State constitution
Constitution of Alaska
Data from AK Lt. Governor
Full 15-article structure with condensed section text. Article XIV (Apportionment Schedule) is repealed; Article XV (transitional Schedule) is largely spent and is summarized rather than listed section-by-section. Read the verbatim text at the source link.
Article I Declaration of Rights
§ 1 Inherent Rights
All persons are equal and entitled to equal rights, opportunities, and protection under the law, with corresponding obligations to the people and the State.
§ 2 Source of Government
All political power is inherent in the people; government is founded upon their will only and instituted solely for the good of the people as a whole.
§ 3 Civil Rights
No person shall be denied the enjoyment of any civil or political right because of race, color, creed, sex, or national origin.
§ 4 Freedom of Religion
No law shall be made respecting an establishment of religion or prohibiting the free exercise thereof.
§ 5 Freedom of Speech
Every person may freely speak, write, and publish on all subjects, being responsible for the abuse of that right.
§ 6 Assembly; Petition
The right of the people to peaceably assemble and to petition the government for redress of grievances shall never be abridged.
§ 7 Due Process
No person shall be deprived of life, liberty, or property without due process of law.
§ 8 Grand Jury
No person shall be held to answer for a capital or otherwise infamous crime except on grand jury indictment; the grand jury may also investigate and make recommendations concerning the public welfare or safety.
§ 9 Jeopardy and Self-Incrimination
No person shall be twice put in jeopardy for the same offense, nor compelled in any criminal proceeding to be a witness against themselves.
§ 10 Treason
Treason against the State consists only in levying war against it or adhering to its enemies; conviction requires two witnesses to the same overt act or confession in open court.
§ 11 Rights of Accused
In all criminal prosecutions the accused has the right to a speedy and public trial by an impartial jury, to be informed of the charge, to confront witnesses, to have compulsory process, and to assistance of counsel.
§ 12 Criminal Administration
Excessive bail and fines and cruel and unusual punishments are prohibited; penal administration is based on the principle of reformation and upon the need for protecting the public.
§ 13 Habeas Corpus
The privilege of the writ of habeas corpus shall not be suspended, unless the public safety requires it in case of rebellion or invasion.
§ 14 Searches and Seizures
The right of the people to be secure against unreasonable searches and seizures shall not be violated; warrants issue only upon probable cause, supported by oath, describing the place and things.
§ 15 Prohibited State Action
No bill of attainder or ex post facto law shall be passed, nor any law impairing the obligation of contracts, nor shall any conviction work corruption of blood or forfeiture of estate.
§ 16 Civil Suits; Trial by Jury
In civil cases where the amount in controversy exceeds a set sum, the right of trial by a jury of twelve is preserved to the same extent as it existed at common law.
§ 17 Imprisonment for Debt
There shall be no imprisonment for debt, except in cases of fraud.
§ 18 Eminent Domain
Private property shall not be taken or damaged for public use without just compensation.
§ 19 Right to Keep and Bear Arms
A well-regulated militia being necessary to a free state, the right of the people to keep and bear arms shall not be infringed; this is an individual right.
§ 20 Quartering Soldiers
No member of the armed forces shall in peacetime be quartered in any house without the owner's consent, nor in war except as prescribed by law.
§ 21 Construction
The enumeration of rights in this constitution shall not impair or deny others retained by the people.
§ 22 Right of Privacy
The right of the people to privacy is recognized and shall not be infringed; the legislature shall implement this section.
§ 23 Resident Preference
This constitution does not prohibit preferences for state residents that are supported by a valid constitutional basis.
§ 24 Rights of Crime Victims
Crime victims have rights including to be treated with dignity, to be notified of and present at proceedings, to be heard, to restitution, and to timely disposition of the case.
§ 25 Marriage
A marriage may exist only between one man and one woman (adopted 1998; superseded as to enforceability by federal law but retained in the text).
Article II The Legislature
§ 1 Legislative Power; Membership
The legislative power is vested in a legislature of a senate of twenty members and a house of representatives of forty members.
§ 2 Members: Qualifications
A legislator must be a qualified voter who has been a state resident for at least three years and a resident of the district for at least one year.
§ 3 Election and Terms
Senators are elected for four-year terms and representatives for two-year terms.
§ 4 Vacancies
A vacancy in the legislature is filled for the unexpired term as provided by law, generally by gubernatorial appointment.
§ 5 Disqualifications
No legislator may hold any other office or position of profit under the United States or the State during their term.
