Rep. Julie Coulombe

Maddy summaryHB 47 creates two new criminal offenses related to AI-generated or manipulated child sexual abuse material in Alaska. It makes distributing such material a class B felony (or class A felony with prior convictions), and possessing 100 or more items is presumed to indicate intent to distribute. The bill defines "generated obscene child sexual abuse material" as content depicting manipulated images of children engaged in sexual acts, lacking serious value, and appealing to prurient interest under community standards. It specifically excludes tech employees acting in their job duties to prevent or report such material. The law does not address the other topics listed in the bill's title (teaching certificates, school bus licensing).

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 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 254 limits annual increases in property tax assessments to 5% unless based on a new improvement to the property or previously unknown information. This directly affects property owners in Alaska, as it restricts how much their assessed value (and thus tax bills) can rise each year. The bill amends existing law to add this cap, meaning assessors cannot raise values beyond 5% without meeting the specific exceptions. Previously, there was no such annual limit on assessment increases.

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 summarySB 47 clarifies management responsibilities for Chugach State Park by assigning road maintenance within the park to the Department of Transportation and Public Facilities (except for roads maintained by municipalities under new rules). It adds requirements for municipalities seeking easements: they must hold public hearings and demonstrate the easement improves public access or serves the public interest. The bill takes effect July 1, 2025, and directly affects state agencies (DOT, Fish & Game) and municipalities seeking access rights within the park.

Maddy summaryHB 121 updates Alaska's accounting licensing requirements, primarily requiring accountants to complete 150 semester hours of education (including a bachelor's degree with accounting focus) and two years of experience. It also establishes a practice privilege for accountants licensed in other states that meet equivalent standards (150 hours, CPA exam, one year experience). The bill affects certified public accountants, accounting firms, and out-of-state practitioners seeking to practice in Alaska under reciprocity. Key provisions clarify permit renewals, continuing education requirements, and simplify documentation for out-of-state accountants engaging in services via mail, phone, or electronic means.

Maddy summaryHB 11 modifies how Alaska permanent fund dividends are handled when recipients choose to redirect funds. It establishes a specific priority order for contributions and donations: funds must first cover mandatory contributions under AS 43.23.130, then donations under AS 43.23.230, and finally other contributions under AS 43.23.135. This directly affects Alaskans who receive permanent fund dividends and elect to redirect part of their payment toward state funds. The bill ensures these redirections follow a clear, standardized process when the total requested amount exceeds the dividend payout.

Maddy summaryHB 165 sets specific classroom size limits for Alaska public schools: 23 students for kindergarten through third grade, 26 for fourth through eighth grade, and 30 for ninth through twelfth grade. It exempts school districts with an average daily membership of 35,000 or less. The bill requires schools to notify parents twice yearly (November 30 and February 1) about classroom size limits, district-wide averages per grade, and their child's specific classroom size. The law takes effect July 1, 2026.