This bill amends existing laws to establish group insurance coverage and self-insurance options for employees of school districts, the University of Alaska, and other governmental units in the state. Key provisions include the ability for regional school boards to establish and maintain participation in a policy of insurance as authorized by AS 14.27.010, and for school boards to include the costs of such insurance in their compensation determinations for employees. Additionally, the bill introduces a new chapter, AS 14.27.010, which allows school employers to elect to participate in a group insurance policy selected by the commissioner of administration, covering health insurance for school employees. The bill also outlines the financial responsibilities of participating school employers, including contributions to a group health and life benefits fund and reimbursements for excess loss insurance costs. It specifies that school employers may require employees to pay some or all of these contributions. Furthermore, the bill includes provisions for transitioning existing self-funded insurance reserves to the new group health fund and mandates the adoption of regulations to implement these changes. The effective date for most provisions is set for July 1, 2025, while certain sections related to transition and regulations 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