HB 246-SPORT FISH GUIDE LICENSES  10:35:36 AM CHAIR EDGMON announced that the final order of business would be HOUSE BILL NO. 246 "An Act relating to the licensing and regulation of sport fishing operators and sport fishing guides and licensing and registration of sport fishing vessels; and providing for an effective date." 10:36:14 AM CHAIR EDGMON reminded the committee that public testimony was closed at the previous hearing. He invited closing comments from the bill sponsor regarding his intent for pending amendments. 10:36:56 AM REPRESENTATIVE MARK NEUMAN, Alaska State Legislature, speaking as the sponsor, stated his intent to address the amendment regarding the sunset clause date before the House Resources Standing Committee. He reviewed the process that began one and one-half years ago with the department's advisory committee's efforts to determine how the residents of Alaska want to manage their resources. Concerns raised by residents include the difficulty in completing the surveys in the field-hopefully electronic scanning will help with this-and he pointed out that this information is important to the Board of Fisheries to continue to improve the science of tracking fish, and the allocation and management of fish. Representative Neuman concluded that information collected by the guides is critical. 10:39:30 AM REPRESENTATIVE BUCH observed the only opposition to the bill centers on the $50 additional charge. REPRESENTATIVE NEUMAN clarified that the sport fishing business owner fee is $100, and he said, "Do I think that that's appropriate? No, I don't." 10:40:42 AM REPRESENTATIVE BUCH asked whether that issue would be addressed by the next committee. REPRESENTATIVE NEUMAN advised that the House Resources Standing Committee will review this issue; however, the industry is using Alaskan resources, and funds are needed to manage this resource. With declining oil revenue, programs must be funded by user fees, or other ways, in order to obtain the needed data. 10:42:02 AM REPRESENTATIVE BUCH stated his support for the legislation; in fact, other groups have taxed themselves and contributed to their industries. 10:43:55 AM REPRESENTATIVE KELLER moved to report HB 246, 26-LS0929\A, out of committee with individual recommendations and the accompanying fiscal notes. There being no objection, HB 246 was reported out of the House Special Committee on Fisheries.