HOUSE BILL NO. 137 "An Act amending the requirements for the identification card needed for sport fishing, hunting, and trapping without a license by residents who are 60 years of age or more." REPRESENTATIVE PAUL SEATON, sponsor, explained that HB 137 amends the requirements for the permanent identification card (PID) that would allow residents who are 60 and over to fish and hunt. The House Resources Committee version of the bill adds a provision to "grandfather in" the current PID cards. Representative Seaton explained that a problem arose because there was no way to determine if the card-holding resident still lived in Alaska. The bill provides that the license would need to be renewed after three years after being checked by the Permanent Fund Dividend Division. The $2,000 fiscal note by the Department of Fish and Game is to pay for the notices for license renewals. There is also a provision for those who chose not to get a permanent fund to obtain a license. 3:20:32 PM Representative Seaton referred to enclosures in members' packets, which show that there have been enforcement issues in the past. He related that more PID's have been issued than there are qualifying Alaskans. He emphasized that this license is for Alaskan seniors, not non-residents. Co-Chair Chenault questioned the definition of PID and wondered what they look like. Representative Seaton referred to a copy of the PID in the members' packets. He explained the requirements on the card. He related enforcement difficulties. 3:26:07 PM Representative Hawker thought the bill would create two classes of ID cards, the old ones and the new 3-year renewal ones. Representative Seaton noted the legal opinion regarding that. Representative Hawker suggested a sunset for the first category of cards. Representative Seaton reported that there is no way to notify those people. Legislative legal suggested that there are no fundamental rights lost, and therefore the change is not unconstitutional. Representative Hawker read the definition of "grandfathering" and agreed with that policy direction. 3:30:30 PM HERB SIMON, NELCHINA, testified as a disgruntled vendor of Fish and Game Licenses in favor of HB 137. He spoke of the abuses of the license. He spoke of the differences in rights of residents vs. non-residents. He suggested a way to renew current PID holders by attaching a sticker. 3:35:43 PM Representative Hawker thanked Mr. Simon for his testimony. He agreed with the idea to renew current PID's, but suggested it would be "annoying and degrading" to have to update the PID. He asked for Mr. Simon's opinion. Mr. Simon replied that he does not know of anyone who would object to the renewal requirement. 3:38:31 PM Representative Thomas asked if the vendors have the authority to not sell a license if the driver's license is out-of-state. Mr. Simon replied that the vendors tired of dealing with it and do not have the authority to deny. Representative Thomas suggested giving the vendors the authority to destroy a false ID. Mr. Simon thought it would complicate a vendor's position and would not work. 3:42:03 PM C.D. MCCURRY, KENNY LAKE, asked about the 185 days' requirement for proof of residency. He wondered about fraud possibilities surrounding the issue. Representative Seaton addressed PFD fraud and maintained it is a separate issue. He suggested people turn in reports of fraud. The identification cards will not be offered by vendors, but by the Fish and Game local field office. Representative Hawker suggested adding a sunset clause to existing PID's. Representative Seaton replied that there was a concern about people having to reapply for a once- termed permanent card. He spoke of the difficulties of finding current cardholders. He said he is open to the possibility. 3:48:51 PM Representative Thomas asked if a vendor could destroy cards of people who are abusing the PID cards and driving with a license from another state. Representative Seaton said there is nothing illegal about not having a current license plate, so it would be hard to enforce. There are residency issues that complicate the matter. 3:51:26 PM HB 137 was heard and HELD in Committee for further consideration.