This bill amends the definition of "person" in Alaska Statutes to include not only natural persons but also corporations, partnerships, and other entities, as well as a new category termed "human entity" that possesses the moral right of self-determination. The amendments specify that the term "person" does not encompass environmental elements, artificial intelligence, animals, or inanimate objects. Additionally, the bill introduces a new definition of "life," which distinguishes living human organisms from non-living matter based on characteristics such as metabolism, growth, and response to stimuli.

The changes to the definitions are reflected in two sections of the Alaska Statutes: AS 01.10.060(a)(8) and AS 11.81.900(b)(48). The bill also establishes that these definitions will apply to offenses committed on or after the effective date of July 1, 2026. Overall, the legislation aims to clarify the legal status of various entities and the concept of life within the context of criminal law in Alaska.

Statutes affected:
HB0251A, AM HB 251, introduced 01/16/2026: 01.10.060, 11.81.900