This bill amends various sections of Alaska law to establish and regulate group insurance coverage and self-insurance for school district employees, employees of the University of Alaska, and other governmental units. Key provisions include the ability for regional school boards to establish and maintain participation in insurance policies for their employees, as authorized under the new Chapter 27, which specifically addresses employee health insurance. The bill also mandates that school employers contribute to a group health and life benefits fund and outlines the reimbursement process for costs associated with self-insurance. Additionally, it allows school employers to require employees to pay a portion of these contributions.

The bill further modifies existing laws to clarify the definitions of "school employee" and "school employer," ensuring that both municipal school districts and the University of Alaska are included. It also introduces a transition provision requiring governmental units with self-funded insurance reserves to transfer their balances to the new group health fund upon enrolling in a state-administered health care plan. The effective date for most provisions is set for July 1, 2025, while certain sections related to regulations and transition take effect immediately.

Statutes affected:
HB0029A, AM HB 29, introduced 01/10/2025: 14.08.101, 14.11.011, 14.11.020, 14.08.151, 18.56.855, 14.27.010, 14.14.090, 14.18.060, 47.17.020, 14.20.149, 14.20.680, 14.30.355, 14.30.356, 14.30.362, 14.33.100, 18.66.310, 47.17.022, 14.17.300, 39.30.095, 39.30.091, 39.30.090, 23.40.070, 23.40.260, 14.40.170, 14.25.168, 14.25.480, 22.25.090, 39.35.535, 39.35.880, 39.37.145, 23.15.136, 21.86.310, 14.25.110, 23.15.010, 23.15.210
HB0029B, AM SSHB 29, introduced 04/30/2025: 14.08.101, 14.11.011, 14.11.020, 14.08.151, 18.56.855, 14.27.010, 14.14.090, 14.18.060, 47.17.020, 14.20.149, 14.20.680, 14.30.355, 14.30.356, 14.30.362, 14.33.100, 18.66.310, 47.17.022, 39.30.090, 39.30.091, 39.30.095, 23.40.070, 23.40.260, 14.40.170, 14.25.168, 14.25.480, 22.25.090, 39.35.535, 39.35.880, 39.37.145, 23.15.136, 21.86.310, 14.25.110, 23.15.010, 23.15.210