02/16/2024 03:30 PM Senate RESOURCES
| Audio | Topic |
|---|---|
| Start | |
| Adjourn |
+ teleconferenced
= bill was previously heard/scheduled
| *+ | SB 168 | TELECONFERENCED | |
| *+ | SB 171 | TELECONFERENCED | |
| + | TELECONFERENCED | ||
ALASKA STATE LEGISLATURE
SENATE RESOURCES STANDING COMMITTEE
February 16, 2024
3:30 p.m.
MEMBERS PRESENT
Senator Click Bishop, Co-Chair
Senator Cathy Giessel, Co-Chair
Senator Bill Wielechowski, Vice Chair
Senator James Kaufman
Senator Forrest Dunbar
Senator Matt Claman
MEMBERS ABSENT
Senator Scott Kawasaki
COMMITTEE CALENDAR
OVERVIEW: DIVISION OF AGRICULTURE
- HEARD -
SENATE BILL NO. 168
"An Act relating to wrongfully seized game."
- BILL HEARING CANCELED -
SENATE BILL NO. 171
"An Act changing the residency requirements for sport fishing,
hunting, and trapping privileges; and providing for an effective
date."
- HEARD AND HELD -
PREVIOUS COMMITTEE ACTION
BILL: SB 171
SHORT TITLE: RESIDENCY REQ: HUNTING, TRAPPING, FISHING
SPONSOR(s): BJORKMAN
01/16/24 (S) PREFILE RELEASED 1/8/24
01/16/24 (S) READ THE FIRST TIME - REFERRALS
01/16/24 (S) RES, FIN
02/16/24 (S) RES AT 3:30 PM BUTROVICH 205
WITNESS REGISTER
JOHN BOYLE, Commissioner
Department of Natural Resources (DNR)
Anchorage, Alaska
POSITION STATEMENT: Presented an overview on the Division of
Agriculture.
BRYAN SCORESBY, Director
Division of Agriculture
Department of Natural Resources (DNR)
Palmer, Alaska
POSITION STATEMENT: Answered questions about the Nenana-
Totchaket Agricultural Project.
BRENT GOODRUM, Deputy Commissioner
Department of Natural Resources (DNR)
Anchorage, Alaska
POSITION STATEMENT: Answered questions about agricultural data.
SENATOR JESSE BJORKMAN, District D
Alaska State Legislature
Juneau, Alaska
POSITION STATEMENT: Sponsor of SB 171.
JOHN STURGEON, President
Alaska Chapter Safari Club International
Anchorage, Alaska
POSITION STATEMENT: Invited testimony for SB 171.
TED SPRAKER, Chair
Alaska Board of Game
Juneau, Alaska
POSITION STATEMENT: Invited testimony for SB 171.
MIKE CRAWFORD, Chair
Kenai/Soldotna Fish and Game Advisory Committee
Soldotna, Alaska
POSITION STATEMENT: Invited testimony for SB 171.
3:30:44 PM
CO-CHAIR CATHY GIESSEL called the Senate Resources Standing
Committee meeting to order at 3:30 p.m. Present at the call to
order were Senators Wielechowski (via teleconference), Kaufman,
Dunbar, Claman, Co-Chair Bishop, and Co-Chair Giessel.
^Presentation: Division of Agriculture
PRESENTATION: DIVISION OF AGRICULTURE
3:31:21 PM
CO-CHAIR GIESSEL announced the consideration of an overview on
the Division of Agriculture.
3:32:06 PM
JOHN BOYLE, Commissioner, Department of Natural Resources (DNR),
Anchorage, Alaska, mentioned that committee members had an
opportunity to visit the Food and Farm Caucus and associated
stakeholders to discuss agriculture in Alaska. Although
agriculture is a small sector in the state's economy and
sometimes gets overlooked, it is important for Alaskans and a
vital function within DNR. He moved to slide 2 and presented
photos of his family performing bee farming work to demonstrate
the commonality of agricultural practices. He said the images
symbolize who Alaskans were historically when the state produced
over 50 percent of the food it consumed. Today, the production
rate is in the single digits, However, he expressed his belief
that the state has enormous potential. The agriculture industry
comprises a wide spectrum of practices.
