This bill seeks to strengthen Alaska's legal framework regarding human trafficking and theft by introducing new definitions and classifications for various offenses. It redefines human trafficking in the first degree as an unclassified felony and introduces a new crime of wage theft, which encompasses unpaid wages owed to employees or independent contractors. The bill categorizes wage theft into three degrees based on the amount owed, with the first degree being a class B felony for amounts of $20,000 or more. Additionally, it establishes the crime of organized theft, outlines aggravating factors for sentencing, and includes provisions for the forfeiture of property used in violations of the new human trafficking laws, with funds directed to support victim resources.

Moreover, the bill mandates that courts order restitution for victims of specific theft-related offenses, ensuring they are fully compensated for unpaid wages. It adds "human trafficking in the first degree" to the list of serious crimes that carry a minimum five-year prison sentence and requires employers found to owe unpaid wages to pay double the amount owed along with legal costs incurred by the employee. The legislation also modifies provisions related to liquidated damages and attorney fees in wage-related lawsuits, repeals outdated sections of law, and clarifies that the new provisions will apply to offenses committed and sentences imposed on or after July 1, 2025. Overall, the bill aims to enhance victim compensation, strengthen penalties for serious crimes, and ensure fair treatment for employees regarding unpaid wages.

Statutes affected:
HB0097A, AM HB 97, introduced 02/12/2025: 11.46.100, 11.46.160, 11.46.180, 11.46.190, 11.46.200, 11.46.210, 11.46.215, 11.46.120, 11.46.130, 11.46.140, 11.46.220, 11.46.150, 11.46.260, 11.46.270, 11.46.280, 11.46.285, 11.46.360, 11.46.365, 11.46.482, 11.46.484, 11.46.530, 11.46.620, 11.46.980, 11.46.990, 12.55.155, 43.72.010, 43.72.030, 43.72.080, 43.72.040, 43.72.050, 43.72.020, 43.72.060, 43.72.070, U.S.C, 43.72.090, 43.72.100, 43.72.110, 43.72.900
HB0097B, AM CSHB 97(JUD), introduced 05/02/2025: 11.41.360, 11.41.365, 11.41.367, 11.41.366, 11.41.369, 11.41.530, 11.41.410, 11.41.427, 11.46.100, 11.46.201, 11.46.160, 11.46.180, 11.46.190, 11.46.200, 11.46.210, 11.46.120, 11.46.130, 11.46.140, 11.46.220, 47.12.990, 11.46.150, 11.46.205, 11.46.207, 11.46.980, 11.46.990, 11.81.250, 11.66.110, 11.81.900, 12.10.010, 11.41.120, 11.41.330, 11.41.425, 11.41.450, 11.41.458, 12.37.010, 11.41.100, 11.41.110, 11.41.300, 11.66.120, 12.55.035, 12.55.045, 11.46.203, 12.55.125, 11.41.150, 11.41.200, 11.41.470, 12.55.155, 23.05.180, 23.10.110, 23.10.060, 23.10.065