Alaska 33rd Legislature (2023-2024) Status: In Committee 1 R cosponsors

SB 253 — An Act establishing a big game guide concession area permit program on land in the state; relating to the duties of the Big Game Commercial Services Board, the Board of Game, the Department of Fish and Game, and the Department of Natural Resources; requiring the Board of Game to establish an initial big game guide concession area; and providing for an effective date.

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    Introduced
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    In Committee
  3. 3
    Passed Senate
  4. 4
    Passed House
  5. 5
    To Executive
  6. 6
    Enacted

This bill died with 33rd Legislature (2023-2024). It reached “In Committee” and never advanced before the session ended, so it can no longer move — a new version would have to be reintroduced in the current session.

This bill is no longer active — its legislative session has ended, so there is no live prognosis. It would have to be reintroduced in the current session to move again.

Bill Text

What changed in the latest version

130 added · 234 removed

Plain-language change summary

The latest version of SB 253 has undergone significant changes. Initially, the bill focused on establishing a big game guide commercial concession permit program and included details about setting concession areas based on game management units. The revised version, however, shifts the focus to requiring the Board of Game to establish an initial big game guide concession area permit program instead. This change is important as it centralizes the responsibility with the Board of Game and outlines their duties related to the qualification and certification examinations for guide-outfitters, which could enhance the regulation and quality of big game guiding in the state.

