Local lawmakers will represent the Kenai Peninsula on at least five different state House committees in the Alaska Legislature following the finalization of the House’s standing committee assignments on Thursday.

The Alaska House of Representatives was unorganized prior to Thursday, meaning legislation could not be introduced and representatives could not be given committee assignments. Jan. 19 marked the first day of the legislative session, which ends on May 19.

Rep. Ron Gillham, R-Kenai, will serve on the House Education Committee and on the House Resources Committee. Rep. Ben Carpenter, R-Nikiski, will serve on the House Finance Committee. Rep. Sarah Vance, R-Homer, will serve on the House Judiciary Committee and on the House State Affairs Committee.

The Alaska House also approved six special committees on Thursday: the House Special Committee on Arctic Policy, Economic Development and Tourism; the House Special Committee on Energy; the House Special Committee on Fisheries; the House Special Committee on Military and Veterans Affairs; the House Special Committee on Tribal Affairs; and the House Ways and Means Committee.

As of Thursday afternoon, assignments to the six special committees had not been finalized.