Alaska SenateHB 78
RETIREMENT SYSTEMS; DEFINED BENEFIT OPT.
Passed 11–9Crossed party linesClose
What it does: On the version voted Apr 29, 2026: Lets certain teachers and public employees choose between the defined benefit and defined contribution retirement plans, and changes contributions, benefits and retiree health eligibility for members who joined after June 30, 2006. (AI-written summary of the bill; the official record shows the exact version voted)
Question before the chamber: AM NO 8 ADOPTED Y11 N9
The tally
Yes 11 · No 9 · Not voting 0
Bar: green = yes, brown = no, striped = not voting.
| Party | Yes | No | Not voting |
|---|---|---|---|
| Democrats | 8 | 1 | 0 |
| Republicans | 3 | 8 | 0 |
Most Democrats voted yes; most Republicans voted no. 4 members voted against their party’s majority.
Voted against their party’s majority
- Cathy GiesselREYes
- Jesse BjorkmanRDYes
- Kelly MerrickRLYes
- Lyman HoffmanDSNo
The full roll (20)
Yes 11
“Not voting” is a recorded non-vote, not a reason for the absence. Parties come from public rosters; how we count.