Alaska 34th Alaska State Legislature Status: In Committee 2 D cosponsors

HB 188 — An Act establishing the welcoming Alaska office; establishing the welcoming Alaska center; establishing the Welcoming Alaska Advisory Committee; repealing the office of citizenship assistance; and providing for an effective date.

Last action — (H) COSPONSOR(S): CARRICK

  1. ✓
    Introduced
  2. 2
    In Committee
  3. 3
    Passed House
  4. 4
    Passed Senate
  5. 5
    To Executive
  6. 6
    Enacted

This bill is in committee in the House. Introduced April 11, 2025. It must pass committee before a floor vote.

Next likely step: a committee vote, then a floor vote in the House.

Odds of enactment

Low chance

Based on the sponsor, cosponsors, and committee posture, this bill has a low chance of becoming law.

Upgrade to see the exact probability and what's driving it.

A statistical estimate from our own model of past outcomes — an insight, not a guarantee. Policymaking is volatile.

Prognosis

Stalled 18% · moderate confidence

  • In Committee

    Current position in the legislative process.

  • 2 sponsors

    1 primary, 1 co-sponsors signed on.

  • Single-party support

    Sponsorship is currently within one party (2 D).

Based on stage, sponsorship breadth, committee status, recorded votes, and cross-state momentum — a description of the observable signals, not a prediction.

Bill Text

What changed in the latest version

173 added · 286 removed

Plain-language change summary

The revised version of House Bill 188 establishes a "Welcoming Alaska Office" with a clearer focus on supporting new immigrants while removing the previously included "Welcoming Alaska Advisory Committee." The office will help newcomers by providing employment information, assisting with job placement, and addressing workplace rights issues. This change is important because it centralizes the support for immigrants, making it easier for them to access resources and reducing barriers to employment in Alaska.

