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Alaska2026Passed Legislature

HB299

Alaska Veteran Sentencing Program

Last scannedSep 12, 2026, 4:46 AM

In one sentence

This bill creates a special court program that allows eligible veterans convicted of misdemeanors to receive treatment and supervision instead of standard punishment.

What it does

  • Requires police officers to ask arrested people if they are military veterans immediately after arrest.
  • Mandates courts to inform defendants about the veteran sentencing program during their first court appearance.
  • Allows judges to place eligible veterans in a program that includes probation and mental health treatment instead of jail time.
  • Permits courts to set aside convictions, reduce charges, or remove records from public view if a veteran successfully finishes the program.
  • Updates rules for how criminal cases are handled regarding release procedures.

Who it affects

  • Veterans who have been convicted of misdemeanor offenses in Alaska and show signs of conditions related to military service.
  • Police officers who arrest people in custody.
  • Judges and court staff handling criminal sentencing hearings.
  • Probation officers and mental health professionals involved in treatment plans.

Limits and unknowns

  • The program only applies to veterans convicted of misdemeanors, not more serious felony crimes.
  • Courts can deny participation if they decide the veteran poses a risk to public safety or if treatment programs are unavailable in their community.
  • Veterans must agree to participate and follow specific rules set by the court.

Plain language

Terms to know

Veteran
A person who served in the U.S. armed forces, as defined by Alaska state law (AS 47.55.900).
Condition from military service
Health issues like substance use disorders, traumatic brain injury, post-traumatic stress disorder, or military sexual trauma that are linked to a person's time in the military.
Misdemeanor
A less serious crime that is eligible for probation under this program.

Official record

Sources

Validated
Official bill pageIntroduced textCurrent bill text

Official summary

VETERANS; SENTENCE PROG; CRIM PROCEDURE An Act creating a veteran sentencing program; relating to release procedures; amending Rules 35 and 43, Alaska Rules of Criminal Procedure; and providing for an effective date.

Official activity

Bill history

  1. (H) Heard & HeldText
  2. (H) JUDICIARY at 01:00 PM GRUENBERG 120Text
  3. (H) COSPONSOR(S): UNDERWOOD2364
  4. (H) REFERRED TO JUDICIARY2281
  5. (H) FN4: ZERO(ADM)2281
  6. (H) FN3: INDETERMINATE(AJS)2281
  7. (H) FN2: (LAW)2281
  8. (H) FN1: (AJS)2281
  9. (H) DP: SADDLER, HALL, GRAY, EISCHEID2281
  10. (H) MLV RPT 4DP2281
  11. (H) Moved HB 299 Out of CommitteeText
  12. (H) MILITARY & VETERANS' AFFAIRS at 10:15 AM BARNES 124Text
  13. (H) -- Invited & Public Testimony -- -- MEETING CANCELED --Text
  14. (H) MILITARY & VETERANS' AFFAIRS at 10:15 AM BARNES 124Text
  15. (H) -- Public Testimony -- -- MEETING CANCELED --Text
  16. (H) MILITARY & VETERANS' AFFAIRS at 10:15 AM BARNES 124Text
  17. (H) COSPONSOR(S): ALLARD, GRAY1751
  18. (H) Heard & HeldText
  19. (H) MILITARY & VETERANS' AFFAIRS at 10:15 AM BARNES 124Text
  20. (H) MLV, JUD1585