Maddy summaryThis joint resolution (SJR 12) urges the U.S. Congress and the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA) to address recurring outages of National Data Buoy Center weather and ocean monitoring stations in Alaska. It specifically highlights critical failures of the Seal Rocks Buoy in Prince William Sound, which provides essential real-time wave height data used by the Coast Guard to safely manage oil tanker traffic through Hinchinbrook Entrance. The resolution emphasizes that current backup buoys are also unreliable, forcing reliance on subjective ship reports during hazardous conditions and increasing safety risks for tankers, crews, and the environment. As a procedural resolution, it does not create new law but formally requests federal action to restore these vital infrastructure systems.
Sponsored bills
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 is a symbolic joint resolution (HJR 25), not a law, expressing Alaska's support for recruiting and retaining international educators on J-1 and H-1B visas. It highlights how rural school districts (like Kuspuk, Kodiak, and North Slope) rely on these visas to address critical teacher shortages in math, science, and special education. The resolution acknowledges challenges these educators face - such as visa duration uncertainty and limited job mobility - but does not create new legal requirements or funding. It formally encourages continued use of J-1 and H-1B programs to maintain educational quality in underserved communities. (Note: As a resolution, it has no legal force and serves only to affirm legislative support.)
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 summaryThis bill amends Alaska's law governing comprehensive plans for first and second class boroughs. It requires these boroughs to include specific elements in their guiding development documents, such as land use, community facilities, transportation, housing plans, and implementation recommendations. The law directly affects boroughs (local governments) in Alaska that fall under these classifications. The key change updates the mandatory components of their comprehensive plans, moving beyond general policy statements to require concrete planning for housing and transportation infrastructure.
Maddy summaryHB 123 adjusts Alaska's passenger vehicle rental tax rates, imposing a 9% tax on traditional rentals (not arranged through a platform) and a 7% tax on rentals arranged through a vehicle rental platform. It requires platforms handling over 200 annual transactions to collect and pay the tax, provide related records to the Department of Revenue, and specifies platforms aren't liable for tax collection failures if they made reasonable efforts to obtain accurate information from vehicle providers. The bill also clarifies that the Department of Revenue can seek court orders to compel compliance with subpoenas for tax records, strengthening enforcement mechanisms.
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 summaryHJR 13 is a state resolution urging the U.S. President to resume evacuation flights for Afghan nationals with approved Special Immigrant Visas (SIVs) and their families. It specifically requests the State Department expedite visa processing, secure legal protections for SIV applicants, and provide Congress with a report on reinstating evacuation flights. The resolution directly affects Afghan allies who worked with U.S. forces and have received SIV approval but remain stranded abroad, often separated from family members. As a non-binding resolution, it calls for federal action but does not alter existing law or create new obligations.
Maddy summaryThis Alaska legislative resolution encourages the U.S. Congress to award the Congressional Gold Medal to Hmong veterans of the Vietnam War. It highlights the Hmong people's critical but often overlooked role in the conflict - particularly in Laos, where they were recruited by the U.S. CIA, suffered heavy casualties (including 40,000 killed), and faced post-war persecution after the U.S. withdrawal. The resolution notes Alaska's Hmong community (over 5,500 residents) and its prior recognition of Hmong veterans through a state holiday established in 2019. As a symbolic resolution, it does not create new laws but urges federal action to honor these veterans.