Sen. Kaufman outlines what final weeks in Juneau might look like

By THE ALASKA STORY

May 3, 2026 – As the Alaska Legislature barrels toward the May 20 close of its two-year cycle, Anchorage Sen. James Kaufman describes Juneau as reaching the boiling point, where months of slow-moving legislation suddenly surge into a frantic finish.

“The heat is on, the pot is ready to boil,” Kaufman wrote in a recent update to his constituents, describing the final phase of the 34th Legislature as a “legislative stew” with its last ingredients now being added.

More than 650 bills and numerous resolutions have been introduced during the 2025–2026 session, but only about 34 have passed so far, a gap that all but guarantees a rapid push in the closing days.

Kaufman noted that Alaska’s two-year legislative structure typically produces a last-minute rush, with major measures often advancing just before adjournment.

“This is the point where everything starts to bubble up to the top,” he said.

Kaufman identified three major pieces of legislation likely to dominate the final stretch:

• House Bill 28, an education measure
• House Bill 239, an omnibus crime bill
• Senate Bill 280, addressing property taxes tied to a proposed natural gas pipeline

Both HB 28 and HB 239 have already reached Senate Finance, where Kaufman serves, while SB 280 is expected to arrive soon. He described the trio as “heavy bills with pretty broad implications,” signaling careful review ahead as lawmakers weigh their final form.

What he doesn’t mention is that Democrats in control of the House and Senate are using the Alaska gasline project as leverage to get bills through that require more spending.

Energy concerns take a back seat

While high-profile bills move forward, Kaufman raised concern that what he views as Alaska’s most pressing issue —  energy security —  is not getting enough attention.

He pointed to declining natural gas supplies in Cook Inlet, warning that the Railbelt could face shortages during extreme winter conditions if current trends continue.

“We’re getting to a point where our railbelt gas supply may not meet the needs of the next long deepfreeze,” he said.

The issue is compounded by global factors. Tensions in the Middle East have pushed oil prices higher, increasing state revenues but also driving up costs for Alaskans. Rural communities, which rely heavily on imported fuel, are especially vulnerable.

Kaufman noted that many refined petroleum products used in rural Alaska come from East Asian refineries now facing reduced crude supply, a dynamic that could further tighten availability and increase costs.

Despite ongoing discussions about a long-term natural gas pipeline, Kaufman said near-term energy planning for Southcentral Alaska is being overshadowed. He urged stronger coordination between the Legislature and the governor’s office to develop a comprehensive energy strategy spanning immediate, mid-range, and long-term needs.

“I feel that we are behind the curve, and dangerously unfocused on what is arguably the most important issue facing our state,” he said.

He doesn’t mention the defined-benefits bill, HB 78, which is also being used to try to leverage more spending, holding the gasline project hostage so legislators can get one of Big Labor’s priorities through.

Kaufman framed the stakes in stark terms: “No energy, no economy. No economy, no community.”

With key bills stacking up in Senate Finance and time running short, lawmakers are expected to accelerate their pace in the coming days. Whether that urgency translates into meaningful action on energy, or remains focused on end-of-session dealmaking,remains to be seen.

While he did not bring it up in his constituent newsletter, Kaufman is likely aware that the governor may call the legislature back into special session — repeatedly, if necessary — in order to advance the gasline project this year.