As Alaska’s 2026 legislative session concludes, AARP Alaska is grateful for the Legislature’s bipartisan work to advance three key priorities that help Alaskans age with dignity, security, and independence. Representing more than 76,000 members statewide, AARP’s 2026 agenda focused on two fundamental needs for older adults: financial resilience and strong consumer protections.
AARP has made both public and private-sector retirement policy a top priority, recognizing that increased savings empower older Alaskans to maintain independence and avoid reliance on public assistance giving them choices as they age.
After more than three years of advocacy, Alaska Work and Save SB 21 passed with strong bipartisan support. Led by Sen. Bill Wielechowski (D–Anchorage) and Rep. Mia Costello (R–Anchorage), along with 15 bipartisan co-sponsors, this effort demonstrates what is possible when leaders work together to address real challenges facing Alaskans.
Alaska Work and Save is a portable retirement savings program designed for private-sector workers who lack access to employer-sponsored plans. Today, nearly half of Alaska’s private-sector workforce has no workplace retirement option, and the smaller the business, the less likely it is to offer one. Without payroll deduction, participation drops significantly—just 5% of workers open a retirement account on their own.
By implementing Alaska Work and Save, the state can help thousands of Alaskans build long-term financial stability while reducing future reliance on public assistance. If enacted, Alaska Work and Save, effective in 2027, is an auto-enrollment IRA for all employers who have more than 5 employees and have been in business in Alaska for at least 3 years. Employers who have or want to provide their own company retirement plan with or without a company match are exempt. Smaller employers including sole proprietors can opt into the program. Employees can opt out at any time.
Retirement security for public employees depends on access to a modest pension. Defined-benefit plans remain the standard in public service, and without them, Alaska cannot effectively compete with other states in recruiting and retaining qualified workers. AARP supports pensions because older households without one are nine times more likely to live in poverty, and public-sector employees generally earn less than their private-sector counterparts. While HB 78 passed both chambers, it was ultimately vetoed by the governor. Pension reform will remain a key issue in the 2026 elections and a priority for the 35th Alaska Legislature in 2027.
AARP Alaska’s consumer protection priority also saw significant progress this session. SB 249 Virtual Currency Kiosks, sponsored by Sen. Cathy Tilton with companion legislation by Rep. Elexie Moore, passed unanimously with 21 bipartisan co-sponsors. The bill addresses the rapidly growing threat of cryptocurrency kiosk fraud, which disproportionately targets older Alaskans. These kiosks, now common in convenience stores and gas stations statewide, operate without the safeguards required of traditional financial institutions.
If enacted, the law will take effect in October and require crypto-kiosk operators to:
Obtain a money transmitter license in Alaska;
Refund transaction fees tied to fraudulent transactions;
Clearly disclose fees and exchange rates;
Implement daily transaction limits to reduce losses and deter fraud;
Post fraud warnings with guidance for suspected scams; and
Provide detailed receipts to support timely law enforcement investigations.
Additional AARP-supported wins
HB26 –Community Transit Plan (Rep. Mina): Strengthens public and community transportation planning and supports rural mobility.
HB48– Civil Legal Services Fund (Rep Hannan): Expands funding authority for legal aid. Over 40% of clients are age 50+, and demand exceeds available funding.
HB 77 Mail Theft increases penalties for mail-related crimes by making the theft of mail, or an item contained within mail, a distinct offense classified as mail theft in the second degree under Alaska law. This bill was stuffed into the omnibus crime package HB239 that passed.
HB110 – Social Work Compact (Rep. Gray): Reduces licensing barriers and improves workforce recruitment.
HB 173– Occupational Therapy Compact (Rep. Jimmie): Expands access to care amid workforce shortages.
SB64– Elections Reform: AARP supported provisions that improve voter access, though the bill was vetoed.
HB244 – CNA Training: Increases dementia care training requirements which supports family caregivers, quality care and a stronger caregiving workforce.
SB 237 – Data Sharing: Streamlines replacement Social Security card applications.
Finally, the Conference Committee on the operating budget approved AARP-supported investments that will help older Alaskans remain in their homes and communities, including:
Non-Medicaid Senior Community Grants for senior centers;
Adult Day Services; and
Statewide Independent Living Council: Support a $403,000 increase (total $603,000) to preserve more than $1.4 million in federal Independent Living funds.
Increased Medicaid provider payment rates for Direct Support Professionals and Personal Care Attendants.
Visit aarp.org/akadvocacy for more information on AARP Alaska public policy advocacy. To sign up as an e-activist and help advance AARP public policy priorities next year, visit aarp.org/getinvolved.
Marge Stoneking is the AARP Alaska associate state director–advocacy.
