Legislature(2023 - 2024)ADAMS 519
05/14/2024 09:00 AM House FINANCE
Note: the audio ![]()
and video ![]()
recordings are distinct records and are obtained from different sources. As such there may be key differences between the two. The audio recordings are captured by our records offices as the official record of the meeting and will have more accurate timestamps. Use the icons to switch between them.
| Audio | Topic |
|---|---|
| Start | |
| SB151 | |
| SB34 | |
| SB183 | |
| Adjourn |
* first hearing in first committee of referral
+ teleconferenced
= bill was previously heard/scheduled
+ teleconferenced
= bill was previously heard/scheduled
| + | SB 151 | TELECONFERENCED | |
| + | SB 183 | TELECONFERENCED | |
| += | SB 34 | TELECONFERENCED | |
| + | TELECONFERENCED |
CS FOR SENATE BILL NO. 34(FIN)
"An Act reestablishing the Citizens' Advisory
Commission on Federal Management Areas in Alaska;
relating to the membership and duties of the Citizens'
Advisory Commission on Federal Management Areas in
Alaska; relating to the authority of the Department of
Natural Resources regarding the Citizens' Advisory
Commission on Federal Management Areas in Alaska; and
providing for an effective date."
9:21:56 AM
Co-Chair Foster asked for a review of the bill. He noted
the committee had heard the bill several times during the
previous and current sessions.
SENATOR JAMES KAUFMAN, SPONSOR, explained that the bill
would reestablish the Citizens Advisory Commission on
Federal Management Areas (CACFA). The commission's role was
to represent the views of Alaskan citizens concerning
federal land management plans within the state.
Co-Chair Foster noted that he had two amendments to offer
based on input from some statewide organizations.
Co-Chair Foster MOVED to ADOPT Amendment 1, 33-LS0250\S.1
(Gunther, 5/8/24) (copy on file):
Page 2, lines 11 - 12:
Delete "a federally recognized tribe and at least one
other member must be a shareholder of"
Insert "and represent a federally recognized tribe. At
least one other member must be a shareholder of and
represent"
Representative Stapp OBJECTED for discussion.
Co-Chair Foster asked his staff to come to the table. He
explained the amendment pertained to two seats on the
commission. The bill specified that one member was to be a
member of a tribal organization and one was to be a
shareholder. He referenced his comment at a prior hearing
on the bill that [under the bill's current language]
someone could be tribal member living in Florida [or
elsewhere out of state]. For example, he had brothers who
lived in the State of Washington who were both tribal
members and shareholders who could technically serve on the
commission. He was looking to ensure the seat would be
filled by someone who was clearly a representative of a
tribe or Native corporation. He asked for further details
from his staff.
PAUL LABOLLE, STAFF, REPRESENTATIVE NEAL FOSTER, noted that
the only change made by the amendment was the addition of
the term "and represent." He explained the term was
intended to mean "to act on behalf of."
Co-Chair Foster did not want to be overly prescriptive. The
intent of the amendment was to have the seat filled by
someone for example who was the external affairs director,
governmental affairs director, CEO, or president [of a
federally recognized tribe]. He asked to hear from the bill
sponsor to ensure he was amenable to the amendment.
Senator Kaufman relayed that he was very supportive of the
amendment. He detailed that the amendment was reflective of
the work his office had done to improve the geographic and
cultural representation of the board.
Co-Chair Foster noted that his office had also checked with
the Alaska Federation of Natives (AFN).
Representative Stapp WITHDREW the OBJECTION.
There being NO further OBJECTION, Amendment 1 was ADOPTED.
9:26:04 AM
Co-Chair Foster MOVED to ADOPT Amendment 2, 33-LS0250\S.3
(Gunther, 5/9/24) (copy on file):
Page 2, line 14:
Delete "a new subsection"
Insert "new subsections"
Page 2, following line 16:
Insert a new subsection to read:
"G) Notwithstanding another provision of this section,
the commission may not consider, research, or hold
hearings relating to public use on private land,
including a highway with an easement onto private land
or onto public land reserved for private use. In this
subsection, "highway" has the meaning given in AS
19.59.001."
Representative Stapp OBJECTED for discussion.
Co-Chair Foster explained that some statewide organizations
had indicated concern that the bill could allow
grandfathered trails to go over private lands. For example,
Alaska Native Corporations owned large parts of the state.
The entities wanted to make sure that if there was a
grandfathered trail, the bill would not allow someone to go
over private lands. It would also apply to individuals as
well. For example, if someone had a farm somewhere that had
a grandfathered trail, it would not allow just anyone from
the public to trespass over individual landowners' private
land.
Mr. Labolle noted the amendment included the terminology
"or onto public land reserved for private use." He
explained that the language captured tribal land, which was
technically federal land held in trust.
Co-Chair Foster asked the bill sponsor for any comments on
the amendment.
Senator Kaufman believed CACFA's scope was clear in the
bill as currently written, but he understood the concerns
and deferred to the will of the committee.
Representative Stapp looked at the amendment language
"including a highway with an easement onto private land."
He thought it seemed to mean a lot of things. He noted
there were many easements on state highways. He asked if
the language meant any conversation would be disallowed
just because easements ran through public highways.
Mr. Labolle answered that the word "highway" was as defined
in statute. He explained the language was intending to
capture RS 2477s.
Representative Stapp WITHDREW the OBJECTION.
There being NO further OBJECTION, Amendment 2 was ADOPTED.
Co-Chair Foster reported that no other amendments had been
received. The committee had previously reviewed the fiscal
note and taken public testimony.
Co-Chair Edgmon stated he certainly would not object to
moving the bill from committee. He relayed there was a
proven element to the commission because he had been at the
table a number of years back when it had been decided the
commission was not needed per the cost at the time and the
duties of the executive director. He hoped that 10 to 12
years later that with a renewed sense of purpose the
commission could reestablish itself and not return to the
point where there were questions about its germaneness
given the amount of money to be spent on it annually.
Co-Chair Johnson MOVED to REPORT HCS CSSB 34(FIN) out of
committee with individual recommendations and the
accompanying fiscal note.
9:31:05 AM
AT EASE
9:31:29 AM
RECONVENED
Co-Chair Johnson restated her motion.
There being NO OBJECTION, it was so ordered.
HCS CSSB 34(FIN) was REPORTED out of committee with five
"do pass" recommendations, four "no recommendation"
recommendations, and one "amend" recommendation and with
one new fiscal impact note from the Department of Natural
Resources.
Co-Chair Foster noted the committee would give Legislative
Legal Services the ability to make technical and conforming
changes when incorporating the two amendments to the bill.
He thanked the bill sponsor.
Senator Kaufman thanked the committee.
| Document Name | Date/Time | Subjects |
|---|---|---|
| HB 275 Public Testimony Rec'd by 051424.pdf |
HFIN 5/14/2024 9:00:00 AM |
HB 275 |
| SB151 Public Testimony Rec'd by 051424.pdf |
HFIN 5/14/2024 9:00:00 AM |
SB 151 |