WeVote
Log In

Bill

Bill

SB 104

An Act relating to appropriations to the civil legal services fund.

33rd Legislature (2023-2024) Introduced by Jennie Armstrong and 11 co-sponsors

Alaska bill proposing appropriations to civil legal services fund for low-income residents stalled in House without vote during 2024 session.

(H) CROSS SPONSOR(S): JOSEPHSON, WRIGHT
#appropriations #attorneys #courts #funds #publicfinance
0
WeVote Research Nonpartisan
Bill Summary · SB 104

Legislative bill overview

SB 104 appropriates funding to Alaska's civil legal services fund, which provides legal assistance to low-income individuals who cannot afford attorneys. The bill was introduced with bipartisan sponsorship but did not advance during the 2024 legislative session, ultimately failing to reach a vote before the legislature adjourned.

Why is this important

Civil legal services address critical needs like evictions, domestic violence protection orders, custody disputes, and debt collection cases—matters that disproportionately affect low-income Alaskans who lack resources for private counsel. Adequate funding for these services affects access to justice and can prevent homelessness, family separation, and other downstream social costs.

Potential points of contention

  • Fiscal prioritization: During constrained budget cycles, policymakers must weigh civil legal aid funding against other state priorities like education, healthcare, and infrastructure
  • Scope of eligible services: Disagreement may exist over which legal matters should be covered (criminal vs. civil, specific case types) and income thresholds for eligibility
  • Program effectiveness metrics: Questions about how to measure whether appropriated funds efficiently reduce legal disparities and serve intended populations

Compiled from official sources — confirm details with the bill’s official record.

Sign in to ask a question.