Rep. Kevin McCabe

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 bill is a House Concurrent Resolution that formally honors United States military veterans who were exposed to Agent Orange during the Vietnam War. It recognizes the health risks and sacrifices these veterans faced, noting that over 300,000 died due to exposure and that many more suffered from serious illnesses or genetic damage affecting their families. The resolution expresses the Alaska State Legislature's gratitude for the courage and service of these veterans but does not create any new laws or change existing policies.

Maddy summaryThis bill would have prevented insurance companies from making decisions based solely on whether a person is an elected official in Alaska. It directly affects elected officials, such as legislators, mayors, and governors, by prohibiting insurers from refusing coverage, canceling policies, denying claims, limiting coverage, or raising premiums just because of their public office. However, the law would still allow insurers to make these decisions if they are based on sound underwriting principles related to actual risk or if required by other laws. The measure was ultimately vetoed by the Governor and did not become law.

Maddy summaryThis bill allows employers in Alaska to pay employee wages directly into payroll card accounts, provided the employee has not opted for a traditional bank deposit. Under the new rules, employers must inform workers about their payment options, the card's terms, and any associated fees, while the cards themselves must offer at least one free weekly withdrawal and unlimited free balance checks via phone and another electronic method. The legislation also prohibits charging fees for applying to the account, receiving the initial card, transferring wages, or making purchases with the card, and requires that funds in the account be insured by a federal entity.

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 prohibits the fiduciaries of Alaska's state funds, the Alaska Retirement Management Board, and the Alaska Permanent Fund Corporation Board from making investment decisions aimed at advancing social, political, or ideological causes. Specifically, it bars these entities from investing in or divesting from companies based on their environmental policies, diversity practices, reproductive health services, or involvement in the firearms industry, unless such actions are required by federal or state law. The legislation defines these prohibited actions by listing specific commitments, such as reducing greenhouse gas emissions or restricting access to abortion and gender-affirming care, that would trigger the investment restrictions. By amending existing statutes, the bill ensures that the management of these funds remains focused on financial returns rather than aligning with particular societal values.

Maddy summaryThis bill updates the legal definition of "village" in Alaska's Village Safe Water Act to include various types of small municipalities and Native communities. Specifically, it expands the definition to cover second-class cities, small first-class cities, and home rule municipalities with populations under 1,000, as well as the Annette Island Reserve. The legislation also clarifies that certain unincorporated areas with populations between 25 and 1,500, including census-designated places and specific Native village councils, qualify as villages if they agree to maintain water projects funded under the act. Additionally, the bill provides a new definition for "census-designated place" to ensure consistency in how these geographic areas are identified for the program.

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.