Legislature(2023 - 2024)SENATE FINANCE 532
04/09/2024 09:00 AM Senate FINANCE
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Audio | Topic |
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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.