3:35:11 PM
COMMISSIONER BOYLE stated there are concerns everywhere in the
country about the loss of agricultural land to development.
Every year there are fewer acres for agricultural use as a
result of the pressure of growing cities, expanding industries,
and rising land values. However, Alaska is abundant with land
that is available for agricultural purposes. Amongst most global
jurisdictions, Alaska is in a great position to offer more
opportunities to build and grow the agricultural industry.
3:36:08 PM
COMMISSIONER BOYLE moved to slide 3 and spoke to the two main
agricultural goals in Alaska:
[Original punctuation provided.]
Goals
To grow agriculture in Alaska for:
1) Greater food security and independence for
Alaskans, and
2) Jobs and value-chain benefits of a well-developed
economic sector
COMMISSIONER BOYLE added that COVID-19 brought forth important
lessons about the tenuousness of supply chains. He mentioned
that during this time, the governor was contacted by the Port of
Seattle-Tacoma regarding the potential need to shut down
operations with the Canadian border, so access to Canada would
have been temporarily restricted. He opined that Alaskans should
be aware of their reliance on ports, roads, and constrained
supply chains to bring food into the state, which create a
vulnerability to pandemics, natural disasters, civil unrest,
war, or other events that could impede reliable food delivery.
He emphasized the importance of putting more land into the hands
of existing or future farmers through projects like the Nenana-
Totchaket Agricultural Project, as well as creating environments
to lower costs.
3:38:51 PM
COMMISSIONER BOYLE moved to slides 3 through 4 and spoke to
agricultural data in Alaska. He stated there is no specific
methodology or particular study that encapsulates the whole
picture. However, data developed by the United States Department
of Agriculture (USDA) includes Alaska cultural data every seven
years. This list demonstrates that data:
[Original punctuation provided.]
Alaska Agricultural Data
• Federal government collects agricultural data
nationwide "Census of Agriculture"
• 2022 data released Feb. 13, 2024
• Voluntary survey
• Division will be comparing changes from last
census (2017), evaluating new data
• Number of Alaska farms increased from 990 in
2017, to 1,173 in 2022
• Land in farms increased from 849,753 acres in
2017 to 869,852 in 2022
• Value of agricultural products sold increased
from $70.5 million in 2017 to $90.9 million in
2022
Crops: $29.6 million in 2017, $39.7 million in
2022
Animal products: $40.8 million in 2017, $51.2
million in 2022
COMMISSIONER BOYLE said DNR recently received data for 2022 that
included a voluntary survey from Alaskan farmers, which helps
shape the state's worldview of agriculture. The study found that
the response rates for this survey declined nationally from 72
to 61 percent in five years. DNR seeks to build out its datasets
and better understand agriculture to develop a strategic map.
Highlights include a market increase in farms and an increase in
crops such as barley and dairy over the past few years. The data
shows that economic demand for agricultural products and
opportunities for Alaskan farmers are generally increasing. He
advised the legislature to identify ways to foster growth in the
sector.
3:42:43 PM
SENATOR CLAMAN asked if the $90.9 million value accounts for the
total quantity of imported products sold statewide given the
majority come from outside of the state.
3:43:17 PM
COMMISSIONER BOYLE deferred to Mr. Scoresby, the Director of
Division of Agriculture, to respond to the question.
3:45:00 PM
BRYAN SCORESBY, Director, Division of Agriculture, Department of
Natural Resources (DNR), Palmer, Alaska, replied that $90.9
million is the total volume of gross domestic agricultural
product sold in-state, about $40 million of that goes into the
grocery market. He noted he would follow up in writing with
additional detail.
3:45:28 PM
CO-CHAIR GIESSEL clarified that Senator Claman asked whether
$90.9 million compares the value of the lower 48 foods to
products that are sold in Alaska.
