This bill amends existing laws related to agricultural loans and workers' compensation in Alaska. It allows the Board of Agriculture and Conservation to extend loans not only to individual farmers and partnerships but also to cooperatives and corporations composed of farmers and homesteaders for various agricultural purposes, including land clearing, farm development, and livestock purchases. Additionally, the bill introduces provisions for loans to individuals and entities involved in the storage and processing of agricultural products, as well as in-state manufacturing of food and animal feed.

Furthermore, the bill modifies the list of individuals not covered by workers' compensation to include members of agricultural cooperatives, defining such cooperatives as organizations that market agricultural products or purchase supplies for their members. This change aims to clarify the status of agricultural cooperative members in relation to workers' compensation coverage. The bill is set to take effect on July 1, 2026.

Statutes affected:
HB0355A, AM HB 355, introduced 02/23/2026: 03.10.020, 03.09.010, 23.30.230