Gov. Mike Dunleavy signed a proclamation ending the state of Alaska’s COVID-19 Disaster Declaration. The legislation ensures the continuation of COVID-19 federal relief to impacted Alaskans and liability protections for Alaska businesses.
With the signing of House Bill 76 and then ending the disaster declaration, Gov. Dunleavy is allowing the acceptance of federal COVID-19 relief funds without the need to pay it back. The legislation also ensures the continuation of the state’s vaccine distribution and COVID-19 management programs, which includes enhanced SNAP benefits for residents who are food insecure. The piece of legislation also contains a comprehensive liability protection for Alaska businesses, and bans the use of any federal COVID-19 relief funds to be used for abortions in Alaska.
Signing House Bill 76 also follows the recommendations by Department of Health and Social Services Commissioner Adam Crum that concludes the public health emergency disaster declaration is no longer necessary in Alaska. In making the recommendations, Crum also signed a Public Health Order that would direct the DHSS to continually address the COVID-19 pandemic including vaccine efforts through local health officers, state agencies, tribal health authorities and FEMA.
The Alaska State Senate passed House Bill 76 on Wednesday, with concurrence in the House of Representatives on Thursday. Senate President Peter Micciche and Rep. Cathy Tilton were present at the bill signing ceremony.
Senate President Peter Micciche, “I am proud to stand with Governor Dunleavy as Alaska transitions back to normalcy. Today, we celebrate the end of the emergency declaration thanks to innovative solutions in the Senate’s version of HB 76. In collaboration with the administration and the House, this bill was designed to manage us out of the pandemic, while still protecting Alaskans. It will provide critical economic support to those harmed by local government actions, helping them rebuild their lives and regain financial independence. The emergency declaration is dead, and the tools are here for businesses to reopen, students to return to the classroom, and for all to enjoy the freedom of a pre-COVID Alaska.”
Additional information on Governor Dunleavy’s actions can be found here and here.
The Governor’s signed proclamation can be found here.
Click here for a FAQ on HB76.
