This bill amends various sections of Alaska law to establish and enhance group insurance coverage and self-insurance options 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 a policy of insurance for employee health coverage, as authorized by a new chapter, AS 14.27.010. Additionally, school boards are required to determine the total compensation for employees, which includes the amount necessary to pay for the district's participation in a policy of insurance. The bill also outlines the responsibilities of the Department of Administration in managing these insurance policies and the financial contributions required from participating school employers. Furthermore, the bill introduces a transition provision requiring governmental units that previously maintained self-funded insurance reserves to transfer their closing balances to the group health and life benefits fund upon enrolling in a state-administered health care plan. This transfer will help offset reimbursement obligations under the new insurance provisions. The bill also mandates that the commissioner of administration adopt necessary regulations to implement these changes, with the majority of the act taking effect on July 1, 2025, while certain sections will 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