HB 323 Summary

• Creates the Alaska marijuana education, prevention, and cessation grant program to fund community-based and statewide projects reducing marijuana initiation and use among minors, and addressing secondhand smoke and impaired driving risks.

• Establishes the Alaska marijuana prevention youth services fund as a general fund account that may receive up to 20 percent of marijuana tax revenue under AS 43.61.010 or other appropriations.

• Requires the Alaska Children's Trust Board to administer the program and award grants with durations of three years or less, with at least 65 percent of annual grants going to neighborhood youth development entities serving children ages 6-18 in at least 12 separate communities.

• Eligible grantees must be 501(c)(3) tax-exempt nonprofits affiliated with nationally chartered organizations, provide facility-based recreational and educational programs, and address marijuana prevention through peer-led curricula, mentoring, and positive recreational activities.

• Limits administrative costs to three percent of total fund value and requires the Commissioner of Commerce, Community, and Economic Development to review grant applications and recommend eligible recipients to the board.