Alaska 34th Alaska State Legislature Status: Enacted Bipartisan · 4 R · 3 D · 1 I cosponsors

HB 298 — An Act relating to the Legislative Ethics Act; relating to legislative subpoenas; relating to the jurisdiction of the office of the ombudsman; and providing for an effective date.

Last action — (H) EFFECTIVE DATE(S) OF LAW 6/24/26

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

This bill has been enacted into law. Introduced February 09, 2026. Enacted.

Signed by Governor Mike Dunleavy (Republican) on July 03, 2026.

Odds of enactment

High chance

Based on the sponsor, cosponsors, and committee posture, this bill has a high 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

Likely to advance 98% · high confidence

  • Enacted

    Current position in the legislative process.

  • 8 sponsors

    1 primary, 7 co-sponsors signed on.

  • Bipartisan support

    Sponsored across 3 parties (4 R · 3 D · 1 I) — cross-party backing.

  • Cleared a recorded vote

    Passed 3 recorded votes so far.

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

In plain language

The bill modifies aspects of the Legislative Ethics Act and legislative subpoenas.

This bill updates the Legislative Ethics Act, including changes to legislative subpoenas and the office of the ombudsman's jurisdiction. It aims to clarify and improve ethical oversight within the legislature.

Bill Text

What changed in the latest version

524 added · 564 removed

Plain-language change summary

The revised version of Bill HB 298 has clarified the scope of individuals who are excluded from the definitions within the Legislative Ethics Act. This update maintains that key public officials—like governors, legislators, and certain judges—will not be held to the same ethical scrutiny as others within the executive and legislative branches. This matter is significant because it sets clear boundaries for accountability within Alaska's government, shaping how ethics standards are applied to various statewide officials.

