SB 12 Alaska Senate · 34th Legislature (2025-2026)

An Act relating to permanent fund dividends for individuals owing child support; and relating to applications and qualifications for permanent fund dividends for individuals owing child support.

This Alaska bill (SB 12) changes how permanent fund dividends are treated for people who owe child support. It amends state law to count a permanent fund dividend applied for or distributed to someone owing child support as if it were a child support payment (under AS 11.51.120(g)). This means the dividend would reduce the amount of child support debt owed, directly affecting Alaska residents who receive the annual dividend but have outstanding child support obligations. The bill does not change dividend eligibility or amounts but modifies how dividends are applied toward existing child support debts.

Bill status in committee 1 of 4 stages cleared

Introduction

Jan 2025

Committee Review

Floor Vote

Governor

Introduced Jan 22, 2025 Last action Mar 14, 2025

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What changed between versions

SB 12 → CSSB 12(JUD) · 5 edits

MODERATE

This bill was amended to simplify how child support debtors can receive permanent fund dividends. The changes remove the requirement that the individual owed child support must apply on behalf of the debtor, instead allowing the state to automatically file applications for eligible debtors. Additionally, the bill now requires the state to deduct 7% of these dividends to fund administrative costs.

Scope change

The bill's scope expanded from requiring individual application to allowing the state to proactively identify and apply for dividends on behalf of individuals in arrears.

ELIGIBILITY

Changed the application process so the state can file dividend applications on behalf of individuals in child support arrears without requiring the individual to personally apply.

FISCAL

Added a 7% deduction from dividends distributed under the new automatic application process to fund administrative costs.

REQUIREMENT

Removed the requirement for individuals to personally sign applications when the state files them on their behalf.

ENFORCEMENT

Added protections preventing government agencies from levying or garnishing dividends received through the automatic application process.

TIMELINE

Established a January 1 to March 31 timeframe for the state to provide lists of individuals in arrears to the Department of Revenue.

Floor votes

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Full legislative history

Actions timeline

Total actions

Key actions

Committee

Mar 14, 2025

Committee

(S) REFERRED TO FINANCE

upper

Mar 12, 2025

Upper · Passed

(S) Moved CSSB 12(JUD) Out of Committee

upper

1 primary · 1 co-sponsor