Legislature(1995 - 1996)
1996-04-24 House Journal
Full Journal pdf1996-04-24 House Journal Page 3985 HB 554 HOUSE BILL NO. 554 by the House Rules Committee by request of the Governor, entitled: An Act providing for an advisory vote regarding regaining state management of fish and game throughout this state; and providing for an effective date. 1996-04-24 House Journal Page 3986 HB 554 was read the first time and referred to the House Special Committee on World Trade and State/Federal Relations and the Finance Committee. The following fiscal note applies: Fiscal note, Office of the Governor, 4/24/96 The Governor's transmittal letter, dated April 22, 1996, appears below: Dear Speaker Phillips: Under the authority of art. III, sec. 18, of the Alaska Constitution, I am transmitting a bill providing for an advisory vote on a constitutionally authorized rural subsistence preference for use of fish and wildlife throughout Alaska. Subsistence and the opportunity to put food on Alaskas dinner table is a defining part of being an Alaskan. It is integral to our culture, economy and for many Alaskans, is a way of life. To ensure continued opportunities for this uniquely Alaskan activity, we must take action. The subsistence issue has been before the Legislature for at least six years and has been the subject of two special legislative sessions and numerous leadership conferences. Developments in recent weeks -- namely, the federal governments proposed regulations for take-over of fish and wildlife management in Alaska -- make state action on subsistence more timely and vital than ever. Federal management of Alaskas wildlife resources is simply unacceptable. Should federal subsistence management extend to fish resources on navigable waters, as is now under consideration by the U.S. Department of Interior, the ability of the state to effectively manage fish and wildlife resources throughout Alaska will be seriously compromised. During the past year, the lieutenant governor and I have consulted with dozens of interested groups and individuals to develop a solution to Alaska's subsistence impasse. Our goal is to return management of fish and wildlife to the state. A necessary step toward that goal is enabling the state to have a subsistence preference for rural residents. 1996-04-24 House Journal Page 3987 HB 554 From our meetings, we learned that most believe efforts to resolve the subsistence impasse should continue. There is a strong and growing belief Alaskans should solve the problem by consensus, not by relying on perpetual litigation in federal courts. It is encouraging that the persons whom we consulted believe the effort should continue and my administration is committed to that process. Thats why my administration has a four-point plan to regain state management. It includes an amendment to the State Constitution, changes to state statutes, possible changes to federal law and any necessary legal efforts to combat federal expansion in Alaska. An important element of the first point is hearing from Alaskans. Thats why I am proposing an advisory ballot question, which would stimulate debate and promote better understanding of the issue. The bill would place on the ballot the question of whether Alaskans should be given an opportunity to vote on amending Alaskas Constitution so the state can regain management over all fish and wildlife throughout Alaska. Time is of the essence. I urge your prompt consideration and passage of this bill. Sincerely, /s/ Tony Knowles Governor