Alaska Senate passes bill for deaf and hard of hearing students

The Alaska Senate unanimously passed a bill Wednesday aimed at strengthening support for public school students who are deaf or hard of hearing.

Committee Substitute for House Bill 39 passed 20-0 and was returned to the House for transmission to the governor, according to the official legislative bill record.

Sen. Elvi Gray-Jackson carried the bill on the Senate floor, saying it is meant to help schools identify students’ needs early, provide appropriate resources and give parents a stronger voice in their child’s education.

“At its core, this bill is about making sure deaf and hard of hearing students in Alaska are not left behind,” Gray-Jackson said during floor debate.

Sen. Löki Tobin also spoke in support, citing her experience learning American Sign Language and working with a deaf colleague in Anchorage. Tobin said advocates, families, educators and Alaska’s deaf and hard of hearing community helped shape the bill.

The measure passed without opposition.