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AlaskaHB 3534th Legislature - First Session (2025)House

PRISONERS: ELECTRONIC DEVICES, ID CARDS

Sponsored By: Rebecca Himschoot (Not)

Became Law

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Bill Overview

Analyzed Economic Effects

7 provisions identified: 2 benefits, 4 costs, 1 mixed.

Tighter tablet rules and free e-visits

Prisoners may use a computer or tablet only if the facility approves the device and the use. Allowed uses include reentry or case plans, rehabilitation, jobs, education, job training, legal reference, visits, health care, and other approved purposes. In-person visits cannot be replaced with computer or tablet visits. The department should not replace existing rehab programs with electronic versions; devices can only add to them. Prisons cannot charge fees for electronic mail or electronic visitation.

Cells must have clear views

The department may not place prisoners in living quarters with a blocked exterior view. Facilities used as prisons on August 27, 1997, or buildings built before the state acquired them, do not have to be changed.

State ID before prison release

Before you leave prison, the department issues you a state ID card. It looks like a driver’s license but is a different color and says “for identification only.” It shows your name, date of birth, physical description, photograph, a unique number, and a spot for your signature. It has security features, shows “UNDER 21” if you are under 21, and says it is not valid to buy alcohol.

Cap on prison food spending

The department cannot spend more on prisoner food than 90% of the per-person food spending for enlisted U.S. Army members in Alaska. The Army per-person amount for the same period sets the cap.

Limits on cell items and appearance

You cannot keep a coffee pot, hot plate, or other food heating element in your cell. You cannot have more than three electrical appliances in the cell. You must wear the facility uniform and follow grooming rules. You cannot smoke or use any tobacco products.

Limits on media and materials

You may not keep a cassette player, VCR, or a telephone in your cell. Prisons may only offer basic cable that substitutes for local broadcast service. You cannot watch movies rated R, X, or NC-17. The department may not provide publishing or broadcast equipment unless it approves the content first to keep order and discipline. You may not have obscene or hateful materials, crime plans, or instructions for making alcohol, drugs, weapons, or explosives, or items that could help escape, theft, or rule-breaking.

No combat training or gear

You cannot take boxing, wrestling, judo, karate, or other martial arts, in person or by broadcast. You may not take part in activities the commissioner finds could lead to violent behavior. You also cannot possess or access related gear or any free weights.

Sponsors & Cosponsors

Sponsor

  • Rebecca Himschoot

    Not • House

Cosponsors

There are no cosponsors for this bill.

Roll Call Votes

All Roll Calls

Yes: 42 • No: 36

House vote • 5/2/2025

PASSED Y31 N8 E1

Yes: 31 • No: 8

House vote • 4/30/2025

AM NO 4 FAILED Y11 N28 E1

Yes: 11 • No: 28

Actions Timeline

  1. (H) EFFECTIVE DATE(S) OF LAW 11/5/25

    8/19/2025House

  2. (H) LAW W/O GOV SIGNATURE 8/7 CHAPTER 25 SLA 25

    8/19/2025House

  3. (H) 9:05 A.M. 7/15/25 TRANSMITTED TO GOVERNOR

    7/30/2025House

  4. (H) CONCUR AM OF (S) Y28 N12

    5/20/2025House

  5. (H) TITLE CHANGE: SCR 8

    5/20/2025House

  6. (H) CONCUR MESSAGE RECEIVED AND TAKEN UP

    5/20/2025House

  7. (S) VERSION: SCS CSHB 35(JUD)

    5/20/2025Senate

  8. (S) TRANSMITTED TO (H) AS AMENDED

    5/20/2025Senate

  9. (S) PASSED Y20 N-

    5/20/2025Senate

  10. (S) READ THE THIRD TIME SCS CSHB 35(JUD)

    5/20/2025Senate

  11. (S) ADVANCED TO THIRD READING 5/20 CAL

    5/19/2025Senate

  12. (S) JUD SCS ADOPTED UC

    5/19/2025Senate

  13. (S) READ THE SECOND TIME

    5/19/2025Senate

  14. (S) RULES TO CALENDAR 5/19/2025

    5/19/2025Senate

  15. (S) FN1: ZERO(COR)

    5/16/2025Senate

  16. (S) NR: TOBIN

    5/16/2025Senate

  17. (S) DP: CLAMAN, MYERS, KIEHL

    5/16/2025Senate

  18. (S) TITLE CHANGE: SCR 8

    5/16/2025Senate

  19. (S) JUD RPT SCS(JUD) 3DP 1NR NEW TITLE

    5/16/2025Senate

  20. (S) Moved SCS CSHB 35(JUD) Out of Committee

    5/14/2025Senate

  21. (S) JUDICIARY at 01:30 PM BUTROVICH 205

    5/14/2025Senate

  22. Audio/Video

    5/14/2025House

  23. (S) Minutes (SJUD)

    5/12/2025Senate

  24. (S) Heard & Held

    5/12/2025Senate

  25. (S) JUDICIARY at 01:30 PM BUTROVICH 205

    5/12/2025Senate

Bill Text

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