HB 137 Summary

• Redesignates the Alaska State Council on the Arts as a public corporation and governmental instrumentality with separate and independent legal existence within the Department of Education and Early Development.

• Adds the Alaska State Council on the Arts executive director and employees to the exempt service list under AS 39.25, exempting them from the State Personnel Act.

• Exempts the council from the State Procurement Code while requiring the board of trustees to adopt procurement procedures that include Alaska bidder and Alaska veteran preferences consistent with AS 36.30.321.

• Makes artist submissions in response to council inquiries or solicitations confidential and not subject to public records disclosure, except when the council awards a commission or certain copyright exceptions apply.

• Effective date: July 1, 2017.