3:45:53 PM
SENATOR CLAMAN also inquired about other agricultural products
such as livestock feed to understand food security in Alaska in
totality.
3:46:46 PM
COMMISSIONER BOYLE replied he could follow up with specific
data. He reiterated that Alaska produces less than ten percent
of the food that the state consumes.
3:47:17 PM
SENATOR CLAMAN recalled speaking with a restaurant owner who
obtains pork from outside of the state because all the pork
produced in Alaska is not enough to meet his customer's demands.
He expressed the importance of local production but acknowledged
it is a small percentage of the total in-state consumption.
3:47:52 PM
COMMISSIONER BOYLE moved to slide 6 and elaborated on data on
Alaskan crops:
[Original punctuation provided.]
Alaska Crops
Crop type Estimated acres
Grass hay 21,000
Barley 6,000
Oats 750
Wheat 350
Potatoes 150
Seed potatoes 35
COMMISSIONER BOYLE noted that vegetable crop data was not
incorporated in this report. He stated the amount of summer
sunlight makes crops sweeter. DNR averaged the estimated acres
for oats and wheat over 11 years using Farm Service Agency data.
It also estimated acreage for potatoes. There are additional
non-hay acres that are not reflected on the list, so DNR
estimates at least an additional eight thousand acres are used
for foraging and to supply feed stocks in the state. He
explained the multiple uses of certain crops to build value in
the supply chain.
3:52:29 PM
SENATOR BISHOP asked why the available land acreage is not used
in production.
3:53:21 PM
COMMISSIONER BOYLE responded that the state has clearly
developed several agricultural products over the years. He
suggested that much of the underutilized agricultural land
results from farmers who only grow enough product for what is
guaranteed in sales. DNR wonders how to provide opportunities to
farmers to ensure increased access to markets. Therefore,
farmers would increase output to meet that demand.
3:56:08 PM
SENATOR BISHOP wondered what barriers exist to increasing crop
production.
3:57:12 PM
MR. SCORESBY replied that there are several acres in between
areas that are not currently in production. He stated only each
landowner would know why their land is underutilized.
3:57:38 PM
COMMISSIONER BOYLE moved to slide 7 and outlined the Nenana-
Totchaket Agricultural Project:
[Original punctuation provided.]
Nenana-Totchaket Agricultural Project
140,000 acres of State land is being made available
for agriculture over the coming decades
COMMISSIONER BOYLE added that this area was identified for
agricultural development in the late 70s. He said it provides
favorable access to key transportation routes and opportunities
to move products to the market. A key bridge was built across
the Nenana River, completed in 2020, plus a road that extends
far out into the agricultural project. The first phase was made
available for purchase in 2022 and DNR saw strong local and
national interest in the 27 parcels offered, with the vast
majority going to Alaskans.
3:59:09 PM
COMMISSIONER BOYLE moved to slide 8 and elaborated on the
Nenana-Totchaket Agricultural Project:
[Original punctuation provided.]
• First land sale in 2022 was highly successful, with
2,000 acres offered at sealed-bid auction and over
the counter sales
• Saw strong local and national interest in the 27
parcels (24 were ultimately sold, mostly to
Alaskans)
• Some farmers have already started clearing and
planting their lots
• 2024 activity: reviewing terms, planning, continuing
infrastructure and well drilling
COMMISSIONER BOYLE spoke to the first land sale of over one
hundred acres, which in turn fostered the success of a sweet
corn crop without other inputs. Climate change is causing longer
crop seasons, so as Alaska warms and the growing season
lengthens, the amount and types of crops grown will increase.
Climate change therefore presents both challenges and
opportunities. DNR delayed a subsequent sale this year to have
time to strategically review land sales and agricultural uses.
4:02:33 PM
COMMISSIONER BOYLE stated his belief that the state has never
proactively taken steps to enforce covenants. He said the state
should ensure the proper steps are taken to make land available
for farmers who are interested in agricultural uses. He opined
that underutilized areas result from both a land supply issue
and other factors. There's variability in environments and
atmospheric patterns, so multiple factors should be considered
to guarantee success before land is sold.