§ 6 Immunities
Legislators are privileged from arrest during sessions except for serious crimes, and are not liable elsewhere for their legislative speech.
§ 7 Salary and Expenses
Legislators receive the salary and allowances provided by law.
§ 8 Regular Sessions
The legislature convenes in regular session each year as provided by law.
§ 9 Special Sessions
Special sessions may be called by the governor or by vote of the legislators, limited to designated subjects.
§ 10 Adjournment
Neither house may adjourn for more than three days, nor to another place, without the consent of the other.
§ 11 Interim Committees
The legislature may establish committees to act between sessions.
§ 12 Rules
Each house adopts uniform rules of procedure, is the judge of the election and qualifications of its members, and may expel a member by two-thirds vote.
§ 13 Form of Bills
Every bill shall be confined to one subject, expressed in its title, except appropriation and codification bills.
§ 14 Passage of Bills
A bill becomes law on passage by a majority of the full membership of each house, after being read and considered as required.
§ 15 Veto
The governor may veto a bill or reduce or veto items in appropriation bills.
§ 16 Action Upon Veto
A veto may be overridden by two-thirds (or three-fourths for appropriations and revenue) of the full membership in joint session.
§ 17 Bills Not Signed
A bill not returned by the governor within the set time becomes law without signature.
§ 18 Effective Date
Laws take effect ninety days after enactment unless the legislature provides otherwise for an earlier or later date.
§ 19 Local or Special Acts
The legislature shall pass no local or special act if a general act can be made applicable.
§ 20 Impeachment
Impeachment originates in the senate; the house, by two-thirds vote, convicts and removes officers impeached.
§ 21 Suits Against the State
The legislature shall establish procedures for suits against the State.
Article III The Executive
§ 1 Executive Power
The executive power of the State is vested in the governor.
§ 2 Governor: Qualifications
The governor must be at least thirty, a qualified voter, a citizen of the United States for seven years, and a state resident for at least seven years.
§ 3 Election
The governor is chosen by the voters at the general election.
§ 4 Term of Office
The governor holds office for four years.
§ 5 Limit on Tenure
No person may serve as governor for more than two consecutive full terms.
§ 6 Dual Office Holding
The governor may not hold any other office or position of profit during their term.
§ 7 Lieutenant Governor Duties
The lieutenant governor performs duties prescribed by law and by the governor and succeeds to the governorship.
§ 8 Election
The lieutenant governor is nominated and elected jointly with the governor.
§ 9 Acting Governor
The lieutenant governor acts as governor during the governor's absence or disability.
§ 10 Succession: Failure to Qualify
If the governor-elect fails to qualify, the lieutenant governor-elect becomes governor.
§ 11 Vacancy
On a permanent vacancy in the governorship, the lieutenant governor becomes governor for the balance of the term.
§ 12 Absence
The governor's temporary absence from the State does not create a vacancy.
§ 13 Further Succession
The legislature provides by law for succession beyond the lieutenant governor.
§ 14 Title and Authority
A successor acting as governor holds the title and exercises the powers of the office.
§ 15 Compensation
The governor and lieutenant governor receive compensation fixed by law, not changed during their term.
§ 16 Governor's Authority
The governor is responsible for the faithful execution of the laws and may use the military forces to enforce them.
§ 17 Convening Legislature
The governor may convene the legislature in special session.
§ 18 Messages to Legislature
The governor reports to the legislature on the condition of the State and recommends measures.
§ 19 Military Authority
The governor is commander-in-chief of the armed forces of the State, except when they are in federal service.
§ 20 Martial Law
The governor may proclaim martial law when the public safety requires it, subject to legislative ratification.
§ 21 Executive Clemency
The governor may grant pardons, commutations, and reprieves, subject to procedures and conditions set by law.
§ 22 Executive Branch
All executive and administrative offices are allocated among not more than twenty principal departments.
§ 23 Reorganization
The governor may reorganize the executive branch by order, subject to legislative disapproval.
§ 24 Supervision
Each principal department is under the supervision of the governor.
§ 25 Department Heads
Department heads are appointed by the governor, subject to confirmation where required, and serve at the governor's pleasure.
§ 26 Boards and Commissions
Boards and commissions may be established within departments for regulatory, quasi-judicial, or advisory functions.
§ 27 Recess Appointments
The governor may fill appointive vacancies during a legislative recess, subject to later confirmation.
