Legislature(2003 - 2004)
05/08/2003 09:00 AM Senate FIN
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* first hearing in first committee of referral
+ teleconferenced
= bill was previously heard/scheduled
+ teleconferenced
= bill was previously heard/scheduled
CS FOR SENATE BILL NO. 56(FIN)
"An Act relating to sport fishing license fees and anadromous
king salmon tag fees for residents of Yukon, Canada; and
providing for an effective date."
This was the first hearing for this bill in the Senate Finance
Committee.
Co-Chair Wilken stated that this bill would "allow residents of the
Yukon Territory to purchase fishing licenses at the in-State rate."
SENATOR FRED DYSON, sponsor, recalled similar efforts were made
several years prior. He stated that the Yukon Territory "has a lot
in common" with Alaska, particularly the interior regions of the
State and that the Territory has been experiencing significant
financial reverses and declining population. He opined that Yukon
Territory residents "are amongst our very best friends" and that
efforts such as extension of the Alaska Railroad, a gas pipeline,
"circle tourism routes" and import-export activities, are occurring
between the State and the Territory.
Senator Dyson assured that Yukon residents would not be considered
Alaskan resident fishers under the provisions of this bill and
therefore their activities would be regulated in the manner of
other nonresident participants.
Senator Dyson remarked that the fiscal note should be in an
indeterminate amount, as the number of Yukon Territory residents
that would participate is unknown. He suggested the loss of revenue
could be insignificant if more Yukon Territory residents purchase
licenses and participate in Alaskan fisheries. He furthered that
several coastal Alaskan communities generate revenue from visiting
fishers.
Senator Dyson indicated a letter of endorsement for this bill from
the Alaska State Chamber of Commerce [copy on file.]
Senator Taylor offered a motion to move SB 56 from Committee with
individual recommendations and accompanying fiscal note.
Co-Chair Wilken indicated further discussion was necessary.
Senator Bunde objected to the motion and commented he "was not
interested in doing anything to help any Canadian at this point."
He questioned how the State could allow only certain foreign
nationals access to Alaska resources.
DON JOHNSON testified via teleconference from an off net location
in Soldotna, that if the State would going to provide lower license
fees to Canadians, United States residents from the Lower 48 should
receive the same benefits. He disagreed with giving rights to
aliens that are denied to U.S. citizens.
Co-Chair Wilken asked whether the sponsor would prefer an effective
date to allow this legislation to be in effect for the upcoming
summer fishing season.
SFC 03 # 82, Side B 09:45 AM
Senator Dyson affirmed.
Senator Taylor WITHDREW his motion to report the bill from
Committee without objection.
Amendment #1: This conceptual amendment would add a new Section 2
to the bill to make the provisions of this Act effective
immediately.
Co-Chair Wilken moved for adoption.
The amendment was ADOPTED without objection.
Senator Taylor requested the sponsor respond to the witness'
comments.
Senator Dyson appreciated the point and spoke to the close
proximity of the Yukon Territory and the cooperative management of
shared resources, including fisheries. He stressed that building a
relationship is important.
Senator Dyson pointed out that the language of the bill is
"permissive" in that it allows the commissioner of the Department
of Fish and Game to determine whether to extend the resident rate.
Senator Olson furthered that although he has opposed the Canadian
government on various issues, this legislation would encourage
Yukon fishers to catch fish on the Alaskan side of the border,
rather than waiting until the salmon migrated upstream, and thus
capitalize on their efforts.
Co-Chair Green commented that her children were born in Alaska;
however, when they visit the State, they must pay the higher
nonresident license fees. She stated that extending resident
license fees to Canadians and not to former Alaskan residents "is
not right".
Senator Bunde asserted that Canadians should amend their laws
relating to guns to be "friendlier" to Alaskans.
Senator Dyson commented that Yukon residents feel as alienated from
their national government as Alaskan residents do with relation to
gun laws. He relayed that at a conference he and Senator Olson
attended, he learned that the residents of the Yukon Territory are
"diametrically in opposition" to their federal government's
position on this and other matters.
Senator Bunde told of an opportunity he had to attend a conference
in Canada and that he refused based on that nation's policies.
Senator Dyson opined that while it is "appropriate to punish the
guilty," it would be "immoral and unethical" to punish the
innocent.
Senator Taylor offered a motion to move SB 56, as amended, from
Committee with individual recommendations and accompanying fiscal
note.
A roll call was taken on the motion.
IN FAVOR: Senator Olson, Senator B. Stevens, Senator Taylor, Co-
Chair Green and Co-Chair Wilken
OPPOSED: Senator Hoffman and Senator Bunde
The motion PASSED (5-2)
CS SB 56 (FIN) with zero fiscal note #1 from the Department of Fish
and Game was REPORTED from Committee.
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