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33-LS1434\B SPONSOR SUBSTITUTE FOR SENATE BILL NO.
33-LS1434\A SENATE BILL NO.
4/8/24 Referred:
2/21/24 Referred:
Resources, Finance A BILL FOR AN ACT ENTITLED "An Act establishing a big game guide concession area permit program on land in the state;
Resources, Finance A BILL FOR AN ACT ENTITLED "An Act relating to a big game guide commercial concession permit program on land in the state;
relating to the duties of the Big Game Commercial Sees Board, the Board of Game, the Department of Fish and Game, and the Department of Natural Resources;
establishing a big game guide commercial concession area pilot project;
requiring the Board of Game to establish an initial big game guide concession area;
AS 08.54.600(a) is amended to read:
(a) The board shall (1) prepare and grade (A) a qualification examination for a registered guide-outfitter license that requires demonstration that the applicant is qualified generally to provide guided and outfitted hunts and, in particular, possesses knowledge of fishing, hunting, and guiding laws and regulations;
and SB0253B -1- SSSB 253 New Text Underlined [DELETED TEXT BRACKETED] 33-LS1434\B (B) a certification examination for each game management unit in which the registered guide-outfitter intends to provide big game hunting services;
the examination must require demonstration that the registered guide- outfitter is qualified to provide guided and outfitted hunts in the game management unit for which the registered guide-outfitter seeks to be certified and, in particular, must require demonstration that the registered guide-outfitter possesses knowledge of the terrain, transportation problems, game, and other characteristics of the game management unit;
(2) authorize the issuance of registered guide-outfitter, master guide- outfitter, class-A assistant guide, assistant guide, and transporter licenses after the applicant for the license satisfies the requirements for the license;
(3) impose appropriate disciplinary sanctions on a licensee under AS 08.54.600 - 08.54.790;
(4) require an applicant for issuance or renewal of any class of guide license or of a transporter license to state in a written and signed document whether the applicant's right to obtain, or exercise the privileges granted by, a hunting, guiding, outfitting, or transportation services license is revoked or suspended in this state or another state or in Canada;
(5) regularly disseminate information regarding examinations and other qualifications for all classes of guide licenses to residents of the rural areas of the state;
(6) adopt procedural and substantive regulations required by this chapter;
(7) provide for administration of examinations for registered guide- outfitters at least twice a year;
(8) meet at least twice annually;
(9) coordinate and consult with the Board of Game and the Department of Natural Resources to fulfill the duties of each under AS 16.05.262 and AS 38.05.022.
* Sec.
2.
AS 16.05 is amended by adding a new section to read:
Sec.
16.05.262.
Establishment of big game guide concession areas.
(a) The SSSB 253 -2- SB0253B New Text Underlined [DELETED TEXT BRACKETED] 33-LS1434\B Board of Game shall consider and approve or disapprove a proposal to establish a big game guide concession area that would be administered by the Department of Natural Resources under AS 38.05.022 in a single game management unit or subunit.
The board may only establish a big game guide concession area by approving a proposal submitted under this section to do so.
A big game guide may conduct a hunt in a concession area established under this section only if the guide holds a big game guide concession area permit issued under AS 38.05.022.
(b) A person may submit a proposal to the Board of Game for the establishment of a big game guide concession area.
After providing 15 days' public notice, the board may consider the proposal at the board's next regular meeting in the region where the big game guide concession area is proposed.
(c) After taking public comment, the Board of Game, in consultation with the Department of Fish and Game, the Department of Natural Resource s, and the Big Game Commercial Services Board established under AS 08.54.591, may approve a proposal to establish a big game guide concession area if the board determines that establishing the area (1) supports the conservation and management of the state's land and big game resources;
(2) aids in the enforcement of state statutes and regulations relating to guided hunts for big game;
and (3) is in the public interest.
(d) If the Board of Game approves the establishment of a big game guide concession area under this section, the board shall determine the number of full big game guide concession area permits and limited big game guide concession area permits that the Department of Natural Resources shall make available under AS 38.05.022.
To determine the number of full big game guide concession area permits and limited big game guide concession area permits that should be issued for a big game guide concession area and the specific authorizations that should attach to each concession permit authorized for the area, the Board of Game (1) may establish advisory boards composed of representatives of the state departments and boards listed in (c) of this section who are familiar with the area SB0253B -3- SSSB 253 New Text Underlined [DELETED TEXT BRACKETED] 33-LS1434\B and interested members of the public to assist the board in making the determination;
(2) may not (A) combine more than three existing guide use areas into a single big game guide concession area;
(B) establish more than one big game guide concession area in what was a single guide use area.
(e) In this section, (1) "full big game guide concession area permit" has the meaning given in AS 38.05.022(i);
(2) "game management unit" has the meaning given in AS 08.54.790;
(3) "guide use area" has the meaning given in AS 08.54.750(g);
(4) "limited big game guide concession area permit" has the meaning given in AS 38.05.022(i).
* Sec.
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3.
Big game guide concession area permit program.
Big game guide commercial concession permit program.
(a) The commissioner shall implement a big game guide concession area permit program to limit the number of individuals authorized to conduct big game guiding on land in the state where the Board of Game has approved the establishment of a big game guide concession area under AS 16.05.262.
(a) The commissioner shall implement a big game guide commercial concession permit program to limit the number of individuals authorized to conduct big game commercial guiding on land in the state.
(b) The commissioner shall administer the big game guide concession area permit program to (1) encourage conservation of the state's land and wildlife resources;
(b) The commissioner shall establish big game guide commercial concession use areas under this section using the boundaries of areas administered by the Department of Fish and Game as a gme management units on January 1, 2024.
(2) provide a superior hunting experience to individuals who retain big game guiding services by limiting the number of guided hunts occurring in the same area;
