Legislature(2021 - 2022)SENATE FINANCE 532
05/03/2022 09:00 AM Senate FINANCE
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| Audio | Topic |
|---|---|
| Start | |
| HB54 | |
| SB230 | |
| SB85 | |
| Adjourn |
* first hearing in first committee of referral
+ teleconferenced
= bill was previously heard/scheduled
+ teleconferenced
= bill was previously heard/scheduled
| + | SB 85 | TELECONFERENCED | |
| + | SB 230 | TELECONFERENCED | |
| + | HB 54 | TELECONFERENCED | |
| + | TELECONFERENCED |
SENATE BILL NO. 230
"An Act establishing a $25 fee to construct or use a
trapping cabin on state land; and exempting trapping
cabin permittees from additional land use fees."
9:58:03 AM
INTIMAYO HARBISON, STAFF, SENATOR JOSH REVAK, introduced
the legislation. He said that the bill dealt with issues
currently surrounding the Trapping Cabin Permit Program
(TCP). He stated that one such issue was the departments
inability to reissue permits for already constructed
trapping cabins under the TCP program, which resulted in
those cabins being reauthorized under land-use permits, or
other permits, which came with higher costs and fees. He
stated that the bill contained input from relevant
stakeholders and the department and was intended to resolve
many issues currently facing Alaska trappers and trapping
cabin permits. He relayed that the bill would resolve the
issue of trapping cabin permits being issued as other
permits and required the department to issue trapping cabin
permits under TCP. He related that the bill would limit the
application fee to $100 and raised the fee for the use of
the land from $10 to $25, per year of the permit.
Senator Wielechowski asked how many trapping cabins in the
state were under the program.
Mr. Harbison deferred to the department.
9:59:49 AM
CHRISTY COLLES, CHIEF OF OPERATIONS, DIVISION OF MINING
LAND AND WATER, ANCHORAGE (via teleconference), replied
that there were 97 currently under the program in the
state.
10:00:14 AM
Senator Wielechowski wondered how the program worked.
10:00:27 AM
Ms. Colles explained that the two statutes were developed
in the 1980s. One pertaining to an existing cabin, with
very strict requirements to meet the stature; if the
existing cabin was on state land the user had to provide
proof that it was being used regularly before August 1,
1984, that the cabin was being used to provide temporary
shelter and provide proof of ownership. She shared that the
1984 date was the current problem with addressing existing
cabins. She relayed that the other statute required
trappers to apply for a shelter under regulations; the
trapper must show that they have a DF&G trapping license,
receipts of fur sales, and show on a map where the trapline
is noticed. She stressed that that the cabin could only be
used for trapping purposes.
Senator Wielechowski assumed that the cabins were built by
trappers and were maintained without using state resources.
Ms. Colles agreed. The cabins had all been built by
trappers, or if a cabin had been abandoned, individual
trappers could use the cabin. She asserted that none of the
cabins had been built, or were maintained, using state
resources.
10:03:06 AM
Senator Wilson referenced the fiscal note showing a
reduction of 20 percent in the fee for. He asked for the
reasoning and impact.
Ms. Colles responded there was a director order in a large
regulation package passed in 2018, which allowed for a
reduction in set fees by 20 percent. Currently the fees
were reduced by 20 percent, which would allow the
department to increase fees overtime without having to go
through the entire regulation process.
Senator Wilson observed that the division would not
necessarily collect the fees in advance. He asked about the
fee collection process.
Ms. Colles answered that the program in statute has a $10
fee to be collected annually. She said that the new bill
repealed the old statute and set the fees at $100 per
application, $25 per year. She thought this would give
trappers the ability to pay the $250 for the ten-year
authorization up front, or they could pay it annually. She
said that the department was more flexible with the
trapping fees due to the low amount of the fees.
10:06:08 AM
Senator Wielechowski asked for the general trapping season
in Alaska.
Ms. Colles answered that it was typically in the winter,
but it was not her expertise.
Co-Chair Bishop noted that it was typically November to
April.
Senator Wielechowski asked whether the cabins were used in
the summer months.
Ms. Colles answered that the cabins were only to be used
for trapping purposes. She said that some trappers might
conduct maintenance or bring supplies to cabins in the off-
season.
10:07:34 AM
Senator Wielechowski asked for verification that each cabin
could only be used by one family.
Ms. Colles answered that multiple individuals could be
authorized for one cabin. There was cleanup language in the
bill that gave more direction to the department ton
authorization of multiple users. She stated that multiple
permits could be issued for one cabin.
Senator Wielechowski remarked on the shortage of cabins in
Alaska. He stated that getting a cabin in the Southcentral
in the summer was very difficult. He asked whether there
had been discussion about using the cabins for the general
public in the summer.
Ms. Colles answered in the negative. She explained that the
state did not want to become liable for the maintenance of
the cabins. She noted that most owners left the cabins
unlocked for use in an emergency. She added that the cabins
were often located in very remote areas.
