Alaska State Senate
General Information
Party control:	Split
Session start:	January 21, 2025
Session end:	May 20, 2025
Term length:	4 years
Term limits:	None
Redistricting:	Commission
Salary:	$84,000/year + per diem
Members
Total:	20
Democrats:	9
Republicans:	9
Other:	0
Vacancies:	2
Leadership
President:	Gary Stevens (R)
Maj. Leader:	Catherine A. Giessel (R)
Min. Leader:	TBD
Elections
Last election:	November 5, 2024
Next election:	November 3, 2026

TheAlaska State Senate is theupper chamber of theAlaska State Legislature. Alongside theAlaska House of Representatives, it forms the legislative branch of the Alaska state government and works alongside thegovernor of Alaska to create laws and establish a state budget. Legislative authority and responsibilities of the Alaska State Senate include passing bills on public policy matters, setting levels for state spending, raising and lowering taxes, and voting to uphold or override gubernatorial vetoes.

The Alaska State Senate meets in the state capitol building inJuneau, Alaska.

This page contains the following information on the Alaska State Senate.

• Which partycontrols the chamber
• The chamber'scurrent membership
• Partisan control of the chamberover time
• Elections in the chamber and how vacancies are filled
• Adistrict map
• Howredistricting works in the state
• Legislation currently under consideration
• Legislative session dates
• Legislative procedures, such as veto overrides and the state budget process
• A list ofcommittees

Party control

Current partisan control

The table below shows the partisan breakdown of the Alaska State Senate as of November 2025:

Bipartisan coalition

See also:Alaska State Senate elections, 2022 andAlaska State Senate elections, 2024

Following the 2022 elections, all nine Democrats and eight of 11 Republicans announced that they would form a bipartisangoverning coalition. The coalition said it would supportGary Stevens (R) as senate president andCathy Giessel (R) as majority leader.^[1]

After the 2024 elections, Stevens announced the continuation of the bipartisan coalition established after the 2022 elections.^[2] It contained all nine Democrats and eight of 11 Republicans. The only leadership change wasKelly Merrick (R) becoming majority whip following the retirement ofClick Bishop (R).^[3]

Members

Leadership

The Senate president is the presiding officer of the Senate.^[4]

Leadership and members

• Senate president:Gary Stevens (R)
• Majority leader:Catherine A. Giessel (R)
• Minority leader: TBD

Salaries

See also:Comparison of state legislative salaries

Swearing in dates

See also:When state legislators assume office after a general election

Alaska legislators assume office on the third Tuesday of January following their election.^[6][7]

Membership qualifications

See also:State legislature candidate requirements by state

Article II, Section 2 of theAlaska Constitution states: "A member of the legislature shall be a qualified voter who has been a resident of Alaska for at least three years and of the district from which elected for at least one year, immediately preceding his filing for office. A senator shall be at least twenty-five years of age and a representative at least twenty-one years of age."^[8]

Historical party control

Amultipartisan governing coalition has controlled the Alaska State Senate since 2022. Following the2022 elections, the coalition included nine Republicans and eight Democrats. The same coalition continued control after the2024 elections.

The table below shows the partisan history of the Alaska Senate following every general election from 1992 to 2022. All data from 2006 or earlier comes from Michael Dubin'sParty Affiliations in the State Legislatures (McFarland Press, 2007). Data after 2006 was compiled by Ballotpedia staff.

Before 1992

Of the 33 Alaska State Senate elections held between 1958 and 2022, 19 left the Democrats and Republicans within four seats of each other.

Trifecta history

Astate government trifecta is a term that describes single party government, when one political party holds the governor's office and has majorities in both chambers of the legislature in a state government. Between 1992 and 2023, Alaska was under the following types of trifecta control:

• Democratic trifecta: None
• Republican trifecta: 2003-2006, 2013-2014
• Divided government: 1992-2002, 2007-2012, 2015-2023

Elections

Elections by year

Alaska state senators serve staggered,four-year terms and half of the Senate is up for election every two years. Alaska holds elections for its legislature in even years.

