Rep. Zack Fields

Maddy summaryHB 250 makes it a class B misdemeanor for peace officers in Alaska to wear masks covering their face during public interactions while performing official duties, unless specific exceptions apply. These exceptions include undercover assignments, wearing face shields designed for protection, medical masks with a physician's certification, or masks for smoke exposure. The law directly affects police officers, sheriffs, and other peace officers who interact with the public in their official roles. It takes effect immediately upon enactment and does not apply to the exceptions listed in the bill text.

Maddy summaryHB 196 directs 20% of revenue from Alaska's carbon offset program to the renewable energy grant fund, replacing a prior placeholder. This fund supports renewable energy projects (like solar, wind, or natural gas infrastructure) across the state, with priority given to communities where average energy costs exceed the statewide average. The bill also requires technical assistance for small communities (under 2,000 residents) to apply for grants and mandates annual reporting to the legislature on grant decisions. It updates existing law to formalize these funding mechanisms and ensure transparency in allocation.

Maddy summaryHB 332 requires Alaska's Department of Environmental Conservation to develop and implement a statewide plan for regularly testing water, soil, fish, wildlife, and other environmental media for microplastics (defined as plastic particles under 5 millimeters). The department must use scientifically sound methods and update the testing schedule annually before July 1 in even-numbered years. This bill directly affects state environmental agencies by establishing mandatory testing protocols and reporting requirements for microplastic pollution. It does not alter existing public assistance programs, despite an unrelated amendment to health department duties appearing in the bill text.

Maddy summaryHB 293 establishes a licensing system for genetic counselors in Alaska, requiring them to be licensed under new Chapter 53 of the state code. The bill creates a Genetic Counseling Advisory Council to advise the State Medical Board, sets telehealth practice standards for licensed counselors, and clarifies their medical malpractice liability protections. It also prohibits group health insurance plans from discriminating against genetic counselors. This legislation directly affects genetic counselors by defining their professional standards, practice scope, and legal protections within Alaska's healthcare system.

Maddy summaryHB 349 creates a new civil remedy in Alaska for individuals whose constitutional rights (under federal or state law) were violated or interfered with by a federal official acting under official authority. It allows these individuals to sue for damages and court orders (like injunctions) in Alaska’s superior court within two years of the violation. The bill directly affects Alaskans who experience such constitutional violations and sets the procedural rules for these lawsuits, including the two-year filing deadline.

Maddy summaryHB 351 adjusts Alaska's nursing license fee structure to better align with regulatory costs. It requires that fees for single-state nursing licenses cover the full cost of regulation, while fees for multistate licenses (allowing nurses to practice across state lines) cover only half of those costs. This directly affects nursing professionals holding these licenses and the Department of Health, which sets and collects these fees. The bill also references broader nursing practice topics like staffing ratios, but the provided text primarily details these fee adjustments.

Maddy summaryHB 151 ensures children under six years old in Alaska who qualify for medical assistance (Medicaid) remain continuously eligible for coverage until their sixth birthday, eliminating the need for annual reapplications. This directly affects low-income children under six whose families currently face coverage gaps when transitioning between eligibility periods. The bill amends eligibility rules to extend coverage until age six (instead of requiring monthly renewal) and adds a similar 11-month extension for children aged six to 19. Federal approval of state plan amendments is required before implementation, but the policy change itself is a concrete modification to Medicaid eligibility duration.

Maddy summaryHB 288 amends Alaska law to change how city and borough school districts calculate and report local contributions for charter schools. It requires districts to provide charter schools with annual budgets based on student-generated funds (excluding facility costs), capping administrative retention at 4% of that amount. The bill also revises voluntary local contributions, allowing districts to contribute up to the greater of a two-mill tax levy equivalent or 23% of their basic need plus additional funding, instead of previous limits. This bill directly affects school districts and charter schools, taking effect July 1, 2026.

Maddy summaryHB 287 establishes a certification system for community health workers in Alaska, requiring the Department of Health to set standards for qualifications, training, scope of practice, and renewal. It adds certified community health worker services to optional state medical assistance coverage, making nonmedical health support services (like care coordination and patient advocacy) eligible for reimbursement under state health programs. The bill directly affects community health workers seeking certification, health care facilities (for experience verification), and medical assistance programs. Key provisions include experience-based certification waivers (960+ hours of service) and requirements for continuing education, with no medical care provided by certified workers.

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.