Budget & Taxes

in committee · Alaska · Senate Mar 17, 2026

SB 240: An Act relating to permanent fund dividend raffles; creating the senior citizen grants endowment fund and the senior citizen grants dividend raffle fund; authorizing donations from permanent fund dividends for grants to organizations that provide support for senior citizens and for entry into the senior citizen grants dividend raffle; relating to transfers from the senior citizen grants endowment fund and the senior citizen grants dividend raffle fund; relating to the duties of the Department of Revenue; and relating to the definition of 'gambling.'

SB 240 creates two new funds using Alaska's permanent fund dividends: a senior citizen grants endowment fund to provide direct grants to organizations supporting seniors, and a senior citizen grants dividend raffle fund that offers free raffle entries to seniors. The bill redirects permanent fund dividends toward these funds, allowing organizations serving seniors to receive grants and enabling seniors to enter raffles for potential prizes. It also explicitly defines the raffle as non-gambling under state law, excluding it from standard gambling regulations. This policy directly affects seniors (through free raffle entries) and senior support organizations (through grant funding), using existing permanent fund resources without new taxes.

Topics ✓ Budget & TaxesSupports Budget & TaxesRedirects permanent fund dividends to create new appropriations for senior support grants and raffles, funding essential social services through existing revenue reallocation.90% confidence

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in committee · Alaska · House Feb 18, 2026

HB 312: An Act relating to a state energy policy; relating to the green energy grant fund; and providing for an effective date.

HB 312 establishes a green energy grant fund in Alaska by directing 20% of revenue from the state's carbon offset program into it. The fund finances new renewable energy projects, including hydroelectric facilities, direct renewable energy use, and hydrogen fuel cell projects powered by renewable resources, with priority given to projects in areas where average energy costs exceed the state average. It also sets loan terms for eligible projects (up to 50 years) and requires interest rates to be at least 3% below standard rates (but not below 1%). The fund must submit annual reports to the legislature detailing grant applications and recommendations.

Topics ✓ Budget & TaxesSupports Budget & TaxesDirects 20% of carbon offset revenue into green energy fund, reallocating existing state revenue for renewable projects, aligning with fiscal responsibility and funding priorities.90% confidence ✓ EnergySupports EnergyHB 312 creates a green energy grant fund using carbon offset revenue to finance renewable projects (hydro, hydrogen, etc.) with priority for high-cost areas, directly advancing renewable energy infrastructure and reducing fossil fuel dependence.95% confidence ✓ EnvironmentSupports EnvironmentEstablishes green energy fund from carbon offset revenue to finance renewable projects like hydroelectric and hydrogen fuel cells, directly promoting clean energy infrastructure and environmental protection.95% confidence

Sub-Topics Hydroelectric Renewable Energy

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in committee · Alaska · House Apr 23, 2026

HB 291: An Act relating to municipal exemptions from fees for landfills or dumping areas; and relating to optional municipal property tax exemptions.

HB 291 allows Alaska municipalities to create fee exemptions for waste disposal at landfills or dumping areas when properties are being rehabilitated or renovated. It also gives municipalities the option to establish property tax exemptions for specific groups, including seniors (65+), disabled veterans, and eligible widows/widowers, with exemptions exceeding $75,000 requiring voter approval. The bill specifies eligibility criteria for both exemptions, such as properties in deteriorating areas or requiring environmental remediation, and mandates written application processes through local ordinances. Municipalities must define these provisions via ordinances to qualify for the fee or tax relief.

Topics ✓ Budget & TaxesSupports Budget & TaxesProvides property tax exemptions for seniors/disabled veterans, reducing their tax burden per bill's eligibility criteria and taxation focus.92% confidence ✓ VeteransSupports VeteransBill explicitly includes disabled veterans in property tax exemption criteria, providing financial relief as a benefit for this group.90% confidence

Sub-Topics Property Tax

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in committee · Alaska · House Apr 16, 2026

HB 344: An Act establishing the opioid litigation settlement fund.

HB 344 establishes a separate fund in the Alaska state treasury to hold settlement money received from opioid manufacturers or distributors. The Department of Revenue can use these funds for opioid remediation efforts (like treatment and prevention programs) and to cover fund management costs, with money in the fund not expiring. The bill clarifies this is not a "dedicated fund" but a mechanism for managing settlement proceeds, directly affecting how the state handles opioid-related litigation funds.

Topics ✓ Budget & TaxesSupports Budget & TaxesBill allocates opioid settlement funds to public health programs, directly funding essential services within state budget framework.90% confidence ✓ HealthcareSupports HealthcareBill allocates opioid settlement funds specifically for treatment/prevention healthcare programs under remediation efforts, directly funding public health services.95% confidence

Sub-Topics Substance Abuse

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in committee · Alaska · Senate May 4, 2026

SB 259: An Act relating to an optional municipal limit to increases of the full and true value of property owned and occupied as a permanent place of abode by a resident.