2026

See also:Alaska State Senate elections, 2026

Elections for theAlaska State Senate will take place in 2026. The general election is onNovember 3, 2026.

2024

See also:Alaska State Senate elections, 2024

Elections for theAlaska State Senate took place in 2024. The general election was onNovember 5, 2024. The primary wasAugust 20, 2024. The filing deadline wasJune 1, 2024.

In the 2024 elections, there was no change in the partisan balance of the Alaska State Senate.

2022

See also:Alaska State Senate elections, 2022

Elections for theAlaska State Senate took place in 2022. The general election was on November 8, 2022. A primary was scheduled for August 16, 2022. The filing deadline was June 1, 2022.

In the 2022 elections, Republicans' numerical majority decreased from 13-7 to 11-9. Nine Democrats and eight Republicans announced the formation of abipartisan coalition.

2020

See also:Alaska State Senate elections, 2020

Elections for the office ofAlaska State Senate took place in 2020. The general election was held on November 3, 2020. A primary was scheduled for August 18, 2020. The filing deadline was June 1, 2020.

In the 2020 elections, there was no change in the partisan balance of the Alaska State Senate.

2018

See also:Alaska State Senate elections, 2018

Elections for theAlaska State Senate took place in 2018. Ahybrid primary election took place on August 21, 2018.^[14] The general election was held on November 6, 2018.^[15] The candidate filing deadline was June 1, 2018. The deadline for independent and minor party candidates to submit signatures was August 21, 2018.^[16]

In the 2018 elections, the Republican majority in the Alaska State Senate decreased from 14-6 to 13-7.

2016

See also:Alaska State Senate elections, 2016

Elections for theAlaska State Senate took place in 2016. The primary election took place on August 16, 2016, and the general election was held on November 8, 2016. The candidate filing deadline was June 1, 2016. A total of10 seats out of the 20 seats in theAlaska State Senate were up for election in 2016. No changes occurred to the partisan balance of the chamber.