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34-LS0893\G CS FOR HOUSE BILL NO.
34-LS0893\A HOUSE BILL NO.
188(STA) IN THE LEGISLATURE OF THE STATE OF ALASKA THIRTY-FOURTH LEGISLATURE - SECOND SESSION BY THE HOUSE STATE AFFAIRS COMMITTEE Referred:
188 IN THE LEGISLATURE OF THE STATE OF ALASKA THIRTY-FOURTH LEGISLATURE - SECOND SESSION BY REPRESENTATIVES MINA, Carrick Introduced:
Finance Sponsor(s):
4/11/25 Referred:
REPRESENTATIVES MINA, Carrick A BILL FOR AN ACT ENTITLED "An Act establishing the welcoming Alaska office;
State Affairs, Finance A BILL FOR AN ACT ENTITLED "An Act establishing the welcoming Alaska office;
relating to the state's refugee services program;
(a) The welcoming Alaska office is established in the department to promote full participation of immigrants, refugees, and other newcomers as self-sufficient individuals and families in the economic, social, and civic life of the state, and to advance the state's workforce security.
(a) The welcoming Alaska office is established in the office of the commissioner.
Under the supervision of the executive director, the office shall (1) provide to immigrants, refugees, and newcomers employment information, referrals to employment services, including job placement services, and information about how to access labor unions, administrative agencies, and court HB0188b -1- CSHB 188(STA) New Text Underlined [DELETED TEXT BRACKETED] 34-LS0893\G actions to pursue claims or charges of job discrimination, illegal termination of employment, sexual harassment, and unsafe working conditions;
The office shall (1) provide to new immigrants and newcomers employment information, referrals to employment services, including job placement services, and information about how to use labor unions, administrative agencies, and court actions to pursue claims or charges of job discrimination, illegal termination of employment, sexual harassment, and unsafe working conditions;
(2) serve as the state's coordinating entity among stakeholders, including state agencies and local governments, to align strategies to reduce licensing and other barriers that hinder immigrants, refugees, and newcomers from gaining employment or starting a business;
(2) consult with stakeholders, including state agencies and local governments, to identify strategies to reduce licensing and other employment barriers HB0188a -1- HB 188 New Text Underlined [DELETED TEXT BRACKETED] 34-LS0893\A for new immigrants and newcomers;
(3) use the education and experience of immigrants, refugees, and newcomers to benefit the economy of the state;
(3) use the education and experience of new immigrants and newcomers to benefit the economy of the state;
(4) contract with other state agencies to develop and administer programs or services that promote entrance into and mobility within the workforce for immigrants, refugees, and newcomers;
(4) contract with other state agencies to develop and administer programs or services that promote entrance into and mobility within the workforce for new immigrants and newcomers;
(5) consult with stakeholders, including state agencies and local governments, to develop and implement a statewide strategy to support businesses in recruiting and retaining workers who are immigrants, refugees, and newcomers and to support immigrants, refugees, and newcomers in starting and scaling new businesses;
(5) consult with stakeholders, including state agencies and local governments, to develop and implement a statewide strategy to support businesses in recruiting and retaining workers who are new immigrants and newcomers;
(6) advise the commissioner on (A) improving employment opportunities for immigrants, refugees, and newcomers;
(6) advise the commissioner on (A) improving employment opportunities for new immigrants and newcomers;
(B) preventing employment discrimination against immigrants, refugees, and newcomers;
(B) preventing employment discrimination against new immigrants and newcomers;
(D) supporting the economic and social integration of immigrants, refugees, and newcomers;
(D) supporting the economic and social integration of new immigrants and newcomers;
and (E) reducing the exploitation of immigrants, refugees, and newcomers;
and (E) reducing the exploitation of new immigrants and newcomers;
(7) subject to appropriation, offer grants to support the economic and social integration of immigrants, refugees, and newcomers;
(7) subject to appropriation, offer grants to support the economic and social integration of new immigrants and newcomers;
(8) serve as a convener for community-based organizations serving immigrants, refugees, and newcomers;
(8) serve as a convener for community-based organizations serving new immigrants and newcomers;
(9) design and implement strategies and programs to make the state a CSHB 188(STA) -2- HB0188b New Text Underlined [DELETED TEXT BRACKETED] 34-LS0893\G more welcoming place for immigrants, refugees, and newcomers;
(9) design and implement strategies and programs to make the state a more welcoming place for new immigrants and newcomers;
(10) serve as a point of contact for all state agencies regarding issues affecting immigrants, refugees, and newcomers;
(10) serve as a point of contact for all state agencies regarding issues affecting new immigrants and newcomers;
(12) coordinate with departments and nonprofit organizations to assist immigrants, refugees, and newcomers in improving quality-of-life issues, including access to business opportunities, education, employment, housing, health care, and other services;
(12) coordinate with departments and nonprofit organizations to assist HB 188 -2- HB0188a New Text Underlined [DELETED TEXT BRACKETED] 34-LS0893\A new immigrants and newcomers in improving quality-of-life issues, including access to business opportunities, education, employment, housing, healthcare, and other services;
(13) subject to appropriation, assist political subdivisions with fees and other costs associated with visa applications, recruitment, and housing support for immigrants, refugees, and newcomers;
(13) subject to appropriation, assist political subdivisions with fees and other costs associated with visa applications, recruitment, and housing support for new immigrants and newcomers;
(14) research and analyze economic and demographic trends to better serve immigrants, refugees, and newcomers;
(14) research and analyze economic and demographic trends to better serve new immigrants and newcomers;
(16) serve as an information clearinghouse on information regarding immigrants, refugees, and newcomers;