4:04:28 PM
SENATOR DUNBAR asked how maintenance is paid for on the long
access road and whether the state or municipal government
collect a property tax.
4:05:20 PM
COMMISSIONER BOYLE replied with his understanding that there is
no local taxation authority that collects a property tax in the
Nenana-Totchaket area. He invited DNR's Deputy Commissioner to
provide insight on maintenance agreements and obligations.
4:05:57 PM
BRENT GOODRUM, Deputy Commissioner, Department of Natural
Resources (DNR), Anchorage, Alaska, answered questions about the
Nenana-Totchaket Agricultural Project. He said Ahtna, Inc.,
originally explored the Nenana-Totchaket area and established a
pad for development activities. The Department of Transportation
(DOT) reserved the first six or seven miles for road improvement
work. DOT is also working to create the initial access road in
Phase 1A of agricultural development. He offered to consult with
the Department of Transportation (DOT) and report back to the
committee with specific details.
4:07:24 PM
CO-CHAIR GIESSEL noted that Representative Himschoot is present.
4:07:47 PM
COMMISSIONER BOYLE moved to slide 9 and spoke to 2023
initiatives:
[Original punctuation provided.]
• Alaska Feed Grain Reserve Program
$1 million investment, partnering with
Alaska Farmers Cooperative in Delta Junction
• Access to markets; building bridges
• Plant Materials Center seed cleaning capacity,
efficiency upgrades
COMMISSIONER BOYLE stated that an appropriate amount of staffing
is important to support these projects. He expressed his belief
that the congressional delegation does a fairly good job to
bring agricultural dollars to Alaska even though compared to
other states, Alaska receives less, on average. He said USDA has
a substantial amount of funds that are available for farmers.
Some programs including the Alaska Feed Grain Reserve program
could provide more opportunities for barley and grain growers in
Alaska, especially in Delta.
4:09:15 PM
COMMISSIONER BOYLE moved to slide 10 and spoke to 2023 grant
initiatives:
[Original punctuation provided.]
2023: Initiatives - Grants
• Micro-Grants for Food Security
Second launch this week
915 recipients to date fed 42,500 people
• Local food purchase program
Farmers markets (and others) contracting
with small and mid-sized farmers
Product distributed to under-served Alaska
communities
COMMISSIONER BOYLE said there is a direct correlation between
the dollars coming into the state and recipients who need
grants. Federal micro-grants for food security top out at five
thousand dollars per person and play an important role in
ensuring food security for small farmers. These grants also
support funding for greenhouses development, small-scale
herding, livestock operations, and subsistence. DNR has roughly
$2.2 million in grants this year and received dozens of
applications. About 950 individuals were awarded, which in turn
fed about 42,500 Alaskans.
4:11:25 PM
COMMISSIONER BOYLE conveyed that DNR's priority for these grant-
administered programs is to consider rural areas, which face
significant food insecurity. He stated that the Local Food
Purchase Program has roughly $1.5 million in funding and
benefits both producers and clients. Funds are granted to the
state and Tribal governments to purchase local food and support
local or underserved producers. The program serves organizations
such as food banks that reach underserved communities. He
conveyed that DNR hopes these funds support the growth of food
hubs, Tribal farming, and local farmers markets. A marked
increase in farmer's markets has been seen. Markets enable urban
Alaskans to take advantage of locally grown produce and
Anchorage alone has several farmers markets throughout the
municipality.
4:13:12 PM
COMMISSIONER BOYLE said the Division of Agriculture's seed
cleaning capacity is essential, they are the only entity in the
state providing this critical service. He stated that as farmers
harvest crops, barley, or other seeds, they hope to retain a
certain amount that could be planted in a subsequent year.
However, undesirable plants or weeds can become intertwined and
impact crop environments. Cleaning and processing seeds for
farmers serves an important role for remediation and restoration
work and DNR foresees an increase in these opportunities. When
land is disturbed, it is important to attempt to restore it. He
commented that natural seeds are costly and high in value.
