CS FOR HOUSE BILL NO. 143(FIN) "An Act relating to crewmember fishing licenses; and providing for an effective date." 3:24:16 PM REPRESENTATIVE PAUL SEATON, presented HB 143 and stated that the temporary crew member license was a "loophole" that was increasing in use. The bill would close the loophole. He detailed that the temporary seven day commercial fishing license was authorized in 2005, but resulted in [non-resident] crewmembers obtaining multiple and sequential temporary licenses, which were intended for tourists or short time participants. In short duration fisheries like Bristol Bay, crew members were obtaining temporary licenses instead of purchasing non-residential commercial fishing licenses. He reported that the Department of Fish and Game (DFG) lost $285 thousand in revenues due to the abusive practice. In 2005, 47 temporary crew licenses were purchased and in 2012, 1,344 were purchased. The legislation would increase the department's revenues by approximately $95 thousand. The temporary license would remain available and the licensee would be able to apply for reimbursement of the temporary licensing fee if an annual license was subsequently purchased. Co-Chair Meyer noted that the bill was revenue positive. Senator Bishop thought that the bill would "bolster" the Fishermen's Fund. Representative Seaton responded in the affirmative. He explained that the fund collected 11 percent from crew licenses and that temporary licenses were only $30. Senator Dunleavy inquired what would happen if the bill was not passed. Representative Seaton answered that crew members would increasingly continue to abuse the system. He noted that some individuals were purchasing up to six sequential temporary licenses rather than purchase the $250 annual crew license. Senator Bishop commented that not passing the bill would put a strain on the Fisherman's Fund, which assists fishermen with medical expenses. Vice-Chair Fairclough inquired why the effective date was January 1, 2015. She wondered how a crewmember license was obtained versus a sports license. Representative Seaton replied that crewmember licenses were obtained similar to sports fishing licenses, sold through vendors, and were in paper form. The effective date was chosen because licenses were already printed and new regulations were not in place for the upcoming season. 3:29:05 PM AT EASE 3:30:00 PM RECONVENED Vice-Chair Fairclough asked when the bill was introduced. Representative Seaton stated that the bill was introduced on February 27, 2013. Co-Chair Meyer CLOSED public testimony. Vice-Chair Fairclough MOVED to REPORT CSHB 143(FIN) out of committee with individual recommendations and the accompanying fiscal notes. There being NO OBJECTION, it was so ordered. CSHB 143(FIN) was REPORTED out of committee with a "do pass" recommendation and with two previously published fiscal impacts note: FN4 (LWF) and FN3 (DFG). 3:31:26 PM AT EASE 3:37:46 PM RECONVENED Co-Chair Meyer handed the gavel over to Co-Chair Kelly. 3:37:49 PM AT EASE 3:38:04 PM RECONVENED