Click [show] to see election information dating back to 2000

2014 See also:Alaska State Senate elections, 2014 Elections for theAlaska State Senate took place in 2014. A primary election took place on August 19, 2014. The general election was held onNovember 4, 2014. Thesignature filing deadline for candidates wishing to run in this election was June 2, 2014. Heading into the election, Republicans held a 13-7 majority. Republicans gained one seat in the election, giving them a 14-6 majority. Alaska State Senate Party As of November 3, 2014 After November 4, 2014      Democratic Party 7 6      Republican Party 13 14 Total 20 20 2012 See also:Alaska State Senate elections, 2012 Elections for the office of Alaska State Senate took place in 2012. The primary election was held on August 28, 2012, and the general election was held onNovember 6, 2012. The candidate filing deadline was June 1, 2012. Ordinarily, half (10) of the senators would have been up for election in 2012, with the remaining half up for election in 2014 because senators serve staggered four-year terms. However in 2012, every senator exceptDennis Egan (D) faced re-election due to changes resulting fromstate legislative redistricting. Senators normally scheduled for the 2014 election were elected to two-year terms in 2012, preserving Alaska's staggered Senate elections. Thus, a total of 19 seats were up for election in 2012.[17] Heading into the election, the Alaska State Senate was tied at 10-10. Republicans gained three seats in the election, giving them a 13-7 majority. Alaska State Senate Party As of November 5, 2012 After the 2012 Election      Democratic Party 10 7      Republican Party 10 13 Total 20 20 The table below details the 10 districts with the smallest margin of victory in the November 6 general election in 2012. 2012 Margin of Victory, Alaska State Senate District Winner Margin of Victory Total Votes Top Opponent District 10 (J) Hollis French, II 0.4% 15,151 Bob Bell District 2 (B) Pete Kelly 8.6% 11,481 Joe Paskvan District 7 (G) Bill Wielechowski 12.3% 11,355 Bob Roses District 14 (N) Catherine Giessel 18.2% 17,607 Ron Devon District 8 (H) Berta Gardner 19% 11,680 Don Smith District 1 (A) John Coghill 21% 15,639 Joe Thomas District 13 (M) Anna Fairclough 24.5% 17,688 Bettye Davis District 17 Bert Stedman 29% 15,242 Albert Kookesh District 11 (K) Lesil McGuire 32.9% 13,985 Roselynn Cacy District 9 (I) Johnny Ellis 36.3% 10,008 Paul Kendall 2010 See also:Alaska State Senate elections, 2010 Elections for the office of Alaska State Senate took place in 2010. The primary election was held on August 24, 2010, and the general election was held onNovember 2, 2010. The candidate filing deadline was June 1, 2010. State senate seats in all even-numbered districts excluding District 20 were on the ballot in 2010, in addition to the District 19 seat. Heading into the election, Alaska State Senate was tied at 10-10. The partisan balance did not change in the election. Alaska State Senate Party As of November 1, 2010 After the 2010 Election      Democratic Party 10 10      Republican Party 10 10 Total 20 20 During the 2010 election, the total value of contributions to the 29 Senate candidates was $1,227,692. The top 10 contributors were:[18] 2010 Donors, Alaska State Senate Donor Amount Dziubinski, Philip L $153,806 Higgins, Pete $45,410 Moronell, Mark W $39,162 Alaska Republican Party $28,450 Giessel, Cathy $27,535 Giessel, Catherin A (Cathy) $18,125 Alaska Association of Realtors $15,800 Senate Democratic Campaign Cmte of Alaska $15,000 Alaska State Employees Association Local 52 $13,000 Alaska Laborers Local 341 $12,000 2008 See also:Alaska State Senate elections, 2008 Elections for the office of the Alaska State Senate consisted of a primary election on August 26, 2008, and a general election onNovember 4, 2008. During the 2008 election, the total contributions to Senate candidates was $860,748. The top 10 contributors were:[19] 2008 Donors, Alaska State Senate Donor Amount Anderson, John Nels $40,000 Alaska Republican Party $29,738 Senate Democratic Campaign Cmte of Alaska $27,578 General Communication Inc / GCI $15,250 Alaska Public Employees Association $15,000 Alaska Laborers Local 341 $11,000 Alaska State Employees Association Local 52 $10,500 Electrical Workers Local 1547 $10,500 Fairbanks Republican Womens Club of Alaska $9,000 Carpenters & Joiners Local 1281 $9,000 2006 See also:Alaska State Senate elections, 2006 Elections for the office of the Alaska State Senate consisted of a primary election on August 22, 2006, and a general election onNovember 7, 2006. During the 2006 election, the total value of contributions to Senate candidates was $1,560,798. The top 10 contributors were:[20] 2006 Donors, Alaska State Senate Donor Amount Mayo, Louis Earl $83,629 Senate Democratic Campaign Cmte of Alaska $63,754 Alaska Republican Party $41,700 Seekins, Ralph C $30,300 Alaska Public Employees Association $22,000 Electrical Workers Local 1547 $20,100 Beck, Tim $19,681 Operating Engineers Local 302 $19,000 Alaska Association of Realtors $19,000 Associated General Contractors of Alaska $16,500 2004 See also:Alaska State Senate elections, 2004 Elections for the office of the Alaska State Senate consisted of a primary election on August 24, 2004, and a general election onNovember 2, 2004. During the 2004 election, the total value of contributions to Senate candidates was $1,867,581. The top 10 contributors were:[21] 2004 Donors, Alaska State Senate Donor Amount Jerry Ward for State Senate $124,126 Alaska Republican Party $95,250 Senate Democratic Campaign Cmte of Alaska $74,530 Allee, Rita T $61,259 Ward, Jerry $59,291 Yourkowski, Michael L $21,605 Alaska Laborers Local 341 $17,500 Zaugg, Lynda L $16,574 Electrical Workers Local 1547 $16,500 Alaska Public Employees Local 71 $15,500 2002 See also:Alaska State Senate elections, 2002 Elections for the office of the Alaska State Senate consisted of a primary election on August 27, 2002, and a general election onNovember 5, 2002. During the 2002 election, the total value of contributions to Senate candidates was $2,196,193. The top 10 contributors were:[22] 2002 Donors, Alaska State Senate Donor Amount Alaska Republican Party $73,833 Worthen, Timothy J $27,050 Seekins, Ralph C $24,250 Associated General Contractors of Alaska $17,500 Heinze, Harold $16,981 Alaska Public Employees Local 71 $16,000 Electrical Workers Local 1547 $16,000 Alaska Teamsters $16,000 Senate Democratic Campaign Cmte of Alaska $15,650 Alaska Public Employees Association $15,000 2000 See also:Alaska State Senate elections, 2000 Elections for the office of the Alaska State Senate consisted of a primary election on August 22, 2000, and a general election on November 7, 2000. During the 2000 election, the total value of contributions to Senate candidates was $2,116,529. The top 10 contributors were:[23] 2000 Donors, Alaska State Senate Donor Amount Privett, William B $121,003 Alaska Republican Party $79,500 Ward, Jerry $70,316 Senate Democratic Campaign Cmte $58,426 Olson, Donald C $49,552 Szymanski, Mike $26,373 Cowdery, John J $25,100 Martin, Terry $24,234 Guzy, David R $23,300 French, Hollis $21,750

