Legislature(2021 - 2022)
2021-02-18 House Journal
Full Journal pdf2021-02-18 House Journal Page 0142 HB 80 HOUSE BILL NO. 80 by the House Rules Committee by request of the Governor, entitled: "An Act establishing the sport fishing hatchery facilities account; establishing the sport fishing facility surcharge; and providing for an effective date." was read the first time and referred to the House Special Committee on Fisheries and the Finance Committee. The following fiscal note(s) apply: 1. Fiscal, Dept. of Fish & Game The Governor's transmittal letter dated January 28 follows: "Dear Chief Clerk: Under the authority of Article III, Section 18, of the Alaska Constitution, I am transmitting a bill relating to sportfish hatchery bond surcharges. 2021-02-18 House Journal Page 0143 This bill would allow the Department of Fish and Game to continue to collect a sportfishing license surcharge that expired on January 1, 2021. The expired sportfishing facility surcharge was collected in order to pay off bonds issued to construct and renovate two hatcheries. The surcharge also funded increases in hatchery production in Southeast Alaska. The statutes authorizing the bonds and the surcharge sunsetted following the repayment of the bond obligations, but the funds collected provided significant benefits to Alaska's sport fishing community. This bill would reinstate statutory authority for the department to collect a reduced surcharge to fund ongoing maintenance and operation of the department's sport fishing hatchery facilities, so they can continue providing hatchery salmon for sport fishing in Southeast Alaska. This is an effective way to support economic development with only a small surcharge; accordingly, I urge your prompt and favorable action on this measure. Sincerely, /s/ Mike Dunleavy Governor"