SB 259 would allow Alaska municipalities to adopt ordinances limiting annual increases to the assessed value of residential properties owned and occupied as a primary home by the owner. Municipalities could set a cap of at least 5% per year, but only for properties occupied by the owner for 185+ days annually. The limit would not apply if the property is improved or sold, allowing the assessment to reflect market value in those cases. This bill directly affects homeowners in communities that choose to implement such a tax assessment cap.

Topics ✓ Budget & TaxesSupports Budget & TaxesCaps annual property tax increases for primary residences, providing tax relief to homeowners and limiting assessment-driven tax hikes.95% confidence ✓ HousingSupports HousingCaps annual property tax increases for owner-occupied homes (5% max), reducing housing cost burden for residents and preventing displacement from sudden tax hikes.85% confidence

Sub-Topics Property Tax Property Taxes

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in committee · Alaska · House Apr 27, 2026

HB 338: An Act establishing the Alaska Work and Save Program for employees who do not have access to a qualified retirement savings plan at work; relating to the duties of the commissioner of labor and workforce development; and providing for an effective date.

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.

Topics ✓ Budget & TaxesSupports Budget & TaxesRedirects existing PFD payments (state funds) to retirement savings, promoting fiscal management through voluntary program enrollment without new taxes or spending.85% confidence ✓ Labor & EmploymentSupports Labor & EmploymentEstablishes voluntary retirement savings program using PFD, expanding worker financial security benefits under Labor & Employment topic.95% confidence

Sub-Topics Government Spending Retirement Benefits Workforce Development

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in committee · Alaska · House Apr 30, 2026

HB 350: An Act establishing an income tax on certain entities in the state; and providing for an effective date.

HB 350 proposes a new 9.4% state income tax on businesses structured as sole proprietorships, partnerships, LLCs, or S-corporations (referred to as "qualified entities") with taxable income exceeding $25 million in a single year. The tax applies only to income above this threshold, calculated using federal C-corporation rules while disallowing most federal tax credits or deductions. It excludes businesses already taxed under other state provisions and takes effect for tax years beginning January 1, 2026. This bill would create a new tax obligation for large pass-through entities, distinct from existing corporate tax structures.

Topics ✓ Budget & TaxesSupports Budget & TaxesImposes new 9.4% tax on high-income businesses to increase state revenue, closing tax loopholes for large entities under current tax structure.90% confidence

Sub-Topics Business Taxes Revenue Sales Tax

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in committee · Alaska · House Feb 23, 2026

HB 323: An Act relating to municipal assessments of farm or agricultural land; and providing for an effective date.

HB 323 changes how Alaska landowners qualify for lower property tax assessments on agricultural land. To qualify, owners must apply by May 15 annually and prove at least $2,500 in annual agricultural sales by submitting IRS Schedule F forms or equivalent documentation. The bill defines "farm use" to exclude marijuana production and specifies eligible livestock types like cattle and poultry. This affects landowners seeking agricultural classification, directly impacting their property tax bills for qualifying farm or ranch land.

Topics ✓ Budget & TaxesSupports Budget & TaxesBill creates tax relief pathway for agricultural landowners via lower property tax assessments, requiring $2,500 annual sales proof to qualify, directly advancing tax policy for qualifying landowners.95% confidence

Sub-Topics Property Tax Tags Agriculture

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in committee · Alaska · House Feb 27, 2026

HB 304: An Act relating to the duties of the commissioner of fish and game; establishing the sport fishing angler access account; establishing the sport fishing angler access surcharge; and providing for an effective date.

HB 304 imposes a $1 surcharge on all sport fishing licenses in Alaska, except for holders of $5 resident licenses or free licenses. The revenue funds a dedicated "sport fishing angler access account" to produce biennial reports on the economic impacts of sport fishing in the state. These reports must follow a specific format modeled after a 2007 Department of Fish and Game publication. The bill affects all sport fishing license buyers (with limited exemptions) and requires the commissioner to distribute these reports publicly every two years.

Topics ✓ Budget & TaxesSupports Budget & TaxesImposes $1 surcharge on sport fishing licenses to fund dedicated biennial economic impact reports, creating new tax revenue for specific budget allocation.95% confidence

Sub-Topics Fees & Licensing

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in committee · Alaska · Senate Mar 27, 2026

SB 267: An Act relating to powers and duties of the Legislative Budget and Audit Committee; relating to public school financial information and audits; and establishing a public school financial data Internet website.

SB 267 requires Alaska school districts to file annual financial audits with the Legislative Budget and Audit Committee by November 15 each year, with state funding withheld for noncompliance. It mandates detailed annual reports from school districts including staff-to-student ratios, budget alignment with performance standards, and resources for school improvement. The bill establishes a public website (per AS 24.20.207) for accessing school financial data and audit reports. These provisions directly affect school districts, the Legislative Budget Committee, and the public by increasing transparency in school funding and accountability.

Topics ✓ Budget & TaxesSupports Budget & TaxesRequires school district financial audits and transparency to ensure proper budget management and prevent misuse of public funds, aligning with fiscal responsibility.85% confidence

Sub-Topics Audits & Accountability State Budget

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