SB 19 restricts electronic device access for prisoners in Alaska state correctional facilities. It prohibits inmates from possessing computers, tablets, or most personal electronics (like VCRs or phones) unless approved for rehabilitation, education, legal research, or job training under specific conditions. The bill also bans access to R-rated movies, NC-17 films, certain cable services, and materials that could incite violence, aid escapes, or facilitate criminal activity. These rules directly affect all prisoners in state correctional facilities, limiting their personal device use and media consumption to enhance security and order. The bill does not change food or housing standards but focuses on digital and media restrictions within correctional facilities.
SB 82 revises Alaska's public school attendance policies to expand parental school choice within district capacity limits, requiring school districts to report enrollment data and denial reasons for student applications. It mandates school districts to adopt mobile device policies prohibiting student personal phones during school hours except in emergencies, for educational use with permission, health needs, or as part of an individualized education plan. The bill also creates a $450 incentive grant for school districts for each kindergarten through third-grade student who meets or improves on grade-level reading skills via statewide assessments. These changes directly affect parents, school districts, and students in Alaska's public education system.
HB 217 regulates autonomous vehicles in Alaska by requiring them to meet federal safety standards and prohibiting their use in interstate commercial transport (e.g., goods or passengers) unless for personal use or with a human safety operator physically present and able to intervene. The bill establishes that the human safety operator is presumed liable for accidents involving autonomous vehicles unless software, hardware, or modifications caused the incident, with liability flowing first to the operator, then the vehicle modifier, software programmer, and finally the manufacturer. It directly affects autonomous vehicle operators, manufacturers, and safety operators within Alaska, clarifying legal responsibility and operational limits. The law defines "autonomous vehicle" to exclude basic driver-assistance systems (like adaptive cruise control) and specifies that vehicles must have conditional, high, or full driving automation capability. The bill takes effect immediately upon enactment.
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 18 requires Alaska public schools to adopt policies banning student use of personal wireless devices (like phones) during all regular school hours, including lunch and passing periods, with exceptions only for emergencies. School districts must implement either a state-developed model policy or their own policy, and share it with parents, students, and school staff. The bill defines "wireless telecommunications devices" as any portable device capable of voice, messaging, or data communication. It takes effect July 1, 2025.
