HB 76 Summary

• Extends the governor's public health disaster emergency declaration for COVID-19 from January 15, 2021, to December 31, 2021, with approval and ratification of prior declarations issued November 15, 2020, December 15, 2020, and January 15, 2021.

• Restricts gubernatorial emergency powers by prohibiting certain actions under AS 26.23.020(g)(4)-(6), (8), and (11), while authorizing the health commissioner to declare public health emergencies to maintain federal benefits including SNAP, Medicare/Medicaid waivers, and Stafford Act funding.

• Provides temporary modifications to state law including expedited professional licensing for out-of-state providers, telehealth without in-person exams, online charitable gaming ticket sales, and modified school operating fund rules.

• Establishes immunity from civil and criminal liability for state agencies and businesses operating in substantial compliance with health mandates; establishes workers' compensation presumption of COVID-19 compensability for firefighters, EMTs, paramedics, peace officers, and health care providers.

• Restricts federal COVID-19 relief funds (CARES Act, CRRSAA, American Rescue Plan) from being expended for non-mandatory abortions and prohibits requiring justification for COVID-19 vaccine declination by individuals and parents.