This bill introduces new provisions for workplace violence protective orders in Alaska, allowing employers to petition for protective orders against individuals who threaten or commit acts of violence in the workplace. The bill amends existing laws to include specific definitions and procedures for these protective orders, including the ability for employers to file ex parte orders without prior notice to the respondent if there is probable cause for recent violence or threats. The protective orders can prohibit the respondent from contacting the petitioner or entering the workplace, and they are effective for six months unless dissolved earlier by the court. Additionally, the bill ensures that attorney fees cannot be awarded against petitioners seeking these protective orders.

The bill also makes several amendments to existing laws regarding the violation of protective orders, expanding the definitions of protective orders to include those related to workplace violence. It clarifies that peace officers must arrest individuals who violate these orders and establishes a central registry for protective orders. Furthermore, the bill prohibits the imposition of filing fees for actions seeking relief under the new workplace violence provisions and ensures that petitioners are not liable for attorney fees in these cases. The bill is set to take effect on January 1, 2026, contingent upon receiving a two-thirds majority vote in both houses of the legislature.

Statutes affected:
SB0049A, AM SB 49, introduced 01/17/2025: 11.56.740, 18.66.100, 18.65.850, 18.65.855, 18.65.860, 18.65.867, 13.26.450, 13.26.460, 18.65.875, 18.65.899, 18.65.870, 18.66.180, 18.65.530, 11.41.100, 11.41.130, 12.30.016, 12.30.027, 18.65.540, 13.26.455, 18.65.877, 18.65.880, 18.66.120, 18.65.885, 18.65.890, 18.65.895, 29.71.800, 18.65.897, 11.41.270, 22.15.100, 09.55.020, 09.55.069, 18.15.375
SB0049B, AM CSSB 49(STA), introduced 04/14/2025: 11.56.740, 18.66.100, 18.65.850, 18.65.855, 18.65.860, 18.65.867, 13.26.450, 13.26.460, 18.65.875, 18.65.899, 18.65.870, 18.66.180, 13.26.455, 18.65.530, 11.41.100, 11.41.130, 12.30.016, 12.30.027, 18.65.540, 18.65.877, 18.65.880, 18.66.120, 18.65.865, 18.65.885, 18.65.890, 18.65.895, 29.71.800, 18.65.897, 11.41.270, 18.66.150, 22.15.100, 09.55.020, 09.55.069, 18.15.375