AK HB34

Establishes the Alaska Innovation Council as a 12-member body within the Department of Commerce, Community, and Economic Development to advise on research commercialization, startup investment, and entrepreneurship development

Council membership includes the Commerce commissioner, University of Alaska Business Enterprise Institute director, seven governor-appointed members with expertise in startups/investing/emerging industries (including rural, urban, angel investing, and Alaska Native-affiliated representatives), plus representatives from labor, regional development, and higher education

Appointed members serve staggered three-year terms with eligibility for two reappointments; council meets three times annually by phone or electronic means with members serving without compensation

Requires the council to submit an annual innovation and economic competitiveness plan to the governor and legislature by November 1, including recommendations on emerging industry growth, capital investment gaps, and an innovation index benchmarking Alaska against national metrics

Council members are subject to state financial disclosure requirements under AS 39.50.200