Keeping Law SimpleLegislation, clearly explained
Back to Alaska
Alaska2026Passed Legislature

HB39

Education Rules for Deaf and Hard of Hearing Students

Last scannedAug 22, 2026, 12:25 AM

In one sentence

This law requires Alaska school districts to give parents neutral information about hearing technology and communication methods, let them choose the best method for their child, and ensure staff are trained in that choice.

What it does

  • Requires schools to share neutral facts with parents about hearing devices like cochlear implants and remote microphones.
  • Allows parents to pick the best way for their child to communicate, such as sign language or spoken words.
  • Mandates that school staff who work with these students have training in the parent's chosen communication method.
  • Defines specific terms like 'bilingual approach' and 'total communication' so everyone understands them clearly.
  • Supports state programs for deaf students, which may include living arrangements at a residential facility.

Who it affects

  • Public school districts in Alaska
  • Parents of children who are deaf or hard of hearing
  • Students with hearing loss suspected by the school district

Limits and unknowns

  • The law says schools must try their 'maximum extent possible' but does not define exactly what that means.
  • School districts only have to provide transportation for students living in the district if they run a special program.

Plain language

Terms to know

Bilingual approach
Learning both American Sign Language and English reading skills.
Cued speech
Using hand shapes with mouth movements to show sounds that look alike when spoken.
Total communication
Mixing signs, speaking, reading lips, and writing to share information.

Official record

Sources

Validated
Official bill pageIntroduced textCurrent bill textStored full record

Official summary

EDUCATION FOR DEAF & HARD OF HEARING An Act relating to public school students who are deaf or hard of hearing.

Official activity

Bill history

  1. (H) EFFECTIVE DATE(S) OF LAW 9/20/263158
  2. (H) LAW W/O GOV SIGNATURE 6/22 CH 27 SLA 263158
  3. (H) MANIFEST ERROR(S)3041
  4. (H) 2:45 P.M. 6/4/26 TRANSMITTED TO GOVERNOR3041
  5. (S) VERSION: CSHB 39(EDC)2858
  6. (S) RETURN TO (H), TRANSMIT TO GOV NEXT2858
  7. (S) PASSED Y20 N-2858
  8. (S) CROSS SPONSOR(S): MERRICK, OLSON2858
  9. (S) READ THE THIRD TIME CSHB 39(EDC)2858
  10. (S) ADVANCED TO THIRD READING 5/20 CAL2802
  11. (S) READ THE SECOND TIME2802
  12. (S) RULES TO FIRST SUP CALENDAR 5/19/20262802
  13. (S) FN2: ZERO(EED)(SUBMITTED BY RULES)2435
  14. (S) NR: OLSON, STEDMAN2435
  15. (S) DP: HOFFMAN, KAUFMAN, CRONK, MERRICK, KIEHL2435
  16. (S) FIN RPT 5DP 2NR2435
  17. (S) Moved CSHB 39(EDC) Out of CommitteeText
  18. (S) FINANCE at 09:00 AM SENATE FINANCE 532Text
  19. (S) -- Testimony <Invitation Only> -- -- MEETING CANCELED --Text
  20. (S) FINANCE at 01:30 PM SENATE FINANCE 532Text