HB 54-INVASIVE SPECIES MANAGEMENT  10:17:01 AM CHAIR TARR announced that the first order of business would be HOUSE BILL NO. 54, "An Act establishing the Alaska Invasive Species Council in the Department of Fish and Game; relating to management of invasive species; relating to invasive species management decals; and providing for an effective date." CHAIR TARR related that the proposed funding of the Alaska Invasive Species Council with $60,000 from the unrestricted general fund (USG) came up as an issue. She said Amendment 1 is an idea that would address the issue. 10:18:11 AM REPRESENTATIVE STUTES moved to adopt Amendment 1, labeled 32- LS0057\W.1, Bullard, 4/5/21, which read: Page 1, following line 4: Insert a new bill section to read: "* Section 1. The uncodified law of the State of Alaska is amended by adding a new section to read: LEGISLATIVE INTENT. It is the intent of the legislature that the Department of Fish and Game support the activities of the Alaska Invasive Species Council, established by this Act, through contributions, grants, and other forms of funding that do not involve the use of money from the state's general fund." Page 1, line 5: Delete "Section 1" Insert "Sec. 2" Renumber the following bill sections accordingly. 10:18:23 AM CHAIR TARR objected for discussion purposes. She explained that Amendment 1 is legislative intent language. She recounted that adjusting the fiscal note was suggested, but the committee was advised that that was something for the House Finance Committee to potentially address. She further recounted that there was also a concern about the [Alaska Department of Fish and Game (ADF&G)] commissioner being prevented from moving forward with seeking grant funds. Therefore, she continued, Amendment 1 seems like a better option because, through discussion, the committee can establish its intent that [the council] not be funded through the UGF. She said the bill's next committee of referral is the House Resources Standing Committee. 10:19:48 AM REPRESENTATIVE ORTIZ inquired about the reality of other funding truly happening should Amendment 1 pass. CHAIR TARR replied that her sense from talking with the ADF&G commissioner is that he feels comfortable there would be grant opportunities. She said she is also aware of grant opportunities and that there may be federal funding as well. She further related that a provision in the "hatchery bill" [HB 80] would keep $2.50 from the fee as a statutorily designated receipt for invasive species management. She cautioned, however, that [HB 80] is still moving through the legislative process, so the committee cannot get ahead of itself. She asked Commissioner Vincent-Lang to further address the question. 10:21:30 AM DOUG VINCENT-LANG, Commissioner, Alaska Department of Fish and Game (ADF&G), responded he is convinced that there are pots of money available which could be tapped to support the proposed Alaska Invasive Species Council without using UGF the first two or three years. He noted that HB 54 originally had regulatory authorities associated with it as well as the council and his thought was that a first positive step would be to form the council to evaluate some of the issues associated with invasive species and come together with some solid recommendations that could be moved forward. He said ADF&G is looking internally at other funding sources such as state wildlife action grants and the fish and game fund, given the importance that invasive species play in the state and the threats they pose to Alaska's existing fish and game resources. 10:22:36 AM CHAIR TARR removed her objection to Amendment 1. There being no further objection, Amendment 1 was adopted. 10:23:02 AM REPRESENTATIVE VANCE asked whether the [proposed] council would be looking at invasive birds and animals in addition to looking at invasive aquatic species. CHAIR TARR referenced [page 2] of the bill detailing the tasks and membership in the council. She answered that the intention with designating the Department of Natural Resources (DNR) and ADF&G as participants in the council is [to address] aquatic, terrestrial, vegetative, and other living organisms. The point will be for the council to have that comprehensive overview and plan, she added. 10:24:16 AM CHAIR TARR specified that as a committee bill, the committee will be working with the next committee of referral. She offered her appreciation to the members for working on the bill and said it will be beneficial for all of Alaska. 10:24:46 AM REPRESENTATIVE STUTES moved to report HB 54, as amended, out of committee with individual recommendations and accompanying fiscal notes. There being no objection, CSHB 54(FSH) was reported out of the House Special Committee on Fisheries.