Legislature(2017 - 2018)BARNES 124
02/16/2018 01:00 PM House RESOURCES
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| Audio | Topic |
|---|---|
| Start | |
| HB267 | |
| Presentation(s): Pebble Mine Status Update | |
| HB217 | |
| Adjourn |
* first hearing in first committee of referral
+ teleconferenced
= bill was previously heard/scheduled
+ teleconferenced
= bill was previously heard/scheduled
| + | HB 267 | TELECONFERENCED | |
| + | TELECONFERENCED | ||
| + | TELECONFERENCED | ||
| += | HB 217 | TELECONFERENCED | |
HB 267-RELEASE HUNTING/FISHING RECORDS TO MUNI
1:08:01 PM
CO-CHAIR JOSEPHSON announced that the first order of business
would be HOUSE BILL NO. 267, "An Act requiring the release of
certain records relating to big game hunters, guided hunts, and
guided sport fishing activities to municipalities for
verification of taxes payable; and providing for an effective
date."
[Before the committee was the committee substitute (CS) for HB
267(CRA), labeled 30-LS0808\J.]
1:08:12 PM
TIM CLARK, Staff, Representative Bryce Edgmon, Alaska State
Legislature, on behalf of Representative Edgmon, sponsor of HB
267, paraphrased from the following sponsor statement [original
punctuation provided]:
For boroughs and other municipalities that bring in
revenues through levies on fish and game guiding,
CSHB267(CRA) will provide a tool to help confirm that
activities within their jurisdictions subject to
taxation are being accurately reported to them. The
bill would allow municipalities access to certain
records collected by the state that relate to big game
hunters, guided hunts, and guided sport fishing for
the purpose of verifying taxes payable. All such
information would remain confidential.
The access that CSHB267(CRA) permits municipalities is
modeled after long-existing provisions in AS
16.05.815(a)(4) and AS 43.75.133, both of which allow
local governments to review certain records, reports,
and returns to verify payment of local commercial
fishing taxes.
With state-government cutbacks resulting in greater
responsibilities and costs being borne by local
governments, all necessary resources should be made
available to our municipalities to ensure they are
receiving the revenues due to them according to their
local ordinances.
MR. CLARK pointed out at the time the information is made
available to municipalities, the strict confidentiality required
of state agencies would apply to the municipalities as well.
REPRESENTATIVE PARISH directed attention to [an email dated
2/15/18, provided in the committee packet] in opposition from
the Big Game Commercial Services Board (BGCSB), Division of
Corporations, Business and Professional Licensing, Department of
Commerce, Community & Economic Development, which stated its
concern about confidentiality.
MR. CLARK opined BGCSB would be less concerned about
confidentiality when apprised of [CSHB 267(CRA), Version J].
The bill was amended by the House Community and Regional Affairs
Standing Committee to clarify the confidentiality requirements;
furthermore, the consequences to an official for a breach in
confidentiality would constitute a class A misdemeanor.
CO-CHAIR JOSEPHSON asked whether municipalities feel they are
not getting revenue to which they are entitled.
MR. CLARK explained affected municipalities have very large
jurisdictions and may be unaware of all hunting and fishing
guiding activities. In addition, some guides may be unaware of
municipal or borough ordinances, and some may forget to pay
taxes or fees; however, most businesses will remit delinquent
taxes when notified.
CO-CHAIR JOSEPHSON observed some guides or transporters may work
outside the seat of government.
1:13:08 PM
MR. CLARK agreed and gave the example of regions that are
accessed by floatplane and not through an airport managed by a
borough.
REPRESENTATIVE JOHNSON asked whether there are other state tax
records to which municipalities have access.
MR. CLARK said certain Alaska Statutes allow municipalities
access to records regarding commercial fishing from the Tax
Division, Department of Revenue.
REPRESENTATIVE TALERICO observed from his experience most
municipal codes require a municipality to keep accurate records,
and also include confidentiality clauses; furthermore, general
accounting rules and standards are explicitly followed to
maintain accuracy for auditing purposes. He said the issue was
discussed thoroughly at the time the bill was heard by the House
Community and Regional Affairs Standing Committee, and expressed
his confidence in the conduct of municipalities.
1:17:21 PM
HB 267 was held over.