Sen. Cathy Giessel

Maddy summaryThis bill amends the law governing the civil legal services fund in Alaska to clarify how money can be added to the account. It allows the legislature to fund the account using specific deposits from the general fund and up to 25 percent of court filing fees collected in the previous year. The money from this fund can only be given to organizations that offer legal help to low-income individuals, who are defined as those earning 125 percent or less of the federal poverty guidelines. By setting these funding sources and eligibility rules, the bill aims to ensure that financial support for civil legal aid is available to those with limited income.

Maddy summaryThis bill updates Alaska state law to define the scope of practice for physician assistants, allowing them to perform a wider range of medical tasks such as diagnosing illnesses, prescribing medications including controlled substances, and supervising other healthcare staff. It requires physician assistants with less than 2,000 hours of experience to work under a written collaborative agreement with a supervising physician who must oversee their work and be available for consultation. The legislation also mandates that the board of medicine adopt specific regulations regarding licensure, education requirements, and the responsibilities of supervising physicians to ensure patient safety.

Maddy summaryThis bill requires Alaska public schools to include a specific civics course and assessment as a condition for students to receive a secondary school diploma. The curriculum must be based on the U.S. citizenship naturalization exam and primary source documents, while also incorporating systems of government used by Alaska Natives. To pass the assessment, students must correctly answer at least 70 percent of the questions, though those with disabilities may request a waiver. Additionally, the bill establishes the Alaska Civics Education Commission and mandates annual reporting to the legislature on civics education implementation and student performance.

Maddy summaryThis bill requires every public school district in Alaska to offer a one-half credit financial literacy course to students in grades nine through twelve. Graduation from high school will no longer be possible for students who have not completed this course, which covers essential topics such as budgeting, credit management, taxes, and retirement planning. The law applies to students graduating on or after January 1, 2026, and the program is scheduled to begin on July 1, 2025.

Maddy summarySB 89 raises the minimum age in Alaska to 21 for purchasing, exchanging, or possessing tobacco, nicotine products, and electronic smoking devices, replacing the previous age limit of 19. The bill expands criminal penalties to include the negligent sale of these items to minors and prohibits individuals under 21 from knowingly possessing them. It also clarifies rules for tobacco vending machines, allowing them in specific licensed locations like marijuana dispensaries and private break rooms if they are supervised and placed away from main entrances. Additionally, the legislation updates regulations regarding the lawful operation and registration of retail marijuana establishments and adjusts taxes on electronic smoking products.

Maddy summaryThis bill directs the Alaska Board of Education and Early Development to create guidelines for teaching mental health in public schools from kindergarten through grade 12. The state board must develop these guidelines in consultation with health departments, tribal organizations, and mental health representatives, while also establishing a dedicated specialist position to coordinate the program and provide teacher training. Additionally, the legislation requires the board to submit a report to the legislature within two years detailing the developed guidelines and the process used to create them.

Maddy summaryThis bill allows school districts and the state department of education in Alaska to offer $5,000 annual incentive payments to teachers who hold valid national board certification. The funding for these payments comes from the state department and is separate from existing state aid, though districts may also provide additional monetary rewards. The law applies to employment contracts or collective bargaining agreements that become legally binding on or after July 1, 2024, which is when the bill takes effect.