Sen. Forrest Dunbar

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 31 creates an address confidentiality program managed by Alaska's Department of Administration to protect the home addresses of specific vulnerable individuals. Eligible participants include victims of domestic violence, stalking, or sexual assault (with a protective order or meeting department standards), guardians of minors in such cases, peace officers, correctional officers, and their household members. The program assigns a substitute post office box for mail, which is then forwarded to the individual's actual address while keeping their real address confidential. Enrollment lasts five years and requires renewal to continue, with exclusions for individuals required to register under sex offender laws.

Maddy summaryThis Alaska bill (SB 12) changes how permanent fund dividends are treated for people who owe child support. It amends state law to count a permanent fund dividend applied for or distributed to someone owing child support as if it were a child support payment (under AS 11.51.120(g)). This means the dividend would reduce the amount of child support debt owed, directly affecting Alaska residents who receive the annual dividend but have outstanding child support obligations. The bill does not change dividend eligibility or amounts but modifies how dividends are applied toward existing child support debts.

Maddy summarySB 1 updates funding rules for Alaska's civil legal services fund, which provides legal aid to low-income Alaskans. It specifies that annual funding comes only from two sources: state general fund money (up to 25% of Alaska Court System filing fees from the previous year) and other designated state funds. The bill clarifies that funds must be used exclusively for organizations serving individuals with incomes at or below 125% of the federal poverty level. It explicitly states the fund is not a dedicated revenue source, maintaining its status as a flexible budget account within the state's general fund.

Maddy summarySB 10 establishes a state-run paid family leave program in Alaska, providing wage replacement coverage for eligible workers. It directly affects state employees (covered at no cost), employees of participating local governments or private employers who join the program, and individuals using a state purchasing pool. Key provisions include 100% wage replacement up to $3,000 weekly (based on recent earnings), a minimum 6-week coverage period for non-state workers, and requirements for employers with 50+ employees to handle payroll deductions. Enrollment requires 7 days of prior participation and either 35 hours/week for six months or 17.5 hours/week for 12 consecutive months with the employer.

Maddy summaryThis bill establishes the Alaska Mental Health and Psychedelic Medicine Task Force within the Department of Commerce, Community, and Economic Development to study the potential use of FDA-approved psychedelic medicines for treating mental health issues. The task force will evaluate barriers to equitable access, recommend licensing and insurance rules for practitioners, and explore legal pathways for state-level legalization if federal reclassification occurs. Its diverse membership includes representatives from health agencies, mental health organizations, Alaska Native communities, survivors of domestic violence, and the psychiatric profession. The group is required to meet at least four times and submit a final report with its recommendations to the governor and legislature by December 31, 2024, after which the task force will dissolve.

Maddy summaryThis bill officially recognizes eleven Alaska Native languages alongside English as the state's official languages and moves the Alaska Native Language Preservation and Advisory Council from the Department of Commerce, Community, and Economic Development to the Department of Education and Early Development. The renamed Council for Alaska Native Languages will advise the governor and legislature on programs to preserve and revitalize these languages, with its members required to include professional language experts and representatives from diverse regions. While the council will meet at least twice a year to provide recommendations, the law clarifies that official public documents must still be prepared in English. Additionally, the legislation includes a transition provision to ensure that staff currently working for the council do not automatically transfer to the new department when the council's location changes.

Maddy summaryThis bill establishes Juneteenth Day, observed on June 19th, as an official legal holiday in Alaska. By amending state statutes, it adds this date to the list of recognized days when businesses and government offices are closed, joining existing holidays like Independence Day and Memorial Day. The legislation also adjusts the numbering of other holidays in the state code to accommodate this new addition.

Maddy summaryThis bill restricts the use of firefighting substances containing perfluoroalkyl or polyfluoroalkyl substances within Alaska, with specific exceptions for the oil and gas industry unless state regulations mandate otherwise. It requires the state fire marshal to adopt rules that mandate the use of safer, alternative firefighting substances if those alternatives are deemed safe and effective by recognized federal testing programs. Additionally, the legislation ensures that the state will accept up to 25 gallons per year of these restricted substances for disposal from residents. The changes are set to take effect on January 1, 2024.