Rep. Genevieve Mina

Maddy summaryHB 195 expands pharmacists' authority to independently prescribe and administer certain medications. It allows pharmacists to prescribe vaccines and opioid overdose drugs (like naloxone) without a physician's order, provided they complete board-approved training programs. The bill also updates licensing standards, requires pharmacists to register controlled substance prescriptions in a state database, and clarifies pharmacy facility and equipment requirements. These changes directly affect licensed pharmacists in Alaska and patients seeking vaccinations or emergency overdose treatment. The bill amends existing pharmacy practice laws to modernize pharmacist roles while maintaining safety oversight.

Maddy summaryHB 10 requires the University of Alaska Board of Regents to include at least one full-time, tenured faculty member from one of the three main campuses (Anchorage, Fairbanks, or Southeast) as a regent. This faculty regent must be selected through campus elections by each university's faculty senate, with the governor appointing from the submitted list within 60 days. The bill also reduces the board's quorum requirement from seven to six regents for meetings. These changes directly affect the governance structure of the University of Alaska system, ensuring faculty representation on its governing board.

Maddy summaryHB 16 amends Alaska's campaign finance laws by raising contribution limits for individuals and groups in state and local elections. It increases individual limits to $2,000 per election cycle (from $500 annually) and group limits to $5,000 annually for political parties, while adding new definitions for "election cycle" and tightening reporting rules. Crucially, it mandates the Alaska Public Offices Commission to automatically adjust all contribution limits every decade starting in 2031 using the Consumer Price Index for urban Alaska. The bill directly affects candidates, political committees, and donors participating in Alaska state/local elections. It focuses on updating financial thresholds to account for inflation while maintaining existing contribution caps for most scenarios.

Maddy summaryHB 244 sets new standards for certified nurse aide training programs in Alaska, requiring them to ensure safe, competent care and specific skills. The bill directly affects training programs, which must now teach aides to communicate effectively with clients, support client independence, address cognitive impairments (including dementia), and monitor client well-being. Key provisions mandate training in areas like dementia care, emotional sensitivity, problem-solving, and respecting client dignity, with "activities of daily living" defined as eating, dressing, grooming, bathing, and toileting. The law takes effect January 1, 2027.

Maddy summaryHB 173 implements Alaska’s participation in the Occupational Therapy Licensure Compact, allowing licensed occupational therapists and assistants to practice across state lines without obtaining separate licenses in each state. The bill amends Alaska law to adopt the compact, which requires states to recognize licenses from other participating states while maintaining local regulatory authority. This directly affects licensed occupational therapists, assistants, and patients seeking services in multiple states, particularly those living near state borders. The compact aims to improve public access to occupational therapy services by simplifying cross-state practice under existing licensure standards.

Maddy summaryHB 36 amends Alaska law to allow minors aged 16 or older in foster care to consent to up to five outpatient mental health sessions without parental permission. After five sessions, mental health providers must obtain parental consent for medication or continued treatment. The bill also establishes documentation standards for homeless minors (16+ years) to self-certify eligibility for consent, requiring verification from specific officials or professionals. It directly affects youth in Alaska’s child welfare system receiving mental health services, particularly those in foster care or experiencing homelessness.

Maddy summaryHB 25 bans polystyrene foam (Styrofoam) containers for prepared food in restaurants and prohibits state agencies from purchasing such items. It requires restaurants to use biodegradable or compostable alternatives instead, with exemptions available if affordable alternatives are unavailable or if compliance would cause undue hardship. Exceptions include food prepared outside Alaska, reusable coolers, and disaster emergencies. The law takes effect January 1, 2026, and defines key terms like "disposable food service ware" and "biodegradable" to clarify coverage. This directly affects restaurants, food vendors, and state purchasing decisions.

Maddy summaryHB 39 requires Alaska public school districts to provide parents of deaf or hard of hearing students with unbiased information about hearing technology, communication methods (like sign language or spoken language), and support services. It mandates that districts allow parents to choose the communication method for their child and deliver services using that method through trained professionals. The bill also requires the state to support programs for deaf students, including residential options, and sets procedures for school districts operating these programs while maintaining special education responsibilities.

Maddy summaryHB 13 would allow Alaska municipalities to create optional property tax exemptions for specific housing types. It enables cities to exempt long-term rental units (90+ days), mobile home parks (for 10 years after construction), low-income rentals (rent ≤30% of local median income), owner-occupied homes, and first-time homebuyers' residences. Municipalities would decide whether to implement these exemptions via local ordinance, with no requirement to do so. The bill directly affects property owners in these categories and local governments managing tax policy.

Maddy summaryHB 96 establishes a Home Care Employment Standards Advisory Board within Alaska's Department of Health. The board, composed of 10 members representing home care providers, direct care workers, home care recipients, rate reviewers, seniors, and disability advocates, will advise on payment rates for home care services and investigate workforce conditions like wages and benefits. It requires the board to meet at least three times yearly, include public testimony, and focus on ensuring payment rates meet federal requirements and support a stable workforce. The bill directly affects home care workers, providers, and recipients of home care services in Alaska by creating a structured process to address payment adequacy and working conditions.