SB 148 Summary

• Adds new subsection (d) to AS 44.42.300 to limit state liability for claims arising from design, operations, maintenance, or construction activities performed by federally recognized tribes in Alaska under the Indian Reservation Roads Program (25 C.F.R. 170) or Indian Reservation Roads Bridge Program (23 U.S.C. 202)

• Prohibits actions against the state or its employees except for claims alleging "independent negligence" by the state, defined as negligence not resulting from the state's selection, supervision, administration, monitoring, controlling, or approval of tribal activities

• Requires that applicable state-tribal agreements mandate compliance with all applicable federal and state standards for covered programs

• Applies only to claims arising on or after the effective date of the Act

• Takes effect immediately upon enactment and changes the section heading of AS 44.42.300 to reflect "Participation in" rather than "Authorization to participate in" certain federal highway programs