House and Senate convene 2026 legislative session; budget issues, gas pipeline at top of agenda

The state Legislature is back in business in Juneau. Both the state Senate and state House convened the Second Regular Session of the 34th Alaska State Legislature. In an opening statement Senate President Gary Stevens, R-Kodiak, said: “The Senate will continue to build upon the priorities set out in the last legislative session to strengthen Alaska’s economy. These priorities include supporting and improving our public education, addressing public employee and teacher retirement, updating Alaska’s election laws, and tackling Alaska’s ongoing energy challenges to ensure long-term sustainability and affordability.

Republican leaders in the Legislature said they are ready to get down to work. “We introduced our new members, we established committee assignments and we’re looking forward to a productive session,” said House Minority Leader Rep. DeLena Johnson, R-Palmer.

Work on legislation has already picked up. The House Resources Committee heard a presentation on natural gas pipeline issues by Gaffney Cline, a consulting firm, on Wednesday. The House Labor and Commerce Committee considered a resolution on the hiring of apprentices that same afternoon. On Thursday, the Senate Finance Committee was to be briefed on the state’s oil production forecast by the Department Natural Resources while the Department of Revenue briefed the House Finance Committee was briefed the same day by on the state revenue forecast.

On Friday, the Senate Resources Committee will hear from two consulting firms, Gaffney Cline on the on the gas pipeline, and Pegusus Global on managing risk with large construction projects.

On budget issues, Stevens said the Legislature has a responsibility in passing a fiscally prudent, balanced budget. “We will continue to carefully review our current revenue streams and projections, support our essential services, and evaluate the long-term impacts these decisions will have on the state’s fiscal stability. While our state continues to have even tighter revenues and increasing demands, our focus will remain on fiscal discipline, protecting essential services, and ensuring the state makes responsible decisions that Alaskans can afford,” he said.

Education will continue to be a central priority this session. The Education Task Force began meeting this fall and will continue its work to improve public education system. “Alaskans expect stability and predictability in our education system, and the Senate is committed to examining how best to support students, educators, and school districts across the state,” Stevens said.

“We will also seek clarity on where the Alaska gasline project stands, what steps remain ahead, and its economic viability. Given the potential long-term implications for Alaska’s economy and fiscal future, it is critical that legislators and the public have accurate, transparent information as decisions move forward, he said.

“In addition, the Senate will examine potential new revenues as part of the broader budget discussion. Long-term fiscal stability requires hard conversations about how the state pays for the services, Alaskans rely on. While the path forward may be challenging, it is imperative that we get it right,” Stevens said.