→
Previous
Latest
34-LS1285\I HOUSE BILL NO.
LAWS OF ALASKA Source Chapter No.
298 IN THE LEGISLATURE OF THE STATE OF ALASKA THIRTY-FOURTH LEGISLATURE - SECOND SESSION BY REPRESENTATIVES GALVIN, McCabe SENATORS Claman, Giessel, Stedman, Tobin, Kawasaki, Stevens Introduced:
SCS HB 298(JUD) _______ AN ACT Relating to the Legislative Ethics Act;
2/9/26 Referred:
Judiciary A BILL FOR AN ACT ENTITLED "An Act relating to the Legislative Ethics Act;
and providing for an effective date." BE IT ENACTED BY THE LEGISLATURE OF THE STATE OF ALASKA:
and providing for an effective date.
* Section 1.
_______________ BE IT ENACTED BY THE LEGISLATURE OF THE STATE OF ALASKA:
THE ACT FOLLOWS ON PAGE 1 Enrolled HB 298 AN ACT Relating to the Legislative Ethics Act;
relating to legislative subpoenas;
relating to the jurisdiction of the office of the ombudsman;
and providing for an effective date.
_______________ * Section 1.
it also includes an officer, HB0298a -1- HB 298 New Text Underlined [DELETED TEXT BRACKETED] 34-LS1285\I employee, or member of an "agency" acting or purporting to act in the exercise of official duties, but does not include the governor, the lieutenant governor, a member of the legislature, the victims' advocate, the staff of the office of victims' rights, a public member of the Select Committee on Legislative Ethics, an employee of the Select Committee on Legislative Ethics, a justice of the supreme court, a judge of the court of appeals, a superior court judge, a district court judge, a magistrate, a member of a city council or borough assembly, an elected city or borough mayor, or a member of an elected school board;
it also includes an officer, employee, -1- Enrolled HB 298 or member of an "agency" acting or purporting to act in the exercise of official duties, but does not include the governor, the lieutenant governor, a member of the legislature, the victims' advocate, the staff of the office of victims' rights, a public member of the Select Committee on Legislative Ethics, an employee of the Select Committee on Legislative Ethics, a justice of the supreme court, a judge of the court of appeals, a superior court judge, a district court judge, a magistrate, a member of a city council or borough assembly, an elected city or borough mayor, or a member of an elected school board;
(B) solicitation or acceptance of contributions for a charity event, as defined in AS 24.60.080(a)(2)(B);
(B) solicitationoracceptanceofcontributionsforacharityevent, as defined in AS 24.60.080(a)(2)(B);
(2) use public funds, facilities, equipment, services, or another government asset or resource for a nonlegislative purpose, for involvement in or support of or opposition to partisan political activity, or for the private benefit of the legislator, legislative employee, or another person;
(2) use public funds, facilities, equipment, services, or another government asset or resource for anonlegislative purpose, forinvolvement inorsupport of or opposition to partisan political activity, or for the private benefit of the legislator, legislative employee, or another person;
this paragraph does not prohibit (A) limited use of state property and resources for personal purposes if the use does not interfere with the performance of public duties and either the cost or value related to the use is nominal or the legislator or legislative employee reimburses the state for the cost of the use;
this paragraph does not prohibit (A) limited use of state property and resources for personal purposes if the use does not interfere with the performance of public duties and eitherthe cost orvaluerelated totheuseis nominalorthelegislator orlegislative employee reimburses the state for the cost of the use;
(B) the use of mailing lists, computer data, or other information HB 298 -2- HB0298a New Text Underlined [DELETED TEXT BRACKETED] 34-LS1285\I lawfully obtained from a government agency and available to the general public for nonlegislative purposes;
(B) the use of mailing lists, computer data, or other information lawfully obtained from a government agency and available to the general public Enrolled HB 298 -2- for nonlegislative purposes;
(I) a legislator or legislative employee from soliciting, accepting, or receiving a gift on behalf of a recognized, nonpolitical charitable organization in a state facility;
(I) a legislator orlegislativeemployee from soliciting, accepting, or receiving a gift on behalf of a recognized, nonpolitical charitable organization in a state facility;
(J) a legislator from sending any communication in the form of a newsletter to the legislator's constituents, except a communication expressly advocating the election or defeat of a candidate or a newsletter or material in a HB0298a -3- HB 298 New Text Underlined [DELETED TEXT BRACKETED] 34-LS1285\I newsletter that is clearly only for the private benefit of a legislator or a legislative employee;
(J) a legislator from sending any communication in the form of a newsletter to the legislator's constituents, except a communication expressly advocating the election or defeat of a candidate or a newsletter or material in a newsletterthatisclearlyonlyfortheprivatebenefitofalegislatororalegislative -3- Enrolled HB 298 employee;
(5) use or authorize the use of state funds, facilities, equipment, services, or another government asset or resource for the purpose of political fund raising or campaigning;
(5) useorauthorizethe useofstate funds,facilities, equipment, services, or another government asset or resource for the purpose of political fund raising or campaigning;
this paragraph does not prohibit (A) limited use of state property and resources for personal purposes if the use does not interfere with the performance of public duties and either the cost or value related to the use is nominal or the legislator or legislative employee reimburses the state for the cost of the use;
