Legislature(2005 - 2006)HOUSE FINANCE 519
03/30/2005 09:00 AM House FINANCE
| Audio | Topic |
|---|---|
| Start | |
| HB127 | |
| HB75 | |
| Adjourn |
* first hearing in first committee of referral
+ teleconferenced
= bill was previously heard/scheduled
+ teleconferenced
= bill was previously heard/scheduled
| HB 127 | |||
| HB 75 | |||
HOUSE BILL NO. 75
"An Act relating to promoting and preserving sport
hunting in the state."
REPRESENTATIVE MIKE KELLY, sponsor, explained that HB 75 is
intended to clearly express the Legislature's protection of
hunting as an integral part of Alaska's cultural heritage.
This bill was brought to the sponsor by a constituent and is
modeled after legislation considered by the Michigan,
Minnesota, and Montana. Hunting, fishing, and trapping have
always been a core component of our heritage and livelihood
in Alaska. This bill creates greater clarity in directing
the Commissioner of Fish and Game and the Board of Game to
adopt regulations and enforce existing statutes in a manner
consistent with protecting Alaskans' rights to utilize our
fish and game resources.
Representative Kelly related that there was some concern
about HB 75 negatively impacting bear viewing. He noted
that he has spoken with Representative Seaton about this
concern. It is the Attorney General's opinion and a
legislative legal opinion that HB 75 does not limit the
Commissioner's ability to rule on bear viewing, fishing,
hunting, and trapping. He pointed out that the bill has the
support of the Outdoor Council and the North American Bear
Foundation, and broad support from around the state.
Vice-Chair Stoltze stated a potential conflict of interest
because he is on the board of directors of the Outdoor
Council, which has endorsed this bill.
9:51:49 AM
KEN DAY, HOMER, (via teleconference) stated opposition to HB
75. He opined that the Commissioner and the Board of Game
should promote all user groups, including the wildlife
viewing industry. He maintained that the Board of Game
ignored testimony from wildlife viewers, other conservation
groups, elders, and biologists, and many other testifiers.
He cited a National Park Service study and an Institute of
Social and Economic Research (ISER) study that showed how
important wildlife viewing is to the state. He suggested
that HB 75 should go before the voters of Alaska.
Representative Hawker MOVED to ADOPT the proposed work draft
for HB 75, version 24-LS0359\Y, Utermohle, 3/24/05.
Representative Joule OBJECTED for discussion purposes. He
requested an explanation of the changes in the new CS.
9:56:38 AM
HEATH HILYARD, STAFF, REPRESENTATIVE KELLY, explained the
differences in version Y. There is now legislative intent
stating the ongoing commitment to constitutional provisions
for common use and sustained yield principles. The intent
is not to encroach upon wildlife viewing groups. Section 2
has been revised by placing the new language in the "Powers
and duties of the commissioner" rather than in "Functions of
the commissioner". The language "in conjunction with" was
removed to allow for greater autonomy by the boards and the
commissioner.
Representative Joule WITHDREW his OBJECTION. There being NO
OBJECTION, version Y was adopted.
9:59:26 AM
CHRIS DAY, HOMER, (via teleconference) spoke in opposition
to HB 75. As a commercial wildlife business operator, she
stated concerns about the tightening of constrictions by the
Board of Game. She suggested rewriting the bill to include
viewing operations.
JENNY PURSELL, ALASKA WILDLIFE ALLIANCE, JUNEAU,
acknowledged that the new changes in the bill have mitigated
some concerns. One concern that remains is the exclusion of
the non-consumer group in the bill. She maintained that the
bill is unnecessary because language "common use and
sustainable yield" are already noted in the state
constitution. She asked the committee to consider adding
wildlife-viewing groups.
10:04:24 AM
JOHN TOPPENBERG, DIRECTOR, ALASKA WILDLIFE ALLIANCE,
ANCHORAGE, (via teleconference) raised concern that the bill
is an attempt to bypass wildlife viewing groups, the non-
consumptive viewers. He spoke in opposition to HB 75.
JENNIFER YUHAS, ALASKA OUTDOOR COUNCIL, FAIRBANKS, (via
teleconference) expressed support for HB 75. She related
that the public should have information about managing
outdoor uses, and the Department of Fish and Game should be
free to disclose that information. She maintained that
previous testifiers are anti-hunting.
HB 75 was heard and HELD in Committee for further
consideration.
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