Senator Wielechowski asked whether trappers could store
personal goods in the cabins.
Ms. Colles answered that there were no restrictions on what
people could store in the cabins.
Senator Wielechowski provided a scenario where one of the
cabins was in disrepair. He asked whether the state was
responsible for the cleanup.
10:10:25 AM
Ms. Colles replied that it would be expected that the owner
would be responsible for any clean up.
Senator Wielechowski asked for a map showing the location
of the cabins across the state.
Ms. Colles answered affirmatively.
Co-Chair Bishop asked for the number of cabins that were
pre-statehood.
Ms. Colles agreed to provide the information.
Senator Wilson asked for the delinquency rate for payment
associated with the cabins.
Ms. Colles responded that she would follow up with the
information.
Senator Wilson asked how long a person could stay in one of
the cabins.
Ms. Colles answered that there were requirements
disallowing individuals to stay at the cabins through moose
hunting season. She noted the cabins were really used for
shelter and not for living in long-term. She noted that
they were not over 400 square feet. Secondary cabins could
not exceed 192 square feet. The preference was use as
temporary shelter for trapping activities.
10:13:24 AM
Senator Wilson observed it appeared some of the cabins
could be lived in year-round. He asked whether the
department surveyed the cabins for inspection.
Ms. Colles reiterated that the cabins were very remote, and
it could cost the department to go out to look at them. She
recognized the cabin referenced by Senator Wilson and noted
that it was one of the very few of questionable size. She
said that bi-annual evidence of continued trapping use and
photos of the cabin were required to maintain the permit.
10:15:10 AM
Co-Chair Bishop asked for a review of the sectional
analysis.
10:15:50 AM
Mr. Harbison discussed the Sectional Analysis (copy on
file):
Sec 1.
Defines that the director of the department may issue
a permit under this section and clarifies what
restrictions as well as types of lands are available.
Sec 2.
States that the commissioner may issue a permit for a
trapping cabin.
Sec 3.
Clarifies who qualifies for a trapping cabin permit
and the requirements they must meet.
Sec 4.
Defines that a permit is valid for a period of 10
years and that fees may not exceed
$100 per application and $25 per year of the permit.
Sec 5.
States that the State of Alaska is not disposing of
the land issued under this section.
Sec 6.
Clarifies that multiple permits can be issued for a
Trapping cabin if the original permit holder and
subsequent permit holders agree. Further clarifies
that the Department may not charge additional fees
under this section.
Sec 7.
Clarifies definitions.
Sec 8.
Repeals AS 38.95.075, the old Trapping Cabin
Construction Permit Program.
10:16:41 AM
Senator Wilson asked about abandoned cabins and who would
be responsible for removal of the cabin.
10:17:13 AM
Ms. Colles stated that if an individual left a cabin on
state land the department would pursue the individual. She
said that there had been occasions where the department had
removed cabins that were beyond repair. She said that
sometimes cabins were given to DF&G.
10:18:01 AM
Senator Wielechowski asked how many times the state had
disposed of cabins and what was the cost to the state.
Ms. Colles replied that in 15 years she was not aware of
any cabins removed by the state. She offered to provide
more information.
10:18:48 AM
Senator Wilson asked how illegal cabins were dealt with.
10:19:18 AM
Ms. Colles agreed to provide that information.
10:20:01 AM
Senator Wielechowski asked whether the department had
similar programs for fishing or hunting.
Ms. Colles replied that the only other program was the
personal use cabin program that was for existing cabins
back in the 1980s. She said that commercial hunting or
fishing cabins were available but had to be used for
commercial purposes.
10:21:01 AM
Senator Wielechowski thought that the 97 trapper cabins
could be used by others outside of trapping season.
Co-Chair Bishop wondered how many of the 97 cabins were
accessible in the summer without the use of a float plane
or helicopter.
Ms. Colles agreed to provide the information.
10:21:55 AM
Co-Chair Bishop OPENED public testimony.
10:22:29 AM
PETER BUIST, SELF, FAIRBANKS (via teleconference),
testified in support of the legislation. He noted that he
helped to draft the original legislation and regulation
elated to trapping cabins. He thought that the legislation
would bring fee stability and establish a path for families
to pass on trapping traditions.
10:24:37 AM
RANDALL ZARNKE, PRESIDENT, ALASKA TRAPPERS ASSOCIATION,
FAIRBANKS (via teleconference), spoke in support of the
legislation. He thought that the legislation would help
with the simple survival of trappers during the season. He
believed the bill balanced rural and urban interests. He
thought that the bill provided strong statutory sideboards
and would help to protect trapping traditions.
10:26:31 AM
AL BARRETTE, SELF, FAIRBANKS (via teleconference), spoke in
support of the bill. He believed that the legislation kept
fees reasonable and would allow for the continuation of
traditional knowledge within families and communities.
Co-Chair Bishop CLOSED public testimony.
SB 230 was HEARD and HELD in committee for further
consideration.
10:28:48 AM
AT EASE
10:32:45 AM
RECONVENED