Senate panel advances Salazar to Human Rights Commission

The Senate Judiciary Committee voted Friday to advance Grace Salazar's nomination to the Alaska State Commission on Human Rights to a joint session for confirmation.

Salazar, a lifelong Alaskan with 30 years of state service, has served on the commission since October 2025 under a gubernatorial appointment. The committee's recommendation does not bind individual senators to vote for or against her during the confirmation session.

Background

The Alaska State Commission on Human Rights investigates discrimination complaints in employment, housing, public accommodations, and other areas under state civil rights law. The commission has been involved in recent legislative discussions around criminal justice reform, including provisions in House Bill 239 that address marijuana conviction records. Representative Chuck Kopp, sponsor of HB 239, noted that the bill includes language addressing "marijuana offense conviction records that today are no longer a criminal offense but were offense a number of years back, and looking at how do we enable people to still be productive in the workforce, get a job, get housing where they could be discriminated against for something that isn't even against the law today." The commission's work intersects with these efforts to remove barriers for Alaskans seeking employment and housing.

Salazar told the committee she retired from state service in April 2022 after working with the Regulatory Commission of Alaska, Alaska Oil and Gas Conservation Commission, the Department of Natural Resources, and the State Ombudsman's Office. She said she was honored to continue serving Alaskans in civil rights protection.

No one testified for or against the nomination during the public comment period.

Senator Keele moved to forward Salazar's name to a joint session. The motion passed without objection.

The committee met at 1:30 p.m. Friday in Juneau. Members present included Chair Clayman, Vice Chair Keele, and Senator Tilton.