An Act relating to the office of public advocacy; and relating to the public advocate.

HB 58 amends Alaska statutes to clarify and expand the role of the Office of Public Advocacy. It allows the public advocate (replacing the Commissioner of Administration) to establish fee schedules for public guardian services based on a ward’s ability to pay, with waivers permitted if fees are deemed impractical or against public interest. The bill also grants the public advocate authority to approve legal service contracts without competitive bidding under specific circumstances, such as when the public defender or advocate is providing counsel. These changes directly affect vulnerable individuals receiving guardianship services and state agencies managing legal procurements.