Maddy summarySB 174 establishes the Alaska Invasive Species Council within the Department of Fish and Game to coordinate state efforts in managing invasive species. The Council, composed of appointed representatives from state agencies (like Fish and Game and Environmental Conservation), tribes, universities, and conservation groups, will facilitate cooperation between government entities and organizations. Key duties include recommending policies on species importation and classification, guiding how state funds are allocated for invasive species responses, and providing technical assistance for regional management. This bill directly affects state agencies, tribal governments, and conservation organizations involved in preventing or managing invasive species across Alaska.
Sponsored bills
Maddy summaryHB 239 amends Alaska law to increase penalties for criminally negligent homicide committed while operating a motor vehicle and failing to stop or provide assistance after an accident. It upgrades this offense from a Class B felony to a Class A felony (with a 7-11 year sentencing range under AS 12.55.125(c)(D)), directly affecting drivers involved in collisions who violate existing duties to stop and assist under AS 28.35.050/060. The bill does not change the underlying duty to stop but significantly raises the criminal consequences for violating it. This adjustment specifically targets cases where a driver’s failure to stop causes death, making it a more serious felony than other negligent homicide scenarios.
Maddy summaryHB 28 establishes a pilot program to help certain Alaska teachers and state employees repay student loans. It targets full-time public school teachers and state workers who completed degrees outside Alaska (with 12+ months Alaska residency before studying) or at the University of Alaska (with 12+ months outside Alaska before employment), provided they have qualifying student loans. Participants may receive annual grants of up to $8,000 (for loans ≥$24,000) or one-third of their loan balance (for smaller loans), capped at 125 grants yearly with a $1 million total annual limit. The Alaska Commission on Postsecondary Education will administer the program, require annual reports on its impact on recruitment/retention, and evaluate it through 2027 before the program expires January 1, 2028.
Maddy summaryThis Senate Resolution (SR 4) commemorates the 250th anniversary of the U.S. founding on July 4, 2026, and encourages Alaskans to participate in related events. It urges educational institutions to strengthen civics education, focusing on foundational U.S. principles like liberty, federalism, and citizen participation. The resolution has no binding effect - it is a symbolic gesture to honor historical milestones and promote civic learning.
Maddy summarySB 24 raises Alaska's minimum age to purchase, possess, or exchange tobacco products, electronic smoking devices, and nicotine products from 19 to 21 years. It prohibits individuals under 21 from possessing these products, with exceptions for FDA-approved nicotine cessation products prescribed by a healthcare professional or provided through state-approved programs. The bill also updates rules for vending machines in licensed businesses and includes provisions related to funding for tobacco education and cessation programs and taxation of electronic smoking products.
Maddy summarySB 23 requires Alaska public high schools to implement a standardized civics curriculum covering U.S. and Alaska government, founding documents, citizenship rights, and global governance systems. Students must complete a semester-long civics course and pass two assessments: a 100-question test based on the U.S. citizenship exam and a civics project-based assessment to earn a high school diploma. The bill directly affects all Alaska public high school students, with exemptions for transfers after 10th grade, students with prior history credits, or those with disability waivers. Schools must document passing scores on transcripts and may allow retakes for the assessment.
Maddy summaryHJR 39 is a resolution passed by the Alaska State Legislature urging the federal government to waive a $100,000 annual H-1B visa fee for international educators hired by Alaska schools. It directly affects Alaska school districts - particularly rural and remote ones facing teacher shortages in subjects like math, science, and special education - who currently employ nearly 500 international educators. The resolution cites that the fee increase threatens to force schools to pay millions or lose needed teachers, impacting over 5,000 students currently without adequate staffing. This is a non-binding request to federal officials (including the President, Education Secretary, and Homeland Security Secretary), not a law that would change visa fees itself.
Maddy summaryHJR 28 is a resolution passed by the Alaska State Legislature calling on the U.S. Congress to enact the Kids Online Safety Act (S. 1748). It does not create new laws but urges federal action to protect minors under 17 from online risks like harmful content, addictive design, and excessive data collection. The resolution highlights that S. 1748 would require online platforms to implement default privacy settings, parental controls, and restrictions on targeting children with ads or data tracking. Alaska’s resolution directly affects children and teens using websites, apps, and social media by advocating for federal safeguards. This is a procedural resolution, not a policy change.
Maddy summaryThis symbolic resolution from Alaska's legislature honors the 250th anniversary of the Declaration of Independence signing (July 4, 1776) and encourages Alaskan residents to celebrate the 250th birthday of the United States in 2026. It commemorates the founding principles and historical significance of the Declaration without creating new laws or affecting specific groups.
Maddy summaryHJR 18 is a resolution passed by the Alaska State Legislature expressing support for the Alaska Liquefied Natural Gas (LNG) Project. It recognizes the project as critical for Alaska’s economy, U.S. energy independence, and national security, and urges federal officials - including President Trump, Secretary of the Interior Douglas Burgum, and relevant agencies - to expedite approvals and coordination for the project. The resolution highlights that the project would create high-paying jobs, generate long-term revenue, and provide a direct energy corridor for global LNG exports without relying on adversarial nations. As a non-binding resolution, it does not enact policy but formally advocates for federal action to advance the project.