Vacancies

See also:How vacancies are filled in state legislatures

If there is a vacancy in theAlaska State Legislature, thegovernor is responsible for selecting a replacement. The governor must select the replacement within 30 days after the vacancy happens. Nevertheless, if the predecessor's term is set to expire or if a special election is scheduled to fill a vacancy in the state Senate before the legislature reconvenes, the governor is not authorized to appoint someone to fill the vacancy.^[24]

See sources:Alaska Stat. §15.40.320

District map

See also:Alaska state legislative districts

The state of Alaska has 20 state Senate districts. Each district elects one senator.

Use the interactive map below to find your district.

Redistricting

See also:Redistricting in Alaska

Because Alaska has only one congressional district, congressional redistricting is not necessary. A non-politician commission draws state legislative district lines. In place since 1998, Alaska's redistricting commission comprises five members. Two commissioners are appointed by thegovernor, one by thestate Senate majority leader, one by thestate House majority leader, and one by the chief justice of theAlaska Supreme Court. State law mandates that commissioners "be chosen without regard to party affiliation." One commissioner must be selected from each of the state's judicial districts.^[25]

TheAlaska Constitution requires that state legislative districts be contiguous and compact. Furthermore, every state legislative district must contain a "relatively integrated socio-economic area." Each state legislative district is served by one state senator and two state representatives.^[25]

2020

See also:Redistricting in Alaska after the 2020 census

Alaska completed its state legislative redistricting on May 24, 2022, when the Alaska Redistricting Board adopted a new map ofstate Senate districts at the direction of thestate supreme court. In its ruling, theAlaska Supreme Court upheld a May 16, 2022, decision by theThird District of Alaska's Superior Court that determined that the mapping of stateHouse districts toSenate ones was unconstitutional and ordered the Alaska Redistricting Board to adopt another proposed plan for pairing the districts.Click here to read more about litigation surrounding Alaska's legislative boundaries. These maps took effect for Alaska's 2022 legislative elections. On May 15, 2023, the Alaska Redistricting Board adopted its 2022 interim maps as final state legislative maps. The final maps were used in the 2024 elections.^[26]

Alaska had initially enacted legislative district boundaries on November 10, 2021, following a 3-2 vote by the Alaska Redistricting Board. The three Republican-appointed board members voted in favor of the map and the two nonpartisan board members voted against it.^[27] On March 25, 2022, theAlaska Supreme Court ruled that one state House and one state Senate district did not comply with the state constitution and required they be redrawn.^[28] The Alaska Redistricting Board adopted new legislative district boundaries to comply with the state supreme court's ruling on April 13, 2022.^[29]

District map before and after 2020 redistricting

Below is the state Senate map in effect before and after the 2020 redistricting cycle.

