The proposed bill establishes the crime of airbag fraud in Alaska by adding a new section to AS 28.35. Under this new section, a person commits airbag fraud if they knowingly install or reinstall a replacement airbag that does not meet federal safety regulations, is counterfeit or nonfunctioning, or involves parts intended to conceal such defects. Additionally, the bill criminalizes the manufacturing of counterfeit or nonfunctioning airbags and related concealment devices. Definitions for key terms such as "airbag," "counterfeit," and "nonfunctioning" are provided to clarify the scope of the law.

Airbag fraud is classified as a class A misdemeanor, but it escalates to a class C felony if the fraudulent actions result in death or serious physical injury to another person. This legislation aims to enhance vehicle safety by penalizing those who compromise airbag integrity, thereby protecting consumers and ensuring compliance with safety standards.

Statutes affected:
HB0074A, AM HB 74, introduced 01/29/2025:
HB0074B, AM CSHB 74(JUD), introduced 04/20/2026: