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Alaska Whistleblower Protections

All Alaska citizens are protected by state and federal whistleblower laws. We have provided information about many of the laws in Alaska below. For more information about federal laws, click here.
 

Government Employees

Statutes specifically protecting government whistleblowers

 

Alaska Whistleblower Act, AS § 39.90.100

Parties Protected By Statute

Public employees – a person who performs a service for wages or other remuneration under a contract of hire, written or oral, express or implied, for a public employer

 

Protected Actions Under Statute
  • (a) A public employer may not discharge, threaten, or otherwise discriminate against an employee regarding the employee’s compensation, terms, conditions, location, or privileges of employment because
    • (1) the employee, or a person acting on behalf of the employee, reports to a public body or is about to report to a public body a matter of public concern; or
    • (2) the employee participates in a court action, an investigation, a hearing, or an inquiry held by a public body on a matter of public concern.
  • (b) A public employer may not disqualify a public employee or other person who reports a matter of public concern or participates in a proceeding connected with a matter of public concern before a public body or court, because of the report or participation, from eligibility to
    • (1) bid on contracts with the public employer;
    • (2) receive land under a law of the state or an ordinance of the municipality; or
    • (3) receive another right, privilege, or benefit.
Specific Remedies Authorized By Statute

“A person who alleges a violation of AS 39.90.100 may bring a civil action and the court may grant appropriate relief, including punitive damages.” § 39.90.120(a)

Whistleblower Protection, Legislative Employees

Parties Protected By Statute

“a person who reports to the committee or another government entity conduct the person reasonably believes is a violation of this chapter or another state law” AS § 24.60.035.

Protected Actions Under Statute

Reporting “conduct the person reasonably believes is a violation of this chapter (high moral and ethical standards among public servants in the legislative branch of government) or another state law.” AS § 24.60.035.

Specific Remedies Authorized By Statute

A legislative employee who is discharged, disciplined, involuntarily transferred, or otherwise penalized by a legislator or another legislative employee in violation of this subsection may

(1) bring a complaint before the committee; and

(2) bring a separate civil action in the courts seeking damages, payment of back wages, reinstatement, or other relief.