The Alaska State Legislature's House Finance Committee convened on May 18, 2025, to discuss the fiscal implications of a program aimed at protecting the confidentiality of victims of domestic violence and stalking. The meeting highlighted concerns regarding the program's estimated costs and the necessity of staffing.

A key point of discussion was the program's annual cost of $22,000, which covers part-time salaries for two individuals responsible for managing the initiative. These staff members, who also hold full-time jobs, are the only ones with access to the program's database, which is currently managed through a simple, lockable Excel spreadsheet. While the program may appear basic, its significance for those in need is profound.

Representative Galvin raised concerns about the fiscal note associated with the program, questioning whether the Department of Administration had consulted with other states to validate the cost estimates. He emphasized the need for clarity on how the figures were derived, particularly regarding the number of participants expected to enroll and the level of support required for different individuals, such as police officers versus victims of domestic violence.

Representative Pennon echoed these concerns, suggesting that the department's estimates might be inflated. He pointed out that the calculations seemed to assume maximum enrollment and support needs, which may not reflect the actual situation. He argued that the number of participants, particularly those requiring extensive advocacy services, would likely be much lower than projected.

The committee's discussions underscored the importance of ensuring that the program is both effective and financially responsible. As the meeting concluded, the legislators expressed a desire for further clarification from the Department of Administration to better understand the program's financial implications and operational needs.