Sen. James Kaufman

Maddy summaryThis law, known as the Textbook Cost Transparency Act, requires the University of Alaska to clearly list required course materials on its online course schedule. It mandates that the university specify which materials are free or low-cost and disclose any automatic fees charged when students register. Additionally, the university must include a search feature that allows students to easily find courses where all required materials are either free or affordable. The definitions for low-cost and zero-cost resources are based on the state's minimum hourly wage and free availability, respectively. These changes will take effect on July 1, 2026.

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 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 House Joint Resolution urges the federal Bureau of Land Management to withdraw proposed regulations that would restrict oil and gas development within the National Petroleum Reserve in Alaska. The bill calls for meaningful consultation with local tribes, municipal governments, and affected communities before any new rules are finalized. It highlights the potential economic benefits of resource development, including job creation and revenue that supports local infrastructure and services. The resolution emphasizes the importance of honoring tribal self-determination and ensuring that policy decisions include the voices of Indigenous nations and Alaska Native corporations.

Maddy summaryThis legislative bill is a House Concurrent Resolution that formally honors United States military veterans who were exposed to Agent Orange during the Vietnam War. It recognizes the health risks and sacrifices these veterans faced, noting that over 300,000 died due to exposure and that many more suffered from serious illnesses or genetic damage affecting their families. The resolution expresses the Alaska State Legislature's gratitude for the courage and service of these veterans but does not create any new laws or change existing policies.

Maddy summaryThis legislative resolution asks the U.S. Congress to create a law that allows people with valid concealed carry permits from one state to legally carry firearms in other states. The bill specifically requests that Congress pass legislation similar to the Concealed Carry Reciprocity Act to establish how these permits are recognized across state lines. It does not change Alaska's own firearm laws but instead seeks federal action to expand where permit holders can carry concealed weapons. The resolution is a formal request sent to federal leaders, including the President and members of Congress, to support this policy change.

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 bill allows the Alaska Board of Nursing to issue nonrenewable temporary permits lasting up to six months to nurses whose licenses have lapsed. These permits are intended for individuals who are applying to have their licenses reinstated and who meet specific requirements set by the board. The measure provides a pathway for these nurses to continue practicing while they complete the process of regaining their full licensure.

Maddy summaryThis bill designates two official state flags in Alaska to honor the sacrifices of fallen service members and first responders. The first flag, the Honor and Remember Flag, recognizes military personnel who died in the line of duty and features a specific design with red, blue, and white elements symbolizing their blood, service, and purity of sacrifice. It may be displayed at state and municipal buildings, courts, and veterans' memorials on designated holidays such as Memorial Day and Veterans Day, without requiring employees to work solely for its display. The second flag, the Honor and Sacrifice Flag, honors firefighters and law enforcement officers who died in the line of duty, featuring a design with blue, purple, and red fields representing the law enforcement community, mourning, and emergency response. This flag can be displayed on specific days including Peace Officers Memorial Day and International Firefighters Day at the same types of locations as the military flag.

Maddy summaryHB 120 creates a special license option for nonresident college students in Alaska who are enrolled full-time or half-time at accredited postsecondary institutions. These students, who do not meet standard residency requirements but have family incomes above the federal poverty guidelines, can purchase hunting, trapping, or fishing licenses at resident rates. The bill also clarifies that individuals already eligible for free or low-cost resident licenses are exempt from a specific intensive management surcharge. All other provisions of the bill, including the creation of this new student license category, are set to take effect on January 1, 2024.