The bill amends Alaska's retirement benefits law to provide more flexible eligibility criteria for terminated employees seeking normal retirement benefits. Specifically, it removes the previous requirement that employees must be at least 60 years old to qualify for retirement benefits after five years of credited service. Instead, the bill allows for eligibility at any age if the terminated employee is a veteran who has been rated as permanently and totally disabled by the United States Department of Veterans Affairs for a service-connected condition.

Additionally, the bill repeals certain sections of the existing law, specifically AS 39.35.340(d), AS 39.35.340(i), and AS 39.35.541(b), which may streamline the retirement benefits process or remove outdated provisions. Overall, the changes aim to enhance the retirement benefits framework for employees, particularly those with military service and disabilities.

Statutes affected:
HB0017A, AM HB 17, introduced 01/10/2025: 39.35.370