Maddy summaryHB 364 requires the Alaska Department of Fish and Game to annually report to the legislature and the Board of Game on how big game hunting opportunities are allocated, including breakdowns by resident status, guided versus non-guided hunting, and specific management units. It establishes a "sustainable wildlife account" to fund intensive management programs for big game populations using money from a surcharge on hunting tags. The bill also amends regulations to allow the Board of Game to implement population management programs when specific conditions are met, such as population depletion or feasibility of enhancement through active management. These changes aim to improve transparency in hunting opportunity distribution and ensure dedicated funding for sustaining big game populations.
Sponsored bills
Maddy summaryHB 247 establishes a new $0.20 per barrel surcharge on oil produced in Alaska, to be paid by oil producers in addition to existing taxes. The surcharge is due monthly based on the previous month's production and must be reported annually. The bill also amends tax credit rules to allow credits to be carried forward and applied to certain past tax liabilities, as specified in the amended tax code. The surcharge is intended to support a climate change response fund and grant program, as referenced in the bill's title.
Maddy summaryHB 24 expands the list of factors judges must consider when determining criminal sentences in Alaska, potentially leading to harsher punishments above standard ranges. It adds 18 specific aggravating circumstances, including cases where defendants caused physical injury, showed deliberate cruelty, led groups of three or more, used dangerous weapons, targeted vulnerable victims (like the elderly or disabled), or committed offenses against law enforcement. The bill directly affects defendants convicted of crimes where these factors apply, as courts must now weigh them during sentencing. This change modifies sentencing guidelines under Alaska Statute 12.55.155 to include these new considerations.
Maddy summaryHB 245 sets a 4% tax on workers' compensation insurance premiums for insurers and establishes annual service fees: 2.9% of employer payments (excluding second injury fund payments) for businesses, and 2.5% of insurers' workers' compensation premium income. These fees fund the state's workers' safety programs and workers' compensation administration. The bill also requires electronic service of workers' compensation documents and allows the board to adjust fee percentages annually (capped at 4%). It directly affects insurers, self-insured employers, and the state's workers' compensation program.
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 summaryHB 35 restricts electronic device use for prisoners in Alaska state correctional facilities. It prohibits most personal devices like computers, tablets, and VCRs, allowing only approved uses for rehabilitation, education, legal research, or health care. The bill also limits access to certain media (e.g., R-rated movies), specific equipment (like free weights), and restricts food spending comparisons to military personnel. It directly affects incarcerated individuals in state facilities and aims to enhance security by controlling prohibited items and activities. The law became effective November 5, 2025.
Maddy summaryThis Alaska Senate Joint Resolution (SJR 16) urges the U.S. Congress to pass the federal Ensuring Lasting Smiles Act, which would require private health insurance plans to cover all medically necessary treatments for congenital anomalies (such as cleft lip/palate or hypohidrotic ectodermal dysplasia) without annual or lifetime limits. It specifically references families facing high costs - like over $100,000 for dental care for conditions such as Emily Brubaker’s - due to current insurance gaps. The resolution asks Alaska’s congressional delegation to support this federal bill to ensure equitable, lifelong healthcare access for affected individuals.
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 9 is a joint resolution from Alaska's legislature urging the U.S. Congress to extend enhanced federal tax credits that make health insurance premiums affordable under the Affordable Care Act. These credits currently help over 23,000 Alaska residents avoid higher costs, but they expire at the end of 2025. Without extension, premiums would more than double for tens of thousands of Alaskans, forcing difficult choices between health care, housing, and food. The resolution requests Congress act through budget processes to maintain these credits, emphasizing their role in preventing market instability and preserving access to care. (Note: This is a procedural resolution, not a law, so it directly affects Alaska residents by advocating for federal action.)
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.