An Act relating to the use and possession of electronic devices by prisoners; and relating to identification cards.
HB 35 restricts electronic device use for prisoners in Alaska state correctional facilities. It prohibits most personal devices like computers, tablets, and VCRs, allowing only approved uses for rehabilitation, education, legal research, or health care. The bill also limits access to certain media (e.g., R-rated movies), specific equipment (like free weights), and restricts food spending comparisons to military personnel. It directly affects incarcerated individuals in state facilities and aims to enhance security by controlling prohibited items and activities. The law became effective November 5, 2025.
Bill status
signed
all 5 stages cleared
Introduction
Jan 2025
Committee Review
May 2025
House Passage
May 2025
Senate Passage
May 2025
Signed into Law
Aug 2025
Introduced Jan 22, 2025
Signed Aug 19, 2025
Maddy AI version diff · 3 comparisons
What changed between versions
CSHB 35(CRA)
→
CSHB 35(STA)
·
3 edits
MINOR
The bill was reclassified from the House Community and Regional Affairs Committee to the House State Affairs Committee, with the offer date moved from March 14, 2025, to April 9, 2025. The most significant policy change involves the use of computers and electronic tablets in prisons: the version removed a clause allowing these devices to be used for rehabilitation and education, while the new version restricts their use to specific purposes like legal reference materials, visitation, and health care, explicitly banning them as substitutes for in-person visits, mail, or medical services.
Scope change
The bill's scope regarding prisoner technology use was narrowed to exclude rehabilitation and education as valid reasons for device access, and the committee jurisdiction shifted to State Affairs.
REQUIREMENT
Removed the allowance for using computers or electronic tablets for rehabilitation, employment, education, or vocational training.
Added explicit prohibitions against using electronic devices as a substitute for in-person visitation, receiving mail, receiving medical services, or other in-person communication.
TECHNICAL
Changed the committee from House Community and Regional Affairs to House State Affairs and updated the bill offer date from 3/14/25 to 4/9/25.
Floor votes
How they voted
This bill passed the Senate by voice vote (no roll call recorded).
Full legislative history
Actions timeline
Total actions
79
Key actions
9
Committee
3
Amendments
3
May 20, 2025
Upper · Passed
(S) TRANSMITTED TO (H) AS AMENDED
upper
May 20, 2025
Upper · Passed
(S) PASSED Y20 N-
upper
May 19, 2025
Upper · Passed
(S) JUD SCS ADOPTED UC
upper
May 14, 2025
Upper · Passed
(S) Moved SCS CSHB 35(JUD) Out of Committee
upper
May 2, 2025
Lower · Passed
(H) TRANSMITTED TO (S)
lower
May 2, 2025
Lower · Passed
(H) PASSED Y31 N8 E1
lower
Apr 30, 2025
Amended
(H) AM NO 4 FAILED Y11 N28 E1
lower
Apr 30, 2025
Amended
(H) AM NO 2 FAILED Y18 N21 E1
lower
Apr 30, 2025
Amended
(H) AM NO 1 FAILED Y18 N21 E1
lower
Apr 30, 2025
Lower · Passed
(H) STA CS ADOPTED UC
lower
Apr 8, 2025
Lower · Passed
(H) Moved CSHB 35(STA) Out of Committee
lower
Mar 13, 2025
Lower · Passed
(H) Moved CSHB 35(CRA) Out of Committee
lower
1 primary · 7 co-sponsors
Sponsors
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