SB 79-HUNTING/TRAPPING/FISHING: DISABLED VETS  3:54:14 PM CHAIR REVAK reconvened the meeting and announced the consideration of SENATE BILL NO. 79 "An Act relating to sport fishing, hunting, and trapping identification cards." 3:54:44 PM SENATOR KIEHL, speaking as sponsor of SB 79, commented that this bill appreciates veterans who acquired a disability of 50 percent or greater in service to the nation. He said a free hunting and sport fishing license is currently available annually to service-disabled veterans that reside in Alaska. He contrasted this to Alaskans over the age of 60 who are eligible for a free, permanent hunting, fishing and trapping license. Senator Kiehl said a constituent, who acquired a disability of 50 percent or greater in service to the nation, approached him and requested the same courtesy be extended to eligible veterans. This made eminent sense. SENATOR KIEHL pointed out that this bill does not materially move away from the great North American tradition of license fees which contribute to fish and game management, and wildlife conservation. This bill honors service-disabled veterans with minimal fiscal change as noted in the Sponsor Statement: Only a small number of disabled veterans currently purchase a trapping license each year, so making disabled veterans eligible for a free trapping license will have a miniscule fiscal impact. For this minimal cost, Alaska will provide real value to veterans injured during their service to America. 3:56:30 PM CHAIR REVAK asked whether the only change to the current hunting and fishing license for service-disabled veterans is the addition of a trapping benefit. SENATOR KIEHL answered correct and in the process the bill also trues-up issuance of licenses, so they are issued permanently instead of annually. 3:57:20 PM SENATOR BISHOP questioned how the aforementioned 50 percent or greater disability was derived. SENATOR KIEHL stated for the free hunting and fishing license, 50 percent or greater disability is the existing rule. That requirement was copied over into this bill. 3:57:45 PM SENATOR VON IMHOF asked about disability documentation and if a doctor's disability assessment is required to apply for the license. SENATOR KIEHL answered correct, the bill uses the existing system, which is a federal government determination. The state does not second guess the determination, but the state does require documentation. 3:58:18 PM SENATOR MICCICHE offered a supposition and asked whether a permanent card remains valid if the veteran later fully rehabilitates. SENATOR KIEHL expressed his belief that once issued, the card is permanently valid, but said he needs to confirm the current practice with the department. 3:58:56 PM SENATOR REVAK made a last call for questions, then proceeded to public testimony. 3:59:22 PM MARK RICHARDS, Executive Director, Resident Hunters of Alaska (RHAK), Fairbanks, Alaska, testified in support of SB 79. He stated RHAK is a hunting conservation group with nearly 3,000 members. It advocates for resident hunting priority and prudent, sustainable wildlife management policies in accordance with Article VIII of the Alaska Constitution. It is RHAK's view that just like Alaska residents who are 60 years of age or older are eligible for a permanent identification card (PID) in order to hunt, sport fish, or trap for free, the same benefit should be extended to Alaska's veterans who are 50 percent or greater disabled. As eligible veterans are currently allowed a free hunting and fishing license, the only change to statute is the addition of a trapping license and issuance of a permanent card. He stressed that 50 percent or greater disabled veterans need all the help the state can offer to get them back out participating in the field. MR. RICHARDS said being 50 percent disabled does not mean one cannot walk, hike, or get out in the field. He knows of a couple of 50 percent disabled veterans that run trap lines. For others that are more disabled or are wheelchair bound, there are organizations that help get them out in the field. This also applies to activities like predator calling in winter using a firearm or bow which sometimes requires a trapping license to take certain fur bearers. MR. RICHARDS concluded his testimony by stating the Division of Wildlife Conservation expects no fiscal impact if this bill passes and this bill has a zero fiscal note. RHAK fully supports the passage of the bill. 4:01:32 PM CHAIR REVAK asked Maria Gladziszewski the cost of a trapping license. MARIA GLADZISZEWSKI, Deputy Director, Division of Wildlife Conservation, Alaska Department of Fish and Game, Juneau, Alaska, apologized and stated that she did not have the cost of a trapping license at-hand. SENATOR BISHOP chimed-in that the trapping license fee is $25. 4:02:27 PM CHAIR REVAK determined no one else wished to comment and closed public testimony on SB 79. 4:02:48 PM SENATOR STEVENS asked Senator Kiehl to clarify why this bill references a loan on page 1, line 7 of the original bill. SENATOR KIEHL answered this is an alternate way to qualify for the disabled veterans annual free hunting and fishing license. He said the verbiage was copied from current statute and he thinks it mirrors the eligibility language for the AHFC veterans' loan program. 4:03:37 PM CHAIR REVAK asked how many of these licenses the department expects to issue. SENATOR KIEHL said he does not know how many of Alaska's service-disabled veterans are interested in a trapping license. He conjectured as there are only 900 trapping licenses currently issued in the state, and fewer yet would qualify under this bill, it is not a material hit to the fish and game fund. 4:04:39 PM CHAIR REVAK held SB 79 in committee.