AlaskaHB 21034th Legislature (2025-2026)HouseWALLET

OFFICER/FIREFIGHTER: DISABILITY/WORK COMP

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Bill Overview

Analyzed Economic Effects

3 provisions identified: 1 benefits, 0 costs, 2 mixed.

Public workers gain disability pay, face limits

Effective immediately, qualifying Alaska public employees get higher monthly benefits for work-related disabilities under AS 39.35.410 and AS 39.35.890. Benefits rise from 40% to 75% of gross monthly pay when employment ends because of disability. Under AS 39.35.890, members gain full ownership of employer contributions when disability benefits begin, and their own contributions are fully vested. Employer contributions to their accounts continue while disability benefits are paid. Members cannot choose withdrawals from their individual retirement accounts while receiving these disability benefits.

Longer disease claim protection for firefighters

Effective immediately, covered Alaska firefighters have a presumption that specified disabling illnesses qualify for workers’ compensation. Covered conditions include respiratory disease and cardiovascular events within 72 hours after exposure to smoke, fumes, or toxic substances. Covered cancers are primary brain cancer, malignant melanoma, leukemia, non-Hodgkin’s lymphoma, and bladder, ureter, kidney, prostate, and breast cancers. The disease must develop or appear after at least six years of Alaska firefighter service. Required exams at hiring and at least every two years during the first six years must show no disease. Listed cancer claims also require workplace exposure to a related known carcinogen identified by the International Agency for Research on Cancer or National Toxicology Program. Former firefighters retain the presumption for six calendar months per year of qualifying service, capped at 120 months after employment ends.

Public retirees gain coverage with premium costs

Effective immediately, disabled Alaska public employees eligible for benefits under AS 39.35.890 can obtain retiree major medical insurance. Eligible members or surviving spouses receiving benefits under AS 39.35.890 or AS 39.35.891 pay no premium before Medicare eligibility. Other retirees without Medicare eligibility pay the full monthly group premium. Medicare-eligible retirees pay these premium shares based on service: 10–under 15 years, 30%; 15–under 20 years, 25%; 20–under 25 years, 20%; 25–under 30 years, 15%; and 30 or more years, 10%.

Sponsors & Cosponsors

Sponsor

Chuck Kopp
Republican • House

Cosponsors

Jeremy Bynum
Republican • House
Ted Eischeid
Democratic • House
Zack Fields
Democratic • House
Alyse Galvin
Not • House
Cathy Giessel
Republican • Senate
Elvi Gray-Jackson
Democratic • Senate
Andy Josephson
Democratic • House
Kevin McCabe
Republican • House
Calvin Schrage
Not • House
Andi Story
Democratic • House
Frank Tomaszewski
Republican • House

Roll Call Votes

All Roll Calls

Yes: 19 • No: 21

House vote • 5/4/2026

AM NO 1 FAILED Y19 N21