Rep. Andy Josephson

Maddy summarySB 60 designates May 12 of each year as "Myalgic Encephalomyelitis/Chronic Fatigue Syndrome Day of Recognition" in Alaska. The bill establishes this day for public observance through civic activities and community exercises, directly affecting Alaskans by raising awareness for ME/CFS. It does not create new programs, funding, or regulations - only a symbolic recognition date. The bill became law without the Governor's signature and takes effect October 14, 2025.

Maddy summaryThis bill amends Alaska's law governing comprehensive plans for first and second class boroughs. It requires these boroughs to include specific elements in their guiding development documents, such as land use, community facilities, transportation, housing plans, and implementation recommendations. The law directly affects boroughs (local governments) in Alaska that fall under these classifications. The key change updates the mandatory components of their comprehensive plans, moving beyond general policy statements to require concrete planning for housing and transportation infrastructure.

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 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 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.

Maddy summaryThis is a symbolic resolution (HCR 6) passed by Alaska's legislature to honor the 250th anniversary of the U.S. Marine Corps' founding on November 10, 2025. It expresses the legislature's recognition of the Marine Corps' historical role, values, and sacrifices, including honoring fallen service members. The resolution calls on Alaskans to participate in commemorative activities and encourages local communities to recognize area Marines. It has no legal effect or policy changes - it is purely a ceremonial expression of support.

Maddy summaryHJR 13 is a state resolution urging the U.S. President to resume evacuation flights for Afghan nationals with approved Special Immigrant Visas (SIVs) and their families. It specifically requests the State Department expedite visa processing, secure legal protections for SIV applicants, and provide Congress with a report on reinstating evacuation flights. The resolution directly affects Afghan allies who worked with U.S. forces and have received SIV approval but remain stranded abroad, often separated from family members. As a non-binding resolution, it calls for federal action but does not alter existing law or create new obligations.

Maddy summaryThis Alaska legislative resolution encourages the U.S. Congress to award the Congressional Gold Medal to Hmong veterans of the Vietnam War. It highlights the Hmong people's critical but often overlooked role in the conflict - particularly in Laos, where they were recruited by the U.S. CIA, suffered heavy casualties (including 40,000 killed), and faced post-war persecution after the U.S. withdrawal. The resolution notes Alaska's Hmong community (over 5,500 residents) and its prior recognition of Hmong veterans through a state holiday established in 2019. As a symbolic resolution, it does not create new laws but urges federal action to honor these veterans.

Maddy summarySB 39 clarifies regulations for loans of $25,000 or less by defining when a person is considered a lender (such as holding the main financial interest in a loan or disguising loans as property sales) and expands the definition of "financial institution" to include deferred deposit advance providers and pawnbrokers. The bill requires Alaska's Department of Commerce to participate in the Nationwide Multistate Licensing System and Registry, including establishing processes for licensees to challenge information and mandating that licensees register with the system. It also changes application fees, requiring $1,000 upfront payment for investigation expenses related to licensure. These provisions standardize oversight of small loans and ensure consistent regulation for financial institutions across Alaska.

Maddy summaryThis is a non-binding resolution (SJR 8), not a legislative bill. It expresses Alaska's support for strengthening ties with Taiwan through four specific actions: (1) resuming an Alaska Trade Office in Taiwan to boost trade, (2) expanding educational exchanges, (3) advocating for Taiwan's meaningful participation in international organizations like the WHO, and (4) endorsing closer U.S.-Taiwan economic partnerships, including potential trade agreements. The resolution reaffirms Alaska's existing sister-state relationship with Taiwan and its economic ties, noting Taiwan as Alaska's eighth-largest export market in 2023. It has no legal effect but serves as a symbolic statement of support.