2010

See also:Redistricting in Alaska after the 2010 census

The Alaska Redistricting Board officially began the work of legislative redistricting with a public meeting on March 16, 2011.^[30] On April 13, 2011, the preliminary redistricting maps for theAlaska State Legislature were released.^[31] The Redistricting Board submitted the state’s redistricting plan to the Department of Justice on August 11, 2011, for pre-clearance as required under theVoting Rights Act.^[32] The U.S. Department of Justice approved Alaska's legislative redistricting plan on October 11, 2011.^[33] On December 28, 2012, theAlaska Supreme Court ordered the state's redistricting plan be redrawn for the 2014 elections, ruling that the Redistricting Board did not follow the process as instructed by the court.^[34] On July 14, 2013, the Alaska Redistricting Board adopted its 2013 Proclamation Plan.^[35][36]

Sessions

Legislation

The legislation tracker below displays all legislation that the Alaska State Senate has approved in its most recent legislative session—this includes legislation that has been sent from the Senate to the House and legislation that has already been approved by both chambers and signed by the governor. The table below includes the bill number, its name, progress, most recent action date, and sponsor. Scroll up and down and side to side to see more. Click the bill number to read the bill text and see its voting history. Click the headings to sort the content. Rearrange the order of the headings by clicking and dragging them. Click the magnifying glass in the bottom left corner to search for specific terms. The legislation tracker is maintained and updated byBillTrack50.

Dates of legislative sessions in Alaska by year

2025

See also:2025 Alaska legislative session andDates of 2025 state legislative sessions

In 2025, the legislature was scheduled to convene on January 21, 2025, and adjourn on May 20, 2025.

Click [show] for past years' session dates.

