This bill amends various sections of Alaska's statutes to establish the role of the public advocate within the office of public advocacy, replacing the title "Commissioner of Administration" with "public advocate" in several provisions. The public advocate will be responsible for creating a fee schedule for guardian services based on the financial capability of the ward or protected person, ensuring that fees do not exceed the actual cost of services. The advocate will also have the authority to waive fees when collection is not economically feasible or serves the public interest. The appointment process for the public advocate is defined, requiring the governor to select the advocate from nominees provided by the judicial council, with legislative confirmation. The advocate will serve a four-year term and can be removed by the governor for good cause, with a requirement to report the reasons for removal to the legislature.

Additionally, the bill allows the public advocate to employ necessary staff, including guardians ad litem and attorneys, and to contract for legal representation and guardian ad litem services, with compensation rates determined by the advocate. A transition section ensures that any existing orders or regulations from the former commissioner remain effective until modified, and all current contracts and obligations will continue to be valid. The current director of the office of public advocacy will retain their position as the public advocate until a new appointment is made by the governor.

Statutes affected:
HB0058A, AM HB 58, introduced 01/22/2025: 13.26.750, 36.30.305, 36.30.015, 36.30.320, 36.30.850, 36.30.080, 36.30.085, 02.15.070, 02.15.090, 02.15.091, 19.05.060, 35.20.060, 47.25.071, 47.25.095, 47.27.050, 14.42.200, 14.42.210, 18.56.095, 37.10.070, 37.10.071, 14.40.250, 14.40.491, 37.14.001, 37.14.099, 38.05.180, 12.65.020, 43.82.240, 44.62.730, 44.62.760, 44.62.710, 44.62.800, 47.18.330, 14.43.091, 14.43.750, 14.44.025, 43.90.240, 47.25.626, 37.16.010, 37.16.900, 38.05.020, 31.25.390, 14.03.123, 14.07.020, 44.37.230, 38.95.400, 38.95.499, 44.21.400, 44.21.410, 13.26.700, 47.17.030, 13.26.041, 18.16.030, 13.26.226, 47.30.775, 25.24.310, 25.23.125, 25.23.180, 09.55.590, 47.10.050, 47.12.090, 18.66.100, 18.85.100, 12.45.046, 18.15.355, 18.15.395, 18.85.120, 47.30.839, 14.30.350, 44.21.415, 44.21.470, 44.21.420, 39.25.100, 39.25.120