This bill amends existing laws regarding employer contributions to the unemployment compensation fund in Alaska. It introduces a new requirement for employers to contribute 0.4 percent of their wages to the state training and employment program, with the collected funds being remitted to the Department of Revenue and potentially appropriated to the employment assistance and training program account. Additionally, the bill allows employers to receive a credit against this new contribution based on their existing contributions, which could reduce or eliminate their liability under the new provision.

Furthermore, the bill modifies the contribution rates for employers under AS 23.20.290(c). It establishes a maximum contribution rate of six and one-half percent while ensuring that the minimum rate is zero percent. It also specifies that employers with less than four quarters of experience must contribute at least one percent. The bill includes various adjustments to the contribution structure, such as rounding to the nearest hundredth of a percent and clarifying the experience factor for different rate classes. The effective date for these changes is set for January 1, 2027.

Statutes affected:
SB0217A, AM SB 217, introduced 01/21/2026: 23.15.630, 23.20.175, 23.20.290, 37.10.050, 23.15.625