This bill amends Alaska's permanent fund dividend laws to allow individuals whose convictions have been vacated, reversed, or dismissed to become eligible for the dividend for each year they were previously ineligible due to their conviction. Specifically, it introduces new subsections to AS 43.23.005, stating that individuals can receive dividends if their conviction is vacated or reversed and the charges are later dismissed (not part of a plea agreement) or if they are retried and found not guilty. To qualify, these individuals must apply for the dividend within one year of the dismissal or not guilty finding.

Additionally, the bill modifies the calculation of the permanent fund dividend value by including provisions for these newly eligible individuals in AS 43.23.025(a). It specifies that the total amount available for dividend payments will now account for the dividends owed to individuals eligible under the new criteria. Furthermore, a transition provision allows individuals whose convictions were dismissed or found not guilty before the bill's effective date to apply for the dividend within one year of the bill's enactment, despite the usual application deadline.

Statutes affected:
SB0167A, AM SB 167, introduced 04/10/2025: 43.23.005, 43.23.025, 37.13.145, 43.23.045, 43.23.021, 43.23.055, 43.23.240
SB0167B, AM CSSB 167(STA), introduced 05/02/2025: 43.23.005, 43.23.025, 37.13.145, 43.23.045, 43.23.021, 43.23.055, 43.23.240