HOUSE BILL NO. 26 "An Act relating to short-term commercial fishing crewmember licenses; and providing for an effective date." ADAM BERG, STAFF, REPRESENTATIVE MOSES, related that HB 26 allows for a seven-day license for commercial fishing crewmembers for $30. The bill provides an option to charge tourists to work on a commercial boat. It would also help fishers who need short-term help, by allowing visitors, relatives, and friends a more affordable way to help. He pointed out that under the House Resources Committee's version of the bill, a clause was added that would prohibit short-term license holders from being compensated. 1:53:48 PM Representative Weyhrauch described a possible scenario as to how this bill would work. Mr. Berg explained that currently a person could go on and watch for free, but if they want to participate, they must have a license. Representative Weyhrauch called it "dude" fishing. He asked if there are any survival training requirements. Mr. Berg replied that the permit holder is responsible for that training. Representative Weyhrauch asked if the person would be subject to remuneration from the fishermen's fund if they were injured. Mr. Berg replied that they would. 1:57:00 PM PAUL SHADURA, PRESIDENT, KENAI PENINSULA FISHERMAN'S ASSOCIATION, testified (via teleconference) in support of the bill, but not the amendment that would restrict compensation for commercial fishing. He noted that many boats rely on the casual laborer. He suggested striking the language on page 2, lines 17-19. He noted his responsibilities to have insurance and training provided for his crewmembers. He called this bill a necessity for his industry. 2:01:07 PM Representative Weyhrauch asked about other compensation such as a portion of the catch. Mr. Berg replied that the current language would prohibit all types of compensation. 2:01:41 PM Representative Holm inquired about the reason behind not compensating these crewmembers. Mr. Berg replied that was a change to the bill in the Resources Committee by Representative Seaton. He read from that earlier amendment and stated disagreement with it. Representative Holm asked for an explanation of the other side of the issue. Mr. Berg opined that crewmembers should be paid for their work, whether they are tourists or not. 2:04:06 PM MARK VINSEL, EXECUTIVE DIRECTOR, UNITED FISHERMEN OF ALASKA, stated support for the bill as it was originally drafted. The intent was to fill in gaps in commercial fishing crews. He spoke in favor of paying temporary crewmembers. 2:07:35 PM Co-Chair Chenault MOVED to ADOPT Amendment 1 A: Page 2, Lines 17-19 Delete: "may not be paid, receive crew shares, or receive other compensation for work performed under the license and" Co-Chair Meyer OBJECTED for discussion purposes. Co-Chair Chenault explained that the amendment would allow a captain to bring short-term crew on board and be compensated. Representative Weyhrauch asked how the current crewmember license and the proposed crewmember license compare, and how much money is saved. Mr. Berg related that the cost used to be $60 for a resident and $180 for a non-resident. Now it would be $30 for both. Representative Weyhrauch inquired if they could get a regular Fish and Game commercial fishing crewmember license. Mr. Berg said they could. 2:10:50 PM Co-Chair Chenault clarified that a crewmember license is different than a sport fishing license. Co-Chair Meyer WITHDREW his OBJECTION to adopt Amendment 1 A. There being NO OBJECTION, Amendment 1 A was adopted. 2:11:23 PM Representative Weyhrauch MOVED to ADOPT Amendment 1, which would require the owner/operator of the boat to sign a statement of participation in random drug testing, to hold a federal merchant marine license, and that the vessel is in compliance with requirements for safety equipment and other passenger-for-hire rules. Co-Chair Meyer OBJECTED for discussion purposes. Representative Weyhrauch explained his reasoning behind the amendment. Mr. Berg stated opposition to Amendment 1. He referred to an email from the Coast Guard (copy on file), which states that the crew is subject to drug testing. He stressed that it is unnecessary to spell it out in statute. He called it a little extra hassle. 2:14:44 PM Co-Chair Chenault asked Representative Weyhrauch if charter operators are currently required to have a form asking about license fees and drug use. Representative Weyhrauch replied that they are not. Co-Chair Chenault noted that a six-pack operator is. Representative Weyhrauch explained that it would cause a competitive disadvantage. It would open up a whole new area. Co-Chair Chenault replied when he had to buy a crew license it was not required. 2:17:28 PM Mr. Berg noted that any commercial operator who is going to take people out for money has to follow the same requirements that the charter operator has to follow. 2:18:27 PM Representative Hawker opined that this legislation is not creating a new competitor for the charter industry because the existing language in the bill, as amended, prohibits rod and reel fishing while on a commercial fishing vessel. Mr. Berg said that's the way he sees it. 2:20:36 PM Representative Holm asked what a six-pack license is. Mr. Berg explained that it is an operator's license required by the Coast Guard. Representative Weyhrauch explained the differences in requirements of charter boats and commercial boats. This bill addresses the commercial boat experience. Mr. Berg noted that Coast Guard requirements are the same for both boats. 2:23:31 PM Representative Weyhrauch WITHDREW Amendment 1 and stated that he would not offer Amendment 2. Representative Moses MOVED to report CSHB 26 (FIN) out of Committee with individual recommendations and the accompanying fiscal notes. There being NO OBJECTION, it was so ordered. CSHB 26 (FIN) was REPORTED out of Committee with a "do pass" recommendation and with fiscal impact note #1 by the Department of Fish and Game, and with an indeterminate fiscal impact note #2 by the Department of Labor and Workforce Development. 2:25:39 PM