05/05/1994 08:35 AM House FIN

                                                                               
  SENATE BILL NO. 46                                                           
                                                                               
  "An Act authorizing moose farming."                                          
                                                                               
  Co-Chair Larson provided members with a proposed committee                   
  substitute, work draft #8-LS0371\S, dated 5/3/94 (copy on                    
  file).                                                                       
                                                                               
  TERESA SAGER-STANCLIFF, STAFF, SENATOR MILLER testified in                   
  support of SB 46. She explained that the legislation expands                 
  game farming statutes and transfers authority from the                       
  Department of Fish and Game to the Department of Natural                     
  Resources. She maintained that the legislation provides a                    
  better regulatory mechanism to assure a healthy game farm                    
  industry in Alaska. The bill also sets up an experimental                    
  animal husbandry permit, which can be issued for the farming                 
  of new species such as moose or caribou. The animals would                   
  remain the property of the state. Permits would be regulated                 
  by the Department of Fish and Game. If the permittee can                     
  demonstrate that breeding animals in captivity is successful                 
  they can apply for private ownership of the animals.                         
                                                                               
                                                                               
  Ms. Sager-Stancliff addressed the proposed committee                         
  substitute. She noted that the proposed committee substitute                 
  adds sections defining "moose and caribou" as game farm                      
  animals. She added that the sections would not take effect                   
  until the Department of Fish and Game determines that those                  
  species are game farm animals. The determination would be                    
  made through regulation.                                                     
                                                                               
  Representative Therriault MOVED to ADOPT work draft #8-                      
  LS0371\S, dated 5/3/94. He reiterated that the Department of                 
  Fish and Game will have complete control over the                            
  determination of the animals. There being NO OBJECTION, it                   
  was so ordered.                                                              
                                                                               
  In response to a question by Representative Parnell, Ms.                     
  Sager-Stancliff restated that the Department of Fish and                     
  Game has the authority and discretion to issue experimental                  
  permits and provide animals to the permittee. The permittee                  
  would petition to the Department of Fish and Game for                        
  private ownership after a five year trial period. The                        
  department will determine through regulation the criteria                    
  for an animal being identified as a game farm species. The                   
  permittee must demonstrate that they have cared properly for                 
  the animals and obtain a game farming license.                               
                                                                               
  Representative Therriault MOVED to report HCS CSSB 46 (FIN)                  
  out of Committee with individual recommendations and with                    
  the accompanying fiscal notes. The motion remained pending                   
  due to a lack of minority members being present.