"An Act relating to an absence from the state while providing care for a terminally ill family member for purposes of determining eligibility for a permanent fund dividend; and providing for an effective date."

House Bill 14 makes changes to existing statute and defines the legal definition of family. Once passed into law, the Permanent Fund Division of the Department of Revenue will be able to clearly consider the family through first cousins for the purpose of granting this exemption.

By changing the language, a family member will be able to provide care for a terminally ill family member in their final days without being penalized by the state. This expansion of existing language defines a legal family member as related through blood, marriage, or guardianship.

This addition to existing language will show Alaskans that we do believe the family is more than one or two generations. The family is the still the strongest single unit that makes this state great, and we as legislators need to acknowledge that by passing House Bill 14.

Last Updated: 05-06-03

# # #