STATE COMMISSION FOR CIVIL RIGHTS
Sponsored By: Andy Josephson (Democratic)
Vetoed
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Bill Overview
Analyzed Economic Effects
4 provisions identified: 3 benefits, 1 costs, 0 mixed.
More workplace protections for nonprofit workers
Beginning January 1, 2027, more nonprofit workers gain Alaska's employment-related civil rights protections. Charitable, educational, and religious groups with at least one employee in Alaska are no longer excluded just by organization type. The remaining organization-type exclusion covers nonprofit groups that are exclusively social or fraternal.
Religious employers gain a discrimination defense
Beginning January 1, 2027, qualifying religious employers gain a legal defense against claims under Alaska's employment discrimination provision. It covers religious corporations, associations, educational institutions, and societies hiring workers of a particular religion for related work. The worker must be hired for church, spiritual, or religious activities. Their duties must also further the study or advancement of religion. This defense can limit relief for workers in those roles.
Binding settlements for civil rights complaints
Beginning January 1, 2027, commission staff must investigate civil rights complaints promptly, informally, and impartially. The person filing, the executive director, and the responding party can resolve a complaint before or after an investigator's determination. Their agreement must be written and signed by all three. It is enforceable as a commission order and can include an agreed settlement of damages allowed by law. Without an earlier agreement, investigators must seek a remedy through talks and persuasion when they find substantial evidence of unlawful discrimination.
New rules for Alaska's civil rights commission
Beginning January 1, 2027, the law renames Alaska's human rights agency the Alaska State Commission for Civil Rights. It remains within the governor's office, and related laws use the new name. The governor can remove commissioners only for cause: incompetence, neglected duties, misconduct, or statements or actions undermining the commission or violating its governing law. Commissioners must receive the charges and at least 10 days' notice of an opportunity for a public hearing, personally or through a lawyer. After removal, the governor must file complete charges, findings, and proceedings with the lieutenant governor. The commission must review civil rights data and problems annually and report by November 15, including recommendations for possible legislation. It must provide 40 copies to the Legislative Affairs Agency before the legislative session, publish the report electronically, and notify the governor and legislature. Municipalities can create local civil rights commissions by ordinance or resolution and set membership, qualifications, terms, and appointment and removal rules. Local commissioners cannot hold political party office.
Sponsors & Cosponsors
Sponsor
Andy Josephson
Democratic • House
Cosponsors
Matt Claman
Democratic • Senate
Elvi Gray-Jackson
Democratic • Senate
Scott Kawasaki
Democratic • Senate
Roll Call Votes
No roll call votes available for this bill.
Actions Timeline
(H) VETOED BY GOVERNOR 6/18/26
6/20/2026House(H) 10:44 A.M. 6/1/26 TRANSMITTED TO GOVERNOR
6/4/2026House(H) EFFECTIVE DATE(S) SAME AS PASSAGE
5/19/2026House(H) CONCUR AM OF (S) Y40
5/19/2026House(H) TITLE CHANGE: SCR 32
5/19/2026House(H) CONCUR MESSAGE TAKEN UP
5/19/2026House(H) CONCUR MESSAGE READ AND HELD
5/18/2026House(S) VERSION: SCS CSHB 23(FIN)(EFD ADD S)
5/17/2026Senate(S) TRANSMITTED TO (H) AS AMENDED
5/17/2026Senate(S) EFFECTIVE DATE(S) SAME AS PASSAGE
5/17/2026Senate(S) PASSED Y20 N-
5/17/2026Senate(S) READ THE THIRD TIME SCS CSHB 23(FIN)(EFD ADD S)
5/17/2026Senate(S) ADVANCED TO THIRD READING UC
5/17/2026Senate(S) ...CHANGES TITLE OF LEGISLATION
5/17/2026Senate(S) AM NO 1 ADOPTED UC
5/17/2026Senate(S) FIN SCS ADOPTED UC
5/17/2026Senate(S) READ THE SECOND TIME
5/17/2026Senate(S) RULES TO CALENDAR 5/17/2026
5/17/2026Senate(S) FN3: (GOV)
5/16/2026Senate(S) NR: KAUFMAN, CRONK, MERRICK
5/16/2026Senate(S) DP: OLSON, HOFFMAN, KIEHL
5/16/2026Senate(S) TITLE CHANGE: SCR 32
5/16/2026Senate(S) FIN RPT SCS 3DP 3NR NEW TITLE
5/16/2026Senate(S) Minutes (SFIN)
5/15/2026Senate(S) Moved SCS CSHB 23(FIN) Out of Committee -- Please Note Time Change --
5/15/2026Senate
Bill Text
Enrolled HB 23
5/19/2026
SCS CSHB 23(FIN)(efd add S)
5/17/2026
SCS CSHB 23(FIN)
5/16/2026
CSHB 23(L&C)
2/28/2025
HB 23
1/22/2025