This bill amends various sections of Alaska's statutes to include "burial assistance" alongside existing general relief programs. Specifically, it allows individuals who are denied medical assistance or cash assistance due to the receipt of a permanent fund dividend to be eligible for state-funded medical assistance and cash assistance under the general relief and burial assistance program. The bill stipulates that these individuals can receive assistance for a period not exceeding four months, mirroring the level of support they would have received without the permanent fund dividend program.

Additionally, the bill updates the responsibilities of the Department of Health to include the administration of general relief and burial assistance. It also clarifies the definition of "assistance" to encompass a broader range of needs, including burial expenses. The bill outlines the process for recovering improperly granted assistance and specifies that individuals denied public assistance due to receiving a bonus are eligible for the general relief and burial assistance program. The effective date for these changes is set for January 1, 2026.

Statutes affected:
HB0022A, AM HB 22, introduced 01/10/2025: 43.23.240, 47.25.120, 47.25.300, U.S.C, 47.25.130, 44.29.020, 47.30.660, 47.30.915, 47.05.085, 47.25.260, 47.45.122