On the evening of May 17, the Alaska’s regular legislative session adjourned for the year. Governor Bill Walker immediately called the legislature into special session, but the special session can only act on matters that the Governor listed, and election law matters are not on his list. The main purpose of the special session is to pass a budget.
Bills that failed to pass include HB 5434, the National Popular Vote Plan bill; and HB 200, for a top-two primary. The sponsor of the top-two bill, Representative Gabrielle Ledoux (R-Anchorage) says she may try to get her idea on the ballot as an initiative in 2018. Ledoux is one of several Alaska Republican representatives who voted to organize the House under Democratic Party leadership.
There are 17 Democrats, 2 independents, and 3 Republicans in the majority caucus.
The three Republicans were made chair of the Rules Committee, co-chair of the Finance Committee, and Majority Whip.
HB 200 does not appear to have had any action after the hearing in the Judiciary Committee, beyond be referred to the State Affairs Committee.
I thought the recommendation had been more favorable, but it was Do Pass (1), Do Not Pass (2), No Recommendation (2), and Amend (1).