CHAIRMAN JACKO opened the public hearing on SJR 27 (FEDERAL FISHING VESSEL SAFETY RULES). BRACE EDGMON, staff to Senator Jacko, presented a brief overview on SJR 27, which relates to U.S. Coast Guard proposed regulations on commercial fishing vessel safety. The resolution requests the U.S. Coast Guard to: (1) extend the comment period on proposed commercial fishing vessel safety regulations; (2) hold public hearings on proposed commercial fishing vessel safety regulations; (3) respond to suggestions made commercial fishermen and the commercial fishing industry; (4) incorporate into the proposed commercial fishing vessel safety regulations the suggestions and recommendations made by private or independent naval architects; (5) propose new commercial fishing vessel safety regulations for new commercial fishing vessels under 79 feet in length only after the commercial fishing industry has accepted international commercial fishing vessel safety standards; (6) delay the effective date of final commercial fishing vessel safety regulations applicable to existing commercial fishing vessels; and (7) delay the effective date of final commercial fishing vessel safety regulation applicable to new commercial fishing vessels. TAPE 92-1, SIDE B Number 001 SENATOR RIEGER referred to subparagraph (5) on page two and asked if it was the intent to say that the commercial fishing industry has to accept international commercial fishing vessel safety standards. BRACE EDGMON responded that at this point, there are no standards for vessels less than 79 feet, and the industry and some fisheries groups feel that they would be more comfortable with international standards as opposed to no standards at all. Number 049 SENATOR LITTLE commented that because fishing is one of the most dangerous industries in the state, she thinks it would be in the best interest of everyone to have the new safety regulations in place as soon as possible to protect individuals in that industry. SENATOR JACKO agreed there is a need to have the regulations in place, but he pointed out that the fishermen need the opportunity to know what the regulations are and to comply with them. He said the standards are published in the Federal Register which costs approximately $200 and there are only a select few that receive the Federal Register, so it is difficult to get the word out to all those people. SENATOR LITTLE said she recognizes the problem, but she thinks the one-year extension on the comment period is too long. SENATOR HALFORD pointed out that numerous fisheries organizations have all supported these extensions of time and considerations. There being no further discussion on SJR 27, CHAIRMAN JACKO asked for the pleasure of the committee. SENATOR HALFORD moved that SJR 27 be passed out of committee with individual recommendations. Hearing no objection, it was so ordered. SENATOR HALFORD moved and asked unanimous consent that SJR 27 be approved for calendaring at the Chair's discretion. Hearing no objection, it was so ordered.