HB 35 restricts electronic device use for prisoners in Alaska state correctional facilities. It prohibits most personal devices like computers, tablets, and VCRs, allowing only approved uses for rehabilitation, education, legal research, or health care. The bill also limits access to certain media (e.g., R-rated movies), specific equipment (like free weights), and restricts food spending comparisons to military personnel. It directly affects incarcerated individuals in state facilities and aims to enhance security by controlling prohibited items and activities. The law became effective November 5, 2025.
SB 85 strengthens privacy protections for private communications in Alaska by making it illegal to publish or use private conversations without consent. It prohibits unauthorized disclosure of communication contents (e.g., texts, calls) and bans using eavesdropping devices to record conversations without all parties' agreement. Key exceptions include public broadcasts, emergency services communications, lawful law enforcement investigations, and incidental hearing during normal employment (like phone line maintenance). The bill directly affects individuals, businesses, and law enforcement by clarifying when private communications can legally be shared or recorded.
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 86 strengthens privacy protections by making it illegal to share private communications without consent, except for specific authorized uses like court orders or emergency services. It bans using eavesdropping devices to record conversations without all parties' permission and restricts sharing illegally obtained audio. The law directly affects individuals, businesses, and organizations handling private communications, including phone calls or messages. Key provisions include requiring consent for disclosure, prohibiting misuse of illegally recorded content, and listing exemptions such as public broadcasts, emergency services communications, and accidental phone line interceptions.
HJR 6 is a non-binding resolution from the Alaska Legislature urging the U.S. Congress to protect the Universal Service Fund (USF). The USF provides critical funding for broadband and telecommunication services in rural Alaska, directly supporting low-income residents, schools, hospitals, and libraries. Without continued USF funding, rural communities would face significant losses, including $221 million annually for health clinics, loss of affordable broadband for 500 schools, and reduced communication access for 137,600 students. The resolution calls on Congress to safeguard the USF through legislative action to maintain these essential services.
HB 162, the Digital Right to Repair Act, requires digital product manufacturers (like those making smartphones, computers, or smart devices) to provide independent repair shops and device owners with necessary documentation, parts, and tools for diagnosing, maintaining, and repairing products. Manufacturers must share software/firmware updates and cannot charge independent repairers more than they charge their own authorized service providers. The law also mandates that security features disabling repair functions must be reset with available documentation and tools. This directly affects manufacturers, independent repair businesses, and consumers seeking affordable, accessible repair options in Alaska.
HCR 3 establishes a temporary Joint Legislative Task Force on Artificial Intelligence to examine how AI affects Alaska. The task force, composed of seven legislators (three from the Senate and four from the House), will study AI applications in state government, economic opportunities like data centers, ethical concerns (including privacy and bias), and workforce needs. It must make recommendations for responsible AI use and submit a final report by January 31, 2026. This resolution does not create new laws but directs the task force to analyze AI’s impacts and propose policy changes. The task force expires on February 2, 2026.
SB 33 addresses the use of synthetic media (manipulated audio, video, or images) in two key areas. It creates a new civil liability standard for defamation claims based on synthetic media, treating such claims as "defamation per se" without requiring proof of harm. The bill also prohibits knowingly using synthetic media in election-related communications with intent to influence elections, unless a clear disclosure statement ("This has been manipulated") is visible or audible as specified. Individuals harmed by violations can sue for damages, attorney fees, and seek injunctions against publication, while platforms hosting content are generally exempt from liability unless they remove required disclosures.
SB 2 requires anyone distributing election-related communications containing AI-generated deepfakes (false videos, audio, or images that appear realistic but depict non-existent actions) to include a clear disclosure statement. This disclosure must be easily visible in videos, audible in audio, and maintained throughout the communication, such as "This communication has been manipulated by artificial intelligence." The law exempts satire, news coverage with clear authenticity disclaimers, and communications paid for by others. Violations can lead to lawsuits for damages, attorney fees, and injunctions to stop distribution. It directly affects candidates, political groups, and anyone creating election content using AI manipulation.
SB 38 establishes a new Office of Information Technology (OIT) within the Department of Administration, led by a Chief Information Officer (CIO). The OIT will oversee all state agency IT projects, requiring agencies to obtain CIO approval before starting projects to ensure they follow security standards, avoid duplication, and have adequate funding. The bill mandates that agencies document IT project needs in biennial plans and report new projects to the Office of Management and Budget for review. This creates a centralized system for managing state IT resources and security across all executive branch agencies.
