This bill amends various sections of Alaska law to establish new provisions regarding permanent fund dividends (PFDs) for individuals who owe child support. It introduces a new subsection in AS 11.51.120, stating that PFDs distributed to individuals in arrears under child support orders will be counted as child support payments. Additionally, the Department of Revenue will receive a list of individuals in arrears from the child support agency, and if an eligible individual has not applied for a PFD by March 31, the department will file an application on their behalf. The bill also specifies that a portion of the dividend will be deducted for administrative costs and outlines that dividends received through this process are exempt from various forms of debt collection.

Further amendments clarify that the application for a PFD filed by the department does not require the individual's signature and allows the department to presume eligibility for those who have previously qualified. The bill also prohibits several state departments and entities from claiming a PFD received through this new application process, ensuring that these funds are protected from debt collection efforts. The new provisions will apply to PFDs received on or after the effective date of the Act and will be relevant for the 2025 qualifying year for the 2026 dividend year and beyond.

Statutes affected:
SB0012A, AM SB 12, introduced 01/10/2025: 11.51.120, 43.23.005, 25.27.020, 25.27.170, 25.27.025, 23.20.401, 25.27.165, 25.27.166, U.S.C, 25.27.060, 25.27.063, 47.07.025, 25.27.160, 25.27.220, 43.23.015, 43.23.130, 43.23.140, 43.23.150, 43.23.160, 43.23.170, 43.23.180, 43.23.190, 43.23.230
SB0012B, AM CSSB 12(JUD), introduced 03/14/2025: 11.51.120, 43.23.005, 25.27.020, 43.23.015, 43.23.130, 43.23.140, 43.23.150, 43.23.160, 43.23.170, 43.23.180, 43.23.190, 43.23.230