Alaska defense bodies would plan military policy and report to lawmakers

The committee would have five senators, five representatives, and seven Alaska residents who are not legislators. The seven resident seats include recommendations from Alaska chapters of military organizations, the Coast Guard Auxiliary, the Anchorage and Fairbanks North Star local governments, the adjutant general, the Alaska Federation of Natives, and the Alaska Municipal League. The Senate president and House speaker would jointly appoint the seven residents after considering recommendations from the named military groups, local governments, and other organizations. At least two senators and two representatives would be members of the minority party. Current members' terms would end when the membership provision takes effect. The appointing leaders would have 45 days after that date to appoint members.

The committee would monitor federal plans affecting Alaska military bases, work with government and community partners, and take on other defense duties. These duties concern military and defense matters affecting Alaska, including national defense and Arctic security. Its work would include tracking development of the national missile defense system, exploring joint military training, and advocating for certain military forces to be based in Alaska. The committee would report its activities to the legislature by December 31 of the year of each second regular session.

The commission would advise state and local leaders on military issues and plan for military growth and related community needs. The commission's advice and recommendations would go to the governor, state agencies, the legislature, communities, and Alaska's congressional delegation. The commission would plan for infrastructure and maintain a strategy covering existing and possible military missions, related industries, and base closure criteria. The commission would report its prior-year activities electronically by January 31 each year to any legislative committee on military and veterans' affairs, if one exists when the report is due.

The department would combine its two most recent reports on military and defense industries and send a report to the legislature every two years. The report concerns the department's two most recent reports prepared under AS 08.01.063(e). The department would also send copies to the Senate secretary and House chief clerk and notify the legislature that the report is available. The report would be due by March 1 during the first regular session of each legislature. This section is set to take effect June 30, 2036.