Alaska § 26.20.040 - Emergency powers of the governor.

Full text of Alaska Alaska Statutes § 26.20.040 — Emergency powers of the governor., with citation guidance and answers to common questions.

§ 26.20.040. Emergency powers of the governor.

 (a) In the event of actual enemy or terrorist attack in or against the state, or a credible threat of imminent enemy or terrorist attack, the governor may declare that a state of emergency exists, and, during the period of time that the state of emergency exists or continues, the governor has and may exercise the additional emergency power        (1) to enforce all laws and regulations relating to homeland security and civil defense and assume direct operational control of all homeland security and civil defense forces and helpers in the state;

 (2) to seize, take, or condemn property if, and only to the extent that, the governor determines that the property is needed for the protection of the public, including             (A) transportation and communication equipment, except newspapers and news services;

 (B) fuel;

 (C) food, clothing, equipment, materials, medicines, and supplies; and

 (D) facilities including buildings and plants;

 (3) to sell, lend, give, or distribute the fuel, food, clothing, medicines, and supplies among the inhabitants of the state and account to the commissioner of revenue for funds received for the property;

 (4) to make compensation for the property seized, taken, or condemned on the basis described in AS 26.20.045 ;

 (5) to suspend the provisions of a regulatory statute prescribing procedures for the conduct of state business or the order or regulation of a state agency if compliance with the provisions of the statute, order, or regulation would prevent, or substantially impede or delay, action necessary to cope with the emergency;

 (6) to use all available resources of the state government and of each political subdivision of the state as reasonably necessary to cope with the emergency;

 (7) to transfer personnel or alter the functions of state departments and agencies or units of them for the purpose of responding to or facilitating the response to the emergency;

 (8) to perform and exercise other functions, powers, and duties that are considered necessary to promote and secure the safety and protection of the civilian population.

 (b) A state of emergency declared under (a) of this section may not remain in effect longer than 30 days unless extended by the legislature by law and may be terminated by law or withdrawal of the declaration.

 (c) In this section, “credible threat of imminent enemy or terrorist attack” means a threat of attack against persons or property in the state that the adjutant general of the department or a designee of the adjutant general, in consultation with the commissioner of public safety or a designee of the commissioner of public safety, certifies to the governor has a high probability of occurring in the near future; the certification must be based on specific information received from a local, state, federal, or international agency, or another source that the adjutant general or the designee of the adjutant general, in conjunction with the commissioner of public safety or a designee of the commissioner of public safety, determines is reliable.

Source: official Alaska text · Last verified 2026-08-27

Frequently Asked Questions About Alaska § 26.20.040

What does Alaska Statutes § 26.20.040 cover?

Section 26.20.040 ("Emergency powers of the governor.") is part of the Alaska Statutes, the codified statutory law of Alaska. It sets out the legal rule or procedure described in the text above. Statutes are amended regularly, so always verify against the official source.

How do I cite Alaska § 26.20.040?

A common citation format is "Alaska Statutes § 26.20.040" (Alaska). Legal writing may require the code abbreviation, section number, and year or edition. Match the style required by your court, professor, or publisher.

Is this the official text of Alaska law?

No. This page is for research and education and may not include the most recent amendments. For official current law, check the Alaska official source linked on this page or consult a licensed Alaska attorney.

How does Alaska § 26.20.040 apply to my situation?

Statutes are interpreted in context, and application depends on your specific facts. Only a licensed attorney in Alaska can advise on how this section applies to you. Contact your state or local bar association for a referral.

Sources & Verification

Not legal advice. Verify against the official source and consult a licensed attorney in Alaska.