HB 14 would repeal two medical assistance programs in Alaska: one providing coverage for catastrophic illnesses and another for chronic or acute medical conditions. The bill removes all references to these programs from state law by amending statutes related to medical assistance administration. This action would directly end eligibility for Alaskans currently enrolled in these specific healthcare assistance programs. The bill focuses solely on repealing the programs’ legal framework, not on creating new benefits or altering existing healthcare rules.
HB 388 increases the maximum loan amount available from Alaska's bulk fuel loan accounts from $750,000 to $1.5 million for individual borrowers. For cooperatives purchasing fuel for multiple communities, the cap is set at $1.5 million multiplied by the number of communities served, with a maximum limit of $1.8 million. The bill also maintains the requirement that all loans from these accounts must be repaid within one year of disbursement. These changes apply to loans made on or after the bill's effective date.
HB 298 amends Alaska's Legislative Ethics Act to clarify which legislative committees are exempt from ethics rules and refine definitions of "agency" under ethics laws. It explicitly excludes legislators, judges, and certain officials from the definition of "agency," affecting how oversight bodies like the ombudsman apply ethics standards. The bill also updates restrictions on legislators accepting benefits, adding specific exceptions for campaign contributions, charity events, and reasonable wedding-related travel. These changes aim to clarify existing ethics rules without creating new prohibitions. The bill is currently in committee referral stage with no recent hearings.
HB 302 defines key terms for travel insurance (like "group travel insurance" and "primary policyholder") and establishes tax rules for travel insurance premiums in Alaska. It requires travel insurers to document policyholders' residency or business location and report only the travel insurance portion of premiums, excluding travel assistance services or cancellation fees. The bill also adds a licensing requirement for individuals selling travel insurance in the state. These changes apply to travel insurers and affect Alaska residents purchasing travel insurance, as well as businesses with a principal place of business in Alaska.
HB 244 sets new standards for certified nurse aide training programs in Alaska, requiring them to ensure safe, competent care and specific skills. The bill directly affects training programs, which must now teach aides to communicate effectively with clients, support client independence, address cognitive impairments (including dementia), and monitor client well-being. Key provisions mandate training in areas like dementia care, emotional sensitivity, problem-solving, and respecting client dignity, with "activities of daily living" defined as eating, dressing, grooming, bathing, and toileting. The law takes effect January 1, 2027.
HB 246 establishes a funding formula for Alaska's special education service agency, requiring the state department to allocate at least $26.89 per student based on the previous year's average daily student count. If funding is insufficient, allocations are reduced proportionally. The bill takes effect on July 1, 2026, and includes retroactive application to that date. This directly affects Alaska's public school systems and special education programs by setting a specific per-student funding standard for state allocations.
HB 243 updates Alaska's licensing rules for barbers, hairdressers, manicurists, estheticians, and related professionals. It clarifies that the Board of Barbers and Hairdressers authorizes the Department of Commerce to issue licenses and requires the Board to create written guidelines for tattooing, permanent cosmetic coloring, and body piercing businesses. The bill also mandates that manicuring schools provide at least 12 hours of approved health and safety training, and prohibits schools from requiring more than 12 hours for this training to issue a license. These changes define the Board's responsibilities and set specific requirements for professionals and schools in the industry.
HB 263 is an appropriations bill that allocates funding for Alaska's state government operations and programs for the fiscal year 2027 (July 1, 2026-June 30, 2027). It provides specific funding amounts for departments like the Department of Administration, Office of Information Technology, and Public Communications Services, including unexpended balances from previous years. The bill also allows limited transfers between certain retirement funds and specifies how capitalization and supplemental funding will be handled. As a routine budget measure, it does not create new policies or directly affect citizens but ensures state agencies have funding for ongoing operations.
HB 262 increases the number of superior court judges in Alaska's third judicial district from 28 to 29, as specified in revised Section 22.10.120 of the Alaska Statutes. This change directly affects the third judicial district's court operations by adding one additional judge position. The bill amends the statutory judge count to reflect this increase, with the change taking effect on July 1, 2026. The legislation is procedural, adjusting a numerical provision without altering court functions or creating new policies.
HB 265 allocates $22.2 million to Alaska Psychiatric Institute and $10.2 million to behavioral health services for the 2026-2027 fiscal year. It funds operating and capital expenses for state mental health programs across multiple departments, including community residential centers, juvenile justice mental health care, and family services. The bill directs specific funding amounts to existing services like substance abuse treatment, foster care mental health support, and psychiatric facility operations. This is a budget allocation bill, providing funding for current state mental health programs without creating new policies or regulations.
HB 216 approves the transfer of approximately 84.8 acres of land owned by the Alaska Railroad Corporation to the City of Whittier for fair market value. The bill specifically covers five defined land parcels within Whittier, described by survey details and U.S. survey numbers. It authorizes the Alaska Railroad to convey these parcels, noting that surveying and platting adjustments may be needed to finalize the transfer. The legislation serves as formal approval under existing law (AS 42.40.285) and takes immediate effect. This is a procedural transfer bill with no new policy provisions, directly affecting the Alaska Railroad Corporation and the City of Whittier.
HB 221 designates June 21 as Alaska Arts and Culture Day, encouraging schools, community groups, and public or private organizations to host events that increase awareness and appreciation of arts and culture for all age groups. The bill establishes this annual observance with no funding requirements or regulatory changes, simply providing a designated date for community engagement. It takes effect immediately upon enactment.
