Alaska House passes campaign contribution limits that could take effect during 2026 election

The Alaska House voted 21-19 Wednesday to give final passage to a bill that would restore limits on political donations to state and local candidates. The measure could take effect before the 2026 general election, in time to restrict contributions during this year's campaign.

House Bill 16 responds to a 2021 federal court ruling that struck down Alaska's prior $500 contribution limits. The bill sets new caps and requires that they be adjusted for inflation every 10 years.

The Senate had amended the bill to delay its effective date until Jan. 1, 2027, and the House accepted that version in the 21-19 concurrence vote. But changing a bill's effective date requires a two-thirds vote, and a separate vote on the delayed date failed 24-16. As a result, the bill reverts to the default set by the Alaska Constitution: it would take effect 90 days after becoming law.

When that happens depends on Gov. Mike Dunleavy, who can sign the bill, veto it, or allow it to become law without his signature. Alaska has no pocket veto, so inaction would not kill the measure. Under the state constitution, the governor has 15 days, excluding Sundays, to act on a bill while the Legislature is in session, or 20 days if it has adjourned. Lawmakers adjourned their regular session Wednesday night but reconvened Thursday morning for a special session Dunleavy called to take up a natural gas pipeline tax measure.

Because of the 90-day clock, the new limits would most likely take effect before the November general election, and probably after the Aug. 18 primary. Candidates who have already raised money above the new caps could keep those funds, but they could not accept additional donations exceeding the $2,000-per-donor, per-candidate limit for each two-year election cycle once the law takes effect.

Rep. Calvin Schrage, I-Anchorage, sponsored the bill. He told members the measure would restore contribution limits that Alaska voters have repeatedly supported.

Opponents said the bill restricts political speech and would likely draw another lawsuit. They also argued it would do little to address independent expenditure groups, which can accept unlimited contributions under federal court rulings.

Schrage said that if the Legislature did not act, the issue would go before voters on the 2026 general election ballot. HB 16 mirrors that initiative, and enacting the bill would remove the measure from the ballot. The bill now goes to the governor.