The bill amends AS 37.05.590 to establish the civil legal services fund as a special account within the general fund of Alaska. It specifies that the fund will consist of appropriations made to it, and that the legislature may appropriate funds annually from amounts deposited into the general fund under AS 09.17.020(j). Notably, the bill increases the percentage of filing fees that can be appropriated to the fund from 10 percent to 25 percent of the fees received by the Alaska Court System during the previous closed fiscal year.

Additionally, the bill allows for appropriations from the civil legal services fund to organizations that provide civil legal services to low-income individuals, defined as those with an income at or below 125 percent of the federal poverty guidelines for Alaska. Importantly, the bill clarifies that the establishment of this fund does not create a dedicated fund, ensuring flexibility in the use of state resources.

Statutes affected:
HB0048A, AM HB 48, introduced 01/22/2025: 37.05.590