Rep. DeLena Johnson

Maddy summaryHB 22 ensures Alaskans who lose federal medical or cash assistance solely because of the Alaska Permanent Fund Dividend (PFD) can receive state-funded alternatives. It amends eligibility rules so individuals denied federal medical aid (under Social Security Act Title XIX) due to PFD income can get state medical assistance for up to four months at the same level they would have received federally. Similarly, those denied cash assistance because PFD counts as income under federal rules qualify for state cash aid for up to four months at the same federal benefit level. The bill directly affects PFD recipients who would otherwise be ineligible for state relief programs due to federal income calculations.

Maddy summaryThis bill requires school districts in Alaska to have trained staff and at least two doses of opioid overdose medication available at their main buildings during all times students or staff are present, including before and after school hours and on weekends. It also mandates that one dose be available during any school-sponsored events held on school grounds, with the state Department of Health responsible for supplying the drugs and providing training videos for administration. To encourage participation, the legislation grants immunity from civil lawsuits to schools and individuals who fail to maintain these supplies due to good-faith efforts. Additionally, the bill updates rules for homeschool and correspondence study programs by requiring annual individual learning plans developed collaboratively with students, parents, and teachers. These plans must include state standards, ongoing assessments, and provisions for modifying the curriculum if a student struggles in core subjects.

Maddy summaryThis bill reestablishes the Citizens' Advisory Commission on Federal Management Areas in Alaska and sets its expiration date to June 30, 2031. It outlines how the governor will appoint commission members, specifying that their initial terms will be staggered between one, two, three, and four years. The legislation also clarifies the Department of Natural Resources' authority regarding the commission and establishes a transition plan for current members to ensure a smooth start on July 1, 2023.

Maddy summaryThis bill updates Alaska's timber sales laws to allow the state commissioner to sell wood more quickly in specific situations, such as when trees are damaged by fire, insects, or disease, or when they are at risk of losing value soon. It also permits the commissioner to negotiate lower stumpage rates with local wood product manufacturers or fiber users to support local industry, provided the sale still meets state interests and the rate does not fall below a set base price. Additionally, the legislation requires the Department of Natural Resources to submit a detailed report to the legislature by the end of the 2025 fiscal year, outlining all timber sales made during that period and explaining any delays in the process.

Maddy summaryThis bill would allow the Alaska Railroad Corporation to issue up to $135 million in revenue bonds to fund the construction of a new passenger dock and terminal in Seward. The new facility is required to be capable of handling vessels from the Alaska Marine Highway System, and the funds can be used to cover related costs such as debt service and interest. Repayment for the bonds would come specifically from the revenue generated by the dock, without pledging the general credit of the railroad or the state. Although the legislation was passed by the legislature, it was vetoed by the Governor.

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.

Maddy summaryThis legislative resolution asks the U.S. Congress to create a law that allows people with valid concealed carry permits from one state to legally carry firearms in other states. The bill specifically requests that Congress pass legislation similar to the Concealed Carry Reciprocity Act to establish how these permits are recognized across state lines. It does not change Alaska's own firearm laws but instead seeks federal action to expand where permit holders can carry concealed weapons. The resolution is a formal request sent to federal leaders, including the President and members of Congress, to support this policy change.

Maddy summaryThis bill updates Alaska's nursing licensure laws to align with a multistate nurse licensure compact, allowing nurses to practice across state lines with a single license. It mandates that the state adjust licensing fees for both single-state and multistate nursing licenses to match the actual costs of regulating these professions. Additionally, the legislation requires various healthcare professionals, including nurses and doctors, to clearly display their specific titles and specialties on all public-facing materials to ensure transparency. The bill also defines regulatory costs to include expenses for both the state department and the Board of Nursing when calculating appropriate fee levels.

Maddy summaryThis bill requires Alaska public school districts to provide parents of deaf or hard-of-hearing students with unbiased information about various communication methods, such as sign language, cued speech, and listening and spoken language. It mandates that districts allow parents to choose the communication method they believe is best for their child and ensures that services are delivered by professionals trained in that specific method. Additionally, the law updates definitions for terms like "bilingual approach" and "total communication" to clarify how schools should support these students. The legislation also directs the state department to support residential programs for deaf students and outlines how school districts must manage special education responsibilities when placing students in these programs.