Legislature(2023 - 2024)BUTROVICH 205
03/11/2024 03:30 PM Senate RESOURCES
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 | |
| SB164 | |
| SB199 | |
| SB210 | |
| Adjourn |
* first hearing in first committee of referral
+ teleconferenced
= bill was previously heard/scheduled
+ teleconferenced
= bill was previously heard/scheduled
| += | SB 199 | TELECONFERENCED | |
| += | SB 210 | TELECONFERENCED | |
| *+ | SB 164 | TELECONFERENCED | |
| + | TELECONFERENCED | ||
SB 164-STATE PARK PERMITS FOR DISABLED VETERANS
3:32:12 PM
CO-CHAIR BISHOP announced the consideration of SENATE BILL NO.
164 "An Act making certain veterans eligible for a lifetime
permit to access state park campsites and facilities without
charge; and providing for an effective date."
3:32:36 PM
SENATOR JESSE BJORKMAN, District D, Alaska State Legislature,
Juneau, Alaska, sponsor of SB 164.
[Original punctuation provided.]
SENATE BILL 164
SPONSOR STATEMENT
State Park Permits for Disabled Veterans
I am excited to introduce Senate Bill 164, which will
allow disabled veterans who have honorably served our
country to have a lifetime of access to our state
parks free of charge. This bill will allow them to
apply for a lifetime pass to Alaska State Parks and
waive the fees. They will have access to developed
campsites and parking. I believe that those who have
served their nation in the military deserve the utmost
respect and have earned the right to enjoy the beauty
of our great state that they have defended and
sacrificed for. As it currently stands, disabled
veterans do qualify for a free pass, however it is set
in statute as an annual pass system. By moving it to a
lifetime pass, it will be a simpler system for our
veterans to take advantage of the opportunities
presented to them. In addition, there is currently no
provision for them to be able to park during the day
if they simply want to enjoy the beautiful sights
around our great state. This bill will provide for
greater access to our parks if they simply want to sit
and enjoy the view or take a hike through some
beautiful country. I respectfully ask for your support
of this legislation for the benefit of our disabled
veterans. They deserve our respect and access to the
beauty of our great State.
SENATOR BJORKMAN stated that SB 164 aims to provide permanent
access for disabled veterans to state parks, campgrounds, and
parking areas on a permanent basis. He noted confusion regarding
the permit renewal frequency, with varying reports of renewals
every other year, every three years, or every five years as
described in the fiscal note. He expressed a desire for disabled
veterans, who have sacrificed significantly in service to the
country, to receive permanent, free access to state parks,
including free parking and camping. He emphasized that SB 164
seeks to offer a permanent pass that would not require renewal
and includes both camping and parking privileges.
3:35:02 PM
RAYMIE MATIASHOWSKI, Staff, Senator Jesse Bjorkman, Alaska State
Legislature, Juneau, Alaska, presented the sectional analysis
for SB 164:
[Original punctuation provided.]
SB 164 Version S
Sectional Analysis
"State Park Permits for Disabled Veterans"
Section 1: Amends AS 41.21.026(d), to move from giving
disabled veterans an annual state park developed
campsite permit to a lifetime permit with access to
developed campsites, restroom facilities, and parking.
Section 2 Provides for an effective date of July 1,
2024.
3:35:46 PM
SENATOR KAWASAKI asked if residency is required for a disabled
veteran being considered for a state park permit.
3:35:52 PM
MR. MATIASHOWSKI replied no.
3:36:01 PM
SENATOR KAWASAKI asked if there are different permit
requirements for residents and non-residents to enter state
parks.
3:36:21 PM
MR. MATIASHOWSKI replied that there is no difference; statute
specifies a disabled veteran of the country.
3:36:38 PM
SENATOR CLAMAN asked him to explain why the state has not yet
implemented the provision to include state park permits for
disabled veterans.
3:36:56 PM
RICKY GEASE, Director, Division of Parks and Outdoor Recreation,
Department of Natural Resources (DNR), Anchorage, Alaska,
answered questions related to SB 164. He stated that the
provision has not been implemented because it needs to be
established in statute. While the camping pass has already been
implemented, parking access has not yet been established.
