This bill amends various sections of Alaska law to establish new provisions regarding permanent fund dividends for individuals who owe child support. It introduces a new subsection in AS 11.51.120, stating that dividends distributed to individuals in arrears under child support orders will be counted as child support payments. Additionally, it mandates that the agency responsible for child support must provide the Department of Revenue with a list of individuals in arrears, indicating those who may be eligible for a permanent fund dividend. If an eligible individual does not apply for a dividend by March 31 each year, the department will file an application on their behalf and notify both the individual in arrears and the individual owed child support.

The bill also includes several provisions that protect the dividends received through these applications from being claimed by various state departments or subjected to debt collection methods. Specifically, it prohibits claims on dividends by the Department of Family and Community Services, the Alaska Commission on Postsecondary Education, the Department of Health, the Department of Labor and Workforce Development, and the University of Alaska. Furthermore, it allows the department to deduct a percentage of the dividend for administrative costs and ensures that the application process does not require the signature of the individual in arrears if filed by the department. Overall, the bill aims to streamline the process of securing permanent fund dividends for those who owe child support while safeguarding those funds from being seized for debt collection.

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