Rep. Elexie Moore

Maddy summaryThis Alaska legislative resolution (HJR 22) requests two specific actions from the U.S. Congress: (1) to propose a constitutional amendment limiting U.S. House and Senate members to a set number of terms, and (2) to call a constitutional convention to draft such an amendment. It asks Congress to act on this request, or else states will independently pursue a convention under Article V of the Constitution. The resolution formally applies for a convention focused solely on term limits, seeking to aggregate Alaska’s application with those of other states that have similar requests. As a procedural resolution, it does not change law but aims to advance a constitutional amendment process.

Maddy summaryHB 160 allows Alaska's local municipalities to set their own election terms for municipal school board members through local ordinances. Currently, school board members serve three-year terms by default (per AS 29.20.300(a)), but this bill gives municipalities the authority to change that term length if they choose. The key provision amends Alaska Statutes to explicitly permit municipal governing bodies to alter school board terms via ordinance, without requiring state-level approval. This directly affects all municipal school districts across Alaska, giving local communities more flexibility in how they structure school board elections.

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 323 changes how Alaska landowners qualify for lower property tax assessments on agricultural land. To qualify, owners must apply by May 15 annually and prove at least $2,500 in annual agricultural sales by submitting IRS Schedule F forms or equivalent documentation. The bill defines "farm use" to exclude marijuana production and specifies eligible livestock types like cattle and poultry. This affects landowners seeking agricultural classification, directly impacting their property tax bills for qualifying farm or ranch land.

Maddy summaryHB 331 amends Alaska's "Alaska Grown" program to require that only agricultural products grown within Alaska can use the official logo, removing certification for out-of-state products (repealing AS 03.05.010(d)). It authorizes the Department of Commerce to sell promotional merchandise featuring the logo, charge fees for it, and ensure a reasonable return to the state (adding AS 44.33.020(a)(45)). The department must prioritize selling U.S.-made merchandise procured from Alaskan bidders or prison labor programs where possible. The bill also updates fee collection rules and specifies that new merchandise sales policies apply to contracts entered into after the law's effective date.

Maddy summaryHB 345 would amend Alaska's workers' compensation law to exempt certain independent contractors from coverage. Specifically, it adds a new exemption category requiring individuals to meet all seven criteria, such as having a written contract, working without employer control over their methods, bearing business expenses, and meeting IRS requirements. This change would directly affect agricultural cooperative members who qualify as independent contractors under these new standards. The bill does not alter coverage for most other workers, who remain subject to Alaska's standard workers' compensation protections.

Maddy summaryHJR 5 is a resolution passed by the Alaska Legislature urging the U.S. Congress and President to reinstate and permanently fund the Secure Rural Schools and Community Self-Determination Act of 2000. This act provided critical funding to rural communities near national forests (like those in Southeast Alaska) that historically relied on payments from federal timber revenue to support schools, roads, public safety, and infrastructure. The resolution specifically requests retroactive funding for fiscal year 2025 after the program expired in January 2025 and asks Congress to make the funding mechanism permanent. It does not create new law but formally advocates for federal action to prevent budget shortfalls in affected rural areas.

Maddy summaryHB 75 requires national criminal history background checks for certain employees and contractors working with Alaska's permanent fund dividend program, including those handling eligibility or administration. It expands eligibility for the permanent fund dividend by allowing residents to be absent from Alaska for specific reasons - such as full-time education, military service, medical treatment, or caring for a critically ill family member - without losing their dividend eligibility. The bill also mandates electronic notice for debt collection actions against permanent fund dividends, replacing paper notices. These changes affect Department of Revenue staff, dividend applicants, and individuals receiving or owing dividend payments. The law takes effect January 1, 2026.

Maddy summaryHB 82 designates Nanuqsaurus as Alaska's official state dinosaur by amending Alaska Statutes to add this designation to state code. The bill takes immediate effect upon enactment, as specified in Section 2. This ceremonial measure establishes a symbolic state identity without altering laws, regulations, or impacting any specific group or policy. It directly affects Alaskan state identity through official recognition of a locally significant dinosaur fossil.

Maddy summaryHJR 7 is a symbolic resolution expressing Alaska's gratitude to President Trump for his 2020 executive order "Unleashing Alaska's Extraordinary Resource Potential." The resolution specifically commends the executive order's directives to restart oil and gas leasing in the Arctic National Wildlife Refuge, rescind environmental reviews of past projects, and prioritize resource development on federal lands. It does not create new laws or alter regulations but formally supports the executive order's policy goals. The resolution directly affects Alaska's legislative body, which is expressing this stance to the federal government. This is a non-binding gesture, not a legislative change.