This bill amends existing laws regarding procurement preferences for agricultural and fisheries products harvested or processed within the state of 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% higher than those from outside, 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.

Furthermore, the bill sets a preference for state and school district purchases of agricultural and fisheries products, mandating a price preference of at least 10% and no more than 25% for products harvested or processed within the state. This change aims to support local agriculture and fisheries by making it more financially viable for municipalities and state entities to choose local over non-local products. The bill 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