Sen. Bill Wielechowski

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 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.

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 requires school districts in Alaska to have trained staff and at least two doses of opioid overdose medication available at their main buildings during all times students or staff are present, including before and after school hours and on weekends. It also mandates that one dose be available during any school-sponsored events held on school grounds, with the state Department of Health responsible for supplying the drugs and providing training videos for administration. To encourage participation, the legislation grants immunity from civil lawsuits to schools and individuals who fail to maintain these supplies due to good-faith efforts. Additionally, the bill updates rules for homeschool and correspondence study programs by requiring annual individual learning plans developed collaboratively with students, parents, and teachers. These plans must include state standards, ongoing assessments, and provisions for modifying the curriculum if a student struggles in core subjects.

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.

Maddy summaryThis bill modifies Alaska's state procurement rules to ensure that companies receiving price preferences for doing business with the state actually perform the work or have a history of selling similar supplies. It also establishes a two-percent price preference for bids from entities that employ service members or veterans participating in specific transition training programs. Additionally, the legislation creates a new Military and Veteran Family Help Desk within the Department of Military and Veterans' Affairs to serve as a central resource for information, services, and employment support for military families.

Maddy summaryThis bill establishes the Missing and Murdered Indigenous Persons Review Commission within the Alaska Department of Public Safety to address unresolved cases involving indigenous individuals. The commission will consist of nine members representing law enforcement, tribal organizations, victim advocates, and the legislature, who will meet to examine case trends and make recommendations for improving collaboration and reducing such incidents. Additionally, the bill requires the Department of Public Safety to hire at least two investigators specifically tasked with handling these cases and serving as liaisons between agencies, communities, and federally recognized tribes. All documents and information gathered by the commission during its reviews will remain confidential and protected from public disclosure or use in legal proceedings.

Maddy summarySB 147 updates Alaska's workers' compensation system by strengthening reemployment rights and establishing a new stay-at-work program to help injured employees return to their jobs. The bill requires the state administrator to enforce quality standards for rehabilitation specialists and mandates detailed annual reports on program costs, timelines, and participant outcomes. It also introduces specific rules for determining eligibility for reemployment benefits based on how long an employee is unable to work due to injury. Additionally, the legislation addresses PTSD claim presumptions, modifies the workers' compensation benefits guaranty fund, and makes changes to the Alaska senior benefits payment program.

Maddy summaryThis bill extends the Alaska senior benefits payment program by repealing the existing sunset date that was set to end the program on June 30, 2032. The legislation directly affects Alaska residents who currently receive benefits under this program, ensuring their eligibility continues beyond the previously scheduled expiration. By removing the specific repeal clauses for several state statutes, the bill effectively removes the automatic termination of the program without changing the core rules or funding amounts. The law takes effect immediately upon passage, allowing the program to continue operating under its current framework.