3:37:20 PM
SENATOR CLAMAN asked for confirmation of his understanding that
the state currently offers a lifetime camping pass for disabled
veterans but does not provide a lifetime parking pass.
3:37:32 PM
MR. GEASE confirmed that the state has a lifetime camping permit
for disabled veterans. For data tracking purposes, the permit is
renewed every five years to maintain an accurate count of people
who use it.
3:37:56 PM
SENATOR CLAMAN asked if lifetime passes for state parks are
provided to any other groups.
3:38:06 PM
MR. GEASE replied no. He said that the lifetime camping permit
for disabled veterans is the only pass of its kind provided by
the state.
3:38:18 PM
CO-CHAIR BISHOP asked how many veteran campsite permits are
currently being utilized.
3:38:35 PM
MR. GEASE explained that currently, the state issues five-year
permits for disabled veterans, with permits for 2023 through
2027 being the latest period. New applicants will apply for
permits, and existing permit holders will be asked to renew,
receiving new stickers for the next period (2028 through 2032).
As of December 31, 2023, 1,781 people signed up for the five-
year permit.
3:39:19 PM
CO-CHAIR BISHOP asked him to repeat the number of people who
have signed up for the current five-year permit.
3:39:20 PM
MR. GEASE reiterated that 1,781 people signed up.
3:40:07 PM
SENATOR WIELECHOWSKI asked how many non-residents currently take
advantage of or are expected to take advantage of the permit.
3:40:24 PM
MR. GEASE acknowledged that he does not currently have the
detailed information but can obtain it. He mentioned that while
the permanent home address is requested, all verification
details are handled through Veterans Affairs (VA). He noted that
the permit is not based on residency status and committed to
tracking down and providing the information to the committee.
3:40:58 PM
SENATOR CLAMAN asked Senator Bjorkman if SB 164 would revoke the
five-year renewal period.
3:41:33 PM
SENATOR BJORKMAN explained that SB 164, as drafted, would
eliminate the need for permit renewals. He expressed interest in
creating a system akin to the permanent hunting and fishing
licenses available to senior citizens, which do not require
renewal. He asked how state parks use data on the number and
value of permits in circulation and suggested that data could be
collected through campsite inspections or other methods,
especially with the transition to electronic payment for camping
and parking. A lifetime pass could simplify tracking usage as
electronic payment systems become more prevalent.
3:41:39 PM
SENATOR KAUFMAN joined the meeting.
3:42:43 PM
SENATOR DUNBAR asked Mr. Gease about the fiscal note indicating
a potential loss of 4,000 annual parking permits compared to
1,750 active passes. He inquired about how the disabled veteran
parking permit system operates, whether it involves a hangtag or
a license plate, and how it is monitored to prevent misuse. He
expressed concern about the possibility of a veteran obtaining
multiple permits for vehicles in their extended family and
requested clarification on measures to ensure the parking pass
is used appropriately by the veteran it was issued to.
3:43:59 PM
MR. GEASE replied explained that currently, campground passes
are issued on a first-come, first-served basis. Campgrounds have
a host who provides the pass, which can be shown to the host and
then attached to the vehicle as a coupon or receipt indicating
zero fees. Reservations are handled informally, and data
tracking is not precise, relying on estimates. For a potential
annual parking pass, he suggested that it could be displayed on
the vehicle's window, similar to existing annual passes. This
approach would allow for accurate tracking of usage. The pass
could either be kept separate or combined with the campground
pass, with the combined pass being affixed to the vehicle.
3:45:27 PM
SENATOR DUNBAR asked for confirmation of his understanding that
the plan is to have one parking pass issued per permanent park
pass.
3:45:42 PM
MR. GEASE explained that the two systems are currently tracked
separately. DNR could issue a permanent annual parking pass that
affixes to the windshield and provide a separate card for
disabled veterans to show to the campground host, or they could
combine them into a single pass. He suggested that a parking
pass should ideally be a sticker affixed to the windshield, as
this would make compliance checks easier and better align with
how parking is accounted for.
