CRIM. NEG. HOMICIDE; FAILURE TO ASSIST
Sponsored By: Chuck Kopp (Republican)
Became Law
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Bill Overview
Analyzed Economic Effects
22 provisions identified: 13 benefits, 4 costs, 5 mixed.
Survivors abused under 18 can sue
If you were sexually abused when you were under 18, you can sue the abuser for damages. The law raises the age limit from under 16 to under 18.
Felony for not helping after crashes
Beginning July 1, 2026, if you fail to give reasonable help after an accident and someone dies, you face a class A felony. This rule does not apply if the accident leaves you physically unable to help.
Some driving licenses denied after crimes
Starting July 1, 2026, the department may not issue a license under AS 28.15.046 if you have any of the listed felony convictions. If you have certain listed misdemeanors, you cannot get the license until two years after your conviction.
Lifetime loss of teaching license for crimes
The state must revoke your professional teaching certificate for life if you are convicted of certain crimes involving a minor. This includes convictions for attempt, solicitation, or conspiracy. The law also updates age language so it clearly applies to minors under 18.
Easier subpoenas for ISP records
Beginning July 1, 2026, police can ask the attorney general for an administrative subpoena to get ISP business records. They must show reasonable cause that an account was used in the listed crimes and that the account holder’s identity or address will help the case.
Harsher penalties when victims are minors
If someone targets a child under 18 and the child dies, it can be first‑degree murder. Criminally negligent killings of children under 18 can be second‑degree murder. Third‑degree assault rules cover adults who injure someone under 18 who is at least two years younger. Stalking a victim under 18 can be first‑degree stalking. A defendant can claim they reasonably thought the victim was 18 or older, but not if the victim was under 13. Endangering a child now protects those under 18.
Stronger rules on sexual messages, images
An adult 18 or older who tries to entice a 16–17‑year‑old at least six years younger, or a child under 16, can be charged even if the act did not occur. Unlawful exploitation now covers children under 18 and adds contact with semen to banned conduct. Higher indecent exposure penalties now apply when a person under 18 is present. It is a crime to distribute an explicit image taken when the person was under 18 if done to annoy or humiliate. Repeated electronic messages that intimidate a person under 18 and cause fear of injury are also a crime.
Stronger sex offender rules and definitions
The law updates who must register as a sex offender. It shifts some victim‑age rules from under 16 to under 18 and updates covered crimes. Some people still register for life; others can end registration 15 years after unconditional discharge if they provide proof. The law also repeals several outdated subsections tied to these changes.
Tougher laws on AI child abuse images
It is a crime to knowingly possess or view generated child sexual abuse images that meet legal tests. Possession is a class C felony, with an exception for employees or contractors who handle the material only to prevent, detect, report, or respond. It is also a crime to distribute, advertise, promote, solicit, or offer to distribute this material in Alaska. Having 100 or more qualifying items counts as evidence of distribution. Distribution is a class B felony, or a class A felony with a prior related conviction.
Tougher penalties for child sexual materials
After conviction for the listed child sexual abuse material crimes, property used to help the crime can be seized. Courts must give consecutive prison terms for each additional conviction among the listed offenses. Distribution and possession of generated child sexual abuse material now count as sexual felonies. Generated child sexual abuse material is also added to the list of serious offenses.
Victims can track sexual assault kits
Beginning July 1, 2026, the Department of Public Safety runs a confidential system to track sexual assault kits. Victims can see kit status and choose automated alerts. The agency that holds your kit must tell you where it is and when it will be tested. Health care providers, police, and labs must enter the required data when and how DPS says. Tracking information stays confidential and is not a public record.
Crime of airbag fraud created
Starting July 1, 2026, selling, importing, installing, or making counterfeit or nonworking replacement airbags is a crime. It is also a crime to sell or lease a vehicle you know has a noncompliant or nonworking airbag. Exceptions apply for police vehicles, dealers or owners without knowledge, insurer transfers, and when sellers disclose this to buyers.
Harsher penalties for failing to assist
Starting July 1, 2026, failing to help an injured person as required by AS 28.35.060(c) is a class B felony. For other failures to follow AS 28.35.060, you can face up to one year in jail, a fine up to $500, or both. These penalties do not apply if the accident left you physically unable to comply.
Faster sexual assault kit processing
Beginning July 1, 2026, providers must tell police a kit is ready within 14 days. Police must send kits to a lab within 20 days, and labs must test within 120 days. Police must try to notify the victim within 14 days after testing ends. A case cannot be tossed or evidence excluded just because deadlines were missed. If a case ends before testing, the timing rules do not apply. The law also defines which groups count as law enforcement for these rules.
