This bill amends various sections of Alaska law to establish new provisions regarding permanent fund dividends (PFDs) for individuals who owe child support. It introduces a new subsection in AS 11.51.120, stating that PFDs distributed to individuals in arrears under child support orders will be counted as child support payments. Additionally, the Department of Revenue will receive a list of individuals in arrears from the child support agency, and if an eligible individual has not applied for a PFD by March 31, the department will file an application on their behalf. The bill also specifies that any PFDs received through this process will not be subject to debt collection measures and outlines that certain state departments cannot claim these dividends.

Further amendments include provisions that allow the department to presume eligibility for individuals who have previously qualified for a PFD and establish that the application for a PFD filed by the department does not require the individual's signature. The bill also mandates a 7% deduction from the PFDs distributed under these new provisions, which will be allocated to the general fund for administrative costs. Overall, the bill aims to streamline the process for individuals owing child support to receive their PFDs while ensuring that these funds are protected from debt collection.

Statutes affected:
HB0137A, AM HB 137, introduced 03/17/2025: 11.51.120, 43.23.005, 25.27.020, 43.23.015, 43.23.130, 43.23.140, 43.23.150, 43.23.160, 43.23.170, 43.23.180, 43.23.190, 43.23.230