4:15:56 PM
COMMISSIONER BOYLE moved to slide 11 and spoke to strategic
review methods:
[Original punctuation provided.]
2024: Year of Strategic Review
• Holistic look at Alaska agriculture
• Field visits
• Bringing Alaska agricultural policy leaders
together
• Soliciting best-in-class expertise (Indiana,
Utah, etc.)
• Pursuing strategic partnership with Purdue
University Building collaborative relationships
with Yukon and other provinces
COMMISSIONER BOYLE stated there is an opportunity to assess the
status of agriculture in the state and consider policies. He
stated he accompanied Director Scoresby to several farming
regions across the state to meet with local farmers, including
Alaska Dairy in Delta Junction. Efforts have been made over the
past year to better understand what farmers need. He opined that
bringing together various agricultural-related entities is a
logical step to setting agricultural policy and building the
agricultural community; each entity could focus on individual
elements.
4:20:35 PM
SENATOR DUNBAR asked if DNR would support the creation of a
department of agriculture.
4:21:00 PM
COMMISSIONER BOYLE conveyed that the governor's office is
considering the option. He relayed that by creating a
department, the overarching issue is elevated to the governor's
level. He stated his belief that the desire to create a
department centered on resourcing, adding more staff, and
concentrating functions. The agricultural community has
expressed interest in the development of a department. He shared
his understanding that a department would entail a unique
management philosophy.
4:22:56 PM
SENATOR DUNBAR asked for confirmation of his understanding that
DNR has not taken a position and is currently reviewing the
proposal with the governor.
4:23:05 PM
COMMISSIONER BOYLE clarified that DNR is supportive of the idea
but would like to think through the implications.
4:23:18 PM
SENATOR BISHOP said he understands farmers' desire for a one-
stop-shop for business needs.
4:23:58 PM
COMMISSIONER BOYLE stated he has worked to solicit agricultural
expertise. He said he traveled with the governor to meet with
the Dean of Agriculture at Purdue University. UA has a working
relationship with the University of North Dakota (UND) and DNR
is interested in building on university partnerships. Purdue
University advises governments around the world, including
Columbia, to help rebuild their agricultural systems. The
university is interested in creating opportunities for its
researchers and agronomists so they can come to Alaska to
understand Northern agriculture. Conversely, it provides
opportunities for Alaskan researchers to travel to Purdue. DNR
seeks to foster those relationships and bring on strategic
consulting from Purdue. In most other states, agriculture
evolves naturally over time. Alaska has a unique opportunity to
build the agricultural industry from the ground up through
policy and the structuring of systems. DNR also seeks to build
collaborative relationships with Northern sovereigns, which
would be beneficial for research. He said he traveled with the
governor to Yukon to discuss ways to expand agricultural
opportunities in the North and leverage research.
4:27:31 PM
COMMISSIONER BOYLE moved to slide 12 and listed goals for 2024:
[Original punctuation provided.]
2024 Goals
• Progress strategic review, collaborations with
policy makers
• Dedicate resources where Alaska benefits most
• Resilient Food Systems Infrastructure Grant
• Advance myriad opportunities: Farmer Support
Services program
COMMISSIONER BOYLE summarized that initiatives include getting
resources into the hands of farmers, taking advantage of funding
opportunities, and advancing programs to allow extension
outreach.
4:28:47 PM
COMMISSIONER BOYLE moved to slide 13 and explained challenges:
[Original punctuation provided.]