(16) serve as an information clearinghouse on information regarding new immigrants and newcomers;
(17) coordinate refugee programs, including education, training, employment, housing, and medical support and other services, for refugees who no longer receive federal assistance;
and (17) make policy recommendations to the governor and the legislature on issues affecting new immigrants and newcomers.
and (18) make policy recommendations to the governor and the legislature on issues affecting immigrants, refugees, and newcomers.
(c) The commissioner shall appoint an individual to serve as the executive director of the office.
(c) The governor shall appoint an individual to serve as the executive director of the office.
(a) Each principal department in HB0188b -3- CSHB 188(STA) New Text Underlined [DELETED TEXT BRACKETED] 34-LS0893\G the executive branch shall designate one staff member to serve as a liaison between the department and the office.
(a) Each principal department in the executive branch shall designate one staff member to serve as a liaison between the department and the office.
(b) A liaison shall (1) disseminate information about services offered by the department that are available to immigrants, refugees, and newcomers, department staff, the office, and the public;
(b) A liaison shall (1) disseminate information about services offered by the department that are available to new immigrants and newcomers, department staff, the office, and the public;
(2) communicate with the office on issues affecting immigrants, refugees, and newcomers;
(2) communicate with the office on issues affecting new immigrants and newcomers;
(3) when applicable, coordinate between the office, the liaison's department, and professional boards within the liaison's department to assist the office with license applications from immigrants, refugees, and newcomers.
(3) when applicable, coordinate between the office, the liaison's HB0188a -3- HB 188 New Text Underlined [DELETED TEXT BRACKETED] 34-LS0893\A department, and professional boards within the liaison's department to assist the office with license applications from new immigrants and newcomers.
The advisory committee consists of the following 13 members:
The advisory committee consists of the following nine members:
(3) 11 voting members appointed by the governor as follows:
(3) seven voting members appointed by the governor as follows:
(A) a representative from a nonprofit organization that provides employment or language services to immigrants, refugees, and newcomers;
(A) a representative from a nonprofit organization that provides employment or language services to new immigrants and newcomers;
(D) a representative from the business and economic development community;
(D) a representative from the business community;
(F) a representative of a refugee resettlement agency operating in the state;
(F) a representative from the criminal justice system;
CSHB 188(STA) -4- HB0188b New Text Underlined [DELETED TEXT BRACKETED] 34-LS0893\G (G) a representative of a refugee-led or immigrant-service community-based organization;
(G) a member of the public.
(H) a representative with expertise in workforce development or labor market analysis;
(b) The committee shall (1) assist the office with developing recommendations for policies, procedures, regulations, and legislation to help ensure state government and state programs are accessible and responsive to the needs of new immigrants and newcomers;
(I) a representative from the health care delivery sector;
(2) work with the office to monitor the work of state agencies to include and retain new immigrants and newcomers in state programs;
(J) a representative from the criminal justice system;
(3) conduct public meetings, as requested by the governor or the office, for the public to comment and make suggestions on attracting to and retaining in the state new immigrants and newcomers and improving the employment HB 188 -4- HB0188a New Text Underlined [DELETED TEXT BRACKETED] 34-LS0893\A opportunities, inclusion in civic matters, and community connections of new immigrants and newcomers;
(K) a member of the public.
(4) conduct studies, on request of the governor or the office, on issues affecting new immigrants and newcomers;
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(b) The committee shall (1) assist the office with developing recommendations for policies, procedures, regulations, and legislation to help ensure state government and state programs are accessible and responsive to the needs of immigrants, refugees, and newcomers;
(5) advise the office on ways to increase outreach to new immigrants and newcomers;
(2) work with the office to monitor the work of state agencies to include and retain immigrants, refugees, and newcomers in state programs;
(3) conduct public meetings, as requested by the governor or the office, for the public to comment and make suggestions on attracting to and retaining in the state immigrants, refugees, and newcomers and improving the employment opportunities, inclusion in civic matters, and community connections of immigrants, refugees, and newcomers;
(4) conduct studies, on request of the governor or the office, on issues affecting immigrants, refugees, and newcomers;
(5) advise the office on ways to increase outreach to immigrants, refugees, and newcomers;
HB0188b -5- CSHB 188(STA) New Text Underlined [DELETED TEXT BRACKETED] 34-LS0893\G (f) The committee shall meet at least twice a year.
(f) The committee shall meet at least twice a year.
(a) Subject to appropriation, the office shall establish a welcoming Alaska center in one or more communities to provide virtual and in-person information and assistance for immigrants, refugees, and newcomers.
(a) Subject to appropriation, the office shall establish a welcoming Alaska center in one or more communities to provide virtual and in-person information and assistance for new immigrants and newcomers.
(b) A welcoming Alaska center shall provide or coordinate the following services for immigrants, refugees, and newcomers:
(b) A welcoming Alaska center shall provide the following services to new immigrants and newcomers:
(1) language instruction;
(1) English and Alaska Native language instruction;
Sec.
HB0188a -5- HB 188 New Text Underlined [DELETED TEXT BRACKETED] 34-LS0893\A Sec.
In AS 23.05.131 - 23.05.135, (1) "immigrant" has the meaning given in 8 U.S.C.
In AS 23.05.131 – 23.05.135, (1) "newcomer" means a person who moved to the state from another state in the preceding 36 months;
