About the Commercial, Fair Business & Child Support Section
The Commercial, Fair Business and Child Support Section of the Attorney General’s office is unique in its scope of representation. Where other sections focus on a single client agency or area of practice, CFB&CS provides legal support and advice to 17 different divisions, commissions, and public corporations within the Alaska Departments of Administration, Revenue, Education & Early Development, Natural Resources, and Commerce, Community, and Economic Development. The section also represents and gives advice to 20 professional licensing boards and commissions. Diverse though its practice may be, the section’s mission is clear and focused, using the skills of its attorneys and other professionals to protect the safety and improve the lives of Alaskans.
The Commercial, Fair Business and Child Support section represents a unique opportunity to serve a diverse range of clients in a variety of forums. Membership in this section provides its attorneys with the opportunity to develop diverse legal skills as they assist clients through advice, civil litigation, alternative dispute resolution, administrative litigation, regulatory law, and legislative work.
Scope of Work
Professional Licensing
The attorneys in the professional licensing working group within CFB&CS represent the Division of Corporations, Business and Professional Licensing. Through that representation, section attorneys provide advice and support concerning the regulation of professions in Alaska,everything from doctors, nurses and architects to pawnbrokers, acupuncturists and big game hunting guides.
Alaska Housing Finance Corporation’s Public Housing Division
CFB&CS represents Alaska Housing Finance Corporation’s public housing program. AHFC is a public corporation. Although administratively attached to the Department of Revenue, it has a legal existence independent from State government. AHFC is Alaska’s statewide public housing authority, operating HUD low income housing for families, seniors, homeless people, and people with disabilities through private and public sector development. CFB&SC supports AHFC in this important work.
Regulatory Commission of Alaska
The Regulatory Commission of Alaska (RCA) regulates public utilities and pipeline carriers by certificating qualified providers of public utility and pipeline services with the goal of ensuring that the public receives safe and adequate services. RCA also facilitates just and reasonable rates and conditions. The representation of this complex and important regulatory agency comes from dedicated CFB&CS attorneys.
Alaska’s Alcohol and Marijuana Control Agency (AMCO)
CFB&CS attorneys assist Alaska’s Alcohol and Marijuana control Agency in the fulfillment of its mission--enforcing alcohol and marijuana commerce laws and providing clear, consistent standards for licensure to protect the public from harm.
Division of Insurance
Representation of this client allows section attorneys to help in assuring that competitive, viable, ethical, and lawful insurance is available to the people of Alaska. Section attorneys help ensure the solvency of insurance companies doing business in Alaska, investigate instances of alleged insurance fraud and aid this client in consumer outreach and education efforts to improve the public’s ability to evaluate and purchase insurance.
Professional Teaching Practices Commission
The Professional Teaching Practices Commission (PTPC) governs the ethical and professional standards required of Alaska’s teachers. The Commission has the responsibility of disciplining certificated teachers when necessary and has the power to issue reprimands and suspend or revoke teaching licenses. The PTPC’s mission is to serve as a preventive and positive force in helping to enhance the professional performance of Alaska’s educators to ensure the best education possible for all of Alaska’s students. CFB&CS attorneys represent and advice the PTPC.
Child Support Services Division (CSSD)
CFB&SC attorneys assist the Child Support Services Division fulfill its mission of helping parents to help their kids. They support this important mission by obtaining, modifying, and enforcing child support orders issued administratively or through the courts. This representation involves the location of absent parents, establishment of paternity, and the collection and distribution of payments.
Permanent Fund Dividend Division
The Alaska Permanent Fund was created by the people of Alaska in 1976 as a way to save a portion of the State’s oil revenues for the needs of future generations. It uses oil royalties to make investments in bonds, stocks, real estate, infrastructure, and private entities. The returns on these investments are used to grow and finance the Fund. Additionally, since 1983, the Alaska Permanent Fund Dividend Division has distributed a portion of the earnings to Alaskans annually in the form of a dividend. As of August 2022, the Fund is worth more than $76 billion. The annual payment allows Alaskans to share in a portion of State mineral revenue. CFB&CS attorneys assist the Division through litigation, advice, appeals and regulatory work.
Section Contact
For further information on the Commercial, Fair Business and Child Support Section contact:
Rebecca Hattan
Chief Assistant Attorney General, Section Supervisor
907-465-3600