AK SB119

Repeals the Workers' Compensation Appeals Commission effective June 1, 2016, and transfers its appellate jurisdiction to the Alaska superior court.

Creates new AS 23.30.126 establishing the superior court as the venue for appeals of Alaska Workers' Compensation Board decisions, with appeals filed within 31 days of the board's order.

Makes Workers' Compensation Appeals Commission decisions final and binding as legal precedent unless reversed by the Alaska Supreme Court.

Provides that superior courts may award reasonable costs and attorney fees to successful appellants, but cannot award fees against injured workers unless their position was frivolous or sought in bad faith.

Establishes transition period extending to December 1, 2016, allowing pending cases before the Appeals Commission to continue there before automatic transfer to superior court.