STATE BUDGET

Alaska operates on an annual budget cycle, with the fiscal year beginning July 1 and ending June 30.  Agencies submit their budget requests to the Governor in October, with the Governor submitting their proposed budget to the state legislature by December 15.  The legislature adopts a budget by a simple majority in April.  The governor is required to submit a balanced budget, and the legislature is required to pass a balanced budget

STATE LEGISLATURE

The 40 members of the House of Representatives serve two year terms, and the 20 Senators serve four year terms, staggered so half stand for election every two years.  The 60 member combined legislature is the smallest bicameral state legislature in the US. Annual sessions begin in January and are limited by statute to 90 calendar days. Special sessions of 30 calendar days may be convened by a consensus of two-thirds of each chamber.  Bills carry over from odd to even numbered years.

KEY RESOURCES

• Alaska State Legislature
• Office of the Attorney General
• Governor of Alaska
• Information on Healthcare Policy in Alaska

2025 LEGISLATIVE SUMMARY

Alaska introduced SB4 which would require insurers to develop an online price comparison tool for different plans, provide annual notices about program availability and report program statistics to the state insuracne director. the act wuld also establish monetary incentives for insurees and employers who choose lower cost healthcare plans. The bill will roll over into 2026.