Sen. Robert Myers

Maddy summarySB 114 amends Alaska law to clarify the Alaska Gasline Development Corporation's mandate, requiring it to prioritize developing an in-state natural gas pipeline for direct delivery to Fairbanks and Southcentral communities. The bill mandates that the pipeline must operate safely, economically, and provide natural gas (including propane) at the lowest possible rates to residents and businesses. It specifically requires a direct pipeline spur to Fairbanks and the Fairbanks North Star Borough, while also outlining the corporation's role in advancing liquefied natural gas projects. The legislation focuses on maximizing state benefits from natural gas resources without specifying new funding or tax changes.

Maddy summarySB 25 requires judicial candidates seeking retention in Alaska to submit specific information to the lieutenant governor by August 7 before an election, including a photo, residency details, military service, professional activities, and a supporting statement (max 300 words). It also mandates the judicial council to provide a detailed evaluation to voters, covering each judge’s professional philosophy (max 150 words), education, work history, affiliations, and performance metrics (all under 1,200 words total). The bill applies to all judges facing retention votes, including supreme court justices, appellate judges, and lower court judges. Key changes include standardized disclosure requirements for both candidates and the judicial council to inform voters about judicial qualifications and performance.

Maddy summaryAlaska's Senate Joint Resolution 11 urges Congress to waive the Jones Act, which requires U.S.-built vessels for domestic cargo transport, to enable shipping domestic liquefied natural gas (LNG) between Alaska ports. The resolution addresses an impending natural gas shortage in Southcentral Alaska (home to most residents and military bases) by seeking to move LNG from North Slope reserves to population centers. Currently, the Jones Act prevents using non-compliant tankers for this transport, despite Alaska having significant gas reserves and facing supply shortfalls starting in 2027. The resolution requests this waiver as a near-term solution, citing precedents where similar waivers were granted after natural disasters.

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 summarySJR 5 proposes constitutional amendments to Alaska's Permanent Fund rules. It would require the legislature to annually appropriate up to 5.5% of the fund's average value to the general fund, with a portion specifically designated for resident dividend payments. Crucially, it mandates that any change to the dividend amount must be approved by voters in a statewide election, not just passed by the legislature. These changes would apply to appropriations starting with the 2028 fiscal year, affecting how Alaska manages its oil revenue fund and distributes dividends to residents.

Maddy summaryThis bill proposes a constitutional amendment to change Alaska's legislative session rules. It would extend the maximum length of regular legislative sessions from 90 to 120 days, allowing one 10-day extension with a two-thirds vote from both legislative chambers. The amendment would apply starting with the 2026 legislative session and requires voter approval at the next general election. It directly affects how Alaska's legislature schedules its annual work, altering the timeframe for passing laws.

Maddy summarySB 51 establishes a Sunrise Review Board to evaluate proposed changes to professional licensing laws in Alaska. The board, composed of seven members including agency directors and public appointees, will review legislation affecting licensure requirements for professions and occupations. It ensures new licensing rules are justified by requiring reviews of proposed changes (unless reviewed within four years) and allows requests from government officials, practitioners, or groups paying a fee. The goal is to reduce unnecessary licensing barriers that could hinder economic growth and job opportunities. This bill directly affects professionals seeking licensure, state agencies managing licenses, and organizations regulating professions.

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 summaryThis bill establishes the Alaska Military Affairs Commission and updates the composition of the Joint Armed Services Committee to include representatives from military organizations and local mayors. It creates a new role for an assistant adjutant general within the Alaska National Guard, requiring the appointee to have at least five years of service in the state's Army or Air National Guard. Additionally, the legislation sets specific eligibility requirements for judge advocates, mandating that they be commissioned officers in good standing with a state militia or federal armed forces. These changes aim to broaden community representation in military advisory bodies and standardize leadership qualifications within the state's military structure.