3:46:36 PM
SENATOR DUNBAR stated that as someone who will be a veteran in
the future, he is aware of potential abuse of benefits afforded
to veterans. He expressed support for the bill and appreciation
for Senator Bjorkman's efforts but emphasized the need to ensure
that the system does not become susceptible to fraudulent use.
He referenced past issues with property tax exemptions in
Anchorage, where benefits continued to be claimed after the
eligible person passed away or moved away, until audits were
conducted. He urged Mr. Gease to remain vigilant and recommended
the creation of a system that prevents abuse.
3:47:37 PM
SENATOR CLAMAN requested clarification from Mr. Gease. He noted
that currently, annual parking passes are displayed in the car
window and change in color each year. He asked whether, if SB
164 passes, a different pass would be issued specifically for
disabled veterans or if a mechanism will be created to provide
disabled veterans with the same annual pass used by others. He
expressed uncertainty about how this would be approached.
3:48:25 PM
MR. GEASE explained that if a system were created requiring the
annual mailing of passes to an estimated 4,000 people, it could
be managed. He anticipated more interest in the parking pass
than camping pass. However, he said he prefers maintaining the
five-year permit system. Under this system, a batch of camping
permits would be printed and remain valid for five years, with
renewals only required once every five years. This approach
would reduce administrative effort and align with statewide
comprehensive outdoor recreation planning efforts, allowing data
collection every five years. He envisioned that adopting a five-
year system under SB 164 would reduce 80 percent of the effort
required to manage parking passes.
3:50:11 PM
SENATOR WIELECHOWSKI asked for confirmation of his understanding
that the proposed system involves a disabled veteran applying
for a pass, receiving a sticker to place on their car, and using
it for the next five years, with reapplication only required
after the five-year period.
3:50:34 PM
MR. GEASE confirmed that under the proposed system, veterans
would receive a new five-year sticker every five years. If a
veteran has an older sticker in 2028, the new sticker could be
issued on the spot, mailed to them, or picked up by the veteran.
3:51:05 PM
SENATOR WIELECHOWSKI asked if only one sticker is provided for
each disabled veteran.
3:51:29 PM
MR. GEASE replied that currently, one annual pass is issued per
vehicle regardless of the number of people within the vehicle.
3:51:53 PM
SENATOR WIELECHOWSKI asked if one pass is issued per vehicle or
per disabled veteran.
3:52:03 PM
MR. GEASE replied that the proposed system would issue one
annual parking pass per disabled veteran. However, if the
program were expanded to allow multiple vehicles per veteran,
such as three, the system could accommodate that by issuing
three passes. He noted that current annual passes are funded
through general fund program receipts, and the number of permits
issued would be tracked to calculate the cost of reimbursement
from the state to cover lost revenue in the general fund program
receipts as noted in the fiscal note.
3:53:13 PM
SENATOR WIELECHOWSKI asked how the system would handle
situations where a veteran passes away after receiving the pass
and whether the family would be responsible for returning the
pass or removing it from the vehicle.
3:53:35 PM
MR. GEASE replied that DNR would rely on the good intentions of
the family to remove the sticker from the vehicle.
3:53:50 PM
SENATOR KAWASAKI described a situation in Fairbanks where each
vehicle needs its own permit for the Salcha River boat takeout,
which led him to receive a question from a caller about whether
multiple permits were required for multiple vehicles. He asked
whether this situation was impacting disabled Alaska veterans,
noting that the fiscal note seemed to suggest this but lacking
the full context of the statute. He sought confirmation on
whether the proposed system would apply to any disabled veteran,
regardless of residency.
3:54:44 PM
SENATOR BJORKMAN replied with his understanding that current
statute applies to any disabled veteran regardless of residency
status.
3:55:05 PM
SENATOR KAWASAKI asked if the proposed system for disabled
veterans would differ from the eligibility criteria for
permanent senior resident licenses for hunting and fishing,
where residency is a requirement.
3:55:15 PM
SENATOR BJORKMAN replied that is correct.
3:55:24 PM
SENATOR DUNBAR urged maintaining a one-to-one ratio for parking
passes per disabled veteran to avoid potential misuse. He
referenced instances where similar provisions have been
exploited by individuals who were not considered disabled
veterans. He inquired whether there would be penalties or
enforcement mechanisms if a vehicle with a disabled veteran's
pass is sold and the pass is misused, essentially constituting
low-level fraud.
