Alaska Legislature

Rep. David Eastman, R-Wasilla, has previously compared COVID-19 vaccinations to Nazi medical experiments.

A member of the Alaska Legislature has apologized for saying Nazi experimentation on prisoners “produced results.”

Gov. Dunleavy says he will not veto the payment, but he will call lawmakers into a fourth special session that is set to begin Oct. 1.

The state hospital association opposed late-added amendments, causing the bill to lose support.

Another special session is possible if negotiations fail.

Some opponents of vaccination efforts have compared them to Nazi medical atrocities.

Legislators have until midnight Tuesday to pass legislation in the current special session.

At least two state senators expect that House lawmakers will strip the bill of the amendments dealing with vaccine requirements.

The Eagle River lawmaker opposes wearing a mask, which public health officials have urged people to do to help limit the spread of COVID-19.

Lawmakers expect a telehealth bill and a 2021 dividend will go to Gov. Mike Dunleavy by the time the session ends Tuesday.

Some Alaska legislators are skeptical that the bills would help the state address the current COVID-19 surge, as Dunleavy says.

One proposal passed but was reversed after hospital officials sent urgent messages in opposition.

Legislators are far from agreement on a new long-term dividend payment formula.

Lawmakers say having a zero dividend is unacceptable, but no amount has been set.

Legislation proposing an $1,100 Permanent Fund dividend failed to advance as scheduled Wednesday.

Preliminary maps will be published by mid-September for public review.

The change allows lawmakers to propose a 2021 dividend without a long-term change to the payment formula.

Sen. Bill Wielechowski, an Anchorage Democrat, says the state should have pressed forward with a legal fight after a court struck down several campaign contribution caps in Alaska.

Without agreement on a long-term dividend formula, there may be no 2021 payment.

A third special session began Monday.