SB 158-COOK INLET: NEW ADMIN AREA  3:02:18 PM CHAIR BJORKMAN reconvened the meeting and announced the consideration of SENATE BILL NO. 158 "An Act relating to administrative areas for regulation of certain commercial set net entry permits; and providing for an effective date." 3:02:39 PM KONRAD JACKSON, Staff, Senator Jesse Bjorkman, Alaska State Legislature, Juneau, Alaska, provided a summary for SB 158. He stated that the technical bill would create a new administrative area for East Side Set Net permit holders in Cook Inlet, recognizing the region's long history of set net fishing that has supported local families, businesses, and communities for over a century. SB 158 responds to challenges faced by these fishers, who have endured reduced opportunities and restrictive management practices despite primarily targeting red salmon. While it does not alter fish allocations or fishing regulations, SB 158 directs the Commercial Fisheries Entry Commission (CFEC) to establish a distinct boundary for this unique fishery to improve permit management and allow greater self-determination for East Side set-netters. 3:06:31 PM MR. JACKSON read the sectional analysis for SB 158: [Original punctuation provided.] "An Act relating to administrative areas for regulation of certain commercial set net entry permits; and providing for an effective date." Sectional Summary - Ver. \I  This is a summary only. Note that this summary should not be considered an authoritative interpretation of the bill and the bill itself is the best statement of its contents. Section 1: Amends the uncodified law of the State of  Alaska by adding a new section which establishes that creating this administrative area is in the public interest. Section 2: Amends AS 16.43.200 by adding 2 new subsections: (c) Establishes an area of the Upper Subdistrict of the Cook Inlet Central District as a distinct administrative area separate from the Cook Inlet Central District on December 31, 2024. This area is made up of the statistical areas identified on January 1, 2024 as 244-21, 244-22, 244-31, 244-32, 244-41 and 244-42. (d) Provides that an individual who has a set net permit for the Cook Inlet Central District on December 31, 2024 is not entitled to set net in the administrative area created under this section unless the permit has been reassigned to that new administrative area.   3:08:44 PM MR. JACKSON continued with the sectional analysis for SB 158:   Section 3: Amends the uncodified law of the State of  Alaska by adding a new section which provides how the commission will determine whether an individual who holds a set net entry permit in the Cook Inlet Central District on January 1, 2026 is reassigned an entry permit for the administrative area established under AS 16.43.200(c) (added by sec. 2 of the bill) or the portion of the Cook Inlet Central District that was not assigned into the administrative area established under AS 16.43.200(c). Section 4: Amends the uncodified law of the State of  Alaska by adding a new section which defines the appeals process in the new administrative area. This section provides that a provisional license will be issued, pending resolution of an appeal. Section 14: Effective Date Clause Provides the bill takes effect January 1, 2026. 3:09:55 PM CHAIR BJORKMAN announced invited testimony on SB 158. 3:10:14 PM GLENN HAIGHT, Commissioner, Commercial Fisheries Entry Commission (CFEC), Juneau, Alaska, testified by invitation on SB 158. He said from the CFEC's perspective, the bill is straight forward, it formally establishes the new area and outlines criteria for inclusion that differ from the commission's usual standards based on economic dependence and past participation. SB 158 also sends appeals to Superior Court, reducing CFEC's administrative role, and would mainly require processing applications, verifying existing data, and updating licensing systems. 3:11:21 PM CHAIR BJORKMAN asked why SB 158 is needed. 3:11:33 PM MR. HAIGHT replied that previous buyback efforts for this group were complex and unsuccessful, but SB 158 simplifies the process by creating a new area and allowing the formation of a regional fisheries association to manage any future buyback independently. He said CFEC's role would be minimal, limited to providing guidance and processing permit closures after the association completes its buyback. 3:12:42 PM CHAIR BJORKMAN explained that the new administrative area ensures that long-time East Side Cook Inlet fishers retain control over their permits and future decisions. He said this would prevent outsiders from exploiting opportunities meant for those with historical ties to the fishery. 3:13:30 PM LISA GABRIEL, representing self, Kenai, Alaska, testified by invitation on SB 158. She said she has been a set netter for 39 years and supports creating a new administrative area in Upper Cook Inlet to allow the East Side Set Net fishery to be managed independently from other regions. She stated that this change reflects the fishery's unique conditions, would enable local self-determination for permit holders and family businesses, and is needed to reverse years of decline and repeated federal disaster declarations. 3:15:28 PM GARY HOLLIER, representing self, Kenai, Alaska, testified by invitation on SB 158. He said as a veteran set-net fisherman with over 50 years of experience he supports SB 158. This bill would establish a new administrative area for the East Side Set Net fishery in Cook Inlet. He explained that this fishery is uniquely managed and has faced repeated federal disaster declarations, arguing that a separate area would allow for fairer management, local self-determination, and better support for a long-standing, predominantly Alaskan fishery. 3:17:58 PM CHAIR BJORKMAN held SB 158 in committee.