Rep. Alyse Galvin

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 summaryHouse Joint Resolution 4 is a symbolic resolution from the Alaska Legislature urging the President, U.S. Secretary of the Interior, and the U.S. Board on Geographic Names to maintain "Denali" as the official name for North America's tallest mountain. It states that Denali is the traditional Koyukon Athabaskan name, has been Alaska's official name since 1975, and was adopted by the U.S. in 2015, rejecting a return to "Mount McKinley." The resolution argues that changing the name would be disrespectful to Alaska Natives, confuse tourism (as Denali is widely recognized), and lacks historical connection to President McKinley, who never visited the mountain. This resolution does not change the name but formally requests federal officials continue using "Denali."

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 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 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.

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.