The proposed bill seeks to modernize Alaska's money transmission laws by updating licensure requirements and incorporating regulations for virtual currency transactions. It establishes a licensing framework for virtual currency businesses, treating them as money transmission activities, and introduces new requirements for disclosures and record-keeping related to these transactions. Key changes include the insertion of specific language regarding the licensing of virtual currency activities, the requirement for clear consumer disclosures, and the establishment of property rights for individuals holding virtual currency with a licensee. The bill also extends record-keeping requirements from three to five years and mandates that licensees file audited financial statements annually.

Additionally, the bill enhances regulatory oversight by clarifying the responsibilities of licensees and their authorized delegates, increasing civil penalties for violations, and expanding exemptions from licensing requirements. It specifies that licensees must forward money received for transmission according to their agreements, with a framework for timely refunds. The bill updates the fee structure for licenses based on the total volume of money transmission and allows the Department of Commerce to adopt necessary regulations for implementation. Overall, the legislation aims to create a more robust regulatory environment for money transmission and virtual currency operations in Alaska, ensuring compliance and protecting consumer interests.

Statutes affected:
HB0099A, AM HB 99, introduced 02/12/2025: 06.55.101, 06.55.802, 06.55.102, 06.55.505, 06.55.105, 06.55.109, 06.55.106, 06.55.155, 06.55.160, 06.55.165, 06.55.403, 06.55.170, 06.55.150, U.S.C, 45.56.100, 45.56.995, 45.08.102, 45.29.102, 06.55.301, 06.55.302, 06.55.401, 06.55.407, 06.55.404, 06.55.412, 06.55.501, 06.55.510, 06.55.405, 06.55.406, 40.25.100, 40.25.295, 06.55.410, 06.55.411, 06.55.502, 06.55.503, 06.55.601, 06.55.602, 06.55.603, 06.55.605, 06.55.606, 06.55.607, 06.55.201, 06.55.701, 06.55.702, 06.55.810, 06.55.830, C.F.R, 06.55.840, 06.55.850, 06.55.990, 06.55.995, 12.62.400, 06.55.103, 06.55.104, 06.55.107, 06.55.202, 06.55.203, 06.55.204, 06.55.402, 06.55.820, 06.55.890
HB0099B, AM CSHB 99(L&C), introduced 03/19/2025: 06.55.101, 06.55.802, 06.55.102, 06.55.505, 06.55.105, 06.55.109, 06.55.106, 06.55.155, 06.55.160, 06.55.165, 06.55.403, 06.55.170, 06.55.150, U.S.C, 45.56.100, 45.56.995, 45.08.102, 45.29.102, 06.55.301, 06.55.302, 06.55.401, 06.55.407, 06.55.404, 06.55.412, 06.55.501, 06.55.510, 06.55.405, 06.55.406, 40.25.100, 40.25.295, 06.55.410, 06.55.411, 06.55.502, 06.55.503, 06.55.601, 06.55.602, 06.55.603, 06.55.605, 06.55.606, 06.55.607, 06.55.201, 06.55.701, 06.55.702, 06.55.810, 06.55.830, C.F.R, 06.55.840, 06.55.850, 06.55.990, 06.55.995, 12.62.400, 06.55.103, 06.55.104, 06.55.107, 06.55.202, 06.55.203, 06.55.204, 06.55.402, 06.55.820, 06.55.890