisions for dismissing complaints, clarifies the rights of subjects during hearings, and mandates the dismissal of complaints if confidentiality is violated. Notably, it addresses the handling of complaints during campaign periods, ensuring confidentiality and protecting candidates' rights. If evidence of criminal activity arises during investigations, the committee is required to refer this information to law enforcement and notify the Alaska Public Offices Commission of any probable campaign finance violations.

Statutes affected:
HB0298A, AM HB 298, introduced 02/09/2026: 24.25.010, 24.55.330, 24.60.030, 24.60.080, 24.60.075, 25.05.261, 24.05.190, 24.60.035, 24.60.170, 24.60.130, 24.10.130, 39.20.180, 24.60.150, 24.60.160, 24.60.172, 24.60.975, 24.60.990
HB0298B, AM SCS HB 298(JUD), introduced 05/11/2026: 24.25.010, 24.55.330, 24.60.030, 24.60.080, 24.60.075, 25.05.261, 24.05.190, 24.60.035, 24.60.170, 24.60.130, 24.10.130, 39.20.180, 24.60.150, 24.60.160, 24.60.172, 24.60.975, 24.60.990
HB0298Z, AM Enrolled HB 298, introduced 05/17/2026: 24.25.010, 24.55.330, 24.60.030, 24.60.080, 24.60.075, 25.05.261, 24.05.190, 24.60.035, 24.60.170, 24.60.130, 24.10.130, 39.20.180, 24.60.150, 24.60.160, 24.60.172, 24.60.975, 24.60.990