Maddy summaryHJR 26 is a resolution requesting the U.S. Congress appropriate $20 million in existing federal funds to train Alaskans for jobs in the Alaska liquefied natural gas (LNG) project. It specifically aims to support in-state training centers in preparing residents - especially rural Alaskans and Alaska Natives - for development, construction, and operation roles, while encouraging project sponsors to hire local workers and partner with Alaska-based small businesses. The resolution cites the Alaska Natural Gas Pipeline Act (15 U.S.C. § 720) as authorizing the funding and emphasizes that without federal support, training programs cannot scale sufficiently. This seeks to ensure long-term economic benefits remain in Alaska by reducing reliance on outside labor after project completion.
Sponsored bills
Maddy summaryHB 11 modifies how Alaska permanent fund dividends are handled when recipients choose to redirect funds. It establishes a specific priority order for contributions and donations: funds must first cover mandatory contributions under AS 43.23.130, then donations under AS 43.23.230, and finally other contributions under AS 43.23.135. This directly affects Alaskans who receive permanent fund dividends and elect to redirect part of their payment toward state funds. The bill ensures these redirections follow a clear, standardized process when the total requested amount exceeds the dividend payout.
Maddy summaryHJR 21 is a symbolic resolution passed by the Alaska Legislature urging the U.S. Congress to designate 2025 as the "Year of the Soldier." It highlights the U.S. Army's 250-year history of service, including its role in Alaska (e.g., Fort Wainwright and Joint Base Elmendorf-Richardson) and contributions to national defense from the Revolutionary War to modern conflicts. The resolution does not create new laws or policies but serves as a formal request to Congress to recognize the Army's legacy. It directly addresses the U.S. Congress, with no direct impact on citizens, veterans, or other entities.
Maddy summaryHB 182 modifies Alaska's licensing rules for breweries, wineries, and distilleries by allowing limited live music and entertainment. Specifically, license holders may now host up to four live music events or other entertainment performances annually, along with educational displays about their products and community fundraisers. The bill removes previous bans on live music, disc jockeys, karaoke, and TVs during consumption, while maintaining existing restrictions on seating at bars, opening before 9 a.m., and serving after 9 p.m. It directly affects businesses holding retail licenses for alcohol production and sales. The changes apply uniformly across breweries, wineries, and distilleries under Alaska Statutes 04.09.320, 04.09.330, and 04.09.340.
Maddy summaryHB 215 extends the expiration date of Alaska's State Board of Registration for Architects, Engineers, and Land Surveyors from 2025 to June 30, 2033. The bill also revises the board's composition to include 12 members (up from 11) with specific professional representation (e.g., two civil engineers, two land surveyors, two architects, and one landscape architect), adds a board investigator position, and clarifies disciplinary procedures for professionals. It directly affects licensed architects, engineers, land surveyors, and landscape architects who must comply with state certification requirements. The changes aim to modernize board operations and oversight while maintaining regulatory standards for these design professions.
Maddy summaryHB 143 prohibits banks and payment networks from discriminating against firearm retailers by refusing transactions, charging higher fees, or disclosing financial records based on whether a business sells firearms. It bans requiring special "firearm codes" that distinguish gun stores from other retailers and prevents actions like limiting services or imposing extra fees solely due to firearm sales. If violations occur, firearm retailers can request the Attorney General to investigate, and courts may issue injunctions or fines up to $10,000 per violation. The law directly affects firearm sellers, banks, payment processors, and customers making lawful firearm purchases in Alaska.
Maddy summaryHB 165 sets specific classroom size limits for Alaska public schools: 23 students for kindergarten through third grade, 26 for fourth through eighth grade, and 30 for ninth through twelfth grade. It exempts school districts with an average daily membership of 35,000 or less. The bill requires schools to notify parents twice yearly (November 30 and February 1) about classroom size limits, district-wide averages per grade, and their child's specific classroom size. The law takes effect July 1, 2026.
Maddy summaryHJR 1 proposes a constitutional amendment to limit Alaska's annual state spending to a percentage (capped at 15%) of the state's average real gross domestic product (GDP) over the previous five years. Certain spending, including permanent fund dividends, bond proceeds, disaster response, and specific public enterprise revenues, is exempt from this limit. To exceed the limit for capital projects or permanent fund appropriations, the legislature would need a three-fourths vote and voter approval, while regular spending beyond the limit would only be permitted for declared disasters. The amendment would apply to fiscal years starting in 2028 and requires voter approval at the next general election.
Maddy summaryHB 38 clarifies rules for public employers in Alaska’s teachers’ and public employees’ retirement systems (who do not participate in federal Social Security) to join the state’s supplemental employee benefits program. It allows these employers to become "participating employers" under specific conditions, including if they’ve never joined Social Security or withdrew from it. Employees in these systems can choose to opt out of the benefits program if their employer meets those conditions. The bill takes effect July 1, 2025, and does not change existing benefits for current participants.
Maddy summaryHB 65 authorizes the Alaska Railroad Corporation to issue up to $135 million in revenue bonds to replace the passenger dock and terminal facility in Seward, Alaska. The project must accommodate marine highway vessels with side-loading doors, and bonds will be repaid solely from dock revenue, not state funds. This bill directly affects the Alaska Railroad Corporation and the Seward facility, enabling infrastructure upgrades without using general state credit. The bill was signed into law on March 6, 2025, and took effect March 7, 2025.