Rep. Ky Holland

Maddy summaryHB 229 would exempt Alaska from observing daylight saving time, meaning the entire state would permanently stay on standard time year-round instead of changing clocks twice annually. The bill amends Alaska Statutes to state that during the federal daylight saving period (defined under 15 U.S.C. 260a), the state will not advance clocks and will instead maintain standard time. This change would affect all Alaskans by eliminating the biannual clock changes, with the policy taking effect on November 3, 2026.

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 summaryHJR 27 is a non-binding resolution supporting Alaska’s energy strategy, urging the federal government to release previously allocated funds for energy and infrastructure projects. It directs state agencies to coordinate energy and economic planning, prioritize critical minerals development, and ensure energy equity - particularly for rural and Indigenous communities. The resolution emphasizes Alaska’s natural resource assets (oil, gas, minerals, renewables) and advocates for a unified state approach to maximize economic development. As a procedural resolution, it does not create new laws but formally expresses the legislature’s position on energy policy coordination.

Maddy summaryHB 346 requires Alaska's Department of Transportation to follow local zoning rules for buffers (like green spaces or barriers) between airports and nearby nonindustrial property, such as homes or farms. The department can only remove an existing buffer if it creates an immediate aircraft safety hazard, after providing public notice and comment, and implementing new protective measures like replacement buffers. This directly affects airport operators, local governments, and residents living near airports by setting clear rules for land use. The bill aims to balance airport safety with community concerns about noise and development.

Maddy summaryHB 34 establishes the Alaska Innovation Council within the Department of Commerce, Community, and Economic Development to advance economic development through innovation. The council will have 19 members, including the governor (as chair), agency commissioners, five governor-appointed entrepreneurs with specific expertise (e.g., rural/urban startup ecosystems, angel investing, and Alaska Native business partnerships), two higher education representatives, and legislative members. The bill requires financial disclosures for all council members and sets terms, meetings (at least three times yearly), and voting rules for official action. It directly affects Alaska’s business ecosystem by creating a formal body to coordinate innovation efforts across government, education, and private sectors.

Maddy summaryHB 208 repeals a specific regulatory provision (AS 42.05.711(v)) related to liquefied natural gas (LNG) import facilities in Alaska. This bill removes an existing requirement from state law governing how the Alaska Regulatory Commission oversees LNG import facilities. The repeal directly affects the Regulatory Commission’s authority regarding these facilities but does not establish new regulations or requirements. The bill is currently under review by the House Resources committee.

Maddy summaryHCR 10 is a procedural bill proposing a technical update to Alaska's legislative rules for handling resolutions. It revises Rule 49(b) to clarify that the Legislative Affairs Agency, not the lieutenant governor, is responsible for sending enrolled resolution copies to federal/state agencies and notifying sponsors within 15 days of the governor's return. This change affects Alaska legislators and agencies that process resolutions, streamlining the administrative workflow for all resolutions passed by the legislature. The bill does not create new policies or impact citizens directly.

Maddy summaryHB 290 requires the Alaska governor's office to deliver signed resolutions to the Legislative Affairs Agency's executive director within specific deadlines: 15 days if the legislature is in session, or 20 days if not. The bill specifies that the agency director must sign for receipt and return the resolutions after they are photographed for duplication. This procedural bill directly affects the governor's office and the Legislative Affairs Agency by standardizing the handling of legislative resolutions. It does not change policy but clarifies administrative steps for resolution delivery.

Maddy summaryHB 252 limits an electric utility's liability for vegetation-related damage or wildfires near their facilities, except in specific cases like vegetation on utility property or when utilities work outside their designated areas. It requires utilities to create and annually update written wildland fire mitigation plans approved by the Department of Natural Resources, detailing boundary management, fire risk assessments, and vegetation control methods. Utilities following an approved plan are presumed not negligent if a wildfire occurs, reducing their liability for certain damages like property loss or injury - though they remain liable for gross negligence or intentional misconduct. The bill directly affects electric utilities and property owners adjacent to utility rights-of-way.

Maddy summaryHB 24 expands the list of factors judges must consider when determining criminal sentences in Alaska, potentially leading to harsher punishments above standard ranges. It adds 18 specific aggravating circumstances, including cases where defendants caused physical injury, showed deliberate cruelty, led groups of three or more, used dangerous weapons, targeted vulnerable victims (like the elderly or disabled), or committed offenses against law enforcement. The bill directly affects defendants convicted of crimes where these factors apply, as courts must now weigh them during sentencing. This change modifies sentencing guidelines under Alaska Statute 12.55.155 to include these new considerations.