The bill amends various sections of Alaska law concerning national criminal history record checks for employees of the Department of Revenue, eligibility for permanent fund dividends, and the confidentiality of information on dividend applications. Notably, it introduces new provisions requiring national criminal history record checks for current or prospective employees involved in administering the permanent fund dividend program. The bill also expands the criteria for allowable absences that maintain eligibility for the permanent fund dividend, including specific educational breaks and vocational training programs, while clarifying the conditions under which individuals can be absent from the state.

Additionally, the bill enhances the confidentiality of permanent fund dividend application information by specifying the circumstances under which such information can be released. It also outlines the duties of the Department of Revenue, including the establishment of a fraud investigation unit and the adoption of regulations to streamline the application process for dividends. The effective date for the implementation of this act is set for January 1, 2026.

Statutes affected:
SB0077A, AM SB 77, introduced 01/27/2025: 12.62.400, 39.90.210, 36.30.960, 12.62.160, 39.90.290, 43.23.008, 43.23.055, 43.23.011, 43.23.005, 43.23.048, 37.25.050, 25.27.010, 43.23.270, 43.23.130, 43.23.230, 43.23.110, 43.23.101, 43.23.140