Comment Letter on Senate Bill 24 to House Labor and Commerce Committee

March 12, 2021

The Honorable Zack Fields, Co-chair
The Honorable Ivy Spohnholz, Co-chair
House Labor and Commerce Committee
Alaska State Capital

Submitted via [email protected]

Re: Support for Senate Bill 24, virtual meetings for corporations

Dear Co-chairs Spohnholz and Fields:

The Resource Development Council for Alaska, Inc. (RDC) is writing to comment on Senate Bill 24 (version B), which would allow, on a more permanent basis, for entities incorporated in the State of Alaska to hold meetings and vote by remote communication, should their bylaws
also permit such action.

RDC is a statewide trade association comprised of individuals and companies from Alaska’s fishing, forestry, mining, oil and gas, and tourism industries. RDC’s membership includes Alaska Native corporations, local communities, organized labor, and industry support firms. RDC’s purpose is to encourage a strong, diversified private sector in Alaska and expand the state’s economic base through the responsible development of our natural resources.

Our board members and their operations are widespread around the state. As a 501(c)(6) nonprofit, RDC’s ability to hold remote meetings, whether online or via teleconference, has been critical to member communication and our organization’s ability to function. Of course, as
for many, this need for flexibility was only further demonstrated by the events of the COVID-19 Pandemic declared a public health emergency on March 11, 2020. As an association in which safety is the top priority, our member companies swiftly implemented strict protocols to mitigate
the spread and ensure the health and safety of their employees and communities. One year later, we find virtual communications are still necessary to ensure our members equal access to meetings and the ability to safely conduct business.

RDC supports legislative action to ensure all incorporated entities in the State of Alaska have the flexibility to conduct business virtually or in-person, in accordance with their bylaws. 

Thank you for the opportunity to comment.