this paragraph does not prohibit (A) limited use of state property and resources for personal purposes if the use does not interfere with the performance of public duties and eitherthe cost orvaluerelated totheuseis nominalorthelegislator orlegislative employee reimburses the state for the cost of the use;
(D) a legislator from using the legislator's private office in the HB 298 -4- HB0298a New Text Underlined [DELETED TEXT BRACKETED] 34-LS1285\I capital city during a legislative session, and for the 10 days immediately before and the 10 days immediately after a legislative session, for nonlegislative purposes if the use does not interfere with the performance of public duties and if there is no cost to the state for the use of the space and equipment, other than utility costs and minimal wear and tear, or the legislator promptly reimburses the state for the cost;
(D) a legislator from using the legislator's private office in the capital city during a legislative session, and for the 10 days immediately before Enrolled HB 298 -4- and the 10 days immediately after a legislative session, for nonlegislative purposes if the use does not interfere with the performance of public duties and if there is no cost to the state for the use of the space and equipment, other than utility costs and minimal wear and tear, or the legislator promptly reimburses the state for the cost;
(d) A legislator or legislative employee who accepts a gift under (c)(4) of this section that has a value of $250 or more or a ticket to a charity event or gift in connection with a charity event under (c)(10) of this section that has a value of $250 or more shall disclose to the committee, within 60 days after receipt of the gift, the name and occupation of the donor and the approximate value of the gift and, for a gift under (c)(4) of this section, a copy of the agenda or other documentation sufficient to show that the gift was primarily for the purpose of obtaining information on a matter of legislative concern.
(d) A legislator or legislative employee who accepts a gift under (c)(4) of this section thathas avalueof $250ormoreoraticket toacharity event orgift in connection with a charity event under (c)(10) of this section that has a value of $250 or more shall disclose to the committee, within 60 days after receipt of the gift, the name and occupation of the donor and the approximate value of the gift and, for a gift under (c)(4)ofthissection,acopyoftheagendaorotherdocumentation sufficienttoshow that the gift was primarily for the purpose of obtaining information on a matter of legislative concern.
A legislator or legislative employee who accepts a gift under (c)(8) of this section that the recipient expects will have a HB0298a -5- HB 298 New Text Underlined [DELETED TEXT BRACKETED] 34-LS1285\I value of $250 or more in the calendar year shall disclose to the committee, within 30 days after receipt of the gift, the name and occupation of the donor, a general description of the matter of legislative concern with respect to which the gift is made, and the approximate value of the gift.
A legislator or legislative employee who accepts a gift under (c)(8) ofthissection thattherecipientexpects willhavea valueof$250ormoreinthecalendar year shall disclose to the committee, within 30 days after receipt of the gift, the name -5- Enrolled HB 298 and occupation of the donor, a general description of the matter of legislative concern with respect to which the gift is made, and the approximate value of the gift.
A committee employee, including a person who provides personal services under a contract with the committee, may not be a legislator, an elected or appointed official of a state or local governmental entity, an officer of a political party, a candidate for public office, or a registered lobbyist.
A committee employee, including a person who provides personalservicesunderacontractwiththecommittee,maynotbealegislator,anelected or appointed official of a state or local governmental entity, an officer of a political party, a candidate for public office, or a registered lobbyist.
The committee shall submit a budget for each fiscal year to the HB 298 -6- HB0298a New Text Underlined [DELETED TEXT BRACKETED] 34-LS1285\I finance committees of the legislature and shall annually submit an estimated budget to the governor for information purposes in preparation of the state operating budget.
The committee shall submit a budget for each fiscal year to the finance committees of the legislature and shall annually submit an estimated budget to the governor for information purposes in preparation of the state operating budget.
Public members of the committee serve without compensation for members' [THEIR] services, but are entitled to per diem equal to the per diem adopted by the legislative council under AS 24.10.130(c) for legislators and reimbursement of [AND] travel expenses [AUTHORIZED FOR BOARDS AND COMMISSIONS UNDER AS 39.20.180].
Public members of Enrolled HB 298 -6- the committee serve without compensation for members' [THEIR] services, but are entitled to per diem equal to the per diem adopted by the legislative council under AS 24.10.130(c) for legislators and reimbursement of [AND] travel expenses [AUTHORIZED FOR BOARDS AND COMMISSIONS UNDER AS 39.20.180].
The complaint must be in writing and signed under oath by the complainant, state [PERSON MAKING THE HB0298a -7- HB 298 New Text Underlined [DELETED TEXT BRACKETED] 34-LS1285\I COMPLAINT AND MUST CONTAIN A STATEMENT] that the complainant has reason to believe that the subject of the complaint has violated the Legislative Ethics Act, [A VIOLATION OF THIS CHAPTER HAS OCCURRED] and describe the [ANY] facts supporting [KNOWN TO THE COMPLAINANT TO SUPPORT] that belief.
