State Affairs passes campaign‑finance bill and modernizes Joint Armed Services Committee after brief hearings

The House State Affairs Committee took up two additional items after advancing HB 301 on May 14, 2026.

House Bill 371, sponsored by Representative McCabe, concerns campaign contributions and out‑of‑state contributions. The sponsor and staff discussed an amendment deadline and the scope of a proposed amendment; Representative McCabe said he plans to refine the measure and may reintroduce a version in a future session. Vice Chair Story moved to pass HB 371 with individual recommendations, fiscal notes and legal authorization for technical changes; with no objection recorded the chair announced HB 371 had passed the committee (the transcript records no roll‑call tally).

The committee also considered Senate Bill 282, a measure to modernize the Joint Armed Services Committee (JASC). Jenna Calhoun, staff to Senator Kawasaki, summarized the committee substitute: it would broaden JASC responsibilities beyond BRAC reviews to include Arctic security and national defense initiatives, add a civilian seat split to separate Alaska Federation of Natives and Alaska Municipal League representation, require the committee to meet at least once per year and include a roughly 10‑year sunset for review. Stewart Relay (committee staff) confirmed the CS incorporated edits from the House Military and Veterans Affairs Committee. Representative Vance asked about the inclusion of climate‑related language in the Arctic security definition; staff explained the language reflects changing Arctic conditions that affect military movement and infrastructure. Vice Chair Story moved adoption of the committee substitute and, with no objection, the substitute was adopted and SB 282 moved from committee.

Both actions were recorded as committee passings with attached recommendations and fiscal notes; the transcript indicates paperwork will be signed after adjournment and that the committee expected to meet again on Saturday, May 16.