04/12/2000 03:10 PM Senate RES

                       HB 204-ELK FARMING                                                                                   
                                                                                                                                
MR. PETER  FELDMAN, staff to  Representative John  Harris, sponsor                                                              
of  the  measure, gave  the  following  overview.    HB 204  is  a                                                              
housekeeping bill  that will transfer  the management  of domestic                                                              
elk,  not  wild  elk,  to  the  Division  of  Agriculture  in  the                                                              
Department of Natural  Resources.  That division  is familiar with                                                              
fencing regulations,  quarantines,  and practices associated  with                                                              
domestic animals.                                                                                                               
                                                                                                                                
SENATOR  TAYLOR   stated  his   appreciation  for   Representative                                                              
Harris's efforts.                                                                                                               
                                                                                                                                
MR. MATT  ROBUS, Division of  Wildlife Conservation,  ADFG, stated                                                              
support for HB 204 as written.                                                                                                  
                                                                                                                                
MR. ROBERT WELLS, Director of the  Division of Agriculture, stated                                                              
support for HB 204.                                                                                                             
                                                                                                                                
MR. BILL  WARD of Kenai  said those in  the domestic  elk industry                                                              
worked with DNR and ADFG to put together this legislation.                                                                      
                                                                                                                                
SENATOR  TAYLOR  moved  HB  204  from  committee  with  individual                                                              
recommendations and its accompanying  fiscal note.  There being no                                                              
objection, the motion carried.