AK SB29

Repeals the Workers' Compensation Appeals Commission effective June 1, 2017, transferring appellate jurisdiction over workers' compensation cases from the Commission to the superior court.

Creates new statute AS 23.30.126 establishing procedures for judicial review of Alaska Workers' Compensation Board decisions, including standards for staying compensation payments and requirements that board findings of fact be conclusive if supported by substantial evidence.

Adds 25 percent penalty to unpaid workers' compensation awards not paid within 14 days after becoming due, unless a court orders a stay of payments pending judicial review.

Grandfather provisions allow pending Workers' Compensation Appeals Commission cases to continue through December 1, 2017, with cases not completed by then transferring to superior court on June 1, 2017.

Repeals Alaska Rules of Appellate Procedure Rules 201.1, 401.1, and 501.1 and amends other appellate rules to remove references to Commission appeals procedures and redirect appeals to superior court instead of state supreme court.