The complaint must be in writing and signed under oath by the complainant, state [PERSON MAKING THE COMPLAINT AND MUST CONTAIN A STATEMENT] that the complainant has reason to believe that the subject of the complaint has violated the Legislative Ethics Act, [A VIOLATION OF THIS CHAPTER HAS OCCURRED] and describe the -7- Enrolled HB 298 [ANY] facts supporting [KNOWN TO THE COMPLAINANT TO SUPPORT] that belief.
The advice [STAFF RECOMMENDATION] shall be based on [THE] information and evidence that are part of [CONTAINED IN] the complaint or received from [AS SUPPLEMENTED HB 298 -8- HB0298a New Text Underlined [DELETED TEXT BRACKETED] 34-LS1285\I BY] the complainant or [AND BY] the subject of the complaint after a request [COMPLAINT, IF REQUESTED TO DO SO] by committee [THE] staff [MEMBER].
The advice [STAFF RECOMMENDATION] shall be based on [THE] information and evidence that are part of [CONTAINED IN] the complaint or received from [AS SUPPLEMENTED BY] the complainant or [AND BY] the subject of the complaint after a request [COMPLAINT, IF REQUESTED TO DO SO] by committee [THE] staff [MEMBER].
The committee shall consider the advice [RECOMMENDATION OF THE STAFF MEMBER, IF ANY,] and may ask the complainant or the subject of the complaint to provide clarification or additional information before the committee makes a determination under this subsection [SHALL DETERMINE WHETHER THE ALLEGATIONS OF THE COMPLAINT, IF TRUE, CONSTITUTE A VIOLATION OF THIS CHAPTER].
The committee shall consider the advice [RECOMMENDATION OF THE STAFF Enrolled HB 298 -8- MEMBER, IF ANY,] and may ask the complainant or the subject of the complaint to provide clarification or additional information before the committee makes a determination under this subsection [SHALL DETERMINE WHETHER THE ALLEGATIONS OF THE COMPLAINT, IF TRUE, CONSTITUTE A VIOLATION OF THIS CHAPTER].
(d) If the committee determines that some or all of the allegations of a complaint, if true, [PROVEN, WOULD] constitute a violation of this chapter, or if the HB0298a -9- HB 298 New Text Underlined [DELETED TEXT BRACKETED] 34-LS1285\I committee has initiated a complaint, the committee shall investigate the complaint [, ON A CONFIDENTIAL BASIS].
(d) If the committee determines that some or all of the allegations of a complaint, if true, [PROVEN, WOULD] constitute a violation of this chapter, or if the committee has initiated a complaint, the committee shall investigate the complaint [, ON A CONFIDENTIAL BASIS].
The committee shall provide a [A] copy of the [THIS] resolution [SHALL BE PROVIDED TO THE COMPLAINANT AND] to the subject of the complaint and notify the complainant of the investigation.
The committee shall provide a [A] copy of the [THIS] -9- Enrolled HB 298 resolution [SHALL BE PROVIDED TO THE COMPLAINANT AND] to the subject of the complaint and notify the complainant of the investigation.
The committee shall provide a [COMMITTEE DELIBERATIONS AND VOTE ON THE DISMISSAL ORDER AND DECISION ARE NOT OPEN TO THE PUBLIC OR TO THE SUBJECT OF THE COMPLAINT.
The committee shall provide a [COMMITTEE DELIBERATIONS ANDVOTE ONTHEDISMISSAL ORDER AND DECISION ARE NOT OPEN TO THE PUBLIC OR TO THE SUBJECT OF THE COMPLAINT.
Notwithstanding (l) of this section, the [A DISMISSAL] order to dismiss [AND DECISION] is open to inspection and copying by the public after the order is adopted.
Notwithstanding (l) of this section, the [A DISMISSAL] order to dismiss [AND DECISION]is open to inspection and copying by thepublicafter theorder is adopted.
HB 298 -10- HB0298a New Text Underlined [DELETED TEXT BRACKETED] 34-LS1285\I * Sec.
* Sec.
(g) If the committee [INVESTIGATION] determines that a probable violation of this chapter exists that may be corrected by action of the subject of the complaint and [THAT] does not warrant sanctions other than correction, the committee may issue a written recommendation that the subject of the complaint take [AN OPINION RECOMMENDING] corrective action within 20 days.
(g) If the committee [INVESTIGATION] determines that a probable violation of this chapter exists that may be corrected by action of the subject of the complaint and [THAT] does not warrant sanctions other than correction, the committee may issue a decision and written recommendation that the subject of the complaint take [AN Enrolled HB 298 -10- OPINION RECOMMENDING] corrective action within 20 days.
AFTER THE HEARING, THE COMMITTEE MAY AMEND OR AFFIRM THE OPINION.] If the subject of the complaint [AGREES TO COMPLY WITH THE OPINION BUT LATER] fails to complete the recommended corrective action within 10 days after the confidential meeting [IN A TIMELY MANNER], the committee may formally charge the subject of the complaint [PERSON] as provided in (h) of this section or [MAY] refer the matter to the appropriate house of the legislature, in the case of a legislator, or, in the case of a legislative employee, refer the matter to the employee's appointing authority.
AFTER THE HEARING, THE COMMITTEE MAY AMEND OR AFFIRM THE OPINION.] If the subject of the complaint [AGREES TO COMPLY WITH THE OPINION BUT LATER] fails to complete the recommended corrective action within 10 days after the confidential meeting [IN A TIMELY MANNER], the committee may formally charge the subject ofthecomplaint[PERSON]asprovided in(h)ofthissectionor[MAY]referthematter to the appropriate house of the legislature, in the case of a legislator, or, in the case of a legislative employee, refer the matter to the employee's appointing authority.
HB0298a -11- HB 298 New Text Underlined [DELETED TEXT BRACKETED] 34-LS1285\I * Sec.
* Sec.
(h) If the subject of a complaint fails to comply with a recommendation received under (g) of this section [AN OPINION] and the committee decides under (g) of this section to charge the person, or, if the committee determines after investigation under (d) of this section that there is probable cause to believe [THAT] the subject of the complaint has committed a violation of this chapter that may require sanctions instead of or in addition to corrective action, the committee shall formally charge the person as soon as practicable.
