Legislature(1999 - 2000)
02/28/2000 01:48 PM House FIN
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* first hearing in first committee of referral
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+ teleconferenced
= bill was previously heard/scheduled
HOUSE BILL NO. 206
"An Act relating to the migratory game bird
conservation tag, to a nonresident combined sport
fishing and hunting license, to the nonresident
military small game and sport fishing license, to
applications for certain licenses, tags, and permits
issued by the Department of Fish and Game, and to
duplicate crewmember licenses."
JOHN MANLY, STAFF, REPRESENTATIVE HARRIS testified in
support of the legislation. He noted that the legislation is
a general cleanup bill for technical problems within the
Department of Fish and Game. A significant portion of the
bill deals with changing "waterfowl" conservation tags to
"migratory game bird" tags. The definition would be expanded
to include snipes and cranes, which are not currently
covered.
Mr. Manly noted that other sections of the bill would make
statutes consistent with current practices. Section three
requires formerly exempt holders of $5 licenses and free
disabled veteran licenses to register in the National
Migratory Bird Harvest Information Program, through one of
two methods.
Section 4 would create a combination 7-day hunting and
fishing license for nonresidents, a popular combination that
is more convenient for those visitors who want to hunt and
fish during a short stay.
Section 5 would equalize the fees paid by nonresident
military personnel for small game and sport fishing
licenses. Currently, the fee for a nonresident military
license is higher than the fee for ordinary nonresidents.
The final significant change in section 16 would authorize
the Department of Fish and Game to issue a duplicate
commercial-fishing crewmember license for $5.
Co-Chair Therriault clarified that section 16 is a
replacement fee in case of loss. Additional language was
added to conform statutes to changes made in section 3.
In response to a question by Representative Austerman, Mr.
Manly clarified that wording in section 4 utilizes current
statutory language.
Representative Phillips noted that the legislation joins
crew licenses and migratory birds. She questioned if the
legislation would run afoul of the single subject rule. Mr.
Manley did not think the legislation would conflict with the
single subject rule.
GERON BRUCE, LEGISLATIVE LIAISON, DEPARTMENT OF FISH AND
GAME observed that the legislation was offered on behalf of
the Department of Fish and Game. He explained that the
change would help with conservation efforts. Snipes and
cranes are harvested in a number of states. Their inclusion
would provide information on their harvest and the impact of
harvest. They are not included under current statutes.
Mr. Bruce referred to sections 8 and 9. He observed that
vendors must swear an oath; vendors essentially act as a
notary. Since vendors are not setup to swear oaths, the
provision has not been enforced. This language would be
deleted.
Co-Chair Therriault referred to section 4. He emphasized
that the legislature must make the policy decision of
whether or not to authorize consolidated licenses. There is
no discount for the combination of licenses. He noted that
any combination of licenses could occur. If the language is
retained an amendment would be needed on page 3, line 12 to
clarify that it is a seven day sport fishing and "annual"
hunting license.
Mr. Bruce emphasized that the department has heard from
vendors and guides, who support this combination. The
combination would be convenient for persons visiting the
state of Alaska. It is a customer driven combination. Vice
Chair Bunde noted that residents can currently buy a number
of combination licenses. There is only one accommodation for
non-residents. Co-Chair Therriault observed that residents
do not have the time limit. He did not think requiring two
licenses would be a burden.
Vice Chair Bunde stressed that the combination license would
save administrative time and money. Representative Phillips
echoed remarks of Vice Chair Bunde and added that she has
sold licenses and stressed that one piece of paper is more
convenient.
Representative Austerman spoke in support of the combination
license. He questioned if a game animal outside of the
license could be taken under section 4. Mr. Bruce explained
that nonresident hunters can already take a different game
animal. The language is included for consistency. In
response to a question by Representative Austerman, Mr.
Bruce affirmed that an elk hunter could shoot a deer while
hunting for elk.
Co-Chair Therriault suggested that section 5 be amended to
list the cost of each type of license. Mr. Bruce noted that
nonresident military personnel stationed in the state of
Alaska can purchase a small game hunting license for $20
dollars, the same rate as a resident; and nonresident
military personnel stationed in the state of Alaska can
purchase a sport fishing license for $15 dollars, at the
same rate as a resident.
Co-Chair Therriault MOVED to ADOPT "annual" on line 12, page
3 before "hunting". There being NO OBJECTION, it was so
ordered.
Co-Chair Therriault MOVED to ADOPT a conceptional amendment
to clarify that nonresident military personnel stationed in
the state of Alaska may obtain a small game hunting license
for $20 dollars and an annual sport-fishing license for $15
dollars.
In response to a question by Representative Austerman, Mr.
Bruce explained that the intent is to offer the license at
the lowest rate available.
Representative Austerman questioned if the amendment was
necessary.
Mr. Bruce clarified that when the license fees for residents
and nonresidents were raised, the resident rate for a small
game-hunting license became more expensive than a
nonresident license. The intent is to offer nonresident
military personnel stationed in the state of Alaska the
lowest rate. The license only authorizes hunting of small
game such as rabbits and birds.
Vice Chair Bunde observed that the license would allow
persons to enjoy hunting at a reasonable rate until they get
their residency.
Co-Chair Therriault WITHDREW his amendment.
Representative Phillips questioned if there is a problem
with the single subject rule. Mr. Bruce stated that the
drafter has not indicated that there would be a problem with
the single subject law.
Representative Austerman stated that he understood the
intent but felt that military personnel already receive
sufficient perks.
Co-Chair Therriault asked if the legislation was offered to
meet federal law mandating fees charged to military
personnel.
KEVIN BROOKS, DIRECTOR, DIVISION OF ADMINISTRATIVE SERVICES,
DEPARTMENT OF FISH AND GAME provided information relating to
HB 206. He explained that the legislation would comply with
federal law.
Co-Chair Therriault noted that federal law might dictate the
perks.
HB 206 was heard and HELD in Committee for further
consideration.
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