The bill amends the Alaska Disaster Act to enhance the state's response to both slow onset disasters and cyber threats, reflecting the growing impact of climate change and technological vulnerabilities. It introduces new provisions that emphasize the need for mitigation of slow onset disasters, such as drought and rising sea levels, by expanding the responsibilities of the Alaska division of homeland security and emergency management. This includes identifying potential slow onset disasters and developing mitigation measures, as well as requiring local emergency planning committees to assess their districts' susceptibility to these disasters and create corresponding plans. Additionally, the bill modifies the composition of the disaster management commission by increasing public members from seven to nine, ensuring that two members are experts in climatology or slow onset disasters.

Moreover, the bill establishes a definition for "serious cyber incident," which pertains to threats affecting the confidentiality, integrity, or availability of critical systems and data. It sets criteria for the commissioner of administration to certify credible threats of cyber attacks that could impact critical infrastructure. The inclusion of a definition for "slow onset disaster" aims to address the long-term environmental challenges that affect public health and infrastructure. Overall, the legislation seeks to bolster Alaska's preparedness and resilience against both immediate and gradual disaster threats, promoting a proactive approach to disaster management in the face of evolving challenges.

Statutes affected:
SB0195A, AM SB 195, introduced 05/16/2025: 26.23.010, 26.23.040, 26.23.073, U.S.C, 26.23.075, 26.23.050, 26.23.071, 26.23.070, 26.23.060, 26.23.900, 26.20.040, 26.20.200