AK-Senate-Maj-Logo-REV

Press

NEWS: Comprehensive Workers’ Compensation Reform Bill and Extension of Senior Benefits Signed Into Law

Anchorage – On Thursday, July 11, Governor Dunleavy signed Senate Bill 147 into law, which encompasses provisions from House Bill 239, Senate Bill 170, Senate Bill 183, and Senate Bill 206. This comprehensive bill aims to significantly enhance the support and resources available to injured workers, streamline administrative processes, and ensure timely benefits while also […]

NEWS: Comprehensive Workers’ Compensation Reform Bill and Extension of Senior Benefits Signed Into Law Read More »

NEWS: Alaska Legislature Appoints Members to the Joint Legislative Task Force to Evaluate Alaska’s Seafood Industry

Alaska – In response to the pressing economic challenges facing Alaska’s seafood industry, the Alaska State Legislature passed Senate Concurrent Resolution 10, establishing a joint legislative task force to evaluate Alaska’s seafood industry. This task force aims to address critical issues within the industry through policy initiatives and strategic action.

NEWS: Alaska Legislature Appoints Members to the Joint Legislative Task Force to Evaluate Alaska’s Seafood Industry Read More »

NEWS: Alaska Legislature Passes Comprehensive Local Tax Exemption Legislation to Benefit Farmers and Homebuyers

Nikiski, AK – Prior to the recent conclusion of its session in May, the Alaska Legislature passed Senate Bill 179, sponsored by Senator Jesse Bjorkman, R-Nikiski. This legislation, a result of extensive discussions with realtors, farmers, and municipal representatives, prohibits local governments from adding transfer taxes to the sale of houses and other real property, improves the

NEWS: Alaska Legislature Passes Comprehensive Local Tax Exemption Legislation to Benefit Farmers and Homebuyers Read More »

NEWS: Alaska Senate Unanimously Passes Comprehensive Workers’ Compensation Reform Bill and Extension of Senior Benefits

Anchorage – During the last week of the legislative session, the Alaska legislature passed Senate Bill 147, which now encompasses provisions from House Bill 239, Senate Bill 170, Senate Bill 183, and Senate Bill 206. This comprehensive bill aims to significantly enhance the support and resources available to injured workers, streamline administrative processes, and ensure timely

NEWS: Alaska Senate Unanimously Passes Comprehensive Workers’ Compensation Reform Bill and Extension of Senior Benefits Read More »

NEWS: Alaska Legislature Extends Senior Benefits Program

Fairbanks—In a united effort, the Alaska legislature passed amended Senate Bill 147 by Senator James Kaufman, R-Anchorage, to include legislation extending Alaska’s Senior Benefits program, originally sponsored by Senator Scott Kawasaki, D-Fairbanks. Senate Bill 170 and Senate Bill 147 are critical pieces of legislation supporting Alaska’s pioneers by extending the Senior Benefits Program until June 30, 2034. This program, a successor

NEWS: Alaska Legislature Extends Senior Benefits Program Read More »

NEWS: Alaska Legislature Passes Legislation Establishing Juneteenth as a State Holiday

JUNEAU – On the last day of the legislative session, the Alaska Legislature passed Senate Bill 22, sponsored by Senator Elvi Gray-Jackson, D-Anchorage, officially recognizing Juneteenth, June 19, as an annually observed state holiday. This significant legislation commemorates the day in 1865 when Union soldiers arrived in Galveston, Texas, announcing the end of the Civil

NEWS: Alaska Legislature Passes Legislation Establishing Juneteenth as a State Holiday Read More »

NEWS: Legislature Approves Easier and Less Invasive Drug and Alcohol Testing Method

JUNEAU – The Alaska State Legislature unanimously approved a simpler option for employers and employees to conduct drug and alcohol testing when the House passed Senate Bill 196 yesterday. Sponsored by the Senate Labor and Commerce Committee, the bill would add saliva or “oral fluids” to the samples an employer may collect for testing. 

NEWS: Legislature Approves Easier and Less Invasive Drug and Alcohol Testing Method Read More »

NEWS: Alaska Senate Passes Senate Bill 206 to Implement Worker Rehabilitation and Return-to-Work Programs

JUNEAU – Today, by a vote of 18-1, the Alaska Senate passed Senate Bill 206, sponsored by Senator Elvi Gray-Jackson, D-Anchorage, to establish worker rehabilitation and return-to-work programs across the state. The legislation introduces the Alaska State Workers’ Rehabilitation and Return-to-Work (SAW/RTW) program, a voluntary initiative designed to provide injured workers with the necessary support

NEWS: Alaska Senate Passes Senate Bill 206 to Implement Worker Rehabilitation and Return-to-Work Programs Read More »

NEWS: Senate Passes Legislation Establishing Workplace Violence Protective Orders

JUNEAU – Today, the Alaska Senate passed Senate Bill 28 by a vote of 18-1, which seeks to support workplace safety by providing employers with a streamlined process for addressing credible threats of workplace violence. Sponsored by Senator Matt Claman, D-Anchorage, SB 28 utilizes the framework of Alaska’s domestic violence protective order system to facilitate

NEWS: Senate Passes Legislation Establishing Workplace Violence Protective Orders Read More »