The Alaska State Legislature's Senate Select Committee on Legislative Ethics convened on July 25, 2025, to address key matters, including the approval of a new internship and procedural updates. The committee approved an internship for Jake Bernstein from Yale University, which commenced on June 19 and will continue through the summer. This internship involves research work and the presentation of a white paper to Representative Hall's office.

The committee emphasized its role in ensuring that internships do not involve lobbyists and adhere to ethical guidelines. The intern has completed required ethics training, which is a prerequisite for participation. The approval process for the internship also includes a review by the rules committee, which is pending.

During the meeting, there was a lack of public comment, as no audience members were present. The committee members discussed the importance of internships in legislative offices, noting that it had been some time since the last approval. The chair clarified that while the ethics committee approves the internship, staffing decisions are made by the rules committee.

As the meeting progressed, the committee moved into executive session to discuss confidential matters, highlighting the importance of maintaining privacy in certain discussions. The session concluded with a return to public proceedings, underscoring the committee's commitment to transparency in its operations.

This meeting marks a significant step in fostering educational opportunities within the legislative framework, reinforcing the importance of ethical standards in government internships.