Rep. Jamie Allard

Maddy summaryHB 370 amends Alaska's unemployment insurance law to exclude certain sports officials (like referees or umpires) from being classified as "employees" for unemployment insurance contribution purposes. This means employers of these officials, such as sports leagues or event organizers, would no longer be required to pay unemployment insurance taxes on their wages. The bill adds a new exclusion to the statute's definition of "employment," specifically targeting sports officials' service. As a result, these officials would not be covered under Alaska's unemployment insurance program.

Maddy summaryHB 45 requires all Alaska state government buildings and public schools to display the U.S. and Alaska state flags daily (weather permitting), with the U.S. flag shown prominently higher than other flags. It prohibits governmental entities from displaying any flag representing political viewpoints (including those related to race, sexual orientation, or political ideology). The bill also allows active or retired military members to use reasonable force to protect or restore the U.S. flag’s proper display, shielding them from legal liability. These provisions apply to all state agencies, local governments, public schools, and colleges, effective July 1, 2025.

Maddy summaryThis bill is a legislative resolution (HCR 8) that formally proclaims October 2025 as "Jewish Heritage Month" in Alaska. It encourages schools, cultural institutions, local governments, and residents to observe the month through educational activities and recognition of Jewish contributions to Alaska’s history and culture. The resolution highlights Jewish community roles in civic life, economic development, and cultural preservation, including specific references to Alaska’s Jewish museums and historical figures. As a ceremonial resolution, it has no legal effect but aims to foster public awareness and appreciation.

Maddy summaryHB 228 designates October each year as Jewish Heritage Month in Alaska. The bill formally adds this designation to Alaska Statutes, requiring the state to recognize Jewish residents' contributions through public ceremonies, educational activities, and official observances during October. It does not create new programs or funding but establishes a framework for state-level acknowledgment. This affects how the state publicly honors Jewish heritage and community contributions.

Maddy summaryHB 161 requires most Alaska employers to provide paid sick leave: businesses with 50+ employees must offer 1 hour of paid sick leave for every 30 hours worked (capped at 56 hours yearly), while smaller businesses (fewer than 15 employees) must offer 1 hour per 30 hours (capped at 40 hours yearly). Employees can use this leave for their own medical care, family health needs, or domestic violence situations, with accrual starting at hire or July 1, 2025. Unused leave carries over annually but cannot exceed the yearly caps. The law applies to private sector workers and allows cashing out accrued leave upon request.

Maddy summaryHB 256 adds a "purple star funding factor" to Alaska's school finance formula, ensuring public schools with Purple Star designations (recognizing support for military-connected students) receive additional state funding. This directly affects eligible schools by increasing their state aid based on the number of military-connected students they serve. The bill modifies how district adjusted average daily membership (ADM) is calculated, requiring the purple star factor to be multiplied in the funding formula. It does not change the Purple Star designation criteria but guarantees these schools get extra state funds through the existing financing system. The bill takes effect upon enactment.

Maddy summaryHB 297 establishes that Alaska residents have priority when taking fish for personal or family consumption over commercial and sport fishing. It requires the Board of Fisheries to consider specific factors like historical resident participation in fisheries, the importance of fisheries for local food access, and whether residents have a fair opportunity to fish. The bill changes current allocation rules to ensure resident subsistence needs are addressed before other uses. This directly affects how fishery resources are distributed across Alaska's commercial, sport, and resident fishing sectors.

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 13 is a state resolution urging the U.S. President to resume evacuation flights for Afghan nationals with approved Special Immigrant Visas (SIVs) and their families. It specifically requests the State Department expedite visa processing, secure legal protections for SIV applicants, and provide Congress with a report on reinstating evacuation flights. The resolution directly affects Afghan allies who worked with U.S. forces and have received SIV approval but remain stranded abroad, often separated from family members. As a non-binding resolution, it calls for federal action but does not alter existing law or create new obligations.

Maddy summaryHB 119 amends Alaska law to clarify the Alaska Gasline Development Corporation's (AGDC) mandate, requiring it to develop an in-state natural gas pipeline for delivery to Fairbanks, Southcentral Alaska, and other communities. The bill specifies that AGDC must prioritize the lowest possible rates for natural gas and propane, including a direct pipeline spur to Fairbanks and the Fairbanks North Star Borough. It also requires AGDC to maximize state benefits from natural gas resources while ensuring services provided to state entities are cost-reimbursable only. The bill takes immediate effect and directly affects AGDC's operational responsibilities.