Legislature(2023 - 2024)SENATE FINANCE 532
04/09/2024 09:00 AM Senate FINANCE
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| Audio | Topic |
|---|---|
| Start | |
| SB60 | |
| SB182 | |
| SJR15 | |
| Adjourn |
* first hearing in first committee of referral
+ teleconferenced
= bill was previously heard/scheduled
+ teleconferenced
= bill was previously heard/scheduled
| + | SB 60 | TELECONFERENCED | |
| + | SB 182 | TELECONFERENCED | |
| + | SJR 15 | TELECONFERENCED | |
| + | TELECONFERENCED |
SENATE BILL NO. 182
"An Act extending the termination date of the Big Game
Commercial Services Board; and providing for an
effective date."
9:31:52 AM
SENATOR JESSE BJORKMAN, SPONSOR, referred to the Sponsor
Statement (copy on file):
Senate Bill 182 extends the termination date for the
Big Game Commercial Services Board until June 30th,
2032. The board consists of two licensed registered
guide outfitters, two licensed transporters, two
private landholders affected by guided hunting
activities or transportation, two public members, and
one member from the Board of Game.
Legislative Audit conducted their review of this board
and concluded that the board operated in the public's
interest by conducting its meetings in an effective
manner, supporting statutory changes when deemed
necessary, and actively amending regulations. The
audit also concludes that board licenses were not
consistently supported by adequate documentation and
two private landholder board seats were vacant or had
absences for extended periods.
The Big Game Commercial Services Board plays an
important role in managing the activities of
commercial game hunters in the interest of the State's
wildlife resources.
9:33:28 AM
Co-Chair Olson queried the recommended extension from the
audit.
Senator Bjorkman replied that it was six years.
9:33:45 AM
RAYMOND MATIASHOWSKI, STAFF, SENATOR JESSE BJORKMAN, stated
that there were invited testimony.
Co-Chair Olson wondered whether the staff agreed with the
six-year extension.
Mr. Matiashowski responded that six years was based off of
some recommendations that the board was already addressing.
Senator Bjorkman explained that the bill requested a board
extension of eight years.
Senator Kiehl asked whether there was an examination of the
board's work to address the audit's recommendations.
Senator Bjorkman replied that the recommendations had more
to do with the department, and how they executed their
support for the board.
9:37:18 AM
KRIS CURTIS, AUDITOR, LEGISLATIVE AUDIT, explained the
audit related to the Big Game Commercial Services Board
(copy on file).
Co-Chair Olson wondered whether there had been an
improvement over the years related to licensing.
Ms. Curtis replied that the previous audit also included
the finding related to licensing.
9:41:13 AM
SYLVAN ROBB, DIRECTOR, DIVISION OF WORKERS COMPENSATION,
DEPARTMENT OF LABOR AND WORKFORCE DEVELOPMENT, explained
the fiscal note.
Co-Chair Olson wondered whether the nine-member board had
been "plagued" with vacancies.
Ms. Robb responded that there had been some vacancies.
9:43:00 AM
JASON BUNCH, CHAIRMAN, BIG GAME COMMERCIAL SERVICES BOARD,
stated that the board supported the legislation and
remarked that there was a response on file to the audit.
Senator Bishop thanked Mr. Bunch for his service.
Mr. Bunch explained that substantial changes resulted in
consequences.
Co-Chair Olson felt that the main complaints were about the
Native land concerns, and appreciated the monitoring of
that issue.
Mr. Bunch responded that there were regulations in draft to
address transporters.
Co-Chair Olson OPENED public testimony.
9:49:13 AM
SAM ROHRER, PRESIDENT, ALASKA PROFESSIONAL HUNTERS
ASSOCIATION, testified in support of the legislation.
Co-Chair Olson wondered how long the testifier had been the
president of the Alaska Professional Hunters Association.
Mr. Rohrer replied that he had been president for
approximately thirteen years.
9:52:34 AM
AL BARRETTE, SELF, FAIRBANKS (via teleconference), spoke in
support of the bill.
Co-Chair Olson queried how long Mr. Barrette had been a
member of the Board of Game.
Mr. Barrette replied that he had been member for seven
years.
Co-Chair Olson CLOSED public testimony.
SB 182 was HEARD and HELD in committee for further
consideration.