Legislature(2021 - 2022)SENATE FINANCE 532
05/03/2022 09:00 AM Senate FINANCE
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Audio | Topic |
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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