Legislature(2007 - 2008)HOUSE FINANCE 519
03/27/2007 01:30 PM House FINANCE
| Audio | Topic |
|---|---|
| Start | |
| HB19 | |
| HB136 | |
| HB137 | |
| Adjourn |
* first hearing in first committee of referral
+ teleconferenced
= bill was previously heard/scheduled
+ teleconferenced
= bill was previously heard/scheduled
| + | HB 136 | TELECONFERENCED | |
| + | HB 137 | TELECONFERENCED | |
| + | HB 168 | TELECONFERENCED | |
| + | TELECONFERENCED | ||
| += | HB 19 | TELECONFERENCED | |
HOUSE BILL NO. 137
"An Act amending the requirements for the
identification card needed for sport fishing, hunting,
and trapping without a license by residents who are 60
years of age or more."
REPRESENTATIVE PAUL SEATON, sponsor, explained that HB 137
amends the requirements for the permanent identification
card (PID) that would allow residents who are 60 and over to
fish and hunt. The House Resources Committee version of the
bill adds a provision to "grandfather in" the current PID
cards.
Representative Seaton explained that a problem arose because
there was no way to determine if the card-holding resident
still lived in Alaska. The bill provides that the license
would need to be renewed after three years after being
checked by the Permanent Fund Dividend Division. The $2,000
fiscal note by the Department of Fish and Game is to pay for
the notices for license renewals. There is also a provision
for those who chose not to get a permanent fund to obtain a
license.
3:20:32 PM
Representative Seaton referred to enclosures in members'
packets, which show that there have been enforcement issues
in the past. He related that more PID's have been issued
than there are qualifying Alaskans. He emphasized that this
license is for Alaskan seniors, not non-residents.
Co-Chair Chenault questioned the definition of PID and
wondered what they look like. Representative Seaton
referred to a copy of the PID in the members' packets. He
explained the requirements on the card. He related
enforcement difficulties.
3:26:07 PM
Representative Hawker thought the bill would create two
classes of ID cards, the old ones and the new 3-year renewal
ones. Representative Seaton noted the legal opinion
regarding that. Representative Hawker suggested a sunset
for the first category of cards. Representative Seaton
reported that there is no way to notify those people.
Legislative legal suggested that there are no fundamental
rights lost, and therefore the change is not
unconstitutional.
Representative Hawker read the definition of
"grandfathering" and agreed with that policy direction.
3:30:30 PM
HERB SIMON, NELCHINA, testified as a disgruntled vendor of
Fish and Game Licenses in favor of HB 137. He spoke of the
abuses of the license. He spoke of the differences in
rights of residents vs. non-residents. He suggested a way
to renew current PID holders by attaching a sticker.
3:35:43 PM
Representative Hawker thanked Mr. Simon for his testimony.
He agreed with the idea to renew current PID's, but
suggested it would be "annoying and degrading" to have to
update the PID. He asked for Mr. Simon's opinion.
Mr. Simon replied that he does not know of anyone who would
object to the renewal requirement.
3:38:31 PM
Representative Thomas asked if the vendors have the
authority to not sell a license if the driver's license is
out-of-state. Mr. Simon replied that the vendors tired of
dealing with it and do not have the authority to deny.
Representative Thomas suggested giving the vendors the
authority to destroy a false ID. Mr. Simon thought it would
complicate a vendor's position and would not work.
3:42:03 PM
C.D. MCCURRY, KENNY LAKE, asked about the 185 days'
requirement for proof of residency. He wondered about fraud
possibilities surrounding the issue. Representative Seaton
addressed PFD fraud and maintained it is a separate issue.
He suggested people turn in reports of fraud. The
identification cards will not be offered by vendors, but by
the Fish and Game local field office.
Representative Hawker suggested adding a sunset clause to
existing PID's. Representative Seaton replied that there
was a concern about people having to reapply for a once-
termed permanent card. He spoke of the difficulties of
finding current cardholders. He said he is open to the
possibility.
3:48:51 PM
Representative Thomas asked if a vendor could destroy cards
of people who are abusing the PID cards and driving with a
license from another state. Representative Seaton said
there is nothing illegal about not having a current license
plate, so it would be hard to enforce. There are residency
issues that complicate the matter.
3:51:26 PM
HB 137 was heard and HELD in Committee for further
consideration.
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