SB 258 Alaska Senate · 34th Legislature (2025-2026)

An Act relating to contracts for the licensing of software applications.

SB 258 prevents state and local government software contracts from restricting which hardware the government can use. It requires that software licenses allow state agencies and local governments to install and run software on their own chosen desktop or server hardware, rather than forcing specific equipment. The law applies to new contracts, renewals, or amendments entered into after the bill takes effect. The commissioner of administration may create regulations to implement these requirements.

Bill status vetoed 4 of 5 stages cleared

Introduction

Feb 2026

Committee Review

May 2026

Senate Passage

Apr 2026

House Passage

May 2026

Vetoed

Jun 2026

Introduced Feb 23, 2026 Vetoed Jun 19, 2026

Maddy AI version diff · 1 comparison

What changed between versions

SB 258 → Enrolled SB 258 · 5 edits

MODERATE

The bill was finalized and enrolled, changing its title from a descriptive label to a formal 'An Act' format. The core policy text was expanded to include specific exceptions that allow the state to purchase bundled software or adhere to security requirements, which were not present in the original draft. A new definition was added to clarify that the term 'state' includes political subdivisions.

Scope change

The bill's scope was narrowed by adding an exception for contracts entered under AS 36.30.300 - 36.30.320, meaning the new software licensing rules do not apply to those specific procurement categories.

REQUIREMENT

Added exceptions allowing the state to enter contracts with restrictions necessary for federal accreditation, security certification, or technical architecture.

Permitted the state to voluntarily purchase bundled software or services (like cloud hosting) if it serves the state's best interest.

DEFINITION

Defined 'state' to explicitly include political subdivisions of the state.

SCOPE

Excluded contracts entered under AS 36.30.300 - 36.30.320 from the new software licensing restrictions.

TECHNICAL

Changed the document format from a draft bill to an enrolled law with updated headers and page numbering.

Floor votes

How they voted

This bill passed the Senate by voice vote (no roll call recorded).

Full legislative history

Actions timeline

Total actions

Key actions

Committee

Jun 19, 2026

Vetoed

(S) VETOED BY GOVERNOR 6/18/26

upper

May 20, 2026

Lower · Passed

(H) TRANSMITTED TO (S) AS AMENDED

lower

May 20, 2026

Lower · Passed

(H) PASSED Y26 N13 A1

lower

May 19, 2026

Lower · Passed

(H) Moved HCS SB 258(L&C) Out of Committee -- Delayed to 8:30 AM --

lower

May 19, 2026

Lower · Passed

(H) L&C HCS ADOPTED Y22 N18

lower

Apr 20, 2026

Upper · Passed

(S) TRANSMITTED TO (H)

upper

Apr 20, 2026

Upper · Passed

(S) PASSED Y19 N- E1

upper

Apr 8, 2026

Upper · Passed

(S) Moved SB 258 Out of Committee

upper

Mar 19, 2026

Upper · Passed

(S) Moved SB 258 Out of Committee

upper

1 primary · 0 co-sponsors