Sen. Jesse Bjorkman

Maddy summarySB 267 requires Alaska school districts to file annual financial audits with the Legislative Budget and Audit Committee by November 15 each year, with state funding withheld for noncompliance. It mandates detailed annual reports from school districts including staff-to-student ratios, budget alignment with performance standards, and resources for school improvement. The bill establishes a public website (per AS 24.20.207) for accessing school financial data and audit reports. These provisions directly affect school districts, the Legislative Budget Committee, and the public by increasing transparency in school funding and accountability.

Maddy summarySB 270 amends Alaska's Rules of Criminal Procedure to clarify and strengthen grand jury operations. It requires at least two alternate jurors for each grand jury (Section 1), mandates courts to provide written instructions on grand jury laws (Section 2), and explicitly states grand juries may investigate matters affecting public safety - excluding private civil claims (Sections 3-4). The bill also requires jurors who know of a crime to disclose it to fellow jurors and prosecutors (Section 5), and allows hearsay evidence in grand jury proceedings with proper notice to the jury (Section 10). These changes apply to all Alaska grand juries handling criminal investigations.

Maddy summarySB 209 establishes new assessment requirements for Alaska high school students to earn diplomas with "certified proficiency." It requires schools to administer proficiency confirmation tools in economics, science, social studies, language arts, and math for students in grades 8, 10, and 12, with the grade 12 assessment determining diploma eligibility. Students must achieve a "proficient" score in all subjects to receive a sealed diploma; districts must offer reassessment upon request for those who don't meet the standard. The law applies to students graduating on or after January 1, 2030, and updates graduation credit requirements (e.g., 21 units total, including specific social studies and economics credits).

Maddy summarySB 136 prohibits financial institutions and payment networks from discriminating against firearm retailers by, for example, refusing transactions based on firearm codes, charging higher fees, or limiting services solely because a business sells firearms. It requires these institutions to maintain privacy for firearm transaction records and forbids disclosing such records unless legally required. The bill allows firearm retailers or customers to petition Alaska's attorney general to investigate violations, with enforcement including injunctions and fines up to $10,000 per violation for noncompliance. It directly affects firearm retailers and financial service providers operating in Alaska, creating a legal framework to address alleged discrimination in payment processing.

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 summaryHJR 15 is a non-binding legislative resolution urging Alaska agencies and communities to prepare for the 2025 wildfire season. It directs the Governor, Department of Natural Resources (forestry/fire division), public safety agencies, municipalities, and the Alaska congressional delegation to review wildfire response plans, improve water access for firefighting, inspect roads for evacuation routes, and expand public education programs like Firewise USA and Ready, Set, Go! The resolution specifically targets high-risk areas including Anchorage, Fairbanks, and Kenai, where climate-driven dry conditions and new wildfire risks require proactive measures. It emphasizes concrete steps like pre-season drills, fuel reduction, and enhanced early detection systems to reduce response costs and community vulnerability.

Maddy summarySB 137 extends the expiration dates for four Alaska state boards to prevent them from automatically dissolving. It updates statutory deadlines to set the Board of Certified Direct-Entry Midwives and Board of Nursing to expire on June 30, 2031, the Board of Veterinary Examiners to June 30, 2031, and the Board of Parole to June 30, 2029. The bill also includes a retroactive effective date of June 30, 2025, and exempts it from a rule prohibiting multiple board extensions. This procedural bill directly affects the regulated professions overseen by these boards (midwives, nurses, veterinarians, and parole oversight) by maintaining their current governance structures.

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 summarySJR 19 is a non-binding resolution passed by the Alaska Legislature urging the U.S. Congress to honor historical agreements requiring Alaska to receive 90% of federal revenue from oil and gas leases on two specific federal lands: the Arctic National Wildlife Refuge and the National Petroleum Reserve in Alaska. It references the 1958 Alaska Statehood Act and a 1957 amendment to the Mineral Leasing Act, which established Alaska's right to this 90% share as part of statehood negotiations. The resolution does not change current law but requests Congress fulfill this long-standing commitment, particularly as federal energy development expands in these areas. It is a statement of policy position, not a legislative proposal with immediate effect.