This bill amends existing laws regarding procurement preferences for agricultural and fisheries products harvested or processed in Alaska. It establishes that municipalities receiving state funds must prioritize purchasing local agricultural products if they are priced no more than 10% above similar products from outside the state, an increase from the previous threshold of 7%. Additionally, municipalities may purchase local products priced up to 25% above outside products, up from the previous limit of 15%. Similar provisions are made for fisheries products, ensuring that local products are favored under the same pricing conditions.

The bill also applies these procurement preferences to state purchases and school districts that receive state funding, mandating a price preference of no less than 10% and no more than 25% for both agricultural and fisheries products harvested or processed within the state. The changes aim to support local agriculture and fisheries by encouraging municipalities and state entities to buy locally sourced products. The act is set to take effect on July 1, 2025.

Statutes affected:
HB0060A, AM HB 60, introduced 01/22/2025: 29.71.040, 36.15.050