SB 171-RESIDENCY REQ: HUNTING, TRAPPING, FISHING  4:36:36 PM CO-CHAIR BISHOP announced the consideration of SENATE BILL NO. 171 "An Act changing the residency requirements for sport fishing, hunting, and trapping privileges; and providing for an effective date." 4:36:49 PM SENATOR JESSE BJORKMAN, District D, Alaska State Legislature, Juneau, Alaska, sponsor of SB 171. He read the sponsor statement: SB 171 Residency Req: Hunting, Trapping, Fishing   Ver. A Sponsor Statement  Senate Bill 171 Residency Req: Hunting, Trapping, Fishing aligns residency requirements for an individual to receive a resident hunting, trapping, or sport fishing license with the residency eligibility requirements to receive a Permanent Fund Dividend (AS 43.23). With the increased pressure on our limited fish and game resources, it is important to ensure that those who enjoy the increased bag and harvest limits associated with a resident license are, in fact, residents of the State of Alaska. The current definition of residency is too broad and difficult to enforce. Currently, individuals can qualify for a resident license and be indefinitely absent so long as they meet the low threshold of intending to remain in Alaska, maintaining a domicile in Alaska, and not establishing residency elsewhere. Someone who is away from Alaska for most of the year can still qualify as a resident and have the same access to our finite fish and game resources as someone who lives in the state 12 months of the year. Regrettably, some of Alaska's fish and game resources are not as robust as they once were. When there are fewer fish and game resources to go around it is that much more important to maintain sufficient resources for those who are full-time residents of the state and reduced access for those who harvest fish and game in Alaska and then take the resource out of state. Allowing greater access to fish and game resources for year-round residents of Alaska will ensure that individuals and communities who depend most on the resource will have access. SB 171 does not prohibit out-of-state hunters or fishermen from coming to Alaska to participate in the state's well-managed hunts and fisheries. Guided hunting and fishing industries are an important part of Alaska's economy. Under this legislation, visitors will still be able to obtain non-resident permits without additional restrictions. SB 171 ensures that those who qualify for a resident hunting, trapping, or sportfishing license are in fact residents of Alaska and are deserving of the increased bag and harvest limits that are the privilege of state residents. 4:39:25 PM CO-CHAIR BISHOP announced invited testimony. 4:40:14 PM JOHN STURGEON, President, Alaska Chapter Safari Club International, Anchorage, Alaska, invited testimony for SB 171. He said the Alaska chapter is the largest among the Safari Club with over 1200 members. Last year, it won its fourth consecutive award. Alaska Chapter Safari Club supports SB 171, which would ensure only legitimate residents could obtain hunting and fishing licenses. By doing so, it would increase the number of non-residents hunting licenses, bring revenue into the state, and improve the management of fish and game. 4:42:08 PM TED SPRAKER, representing self, Soldotna, Alaska, invited testimony for SB 171. He stated he was the former Chair for the Alaska Board of Game and as a wildlife biologist has spent over 50 years dealing with conservation and wildlife. He stated his belief that the state should establish a process to verify residency so residents can enjoy the benefits of the state. He compared the violation of residency requirements to speeding, wherein few people get caught. He stated he has seen at least six or eight large storage units that disappeared in the beginning of the summer and wondered if this was a result of non-residents leaving the state. Alaskan troopers have experienced difficulty proving residency for various reasons. 4:45:09 PM MIKE CRAWFORD, Chair, Kenai/Soldotna Fish and Game Advisory Committee, Soldotna, Alaska, invited testimony for SB 171. He said he has been on the Kenai/Soldotna Advisory Committee for almost 20 years and has been active in the board process for Alaska Department of Fish and Game (ADFG). He mentioned he spoke to several people about SB 171 and the only objections were regarding the Permanent Fund Dividend (PFD). Some expressed that people who move out of state may take advantage of hunting, fishing, and trapping licenses. He suggested that Alaska should protect resources for its residents and tighten its rules. 4:47:55 PM SENATOR DUNBAR noted the PFD currently allocates resources to identify non-legitimate applicants and asked whether the idea for SB 171 is to use PFD violations as evidence. 4:49:08 PM SENATOR BJORKMAN replied that individuals could use evidence to prove they met PFD requirements. He stated when an animal is shot or hunted, troopers oftentimes review residency and dividend records. If residency is unproven, troopers conduct a deeper investigation, which is often complaint driven. He stated his belief that the residency standard is easier to enforce than the current domicile standard. 4:50:47 PM SENATOR CLAMAN noted that constituents in his district may not qualify for the PFD or seek benefits. He asked if the same standards apply to meeting PFD requirements and obtaining a resident hunting license. 4:51:11 PM SENATOR BJORKMAN replied that is correct. 4:51:21 PM CO-CHAIR BISHOP held SB 171 in committee.