Sen. Elvi Gray-Jackson

Maddy summaryHB 69 would increase Alaska's base student allocation from $5,960 to $6,960 per student for public school funding. This change directly affects all Alaska public school districts by raising the state's per-pupil funding amount. The bill specifies that the new rate would take effect on July 1, 2025. The legislation is a straightforward funding adjustment with no additional provisions or mechanisms beyond the dollar amount change. (Note: The bill was vetoed by the governor on April 22, 2025, and the veto was sustained.)

Maddy summarySB 120 establishes the Alaska Climate Change Emergency Response Commission within the Governor's Office to address climate impacts. The commission consists of 15 members: six department heads (including fish and game, environmental conservation, and natural resources officials) and nine municipal representatives appointed by the governor - one from each of nine designated Alaska regions (e.g., Northwest Alaska, Anchorage, Southeast Alaska). It requires the commission to elect co-chairs (one departmental, one municipal representative) and will develop strategies to protect communities, the economy, traditional lifestyles, wildlife, and ecosystems threatened by climate change. The bill focuses on creating this advisory body, not specific policy actions.

Maddy summarySB 168 modifies Alaska's medical assistance program to expand eligibility for family planning services and supplies. It allows the Department of Health to provide these services to individuals of child-bearing age who are not pregnant and have household income at or below 225% of the federal poverty line. The bill requires the state to amend its medical assistance plan for federal approval, and the changes would take effect only if approved by the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services by January 1, 2026. This policy directly affects low-income Alaskans seeking non-pregnancy-related reproductive healthcare services.

Maddy summaryThis bill (SB 53) amends Alaska law to prevent lawsuits against law enforcement agencies for failing to meet accreditation standards. Specifically, it adds a new exception (subsection 6) to state liability laws, stating that claims cannot be filed against agencies for: (1) exercising or failing to exercise minimum accreditation standards required under existing law, or (2) failing to obtain/maintain required accreditation. This directly affects individuals or entities seeking to sue law enforcement agencies over accreditation compliance, blocking such claims as a matter of law. The bill does not create new accreditation requirements but limits legal recourse related to existing standards.

Maddy summarySB 22 requires Alaska public school districts to establish a financial literacy education program for students in grades 9-12, covering 15 specific topics like budgeting, debt management, taxes, insurance, and retirement planning. The program must be approved by the state education department and completed for high school graduation, with limited exceptions for students transferring after grade 10. It mandates that districts use state-curated open educational resources and ensures the curriculum includes practical financial skills relevant to students' lives. The law takes effect July 1, 2026, applying to students graduating on or after January 1, 2027.

Maddy summarySB 43 designates the month of March each year as Women's History Month in Alaska. This law directly affects schools, community groups, and public and private agencies across the state, requiring them to recognize and honor women's historical contributions. The key provision adds a new section to Alaska Statutes (AS 44.12.088), formally establishing March as Women's History Month for observance through appropriate activities. The bill enables consistent, statewide recognition of women's roles in Alaska and U.S. history without imposing new obligations or funding requirements.

Maddy summarySB 28 allows certain teachers and public employees in Alaska to choose between the traditional defined benefit retirement plan (a guaranteed pension) and a defined contribution plan (similar to a 401(k)) under the state's retirement systems. It specifically applies to teachers who joined after June 30, 2006, but before July 1, 2025, or those who previously elected into the defined contribution plan. To switch, employees must provide written notice to administrators and ensure employer/employee contributions are adjusted to match the defined benefit plan requirements. The bill takes effect on July 1, 2025, with provisions detailing how contributions and service credit would be handled.

Maddy summaryThis Alaska Senate Joint Resolution (SJR 6) expresses the Alaska Legislature's support for admitting Washington, D.C., as the 51st state of the United States. It does not create new laws or directly affect any individuals, as it is a symbolic resolution acknowledging D.C.'s historical lack of full representation and affirming support for statehood. The resolution cites D.C. residents' payment of federal taxes without voting rights in Congress, past legislative efforts like the 23rd Amendment, and recent voter approvals of statehood initiatives.

Maddy summarySB 127 requires Alaska public schools to include braille instruction in the individualized education plans of visually impaired students, unless other services are specifically determined to be more appropriate for the student's needs - though braille instruction must still be available regardless. It also establishes a state program to provide specialized educational services, materials, and teachers for visually impaired children aged 3 to 22, and mandates in-person braille training for current teachers. The bill defines "braille" as Standard English Braille, Grade 2, to standardize implementation. This law directly affects visually impaired students, school districts, and educators in Alaska's public schools.

Maddy summarySB 18 requires Alaska public schools to adopt policies banning student use of personal wireless devices (like phones) during all regular school hours, including lunch and passing periods, with exceptions only for emergencies. School districts must implement either a state-developed model policy or their own policy, and share it with parents, students, and school staff. The bill defines "wireless telecommunications devices" as any portable device capable of voice, messaging, or data communication. It takes effect July 1, 2025.