CS FOR SENATE BILL NO. 56(FIN) "An Act relating to sport fishing license fees and anadromous king salmon tag fees for residents of Yukon, Canada; and providing for an effective date." This was the first hearing for this bill in the Senate Finance Committee. Co-Chair Wilken stated that this bill would "allow residents of the Yukon Territory to purchase fishing licenses at the in-State rate." SENATOR FRED DYSON, sponsor, recalled similar efforts were made several years prior. He stated that the Yukon Territory "has a lot in common" with Alaska, particularly the interior regions of the State and that the Territory has been experiencing significant financial reverses and declining population. He opined that Yukon Territory residents "are amongst our very best friends" and that efforts such as extension of the Alaska Railroad, a gas pipeline, "circle tourism routes" and import-export activities, are occurring between the State and the Territory. Senator Dyson assured that Yukon residents would not be considered Alaskan resident fishers under the provisions of this bill and therefore their activities would be regulated in the manner of other nonresident participants. Senator Dyson remarked that the fiscal note should be in an indeterminate amount, as the number of Yukon Territory residents that would participate is unknown. He suggested the loss of revenue could be insignificant if more Yukon Territory residents purchase licenses and participate in Alaskan fisheries. He furthered that several coastal Alaskan communities generate revenue from visiting fishers. Senator Dyson indicated a letter of endorsement for this bill from the Alaska State Chamber of Commerce [copy on file.] Senator Taylor offered a motion to move SB 56 from Committee with individual recommendations and accompanying fiscal note. Co-Chair Wilken indicated further discussion was necessary. Senator Bunde objected to the motion and commented he "was not interested in doing anything to help any Canadian at this point." He questioned how the State could allow only certain foreign nationals access to Alaska resources. DON JOHNSON testified via teleconference from an off net location in Soldotna, that if the State would going to provide lower license fees to Canadians, United States residents from the Lower 48 should receive the same benefits. He disagreed with giving rights to aliens that are denied to U.S. citizens. Co-Chair Wilken asked whether the sponsor would prefer an effective date to allow this legislation to be in effect for the upcoming summer fishing season. SFC 03 # 82, Side B 09:45 AM Senator Dyson affirmed. Senator Taylor WITHDREW his motion to report the bill from Committee without objection. Amendment #1: This conceptual amendment would add a new Section 2 to the bill to make the provisions of this Act effective immediately. Co-Chair Wilken moved for adoption. The amendment was ADOPTED without objection. Senator Taylor requested the sponsor respond to the witness' comments. Senator Dyson appreciated the point and spoke to the close proximity of the Yukon Territory and the cooperative management of shared resources, including fisheries. He stressed that building a relationship is important. Senator Dyson pointed out that the language of the bill is "permissive" in that it allows the commissioner of the Department of Fish and Game to determine whether to extend the resident rate. Senator Olson furthered that although he has opposed the Canadian government on various issues, this legislation would encourage Yukon fishers to catch fish on the Alaskan side of the border, rather than waiting until the salmon migrated upstream, and thus capitalize on their efforts. Co-Chair Green commented that her children were born in Alaska; however, when they visit the State, they must pay the higher nonresident license fees. She stated that extending resident license fees to Canadians and not to former Alaskan residents "is not right". Senator Bunde asserted that Canadians should amend their laws relating to guns to be "friendlier" to Alaskans. Senator Dyson commented that Yukon residents feel as alienated from their national government as Alaskan residents do with relation to gun laws. He relayed that at a conference he and Senator Olson attended, he learned that the residents of the Yukon Territory are "diametrically in opposition" to their federal government's position on this and other matters. Senator Bunde told of an opportunity he had to attend a conference in Canada and that he refused based on that nation's policies. Senator Dyson opined that while it is "appropriate to punish the guilty," it would be "immoral and unethical" to punish the innocent. Senator Taylor offered a motion to move SB 56, as amended, from Committee with individual recommendations and accompanying fiscal note. A roll call was taken on the motion. IN FAVOR: Senator Olson, Senator B. Stevens, Senator Taylor, Co- Chair Green and Co-Chair Wilken OPPOSED: Senator Hoffman and Senator Bunde The motion PASSED (5-2) CS SB 56 (FIN) with zero fiscal note #1 from the Department of Fish and Game was REPORTED from Committee.