Justice
Alaska senator faces civil trial after blocking a constituent on Facebook
An Anchorage Superior Court judge is considering when and if it is legal for a state legislator to ban a constituent from the lawmaker’s legislative Facebook page. On Wednesday afternoon, Judge Thomas Matthews heard oral arguments in a lawsuit brought by an Eagle River woman against Sen. Lora Reinbold, R-Eagle River. After hearing arguments, Matthews […]
Alaska Human Rights Commission sues to pause special U.S. House election certification
The chairman of the Alaska State Human Rights Commission filed a lawsuit Wednesday against Lt. Gov. Kevin Meyer and the Alaska Division of Elections, seeking to pause the ongoing special U.S. House primary election. According to plaintiff Robert Corbisier, the election — Alaska’s first statewide vote conducted entirely by mail — discriminates against “visually impaired […]
After transgender sports bill falls short, Mat-Su school board proposes change to achieve same goal
The Matanuska-Susitna Borough School Board last week introduced an activities policy revision that would prohibit transgender girls from competing in girls sports. It resembles a bill that the Legislature failed to pass during the regular session. If adopted, the revised policy would change current practices at the Mat-Su Borough School District. “The proposed amendment more […]
Alaska attorney general recused himself from legal review of using public funds for private education
As the Alaska Department of Law looks into the legality of using public funds for private education through the state’s correspondence school, or homeschool, allotment program, Alaska Attorney General Treg Taylor has recused himself. Taylor’s wife, Jodi Taylor, is a major proponent of the concept and wrote publicly in mid-May about her plan to seek […]
Special prosecutor charges former Alaska attorney general nominee with sexual abuse of a minor
A special prosecutor on Friday charged former Alaska Attorney General-designee Ed Sniffen with three counts of third-degree sexual abuse of a minor. Third-degree sexual abuse of a minor is a Class C felony punishable by two to 12 years in prison. The charges were not initially available to the public, but Deputy Attorney General Cori […]
Legislature modernizes 40-year-old definition of consent in sexual assault cases
Rep. Geran Tarr, D-Anchorage, is relieved her bill to modernize the definition of consent passed this year. “When I think about a policy like a massive public safety improvement, if we delay action, I know that between now and the next time I or anyone else will have the opportunity to address that, hundreds more […]
Bill heading to governor creates roadmap for establishing tribally operated public schools
A bill that creates a roadmap for establishing tribally operated public schools has passed the Alaska Senate and House, and is headed to the governor’s desk. Senate Bill 34 directs the Board of Education and Early Development to work with Alaska Native tribal entities on an agreement that would formally recognize the tribes’ authority to […]
Feds sue Alaska over management of Kuskokwim fisheries
The federal government sued Alaska’s state government and the state Department of Fish and Game on Tuesday, saying in a filing at the U.S. District Court in Anchorage that the state illegally opened the Kuskokwim River for salmon fishing. The lawsuit seeks an injunction to block similar future actions by the state. Low salmon returns […]
Senate tables transgender sports bill again, likely ending its chances for now
A controversial Senate bill that would prohibit transgender girls from competing in girls sports got tabled Tuesday on the Senate floor – and, this time, it’s likely to stay that way. After placing a call on the house, Anchorage Republican Sen. Natasha von Imhof made a motion to table Senate Bill 140. Bill sponsor Shelley […]
Alaska lawmakers want to modernize outdated state definition of consent
When Rebecca Farrell discusses healthy relationships with her students, she describes consent as something that is freely given, reversible, informed and enthusiastic. This grouping of words is also known as FRIES. Farrell is a physical science and health teacher at Thunder Mountain High School in Juneau. “If somebody says, ‘Hey, you want to go upstairs?’ […]
Alaska Senate approves bill formally recognizing Native tribes
Alaska’s state government would formally recognize all of Alaska’s 229 federally recognized tribes under legislation passed Friday by the state Senate in a 15-0 vote. If signed into law by Gov. Mike Dunleavy, the measure will be mostly ceremonial. Lawmakers said it nonetheless represents an opportunity to respect Alaska Natives and tribal organizations that have […]
Congress explores creation of truth commission for U.S. Indian Boarding Schools
WASHINGTON — Survivors of a U.S. policy that forced Indigenous children to attend boarding schools where they were abused, or went missing, detailed to members of a U.S. House Natural Resources panel during a Thursday hearing the need for Congress to establish a truth commission dedicated to unveiling the traumas Indigenous children experienced at the […]