Sen. Mike Cronk

Maddy summarySB 186 would remove soft drinks from the list of eligible purchases under Alaska's food stamp program (SNAP). The bill defines "soft drink" as nonalcoholic sweetened beverages (excluding milk-based drinks or those with over 50% juice) and amends the state's food definition to exclude them. It requires Alaska to seek a federal waiver from the USDA to implement this change, with the policy only taking effect if the waiver is approved by July 1, 2027. The bill does not change current SNAP rules but prepares for a potential future restriction on using benefits for soft drinks.

Maddy summarySCR 4 is a non-binding legislative resolution designating May 2025 as Mental Health Awareness Month and May 4-10, 2025, as Tardive Dyskinesia Awareness Week in Alaska. It does not create new laws or allocate funding but aims to raise public awareness about mental health challenges and tardive dyskinesia - a condition affecting some individuals on long-term antipsychotic medications. The resolution references Alaska-specific data, including high rates of untreated mental illness (over 29,000 adults not receiving care due to cost) and the state’s second-highest suicide rate nationally. It encourages community recognition and support for mental health services without mandating policy changes.

Maddy summarySB 33 addresses the use of synthetic media (manipulated audio, video, or images) in two key areas. It creates a new civil liability standard for defamation claims based on synthetic media, treating such claims as "defamation per se" without requiring proof of harm. The bill also prohibits knowingly using synthetic media in election-related communications with intent to influence elections, unless a clear disclosure statement ("This has been manipulated") is visible or audible as specified. Individuals harmed by violations can sue for damages, attorney fees, and seek injunctions against publication, while platforms hosting content are generally exempt from liability unless they remove required disclosures.

Maddy summaryThis constitutional amendment proposes a spending limit for Alaska's state government, capping annual appropriations at a percentage of the state's average real economic output (GDP) over the previous five years. It would require voter approval for any spending exceeding this limit, with specific exceptions for permanent fund dividends, bond proceeds, and disaster response. As a constitutional amendment, it must be approved by voters before taking effect.

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 summaryHB 65 authorizes the Alaska Railroad Corporation to issue up to $135 million in revenue bonds to replace the passenger dock and terminal facility in Seward, Alaska. The project must accommodate marine highway vessels with side-loading doors, and bonds will be repaid solely from dock revenue, not state funds. This bill directly affects the Alaska Railroad Corporation and the Seward facility, enabling infrastructure upgrades without using general state credit. The bill was signed into law on March 6, 2025, and took effect March 7, 2025.

Maddy summarySB 109 amends Alaska's Permanent Fund statutes to change how income is calculated and distributed. It sets the annual dividend amount at 21% of the fund's average net income over the previous five years (capped at the most recent year's income), while adjusting the "amount available for appropriation" to 5% of the fund's average market value over the same period. Crucially, it specifies that funds from the Amerada Hess settlement (a major legal case) cannot be used for dividends or inflation adjustments to the fund's principal. This directly affects all Alaska residents who receive the annual Permanent Fund Dividend and the state budget through revised fund transfers to the general fund and dividend accounts.

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 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.