House Bill 100, sponsored by Rep. Jennie Armstrong (D-Anchorage), proposes offering 18 weeks of paid leave to state employees and teachers through an insurance-based family leave policy. This has seen support from several people who testified to the House Labor and Commerce committee. Currently, Alaska provides 18 weeks of unpaid leave over a one-year period to some state employees dealing with a serious health condition and 18 weeks of unpaid leave to employees over two years due to pregnancy, childbirth or adoption.

House Bill 100 aims to change this system with an insurance-based family leave policy permitting 18 weeks of paid leave. The bill would also allow private employers to participate in the program, with premiums paid entirely or partially by the employer, or exclusively by the employee. Further, the employer would not force the employee to exchange regular paid leave.

A Bipartisan Policy Center report indicates that 13 states, including the District of Columbia, mandate paid family leave systems while 10 have adopted voluntary systems.

According to Armstrong’s office, paid family leave offers support to families, infants, parents, businesses, dependents, and the state. She believes that this bill would make Alaska more attractive to working families amidst an outmigration crisis.

Trevor Storrs, President and CEO, Alaska Children’s Trust, echoed Armstrong’s sentiments. He stated that policies like House Bill 100 are critical in protecting the health of children and reducing the risk of families entering the child welfare system.

House Bill 100 has also received support from the American Heart Association and the executive director of All Alaska Pediatric Partnership who acknowledged the benefits of family and medical leave on the health of adults and children.

The House Labor and Commerce committee includes Rep. Jesse Sumner (R-Wasilla), Rep. Justin Ruffridge (R-Soldtona), Rep. Mike Prax (R-North Pole), Rep. Dan Saddler (R-Eagle River), Rep. Stanley Wright (R-Anchorage), Rep. Ashley Carrick (D-Fairbanks) and Rep. Zack Fields (D-Anchorage).