CS FOR SENATE BILL NO. 303(RES) "An Act relating to the Big Game Commercial Services Board and to the regulation of big game hunting services and transportation services; and providing for an effective date." This was the second hearing for this bill in the Senate Finance Committee. Co-Chair Wilken stated this bill, sponsored by the Legislative Budget and Audit Committee, "sets up a board system for the guiding industry, much as the same has been set up in the past. As it stands now, the seven member board consists of two registered guides, one licensed transporter, one Board of Game member, two members as private landholders and one public member." Co-Chair Wilken reminded that at the previous hearing on this bill he directed members to alert him of any issues that should be addressed. He informed that none were reported. Amendment #2: This amendment increases the number of licensed transporters from one member to two who would serve on the Big Game Commercial Services Board as established by Section 08.54.591 in Section 3 of the bill on page 2, line 6. This amendment also decreases the number of members who represent private landowners affected by guided hunting activities or transportation services and who do not hold a transporter license, from two to one member, on line 9. Co-Chair Wilken moved for adoption. Senator Hoffman objected and spoke to his objection, stated that subsistence users should be represented on the board. He noted that Native corporations hold the majority of privately owned land in Alaska, and therefore the number of landholder members should not be reduced. He supported the current proposal. A roll call was taken on the motion. IN FAVOR: Senator Bunde (changed vote from nay to yea), Senator B. Stevens, Co-Chair Green and Co-Chair Wilken OPPOSED: Senator Dyson, Senator Hoffman and Senator Olson The motion PASSED (4-3) The amendment was ADOPTED. REPRESENTATIVE RALPH SAMUELS sponsor of the bill, stated that the issue of contracts could be addressed later in the legislative process. He explained that current language provides that the board may require that guide outfitters and transporters enter into written contracts with clients, and he proposed that the legislation stipulate that the board be compelled to require such contracts. Co-Chair Wilken recalled discussions of the previous hearing pertaining to information dated April 5, 2004 [copy not provided] regarding "past experiences." He informed that the sponsor's staff has addressed each item outlined in the memorandum and would share their findings with the House of Representatives. He summarized that most issues are addressed in this legislation. Representative Samuels affirmed. Co-Chair Green ascertained that the board process could require one to two years to resolve the issue of contracts. She asked whether another method could be implemented until the board is operational. She did not want to delay this legislation but wanted the matter addressed. She stressed the importance of providing written documentation of contracts for guides and clients. Representative Samuels responded that changes could not be implemented for the upcoming hunting and guiding season but could be for the following season. Senator Dyson stated for record a potential conflict of interest, as he operates a charter fishing boat in Prince William Sound. Co-Chair Wilken so noted the declaration. Senator Hoffman asked what section of the bill provides that the Board members would be appointed by the governor and confirmed by the legislature. Representative Samuels indicated such a provision would be added later. Co-Chair Green offered a motion to report SB 303 as amended from Committee with individual recommendations and accompanying and new fiscal notes. There was no objection and CS SB 303 (FIN) MOVED from Committee with fiscal note #1 for $30,000 from the Department of Community and Economic Development, zero fiscal note #2 from the Department of Fish and Game, and a new zero fiscal note dated 3/11/04 from the Department of Public Safety. Co-Chair Green chaired the remainder of meeting AT EASE 9:24 AM / 9:25 AM