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The legislature convenes at the Capitol each year on the third Tuesday in January. Each legislature has a duration of two years and consists of a “First Regular Session,” that meets in odd-numbered years. The “Second Regular Session,” meets in even-number years with any special session that the Governor or legislature calls. The first and second regular sessions are limited in statute to 90 days (AS 24.05.150), but the constitution allows for a 121 days. (Article 2, Section 8)

Organized Capitol tours are available from May through September, complimentary of the Juneau Douglas City Museum.

The Alaska Legislature is made up of two bodies: There are 40 members in the House of Representatives and 20 members in the Senate.

The Alaska State Capitol building was opened on February 14, 1931. Initially serving as a federal building, it became home to the Alaska Legislature after Alaska gained statehood on January 3, 1959.

The Alaska State Capitol building does not have a dome, which is a unique feature compared to most other state capitol buildings in the United States. This distinct characteristic is partly due to historical and practical reasons. When the Alaska Legislature first met in Juneau in 1905, after moving the capital from Sitka, they didn’t have a dedicated capitol building and met in rented rooms around the city. It wasn’t until 1931 that the current capitol building, originally housing the federal courthouse and post office, was completed. At that time, and under the constraints of the era, including limited funding and the immediate functional requirements, the building was designed without a dome. This practical approach resulted in a capitol that more closely resembles an office building than the grand, domed structures seen in other states. Additionally, the citizens of Juneau contributed to the purchase of the land for the capitol, underscoring the community’s involvement and investment in the establishment of Alaska’s state government facilities.

The building’s lack of a dome is sometimes noted by visitors, as domes are a common architectural feature in capitol buildings elsewhere. However, the Alaska State Capitol’s design reflects the state’s pragmatic approach to governance and its unique history, emphasizing functionality over grand architectural statements​.

The Alaska State Capitol contains the offices of the Alaska State Legislative members. The Office of the Governor and the Lieutenant Governor’s office is also housed in the Alaska State Capitol, on the Executive Floor, located on the 3rd floor of the building.

Alaska has a bicameral legislature composed of the House of Representatives and the Senate. The House of Representatives is composed of 40 members elected from 40 election districts for two year terms. The Senate has 20 members elected from 20 senate districts for four year terms, with one half of the membership standing for election every two years.

The State Capitol Passport stamp is located in the Capitol lobby. An additional State Capitol Passport stamp is located at the Juneau-Douglas City Museum.