During a Thursday special meeting, Assembly members also voted down Mayor Dave Bronson’s push to revive a mass homeless shelter in East Anchorage.

Members of Alaska’s congressional delegation and trade associations blasted the move as harmful to Alaska’s economy.

The Alaska GOP is holding its convention in Anchorage this week.

A full jury of 12 people and six alternates had been seated just minutes earlier, drawing the trial a step closer to opening statements.

Friday’s vote produced a seldom-seen outcome in the typically hyper-partisan House, with Democrats helping Republican Speaker Mike Johnson’s plan advance.