Senate committee advances bill to prevent software vendor lock-in for state and local governments

Sen. Jesse Kiel reintroduced Senate Bill 258 on March 19, proposing that Alaska state and local governments retain control over where purchased software runs and preventing vendors from imposing deployment restrictions that lead to 'vendor lock in.' Kiel said the change would allow procurement decisions to be based on quality, security and cost rather than restrictive licensing terms.

Scott Drexel, state policy director for the Coalition for Fair Software Licensing, testified in support, saying restrictive terms have led to avoidable costs, reduced vendor competition and cybersecurity risks. Drexel cited federal attention (FTC, GAO) and noted model state language exists; he described SB 258 as “procurement housekeeping” that decouples software purchase from mandated deployment.

No public testimony was offered. Senator Dunbar moved to report SB 258 from committee with individual recommendations and a zero fiscal note; the chair heard no objection and the bill was moved from committee to the next stage.

Next steps: SB 258 was reported from committee; Legislative Legal Services was authorized to make conforming changes and the bill will advance per the committee motion.