(h) If the subject of a complaint fails to comply with a recommendation received under (g) of this section [AN OPINION] and the committee decides under (g) of this section to charge the person, or, if the committee determines after investigation under (d) of this section that there is probable cause to believe [THAT] -11- Enrolled HB 298 the subject of the complaint has committed a violation of this chapter that may require sanctions instead of or in addition to corrective action, the committee shall formally charge the person as soon as practicable.
The charge shall be served on the person charged, in a manner consistent with the service of summons under the rules of civil procedure, and a copy of the charge shall be sent to the complainant.
The charge shall be served on the person charged, in a manner consistent with the service of summons under the rules of civil procedure, and a copyofthechargeshall besent tothecomplainant.
The person charged may file a responsive pleading to the committee admitting or denying some or all of the allegations of the charge.
Theperson charged may file a responsive pleading to the committee admitting or denying some or all of the allegations of the charge.
Show all 58 changed rows (18 more)
Previous
Latest
however, the committee may not impose restrictions under this subsection on the release of information by the subject of the complaint unless the complainant agrees [HAS AGREED] to be bound by similar restrictions and does [HAS] not make [MADE] public [THE] information [CONTAINED] in the complaint or [, INFORMATION] HB 298 -12- HB0298a New Text Underlined [DELETED TEXT BRACKETED] 34-LS1285\I about the complaint, including [OR] the fact [OF FILING] the complaint was filed.
however, the committee may not impose restrictions under this subsection on the release of information by the subject of the complaint unless the complainant agrees [HAS AGREED] to be bound by similar restrictions and does [HAS] not make [MADE] public [THE] information [CONTAINED] in the complaint or [, INFORMATION] about the complaint, including [OR] the fact [OF FILING] the complaint was filed.
The committee may appoint a person who does not advise the committee, except in the course of presenting cases under this section, [AN INDIVIDUAL] to present the case against the subject of the complaint [PERSON CHARGED IF THAT INDIVIDUAL DOES NOT PROVIDE OTHER LEGAL ADVICE TO THE COMMITTEE EXCEPT IN THE COURSE OF PRESENTING CASES UNDER THIS SUBSECTION].
The committee may appoint a person who does Enrolled HB 298 -12- not advise the committee, except in the course of presenting cases under this section, [AN INDIVIDUAL] to present the case against the subject of the complaint [PERSON CHARGED IF THAT INDIVIDUAL DOES NOT PROVIDE OTHER LEGAL ADVICE TO THE COMMITTEE EXCEPT IN THE COURSE OF PRESENTING CASES UNDER THIS SUBSECTION].
The committee [COMMITTEE'S DECISION] may also HB0298a -13- HB 298 New Text Underlined [DELETED TEXT BRACKETED] 34-LS1285\I indicate in the decision whether the subject of the complaint cooperated with the committee in [ITS] proceedings under this section.
The committee [COMMITTEE'S DECISION] may also indicate in the decision whether the subject of the complaint cooperated with the committee in [ITS] proceedings under this section.
If the committee finds that the subject of the complaint violated this chapter or did not cooperate with proceedings under this section, the committee shall recommend in the decision [A VIOLATION, OR LACK OF COOPERATION BY THE SUBJECT, THE DECISION SHALL RECOMMEND WHAT] sanctions, if any, the committee believes are appropriate.
If the committee finds that the subject of the complaint violated this chapter or did not cooperate with proceedings under this section, the committee shall recommend in the decision [A VIOLATION, OR LACK OF COOPERATION BY THE SUBJECT, THE DECISION -13- Enrolled HB 298 SHALL RECOMMEND WHAT] sanctions, if any, the committee believes are appropriate.
If the committee does not hold a hearing under (j) of this section [THERE HAS NOT BEEN A HEARING] because the subject of the complaint [PERSON CHARGED] admitted [TO] the allegations of the charge, the committee shall issue a decision outlining the facts of the violation and recommending sanctions, if any, the committee believes are appropriate [CONTAINING A SANCTIONS RECOMMENDATION].
If the committee does not hold a hearing under (j) of this section [THERE HAS NOT BEEN A HEARING] because the subject of the complaint [PERSONCHARGED]admitted[TO]theallegationsofthecharge,thecommitteeshall issue a decision outlining the facts of the violation and recommending sanctions, if any, the committee believes are appropriate [CONTAINING A SANCTIONS RECOMMENDATION].
In this subsection, "witness" means the HB 298 -14- HB0298a New Text Underlined [DELETED TEXT BRACKETED] 34-LS1285\I complainant, the subject of the complaint, or a person who may give testimony in the matter.
In this subsection, "witness" means the complainant, the subject of the complaint, or a person who may give testimony in the matter.
(m) All documents issued by the committee after a determination of probable cause to believe that the subject of a complaint has violated this chapter, including a recommendation [AN OPINION RECOMMENDING CORRECTIVE ACTION] under (g) of this section and a formal charge under (h) of this section, are subject to public inspection.
(m) All documents issued by the committee after a determination of probable cause to believe that the subject of a complaint has violated this chapter, including a recommendation [AN OPINION RECOMMENDING CORRECTIVE ACTION] Enrolled HB 298 -14- under (g) of this section and a formal charge under (h) of this section, are subject to public inspection.
