Juneau — Today, the Alaska House of Representatives unanimously passed House Bill 17, an important measure to support Alaska’s disabled veterans by allowing disabled veterans access to retirement funds early.
HB 17, sponsored by Representative Rauscher, allows veterans who are rated as totally and permanently disabled by the U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs to access their accrued PERS retirement benefits without penalty. The bill also ensures that military service purchased under PERS standards counts toward normal retirement eligibility.
“Disabled veterans have made extraordinary sacrifices for our country and our communities,” said Representative George Rauscher (R-Sutton). “HB 17 is about honoring that service by allowing these veterans to access the retirement benefits they earned through their public service, at a time when they need it most.”
HB 17 does not create any new benefits; it simply ensures that veterans who have earned retirement through their public employment are able to use those benefits if a service-connected disability prevents them from continuing to work.
The unanimous vote reflects strong support for Alaska’s veterans and a shared commitment to providing stability and dignity for those who have given so much.
The bill now advances to the Alaska Senate for consideration.