2024 See also:2024 Alaska legislative session andDates of 2024 state legislative sessions In 2024, the legislature was scheduled to convene on January 16, 2024, and adjourn on May 15, 2024. 2023 See also:2023 Alaska legislative session andDates of 2023 state legislative sessions In 2023, the legislature was scheduled to convene on January 17, 2023, and adjourn on May 17, 2023. 2022 See also:2022 Alaska legislative session andDates of 2022 state legislative sessions In 2022, the legislature was scheduled to convene on January 18, 2022, and adjourn on May 18, 2022. 2021 See also:2021 Alaska legislative session andDates of 2021 state legislative sessions In 2021, the legislature was scheduled to convene on January 19, 2021, and adjourn on May 19, 2021. 2020 See also:2020 Alaska legislative session andDates of 2020 state legislative sessions In 2020, the legislature was scheduled to convene on January 21, 2020, and adjourn on May 20, 2020. Effect of coronavirus pandemic See also:Changes to state legislative session dates in response to the coronavirus (COVID-19) pandemic, 2020 Coronavirus pandemic Select a topic from the dropdown below to learn more. Political responses overviewState reopening plansDocumenting America's Path to RecoveryElection changesChanges to vote-by-mail and absentee voting proceduresFederal responsesState responsesState executive ordersStay-at-home ordersMultistate agreementsNon-governmental reopening plansEvictions and foreclosures policiesTravel restrictionsEnacted state legislationState legislative session changesSchool closuresState court closuresInmate releasesLocal government responsesDiagnosed or quarantined politiciansBallot measure changesArguments about government responsesThe 1918 influenza pandemicPandemic Response Accountability CommitteeUnemployment filingsLawsuitsBallotpedia's polling on the coronavirus pandemicSubmit Several state legislatures had their sessions impacted as a result of the 2020 coronavirus pandemic. On March 29, 2020, theAlaska State Legislature suspended its session, effective immediately and continuing through May 18, 2020. The legislature adjourned on May 20, 2020.[37][38] 2019 See also:2019 Alaska legislative session andDates of 2019 state legislative sessions In 2019, the legislature was in session from January 15, 2019, through May 14, 2019. 2018 See also:2018 Alaska legislative session andDates of 2018 state legislative sessions In 2018, the legislature was in session from January 16, 2018, through May 13, 2018. To read about notable events and legislation from this session, clickhere. 2017 See also:Dates of 2017 state legislative sessions In 2017, the legislature was in session from January 17, 2017, through May 17, 2017. The legislature held its first special session from May 18, 2017, to June 16, 2017. The legislature held its second special session from June 16, 2017, to July 15, 2017. The legislature held a one-day special session on July 27, 2017. The legislature began its fourth special session on October 23. It ended on November 21. 2016 See also:Dates of 2016 state legislative sessions In 2016, the legislature was in session from January 19 through May 18 (extended session). The legislature held a special session from May 23, 2016, to June 19, 2016. The legislature held a second special session from July 11 to July 18. Major issues in 2016 Major issues in the 2016 legislative session included a $3.5 billion budget deficit, a possible state income tax, government cuts, and the formation of a ways and means committee.[39] 2015 See also:Dates of 2015 state legislative sessions In 2015, the legislature was in session from January 20 through April 27 (Session extended). The first special session was held from April 28 to May 21. The second special session was held from May 21 to June 11. A third special session was held from October 24 to November 5. Major issues in 2015 Major issues in the 2015 legislative session included the state budget. Decreasing oil prices created a multi-billion dollar shortfall, so legislators looked to find cuts and improved efficiencies.[40] 2014 See also:Dates of 2014 state legislative sessions In 2014, the legislature was in session from January 21 to April 20. Major issues in 2014 Major issues in the 2014 legislative session included education, the state budget, high energy prices, and a natural gas pipeline.[41] 2013 See also:Dates of 2013 state legislative sessions In 2013, the legislature was in session from January 15 to April 14. Major issues in 2013 Major issues during the 2013 legislative session included oil tax reform, state agency performance reviews, and a budget for fiscal year 2014.[42][43] 2012 See also:Dates of 2012 state legislative sessions In 2012, the legislature was in regular session from January 17 to April 15. It was in special session from April 15 to April 30.[44] Major issues Legislators took upGovernorSean Parnell's (R) suggestion to decrease the oil tax in order to increase economic growth. They also considered a ban on texting while driving, education funding, the state's unfunded pension liability, and whether to extend the legislative session from 90 to 120 days.[45] 2011 See also:Dates of 2011 state legislative sessions In 2011, the legislature was in session from January 18 to April 17. Lawmakers remained in Juneau from April 18 to May 14 to resolve ongoing disagreements over the state's operating budget; the final compromise included money for a new in-state natural gas pipeline and a $20 million payout to the state's schools.[46] A second special session was held from June 27 to 28 to discuss reauthorization of the state's Coastal Management Program, which was set to expire June 30. Measures to reauthorize the program failed during the regular session.[47] The program ended on schedule after theHouse failed to pass aSenate proposal to save it.[48] 2010 See also:Dates of 2010 state legislative sessions In 2010, the legislature was in session from January 19th to April 18th.

About legislative sessions in Alaska

TheTenth Amendment of theU.S. Constitution declares that any power not already given to the federal government is reserved to the states and the people.^[49] State governments across the country use this authority to hold legislative sessions where a state's elected representatives meet for a period of time to draft and vote on legislation and set state policies on issues such as taxation, education, and government spending. The different types of legislation passed by a legislature may include resolutions,legislatively referred constitutional amendments, and bills that become law.