1101(a)(15) (Immigration and Nationality Act);
(2) "new immigrant" means a person, or the child of a person, who has arrived, or will arrive, to the state as an immigrant or refugee;
(2) "newcomer" means a person who moved to the state from another state in the preceding 36 months;
(3) "office" means the welcoming Alaska office established under AS 23.05.131.
(3) "office" means the welcoming Alaska office established under AS 23.05.131;
(4) "refugee" has the meaning given in 8 U.S.C.
1101(a)(42) (Immigration and Nationality Act) and includes individuals eligible for services under 8 U.S.C.
1521 - 1524 (Refugee Act of 1980) or any successor federal program.
AS 23.05.131(a), enacted by sec.
1 of this Act, is amended to read:
(a) The welcoming Alaska office is established in the department to promote full participation of immigrants, refugees, and other newcomers as self-sufficient individuals and families in the economic, social, and civic life of the state, and to CSHB 188(STA) -6- HB0188b New Text Underlined [DELETED TEXT BRACKETED] 34-LS0893\G advance the state's workforce security.
Under the supervision of the executive director, the office shall (1) provide to immigrants, refugees, and newcomers employment information, referrals to employment services, including job placement services, and information about how to access labor unions, administrative agencies, and court actions to pursue claims or charges of job discrimination, illegal termination of employment, sexual harassment, and unsafe working conditions;
(2) serve as the state's coordinating entity among stakeholders, including state agencies and local governments, to align strategies to reduce licensing and other barriers that hinder immigrants, refugees, and newcomers from gaining employment or starting a business;
(3) use the education and experience of immigrants, refugees, and newcomers to benefit the economy of the state;
(4) contract with other state agencies to develop and administer programs or services that promote entrance into and mobility within the workforce for immigrants, refugees, and newcomers;
(5) consult with stakeholders, including state agencies and local governments, to develop and implement a statewide strategy to support businesses in recruiting and retaining workers who are immigrants, refugees, and newcomers and to support immigrants, refugees, and newcomers in starting and scaling new businesses;
(6) advise the commissioner on (A) improving employment opportunities for immigrants, refugees, and newcomers;
(B) preventing employment discrimination against immigrants, refugees, and newcomers;
(C) cooperating with state and federal agencies to accomplish the office's mission;
(D) supporting the economic and social integration of immigrants, refugees, and newcomers;
and (E) reducing the exploitation of immigrants, refugees, and newcomers;
HB0188b -7- CSHB 188(STA) New Text Underlined [DELETED TEXT BRACKETED] 34-LS0893\G (7) subject to appropriation, offer grants to support the economic and social integration of immigrants, refugees, and newcomers;
(8) serve as a convener for community-based organizations serving immigrants, refugees, and newcomers;
(9) design and implement strategies and programs to make the state a more welcoming place for immigrants, refugees, and newcomers;
(10) serve as a point of contact for all state agencies regarding issues affecting immigrants, refugees, and newcomers;
(11) subject to appropriation, establish the welcoming Alaska center under AS 25.05.134 and operate a toll-free multilingual hotline for referral of services;
(12) coordinate with departments and nonprofit organizations to assist immigrants, refugees, and newcomers in improving quality-of-life issues, including access to business opportunities, education, employment, housing, health care, and other services;
(13) subject to appropriation, assist political subdivisions with fees and other costs associated with visa applications, recruitment, and housing support for immigrants, refugees, and newcomers;
(14) research and analyze economic and demographic trends to better serve immigrants, refugees, and newcomers;
(15) coordinate and establish best practices for language access initiatives for all state agencies;
(16) serve as an information clearinghouse on information regarding immigrants, refugees, and newcomers;
(17) coordinate refugee programs, including education, training, employment, housing, and medical support and other services, for refugees who no longer receive federal assistance;
[AND] (18) make policy recommendations to the governor and the legislature on issues affecting immigrants, refugees, and newcomers;
and (19) serve as the entity responsible for administering the state's refugee services program under 8 U.S.C.
1521 - 1524 (Refugee Act of 1980) and assume responsibilities previously carried out by the state's designee, including CSHB 188(STA) -8- HB0188b New Text Underlined [DELETED TEXT BRACKETED] 34-LS0893\G (A) providing or coordinating refugee resettlement, integration, and workforce participation services to support long-term economic self-sufficiency;
(B) operating or overseeing refugee support services, including refugee cash and medical assistance as authorized;
and (C) collaborating with refugee resettlement agencies, community partners, and refugee-led organizations.
* Sec.
3.
AS 23.05.131, enacted by sec.
1 of this Act, is amended by adding new subsections to read:
(e) The office shall employ an individual to serve as the state refugee coordinator for the state's refugee services program under 8 U.S.C.
1521 - 1524 (Refugee Act of 1980).
(f) The commissioner of health shall designate an employee in the Department of Health to serve as the coordinator of refugee health services under the state's refugee services program.
The coordinator of refugee health services shall work with public health agencies to coordinate the refugee health program in accordance with requirements and guidance from the federal office responsible for refugee resettlement programs.
* Sec.
4.
5.
3.
6.
4.
HB0188b -9- CSHB 188(STA) New Text Underlined [DELETED TEXT BRACKETED] 34-LS0893\G * Sec.
7.
Sections 2 and 3 of this Act take effect July 1, 2027.
8.
5.
Except as provided in sec.
This Act takes effect July 1, 2026.
7 of this Act, this Act takes effect July 1, 2026.
HB 188 -6- HB0188a New Text Underlined [DELETED TEXT BRACKETED]
CSHB 188(STA) -10- HB0188b New Text Underlined [DELETED TEXT BRACKETED]
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Action History

