Rep. Sara Hannan

Maddy summaryHB 235 requires Alaska's Department of Environmental Conservation to test all public drinking water systems annually for perfluoroalkyl and polyfluoroalkyl substances (PFAS), harmful chemicals found in products like nonstick coatings and firefighting foam. If PFAS levels exceed specific safety limits (e.g., 4 parts per trillion for perfluorooctanoic acid), the state must provide free, safe drinking water to affected residents. The bill also establishes liability: entities that release PFAS without following safety rules must cover cleanup costs, while manufacturers may be liable if users complied with all regulations. This law directly affects public water systems, residents in contaminated areas, and companies handling PFAS-containing products.

Maddy summaryHB 366 bans the use of high-viscosity or high-sulfur heavy petroleum fuel oil in vessel engines operating within Alaska's coastal waters, directly affecting commercial and recreational vessel operators in those areas. The bill includes exemptions for ocean voyages through coastal waters without entering state ports (if continuous and expeditious), emergencies, or distress situations requiring assistance. Violations would be subject to fines established by the Department of Environmental Conservation through regulations. The law defines "applicable waters" per federal standards and specifies "heavy petroleum fuel oil" as fuel exceeding 380 centistokes viscosity or 0.1% sulfur content.

Maddy summaryHB 242 amends Alaska's criminal statutes to clarify and strengthen definitions of sexual assault. It updates first-degree sexual assault (Section 1) to explicitly include offenses involving victims who are mentally incapable, incapacitated, or unaware of the act - particularly when the victim is under the offender's care (e.g., in licensed facilities) or when a health care worker exploits a patient during treatment. Second-degree sexual assault (Section 2) similarly expands definitions to cover assaults involving mentally incapable victims in care settings, incapacitation, or health care worker misconduct. The bill directly affects vulnerable individuals in care environments and health care settings by tightening legal standards for prosecuting these specific offenses. The bill is currently pending in the Health & Social Services committee and has not yet been enacted.

Maddy summaryHB 21 allows Alaska residents aged 16 to 17 to preregister to vote. Instead of the standard requirement to be 18 within 90 days, applicants declare they will turn 18 within two years. The state automatically registers them as full voters 90 days before their 18th birthday. Crucially, the bill also requires that the address and phone number of any minor registering or preregistering remain confidential and not publicly accessible. This applies specifically to voter registration records for those under 18.

Maddy summaryHB 250 makes it a class B misdemeanor for peace officers in Alaska to wear masks covering their face during public interactions while performing official duties, unless specific exceptions apply. These exceptions include undercover assignments, wearing face shields designed for protection, medical masks with a physician's certification, or masks for smoke exposure. The law directly affects police officers, sheriffs, and other peace officers who interact with the public in their official roles. It takes effect immediately upon enactment and does not apply to the exceptions listed in the bill text.

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.

Maddy summaryThis is a symbolic resolution (HCR 6) passed by Alaska's legislature to honor the 250th anniversary of the U.S. Marine Corps' founding on November 10, 2025. It expresses the legislature's recognition of the Marine Corps' historical role, values, and sacrifices, including honoring fallen service members. The resolution calls on Alaskans to participate in commemorative activities and encourages local communities to recognize area Marines. It has no legal effect or policy changes - it is purely a ceremonial expression of support.

Maddy summaryHJR 13 is a state resolution urging the U.S. President to resume evacuation flights for Afghan nationals with approved Special Immigrant Visas (SIVs) and their families. It specifically requests the State Department expedite visa processing, secure legal protections for SIV applicants, and provide Congress with a report on reinstating evacuation flights. The resolution directly affects Afghan allies who worked with U.S. forces and have received SIV approval but remain stranded abroad, often separated from family members. As a non-binding resolution, it calls for federal action but does not alter existing law or create new obligations.

Maddy summaryHB 191 creates the Alaska Invasive Species Council within the Department of Fish and Game to coordinate state efforts against invasive species. The council, composed of state agency representatives, tribal members, academic experts, and organizational leaders, facilitates cooperation between state, federal, tribal, and local entities managing invasive species. Key provisions include advising on import rules, species classification, funding priorities, and technical assistance for regional management efforts. This bill directly affects state agencies (like Fish and Game, Environmental Conservation, and Transportation), tribal governments, and organizations involved in invasive species prevention and response.