HB 298 Alaska House · 34th Legislature (2025-2026)

An Act relating to the Legislative Ethics Act; relating to legislative subpoenas; relating to the jurisdiction of the office of the ombudsman; and providing for an effective date.

HB 298 amends Alaska's Legislative Ethics Act to clarify which legislative committees are exempt from ethics rules and refine definitions of "agency" under ethics laws. It explicitly excludes legislators, judges, and certain officials from the definition of "agency," affecting how oversight bodies like the ombudsman apply ethics standards. The bill also updates restrictions on legislators accepting benefits, adding specific exceptions for campaign contributions, charity events, and reasonable wedding-related travel. These changes aim to clarify existing ethics rules without creating new prohibitions. The bill is currently in committee referral stage with no recent hearings.

Bill status signed all 5 stages cleared

Introduction

Feb 2026

Committee Review

May 2026

House Passage

May 2026

Senate Passage

May 2026

Signed into Law

Jul 2026

Introduced Feb 9, 2026 Signed Jul 3, 2026

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What changed between versions

Enrolled HB 298 → HB 298 · 6 edits

MODERATE

The bill transitions from a web-based legislative summary to the full statutory text of HB 298, which amends the Legislative Ethics Act. The substantive changes expand the definition of 'agency' to include independent state entities, clarify exceptions for legislators regarding private office use and internet access, and establish specific thresholds ($250) and timelines for disclosing gifts. Additionally, the bill strengthens whistleblower protections and formalizes the committee's authority to investigate complaints and impose sanctions.

Scope change

The scope of the 'agency' definition was expanded to include entities independent of the executive, legislative, and judicial branches, broadening the reach of the ethics act.

DEFINITION

Expanded the definition of 'agency' to include departments and boards independent of the three branches of state government.

REQUIREMENT

Added specific exceptions allowing legislators to use their private office for non-legislative purposes and use the internet for non-campaign activities.

Established a $250 monetary threshold for disclosing gifts and specified a 60-day window for disclosure.

ENFORCEMENT

Strengthened whistleblower protections by explicitly prohibiting reprisals and allowing employees to bring civil actions for damages.

Formalized the committee's power to subpoena witnesses, take testimony, and issue formal charges with hearings.

TIMELINE

Added new provisions defining 'campaign periods' to limit committee jurisdiction over candidates during election cycles.

Floor votes

How they voted

This bill passed the Senate by voice vote (no roll call recorded).

Full legislative history

Actions timeline

Total actions

Key actions

Committee

May 17, 2026

Upper · Passed

(S) TRANSMITTED TO (H) AS AMENDED

upper

May 17, 2026

Upper · Passed

(S) PASSED Y20 N-

upper

May 17, 2026

Upper · Passed

(S) JUD SCS ADOPTED UC

upper

May 8, 2026

Upper · Passed

(S) Moved SCS HB 298(JUD) Out of Committee

upper

May 1, 2026

Lower · Passed

(H) TRANSMITTED TO (S)

lower

May 1, 2026

Lower · Passed

(H) PASSED Y37 E3

lower

Mar 27, 2026

Lower · Passed

(H) Moved HB 298 Out of Committee

lower

1 primary · 7 co-sponsors