Section 8 of Article II of the Alaska Constitution contains provisions relating to the timing and length of sessions of theAlaska State Legislature, of which the Senate is a part. However, the provisions related to the convening date of the Legislature have been changed by law, and the provisions limiting the length of legislative sessions have been changed by the Alaska 90-Day Legislative Session Amendment. This amendment was passed in a 2006 ballot initiative, and it limits the regular sessions of the Legislature to ninety days.

Section 9 of Article II allows for special sessions to be called by thegovernor of Alaska or by a two-thirds vote of the legislators. Special sessions are limited to thirty days.

Legislative roles and procedures

Every state legislature throughout the country features its own internal procedures that it uses to govern itself and how it interacts with other parts of state government. Ballotpedia's coverage of internal state legislative procedures includesveto overrides,the role of the legislature in the state budget, andprocedures for filling membership vacancies.

Veto overrides

See also:Veto overrides in state legislatures

State legislatures can override governors' vetoes. Depending on the state, this can be done during the regular legislative session, in a special session following the adjournment of the regular session, or during the next legislative session. The rules for legislative overrides of gubernatorial vetoes in Alaska are listed below.

How many legislators are required to vote for an override? Two-thirds of members in a joint session.

How can vetoes be overridden after the legislature has adjourned?

Are there other special rules?

Authority:Article II, Section 16 of theAlaska Constitution.

Role in state budget

See also:Alaska state budget and finances

Alaskaon

Check outBallotpedia articles about policy in your state on:

Budgets •Civil liberties •Education •Elections •Energy •Environment •Healthcare •Pensions

The state operates on an annual budget cycle, with the fiscal year beginning July 1 and ending June 30. The sequence of key events in the budget process is as follows:^[52]

1. Budget instructions are sent to state agencies inJuly.
2. Agencies submit their budget requests to thegovernor inOctober.
3. The governor submits his or her proposed budget to thestate legislature byDecember 15.
4. The legislature adopts a budget by a simple majority inApril.

The governor is required by statute to submit a balanced budget. Likewise, the legislature is required by statute to pass a balanced budget.^[52]

Alaska is one of 44 states in which the governor hasline item veto authority.^[52][53]

Committees

See also:List of committees in Alaska state government

Every state legislature and state legislative chamber in the country contains several legislative committees. These committees are responsible for studying, amending, and voting on legislation before it reaches the floor of a chamber for a full vote. The different types of committees include standing committees, select or special, and joint.

• Standing committees are generally permanent committees, the names of which sometimes change from session to session.
• Select or special committees are temporary committees formed to deal with specific issues such as recent legislation, major public policy or proposals, or investigations.
• Joint committees are committees that feature members of both chambers of a legislature.

Ballotpedia covers standing and special committees in Alaska. The Alaska State Senate has 10 standing committees:

Constitutional amendments

In every state but Delaware, voter approval is required to enact a constitutional amendment. In each state, the legislature has a process forreferring constitutional amendments before voters. In 18 states,initiated constitutional amendments can be put on the ballot through a signature petition drive. There are alsomany other types of statewide measures.

The methods in which the Alaska Constitution can be amended:

See also:Article XIII of the Alaska Constitution andLaws governing ballot measures in Alaska

The Alaska Constitution provides two mechanisms for amending the state's constitution—a legislative process, and a state constitutional convention. Alaska requires a simple majority vote (50% plus 1) for voters to approve constitutional amendments. Alaskans do not have the power to use acitizen initiative to amend the state's constitution. Thepower of initiative in Alaska is restricted to proposing state statutes.

Legislature

See also:Legislatively referred constitutional amendment

A two-thirds vote in each legislative chamber of theAlaska State Legislature during one legislative session to refer a constitutional amendment to the ballot. That amounts to a minimum of 27 votes in theAlaska House of Representatives and 14 votes in theAlaska State Senate, assuming no vacancies. Amendments do not require the governor's signature to be referred to the ballot.

