Maddy summaryThis Alaska legislative resolution (HJR 20) calls on the U.S. Congress to establish two specific hiring goals for Department of Defense (DoD) construction projects: requiring that at least 10% of workers on these projects be in apprenticeship programs, and that at least 10% of those apprentices be veterans. It directly addresses veterans transitioning to civilian careers by targeting employment opportunities in military construction, which involves $18 billion in annual funding. The resolution urges Congress to pass legislation mandating these requirements for contractors and subcontractors on all domestic DoD construction projects. As a non-binding resolution, it expresses Alaska's support for veterans' employment without creating new federal law.
Sponsored bills
Maddy summarySB 268 would exempt seafood processing workers in Alaska from the state's existing minimum paid sick leave requirements. Specifically, it amends Alaska Statute 23.10.069 to add that "seafood processing workers" (defined as those handling tasks like heading, gutting, filleting, or canning seafood) are not subject to sick leave laws covering other workers. This bill directly affects employees in the seafood processing industry by removing a requirement that applies to most other workers. The legislation is currently in committee referral stage and has not yet been voted on.
Maddy summarySCR 11 is a resolution establishing a 14-member legislative commission to review Alaska's official state seal. The commission will evaluate whether the current seal - described as emphasizing "western exploration, resource extraction, and agricultural activity" while excluding Alaska Native cultures - adequately represents the state's values. Key provisions include recommending seal changes, creating educational materials about its history, and submitting a final report to the legislature by May 14, 2027. The commission requires balanced representation, including members from Alaska Native organizations, cultural institutions, and a high school student. This procedural resolution does not change the seal itself but initiates a formal review process.
Maddy summaryThis bill proposes an amendment to the Alaska Constitution that would lower the vote threshold required to override a governor's veto from three-fourths to two-thirds for all bills, currently requiring a higher threshold for revenue and appropriation bills. It also establishes deadlines for reconsidering vetoes after legislative sessions end - requiring action within five days of the next regular or special session - and mandates that override votes be recorded in legislative journals. If approved, this change would affect how the Alaska legislature handles vetoed bills, altering the legislative process for enacting laws. The amendment must be submitted to voters at the next general election for ratification.
Maddy summaryThis bill requires all Alaska public school districts to create and implement K-12 educational programs approved by the state department. The programs must include instruction on the history and contributions of Asian Americans and Pacific Islanders in the U.S., as well as materials showcasing their cultural and economic diversity. School districts must develop these programs by the specified timeline, with the state department overseeing approval. The bill directly affects every K-12 student and school district in Alaska.
Maddy summaryThis bill extends Alaska's state disaster emergency declaration for the 2025 West Coast Storm until March 8, 2026, retroactively from February 6, 2026. It approves an additional $5.5 million in state disaster relief funds, bringing the total to $39.25 million (split between $18.75 million in federal funds and $20.5 million in state general funds). The extension allows state agencies to continue emergency response efforts and manage infrastructure recovery costs. This directly affects state agencies responsible for disaster response and infrastructure repair following the storm.
Maddy summaryThis resolution establishes a temporary Senate Special Committee on World Trade to study how global trade policies and federal legislation impact Alaska's economy. The committee, appointed by the Senate President, will examine trade opportunities and provide input to Congress on federal policies affecting the state. It expires at the start of the next legislative session (35th Alaska State Legislature) and does not create new laws or directly affect residents or businesses.
Maddy summaryHB 57 sets maximum classroom sizes for Alaska public schools, requiring districts to maintain an average of no more than 23 students per class for grades K-6 and 30 for grades 7-12, excluding certain specialized classes. It mandates annual reporting on class sizes, student performance data (including reading proficiency for early grades), and high school graduate outcomes like career and postsecondary education tracking. The bill also updates procedures for charter school applications and requires school boards to establish clear application processes for new charter schools. These provisions directly affect all public school districts, students, and educators across Alaska.
Maddy summarySJR 17 is a ceremonial resolution honoring The Energy Council's 50th anniversary. It does not enact new laws or affect policies, people, or programs. The resolution formally commends The Energy Council - established in 1975 as a nonpartisan forum for energy policy collaboration among U.S. states and Canadian provinces - for its role in shaping energy discourse over five decades. It serves solely as a symbolic gesture of recognition, with no substantive policy changes or obligations.
Maddy summaryHB 174 creates a dedicated fund to support rural school districts and Mt. Edgecumbe High School in Alaska. It provides funding for school construction and major maintenance projects at these locations, as well as for maintenance of state-owned teacher housing located within rural school districts. The bill specifies that the fund must not hold more than $70 million in unspent balances and prioritizes school construction projects. This directly affects regional educational attendance areas, small municipal school districts, and teachers working in those communities.