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Alaska2026Passed Legislature

HB384

HB 384: Updating the Definition of Victim Counseling Center

Last scannedSep 12, 2026, 4:46 AM

In one sentence

This bill changes Alaska law to define which organizations count as victim counseling centers for keeping certain communications about sexual assault or domestic violence private.

What it does

  • Updates the legal definition of a 'victim counseling center' in state statutes.
  • Includes private groups, agencies run by U.S. military branches, and local or tribal government agencies in this definition if they meet specific rules.
  • Requires these centers to have providing direct services for trauma from sexual assault or domestic violence as one of their main goals.
  • Excludes organizations that are connected with a law enforcement agency or prosecutor's office.
  • Excludes organizations under contract with the state to provide services under AS 47.
  • Applies this new rule to communications made before, on, or after the date the bill becomes effective.

Who it affects

  • Private organizations that help victims of sexual assault or domestic violence
  • Agencies operated by U.S. military branches
  • Local government agencies and tribal government agencies in Alaska

Limits and unknowns

  • The official text does not list a specific calendar date when this change will take effect.
  • The source material only defines which groups qualify; it does not explain how courts must handle communications from groups that do not meet the new definition.

Plain language

Terms to know

Victim counseling center
A private organization, a military-run agency, or a local/tribal agency that provides direct help for trauma from sexual assault or domestic violence and is not connected to police or prosecutors.
AS 18.66.250(5)
The specific section of Alaska state law where the definition for victim counseling centers is written.

Official record

Sources

Validated
Official bill pageIntroduced textCurrent bill text

Official summary

DEFINITION OF 'VICTIM COUNSELING CENTER' An Act relating to the definition of 'victim counseling center' for disclosure of certain communications concerning sexual assault or domestic violence.

Official activity

Bill history

  1. (H) REFERRED TO RULES2329
  2. (H) FN1: ZERO(DPS)2329
  3. (H) DP: COSTELLO, MINA, EISCHEID, VANCE, GRAY2329
  4. (H) JUD RPT 5DP2329
  5. (H) Moved HB 384 Out of CommitteeText
  6. (H) JUDICIARY at 01:00 PM GRUENBERG 120Text
  7. (H) FN1: ZERO(DPS)2282
  8. (H) DP: SCHWANKE, FRIER, RUFFRIDGE, UNDERWOOD, CARRICK, STORY2282
  9. (H) TRB RPT 6DP2282
  10. (H) Moved HB 384 Out of CommitteeText
  11. (H) TRIBAL AFFAIRS at 08:00 AM DAVIS 106Text
  12. (H) Heard & HeldText
  13. (H) TRIBAL AFFAIRS at 08:00 AM DAVIS 106Text
  14. (H) -- MEETING CANCELED --Text
  15. (H) TRIBAL AFFAIRS at 09:00 AM DAVIS 106Text
  16. (H) TRB, JUD2057
  17. (H) READ THE FIRST TIME - REFERRALS2057