The Alaska Legislature's Labor and Commerce Committee convened on February 21, 2025, to discuss two significant pieces of legislation. The meeting began with the introductory hearing of House Bill 60, which focuses on procurement preferences for Alaska-grown products. This bill was presented by Deputy Commissioner Anna Latham from the Department of Commerce, Community, and Economic Development.

Latham explained that House Bill 60 is a response to food security challenges highlighted during the global pandemic, which disrupted supply chains and affected the availability of essential goods in Alaska. The administration's initiative aims to enhance food security and agricultural growth, as outlined in Administrative Order 331, which established the Alaska Food Security and Independence Task Force. This task force recommended increasing the procurement of locally sourced foods by state and local agencies, including schools.

The proposed legislation seeks to amend current procurement codes, raising the price threshold for required purchases of in-state agricultural products from 7% to 10%, and the permissible price from 15% to 25%. Latham emphasized that these changes are designed to support local producers by making it easier for them to enter commercial markets and increase their production capabilities.

During the presentation, it was noted that the state currently spends over $17 million on food products through a master contract with US Foods, yet only a small fraction—$236,000—was spent on Alaska-harvested products. This statistic underscores the potential for growth in local procurement.

Following the presentation, committee members were invited to ask questions. The discussion highlighted the importance of supporting local agriculture and fisheries, as well as the need for increased awareness among local producers about the procurement process.

The second item on the agenda was the initial hearing for House Bill 99, which addresses money transmission and virtual currency. However, due to time constraints, the committee focused primarily on House Bill 60.

In conclusion, the meeting underscored the Alaska Legislature's commitment to enhancing food security and supporting local agricultural producers through legislative measures. The next steps will involve further discussions and potential revisions to the proposed bills as they move through the legislative process.