Article IV The Judiciary
§ 1 Judicial Power and Jurisdiction
The judicial power is vested in a supreme court, a superior court, and courts established by the legislature; jurisdiction is as provided by law.
§ 2 Supreme Court
The supreme court is the highest court, consisting of the chief justice and associate justices as provided by law.
§ 3 Superior Court
The superior court is the trial court of general jurisdiction.
§ 4 Qualifications of Justices and Judges
Supreme and superior court judges must be citizens, licensed to practice law in the State, and meet residency and experience requirements.
§ 5 Nomination and Appointment
The governor appoints justices and judges from nominees submitted by the judicial council.
§ 6 Approval or Rejection
Justices and judges are subject to periodic retention elections by the voters.
§ 7 Vacancy
A judicial vacancy is filled by appointment as provided in this article.
§ 8 Judicial Council
The judicial council, composed of attorney and non-attorney members and the chief justice, screens judicial applicants and improves the administration of justice.
§ 9 Additional Duties
The judicial council performs other duties assigned by law or court rule.
§ 10 Commission on Judicial Conduct
A commission on judicial conduct investigates and recommends discipline, suspension, or removal of judges for misconduct or disability.
§ 11 Retirement
Justices and judges are retired at the age set by law and may be retired for incapacity.
§ 12 Impeachment
Justices and judges are subject to impeachment for misconduct.
§ 13 Compensation
Judicial compensation is prescribed by law and may not be diminished during a term.
§ 14 Restrictions
Justices and judges may not hold other office or engage in prohibited political or business activity.
§ 15 Rule-Making Power
The supreme court makes rules governing the practice and procedure of the courts, subject to change by the legislature.
§ 16 Court Administration
The chief justice is the administrative head of all courts and appoints an administrative director.
Article V Suffrage and Elections
§ 1 Qualified Voters
A citizen of the United States who is at least eighteen and meets residency requirements may vote in state and local elections.
§ 2 Disqualifications
A person may be disqualified from voting for conviction of a felony or for mental incompetence, as provided by law.
§ 3 Methods of Voting; Election Contests
The legislature prescribes the methods of voting, secures secrecy of the ballot, and provides for determining contested elections.
§ 4 Voting Precincts; Registration
The legislature provides for voting precincts and the registration of voters.
§ 5 General Elections
General elections are held on the date prescribed by law.
Article VI Legislative Apportionment
§ 1 House Districts
The State is divided into house election districts as provided by the redistricting plan.
§ 2 Senate Districts
The senate districts are formed as provided by the redistricting plan.
§ 3 Reapportionment of House and Senate
Districts are reapportioned after each decennial federal census.
§ 4 Method of Redistricting
Districts must be contiguous, compact, and as nearly equal in population as practicable.
§ 5 Combining Districts
House districts may be combined into senate districts on the required standards.
§ 6 District Boundaries
District boundaries follow the criteria and standards fixed by this article.
§ 7 Modification of Senate Districts
Senate districts may be modified consistent with the constitutional standards.
§ 8 Redistricting Board
A five-member redistricting board, with members appointed by the governor and legislative and judicial officers, adopts the redistricting plan.
§ 9 Board Actions
The board holds hearings and prepares a proposed redistricting plan.
§ 10 Redistricting Plan and Proclamation
The board adopts a final plan and issues a proclamation of redistricting.
§ 11 Enforcement
The plan may be challenged in court, which may compel its correction or adoption.
Article VII Health, Education and Welfare
§ 1 Public Education
The legislature shall by general law establish and maintain a system of public schools open to all children, and may provide for other public educational institutions; no public money for the benefit of religious or private educational institutions.
§ 2 State University
The University of Alaska is established as the state university and constituted a body corporate.
§ 3 Board of Regents
The university is governed by a board of regents appointed by the governor and confirmed by the legislature.
§ 4 Public Health
The legislature shall provide for the promotion and protection of public health.
§ 5 Public Welfare
The legislature shall provide for public welfare.
Article VIII Natural Resources
§ 1 Statement of Policy
It is the policy of the State to encourage the development of its resources by making them available for maximum use consistent with the public interest.
§ 2 General Authority
The legislature shall provide for the utilization, development, and conservation of all natural resources belonging to the State for the maximum benefit of its people.
§ 3 Common Use
Fish, wildlife, and waters are reserved to the people for common use.
