Alaska legislators have implemented a ban on large signs in the state Capitol following protests earlier this year over Governor Mike Dunleavy’s veto of a key education bill. Under the new policy, approved by the Legislative Council on September 26, visitors are allowed to carry paper-based signs up to 11×17 inches in Capitol corridors and lobbies, provided they are hand-held. Signs on sticks or posts are prohibited.
The policy states that signs may be confiscated if they are used in a way that disrupts legislative activities or interferes with public employees performing their duties. The ban was prompted by incidents during the previous legislative session when protesters carried large signs that obstructed hallways and security cameras, as well as disrupted committee hearings.
The policy passed in a 9-0 vote by the Legislative Council, a joint House-Senate committee responsible for decisions made outside the regular legislative session. The council noted that the 11×17 sign size was chosen because it is large enough to convey a message without causing significant obstruction.
The new rules were introduced after consultations with other state capitols. According to Jessica Geary, director of the nonpartisan Legislative Affairs Agency, concerns about safety and obstruction during protests contributed to the decision.
While the National Education Association’s Alaska chapter acknowledged the need for security, it emphasized the importance of allowing Alaskans to voice their concerns on issues such as education. The group had helped organize the earlier protest, advocating for increased education funding and retirement security for educators.
The new sign policy also had to meet First Amendment standards by being “content-neutral,” ensuring that signs are not regulated based on their message. Legislators expect that future edge cases and enforcement challenges may arise as the policy is implemented.
The decision was supported by several lawmakers, including Sens. Elvi Gray-Jackson, Matt Claman, Jesse Kiehl, Gary Stevens, Donny Olson, and Reps. George Rauscher, Dan Saddler, Cathy Tilton, and Kevin McCabe.
