Legislature(2025 - 2026)
2025-01-31 House Journal
Full Journal pdf2025-01-31 House Journal Page 0111 HB 76 HOUSE BILL NO. 76 by the House Rules Committee by request of the Governor, entitled: "An Act relating to education; relating to public school attendance; relating to mobile communication devices in schools; relating to reading proficiency incentive grants; relating to authorization of charter schools; relating to transportation of students; relating to school bond debt reimbursement; relating to funding and reporting by Alaska technical and vocational education programs; authorizing lump sum payments for certain teachers as retention and recruitment incentives; and providing for an effective date." was read the first time and referred to the Education and Finance Committees. The following fiscal note(s) apply: 1. Zero, Dept. of Education & Early Development 2. Fiscal, Dept. of Education & Early Development 3. Fiscal, Dept. of Education & Early Development 4. Fiscal, Dept. of Education & Early Development 5. Fiscal, Dept. of Education & Early Development 6. Fiscal, Dept. of Education & Early Development 7. Fiscal, Dept. of Education & Early Development 8. Zero, Dept. of Education & Early Development/Debt Service 9. Fiscal, Dept. of Education & Early Development/Fund Capitalization The Governor's transmittal letter dated January 29 follows: "Dear Speaker Edgmon: Under the authority of Article III, Section 18, of the Alaska Constitution, I am transmitting a bill aimed at addressing the longstanding challenges faced by public education in Alaska. This legislation establishes a pathway to improve educational outcomes by 2025-01-31 House Journal Page 0112 expanding school options for students, strengthening school funding, and incentivizing fiscal responsibility at the district level. The bill promotes educational diversity and opportunity by authorizing open enrollment and expanding charter school options. Families will have the ability to apply to schools that best meet their child’s needs, within or outside their district of residence, subject to school capacity. Additionally, the bill requires the State Board of Education and Early Development to establish a streamlined process for creating charter schools in any district statewide. Recognizing the importance of foundational skills, the bill introduces per-student incentive grants for districts that achieve grade-level performance or proficiency gains in reading. It also raises statutory funding levels for transportation costs, increases funding for correspondence schools to ensure equitable financial support for students enrolled in alternative education programs, and expands resources for career and technical education programs, equipping Alaska’s youth with high-demand job skills critical to our economy. The bill further addresses classroom challenges by tackling the disruptions posed by personal communication devices, fostering a more focused learning environment. To support and retain educators, the legislation establishes a three-year pilot program offering lump-sum recruitment and retention payments to full-time teachers, tailored by school location and informed by the 2023 Teacher Retention and Recruitment Playbook. At the same time, it incentivizes fiscal responsibility by extending the moratorium on school bond debt reimbursement. This comprehensive approach addresses critical challenges in Alaska’s education system while fostering innovation, accountability, and opportunity. I urge your prompt and favorable consideration of this measure. Sincerely, /s/ Mike Dunleavy Governor"