Convention

See also:Convention-referred constitutional amendment

According toSection 3 of Article 13 of theAlaska Constitution, a question about whether to hold a state constitutional convention is toautomatically appear on the state's ballot every 10 years starting in 1970. Alaska is one of 14 states that provides for an automatic constitutional convention question.

The table below shows the last and next constitutional convention question election years:

See also

Elections	Alaska State Government	State Legislatures	State Politics
Alaska State Senate elections, 2024 Alaska State Senate elections, 2022 Alaska State Senate elections, 2020 Alaska State Senate elections, 2018	Alaska State Legislature Alaska House of Representatives Governor of Alaska Alaska Supreme Court	State legislative elections:2025,2024,2023,2022,2021,2020,2019, and2018	State government trifectas State government triplexes State executives State courts Ballot measures The State Legislative Decade

External links

• Alaska State Senate

Footnotes

v • e State legislatures Legislatures Alabama (H,S) ·Alaska (H,S) ·Arizona (H,S) ·Arkansas (H,S) ·California (A,S) ·Colorado (H,S) ·Connecticut (H,S) ·Delaware (H,S) ·Florida (H,S) ·Georgia (H,S) ·Hawaii (H,S) ·Idaho (H,S) ·Illinois (H,S) ·Indiana (H,S) ·Iowa (H,S) ·Kansas (H,S) ·Kentucky (H,S) ·Louisiana (H,S) ·Maine (H,S) ·Maryland (H,S) ·Massachusetts (H,S) ·Michigan (H,S) ·Minnesota (H,S) ·Mississippi (H,S) ·Missouri (H,S) ·Montana (H,S) ·Nebraska ·Nevada (A,S) ·New Hampshire (H,S) ·New Jersey (GA,S) ·New Mexico (H,S) ·New York (A,S) ·North Carolina (H,S) ·North Dakota (H,S) ·Ohio (H,S) ·Oklahoma (H,S) ·Oregon (H,S) ·Pennsylvania (H,S) ·Rhode Island (H,S) ·South Carolina (H,S) ·South Dakota (H,S) ·Tennessee (H,S) ·Texas (H,S) ·Utah (H,S) ·Vermont (H,S) ·Virginia (H,S) ·Washington (H,S) ·West Virginia (H,S) ·Wisconsin (A,S) ·Wyoming (H,S) 2026 State legislative elections (2026) •State legislative special elections (2026) • Primary dates and filing requirements •2026 Session Dates 2025 State legislative elections (2025) •State legislative special elections (2025) •Primary dates and filing requirements •2025 Session Dates 2024 State legislative elections (2024) •State legislative special elections (2024) •Primary dates and filing requirements •2024 Session Dates 2023 State legislative elections (2023) •State legislative special elections (2023) •Primary dates and filing requirements •2023 Session Dates Historical elections 2022 • 2021 • 2020 • 2019 •2018 •2017 •2016 •2015 •2014 •2013 •2012 •2011 •2010 •2009 •2008 •2007 •2006 •2005 •2004 •2003 •2002 •2001 •2000 Features of state legislatures How vacancies are filled in state legislatures •States with a full-time legislature •State legislatures with term limits •Comparison of state legislative salaries •When state legislators assume office after a general election •Population represented by state legislators •State constitutional articles governing state legislatures •State legislative sessions •Resign-to-run law •State legislature candidate requirements by state •Official names of state legislatures •State legislative chambers that use multi-member districts •Factors Affecting Competitiveness in State Legislative Elections State senates Length of terms of state senators •State senators •Partisan composition of state senates •State senators sorted by year first elected State houses Length of terms of state representatives •State representatives •Partisan composition of state houses •State representatives sorted by year first elected Leadership positions President of the Senate •President Pro Tempore •Senate Majority Leader •Senate Minority Leader •House Majority Leader •House Minority Leader •State Speaker of the House

	v • e State ofAlaska Juneau (capital)
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