Full Press Release
News from the Alaska State Legislature, the Office of Senator Yundt
For Immediate Release: April 01, 2026
Senate Passes Bill Strengthening Local Government
Senator Robert Yundt
JUNEAU – Today the State Senate unanimously passed SB 143, an act granting Municipalities and Boroughs the ability to decide the term lengths for school board seats.
The bill by Senator Rob Yundt (R – Wasilla) would empower local governments and school boards to make decisions that best fit their individual community’s needs.
For example, the Mat-Su Borough moved their Assembly seats to 4-year terms – aligning them with state and federal elections – to save money and increase voter participation.
According to Senator Yundt, “SB143 has been a legislative priority of the Mat-Su Borough for years.” The life-long Wasillian continued, “In my community, this bill has the potential to save local taxpayers millions of dollars in wasted taxes and allows local governments to make decisions benefitting their citizens.”
The act also allows cities with a population of under 1000 to choose how many members will constitute a council or board. The minimum number of members would be three, and the maximum seven.
“This would help ensure better proportional representation as well as assist smaller communities who struggle to find seven council members,” Senator Yundt said.
Senate Bill 143 would not mandate that terms of boards are changed but simply allows Boroughs and Municipalities to make local decisions.
The bill will now be sent to House for consideration. Senator Yundt looks forward to collaborating with the House and Executive Branch to get the bill across the finish line.
Share on X 
Share on Facebook
News & Videos more >
Senate Passes Bill Strengthening Local Government
Today the Alaska Senate passed SB 143, granting local governments the ability to decide the term lengths for school board seats.
Local Boundary Comm. Bill Passes the Senate
Today the Alaska Senate passed SB 63 updating the rules and regulations of the Local Boundary Commission
Senate Majority Caucus Attempts to Tip Balance of Power
Today the Alaska Senate passed SJR 2, an act reducing the number of votes needed for a budget-related veto override, damaging the balance of power...
Alaska Senate Authorizes Infant "Baby Boxes"
Today the Alaska Senate passed SB 9, a bill allowing dedicated locations to install infant safety devices, also known as “baby boxes,”
Majority Caucus Derails State Revenue Bill
“A relatively simple and straightforward contract ratification shouldn’t be used as a backdoor for a major new tax policy,” said Senator Cathy Tilton
Senate Republicans Craft Fast-Track Budget Compromise
Working constructively with the Majority to craft a compromise amendment, the Senate Republican Caucus was able to decrease a CBR draw by $76 million.
Senate Passes SR 4, Celebrating 250th Anniversary of the U.S.
In a powerful display of patriotism and commitment to our nation’s founding principles, the Alaska Senate today passed Senate Resolution 4 in a unanimous vote....
Senate Requests the U.S. Adhere to Mineral Leasing Act
Today, the Alaska State Senate unanimously passed SJR 19, urging Congress to honor the terms of the Mineral Leasing Act and the Alaska Statehood Act.
Senate Republicans Disappointed by Ag Dept. Vote Failure
Yesterday in joint session, Executive Order 136, allowing the creation for a Department of Agriculture, was passed with a vote of 32 to 28, stalling the formation....
Back to Square One for Education
Today Governor Mike Dunleavy announced his veto the $1,000 BSA increase– while also introducing an education bill with a $700 funding increase and an emphasis on policy reform....