Rep. Calvin Schrage

Maddy summaryHB 229 would exempt Alaska from observing daylight saving time, meaning the entire state would permanently stay on standard time year-round instead of changing clocks twice annually. The bill amends Alaska Statutes to state that during the federal daylight saving period (defined under 15 U.S.C. 260a), the state will not advance clocks and will instead maintain standard time. This change would affect all Alaskans by eliminating the biannual clock changes, with the policy taking effect on November 3, 2026.

Maddy summaryHB 101 lowers the age threshold for minors to file civil claims against sexual abusers from 18 to 16 years old. It also amends Alaska's murder statutes to specify that killing a child under 16 during certain crimes - such as sexual offenses, kidnapping, or assault - elevates the murder charge. These changes update legal standards to better protect child victims and clarify penalties for crimes involving minors. The bill focuses on concrete policy adjustments to strengthen legal remedies and accountability.

Maddy summaryHB 272 requires Alaska health insurers to cover prosthetic and orthotic devices at a level matching federal standards (42 U.S.C. 1395k-1395m). It directly affects people needing these devices and insurers offering health plans in Alaska’s group or individual markets. Key provisions mandate coverage for all medically necessary devices (including materials, instruction, and repairs/replacements without lifetime restrictions), require two in-network providers, and prohibit special financial requirements for prosthetic/orthotic coverage. Insurers must cover repairs if costs exceed 60% of replacement and provide clear denial explanations. The bill aims to ensure equitable access to devices essential for daily living and physical activities.

Maddy summaryHB 348 allows individuals to release "community cats" (feral cats that have been vaccinated, ear-tipped, and spayed/neutered) on land with the landowner's permission. This release is exempt from state/municipal animal ownership and care requirements and does not count as animal abandonment. The bill defines key terms, including "community cat" and "landowner" (covering state, municipal, and private owners). It also clarifies that this release does not violate other animal control laws. The bill is currently in committee review after its first reading.

Maddy summaryHB 57 sets maximum classroom sizes for Alaska public schools, requiring districts to maintain an average of no more than 23 students per class for grades K-6 and 30 for grades 7-12, excluding certain specialized classes. It mandates annual reporting on class sizes, student performance data (including reading proficiency for early grades), and high school graduate outcomes like career and postsecondary education tracking. The bill also updates procedures for charter school applications and requires school boards to establish clear application processes for new charter schools. These provisions directly affect all public school districts, students, and educators across Alaska.

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 summarySJR 17 is a ceremonial resolution honoring The Energy Council's 50th anniversary. It does not enact new laws or affect policies, people, or programs. The resolution formally commends The Energy Council - established in 1975 as a nonpartisan forum for energy policy collaboration among U.S. states and Canadian provinces - for its role in shaping energy discourse over five decades. It serves solely as a symbolic gesture of recognition, with no substantive policy changes or obligations.

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 31 modifies Alaska's commercial vessel registration rules and reorganizes funding for derelict vessel programs. It adds specific exemptions for commercial vessels (like those with valid U.S. Coast Guard documentation and state licenses) and adjusts how revenue from abandoned vessel sales is distributed. Crucially, it changes the order of payment so unclaimed funds from vessel sales now go directly to the general state fund instead of the derelict vessel prevention program fund (which is repealed). This primarily affects commercial vessel owners and state agencies managing abandoned boats, with the key change being the shift of unclaimed sale revenue to general state funds.

Maddy summaryHB 70 allows emergency medical technicians (EMTs) and mobile intensive care paramedics (MICPs) to provide emergency medical care to operational canines (such as police or search-and-rescue dogs) during emergencies. It also grants liability protection to veterinarians who receive operational canines from EMTs/MICPs under AS 18.08.093, shielding them from civil lawsuits related to the EMTs'/MICPs' actions during transfers. The bill expands EMTs'/MICPs' authority at emergency scenes to include managing canine care, such as controlling sites, entering buildings, and blocking roads to protect injured individuals or operational canines. These changes directly affect EMTs, MICPs, veterinarians, and handlers of operational canines by clarifying roles and reducing legal barriers during canine medical emergencies.