On June 18, 2026, Alaska Governor Dunleavy vetoed HB 23, a bill that would have expanded the state’s Commission for Human Rights and removed the exemption for nonprofit organizations from its jurisdiction. The bill, which passed both the House and Senate unanimously, aimed to change the name of the commission to the Commission for Civil Rights and expand its authority.

Concerns Over Government Overreach

Opponents of the bill expressed concerns that it would unduly burden small religious and faith-based organizations, potentially leading to secular government encroachment on religious rights. Proponents argued that the bill would level the playing field and hold nonprofit employers to the same standards as for-profit employers, citing abuses that have occurred in large nonprofits such as hospitals and those run by Alaska Native Corporations.

Governor Dunleavy’s reason for vetoing the bill focused on government overreach and lack of accountability for commissioners. He stated that the bill’s expansion of the commission’s reach over nonprofit employers, including charitable, educational, and religious organizations, would create uncertainty for small community organizations and risk unnecessary administrative proceedings and litigation.

Original reporting: Must Read Alaska (Anchorage) — read the source article.