Sen. Forrest Dunbar

Maddy summaryThis law, known as the Textbook Cost Transparency Act, requires the University of Alaska to clearly list required course materials on its online course schedule. It mandates that the university specify which materials are free or low-cost and disclose any automatic fees charged when students register. Additionally, the university must include a search feature that allows students to easily find courses where all required materials are either free or affordable. The definitions for low-cost and zero-cost resources are based on the state's minimum hourly wage and free availability, respectively. These changes will take effect on July 1, 2026.

Maddy summaryThis Senate Joint Resolution expresses the Alaska State Legislature's support for small fishing businesses and families, urging the federal government to adopt policies that help the state's seafood industry compete globally. The bill calls on federal agencies to create a dedicated office for seafood policy within the Department of Agriculture and to treat seafood producers similarly to those in land-based agriculture. It also requests increased federal funding for product development and marketing, better trade representation for seafood interests, and improved access to programs for vessel construction and workforce development.

Maddy summaryThis bill establishes a new legal framework in Alaska for community energy facilities, allowing electric utilities to offer special programs where local groups can build and operate their own renewable energy projects. Under the new rules, utilities must create a plan to let these community facilities connect to the main power grid, provided the total capacity does not exceed 50 megawatts unless the state commission approves more. The legislation also sets specific billing guidelines, prohibiting utilities from charging extra fees for connection or standby power to participants in these programs. Additionally, the bill gives the state commission the authority to modify or waive certain requirements if enforcing them would not serve the public interest.

Maddy summaryThis Senate resolution designates March 2024 as Chronic Kidney Disease Awareness Month in Alaska to highlight the importance of research, screening, and healthcare access for those affected by the condition. The bill underscores that kidney disease disproportionately impacts communities of color and notes that many cases go undiagnosed until significant irreversible damage has occurred. By officially recognizing this month, the resolution aims to encourage public understanding of the disease's risks and the availability of simple diagnostic tests.

Maddy summaryThis bill establishes 4-H Day as the first Wednesday of October each year to recognize the positive impact of 4-H programs on youth development in Alaska. The law allows civic groups and the public to observe the day with suitable events and exercises. It does not mandate specific activities or require government funding, leaving the observance entirely to the discretion of community organizations.

Maddy summaryThis Alaska House Joint Resolution urges the United States Congress to repeal two specific provisions of the federal Social Security Act: the Windfall Elimination Provision and the Government Pension Offset. These provisions currently reduce Social Security benefits for public employees and teachers in Alaska who cannot earn Social Security credits while working in state or school systems. The resolution highlights that these rules disproportionately lower monthly payments for low-earning workers and may discourage people from joining the public workforce. The bill is a non-binding request to federal lawmakers, not a law that changes state policy itself.

Maddy summaryThis bill establishes peer support counseling programs for law enforcement agencies, emergency service providers, and the Department of Corrections in Alaska. It allows these organizations to designate trained employees as counselors to offer emotional and moral support to staff who have experienced traumatic incidents. The legislation mandates that all communications during these counseling sessions remain confidential and are generally protected from being used in criminal or civil legal proceedings. However, the law includes specific exceptions where information must be disclosed, such as threats of suicide or homicide, reports of child or vulnerable adult abuse, and admissions of criminal conduct.

Maddy summaryThis legislative bill is a House Concurrent Resolution that formally honors United States military veterans who were exposed to Agent Orange during the Vietnam War. It recognizes the health risks and sacrifices these veterans faced, noting that over 300,000 died due to exposure and that many more suffered from serious illnesses or genetic damage affecting their families. The resolution expresses the Alaska State Legislature's gratitude for the courage and service of these veterans but does not create any new laws or change existing policies.

Maddy summaryThis bill is a joint resolution from the Alaska State Legislature that urges the United States Congress to pass the Truth and Healing Commission on Indian Boarding School Policies Act. The resolution highlights the historical harm caused by federal boarding schools, which forcibly removed American Indian, Alaska Native, and Native Hawaiian children from their families to assimilate them, often resulting in abuse and death. It specifically notes that over 100 such schools existed in Alaska, many of which remain unidentified due to a lack of accessible records. The Alaska Legislature expresses its full support for the federal legislation, which aims to establish a commission to address the intergenerational trauma stemming from these policies. Copies of the resolution were sent to federal officials, including the President, Vice President, and members of Congress representing Alaska.

Maddy summarySenate Concurrent Resolution 9 asks the Alaska Department of Health to create new rules that ensure mental health and substance use disorder benefits are treated the same as physical health benefits under the state's medical assistance program. The bill highlights that current regulations impose extra administrative hurdles, such as strict time limits and frequent authorizations, which are not required for physical health services and can delay access to care. By urging the department to adopt parity standards, the resolution aims to streamline care coordination, reduce reliance on emergency rooms, and improve overall access to behavioral health treatment for state residents.