The House of Representatives stopped debating the bill on Sunday, after it was amended to require that all hospitals allow any patient to have a person who supports them present during treatment.
Andrew Kitchenman
State Government Reporter, Alaska Public Media & KTOO
State government plays an outsized role in the life of Alaskans. As the state continues to go through the painful process of deciding what its priorities are, I bring Alaskans to the scene of a government in transition.
Alaska Senate passes bill aimed at easing COVID-19 strain on hospital, but amends it to oppose vaccine mandates
The House could vote to remove the amendments focused on vaccine mandates before the session ends on Tuesday.
Sen. Lora Reinbold asks to be excused from floor sessions, citing her ban from Alaska Airlines
She has been banned from flying on Alaska Airlines for refusing to wear a facemask and is arguing that she doesn’t have an alternative way of getting back and forth to Juneau.
With ongoing dispute over drawing funds, Alaska government could run out of money to pay bills over the next year
The issue could lead to the state spending from funds that most lawmakers want to protect for the future. Or it could go without paying some of its bills — but the Legislature would have to agree to a change for it to be legal.
Gov. Dunleavy replaces Transportation Commissioner John MacKinnon
Anderson has worked for the department for 20 years. His most recent position was director for the Northern Region. The governor’s office did not provide the reason for John MacKinnon’s departure and said that it doesn’t comment on personnel issues.
Alaska PFD payout remains up in the air as special session grinds on
The House of Representatives passed a bill on Tuesday aimed at funding permanent fund dividends at $1,100. But the final amount isn’t clear.