SB 158 creates a new administrative area on the east side of Cook Inlet for regulating commercial set net fishing permits, defined by specific statistical zones (244-21, 244-22, 244-31, 244-32, 244-41, and 244-42) as of January 1, 2024. Existing permits for the broader Cook Inlet area no longer cover this new zone unless reassigned, requiring permit holders to prove they fished in these specific zones during the five years ending December 31, 2024 (using documents like shore leases or fishing records). Reassignment occurs automatically on January 1, 2026, for qualifying permit holders, with an appeal option to superior court by March 1, 2026, for those denied. The bill directly affects commercial fishers holding Cook Inlet permits seeking to operate in the newly defined east Cook Inlet area.
HB 236 prohibits the sale of weight-loss drugs and muscle-building supplements to minors in Alaska. Sellers must verify buyers are 18 or older through government ID in person, age verification services for online orders, or by confirming a prescription for minors. An exception allows in-person sales if sellers reasonably believe buyers appear 25 or older. The bill sets fines of $250 for first violations and $350 for subsequent violations, while reserving regulation authority to the state and preventing municipalities from enacting local rules.
This bill updates reimbursement rates for school districts that transport students to residential schools in Alaska. It directly affects school districts and families sending students to these boarding schools by adjusting financial support for transportation and living expenses. The legislation increases monthly stipends for room and board, with higher amounts for remote regions compared to more populated areas. These changes apply to the Southeast, Southcentral, Interior, Southwest, and Northern Remote regions of Alaska. The bill also clarifies that districts can claim reimbursement for one round-trip transportation cost per student during the school year.
This bill updates how Alaska calculates the amount of money available for appropriation from the Permanent Fund. It establishes a schedule where the percentage of the fund's average market value used for spending gradually decreases from 4.9% in 2029 to 4.5% starting in 2033. The calculation includes the earnings reserve account but excludes a specific portion of principal tied to a past legal settlement. The changes take effect on July 1, 2028, except for the final percentage reduction which begins on July 1, 2032.
This House Joint Resolution affirms Alaska's commitment to voter privacy and election integrity while expressing concern over the state's disclosure of confidential voter information to the U.S. Department of Justice. The resolution outlines specific voter data protected under state law, including social security numbers and residential addresses, and highlights that approximately 570,000 Alaskans' confidential information was sent to federal authorities after the Department of Justice requested it. It notes that three federal courts have rejected the Department of Justice's claims that state privacy laws are preempted by federal law, and emphasizes the state's lack of control over how the received data is used. The resolution calls attention to Alaska's unique vulnerabilities, including its large Alaska Native population and geographic challenges, which could make residents more susceptible to misuse of their personal information.
HB 329 exempts certain employees of electric utilities from needing a certificate of fitness for work covered by safety standards, specifically when they operate in service areas without cities or towns exceeding 2,500 residents, or in disconnected service areas not electrically linked to larger population centers. It applies directly to utility workers and municipal/tribal employees performing work on behalf of utilities in these defined rural or isolated zones. The bill modifies existing law to remove certificate requirements under these specific geographic conditions while clarifying that "qualified employees" must demonstrate safety competency through credentials or experience. The change focuses on streamlining requirements for utility staff in smaller communities without altering safety standards for work.
HB 164 establishes a net metering program for Alaska's small renewable energy systems. It requires utilities serving over 5 million kWh annually to provide monthly credits for excess electricity generated by consumer-generators (residential or small commercial customers with systems ≤25 kW), at standard retail rates. Credits roll over annually until March 31, after which unused credits expire. The bill also creates a reimbursement fund to help utilities recover revenue losses from the program, ensuring the policy is financially sustainable for utilities while supporting renewable energy adoption.
HB 64 in Alaska creates a legal process for parents to safely surrender newborns without facing criminal charges or future parental obligations. It allows parents to hand infants to authorized personnel (like hospital staff, police, or emergency medical workers) or place them in designated infant safety devices at approved locations (such as hospitals, fire stations, or clinics). Facilities receiving surrendered infants must immediately notify child welfare services, and parents lose all legal duty to support the child after a safe surrender. The bill also protects facilities from liability if they follow these procedures, and requires safety devices to be visible, climate-controlled, and clearly marked.
SB 244 clarifies Alaska's tax rules for travel insurance premiums. It defines key terms like "group travel insurance" and "primary certificate holder" (Section 1), then specifies that travel insurers must tax premiums paid by: (1) Alaskan residents buying individual policies, (2) Alaskan residents buying group policies, or (3) Alaskan residents/businesses purchasing blanket policies (Section 2(q)). The bill requires insurers to document policyholder residency/business location and report only travel insurance premiums (not travel assistance fees or cancellation waivers) (Section 2(r)). This directly affects travel insurers and Alaskan customers purchasing travel insurance policies.
SB 245 designates June 21 as "Alaska Arts and Culture Day" each year to encourage celebration of the state's arts and cultural heritage. The bill directs schools, community groups, and individuals to host events for people of all ages that increase awareness and appreciation of Alaska's arts and culture. It takes effect immediately upon enactment.
HB 328 allows Alaska public utilities (like electricity or water providers) to request a special surcharge from the state utility commission to recover costs for strategic investments not covered by existing rates. Key provisions let utilities recover costs during construction (including return on work in progress) and after completion (return on capital costs), with strict rules for calculating costs using approved rate case data. Utilities must notify the commission, file annual updates on construction costs, and include non-capitalized construction expenses in the surcharge. The commission must approve or deny requests within 90 days and can order refunds if costs were not prudently spent.
HB 41 proposes that Alaska observe daylight saving time year-round (advancing time by one hour) instead of switching between standard and daylight saving time. This change would only take effect if Congress amends federal law by December 31, 2031, to permit states to use year-round daylight saving time. If federal law changes, the bill would implement the year-round time adjustment on the first Sunday in November following the federal law's effective date, or the following year if the federal change occurs after October 1. The bill does not change current time practices but prepares Alaska for potential future federal authorization.
