Alaska Legislature Passes Bill Requiring Itemized Student Fee Statements

The Alaska Senate passed House Bill 176 unanimously on May 17, 2026. The bill requires the University of Alaska system to provide itemized billing statements of student fees. It now heads to Governor Mike Dunleavy.

The University of Alaska Board of Regents policy states that student fees should be tied directly to the service, activity, or course. Fees should reflect estimated actual cost. The university publishes fee categories and funding amounts online. The information is often difficult to access. It shows only generalized accounts. The university requires new or changed student fees to be submitted for review and approval by September 30 for the following fall term. House Bill 176 adds itemized statements and notice requirements to those existing processes.

Representative Ashley Carrick sponsored the bill. Carrick is a Democrat from Fairbanks and a University of Alaska Fairbanks alumna. She represents the district that includes UAF. She said she is pleased to support greater transparency and notification of fee changes for all students. She said the bill is the result of conversations with many students over a period of years. Students expressed a desire for transparency with what they pay in student fees. Until about 2020, fees had fluctuated between itemized and consolidated structures. Between 2020 and recently, student fees in the UA system had been consolidated. The consolidated fee did not allow the average student to see what was included without calling the registration office.

House Bill 176 requires all UA campuses to provide itemized billing statements. The statements will detail how much students pay for the components of their student fees that are system-wide or campus-wide fees. The bill does not apply to course fees. The university will detail exactly how much is paid to each expense category per student.

Senator Robb Myers carried the companion bill in the Senate. Myers is a Republican from North Pole. He said fee transparency is a simple and effective way to inspire confidence in the University of Alaska system. It continues to advocate for quality education for Alaskan students.

The bill also requires the Board of Regents to provide students with notice when fees are raised or new fees are introduced. Carrick said the bill provides more information for students who are seeking better transparency about what they are paying for in their higher education. It shows where their dollars will be spent. It also helps parents or other individuals who might be paying bills. She thanked the UA administrators who worked with her office on a streamlined bill. They have made communication and transparency a priority.

Carrick said the bill builds off the success of the Textbook Cost Transparency Act in 2024. That was another collaborative effort between Senator Myers and her office. She said the bill will ensure consistency and transparency on the actual costs of receiving higher education in Alaska.

Myers is also a former University of Alaska Fairbanks student. He said he appreciated knowing where his money was going. He said he is happy that the legislature is returning to that practice for the benefit of future students.

The House previously passed House Bill 176 in a vote of 36 to 3.