The bill introduces significant amendments to Alaska's education laws, focusing on various aspects such as public school attendance, mobile communication device policies, reading proficiency grants, charter school applications, student transportation funding, and school bond debt reimbursement. It clarifies that school-age children can attend public schools in their resident district without tuition and allows applications to schools outside their district under specific conditions. Additionally, it mandates school districts to create policies restricting the use of personal mobile devices during school hours, with exceptions for emergencies and educational purposes. A new reading proficiency incentive grant program is established, providing $450 for each qualifying student in grades K-6, while the funding structure for student transportation services is modified, and the timeline for bond debt reimbursement applications is extended to 2030.

Moreover, the bill enhances teacher retention and recruitment by introducing financial incentives for full-time teachers, offering $5,000 for those who complete a full school term, with additional payments of $10,000 or $15,000 for teachers in specific districts based on their location. The Department of Education and Early Development will administer these payments, which are classified as compensation under existing law. The bill also requires the education committees to prepare a report with recommendations for public school funding changes and alternative metrics for assessing school performance. Various sections of the bill will take effect at different times, including a repeal of certain provisions set for July 1, 2030.

Statutes affected:
HB0076A, AM HB 76, introduced 01/31/2025: 14.03.080, 14.14.110, 14.14.120, 14.17.600, 14.03.300, 14.30.760, 14.03.124, 14.03.255, 14.03.290, 14.07.170, 14.03.250, 14.03.253, 14.09.010, 14.11.014, 14.11.100, 14.07.020, 14.11.008, 14.11.102, 14.16.200, 14.17.410, 14.17.470, 14.17.450, 14.17.460, 14.17.430, 14.17.420, 14.17.510, 29.45.110, 14.17.400