On January 22, 2025, Governor Mike Dunleavy introduced three key pieces of legislation designed to move Alaska forward by enhancing election integrity, improving educational opportunities, and addressing public safety concerns. These bills reflect the Governor’s commitment to strengthening the state’s institutions and serving the needs of Alaskans.

The bills include:

1. (HB63) Election Efficiency and Integrity Bill
2. (HB59) State-Tribal Education Compact Schools Pilot Program Bill
3. (HB62) Sexual Assault Kit Tracking System Bill

Each bill aims to address critical areas of governance, with a focus on improving systems, fostering collaboration, and ensuring transparency. Below are the details of each proposal:

(HB63) Election Efficiency and Integrity Bill
This legislation seeks to modernize Alaska’s election system by improving timelines, logistics, and processes for the public and the Division of Elections. It addresses longstanding concerns about outdated provisions in the state’s election code to bolster public trust.

Key provisions include:
• Repealing provisions of Ballot Measure No. 1 (2016) that allowed voter registration through PFD applications.
• Closing early voting five days before Election Day.
• Authorizing by-mail voting for communities with populations under 750.
• Providing postage-paid return envelopes for absentee ballots.
• Requiring absentee ballots to be received by Election Day.
• Allowing the Division to begin counting absentee ballots sooner.
• Increasing flexibility in pay for election workers and standards for voting booths.

“This bill is a necessary step to ensure the integrity and transparency of our election process while addressing Alaskans’ concerns about reliability,” said Governor Dunleavy. “By modernizing our election code, we can provide a more efficient and trustworthy system for voters and election officials alike.”

(HB59) State-Tribal Education Compact Schools Pilot Program Bill
Building on the foundation of Senate Bill 34 (2022), this legislation establishes a five-year pilot program to launch State-Tribal Education Compact (STEC) schools in partnership with five federally recognized Tribes and Tribal organizations.

Key features of the bill:
• Creates a framework for DEED and tribes to negotiate compacts for tribally operated public schools.
• Mandates reporting on student data and enrollment to ensure accountability.
• Provides funding for STEC schools comparable to regional education attendance areas.
• Requires annual progress reports to the legislature, culminating in a comprehensive review at the end of the pilot program.

“Parents should be able to send their children to a school that they love and meets their educational needs. State Tribal Education Compact Schools are sure to be one of the public-school options that work the best for many Alaskan students, regardless of Tribal affiliation,” said Governor Dunleavy. “This bill is a major milestone in bringing this transformative educational model to fruition.”

(HB62) Sexual Assault Kit Tracking System Bill
This legislation ensures the comprehensive implementation of a statewide Sexual Assault Examination Kit Tracking System, reinforcing transparency and accountability in addressing sexual assault cases.

Key provisions include:
• Mandating healthcare providers notify law enforcement of completed kits within seven days.
• Requiring law enforcement to update survivors on kit status within 14 days of testing.
• Establishing clear accountability at every stage of the kit collection, transmission, and testing process.

“Survivors of sexual assault deserve a system that prioritizes their well-being and delivers justice,” said Governor Dunleavy. “This bill reflects our commitment to creating a trauma-informed, survivor-centered process.”

These three legislative initiatives reflect Governor Dunleavy’s focus on building a stronger Alaska by addressing critical areas of public policy. The Governor urges the legislature to support these measures to enhance public safety, improve educational opportunities, and restore trust in Alaska’s election system.