Notwithstanding the commissioner's authority to implement a big game guide commercial concession permit program under (a) of this section, the commissioner of SB0253A -1- SB 253 New Text Underlined [DELETED TEXT BRACKETED] 33-LS1434\A fish and game shall determine, based on management objectives and historical data, the number and type of concession permits that may be provided in each game management unit, subject to the requirement that at least two concession permits be offered for each game management unit.
(3) reduce user conflicts between big game guides and between big game guides and other users of land in the state;
(c) The commissioner, in consultation with the Big Game Commercial Services Board established under AS 08.54.591 and the Department of Fish and Game, shall adopt by regulation qualifications necessary for the department to issue a concession permit under this section and shall issue concession permits to qualified individuals.
(4) ensure a responsible, professional, and economically healthy big game guide guiding industry in the state;
The annual fee for a concession permit shall be set by the department in regulation.
and (5) incentivize long-term planning and the conservation of natural resources by big game guides.
SSSB 253 -4- SB0253B New Text Underlined [DELETED TEXT BRACKETED] 33-LS1434\B (c) The department shall issue full big game guide concession area and limited big game guide concession area permits for a big game guide concession area established by the Board of Game under AS 16.05.262 in an open, public, and competitive process.
A big game guide may not hold more than three concession permits at a time and is subject to the requirements of AS 08.54.750.
A concession permit issued under this subsection may not be extended or renewed without the same open and competitive process provided by the department for the issuance of a concession permit under this subsection.
(d) A big game guide may not hold more than three concession permits at a time and may not hold more than one concession permit for the same game management unit.
(d) The commissioner, in consultation with the Big Game Commercial Services Board established under AS 08.54.591, the Board of Game, and the Department of Fish and Game, shall adopt regulations necessary to establish and administer the big game guide concession area permit program, including regulations relating to (1) the qualifications for a full big game guide concession area permit or a limited big game guide concession area permit;
If a big game guide holds a comparable concession permit or comparable concession permits issued by the United States Department of the Interior, Bureau of Land Management, to conduct big game commercial guiding on federal land within the state, the number of concession permits available to the big game guide under this section shall be reduced by the number of federal concession permits held by the big game guide.
(2) the process for issuing full big game guide concession area permits and limited big game guide concession area permits and the scope and authorizations provided by each permit;
(e) Subject to (d) of this section and the approval of the commissioner, a big game guide who holds a concession permit under this section may, during the term of the permit, transfer the concession permit to another individual qualified under regulations adopted under this section.
(3) the determination and collection of reasonable concession permit fees;
(f) The commissioner, in consultation with the Big Game Commercial Services Board established under AS 08.54.591 and the commissioner of fish and game, may issue, renew, transfer, suspend, or revoke a concession permit issued under this section.
in determining reasonable concession permit fees, the commissioner shall consider the following:
(A) fees paid by big game guides holding similar concession permits in other jurisdictions;
(B) the number and type of concession permits issued for a big game guide concession area;
(C) reducing fees based on a concession permit holder's promotion of and adherence to the principles listed in (b) of this section.
(e) Subject to the approval of the commissioner, a big game guide who holds a concession permit under this section may, during the term of the permit, transfer the concession permit to another individual qualified under regulations adopted under this SB0253B -5- SSSB 253 New Text Underlined [DELETED TEXT BRACKETED] 33-LS1434\B section.
In approving or disapproving the transfer of a permit, the commissioner shall consider the circumstances of the proposed transfer and whether the transfer will promote the principles listed in (b) of this section.
(f) The commissioner, in consultation with the Big Game Commercial Services Board established under AS 08.54.591, the Board of Game, and the Department of Fish and Game, may suspend or revoke a concession permit issued under this section.
(g) The commissioner shall keep confidential information provided by the Big Game Commercial Services Board under AS 08.54.680 or 08.54.760 and any propriety information, confidential commercial information, or confidential financial information used by the department in the course of approving or denying an application for a big game guide concession area permit offered under this section.
(g) The commissioner is responsible for enforcement of this section and may delegate that authority as appropriate.
(h) The commissioner is responsible for administration and enforcement of this section and may delegate that authority as appropriate.
The department may ie a citation for a SB 253 -2- SB0253A New Text Underlined [DELETED TEXT BRACKETED] 33-LS1434\A violation of this section or a regulation adopted under this section.
The department may issue a citation for a violation of this section or a regulation adopted under this section.
(h) In this section, (1) "concession permit" means a permit granting a big game guide the right to conduct commercial big game hunts on state land within a geographic area defined by the department;
(i) In this section, (1) "concession permit" means a permit granting a big game guide the right to conduct commercial big game hunts on land within a geographic area defined by the department;
(2) "game management unit" has the meaning given in AS 08.54.790.
(2) "full big game guide concession area permit" means a concession permit made available by the department through a competitive process that (A) does not limit the number of assistant guides a permit holder may employ in the concession area;
(B) limits the number of clients that a permit holder may provide big game guided hunts to in the area and limits the species the permit holder may provide guided hunts for in the concession area;
(3) "limited big game guide concession area permit" means a concession permit made available by the department through a random draw application process that SSSB 253 -6- SB0253B New Text Underlined [DELETED TEXT BRACKETED] 33-LS1434\B (A) limits the number of assistant guides a permit holder may employ in the concession area;
(B) provides more restrictive limitations than a full big game guide concession area permit on the number of clients that a permit holder may provide big game guided hunts to in the area and limits the species the permit holder may provide guided hunts for in the concession area.
4.
2.
INITIAL BIG GAME GUIDE CONCESSION AREA AND PERMIT PROGRAM.
BIG GAME GUIDE COMMERCIAL CONCESSION AREA PILOT PROJECT;
(a) Notwithstanding AS 16.05.262, added by sec.
REPORT TO THE REVISOR.
