Sen. Elvi Gray-Jackson

Maddy summaryThis bill requires health insurance plans in Alaska to cover prescription contraceptives and related medical services without cost sharing for most enrollees. It mandates that insurers reimburse providers for a 12-month supply of contraceptives in a single payment and prohibits denying coverage if a patient switches methods within that year. The law includes specific exemptions for religious employers who oppose such coverage and requires insurers to offer simple exception procedures when using prior authorization or step therapy. Additionally, the bill extends these coverage requirements to municipal health insurance plans for employees.

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 summaryThis bill amends the law governing the civil legal services fund in Alaska to clarify how money can be added to the account. It allows the legislature to fund the account using specific deposits from the general fund and up to 25 percent of court filing fees collected in the previous year. The money from this fund can only be given to organizations that offer legal help to low-income individuals, who are defined as those earning 125 percent or less of the federal poverty guidelines. By setting these funding sources and eligibility rules, the bill aims to ensure that financial support for civil legal aid is available to those with limited income.

Maddy summaryThis bill requires all public school districts in Alaska to create a state-approved curriculum for students from kindergarten through grade 12. The program must include lessons on the history of Asian Americans and Pacific Islanders, as well as their contributions to the United States. Additionally, schools must use instructional materials that highlight the cultural and economic diversity within these communities. The legislation applies to every school district operating under the state's education code.

Maddy summaryThis bill updates Alaska state law to define the scope of practice for physician assistants, allowing them to perform a wider range of medical tasks such as diagnosing illnesses, prescribing medications including controlled substances, and supervising other healthcare staff. It requires physician assistants with less than 2,000 hours of experience to work under a written collaborative agreement with a supervising physician who must oversee their work and be available for consultation. The legislation also mandates that the board of medicine adopt specific regulations regarding licensure, education requirements, and the responsibilities of supervising physicians to ensure patient safety.

Maddy summaryThis bill updates regulations governing what prisoners in Alaska state correctional facilities can possess and how they can communicate. It directly affects inmates by restricting their access to certain electronic devices, such as computers and tablets, unless their use is approved for rehabilitation, education, or legal purposes. The legislation also limits the types of media prisoners can view, prohibits specific physical activities like martial arts, and sets standards for food quality and living conditions. Additionally, it establishes rules for fees charged by correctional facilities and outlines requirements for contracts with vendors that provide services to the Department of Corrections.

Maddy summaryThis bill requires Alaska public schools to include a specific civics course and assessment as a condition for students to receive a secondary school diploma. The curriculum must be based on the U.S. citizenship naturalization exam and primary source documents, while also incorporating systems of government used by Alaska Natives. To pass the assessment, students must correctly answer at least 70 percent of the questions, though those with disabilities may request a waiver. Additionally, the bill establishes the Alaska Civics Education Commission and mandates annual reporting to the legislature on civics education implementation and student performance.

Maddy summaryThis bill requires every public school district in Alaska to offer a one-half credit financial literacy course to students in grades nine through twelve. Graduation from high school will no longer be possible for students who have not completed this course, which covers essential topics such as budgeting, credit management, taxes, and retirement planning. The law applies to students graduating on or after January 1, 2026, and the program is scheduled to begin on July 1, 2025.

Maddy summaryThis bill establishes a legal framework in Alaska to protect the safety and privacy of crime victims, witnesses, and law enforcement officers enrolled in an address confidentiality program. It mandates that public records containing the home or business addresses and phone numbers of these individuals must be redacted before being made available for public inspection. Additionally, the legislation restricts the disclosure of this sensitive information during court proceedings unless a judge determines it is essential for the case and takes steps to minimize potential harm. The law also clarifies the definition of a correctional officer to include those working in state and qualifying municipal facilities.

Maddy summarySB 89 raises the minimum age in Alaska to 21 for purchasing, exchanging, or possessing tobacco, nicotine products, and electronic smoking devices, replacing the previous age limit of 19. The bill expands criminal penalties to include the negligent sale of these items to minors and prohibits individuals under 21 from knowingly possessing them. It also clarifies rules for tobacco vending machines, allowing them in specific licensed locations like marijuana dispensaries and private break rooms if they are supervised and placed away from main entrances. Additionally, the legislation updates regulations regarding the lawful operation and registration of retail marijuana establishments and adjusts taxes on electronic smoking products.