Medical release with electronic monitoring
The commissioner may allow a prisoner to serve a sentence on electronic monitoring for medical reasons. A chief medical officer must find the person has a permanent or degenerative condition or is in poor health, will not be a threat, and that release will save the state money. The department or an approved contractor runs electronic monitoring unless it harms care or equipment, in which case another monitoring type is used. This is not a right, and the person can be returned to custody.
Some juvenile cases made public
Beginning July 1, 2026, a court may open a juvenile hearing to the public if the department asks and the petition lists certain serious offenses. A minor can also agree to a public hearing. The department must also disclose, on request, information about a minor at least 13 years old who committed listed offenses.
When these criminal law changes start
Most of this law takes effect July 1, 2026. Two sections take effect January 1, 2027. Another section takes effect January 1, 2028. The law explains which changes apply based on when an offense is committed or a sentence is imposed. One corrections rule applies to prisoners incarcerated before, on, or after its effective date.
Hide minor drug records on request
Agencies must withhold criminal justice records if you were convicted of possessing less than one ounce of a schedule VIA drug, were 21 or older, had no other convictions in the case, and you ask them not to release the records. A related statute subsection is repealed on January 1, 2028.
Ban on obscene animal-abuse material
The law makes it a crime to knowingly possess or access on a computer sexual material with animals that is patently offensive, appeals to prurient interest, and lacks serious value. This does not cover material already punished under the child sexual abuse material laws.
Broader sexual abuse laws for teens
An adult 18 or older who has sexual penetration with someone under 18 can be charged with first‑degree sexual abuse. Second‑degree sexual abuse covers more cases with victims under 18, including when the offender is a parent or in a position of authority. For certain third‑degree sexual abuse rules, the offender must be 17 or older, and specific age gaps apply.
Tougher penalties for abusive providers
A health care worker who sexually penetrates a patient during treatment commits first‑degree sexual assault. Sexual contact during treatment is second‑degree assault. The patient no longer has to be unaware of the act.
Changes to third-degree theft rules
Theft worth $250 to $749 stays third‑degree theft. Theft under $250 can still be third‑degree if the person has three or more qualifying prior convictions in the last five years. Several earlier alternative elements are repealed.
Sponsors & Cosponsors
Sponsor
Chuck Kopp
Republican • House
Cosponsors
There are no cosponsors for this bill.
Roll Call Votes
No roll call votes available for this bill.
Actions Timeline
(S) Heard & Held
5/11/2026Senate(S) FINANCE at 09:00 AM SENATE FINANCE 532
5/11/2026Senate(S) CRONK, STEVENS
5/11/2026Senate(S) CROSS SPONSOR(S): MERRICK, GRAY-JACKSON, CLAMAN, KAWASAKI, WIELECHOWSKI, YUNDT,
5/11/2026SenateAudio/Video
5/11/2026House(S) REFERRED TO FINANCE
5/1/2026Senate(S) FN13: (DPS)
5/1/2026Senate(S) FN12: (DPS)
5/1/2026Senate(S) FN11: ZERO(DPS)
5/1/2026Senate(S) FN10: ZERO(DPS)
5/1/2026Senate(S) FN9: ZERO(DPS)
5/1/2026Senate(S) FN8: (LAW)
5/1/2026Senate(S) FN7: (LAW)
5/1/2026Senate(S) FN6: ZERO(COR)
5/1/2026Senate(S) FN5: (ADM)
5/1/2026Senate(S) FN1: ZERO(AJS)
5/1/2026Senate(S) NR: TOBIN, STEVENS, TILTON
5/1/2026Senate(S) DP: CLAMAN
5/1/2026Senate(S) TITLE CHANGE: SCR 22
5/1/2026Senate(S) JUD RPT SCS 1DP 3NR NEW TITLE
5/1/2026Senate(S) Moved SCS CSHB 239(JUD) Out of Committee
4/29/2026Senate(S) JUDICIARY at 01:30 PM BUTROVICH 205
4/29/2026SenateAudio/Video
4/29/2026House(S) Heard & Held
4/24/2026Senate(S) JUDICIARY at 01:30 PM BUTROVICH 205
4/24/2026Senate
Bill Text
SCS CSHB 239(JUD)
5/1/2026
CSHB 239(JUD)
3/5/2026
HB 239
1/20/2026