Rep. Becky Schwanke

Maddy summaryHB 213 amends Alaska law to clarify how the Department of Administration may share driver's license data. It limits data sharing to only what's required for REAL ID Act compliance (federal standards for driver's licenses) and adds a new provision allowing the department to share data with U.S. Social Security Administration-approved entities for driver's license verification. The bill restricts sharing beyond these specific purposes and takes effect immediately. It directly affects the Department of Administration and entities seeking to verify driver's license information.

Maddy summaryHB 147 allows licensed naturopaths in Alaska to prescribe prescription drugs under a temporary endorsement while supervised by a physician. To qualify, naturopaths must pass a pharmacology exam and meet department requirements, with supervision from a physician who has prescribed drugs for at least five years. After one year of supervised practice, the supervising physician can recommend full endorsement to the department, enabling the naturopath to prescribe without supervision. The bill also requires naturopaths to complete 60 hours of continuing education (including 20 hours on pharmacotherapy) every two years to renew their license.

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 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 summaryThis non-binding resolution supports Alaska's 2022-2027 Economic Development Strategy by endorsing public-private investment in resource development, prioritizing sustainable wild food and renewable resources, and encouraging collaboration between sectors to educate students about the state's resource-based economy. It also expresses support for the Permanent Fund dividend, which provides annual payments to Alaska residents. The resolution directly affects Alaskans by shaping economic priorities focused on resource development, job creation, and fiscal stability through sustainable growth.

Maddy summaryHB 327 clarifies rules for Alaska's Permanent Fund Dividend (PFD) payments. It specifies that PFDs are exempt from asset calculations for state benefits like food assistance, meaning they don't count toward eligibility limits. The bill also clarifies that PFDs aren't considered "liquid assets" when determining financial eligibility for programs. Additionally, it defines PFD applications and payments in legal contexts to prevent fraud. This directly affects all Alaska residents who receive the annual PFD.

Maddy summaryHB 297 establishes that Alaska residents have priority when taking fish for personal or family consumption over commercial and sport fishing. It requires the Board of Fisheries to consider specific factors like historical resident participation in fisheries, the importance of fisheries for local food access, and whether residents have a fair opportunity to fish. The bill changes current allocation rules to ensure resident subsistence needs are addressed before other uses. This directly affects how fishery resources are distributed across Alaska's commercial, sport, and resident fishing sectors.

Maddy summaryHB 279 requires that schools, youth sports associations, and the University of Alaska mandate only vaccines with full U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) approval for participation. It also mandates that healthcare providers give parents or guardians a copy of the CDC's vaccine risks/benefits statement or FDA emergency use fact sheet before administering vaccines to minors. The bill directly affects school districts, athletic associations, the University of Alaska, healthcare providers, and parents of children under 18. Key provisions standardize vaccine requirements to FDA-approved options and ensure parents receive clear vaccine information. The bill takes effect July 1, 2026.

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 summaryHJR 11 is a symbolic resolution recognizing Alaska's relationship with Canada. It highlights shared natural resources, trade (including $596 million in annual exports from Alaska to Canada), historical military partnerships, and cultural ties through decades of collaboration. The resolution does not create new laws, funding, or obligations - it serves only as an official statement of support. It was passed by the Alaska Legislature and transmitted to the Governor for filing.