Challenges
• DNR
• Industry
Market access
High costs, high risk
Infrastructure Labor
Next generation Alaska farmers
• Research needs
COMMISSIONER BOYLE said many farmers have been farming in the
state for decades but are nearing retirement. He suggested the
state must consider ways to encourage youth to participate in
the farming industry. There are potential tweaks to the CROP Act
that would incentivize farmers to reduce risks through crop
insurance or other avenues. Expanding opportunities and growing
segments of the agricultural economy would help lower input
costs for smaller farmers by making machinery or equipment less
expensive and maintaining a larger supply stock. DNR will
continue to work with agricultural partners in the state to
identify those opportunities. He emphasized that research is one
of the most critical needs for the state to reduce the burden on
farmers. Much of that risk should be borne by the land grant
university or the state to help identify the appropriate crops
for development. He said he had the opportunity to see the
University of Saskatchwan's experimental farm, which devotes a
full suite of geneticists to develop new, adaptable crop strains
that could survive in different climates and regions. Its
geneticists worked to find the necessary genes to study
radioactive material in wheat. This is important work and pays
dividends to farmers. Once experimental farms demonstrate
success, the benefits are disseminated to farmers and help grow
communities. UA grew Camelina in conjunction with UND, but
witnessed better crop success in Alaska. This seed oil could be
used for multiple purposes and create opportunities for the
state to produce biofuels. He expressed the value of ensuring UA
is equipped with the necessary resources to conduct research.
4:33:54 PM
COMMISSIONER BOYLE expressed his appreciation for farmers and
noted that farmers in Alaska have utilized the latest
agricultural technologies, which reaffirms the state's
capabilities of becoming food-secure.
4:35:02 PM
CO-CHAIR GIESSEL agreed that agriculture is important. She
conveyed that a farmer in her district employs H-2A visa
workers. With the mandatory increase in wages, he did not plant
cucumbers last month knowing he could not make sales if he
increased the cost to higher compensate workers. She said she
spoke with the governor, Senator Lisa Murkowski, and DNR to
bring attention to this issue.
SB 171-RESIDENCY REQ: HUNTING, TRAPPING, FISHING
4:36:36 PM
CO-CHAIR BISHOP announced the consideration of SENATE BILL NO.
171 "An Act changing the residency requirements for sport
fishing, hunting, and trapping privileges; and providing for an
effective date."
4:36:49 PM
SENATOR JESSE BJORKMAN, District D, Alaska State Legislature,
Juneau, Alaska, sponsor of SB 171. He read the sponsor
statement:
SB 171 Residency Req: Hunting, Trapping, Fishing
Ver. A Sponsor Statement
Senate Bill 171 Residency Req: Hunting, Trapping,
Fishing aligns residency requirements for an
individual to receive a resident hunting, trapping, or
sport fishing license with the residency eligibility
requirements to receive a Permanent Fund Dividend (AS
43.23). With the increased pressure on our limited
fish and game resources, it is important to ensure
that those who enjoy the increased bag and harvest
limits associated with a resident license are, in
fact, residents of the State of Alaska.
The current definition of residency is too broad and
difficult to enforce. Currently, individuals can
qualify for a resident license and be indefinitely
absent so long as they meet the low threshold of
intending to remain in Alaska, maintaining a domicile
in Alaska, and not establishing residency elsewhere.
Someone who is away from Alaska for most of the year
can still qualify as a resident and have the same
access to our finite fish and game resources as
someone who lives in the state 12 months of the year.
Regrettably, some of Alaska's fish and game resources
are not as robust as they once were. When there are
fewer fish and game resources to go around it is that
much more important to maintain sufficient resources
for those who are full-time residents of the state and
reduced access for those who harvest fish and game in
Alaska and then take the resource out of state.
Allowing greater access to fish and game resources for
year-round residents of Alaska will ensure that
individuals and communities who depend most on the
resource will have access.
SB 171 does not prohibit out-of-state hunters or
fishermen from coming to Alaska to participate in the
state's well-managed hunts and fisheries. Guided
hunting and fishing industries are an important part
of Alaska's economy. Under this legislation, visitors
will still be able to obtain non-resident permits
without additional restrictions. SB 171 ensures that
those who qualify for a resident hunting, trapping, or
sportfishing license are in fact residents of Alaska
and are deserving of the increased bag and harvest
limits that are the privilege of state residents.
4:39:25 PM
CO-CHAIR BISHOP announced invited testimony.
4:40:14 PM
JOHN STURGEON, President, Alaska Chapter Safari Club
International, Anchorage, Alaska, invited testimony for SB 171.
