The bill amends Alaska's employment security law to clarify the status of sports officials in relation to employment security contributions. Specifically, it introduces a new provision that exempts individuals engaged as sports officials at unpaid sports events from being classified as employees for the purposes of employment security contributions. This exemption applies as long as the sports event does not involve competitors who are paid a wage or salary. However, it is important to note that this exemption does not apply to claims for benefits related to sports events sponsored by an employer for whom the individual typically works in other capacities, such as teaching or coaching.

Additionally, the bill removes the previous terminology of "volunteer work" and replaces it with the term "service" to describe the work performed by sports officials. This change aims to streamline the language and clarify the conditions under which sports officials operate without being classified as employees. The definition of a "sports official" remains unchanged, encompassing roles such as umpires, referees, judges, scorekeepers, timekeepers, or organizers who participate neutrally in sports events.

Statutes affected:
HB0370A, AM HB 370, introduced 02/23/2026: 23.20.526