An extension of employment protections for Alaskans serving in the National Guard of another state has been approved by legislators and will be sent to Gov. Bill Walker for his signature.
House Bill 3 was sponsored Rep. Chris Tuck, D-Anchorage, chairman of the House Special Committee on Military and Veterans’ Affairs.
Alaska law provides employment protections for members of the Alaska National Guard called into service by Alaska’s governor, but the law does not presently apply to Alaskans who serve in the National Guard of another state. HB 3 fixes that flaw in state law.
The Northwest Regional Liaison for the Defense Department confirmed that at least 33 Alaskans serving in the National Guard in other states would have their reemployment rights protected through this legislation. To date, 28 states have passed similar legislation and three other states have the issue under consideration.
