This Alaska state resolution (HJR 2) urges the U.S. Congress and the incoming Trump administration to reverse the Biden administration's decision to withdraw approximately 625 million acres of federal offshore land from oil and gas leasing under the Outer Continental Shelf Lands Act of 1953. It directly affects Alaska's economy, energy security, and jobs by opposing the withdrawal of areas near Alaska's coast and Cook Inlet, where the state cites current energy shortages and reliance on costly LNG imports. The resolution requests federal action to restore offshore leasing opportunities and balance energy policy to support "affordable energy, family-supporting jobs, and national security." As a non-binding resolution, it does not change federal policy but formally requests the federal government reverse this administrative decision.
HB 7 creates the Port of Southcentral Alaska Authority to manage and operate the port in Anchorage, including its seaport, rail, and industrial properties. The new authority, established as a separate public corporation under the Department of Commerce, will handle all financial and legal obligations for the port. It is governed by a board of 9 members: two state agency commissioners and seven public appointees with specific qualifications (including port management experience and regional representation from Anchorage and Matanuska-Susitna areas). The bill transfers responsibility for port operations from previous oversight to this new authority, making it an essential government function for managing state-owned port assets.
HB 5 prohibits Alaska insurance companies from making certain decisions based solely on a person’s status as an elected official. It bans insurers from refusing coverage, limiting coverage, canceling policies, denying claims, or raising premiums for state legislators, governors, mayors, city council members, or school board officials. Exceptions apply if decisions are based on actual risk data (underwriting principles) or required by law. The law applies to policies issued, delivered, or renewed after its effective date. This directly affects elected officials who may face unfair insurance treatment due to their office.
HB 22 ensures Alaskans who lose federal medical or cash assistance solely because of the Alaska Permanent Fund Dividend (PFD) can receive state-funded alternatives. It amends eligibility rules so individuals denied federal medical aid (under Social Security Act Title XIX) due to PFD income can get state medical assistance for up to four months at the same level they would have received federally. Similarly, those denied cash assistance because PFD counts as income under federal rules qualify for state cash aid for up to four months at the same federal benefit level. The bill directly affects PFD recipients who would otherwise be ineligible for state relief programs due to federal income calculations.
HB 44 updates Alaska's workers' compensation death benefits to clarify payment amounts for families who lose a wage-earner to a work-related injury. It sets a $12,000 cap on funeral expenses and specifies exact percentages of the deceased's weekly wages for different survivor groups (e.g., 80% to a widow without children, 50% to a widow with one child plus 40% to the child). The bill also adds an $8,000 lump sum for widows/widowers without children and clarifies payment rules for other dependents like parents or siblings. These changes take effect January 1, 2026.
HB 9 requires Alaska school districts to allocate additional funding (from grants or other sources beyond state aid) to charter schools in proportion to the charter school's annual budget relative to the state aid the district receives. It also mandates that school districts establish written procedures allowing children with disabilities to access medically necessary services at school, provided they have a medical diagnosis and a prescription from a qualified health care provider. The bill directly affects school districts, charter schools, and students with disabilities in Alaska. These changes apply to contracts entered into or renewed after the bill's effective date.
HB 46, the "App Store Accountability Act," requires app store providers (like Apple App Store or Google Play) operating in Alaska to verify the age of users under 18 and obtain verifiable parental consent before minors can use app stores, download apps, make purchases, or access in-app content. It mandates clear disclosure to parents about age ratings and content, allows parents to block age-inappropriate apps, and requires providers to display age ratings prominently. The law applies to all app stores serving Alaska residents and takes effect January 1, 2026, with specific requirements for parental consent mechanisms and age-based content controls.
HB 42 amends Alaska's school funding laws to set requirements for school districts seeking state funds for construction or major maintenance. It requires districts to submit detailed six-year capital improvement plans, including preventive maintenance programs with computerized tracking, energy management, and staff training, before receiving grants. The bill also limits bond debt reimbursement to one school construction project or two major maintenance projects per district, with exceptions for top-ranked maintenance projects on the department's priority list. These changes directly affect Alaska school districts applying for state funding under AS 14.11.005 or AS 14.11.007.
(S) NOT INTRODUCED
(H) NOT INTRODUCED
SJR 1 proposes adding a new constitutional amendment to Alaska's state constitution that would prohibit the state from recognizing a right to abortion or requiring public funding for abortions. The amendment, if approved by voters, would amend Article I to state that "nothing in this constitution may be construed to secure or protect a right to an abortion." This change would directly affect Alaskans by removing constitutional protections for abortion access and preventing state-funded abortion services. The bill must be submitted to voters at the next general election for approval, as required by Alaska's constitutional amendment process.
SB 10 establishes a state-run paid family leave program in Alaska, providing wage replacement coverage for eligible workers. It directly affects state employees (covered at no cost), employees of participating local governments or private employers who join the program, and individuals using a state purchasing pool. Key provisions include 100% wage replacement up to $3,000 weekly (based on recent earnings), a minimum 6-week coverage period for non-state workers, and requirements for employers with 50+ employees to handle payroll deductions. Enrollment requires 7 days of prior participation and either 35 hours/week for six months or 17.5 hours/week for 12 consecutive months with the employer.
