SENATOR KELLY announced HB 300 (LIABILITY: COMMERCIAL RECREATION ACTIVITY) to be up for consideration. LYNDA GIGUERE, Legislative Aide to Representative Hudson, said they introduced HB 300 to establish the responsibilities of persons who operate commercial outdoor recreational activities and persons who participate in those activities. It, in no way, relieves recreational businesses or operators from liability. It simply establishes a framework that may decrease uncertainty regarding a legal responsibility for injuries that result in participation in these activities. SENATOR LINCOLN asked what commercial recreational means exactly - does one have to pay and does it have to be outdoor. MS. GIGUERE said this addresses outside wilderness activities such as kayaking and parasailing, etc. DENNIS MESTAS, Trail Warriors, said HB 300 goes farther than it should to establish what is intended. As written, it applies to airlines and air charters, ferries, turbos, tour buses, river boats, etc. SENATOR KELLY commented that there wasn't much detail in this bill regarding strengthening safety procedures that operators would have to comply with as with the skiing liability bill. Number 242 KAREN COWERT, Director, AVA, strongly supported HB 300. She said the visitor industry has seen a lot of growth over the past 10 years. Visitors are wanting to participate more in the adventurous side of Alaska. This legislation does not intend to absolve the operator from neglect. ROY DAW opposed HB 300, because as written, it would do harm to the state. CLARK GRUENING, Alaska Visitors Association, said there is some confusion on whether this bill might be trying to establish immunity for operators. The only place immunity is mentioned is in reference to the ski liability bill and a section in Title 9 dealing with unimproved land. This bill does not deal with immunity at all. It sets out responsibilities for participants and operators. He said there is no intention to cover common carriage transportation. SENATOR SALO said even though the bill doesn't establish immunity, it does establish a shared responsibility. MR. GRUENING agreed. NANCY LETHCOE, President, Alaska Wilderness Recreation and Tourism Association, said they see this bill as an accident prevention bill. It sets minimum guidelines for commercial recreation businesses, establishes responsibility of the participants themselves, gives some protection against insurance scams, and it might, in the long run, reduce insurance rates. As new people enter the industry, it is important to establish minimum standards and guidelines. SENATOR KELLY said he would put this bill aside so they could look at some possible amendments.