AK HB241

Adds service in the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration Commissioned Officer Corps or United States Public Health Service Commissioned Corps as an allowable absence reason for permanent fund dividend eligibility.

Allows individuals serving in NOAA or USPHS commissioned corps to claim absences without affecting their dividend qualification, consistent with existing allowances for armed forces service.

Updates the general catch-all absence provision (reason 18) to include absences claimed under the new NOAA/USPHS service category when calculating allowable absence days.

Amendments apply to qualification for the 2021 permanent fund dividend and all subsequent years.

Act takes effect January 1, 2021.