Legislature(2025 - 2026)

2025-02-19 Senate Journal

Full Journal pdf

2025-02-19                     Senate Journal                      Page 0301
SB 105                                                                                                                        
SENATE BILL NO. 105 BY THE SENATE RULES COMMITTEE                                                                               
BY REQUEST OF THE GOVERNOR, entitled:                                                                                           
                                                                                                                                
           "An Act relating to the lease and sale of state land for                                                            
                recreational cabin sites; and providing for an                                                                 
          effective date."                                                                                                      
                                                                                                                                
was read the first time and referred to the Resources and Finance                                                               
Committees.                                                                                                                     
                                                                                                                                
The following fiscal information was published today:                                                                           
 Fiscal Note No. 1, Department of Natural Resources                                                                             
                                                                                                                                
Governor's transmittal letter dated February 18:                                                                                
                                                                                                                                
Dear President Stevens:                                                                                                         
                                                                                                                                
Under the authority of Article III, Section 18 of the Alaska                                                                    
Constitution, I am pleased to transmit this bill concerning the lease and                                                       
sale of state land for cabin sites.                                                                                             
                                                                                                                                

2025-02-19                     Senate Journal                      Page 0302
Currently, only one percent of state land is in private ownership. This                                                         
bill allows more Alaskans to lease and purchase state land for cabin                                                            
sites, promoting settlement, fostering economic growth, and reflecting                                                          
the principle that private land ownership is fundamental to personal                                                            
freedom and prosperity.                                                                                                         
                                                                                                                                
This legislation refines the existing remote cabin sites program by                                                             
updating eligibility requirements and establishing clear processes for                                                          
nominating and staking cabin sites. The bill allows for an eligible                                                             
applicant to nominate up to ten acres of available state land for a cabin                                                       
site if that land is not included in the schedule of land offerings.                                                            
Purchasers must complete a survey and appraisal of the site and pay its                                                         
fair market value.                                                                                                              
                                                                                                                                
By expanding Alaskans' access to state land, this bill strengthens                                                              
private land ownership and invests in Alaska's future.                                                                          
                                                                                                                                
I urge your prompt and favorable action on this measure.                                                                        
                                                                                                                                
Sincerely,                                                                                                                      
/s/                                                                                                                             
Mike Dunleavy                                                                                                                   
Governor