State disability council committee to discuss Dunbar bill as it narrows priorities

Alaska's disability council is cutting down the list of issues it will push in Juneau next year, and its legislative committee will discuss a bill from Sen. Forrest Dunbar on Nov. 12.

Dunbar's "So Every Body Can Move" bill is the only pre-filed bill named on the draft agenda of the Governor's Council on Disabilities and Special Education's Legislative Committee, with "others to be determined." The agenda doesn't describe the bill.

The council is trying a new approach this year: fewer priorities. The process "is designed to concentrate efforts by setting fewer priorities, thus allowing for greater impact," according to the committee's September minutes. Council committees propose priorities, the full council picks which ones go to the Legislative Committee, and staff write position papers. The committee is scheduled to vote on its top priorities Dec. 10.

Last session, council members made more than 50 visits to legislators on five statewide priorities, including Infant Learning Program expansion and funding, Special Education Services Agency funding, transportation and universal changing spaces, according to the council's 2026 annual report. Council staff said in June that the Infant Learning Program expansion bill passed and the transportation bill was vetoed.

The Nov. 12 meeting, chaired by Lisa McDonald, runs 12:30 to 2 pm on Zoom and is open to the public. The council plans to meet in Juneau and visit legislators Feb. 9 to 11.