Legislature(2005 - 2006)HOUSE FINANCE 519
04/25/2005 01:30 PM House FINANCE
| Audio | Topic |
|---|---|
| Start | |
| HB26 | |
| HB167 | |
| HB213 | |
| Adjourn |
* first hearing in first committee of referral
+ teleconferenced
= bill was previously heard/scheduled
+ teleconferenced
= bill was previously heard/scheduled
| + | HB 26 | TELECONFERENCED | |
| + | HB 167 | TELECONFERENCED | |
| + | HB 213 | TELECONFERENCED | |
| + | TELECONFERENCED |
HOUSE BILL NO. 26
"An Act relating to short-term commercial fishing
crewmember licenses; and providing for an effective
date."
ADAM BERG, STAFF, REPRESENTATIVE MOSES, related that HB 26
allows for a seven-day license for commercial fishing
crewmembers for $30. The bill provides an option to charge
tourists to work on a commercial boat. It would also help
fishers who need short-term help, by allowing visitors,
relatives, and friends a more affordable way to help. He
pointed out that under the House Resources Committee's
version of the bill, a clause was added that would prohibit
short-term license holders from being compensated.
1:53:48 PM
Representative Weyhrauch described a possible scenario as to
how this bill would work. Mr. Berg explained that currently
a person could go on and watch for free, but if they want to
participate, they must have a license. Representative
Weyhrauch called it "dude" fishing. He asked if there are
any survival training requirements. Mr. Berg replied that
the permit holder is responsible for that training.
Representative Weyhrauch asked if the person would be
subject to remuneration from the fishermen's fund if they
were injured. Mr. Berg replied that they would.
1:57:00 PM
PAUL SHADURA, PRESIDENT, KENAI PENINSULA FISHERMAN'S
ASSOCIATION, testified (via teleconference) in support of
the bill, but not the amendment that would restrict
compensation for commercial fishing. He noted that many
boats rely on the casual laborer. He suggested striking the
language on page 2, lines 17-19. He noted his
responsibilities to have insurance and training provided for
his crewmembers. He called this bill a necessity for his
industry.
2:01:07 PM
Representative Weyhrauch asked about other compensation such
as a portion of the catch. Mr. Berg replied that the
current language would prohibit all types of compensation.
2:01:41 PM
Representative Holm inquired about the reason behind not
compensating these crewmembers. Mr. Berg replied that was a
change to the bill in the Resources Committee by
Representative Seaton. He read from that earlier amendment
and stated disagreement with it.
Representative Holm asked for an explanation of the other
side of the issue. Mr. Berg opined that crewmembers should
be paid for their work, whether they are tourists or not.
2:04:06 PM
MARK VINSEL, EXECUTIVE DIRECTOR, UNITED FISHERMEN OF ALASKA,
stated support for the bill as it was originally drafted.
The intent was to fill in gaps in commercial fishing crews.
He spoke in favor of paying temporary crewmembers.
2:07:35 PM
Co-Chair Chenault MOVED to ADOPT Amendment 1 A:
Page 2, Lines 17-19
Delete: "may not be paid, receive crew shares, or
receive other compensation for work performed under the
license and"
Co-Chair Meyer OBJECTED for discussion purposes. Co-Chair
Chenault explained that the amendment would allow a captain
to bring short-term crew on board and be compensated.
Representative Weyhrauch asked how the current crewmember
license and the proposed crewmember license compare, and how
much money is saved. Mr. Berg related that the cost used to
be $60 for a resident and $180 for a non-resident. Now it
would be $30 for both. Representative Weyhrauch inquired if
they could get a regular Fish and Game commercial fishing
crewmember license. Mr. Berg said they could.
2:10:50 PM
Co-Chair Chenault clarified that a crewmember license is
different than a sport fishing license.
Co-Chair Meyer WITHDREW his OBJECTION to adopt Amendment 1
A. There being NO OBJECTION, Amendment 1 A was adopted.
2:11:23 PM
Representative Weyhrauch MOVED to ADOPT Amendment 1, which
would require the owner/operator of the boat to sign a
statement of participation in random drug testing, to hold a
federal merchant marine license, and that the vessel is in
compliance with requirements for safety equipment and other
passenger-for-hire rules.
Co-Chair Meyer OBJECTED for discussion purposes.
Representative Weyhrauch explained his reasoning behind the
amendment.
Mr. Berg stated opposition to Amendment 1. He referred to
an email from the Coast Guard (copy on file), which states
that the crew is subject to drug testing. He stressed that
it is unnecessary to spell it out in statute. He called it
a little extra hassle.
2:14:44 PM
Co-Chair Chenault asked Representative Weyhrauch if charter
operators are currently required to have a form asking about
license fees and drug use. Representative Weyhrauch replied
that they are not. Co-Chair Chenault noted that a six-pack
operator is. Representative Weyhrauch explained that it
would cause a competitive disadvantage. It would open up a
whole new area. Co-Chair Chenault replied when he had to
buy a crew license it was not required.
2:17:28 PM
Mr. Berg noted that any commercial operator who is going to
take people out for money has to follow the same
requirements that the charter operator has to follow.
2:18:27 PM
Representative Hawker opined that this legislation is not
creating a new competitor for the charter industry because
the existing language in the bill, as amended, prohibits rod
and reel fishing while on a commercial fishing vessel. Mr.
Berg said that's the way he sees it.
2:20:36 PM
Representative Holm asked what a six-pack license is. Mr.
Berg explained that it is an operator's license required by
the Coast Guard.
Representative Weyhrauch explained the differences in
requirements of charter boats and commercial boats. This
bill addresses the commercial boat experience. Mr. Berg
noted that Coast Guard requirements are the same for both
boats.
2:23:31 PM
Representative Weyhrauch WITHDREW Amendment 1 and stated
that he would not offer Amendment 2.
Representative Moses MOVED to report CSHB 26 (FIN) out of
Committee with individual recommendations and the
accompanying fiscal notes. There being NO OBJECTION, it was
so ordered.
CSHB 26 (FIN) was REPORTED out of Committee with a "do pass"
recommendation and with fiscal impact note #1 by the
Department of Fish and Game, and with an indeterminate
fiscal impact note #2 by the Department of Labor and
Workforce Development.
2:25:39 PM
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