3:56:38 PM
MR. GEASE explained that the disabled veterans' camping pass is
non-transferable. If the qualifying veteran's vehicle is sold,
the pass must be removed. If the windshield is damaged or
replaced, the pass needs to be scraped off and sent in for a
replacement. The proposed system applies to all veterans,
regardless of residency status.
3:57:18 PM
SENATOR DUNBAR reiterated his question about enforcement
measures. He asked whether there would be penalties for
fraudulently displaying a disabled veteran's parking sticker if
someone who is not a disabled veteran uses it after purchasing a
vehicle.
3:57:35 PM
MR. GEASE stated that he would follow up on what triggers
enforcement actions for fraudulent use of a disabled veteran's
parking sticker. Park rangers do scan vehicles, but because
disabilities can vary and may not always be obvious, law
enforcement would follow up if fraud is discovered. However, he
expressed uncertainty about the priority level of such
enforcement and suggested that tightening up the system could be
more effective than relying solely on law enforcement.
3:58:22 PM
SENATOR DUNBAR agreed and reiterated his support for a one-to-
one pass per disabled veteran ratio.
3:58:35 PM
CO-CHAIR GIESSEL redirected committee members to language under
SB 164, noting that the original language of the statute
specifies that the department shall issue, free of charge, an
annual state park pass to disabled veterans of this country.
3:58:56 PM
SENATOR WIELECHOWSKI asked if proposed usage of the pass would
also include cabin access.
3:59:16 PM
MR. GEASE clarified that, as he reads proposed language under SB
164, it does not apply to public use cabins. The pass is limited
to camping and parking.
3:59:38 PM
SENATOR WIELECHOWSKI asked for a general sense of revenue
generated from parking fees in state parks on state lands.
4:00:01 PM
MR. GEASE explained that the general fund program receipts range
between $4 million to $5 million, coming from various sources
such as public use cabins, daily and annual parking, and
campground fees. Most campground fees are around $20, annual
passes are $60, and parking fees range between $5 to $7.
Currently, annual passes account for about $1 million, which is
over 20 percent of the total revenue. Parking revenue,
generating between $500 to $700, contributes a significant
portion. If 4,000 people signed up for the parking pass, it
would generate approximately $240,000, equating to about five
percent of the general fund program receipts. These funds along
with vehicle rental taxes (VRT) are used primarily for field
operations, and payroll.
4:01:30 PM
CO-CHAIR BISHOP asked for confirmation of his understanding that
VRT is defined as 'vehicle rental taxes.'
4:01:37 PM
MR. GEASE replied that is correct.
4:01:45 PM
SENATOR DUNBAR acknowledged that Senator Wielechowski has worked
to ensure Hmong veterans receive similar benefits. He noted that
while the language of the bill specifies veterans of this
country, Hmong veterans also fought for the country but may lack
formal federal acknowledgments. Given the large Hmong community
in Anchorage and their interest in parks, he inquired whether
they would be able to access the same benefits.
4:02:36 PM
MR. GEASE stated that, currently, verification of disability
determination documents comes through the VA, which handles the
verification for veterans who served in the United States.
4:03:02 PM
SENATOR CLAMAN expressed concerns about the current limitation
of one sticker per veteran, noting that it might discourage
proper use. He mentioned that some veterans use larger vehicles
like motor homes or trailers for camping, which are not suitable
for day-use parking spots. He suggested considering the issuance
of a different sticker or allowing two stickers per veteran to
better accommodate their needs and ensure appropriate use of
parking spaces.
4:04:16 PM
SENATOR BJORKMAN noted that the bill will not include rental
facilities, boat launch access, or other services beyond camping
and parking spaces. He emphasized that, given the limited access
to boat launches, it's important to keep those separate from the
bill to avoid overwhelming demand. He noted that while there's
interest from constituents for boat launch access, maintaining
separate fees for those services is preferable to ensure
adequate access and space.
4:05:26 PM
CO-CHAIR BISHOP held SB 164 in committee.