He said the Alaska chapter is the largest among the Safari Club
with over 1200 members. Last year, it won its fourth consecutive
award. Alaska Chapter Safari Club supports SB 171, which would
ensure only legitimate residents could obtain hunting and
fishing licenses. By doing so, it would increase the number of
non-residents hunting licenses, bring revenue into the state,
and improve the management of fish and game.
4:42:08 PM
TED SPRAKER, representing self, Soldotna, Alaska, invited
testimony for SB 171. He stated he was the former Chair for the
Alaska Board of Game and as a wildlife biologist has spent over
50 years dealing with conservation and wildlife. He stated his
belief that the state should establish a process to verify
residency so residents can enjoy the benefits of the state. He
compared the violation of residency requirements to speeding,
wherein few people get caught. He stated he has seen at least
six or eight large storage units that disappeared in the
beginning of the summer and wondered if this was a result of
non-residents leaving the state. Alaskan troopers have
experienced difficulty proving residency for various reasons.
4:45:09 PM
MIKE CRAWFORD, Chair, Kenai/Soldotna Fish and Game Advisory
Committee, Soldotna, Alaska, invited testimony for SB 171. He
said he has been on the Kenai/Soldotna Advisory Committee for
almost 20 years and has been active in the board process for
Alaska Department of Fish and Game (ADFG). He mentioned he spoke
to several people about SB 171 and the only objections were
regarding the Permanent Fund Dividend (PFD). Some expressed that
people who move out of state may take advantage of hunting,
fishing, and trapping licenses. He suggested that Alaska should
protect resources for its residents and tighten its rules.
4:47:55 PM
SENATOR DUNBAR noted the PFD currently allocates resources to
identify non-legitimate applicants and asked whether the idea
for SB 171 is to use PFD violations as evidence.
4:49:08 PM
SENATOR BJORKMAN replied that individuals could use evidence to
prove they met PFD requirements. He stated when an animal is
shot or hunted, troopers oftentimes review residency and
dividend records. If residency is unproven, troopers conduct a
deeper investigation, which is often complaint driven. He stated
his belief that the residency standard is easier to enforce than
the current domicile standard.
4:50:47 PM
SENATOR CLAMAN noted that constituents in his district may not
qualify for the PFD or seek benefits. He asked if the same
standards apply to meeting PFD requirements and obtaining a
resident hunting license.
4:51:11 PM
SENATOR BJORKMAN replied that is correct.
4:51:21 PM
CO-CHAIR BISHOP held SB 171 in committee.
4:51:23 PM
There being no further business to come before the committee,
Co-Chair Bishop adjourned the Senate Resources Standing
Committee meeting at 4:51 p.m.
| Document Name | Date/Time | Subjects |
|---|---|---|
| DNR Agriculture Overview SRES Presentation 2.16.24.pdf |
SRES 2/16/2024 3:30:00 PM |
|
| SB 171 Sponsor Statement Ver A.pdf |
SRES 2/16/2024 3:30:00 PM |
SB 171 |
| SB 171 Sectional Analysis Ver A.pdf |
SRES 2/16/2024 3:30:00 PM |
SB 171 |
| SB 171 ADFG Fiscal Note 02.10.24.pdf |
SRES 2/16/2024 3:30:00 PM |
SB 171 |
| SB 171 Support Document Resident and Non-Resident License Fees.pdf |
SRES 2/16/2024 3:30:00 PM |
SB 171 |
| SB 171 Supporting Document Resident and Non-Resident Fishing Bag Limits.pdf |
SRES 2/16/2024 3:30:00 PM |
SB 171 |
| SB 171 Support Document PFD Allowed Absences.pdf |
SRES 2/16/2024 3:30:00 PM |
SB 171 |
| SB 171 Support Letters as of 02.15.24.pdf |
SRES 2/16/2024 3:30:00 PM |
SB 171 |
| SB 171 Public Testimony as of 02.15.24.pdf |
SRES 2/16/2024 3:30:00 PM |
SB 171 |