Alaska2026Passed Legislature

SB85

SB85: Rules on Recording and Sharing Private Conversations

Last scannedSep 20, 2026, 12:32 AM

In one sentence

This bill changes Alaska law to require all people in an oral conversation to agree before it can be recorded, while also banning the sharing of information known to come from illegal recordings.

Requires that a person must get consent from everyone involved in a private communication before they can share or publish its contents.
Makes it against the law for anyone to use an eavesdropping device to listen to or record part of an oral conversation without the agreement of all parties.
Prohibits people from using, sharing, or publishing information if they know it was obtained through illegal recording devices.
Keeps exceptions that allow peace officers to intercept communications during crime investigations, arrests, and specific emergency situations involving safety risks.
Allows parents to listen to their minor children's private conversations, but not when the child is talking to a lawyer or a custody investigator.

Any person who records, listens to, or shares private oral conversations in Alaska.
Peace officers and law enforcement agencies conducting investigations or emergency responses.
Parents of minor children regarding communications their children have with others.
Employees of common carriers like phone companies who hear conversations while maintaining equipment.

The bill text does not state when it will officially become effective.
The final status of the bill depends on actions by the Governor, which are not shown in this document.

Plain language

Private Communication: A message or conversation that is not meant for the public, such as a personal call between specific people.
Eavesdropping Device: Any electronic or mechanical tool used to secretly listen to or record an oral conversation without permission from all parties.
Peace Officer: A law enforcement official, such as a police officer, who has the authority to enforce laws and investigate crimes.

Official record

Validated

PUBLICATION & USE OF COMMUNICATIONS An Act relating to unauthorized publication and use of communications; and relating to eavesdropping.

Official activity