Rep. Zack Fields

Maddy summaryThis bill officially recognizes eleven Alaska Native languages alongside English as the state's official languages and moves the Alaska Native Language Preservation and Advisory Council from the Department of Commerce, Community, and Economic Development to the Department of Education and Early Development. The renamed Council for Alaska Native Languages will advise the governor and legislature on programs to preserve and revitalize these languages, with its members required to include professional language experts and representatives from diverse regions. While the council will meet at least twice a year to provide recommendations, the law clarifies that official public documents must still be prepared in English. Additionally, the legislation includes a transition provision to ensure that staff currently working for the council do not automatically transfer to the new department when the council's location changes.

Maddy summaryThis bill establishes Juneteenth Day, observed on June 19th, as an official legal holiday in Alaska. By amending state statutes, it adds this date to the list of recognized days when businesses and government offices are closed, joining existing holidays like Independence Day and Memorial Day. The legislation also adjusts the numbering of other holidays in the state code to accommodate this new addition.

Maddy summaryThis bill restricts the use of firefighting substances containing perfluoroalkyl or polyfluoroalkyl substances within Alaska, with specific exceptions for the oil and gas industry unless state regulations mandate otherwise. It requires the state fire marshal to adopt rules that mandate the use of safer, alternative firefighting substances if those alternatives are deemed safe and effective by recognized federal testing programs. Additionally, the legislation ensures that the state will accept up to 25 gallons per year of these restricted substances for disposal from residents. The changes are set to take effect on January 1, 2024.

Maddy summaryThis bill establishes the Missing and Murdered Indigenous Persons Review Commission within the Alaska Department of Public Safety to address unresolved cases involving indigenous individuals. The commission will consist of nine members representing law enforcement, tribal organizations, victim advocates, and the legislature, who will meet to examine case trends and make recommendations for improving collaboration and reducing such incidents. Additionally, the bill requires the Department of Public Safety to hire at least two investigators specifically tasked with handling these cases and serving as liaisons between agencies, communities, and federally recognized tribes. All documents and information gathered by the commission during its reviews will remain confidential and protected from public disclosure or use in legal proceedings.

Maddy summaryThis bill updates teacher certification and compensation rules in Alaska. It allows retired teachers to keep their state certification for life, enabling them to work as long-term substitutes for up to 165 consecutive days. The legislation also removes the previous cap on how many years of out-of-state teaching experience can count toward in-state salary scales. Additionally, it creates a new program where school districts or the state department can pay $5,000 annual bonuses and reimburse costs for teachers pursuing national board certification. These changes take effect on July 1, 2024, for sections regarding national board certification, while other provisions apply to contracts signed after the law's passage.

Maddy summaryThis bill establishes Alaska Veterans' Poppy Day to honor past and current military members and those who died preserving freedom. The day is set to occur annually on the Friday immediately before Memorial Day. It adds this new observance to the state's legal code without changing any other existing laws or requiring specific actions from individuals.

Maddy summaryThis bill establishes 4-H Day as the first Wednesday of October each year to recognize the positive impact of 4-H programs on youth development in Alaska. The law allows civic groups and the public to observe the day with suitable events and exercises. It does not mandate specific activities or require government funding, leaving the observance entirely to the discretion of community organizations.

Maddy summaryThis Alaska House Joint Resolution urges the United States Congress to repeal two specific provisions of the federal Social Security Act: the Windfall Elimination Provision and the Government Pension Offset. These provisions currently reduce Social Security benefits for public employees and teachers in Alaska who cannot earn Social Security credits while working in state or school systems. The resolution highlights that these rules disproportionately lower monthly payments for low-earning workers and may discourage people from joining the public workforce. The bill is a non-binding request to federal lawmakers, not a law that changes state policy itself.

Maddy summaryThis bill updates the state's laws regarding criminal mischief in the third degree by adjusting damage thresholds and adding specific protections for cemeteries and religious sites. Under the new rules, intentionally damaging property worth $750 or more is a crime, while recklessly creating a risk of over $100,000 in damage using dangerous means is also punishable. The legislation specifically criminalizes defacing or damaging cemeteries, removing human remains, and harming property used for religious worship or education, regardless of whether the site appears abandoned. It also establishes an affirmative defense for employees of cemeteries or religious organizations who were performing authorized duties at the time of the alleged offense. These changes take effect immediately upon signing.

Maddy summaryThis House Joint Resolution urges the federal Bureau of Land Management to withdraw proposed regulations that would restrict oil and gas development within the National Petroleum Reserve in Alaska. The bill calls for meaningful consultation with local tribes, municipal governments, and affected communities before any new rules are finalized. It highlights the potential economic benefits of resource development, including job creation and revenue that supports local infrastructure and services. The resolution emphasizes the importance of honoring tribal self-determination and ensuring that policy decisions include the voices of Indigenous nations and Alaska Native corporations.