Bill > SB287

This bill establishes the Joint Legislative Alaska Native Languages Academic Task Force to address the critical need to preserve and strengthen Alaska Native languages, which are endangered and at risk of losing their remaining fluent speakers. The task force, composed of three members from the House of Representatives and three from the Senate, will convene within 90 days of the bill's enactment to conduct a comprehensive review of academic activities related to Alaska Native languages within the University of Alaska system, including teacher training, research, documentation, and institutional capacity. It will also evaluate approaches to linguistic research, assess risks to preservation such as workforce shortages and funding gaps, and examine partnership opportunities with various organizations. The task force is mandated to recommend statutory updates and strategies for increasing the number of licensed teachers and qualified researchers, ensuring the continued documentation and accessibility of academic research, and aligning efforts with community priorities. The task force will terminate on December 31, 2027, and must submit a final report with its findings and recommendations to the legislature within one year of its first meeting.