Rep. Ted Eischeid

Maddy summarySB 20 requires Alaska public schools to include hands-only CPR education in health classes for students in grades determined by the Department of Education. The bill mandates that the Department adopt age-appropriate curricula based on national emergency care guidelines, including hands-on practice and instruction on using automated external defibrillators (AEDs), which may use video demonstrations if in-person training isn't feasible. Schools must offer this instruction, and it can be taught by certified CPR instructors, EMTs, or teachers with a current teaching certificate. The law takes effect on August 25, 2025.

Maddy summaryHB 17 amends Alaska's retirement law to allow state employees who are veterans with a U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs rating of permanent and total disability for a service-connected condition to retire early without waiting until age 60. Previously, these veterans needed to be age 60 or older to qualify for retirement benefits, but this bill removes that age requirement. The change directly affects Alaska state employees who are veterans with qualifying VA disability ratings, enabling them to access retirement benefits sooner. The bill also repeals three existing sections of the retirement code, though the specific provisions of those repealed sections are not detailed in the text.

Maddy summaryHJR 5 is a resolution passed by the Alaska Legislature urging the U.S. Congress and President to reinstate and permanently fund the Secure Rural Schools and Community Self-Determination Act of 2000. This act provided critical funding to rural communities near national forests (like those in Southeast Alaska) that historically relied on payments from federal timber revenue to support schools, roads, public safety, and infrastructure. The resolution specifically requests retroactive funding for fiscal year 2025 after the program expired in January 2025 and asks Congress to make the funding mechanism permanent. It does not create new law but formally advocates for federal action to prevent budget shortfalls in affected rural areas.

Maddy summaryHJR 11 is a symbolic resolution recognizing Alaska's relationship with Canada. It highlights shared natural resources, trade (including $596 million in annual exports from Alaska to Canada), historical military partnerships, and cultural ties through decades of collaboration. The resolution does not create new laws, funding, or obligations - it serves only as an official statement of support. It was passed by the Alaska Legislature and transmitted to the Governor for filing.

Maddy summaryHJR 13 is a state resolution urging the U.S. President to resume evacuation flights for Afghan nationals with approved Special Immigrant Visas (SIVs) and their families. It specifically requests the State Department expedite visa processing, secure legal protections for SIV applicants, and provide Congress with a report on reinstating evacuation flights. The resolution directly affects Afghan allies who worked with U.S. forces and have received SIV approval but remain stranded abroad, often separated from family members. As a non-binding resolution, it calls for federal action but does not alter existing law or create new obligations.

Maddy summaryThis Alaska legislative resolution encourages the U.S. Congress to award the Congressional Gold Medal to Hmong veterans of the Vietnam War. It highlights the Hmong people's critical but often overlooked role in the conflict - particularly in Laos, where they were recruited by the U.S. CIA, suffered heavy casualties (including 40,000 killed), and faced post-war persecution after the U.S. withdrawal. The resolution notes Alaska's Hmong community (over 5,500 residents) and its prior recognition of Hmong veterans through a state holiday established in 2019. As a symbolic resolution, it does not create new laws but urges federal action to honor these veterans.

Maddy summarySB 39 clarifies regulations for loans of $25,000 or less by defining when a person is considered a lender (such as holding the main financial interest in a loan or disguising loans as property sales) and expands the definition of "financial institution" to include deferred deposit advance providers and pawnbrokers. The bill requires Alaska's Department of Commerce to participate in the Nationwide Multistate Licensing System and Registry, including establishing processes for licensees to challenge information and mandating that licensees register with the system. It also changes application fees, requiring $1,000 upfront payment for investigation expenses related to licensure. These provisions standardize oversight of small loans and ensure consistent regulation for financial institutions across Alaska.

Maddy summaryHB 11 modifies how Alaska permanent fund dividends are handled when recipients choose to redirect funds. It establishes a specific priority order for contributions and donations: funds must first cover mandatory contributions under AS 43.23.130, then donations under AS 43.23.230, and finally other contributions under AS 43.23.135. This directly affects Alaskans who receive permanent fund dividends and elect to redirect part of their payment toward state funds. The bill ensures these redirections follow a clear, standardized process when the total requested amount exceeds the dividend payout.

Maddy summaryHB 90 requires Alaska public schools to implement a financial literacy program for students in grades 9-12, covering 15 specific topics including budgeting, debt management, taxes, insurance, and the financial implications of Alaska Native corporation membership. School districts must provide a program equivalent to half a credit hour that meets these topics, and students must complete it to earn a high school diploma (with exceptions for students transferring after grade 10). The law applies to students graduating on or after January 1, 2027, with implementation beginning July 1, 2026. It mandates that the Department of Education provide a list of approved open educational resources for schools to use.

Maddy summaryThis Alaska legislative resolution (HJR 24) urges the U.S. Congress to not rescind $1.1 billion in previously approved federal funding for the Corporation for Public Broadcasting (CPB). It directly affects Alaska's 27 public radio stations and four public television stations, which rely on CPB funds for over half their budgets in rural areas and provide essential services like emergency alerts and local news. The resolution cites that CPB funding costs U.S. taxpayers just $1.60 annually per person and supports stations serving 99% of the nation, including Alaska's Gavel Alaska government broadcasts. As a non-binding resolution, it does not change policy but formally requests Congress maintain this funding.