§ 4 Sustained Yield
Fish, forests, wildlife, grasslands, and other renewable resources are to be utilized, developed, and maintained on the sustained yield principle.
§ 5 Facilities and Improvements
The legislature may provide for facilities, improvements, and services to assure greater resource utilization.
§ 6 State Public Domain
Lands and other property acquired by the State are part of the state public domain.
§ 7 Special Purpose Sites
The legislature may provide for the acquisition of sites and objects of natural beauty or of historical, cultural, or scientific value.
§ 8 Leases
The legislature may provide for the leasing of state lands, including tide, submerged, and mineral lands.
§ 9 Sales and Grants
Sales and grants of state land contain reservations to the State of all mineral rights.
§ 10 Public Notice
No disposals or leases of state lands shall be made without prior public notice and other safeguards set by law.
§ 11 Mineral Rights
Discovery and appropriation are recognized as the basis for the right to mineral resources of state land, subject to law.
§ 12 Mineral Leases and Permits
The legislature provides for the issuance of leases and permits for exploration, development, and extraction of minerals.
§ 13 Water Rights
All surface and subsurface waters are reserved to the people for common use, subject to appropriation and beneficial use.
§ 14 Access to Navigable Waters
Free access to the navigable or public waters of the State is guaranteed.
§ 15 No Exclusive Right of Fishery
No exclusive right or special privilege of fishery shall be created or authorized in the natural waters of the State (subject to limited entry).
§ 16 Protection of Rights
No person may be involuntarily divested of rights protected by this article without due process.
§ 17 Uniform Application
Laws and regulations governing the use or disposal of natural resources apply equally to all similarly situated persons.
§ 18 Private Ways of Necessity
The legislature may provide for private ways of necessity to permit access to and use of natural resources.
Article IX Finance and Taxation
§ 1 Taxing Power
The power of taxation shall never be surrendered, and may be exercised only for public purposes.
§ 2 Nondiscrimination
The legislature may exercise its taxing power on any class of persons or property but taxes must be non-arbitrary.
§ 3 Assessment Standards
Standards for the appraisal of property for taxation are prescribed by law and applied uniformly.
§ 4 Exemptions
The legislature may exempt property used for nonprofit religious, charitable, educational, or governmental purposes.
§ 5 Interests in Government Property
Private leaseholds and other interests in tax-exempt government property may be taxed.
§ 6 Public Purpose
No tax shall be levied, nor public money or property used, except for a public purpose.
§ 7 Dedicated Funds
The proceeds of a state tax or license may not be dedicated to a special purpose, with limited exceptions.
§ 8 State Debt
State general obligation debt may be incurred only for capital improvements or veterans' housing, ratified by the voters.
§ 9 Local Debts
Local governments may incur general obligation debt only with voter approval.
§ 10 Interim Borrowing
The State and its subdivisions may borrow in anticipation of revenues for the fiscal year.
§ 11 Exceptions
Debt limits do not apply to debt for postwar readjustment, emergencies, or state-guaranteed obligations as provided.
§ 12 Budget
The governor submits to the legislature a budget for the next fiscal year covering all estimated revenues and expenditures.
§ 13 Expenditures
No money shall be withdrawn from the treasury except in accordance with appropriations made by law.
§ 14 Legislative Post-Audit
The legislature provides for an independent audit of all state accounts.
§ 15 Alaska Permanent Fund
At least twenty-five percent of mineral lease rentals, royalties, and related income is placed in a permanent fund whose principal is preserved and income used as the legislature directs.
§ 16 Appropriation Limit
Appropriations may not exceed a constitutional spending limit tied to population and inflation, with exceptions.
§ 17 Budget Reserve Fund
A budget reserve fund holds certain mineral and settlement revenues, available on the votes required by this section.
Article X Local Government
§ 1 Purpose and Construction
The purpose is to provide for maximum local self-government with a minimum of local government units; the article is liberally construed.
§ 2 Local Government Powers
All local government powers are vested in boroughs and cities as provided by law.
§ 3 Boroughs
The entire State is divided into boroughs, organized or unorganized, formed with regard to natural, geographic, and economic factors.
§ 4 Assembly
The governing body of an organized borough is the assembly.
§ 5 Service Areas
Service areas may be established within a borough to provide services not provided borough-wide.
§ 6 Unorganized Boroughs
The legislature provides services to the unorganized borough as the State's agency.
§ 7 Cities
Cities are municipal corporations and political subdivisions, subject to borough government.
