Legislature(2009 - 2010)HOUSE FINANCE 519
04/14/2010 08:30 AM House FINANCE
| Audio | Topic |
|---|---|
| Start | |
| SB230 | |
| SB144 | |
| SB269 | |
| SB235 | |
| HB317 | |
| HB69 | |
| SB305 | |
| HB69 | |
| HB421 | |
| SB219 | |
| Adjourn |
* first hearing in first committee of referral
+ teleconferenced
= bill was previously heard/scheduled
+ teleconferenced
= bill was previously heard/scheduled
| + | SB 230 | TELECONFERENCED | |
| + | SB 144 | TELECONFERENCED | |
| + | SB 219 | TELECONFERENCED | |
| + | SB 235 | TELECONFERENCED | |
| + | SB 269 | TELECONFERENCED | |
| + | SB 305 | TELECONFERENCED | |
| + | HB 69 | TELECONFERENCED | |
| += | HB 317 | TELECONFERENCED | |
| + | TELECONFERENCED | ||
| += | HB 421 | TELECONFERENCED | |
CS FOR SENATE BILL NO. 144(FIN)
"An Act relating to hunting permits and tag fees for
musk oxen."
9:18:00 AM
TIM BENINTENDI, STAFF, SENATOR DONNY OLSEN, explained that
the bill would authorize a second permit for resident and
subsistent hunters to take musk oxen. He added that the
bill would double the chances of getting an animal but
would not change the current bag limit of one per year,
either a cow or a bull. The second permit applies when a
hunter is unable to get a musk ox under the first permit.
He stressed that non-resident hunters could not take
advantage of the second permit.
Mr. Benintendi informed the committee that musk oxen are
the only game animal left in Alaska with a one-permit
restriction. He reviewed the four game management areas
musk oxen are located in and noted that the current
estimation of the size of the herd is 4,400; annually
between 325 and 350 are available for harvest. He noted
that wildlife biologist regulators in the Department of
Fish and Game have determined that the size and health of
the herd would allow for expansion of hunting. The
department estimates that the minimum number of additional
permits would be 50 to 60 and that approximately 25 animals
would be harvested per year under SB 144.
Mr. Benintendi remarked that the Board of Game would have
authority under the bill to reduce or eliminate subsistence
tag and fee requirements. The bill would also change the
calendar year to a regulatory year, which would accommodate
August to March hunts and allow hunters to pay once for the
season. The legislation would take effect August 2010. The
fiscal note is zero. The bill has the support of the
department and several hunting groups.
Vice-Chair Thomas acknowledged the Tenakee Springs group in
the audience.
9:22:11 AM
Co-Chair Stoltze stated that he supported the residence
preference provision in SB 144.
Representative Fairclough questioned whether the provision
meets constitutionality since a recent ruling. Mr.
Benintendi replied that out-of-state residents could take
part in drawing hunts (as opposed to permit hunts) and so
are accommodated.
Co-Chair Stoltze asked whether there could be a situation
in which non-resident hunters would feel disadvantaged. Mr.
Benintendi answered that the provision would not take away
existing rights but only adds to opportunities for Alaskan
resident hunters; other hunts would not be impacted.
Co-Chair Stoltze referred to challenges from non-resident
fishermen.
Representative Fairclough stated that she preferred to have
Alaskan preference.
Co-Chair Stoltze closed public testimony.
9:25:02 AM
Vice-Chair Thomas MOVED to report SB 144 out of Committee
with individual recommendations and the accompanying fiscal
note.
SB 144 was REPORTED out of Committee with a "do pass"
recommendation and with previously published fiscal note:
FN1 (DFG).