Rep. Zack Fields

Maddy summaryHB 305 requires transportation network companies (like Uber or Lyft) to pay drivers at least 90% of the fare charged to riders for scheduled rides. For trips exceeding 10 miles from the pickup point, companies must pay drivers for travel distance at the IRS business mileage rate and for travel time at Alaska's minimum wage rate. The bill also prohibits companies from counting rider tips toward this required compensation. This directly affects drivers who work for these companies in Alaska, setting new minimum pay standards for their earnings.

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 295 updates Alaska's rules for qualifying for the Permanent Fund Dividend (PFD) by expanding the list of acceptable reasons for temporary absence from the state during the qualifying year. It allows residents to remain eligible for the annual PFD payment if they are absent for specific, approved reasons like full-time education (including vocational training), military service (or accompanying family members), medical treatment (not for climate reasons), caregiving for critically ill relatives, estate settlement (within 220 days), or government service (e.g., as a member of Congress or state employee). The bill directly affects Alaska residents who temporarily leave the state for these qualifying purposes. This is a clarification of existing eligibility criteria, not a new policy change, and applies to all residents meeting the specified absence conditions.

Maddy summaryHB 21 allows Alaska residents aged 16 to 17 to preregister to vote. Instead of the standard requirement to be 18 within 90 days, applicants declare they will turn 18 within two years. The state automatically registers them as full voters 90 days before their 18th birthday. Crucially, the bill also requires that the address and phone number of any minor registering or preregistering remain confidential and not publicly accessible. This applies specifically to voter registration records for those under 18.

Maddy summaryHB 152 establishes a new 4% education tax on income exceeding $150,000 for single filers or $300,000 for joint filers, applying to Alaska residents and nonresidents with income connected to the state. It also imposes a $150 annual tax on individuals with wages or self-employment income in Alaska. The bill repeals certain tax credits under Alaska’s existing income tax law. It directly affects individuals, S corporation shareholders, trusts, and estates with taxable income in Alaska, shifting tax burden toward higher earners to fund education. The tax takes effect upon enactment, with specific rules for nonresidents and trusts.

Maddy summaryHB 20 prohibits insurers and businesses from charging extra fees for providing paper statements, invoices, notices, or other documents. It directly affects insurance companies and general businesses operating in Alaska by requiring them to offer paper copies at the same cost as electronic versions. The bill allows fees only for duplicate paper copies of documents already provided. Key provisions clarify that this applies to standard documents and tie violations to unfair trade practices under existing law.

Maddy summaryThis bill changes when licensed bars and restaurants can be sued for injuries caused by patrons' intoxication. It generally protects establishments from civil liability unless they serve alcohol to someone under 21 without verifying age (via ID, liquor card, or driver's license) or knowingly serve drunk patrons after closing hours. The law specifically requires age verification for under-21 customers and sets clear limits on when serving drunk individuals or after hours constitutes negligence. These changes directly affect alcohol-serving businesses by reducing legal exposure for typical service scenarios.

Maddy summaryHB 282 reserves the state's authority to regulate automated traffic safety cameras, preventing municipalities from banning their use unless specifically permitted by statute. It directly affects all Alaska municipalities (both home rule and general law) by restricting their ability to prohibit these devices. The bill defines "automated traffic safety cameras" as systems that automatically photograph vehicles running red lights, failing to stop at railroad crossings, or exceeding speed limits. Key provisions require state-level regulation and clarify that local bans are prohibited without explicit statutory authorization. This policy change shifts regulatory control from municipalities to the state for these traffic enforcement tools.

Maddy summaryHB 352 allows Alaska to join the Interstate Medical Licensure Compact, the Physician Assistant (PA) Licensure Compact, the Psychology Interjurisdictional Compact, and the EMS Personnel Licensure Compact. This creates a streamlined process for healthcare professionals - including physicians, physician assistants, psychologists, and EMS personnel - to obtain licenses in multiple states without separate applications for each state. The bill requires background checks for applicants and mandates that providers must be licensed in the state where the patient is located during care. It does not change existing state medical practice laws but integrates these compacts into Alaska’s licensing framework.