Rep. Ted Eischeid

Maddy summaryHB 192 updates Alaska's unemployment compensation system by requiring the Department of Labor to pay benefits promptly, imposing a 10% daily penalty for late payments (including holidays), and mandating payment within 24 hours after an appeal is approved. It also creates a contingency plan to prevent disqualification when call centers exceed capacity due to high call volume. The bill adjusts the weekly benefit amount table based on previous earnings, with specific rates (e.g., $56 for base period wages of $2,500-$2,750). These changes directly affect unemployed workers receiving benefits and the state agency administering the program.

Maddy summaryHB 69 would increase Alaska's base student allocation from $5,960 to $6,960 per student for public school funding. This change directly affects all Alaska public school districts by raising the state's per-pupil funding amount. The bill specifies that the new rate would take effect on July 1, 2025. The legislation is a straightforward funding adjustment with no additional provisions or mechanisms beyond the dollar amount change. (Note: The bill was vetoed by the governor on April 22, 2025, and the veto was sustained.)

Maddy summaryHB 132 regulates small loans ($25,000 or less) in Alaska by clarifying who qualifies as a "lender" and requiring participation in the Nationwide Multistate Licensing System. It directly affects small lenders (including those offering payday-style loans), credit unions, and borrowers by defining new lender responsibilities - such as when loans are disguised as sales or structured to avoid regulations - and mandating registry enrollment. Key provisions include amending licensing rules to require $1,000 application fees, updating definitions to include deferred deposit advance providers, and establishing processes for licensees to challenge registry data. The bill aims to standardize oversight for small loans while ensuring fair competition between state and federally chartered financial institutions.

Maddy summaryThis bill requires Alaska public schools to include hands-only CPR instruction in health education for students in grades where it is adopted. The Department of Education must develop age-appropriate curricula based on current national guidelines, requiring hands-on practice and instruction on automated external defibrillators (AEDs). Schools must offer this training to students in designated grades starting August 25, 2025. It directly affects all K-12 public school students in Alaska through mandatory curriculum updates.

Maddy summarySB 43 designates the month of March each year as Women's History Month in Alaska. This law directly affects schools, community groups, and public and private agencies across the state, requiring them to recognize and honor women's historical contributions. The key provision adds a new section to Alaska Statutes (AS 44.12.088), formally establishing March as Women's History Month for observance through appropriate activities. The bill enables consistent, statewide recognition of women's roles in Alaska and U.S. history without imposing new obligations or funding requirements.

Maddy summaryHB 88 expands tuition waiver eligibility for spouses and dependent children of Alaska peace officers, firefighters, and military members who died or became permanently disabled while on duty. It adds these groups to existing programs covering undergraduate tuition and fees at Alaska's state-supported colleges. The waiver applies when death/disability resulted from duty-related incidents, with clarified definitions for "spouse" and "dependent child" in the law. The policy change takes effect immediately for tuition accrued in academic terms starting after the bill's passage.