The state Senate, on an 18-2 vote, approved a measure Wednesday that would add a second verse with references to Alaska Natives and a message of unity to the official state song.
The measure now goes to the House.
This is at least the third time efforts have been made to add the verse, which is already widely known, taught and sung as part of the song. It references Benny Benson, the Native boy who in 1927 designed the territorial flag that eventually became the state flag.
Those voting against it were Republican Sens. Con Bunde of Anchorage and Charlie Huggins of Wasilla.
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