This bill amends Alaska's permanent fund dividend law 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 the dividend if their conviction is vacated or reversed and the charges are dismissed (not part of a plea agreement) or if they are retried and found not guilty. Additionally, it establishes a one-year application deadline for these individuals to apply for the dividend after their conviction status changes.

The bill also modifies the calculation of the permanent fund dividend by including provisions for individuals eligible due to vacated or reversed convictions in the determination of the total amount available for dividend payments. This is reflected in the amendments to AS 43.23.025(a), which now includes references to the new eligibility criteria in the calculations. Furthermore, a transition provision allows individuals whose convictions were dismissed or reversed before the bill's effective date to apply for the dividend within one year of the bill's enactment.

Statutes affected:
HB0189A, AM HB 189, introduced 04/14/2025: 43.23.005, 43.23.025, 37.13.145, 43.23.045, 43.23.021, 43.23.055, 43.23.240
HB0189B, AM CSHB 189(STA), introduced 03/25/2026: 43.23.005, 43.23.048, 43.23.025, 37.13.145, 43.23.045, 43.23.021, 43.23.055, 43.23.240