HB 338 establishes the Alaska Work and Save Program, allowing employees without access to an employer-sponsored retirement plan to voluntarily contribute to retirement savings using their Permanent Fund Dividend (PFD) payments. The bill modifies the PFD application process to let eligible Alaskans direct $25-$100+ (in $50 increments) from their PFD toward the program, with automatic enrollment at a default contribution rate. The Department of Revenue will administer the program, handle contributions, and charge a 7% administrative fee (not deducted from PFD payments). This applies to all Alaska workers who earn compensation in the state and lack workplace retirement plans, using existing PFD funds rather than creating new government spending.
SJR 26 is a resolution expressing the Alaska State Legislature's support for Alaska Native corporations to continue participating in the U.S. Small Business Administration's 8(a) Business Development Program. The resolution highlights that this program has created thousands of jobs, reinvested revenue into community services (including job training, healthcare, and infrastructure), and aligns with the federal trust responsibility to Alaska Natives under the Alaska Native Claims Settlement Act. It urges federal officials to preserve the program and oppose any efforts to restrict Alaska Native corporations' eligibility. This resolution does not change program rules but formally advocates for maintaining current participation.
HB 360 establishes a state apprenticeship office within Alaska's Department of Labor and Workforce Development to oversee and register apprenticeship programs. It also creates the Alaska Apprenticeship Advisory Council, composed of nine members representing employers, labor organizations, and the public, to advise the office on program standards. The bill requires the office to seek federal recognition, register programs meeting federal standards, and develop reciprocity agreements with other states. This directly affects employers offering apprenticeships, apprenticeship programs seeking formal registration, and workers entering skilled trades through registered pathways. The law aims to standardize and expand apprenticeship opportunities across Alaska's workforce.
SB 217 requires Alaska employers to pay an additional 0.4% contribution on taxable wages to fund the state's training and employment program, effective January 1, 2027. This new tax applies to all employers already subject to unemployment compensation contributions under existing law. Employers can apply credits for prior payments made under the unemployment fund to offset this new obligation. The revenue collected will directly support workforce development services through the state's employment assistance and training program.
HJR 26 is a resolution requesting the U.S. Congress appropriate $20 million in existing federal funds to train Alaskans for jobs in the Alaska liquefied natural gas (LNG) project. It specifically aims to support in-state training centers in preparing residents - especially rural Alaskans and Alaska Natives - for development, construction, and operation roles, while encouraging project sponsors to hire local workers and partner with Alaska-based small businesses. The resolution cites the Alaska Natural Gas Pipeline Act (15 U.S.C. § 720) as authorizing the funding and emphasizes that without federal support, training programs cannot scale sufficiently. This seeks to ensure long-term economic benefits remain in Alaska by reducing reliance on outside labor after project completion.
SB 159 increases the mandatory payroll deduction for employees in Alaska from 0.1% to 0.2% of wages subject to contributions under state law. This change directly affects employees through higher payroll deductions, with the additional funds directed to the State Training and Employment Program. The program supports job training, workforce development, and employment services. The bill applies to new employment contracts entered into after its effective date.
HB 193 establishes a paid parental leave program in Alaska, allowing eligible workers to take paid time off for childbirth, adoption, or foster placement within 12 months. The program is funded by a 0.15% payroll contribution from employees (credited against their unemployment insurance payments), with the Department of Labor and Workforce Development administering claims and verifying eligibility using documents like birth certificates or adoption papers. Employees must earn at least $2,500 in wages across two calendar quarters to qualify. The bill also includes provisions for the fund to support unemployment benefits, but its primary focus is creating the new paid leave program.