§ 8 Council
The governing body of a city is the council.
§ 9 Charters
The qualified voters of a home rule borough or city may adopt, amend, or repeal a charter.
§ 10 Extended Home Rule
The legislature may extend home rule to boroughs and cities not otherwise entitled to it.
§ 11 Home Rule Powers
A home rule borough or city may exercise all legislative powers not prohibited by law or charter.
§ 12 Boundaries
A local boundary commission proposes changes in the boundaries of local government units.
§ 13 Agreements; Transfer of Powers
Local governments may enter agreements and transfer or share powers and functions.
§ 14 Local Government Agency
A state agency advises and assists local governments.
§ 15 Special Service Districts
The legislature may provide standards and procedures for special service districts.
Article XI Initiative, Referendum, and Recall
§ 1 Initiative and Referendum
The people reserve the power to propose and enact laws by the initiative and to approve or reject acts of the legislature by the referendum.
§ 2 Application
An initiative or referendum is proposed by an application signed by qualified voters and filed with the lieutenant governor.
§ 3 Petition
After certification, a petition must be signed by the required number of qualified voters distributed across the State.
§ 4 Initiative Election
An initiative is placed on the ballot at a statewide election held after the petition is filed.
§ 5 Referendum Election
A referendum measure is placed on the ballot at the appropriate statewide election.
§ 6 Enactment
A measure approved by the voters becomes law, and a referendum result stands, subject to the limits of this article.
§ 7 Restrictions
The initiative and referendum may not be used to dedicate revenue, make or repeal appropriations, create courts, define their jurisdiction, or enact local or special legislation.
§ 8 Recall
All elected public officials in the State, except judicial officers, are subject to recall by the voters as provided by law.
Article XII General Provisions
§ 1 State Boundaries
The boundaries of the State are as described in the act admitting Alaska to the Union.
§ 2 Intergovernmental Relations
The State and its subdivisions may cooperate with the United States and other governments and receive their aid.
§ 3 Office of Profit
No public office may be created or abolished, nor its term or salary changed, to circumvent the constitution.
§ 4 Disqualification for Disloyalty
No person who advocates the overthrow of government by force shall be qualified to hold public office.
§ 5 Oath of Office
All public officers, before taking office, must take an oath to support the federal and state constitutions and faithfully discharge their duties.
§ 6 Merit System
The legislature shall establish a system of merit principles governing state employment.
§ 7 Retirement Systems
Membership in employee retirement systems is a contractual relationship whose accrued benefits may not be diminished or impaired.
§ 8 Residual Power
The enumeration of powers in this constitution does not restrict the residual power of the people or the State.
§ 9 Provisions Self-Executing
The provisions of this constitution are self-executing wherever possible.
§ 10 Interpretation
As used in this constitution, terms are construed according to their common meaning unless otherwise defined.
§ 11 Law-Making Power
The law-making powers assigned to the legislature may be exercised only by that body, except as this constitution otherwise provides.
§ 12 Disclaimer and Agreement
The State and its people disclaim right and title to federally reserved lands and to Native lands, consistent with the Statehood Act.
§ 13 Consent to Act of Admission
The people consent to all provisions of the act admitting Alaska to the Union.
§ 14 Approval of Federal Amendment
The people approve certain amendments to the Statehood Act affecting state interests as provided.
Article XIII Amendment and Revision
§ 1 Amendments
Amendments may be proposed by two-thirds of each house and, if approved by a majority of voters, become part of the constitution.
§ 2 Convention
The legislature may call a constitutional convention, and its proposals take effect only if ratified by the voters.
§ 3 Call by Referendum
At least every ten years the question of calling a constitutional convention is placed before the voters.
§ 4 Powers
Constitutional conventions have plenary power to amend or revise, subject to voter ratification.
Article XIV Apportionment Schedule
§ — Apportionment Schedule (repealed)
This article set the original apportionment of the legislature at statehood and has been repealed; apportionment is now governed by Article VI.
Article XV Schedule of Transitional Measures
§ 1-29 Transitional measures (largely spent)
A schedule of twenty-nine transitional provisions carrying territorial laws, rights, offices, courts, and assets into statehood, setting the first state elections and terms, adopting the state seal and flag, and fixing the effective date. These provisions implemented the 1959 transition to statehood and are largely spent; later sections concerning the appropriation limit and redistricting remain operative. See the source for the full, verbatim schedule.
Full, verbatim text at AK Lt. Governor