Legislature(1999 - 2000)
02/28/2000 01:48 PM House FIN
Audio | Topic |
---|
* first hearing in first committee of referral
+ teleconferenced
= bill was previously heard/scheduled
+ teleconferenced
= bill was previously heard/scheduled
HOUSE BILL NO. 206 "An Act relating to the migratory game bird conservation tag, to a nonresident combined sport fishing and hunting license, to the nonresident military small game and sport fishing license, to applications for certain licenses, tags, and permits issued by the Department of Fish and Game, and to duplicate crewmember licenses." JOHN MANLY, STAFF, REPRESENTATIVE HARRIS testified in support of the legislation. He noted that the legislation is a general cleanup bill for technical problems within the Department of Fish and Game. A significant portion of the bill deals with changing "waterfowl" conservation tags to "migratory game bird" tags. The definition would be expanded to include snipes and cranes, which are not currently covered. Mr. Manly noted that other sections of the bill would make statutes consistent with current practices. Section three requires formerly exempt holders of $5 licenses and free disabled veteran licenses to register in the National Migratory Bird Harvest Information Program, through one of two methods. Section 4 would create a combination 7-day hunting and fishing license for nonresidents, a popular combination that is more convenient for those visitors who want to hunt and fish during a short stay. Section 5 would equalize the fees paid by nonresident military personnel for small game and sport fishing licenses. Currently, the fee for a nonresident military license is higher than the fee for ordinary nonresidents. The final significant change in section 16 would authorize the Department of Fish and Game to issue a duplicate commercial-fishing crewmember license for $5. Co-Chair Therriault clarified that section 16 is a replacement fee in case of loss. Additional language was added to conform statutes to changes made in section 3. In response to a question by Representative Austerman, Mr. Manly clarified that wording in section 4 utilizes current statutory language. Representative Phillips noted that the legislation joins crew licenses and migratory birds. She questioned if the legislation would run afoul of the single subject rule. Mr. Manley did not think the legislation would conflict with the single subject rule. GERON BRUCE, LEGISLATIVE LIAISON, DEPARTMENT OF FISH AND GAME observed that the legislation was offered on behalf of the Department of Fish and Game. He explained that the change would help with conservation efforts. Snipes and cranes are harvested in a number of states. Their inclusion would provide information on their harvest and the impact of harvest. They are not included under current statutes. Mr. Bruce referred to sections 8 and 9. He observed that vendors must swear an oath; vendors essentially act as a notary. Since vendors are not setup to swear oaths, the provision has not been enforced. This language would be deleted. Co-Chair Therriault referred to section 4. He emphasized that the legislature must make the policy decision of whether or not to authorize consolidated licenses. There is no discount for the combination of licenses. He noted that any combination of licenses could occur. If the language is retained an amendment would be needed on page 3, line 12 to clarify that it is a seven day sport fishing and "annual" hunting license. Mr. Bruce emphasized that the department has heard from vendors and guides, who support this combination. The combination would be convenient for persons visiting the state of Alaska. It is a customer driven combination. Vice Chair Bunde noted that residents can currently buy a number of combination licenses. There is only one accommodation for non-residents. Co-Chair Therriault observed that residents do not have the time limit. He did not think requiring two licenses would be a burden. Vice Chair Bunde stressed that the combination license would save administrative time and money. Representative Phillips echoed remarks of Vice Chair Bunde and added that she has sold licenses and stressed that one piece of paper is more convenient. Representative Austerman spoke in support of the combination license. He questioned if a game animal outside of the license could be taken under section 4. Mr. Bruce explained that nonresident hunters can already take a different game animal. The language is included for consistency. In response to a question by Representative Austerman, Mr. Bruce affirmed that an elk hunter could shoot a deer while hunting for elk. Co-Chair Therriault suggested that section 5 be amended to list the cost of each type of license. Mr. Bruce noted that nonresident military personnel stationed in the state of Alaska can purchase a small game hunting license for $20 dollars, the same rate as a resident; and nonresident military personnel stationed in the state of Alaska can purchase a sport fishing license for $15 dollars, at the same rate as a resident. Co-Chair Therriault MOVED to ADOPT "annual" on line 12, page 3 before "hunting". There being NO OBJECTION, it was so ordered. Co-Chair Therriault MOVED to ADOPT a conceptional amendment to clarify that nonresident military personnel stationed in the state of Alaska may obtain a small game hunting license for $20 dollars and an annual sport-fishing license for $15 dollars. In response to a question by Representative Austerman, Mr. Bruce explained that the intent is to offer the license at the lowest rate available. Representative Austerman questioned if the amendment was necessary. Mr. Bruce clarified that when the license fees for residents and nonresidents were raised, the resident rate for a small game-hunting license became more expensive than a nonresident license. The intent is to offer nonresident military personnel stationed in the state of Alaska the lowest rate. The license only authorizes hunting of small game such as rabbits and birds. Vice Chair Bunde observed that the license would allow persons to enjoy hunting at a reasonable rate until they get their residency. Co-Chair Therriault WITHDREW his amendment. Representative Phillips questioned if there is a problem with the single subject rule. Mr. Bruce stated that the drafter has not indicated that there would be a problem with the single subject law. Representative Austerman stated that he understood the intent but felt that military personnel already receive sufficient perks. Co-Chair Therriault asked if the legislation was offered to meet federal law mandating fees charged to military personnel. KEVIN BROOKS, DIRECTOR, DIVISION OF ADMINISTRATIVE SERVICES, DEPARTMENT OF FISH AND GAME provided information relating to HB 206. He explained that the legislation would comply with federal law. Co-Chair Therriault noted that federal law might dictate the perks. HB 206 was heard and HELD in Committee for further consideration.
Document Name | Date/Time | Subjects |
---|