Rep. Kevin McCabe

Maddy summaryHB 295 updates Alaska's rules for qualifying for the Permanent Fund Dividend (PFD) by expanding the list of acceptable reasons for temporary absence from the state during the qualifying year. It allows residents to remain eligible for the annual PFD payment if they are absent for specific, approved reasons like full-time education (including vocational training), military service (or accompanying family members), medical treatment (not for climate reasons), caregiving for critically ill relatives, estate settlement (within 220 days), or government service (e.g., as a member of Congress or state employee). The bill directly affects Alaska residents who temporarily leave the state for these qualifying purposes. This is a clarification of existing eligibility criteria, not a new policy change, and applies to all residents meeting the specified absence conditions.

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 136 amends Alaska law to clarify rules for railroad utility corridors and easements. It requires railroad corridors to be at least 100 feet wide on both sides of tracks (unless land ownership limits this) and specifies that railroads may lease or grant easements for transportation, communication, and related uses - without restricting other parallel corridor uses. The bill also adds a new provision requiring railroads to allow adjacent property owners to use their land in ways that don’t unreasonably interfere with railroad operations. These changes directly affect railroad corporations and landowners with easements in corridor areas.

Maddy summaryHB 203 prohibits the use of trawl or dredge fishing gear that causes substantial contact with the seafloor in Alaska state waters, directly affecting commercial fishermen using this gear. The bill requires the Department of Fish and Game to conduct a study on seafloor ecosystem health and bycatch (unintended catch) from such gear, reporting findings by January 2027. The study must assess impacts on fish habitats and recommend whether to ban or limit this gear for sustainable fisheries and public benefit. If adopted, the prohibition would take effect on January 1, 2028. The bill is currently under consideration by the Fisheries Committee.

Maddy summaryHB 3 requires the Alaska legislature to convene annually in Anchorage for regular sessions starting on the third Tuesday in January. It prohibits legislators and legislative employees from soliciting campaign contributions in Anchorage during regular sessions and restricts candidates for governor or lieutenant governor from doing so in Anchorage during any legislative session. The bill allows special sessions to be held anywhere in the state, with the governor or presiding officers designating the location. Additionally, it updates lobbying registration requirements and provides travel expense reimbursement for legislators attending regular sessions in Anchorage.

Maddy summaryHB 304 imposes a $1 surcharge on all sport fishing licenses in Alaska, except for holders of $5 resident licenses or free licenses. The revenue funds a dedicated "sport fishing angler access account" to produce biennial reports on the economic impacts of sport fishing in the state. These reports must follow a specific format modeled after a 2007 Department of Fish and Game publication. The bill affects all sport fishing license buyers (with limited exemptions) and requires the commissioner to distribute these reports publicly every two years.

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 326 requires physicians and physician assistants to conduct an in-person physical exam before prescribing abortion-inducing drugs and schedule a follow-up appointment within 14 days to confirm pregnancy termination and assess bleeding. It also prohibits prescribing these drugs based on internet questionnaires or email without an existing patient relationship. The bill directly affects healthcare providers who prescribe abortion-inducing drugs and patients seeking such care in Alaska. These requirements amend existing law to add in-person examination and follow-up mandates for abortion drug prescriptions.