(r) At any point in a proceeding under this section [THE PROCEEDINGS WHEN THE SUBJECT OF A COMPLAINT APPEARS BEFORE THE COMMITTEE], the subject of the [A] complaint may choose to be represented [ACCOMPANIED] by a legal counsel or other [ANOTHER] person who may [ALSO] present arguments before the committee.
(r) At any point in a proceeding under this section [THE PROCEEDINGS WHEN THE SUBJECT OF A COMPLAINT APPEARS BEFORE THE COMMITTEE], the subject of the [A] complaint may choose to be represented [ACCOMPANIED] by a legal counsel or other [ANOTHER] person who may [ALSO] present argumentsbeforethecommittee.Thechoiceofrepresentation [COUNSELOR ANOTHER PERSON] is not subject to review and approval or disapproval by the committee.
The choice of representation [COUNSEL OR ANOTHER PERSON] is not subject to review and approval or disapproval by the committee.
HB0298a -15- HB 298 New Text Underlined [DELETED TEXT BRACKETED] 34-LS1285\I * Sec.
* Sec.
(a) If, during a campaign period, the committee receives a complaint concerning the conduct of a candidate for state office who is covered by this chapter, the committee shall immediately notify the candidate of the complaint, the suspension of the committee's jurisdiction during the campaign period, and the candidate's right to waive the suspension of jurisdiction under this subsection.
(a) If, during a campaign period, the committee receives a complaint concerning the conduct of a candidate for state office who is covered by this chapter, the committee shall immediately notify the candidate of the complaint, the suspension of the committee's jurisdiction during the campaign period, and the candidate's right to waive the -15- Enrolled HB 298 suspension of jurisdiction under this subsection.
(b) When a complaint concerning the conduct of a candidate for state office is pending before the committee at the beginning of a campaign period and the committee has not issued formal charges under AS 24.60.170(h), the committee may consider the complaint but shall treat the complaint as confidential under AS 24.60.170.
(b) Unless the subject of the complaint requests otherwise, (1) when a complaint concerning the conduct of a candidate for state office is pending before the committee at the beginning of a campaign period and the committee has not issued formal charges under AS 24.60.170(h), the committee may consider the complaint but shall treat the complaint as confidential under AS 24.60.170;
The committee may not, during a campaign period, issue a dismissal order or decision under AS 24.60.170(f), issue a recommendation under AS 24.60.170(g), or formally charge a person under AS 24.60.170(h).
(2) the committee may not, during a campaign period, issue a dismissal order under AS 24.60.170(f), issue a decision and recommendation under AS 24.60.170(g), or formally charge a person under AS 24.60.170(h).
(d) If a hearing under AS 24.60.170(j) has been completed before the beginning of a campaign period but the committee has not yet issued a decision under AS 24.60.170(k), the committee may not issue the decision until after the campaign period ends.
(d) If a hearing under AS 24.60.170(j) has been completed before the beginning of a campaign period but the committee has not yet issued a decision under AS 24.60.170(k), the committee may issue the decision only after the campaign period ends, unless the subject of the complaint requests otherwise.
HB 298 -16- HB0298a New Text Underlined [DELETED TEXT BRACKETED] 34-LS1285\I (e) In this section, "campaign period" means a period that begins on the later of 45 days before a primary election in which a legislator or legislative employee is a candidate for state office or on the day a legislator or legislative employee files as a candidate for state office, and ends at the end of the day on the earlier of the day (1) that the results of the primary election are certified and made public, if the candidate does not advance to the general or special election;
(e) In this section, "campaign period" means a period that begins on the later of 45 days before a primary election in which a legislator or legislative employee is a candidate for state office or on the day a legislator or legislative employee files as a candidate for state office, and ends at the end of the day on the earlier of the day (1) that the results of the primary election are certified and made public, Enrolled HB 298 -16- if the candidate does not advance to the general or special election;
If, in the course of an investigation or probable cause determination under AS 24.60.170, the committee finds evidence of probable criminal activity, the committee shall transmit a statement and factual findings limited to that activity to the appropriate law enforcement agency.
If, inthecourse of an investigation or probable cause determination under AS 24.60.170, the committee finds evidence of probable criminal activity, the committee shall transmit a statement and factual findings limited to that activity to the appropriate law enforcement agency.
If the committee finds evidence of a probable violation of AS 15.13 by a person who is subject to the Legislative Ethics Act, the committee shall transmit a statement to that effect and factual findings limited to the probable violation to the Alaska Public HB0298a -17- HB 298 New Text Underlined [DELETED TEXT BRACKETED] 34-LS1285\I Offices Commission.
If the committeefinds evidence ofaprobableviolation ofAS 15.13 byaperson who is subject to the Legislative Ethics Act, the committee shall transmit a statement to that effect and factual findings limited to the probable violation to the Alaska Public Offices Commission.
HB 298 -18- HB0298a New Text Underlined [DELETED TEXT BRACKETED]
-17- Enrolled HB 298
⬇ Download PDF
View plain text versions (3)