  1. (H) COSPONSOR(S): CARRICK

  2. (H) REFERRED TO FINANCE

  3. (H) FN3: ZERO(GOV/VARIOUS DEPTS)

  4. (H) FN2: (LWF)

  5. (H) FN1: (DOH)

  6. (H) AM: VANCE, ST. CLAIR

  7. (H) NR: MCCABE

  8. (H) DP: HOLLAND, HIMSCHOOT, STORY, CARRICK

  9. (H) STA RPT CS(STA) NEW TITLE 4DP 1NR 2AM

  10. (H) Moved CSHB 188(STA) Out of Committee

  11. (H) STATE AFFAIRS at 03:15 PM GRUENBERG 120

  12. (H) Heard & Held

  13. (H) STATE AFFAIRS at 03:15 PM GRUENBERG 120

  14. (H) Heard & Held

  15. (H) STATE AFFAIRS at 03:15 PM GRUENBERG 120

  16. (H) -- MEETING CANCELED --

  17. (H) STATE AFFAIRS at 03:15 PM GRUENBERG 120

  18. (H) Scheduled but Not Heard

  19. (H) STATE AFFAIRS at 03:15 PM GRUENBERG 120

  20. (H) Heard & Held -- Delayed to 3:45 pm --

  21. (H) STATE AFFAIRS at 03:15 PM GRUENBERG 120

  22. (H) STA, FIN

  23. (H) READ THE FIRST TIME - REFERRALS

Sponsors

Sponsorship breakdown

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1 sponsors · 1 co-sponsors · 63 not signed on

Sponsors (1)

Co-sponsors (1)

Not signed on (63)

63 members have not signed on to this bill.

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"Not signed on" means a member has not sponsored or co-sponsored this bill — it does not imply opposition. Members flagged Voted No have a recorded No vote on this bill.

Whip count is in markup. Polling the chamber and every recorded vote this session. Only the first open is slow. It’s instant for you after this. Calling the roll · Tallying · Engrossing

Subjects

public-safety immigration housing civil-rights
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Frequently asked questions

Who sponsors HB 188?
HB 188 is sponsored by Ashley Carrick (D) and Genevieve Mina (D).
What is the current status of HB 188?
This bill is in committee in the House. Introduced April 11, 2025. It must pass committee before a floor vote.
Where can I track HB 188?
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