The bill establishes the Citizens' Review Panel for Permanency Planning in Alaska, aimed at enhancing oversight and review of children in state custody. It amends existing laws to incorporate local citizen out-of-home care review panels, mandating the Department of Family and Community Services to notify these panels within 60 days of a child's removal from home or a court's commitment order. The legislation outlines the structure and responsibilities of both state and local panels, including member appointments, terms, and an annual reporting requirement to the legislature regarding their activities and recommendations.

Additionally, the bill introduces new provisions detailing the responsibilities of local panels in reviewing case plans for children in custody, ensuring compliance with relevant laws such as the Indian Child Welfare Act. It mandates that local panels submit written reports after reviews and emphasizes the confidentiality of communications with panel members. The bill also includes provisions for the appointment of initial voting members, specifies staggered terms, and provides indemnification for panel members against civil liability for negligent acts performed in their official capacity, with certain exceptions. It repeals several sections of existing law and sets effective dates for its provisions, with some taking effect in 2026 and others in 2032.

Statutes affected:
SB0123A, AM SB 123, introduced 03/06/2025: 44.66.010, 47.10.401, 47.10.080, 47.10.421, 47.10.093, 47.10.010, 47.14.300, 47.17.020, 25.27.010, 47.05.360, 47.14.400, 47.10.142, 11.51.130, 18.85.030, 39.20.180, 47.10.411, 24.60.990, 47.10.431, 47.10.441, 47.14.100, U.S.C, 47.10.451, 47.10.461, 44.62.310, 47.10.491, 47.10.471, 47.10.481