Sen. Elvi Gray-Jackson

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 summarySB 54 extends the termination date of Alaska's State Board of Registration for Architects, Engineers, and Land Surveyors from 2025 to 2033. It establishes specific requirements for registered interior designers, including adding a "registered interior designer" as a voting member on the board and requiring the board to define "interior design" to include non-load-bearing interior construction, space planning, and finish materials. The bill also amends regulations for professional practice, certification, and disciplinary actions across architecture, engineering, land surveying, and interior design fields. These changes directly affect licensed professionals in these disciplines and the regulatory body overseeing their work.

Maddy summaryHB 35 restricts electronic device use for prisoners in Alaska state correctional facilities. It prohibits most personal devices like computers, tablets, and VCRs, allowing only approved uses for rehabilitation, education, legal research, or health care. The bill also limits access to certain media (e.g., R-rated movies), specific equipment (like free weights), and restricts food spending comparisons to military personnel. It directly affects incarcerated individuals in state facilities and aims to enhance security by controlling prohibited items and activities. The law became effective November 5, 2025.

Maddy summaryThis Alaska Senate Joint Resolution (SJR 16) urges the U.S. Congress to pass the federal Ensuring Lasting Smiles Act, which would require private health insurance plans to cover all medically necessary treatments for congenital anomalies (such as cleft lip/palate or hypohidrotic ectodermal dysplasia) without annual or lifetime limits. It specifically references families facing high costs - like over $100,000 for dental care for conditions such as Emily Brubaker’s - due to current insurance gaps. The resolution asks Alaska’s congressional delegation to support this federal bill to ensure equitable, lifelong healthcare access for affected individuals.

Maddy summaryHouse Joint Resolution 4 is a symbolic resolution from the Alaska Legislature urging the President, U.S. Secretary of the Interior, and the U.S. Board on Geographic Names to maintain "Denali" as the official name for North America's tallest mountain. It states that Denali is the traditional Koyukon Athabaskan name, has been Alaska's official name since 1975, and was adopted by the U.S. in 2015, rejecting a return to "Mount McKinley." The resolution argues that changing the name would be disrespectful to Alaska Natives, confuse tourism (as Denali is widely recognized), and lacks historical connection to President McKinley, who never visited the mountain. This resolution does not change the name but formally requests federal officials continue using "Denali."

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.

Maddy summaryHJR 5 is a resolution passed by the Alaska Legislature urging the U.S. Congress and President to reinstate and permanently fund the Secure Rural Schools and Community Self-Determination Act of 2000. This act provided critical funding to rural communities near national forests (like those in Southeast Alaska) that historically relied on payments from federal timber revenue to support schools, roads, public safety, and infrastructure. The resolution specifically requests retroactive funding for fiscal year 2025 after the program expired in January 2025 and asks Congress to make the funding mechanism permanent. It does not create new law but formally advocates for federal action to prevent budget shortfalls in affected rural areas.

Maddy summaryThis Alaska Senate resolution (SR 3) urges the U.S. Congress to change two specific policies affecting American Samoans. Currently, American Samoans are U.S. nationals but not citizens (unlike residents of other U.S. territories), which prevents them from serving as commissioned military officers or voting in federal elections. The resolution requests that Congress grant them the right to vote in federal elections and remove barriers to serving as commissioned officers in the U.S. military. It highlights American Samoans' high military enlistment rates, their obligation to register for the draft, and their contributions to U.S. society.

Maddy summaryHJR 11 is a symbolic resolution recognizing Alaska's relationship with Canada. It highlights shared natural resources, trade (including $596 million in annual exports from Alaska to Canada), historical military partnerships, and cultural ties through decades of collaboration. The resolution does not create new laws, funding, or obligations - it serves only as an official statement of support. It was passed by the Alaska Legislature and transmitted to the Governor for filing.

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.