The proposed bill establishes the Office of the Public Whistleblower Advocate in Alaska, enhancing protections for whistleblowers and creating a public whistleblower award fund. It amends the Alaska Public Employee Whistleblower Protection and Enforcement Act to clarify employee rights against retaliation for reporting misconduct. New provisions allow employees to file complaints with the advocate, which will suspend the statute of limitations for three years during investigations. The bill designates the superior court as the original jurisdiction for whistleblower actions, enabling individuals to seek relief for violations of their protections.

Key amendments include expanding whistleblower protections to cover various forms of retaliation and defining the advocate's role, responsibilities, and powers, including the ability to investigate complaints and issue findings. The advocate, appointed by the governor and confirmed by the legislature, will oversee the public whistleblower award fund, which allows for monetary awards to whistleblowers based on the significance of their disclosures. The bill also mandates annual reporting by the advocate on their activities and includes the advocate's office in the regulatory process, ensuring transparency and accountability in handling whistleblower complaints.

Statutes affected:
HB0322A, AM HB 322, introduced 02/23/2026: 09.58.070, 39.90.100, 39.90.199, 39.90.120, 39.90.150, 39.90.180, 39.90.185, 22.10.020, 39.25.110, 39.90.160, 39.25.120, 39.90.170, 39.50.200, 36.30.010, 39.90.110, 39.90.130, 29.25.070, 39.27.011, 39.90.165, 39.90.175, 39.90.190, 44.64.010, 39.90.195, 39.90.140, 44.62.040, 44.62.190, 44.62.200, 44.62.213, 44.62.215, 44.62.330