Keeping Law SimpleLegislation, clearly explained
Back to Alaska
Alaska2026Vetoed

SB258

Rules for State Software License Contracts

Last scannedSep 21, 2026, 12:32 AM

In one sentence

This bill sets rules so that when Alaska state agencies buy software licenses, they can usually choose which computers to run the software on.

What it does

  • Requires new contracts for software applications designed for desktop or server hardware to allow the state to install and run them on any such hardware it chooses.
  • Allows exceptions if a restriction is needed because of federal accreditation, security certification requirements, or how the software works technically.
  • Permits the state to buy bundled services like cloud hosting or support even if those deals include some restrictions.
  • Lets the state accept restricted software for lower prices only if officials write down that it benefits the state.
  • Gives the commissioner of administration power to create rules needed to follow this law.

Who it affects

  • State agencies in Alaska entering into new or renewed contracts
  • Software vendors selling licenses to the state government

Limits and unknowns

  • This law only applies to contracts signed, renewed, or changed on or after its effective date.
  • The bill was vetoed by the governor and did not become active unless lawmakers overrode that decision later.

Plain language

Terms to know

License
Permission granted by a software owner for someone else to use their program.
Bundled Software
A deal that includes the computer program along with other services like hosting or support.

Official record

Sources

Validated
Official bill pageIntroduced textCurrent bill text

Official summary

CONTRACT: LICENSING SOFTWARE APPLICATIONS An Act relating to contracts for the licensing of software applications.

Official activity

Bill history

  1. (S) VETOED BY GOVERNOR 6/18/263029
  2. (S) 10:14 A.M. 6/1/26 TRANSMITTED TO GOVERNOR2961
  3. (S) CONCUR AM OF (H) Y20 N-2871
  4. (S) CONCUR MESSAGE READ AND TAKEN UP2871
  5. (H) VERSION: HCS SB 258(L&C)3013
  6. (H) TRANSMITTED TO (S) AS AMENDED3013
  7. (H) PASSED Y26 N13 A12982
  8. (H) READ THE THIRD TIME HCS SB 258(L&C)2982
  9. (H) Moved HCS SB 258(L&C) Out of Committee -- Delayed to 8:30 AM --Text
  10. (H) LABOR & COMMERCE at 08:00 AM BARNES 124Text
  11. (H) ADVANCED TO THIRD READING 5/20 CALENDAR2909
  12. (H) MOTION TO MOVE TO BOTTOM OF CALENDAR WITHDRAWN2908
  13. (H) L&C HCS ADOPTED Y22 N182908
  14. (H) READ THE SECOND TIME2908
  15. (H) RULES TO CALENDAR 5/19/20262908
  16. (H) FN1: ZERO(ADM)2907
  17. (H) DP: FRIER, CARRICK, FIELDS, HALL2907
  18. (H) L&C RPT HCS(L&C) 4DP2907
  19. (H) -- MEETING CANCELED --Text
  20. (H) LABOR & COMMERCE at 09:30 AM DAVIS 106Text