Rep. Jeremy Bynum

Maddy summaryHJR 33 is a resolution passed by the Alaska State Legislature urging the U.S. Congress to address historical inequities affecting five Southeast Alaskan communities - Haines, Ketchikan, Petersburg, Wrangell, and Tenakee - that were excluded from the 1971 Alaska Native Claims Settlement Act (ANCSA). These "landless" communities have faced long-standing disparities in economic opportunity and community development due to their exclusion from land entitlements under ANCSA, which was intended to resolve aboriginal land claims. The resolution calls for federal legislation that would provide these communities with land entitlements and corporate formation rights consistent with ANCSA's original intent. It also encourages Alaska's congressional delegation to collaborate directly with affected communities and stakeholders to achieve a fair resolution.

Maddy summaryThis Alaska legislative resolution (HJR 22) requests two specific actions from the U.S. Congress: (1) to propose a constitutional amendment limiting U.S. House and Senate members to a set number of terms, and (2) to call a constitutional convention to draft such an amendment. It asks Congress to act on this request, or else states will independently pursue a convention under Article V of the Constitution. The resolution formally applies for a convention focused solely on term limits, seeking to aggregate Alaska’s application with those of other states that have similar requests. As a procedural resolution, it does not change law but aims to advance a constitutional amendment process.

Maddy summaryHB 253 amends Alaska's fisheries loan program to expand eligibility and clarify loan terms. It allows low-interest loans (capped at 9.5% annually) for regional fishing associations and federally recognized tribal organizations to fund hatchery construction/operation, habitat improvement, and lake fertilization. The bill specifies that loans can cover preconstruction planning, enhancement activities, and refinancing, with repayment terms up to 30 years. It directly affects tribal groups operating hatcheries on reservations or under federal permits, as well as qualified regional fishing associations. The legislation updates existing statutes (AS 16.10.500 and 16.10.510) without creating new funding.

Maddy summaryHB 161 requires most Alaska employers to provide paid sick leave: businesses with 50+ employees must offer 1 hour of paid sick leave for every 30 hours worked (capped at 56 hours yearly), while smaller businesses (fewer than 15 employees) must offer 1 hour per 30 hours (capped at 40 hours yearly). Employees can use this leave for their own medical care, family health needs, or domestic violence situations, with accrual starting at hire or July 1, 2025. Unused leave carries over annually but cannot exceed the yearly caps. The law applies to private sector workers and allows cashing out accrued leave upon request.

Maddy summaryHB 333 establishes a statewide Alaska technical readiness and career training system to fund career-focused education in public schools for grades 6-12. It directs school districts to spend at least 80% of vocational and technical instruction funding on direct student programs like classroom instruction, industry certifications, apprenticeships, and work-based learning - excluding administrative costs and general academic skills. The bill requires districts to develop programs with measurable student mastery, career pathways, and stackable credentials accepted for high school graduation or college credit. It amends funding formulas to include a dedicated vocational and technical instruction factor (1.025) and creates a new department system to support program development across districts.

Maddy summaryHB 365 requires Alaska's Department of Commerce, Community, and Economic Development to identify scholarship granting organizations (SGOs) and participate in the federal tax credit program for contributions to these organizations. The bill mandates the department to actively facilitate Alaskans' access to this federal tax incentive, which allows donors to claim tax credits for contributions to qualified SGOs. This policy change directly affects scholarship granting organizations (by requiring state identification) and Alaskan taxpayers who contribute to them (by enabling tax credits). The key mechanism is the department’s new duty to coordinate with SGOs and promote participation in the existing federal program.

Maddy summaryHJR 15 is a non-binding legislative resolution urging Alaska agencies and communities to prepare for the 2025 wildfire season. It directs the Governor, Department of Natural Resources (forestry/fire division), public safety agencies, municipalities, and the Alaska congressional delegation to review wildfire response plans, improve water access for firefighting, inspect roads for evacuation routes, and expand public education programs like Firewise USA and Ready, Set, Go! The resolution specifically targets high-risk areas including Anchorage, Fairbanks, and Kenai, where climate-driven dry conditions and new wildfire risks require proactive measures. It emphasizes concrete steps like pre-season drills, fuel reduction, and enhanced early detection systems to reduce response costs and community vulnerability.

Maddy summaryHJR 5 is a resolution passed by the Alaska Legislature urging the U.S. Congress and President to reinstate and permanently fund the Secure Rural Schools and Community Self-Determination Act of 2000. This act provided critical funding to rural communities near national forests (like those in Southeast Alaska) that historically relied on payments from federal timber revenue to support schools, roads, public safety, and infrastructure. The resolution specifically requests retroactive funding for fiscal year 2025 after the program expired in January 2025 and asks Congress to make the funding mechanism permanent. It does not create new law but formally advocates for federal action to prevent budget shortfalls in affected rural areas.

Maddy summaryHB 75 requires national criminal history background checks for certain employees and contractors working with Alaska's permanent fund dividend program, including those handling eligibility or administration. It expands eligibility for the permanent fund dividend by allowing residents to be absent from Alaska for specific reasons - such as full-time education, military service, medical treatment, or caring for a critically ill family member - without losing their dividend eligibility. The bill also mandates electronic notice for debt collection actions against permanent fund dividends, replacing paper notices. These changes affect Department of Revenue staff, dividend applicants, and individuals receiving or owing dividend payments. The law takes effect January 1, 2026.

Maddy summaryHJR 11 is a symbolic resolution recognizing Alaska's relationship with Canada. It highlights shared natural resources, trade (including $596 million in annual exports from Alaska to Canada), historical military partnerships, and cultural ties through decades of collaboration. The resolution does not create new laws, funding, or obligations - it serves only as an official statement of support. It was passed by the Alaska Legislature and transmitted to the Governor for filing.