AK SB175

Authorizes the commissioner of natural resources to disclose confidential information to parties in investigations, lease audits, appeals, or reconsideration requests if required by lease terms or determined necessary by the commissioner's discretion.

Requires the commissioner to provide notice and opportunity to be heard to all parties to the investigation and any third party whose information will be disclosed before disclosing confidential information.

Requires the commissioner to issue a protective order limiting who may access disclosed confidential information and the purposes for which it may be used.

Modifies AS 38.05.036(f) to clarify that state officers and employees may divulge confidential audit information in connection with official investigations, lease royalty audits, appeals, or department proceedings as authorized under AS 38.05.020.

Amends AS 38.05.035(a)(8) to reference both AS 38.05.020 and AS 38.05.036 as exceptions to confidentiality requirements for cost data and financial information.