Bill > SB217

This bill amends Alaska's unemployment compensation laws to establish a new employer contribution for the state training and employment program, and it makes several related changes. Specifically, it introduces a 0.4% employer contribution on wages, which can be offset by existing employer contributions under AS 23.20.290(c), effectively creating a net contribution for the training program. The bill also modifies the employee contribution rate to the unemployment compensation fund to 0.20% and adjusts the maximum base wages used for calculating unemployment benefits, with corresponding increases in weekly benefit amounts. Additionally, it clarifies that instructors at the Alaska Vocational Technical Center are subject to criminal background checks and outlines the process for collecting and remitting these new contributions. The bill includes provisions for federal approval of these changes and sets an effective date of January 1, 2027, or later, depending on federal approval.