Action History

  1. (H) EFFECTIVE DATE(S) OF LAW 6/24/26

  2. (H) LAW W/O GOV SIGNATURE 6/22 CH 29 SLA 26

  3. (H) 12:55 P.M. 6/5/26 Transmitted to Governor

  4. (H) EFFECTIVE DATE(S) SAME AS PASSAGE

  5. (H) CONCUR AM OF (S) Y40

  6. (H) CONCUR MESSAGE TAKEN UP

  7. (H) CONCUR MESSAGE RECEIVED

  8. (S) VERSION: SCS HB 298(JUD)

  9. (S) TRANSMITTED TO (H) AS AMENDED

  10. (S) EFFECTIVE DATE(S) SAME AS PASSAGE

  11. (S) PASSED Y20 N-

  12. (S) CROSS SPONSOR(S): CLAMAN, GIESSEL, STEDMAN, TOBIN, KAWASAKI, STEVENS

  13. (S) READ THE THIRD TIME SCS HB 298(JUD)

  14. (S) ADVANCED TO THIRD READING UC

  15. (S) JUD SCS ADOPTED UC

  16. (S) READ THE SECOND TIME

  17. (S) RULES TO CALENDAR 5/17/2026

  18. (S) FN1: ZERO(LEG)

  19. (S) NR: TILTON

  20. (S) DP: CLAMAN, KIEHL, TOBIN

  21. (S) JUD RPT SCS 3DP 1NR SAME TITLE

  22. (S) Moved SCS HB 298(JUD) Out of Committee

  23. (S) JUDICIARY at 01:30 PM BUTROVICH 205

  24. (S) Heard & Held

  25. (S) JUDICIARY at 01:30 PM BUTROVICH 205

  26. (S) JUD WAIVED PUBLIC HEARING NOTICE,RULE 23

  27. (S) JUD

  28. (S) READ THE FIRST TIME - REFERRALS

  29. (H) VERSION: HB 298

  30. (H) TRANSMITTED TO (S)

  31. (H) EFFECTIVE DATE(S) SAME AS PASSAGE

  32. (H) PASSED Y37 E3

  33. (H) READ THE THIRD TIME HB 298

  34. (H) ADVANCED TO THIRD READING 5/1 CALENDAR

  35. (H) READ THE SECOND TIME

  36. (H) RULES TO CALENDAR 4/30/2026

  37. (H) FN1: ZERO(LEG)

  38. (H) NR: COSTELLO, VANCE, KOPP

  39. (H) DP: MINA, UNDERWOOD, EISCHEID, GRAY

  40. (H) JUD RPT 4DP 3NR

  41. (H) Moved HB 298 Out of Committee

  42. (H) JUDICIARY at 01:00 PM GRUENBERG 120

  43. (H) Heard & Held -- Delayed to 15 Minutes Following Session --

  44. (H) JUDICIARY at 01:00 PM GRUENBERG 120

  45. (H) <Bill Hearing Canceled> -- Delayed to 5 minutes Following Session --

  46. (H) JUDICIARY at 01:00 PM GRUENBERG 120

  47. (H) JUD

  48. (H) READ THE FIRST TIME - REFERRALS

Sponsors

Sponsorship breakdown

Export CSV (upgrade) →

1 sponsors · 7 co-sponsors · 57 not signed on

Sponsors (1)

Co-sponsors (7)

Not signed on (57)

57 members have not signed on to this bill.

