Rep. Dan Saddler

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 is a House Concurrent Resolution that formally recognizes and commends the National Conference of State Legislatures for its 50th anniversary in 2025. The resolution highlights the organization's history, bipartisan mission to support state legislatures, and its role in fostering cooperation and sharing research among lawmakers. By passing this measure, the Alaska State Legislature expresses its appreciation for the National Conference of State Legislatures' leadership and commitment to the legislative institution.

Maddy summaryThis bill directs Alaska state agencies to create a strategic plan for developing critical minerals needed for renewable energy technologies. It requires the Department of Natural Resources to submit a report comparing the state's current production of minerals like lithium and copper to national and global levels, while also analyzing how regulatory rules affect mining development. Additionally, the Department of Commerce must provide a report on how Alaska can support the global energy transition through innovation, manufacturing, and transportation. Both reports must outline specific strategies for increasing state production and competitiveness over the next three, five, and ten years.

Maddy summaryThis law allows homeowners in Alaska's condominiums to use state disaster relief grants to pay for shared building costs damaged by a disaster. It also updates the rules for applying to the state for money to build, repair, or maintain municipal harbor facilities. To qualify for harbor funding, local governments must match half the project cost with specific local taxes, maintain insurance, and install safety ladders on their floating docks. The changes regarding harbor grants and safety ladders take effect on July 1, 2024.

Maddy summaryThis law, known as the Textbook Cost Transparency Act, requires the University of Alaska to clearly list required course materials on its online course schedule. It mandates that the university specify which materials are free or low-cost and disclose any automatic fees charged when students register. Additionally, the university must include a search feature that allows students to easily find courses where all required materials are either free or affordable. The definitions for low-cost and zero-cost resources are based on the state's minimum hourly wage and free availability, respectively. These changes will take effect on July 1, 2026.

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 bill establishes peer support counseling programs for law enforcement agencies, emergency service providers, and the Department of Corrections in Alaska. It allows these organizations to designate trained employees as counselors to offer emotional and moral support to staff who have experienced traumatic incidents. The legislation mandates that all communications during these counseling sessions remain confidential and are generally protected from being used in criminal or civil legal proceedings. However, the law includes specific exceptions where information must be disclosed, such as threats of suicide or homicide, reports of child or vulnerable adult abuse, and admissions of criminal conduct.

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.