Alaska2026Passed Legislature

SB287

Alaska Native Languages Academic Task Force

Last scannedSep 12, 2026, 4:46 AM

In one sentence

This bill creates a temporary group in the Alaska legislature to study and make recommendations about teaching and preserving endangered Alaska Native languages.

Establishes the Joint Legislative Alaska Native Languages Academic Task Force within the state legislature.
Requires the task force to review current language programs, research archives, staffing levels, faculty expertise, leadership structures, and institutional capacity at the University of Alaska system.
Directs the group to assess risks like staff shortages, funding gaps, lack of administrative support, and problems with data storage or ownership.
Asks the task force to look for partnership opportunities with tribes, other universities, federal agencies, nonprofit groups, and publishing institutions.
Requires the creation of a final report with findings and recommendations within one year of the first meeting.

Members of the Alaska House of Representatives and Senate who serve on the task force.
The University of Alaska system, including its language programs, research staff, and leadership structures.
Alaska Native communities, tribes, organizations, and schools involved in language preservation.

The task force ends on December 31, 2027.
The bill allows the task force to accept money from the legislature but does not set a specific budget amount.
The final report contains recommendations but does not automatically change laws or funding levels.

Plain language

Task Force: A temporary group created to study a specific problem and offer solutions.
Alaska Native Language Center: An institution established in 1972 by the legislature to serve as the primary place for studying, documenting, preserving, and revitalizing Alaska Native languages.

Official record

Validated

AK NATIVE LANGUAGES ACADEMIC TASK FORCE An Act establishing the Joint Legislative Alaska Native Languages Academic Task Force.

Official activity