AK HB59

Authorizes the Commissioner of Education and Early Development to enter into five-year demonstration compacts with federally recognized tribes to operate public schools, with compacts required to take effect by June 30, 2028

Compact schools are exempt from most state school district regulations but must comply with requirements for student transportation, teacher certification and retirement, special education services, school safety, non-discrimination, and bilingual-bicultural education

Schools receive state funding as if they were regional educational attendance areas and qualify as local educational agencies for federal aid, but cannot charge tuition or engage in sectarian practices

Tribes must provide express limited waiver of sovereign immunity and participate in state teachers' and public employees' retirement systems

Department of Education must report to the legislature by January 31, 2031 on compact school performance; the entire program is repealed July 1, 2036 for legislative reevaluation