Sen. Cathy Giessel

Maddy summaryThis bill updates teacher certification and compensation rules in Alaska. It allows retired teachers to keep their state certification for life, enabling them to work as long-term substitutes for up to 165 consecutive days. The legislation also removes the previous cap on how many years of out-of-state teaching experience can count toward in-state salary scales. Additionally, it creates a new program where school districts or the state department can pay $5,000 annual bonuses and reimburse costs for teachers pursuing national board certification. These changes take effect on July 1, 2024, for sections regarding national board certification, while other provisions apply to contracts signed after the law's passage.

Maddy summaryThis Senate Joint Resolution expresses the Alaska State Legislature's support for small fishing businesses and families, urging the federal government to adopt policies that help the state's seafood industry compete globally. The bill calls on federal agencies to create a dedicated office for seafood policy within the Department of Agriculture and to treat seafood producers similarly to those in land-based agriculture. It also requests increased federal funding for product development and marketing, better trade representation for seafood interests, and improved access to programs for vessel construction and workforce development.

Maddy summaryThis Senate resolution designates March 2024 as Chronic Kidney Disease Awareness Month in Alaska to highlight the importance of research, screening, and healthcare access for those affected by the condition. The bill underscores that kidney disease disproportionately impacts communities of color and notes that many cases go undiagnosed until significant irreversible damage has occurred. By officially recognizing this month, the resolution aims to encourage public understanding of the disease's risks and the availability of simple diagnostic tests.

Maddy summaryThis Alaska House Joint Resolution urges the United States Congress to repeal two specific provisions of the federal Social Security Act: the Windfall Elimination Provision and the Government Pension Offset. These provisions currently reduce Social Security benefits for public employees and teachers in Alaska who cannot earn Social Security credits while working in state or school systems. The resolution highlights that these rules disproportionately lower monthly payments for low-earning workers and may discourage people from joining the public workforce. The bill is a non-binding request to federal lawmakers, not a law that changes state policy itself.

Maddy summaryThis bill establishes peer support counseling programs for law enforcement agencies, emergency service providers, and the Department of Corrections in Alaska. It allows these organizations to designate trained employees as counselors to offer emotional and moral support to staff who have experienced traumatic incidents. The legislation mandates that all communications during these counseling sessions remain confidential and are generally protected from being used in criminal or civil legal proceedings. However, the law includes specific exceptions where information must be disclosed, such as threats of suicide or homicide, reports of child or vulnerable adult abuse, and admissions of criminal conduct.

Maddy summaryThis bill is a joint resolution from the Alaska State Legislature that urges the United States Congress to pass the Truth and Healing Commission on Indian Boarding School Policies Act. The resolution highlights the historical harm caused by federal boarding schools, which forcibly removed American Indian, Alaska Native, and Native Hawaiian children from their families to assimilate them, often resulting in abuse and death. It specifically notes that over 100 such schools existed in Alaska, many of which remain unidentified due to a lack of accessible records. The Alaska Legislature expresses its full support for the federal legislation, which aims to establish a commission to address the intergenerational trauma stemming from these policies. Copies of the resolution were sent to federal officials, including the President, Vice President, and members of Congress representing Alaska.

Maddy summarySenate Concurrent Resolution 9 asks the Alaska Department of Health to create new rules that ensure mental health and substance use disorder benefits are treated the same as physical health benefits under the state's medical assistance program. The bill highlights that current regulations impose extra administrative hurdles, such as strict time limits and frequent authorizations, which are not required for physical health services and can delay access to care. By urging the department to adopt parity standards, the resolution aims to streamline care coordination, reduce reliance on emergency rooms, and improve overall access to behavioral health treatment for state residents.

Maddy summaryThis joint resolution urges the U.S. Congress and the President to pass and sign the Alaska Native Village Municipal Lands Restoration Act of 2023. The proposed legislation would amend the Alaska Native Claims Settlement Act to return approximately 11,500 acres of land currently held in trust by the state back to the affected Alaska Native village corporations. This change would allow these corporations to decide how to use the land for economic development rather than waiting for future municipalities to incorporate. The bill specifically targets the 93 villages that have not yet incorporated, aiming to remove a requirement established in 1971 that mandated holding land in trust for potential future cities.

Maddy summaryHB 126 updates the regulations for mental health professionals in Alaska, specifically expanding the Board of Professional Counselors' authority to license associate counselors and set standards for their supervisors. The bill clarifies the definition of "health care provider" to include various licensed counselors and establishes new requirements for how these professionals must display their titles in advertising and signage. Additionally, it mandates that group health insurance plans cannot unfairly discriminate against associate counselors and requires the disclosure of health care service prices and fees. The legislation also addresses telehealth practices, patient record management, and liability issues for health care providers.

Maddy summaryThis Alaska bill allows licensed optometrists to delegate certain routine eye care tasks to unlicensed agents, provided those agents meet specific standards set by the state board. The law explicitly prohibits delegating duties related to pain management, opioid use, and addiction treatment, while requiring the board to define what counts as "routine services." Optometrists must continue to hold a license to perform non-delegated duties, and the bill updates regulations to clarify licensing requirements and prohibited acts for anyone practicing optometry.