The proposed bill establishes the Welcoming Alaska Office, which will be responsible for providing support and resources to new immigrants and newcomers in the state. This office will offer employment information, referrals to services, and guidance on navigating labor-related issues such as discrimination and unsafe working conditions. Additionally, it will work with various stakeholders to reduce employment barriers, promote economic integration, and develop strategies to enhance the state's appeal to new immigrants. The bill also creates the Welcoming Alaska Advisory Committee, which will consist of members from various sectors, including nonprofit organizations and the business community, to assist in policy development and ensure state programs are accessible to newcomers.

Furthermore, the bill includes the establishment of the Welcoming Alaska Center, which will provide language instruction, employment services, and assistance with accessing government programs. The executive director of the Welcoming Alaska Office will be appointed by the governor, and each principal department in the executive branch will designate a liaison to facilitate communication with the office. The bill repeals the existing Office of Citizenship Assistance and mandates a study to assess immigration opportunities in the state, with a report due by July 1, 2027. The effective date for the bill is set for July 1, 2026.

Statutes affected:
SB0169A, AM SB 169, introduced 04/11/2025: 25.05.134, 23.05.132, 23.05.133, 39.20.180, 23.05.134, 23.05.135, 23.05.131, 39.25.120, 23.05.125