House suspends rules to carry gas pipeline bills into special session

The Alaska House of Representatives voted Thursday to allow two natural gas taxation bills to carry over into the special session. Lawmakers approved the move 28-10 over objections that they should work only on the governor's newly introduced bill.

The House approved Senate Concurrent Resolution 202, which suspends rules that normally prohibit bills from crossing between sessions. The resolution allows House Bill 381 and Senate Bill 280 to continue moving through the legislative process alongside the governor's House Bill 2001.

House Bill 381 addresses taxation of natural gas pipeline property, municipal taxation limitations, and an alternative volumetric tax on natural gas throughput. Senate Bill 280 is the companion bill in the Senate.

House Bill 2001, introduced at the governor's request, covers the same subjects. The bill was referred to the Finance Committee.

Chuck Kopp, the majority leader, said the carryover preserves work already completed on the property tax legislation. He said the governor's proclamation mentioned House Bill 381 specifically.

DeLena Johnson objected to carrying over the bills. She said lawmakers should work on the governor's bill rather than bringing in additional legislation.

The vote to suspend the rules required a two-thirds majority. The 28-10 outcome exceeded that threshold.

The House also voted 22-18 to adopt Senate Concurrent Resolution 201, which exempts the legislature from meeting every three days. The resolution allows lawmakers to focus on committee work without holding floor sessions.

The House adjourned until June 4 at 11 a.m.