Rep. Sara Hannan

Maddy summaryHB 93 modifies Alaska's residency requirements for hunting, trapping, and sport fishing licenses. It clarifies that holders of permanent identification cards must maintain Alaska residency to continue using their privileges, aligning with the standard 12-month residency definition. The bill defines residency as physical presence with intent to stay indefinitely, 12 consecutive months of domicile, continuous presence (with limited exceptions), and no other state residency claims. It also requires the commissioner to develop verification regulations, potentially using proof from other state agencies. The changes take effect January 1, 2027, affecting all applicants and license holders seeking these recreational privileges.

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 summaryThis bill defines "snow classic" as a specific game of chance run by Four Valleys Community School, Inc., where prizes are awarded for the closest guess of snow accumulation at Mount Alyeska on a set date and time. It explicitly limits the definition to the Alyeska Snow Classic event operated by that school. The bill clarifies the legal scope of this term for regulatory purposes but does not create new laws or affect other activities.

Maddy summaryHB 133 requires Alaska state agencies to pay contractors within 30 days of receiving a compliant payment request for contracts under the State Procurement Code. For grants and reimbursement agreements to nonprofits, municipalities, and Alaska Native organizations, it sets a 30-day payment deadline (21 days if federal funds are used) after a compliant request is submitted. If payments are delayed, agencies must pay interest starting on the 31st day for contracts or the 21st/30th day for grants. Agencies must also provide written notice within eight working days if withholding payment, detailing the reason and required corrections to resolve the issue.

Maddy summarySB 174 establishes the Alaska Invasive Species Council within the Department of Fish and Game to coordinate state efforts in managing invasive species. The Council, composed of appointed representatives from state agencies (like Fish and Game and Environmental Conservation), tribes, universities, and conservation groups, will facilitate cooperation between government entities and organizations. Key duties include recommending policies on species importation and classification, guiding how state funds are allocated for invasive species responses, and providing technical assistance for regional management. This bill directly affects state agencies, tribal governments, and conservation organizations involved in preventing or managing invasive species across Alaska.

Maddy summaryHB 239 amends Alaska law to increase penalties for criminally negligent homicide committed while operating a motor vehicle and failing to stop or provide assistance after an accident. It upgrades this offense from a Class B felony to a Class A felony (with a 7-11 year sentencing range under AS 12.55.125(c)(D)), directly affecting drivers involved in collisions who violate existing duties to stop and assist under AS 28.35.050/060. The bill does not change the underlying duty to stop but significantly raises the criminal consequences for violating it. This adjustment specifically targets cases where a driver’s failure to stop causes death, making it a more serious felony than other negligent homicide scenarios.

Maddy summaryHB 52 ensures minors receiving inpatient mental health treatment at psychiatric hospitals in Alaska have the right to weekly confidential communication (via phone or video) with parents, legal guardians, or an approved adult, unless prohibited by law or deemed unadvisable by a physician. The bill requires psychiatric hospitals to report all uses of seclusion or restraint to the Department of Health and parents within one business day, and mandates biannual unannounced inspections of hospitals treating minors, including interviews with at least 50% of minor patients. It also requires the Department of Health to publish an annual report detailing seclusion/restraint usage, inspection findings, and data on minors in care, with the report due by November 1 each year. These provisions take effect on July 1, 2025.

Maddy summarySB 164 eliminates deductions that businesses could retain to cover accounting costs when paying motor fuel tax, tobacco taxes, and tire fees. It removes a 1% deduction (capped at $100) for fuel tax remittances and a 0.4% deduction for tobacco tax returns. The bill also repeals provisions allowing tobacco licensees to receive discounts on cigarette stamps based on purchase volume. These changes take effect July 1, 2025, requiring businesses to pay the full tax amount without these deductions.

Maddy summarySB 21 establishes Alaska's Work and Save Program, allowing residents receiving the Alaska Permanent Fund Dividend (PFD) to automatically contribute portions of their PFD payment to retirement savings. The bill creates the Alaska Retirement Savings Board to oversee the program and requires employers without retirement plans to facilitate employee enrollment. Key provisions include automatic enrollment at a default contribution rate, optional annual increases, and a 7% administrative fee (not deducted from PFD payments). The program directly affects PFD recipients and private-sector employees in Alaska who lack employer-sponsored retirement plans.