HB 98-STATE OWNERSHIP OF SUBMERGED LAND  [Contains discussion of SB 92.] 1:49:40 PM CHAIR MCKAY announced that the final order of business would be HOUSE BILL NO. 98, "An Act relating to state ownership of submerged land underlying navigable water within the boundaries of and adjacent to federal areas; and providing for an effective date." 1:50:04 PM CHAIR MCKAY opened public testimony on HB 98. 1:50:39 PM CRAIG COMPEAU, representing self, testified in favor of HB 98. He shared that he has been living in Alaska for 62 years and in these years only 9 percent of rivers have been designated navigable. He expressed the desire that 2023 would be the year "we are finally taking control of what we were promised at statehood," which includes ownership of submerged land underlying navigable waters. 1:53:57 PM KIM REITMEIER, President, Regional Association, Alaska Native Claims Settlement Act (ANCSA), testified in support of HB 98. She explained that ANCSA had allowed 44 million acres to return to Alaska Native regional villages and corporations. She encouraged the committee to allow time for private landowners to work with the Division of Natural Resources to ensure that the legislation would not cause unintended consequences to private landowners like Alaska Native corporations. 1:56:36 PM MIKE TINKER, representing self, testified in support of HB 98. He expressed concern about federal overreach of Alaska waters. He expressed the understanding that the federal government has held Alaska to different standards, and he referred to the equal footing doctrine. Mr. Tinker pointed out the U.S. Supreme Court ruling on Sturgeon v. Frost II 587 U.S._, 2016. He discussed how the National Park Service has yet to change any regulations. He urged that [Revised Statute 2477, Section 8 of the federal Mining Act of 1866] is important legislation to review concerning federal lands abutting waterways. 1:59:02 PM CAROL RUSHMORE, Economic Director, City and Borough of Wrangell, testified in support of HB 98. She said the Stikine River is a significant navigable water in Southeast Alaska, as it is an important subsistence, recreation, and economic area for the people of Wrangell. She said the Stikine River has been tied up for years with disclaimers of interest and determinations of waterways between the U.S. Forest Service and other federal entities. She suggested that passing HB 98 would finally formalize the rights of Alaskans to "enjoy their waterways unhampered." 2:01:22 PM CHAIR MCKAY noted that SB 92 is the companion bill still held in the Senate, and it is pending referral to the House Resources Standing Committee. 2:01:40 PM REPRESENTATIVE SADDLER brought up concerns on SB 92. He mentioned that Mendenhall Lake is currently under litigation and should be removed from the list. He expressed concerns about the bill's possible effect on private property. He suggested that amendments could make it explicitly clear that SB 92 would not affect private property. 2:03:37 PM CHAIR MCKAY announced HB 98 was held over.