Show all 57 →

"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

Votes

Concur

Passed 40 Yea · 0 Nay
Party YeaNayPresentNot Voting
R 20000
D 14000
N 5000
Unaffiliated 1000
Total 40000
% of votes cast 100%0%0%0%
How each member voted (40)
Member Party Vote
Steve St. Clair — Yea
Andi Story D Yea
Andrew Gray D Yea
Andy Josephson D Yea
Ashley Carrick D Yea
Carolyn Hall D Yea
Donna Mears D Yea
Genevieve Mina D Yea
Maxine Dibert D Yea
Neal Foster D Yea
Nellie Unangiq Jimmie D Yea
Robyn Niayuq Frier D Yea
Sara Hannan D Yea
Ted Eischeid D Yea
Zack Fields D Yea
Alyse Galvin N Yea
Bryce Edgmon N Yea
Calvin Schrage N Yea
Ky Holland N Yea
Rebecca Himschoot N Yea
Bill Elam R Yea
Chuck Kopp R Yea
Dan Saddler R Yea
David Nelson R Yea
David Nelson R Yea
DeLena Johnson R Yea
Elexie Moore R Yea
Frank Tomaszewski R Yea
Jamie Allard R Yea
Jeremy Bynum R Yea
Jubilee Underwood R Yea
Julie Coulombe R Yea
Justin Ruffridge R Yea
Kevin McCabe R Yea
Louise Stutes R Yea
Mia Costello R Yea
Mike Prax R Yea
Rebecca Schwanke R Yea
Sarah Vance R Yea
Will Stapp R Yea

Official roll call →

Third Reading - Final Passage — Effective Date(s)

Passed 20 Yea · 0 Nay
Party YeaNayPresentNot Voting
R 11000
D 9000
Total 20000
% of votes cast 100%0%0%0%
How each member voted (20)
Member Party Vote
Bill Wielechowski D Yea
Donald Olson D Yea
Elvi Gray-Jackson D Yea
Forrest Dunbar D Yea
Jesse Kiehl D Yea
Lyman Hoffman D Yea
Löki Tobin D Yea
Matt Claman D Yea
Scott Kawasaki D Yea
Bert Stedman R Yea
Cathy Giessel R Yea
Cathy Tilton R Yea
Gary Stevens R Yea
George Rauscher R Yea
James Kaufman R Yea
Jesse Bjorkman R Yea
Kelly Merrick R Yea
Mike Cronk R Yea
Robert Myers R Yea
Robert Yundt R Yea

Official roll call →

Third Reading — Final Passage

Passed 37 Yea · 0 Nay · 3 Other
Party YeaNayPresentNot Voting
R 17003
D 14000
N 5000
Unaffiliated 1000
Total 37003
% of votes cast 93%0%0%8%
How each member voted (40)
Member Party Vote
Steve St. Clair — Yea
Andi Story D Yea
Andrew Gray D Yea
Andy Josephson D Yea
Ashley Carrick D Yea
Carolyn Hall D Yea
Donna Mears D Yea
Genevieve Mina D Yea
Maxine Dibert D Yea
Neal Foster D Yea
Nellie Unangiq Jimmie D Yea
Robyn Niayuq Frier D Yea
Sara Hannan D Yea
Ted Eischeid D Yea
Zack Fields D Yea
Alyse Galvin N Yea
Bryce Edgmon N Yea
Calvin Schrage N Yea
Ky Holland N Yea
Rebecca Himschoot N Yea
Bill Elam R Yea
Chuck Kopp R Yea
Dan Saddler R Not Voting
David Nelson R Not Voting
David Nelson R Yea
DeLena Johnson R Yea
Elexie Moore R Yea
Frank Tomaszewski R Yea
Jamie Allard R Yea
Jeremy Bynum R Yea
Jubilee Underwood R Yea
Julie Coulombe R Yea
Justin Ruffridge R Yea
Kevin McCabe R Not Voting
Louise Stutes R Yea
Mia Costello R Yea
Mike Prax R Yea
Rebecca Schwanke R Yea
Sarah Vance R Yea
Will Stapp R Yea

Official roll call →

Subjects

public-safety civil-rights elections
Cross-referencing the record. Reading this bill against every other bill in the corpus by meaning, not keywords. Only the first open is slow. It’s instant for you after this. Matching · Ranking · Engrossing

Frequently asked questions

Who sponsors HB 298?
HB 298 is sponsored by Gary Stevens (R), Scott Kawasaki (D), Löki Tobin (D), Bert Stedman (R), Cathy Giessel (R), Matt Claman (D), Kevin McCabe (R), and Alyse Galvin (N).
What is the current status of HB 298?
This bill has been enacted into law. Introduced February 09, 2026. Enacted.
Where can I track HB 298?
Track HB 298 free on One Click Politics — get push/email alerts when it moves.

Make your voice heard on HB 298

Find the representatives who decide this bill and tell them where you stand — for yourself, or mobilize your whole list in one click with One Click Politics advocacy software.

Find my representatives → Run a campaign

Stay ahead of HB 298

Last checked for changes 3 months ago · updated continuously

One Click Politics tracks every bill in Congress and all 50 states.

Track this bill →