2 of this Act, the Board of Game shall establish the initial big game guide concession area under this section.
(a) The commissioner of natural resources shall establish a big game guide commercial concession area pilot project under which the commissioner of natural resources shall limit the number of individuals authorized to provide big game commercial guiding services within the boundaries of the region administered by the Department of Fish and Game as Game Management Unit 19C on January 1, 2024.
In establishing the initial concession area under this section, the Board of Game, after taking public comment and in consultation with the Big Game Commercial Services Board established under AS 08.54.591, the Department of Fish and Game, and the Department of Natural Resources, shall identify and select a single game management unit or subunit that the Board of Game determines would benefit most from the establishment of a big game guide concession area permit program under AS 38.05.022, added by sec.
(b) Notwithstanding the authority of the commissioner of natural resources to implement a big game guide commercial concession area pilot project under (a) of this section, the commissioner of fish and game shall determine, based on management objectives and historical data, the number and type of concession permits that may be provided in the area, subject to the requirement that at least two concession permits be offered.
3 of this Act, in consideration of the principles of AS 38.05.022(b), added by sec.
(c) The commissioner of natural resources, in consultation with the Big Game Commercial Services Board established under AS 08.54.591 and the Department of Fish and Game, shall adopt by regulation qualifications necessary for the Department of Natural Resources to issue a concession permit under this section and shall issue concession permits to qualified individuals.
3 of this Act.
The department shall set an annual fee for a concession permit in regulation.
The Board of Game shall determine the number of full big game guide concession area permits and limited big game guide concession area permits that the Department of Natural Resources shall make available in the initial big game guide concession area established under this section and the specific authorizations that should attach to each concession permit authorized under this subsection for the area using the process provided in AS 16.05.262(d).
(d) A big game guide may not hold more than one concession permit for the pilot project.
(b) Notwithstanding the requirement in AS 38.05.022(a) and (c) that the Board of Game approve the establishment of the area under AS 16.05.262, the Department of Natural Resources shall establish and administer a big game guide concession area permit program under AS 38.05.022, added by sec.
Subject to the approval of the commissioner of natural resources, a big game guide who holds a concession permit under this section may, during the term of the concession permit, transfer the concession permit to another individual qualified under regulations adopted under this section.
3 of this Act, in the game management unit or subunit selected by the Board of Game under (a) of this section.
(e) The commissioner of natural resources, in consultation with the Big Game SB0253A -3- SB 253 New Text Underlined [DELETED TEXT BRACKETED] 33-LS1434\A Commercial Services Board established under AS 08.54.591 and the commissioner of fish and game, may issue, renew, transfer, suspend, or revoke a concession permit issued under this section.
(c) In this section, (1) "concession permit" means a permit granting a big game guide the right to conduct commercial big game hunts on land within the boundaries of the region selected by SB0253B -7- SSSB 253 New Text Underlined [DELETED TEXT BRACKETED] 33-LS1434\B the Board of Game under (a) of this section;
If a permittee violates the terms of a concession permit issued under this section, the commissioner of natural resources may suspend or revoke the concession permit after providing the permittee with written notice and an opportunity to be heard.
(2) "full big game guide concession area permit" has the meaning given in AS 38.05.022(i);
(f) The commissioner of natural resources is responsible for enforcement of this section and may delegate that authority as appropriate.
(3) "game management unit" has the meaning given in AS 08.54.790;
The Department of Natural Resources may issue a citation for a violation of this section or a regulation adopted under this section.
(4) "limited big game guide concession area permit" has the meaning given in AS 38.05.022(i).
(g) The commissioner of natural resources, in consultation with the Big Game Commercial Services Board established under AS 08.54.591 and the commissioner of fish and game, shall maintain the pilot project for a period of two years.
After the pilot project has been established for two years, the commissioner of natural resources, in consultation with the Big Game Commercial Services Board established under AS 08.54.591 and the Department of Fish and Game, shall evaluate the big game guide commercial concession area pilot project and determine whether (1) the pilot project has furthered, or will further, constitutionally mandated land use and game management objectives;
and (2) a big game guide commercial concession permit program should be established on a statewide basis.
(h) The Department of Natural Resources, the Department of Fish and Game, and the Big Game Commercial Services Board established under AS 08.54.591 may adopt regulations necessary to implement this section.
(i) The pilot project established under this section and any concession permits issued under the project terminate December 31, 2027.
(j) In this section, "concession permit" means a permit granting a big game guide the right to conduct commercial big game hunts on state land within the boundaries of the region administered by the Department of Fish and Game as Game Management Unit 19C on January 1, 2024.
3.
Section 2 of this Act is repealed January 1, 2028.
* Sec.
4.
The uncodified law of the State of Alaska is amended by addia new section to read:
SB 253 -4- SB0253A New Text Underlined [DELETED TEXT BRACKETED] 33-LS1434\A CONDITIONAL EFFECT;
NOTIFICATION.
(a) Section 1 of this Act takes effect only if the commissioner of natural resources determines that a big game guide commercial concession permit program should be established on a statewide basis under sec.
2(g)(2) of this Act before January 1, 2028.
(b) If the commissioner of natural resources determines that a big game guide commercial concession permit program should be established on a statewide basis under sec.
2(g)(2) of this Act, the commissioner of natural resources shall notify the revisor of statutes in writing within 30 days after the determination.
* Sec.
The uncodified law of the State of Alaska is amended by adding a new section to read:
If, under sec.
TRANSITION.
4 of this Act, sec.
Notwithstanding the effective date for AS 16.05.262 in sec.
1 of this Act takes effect, it takes effect on the day after the date on which the commissioner of natural resources determines that a big game guide commercial concession permit program should be established on a statewide basis.
6 of this Act, the Board of Game may only accept and consider a proposal to establish a big game guide concession area under AS 16.05.262, added by sec.
2 of this Act, if (1) the Board of Game has established the concession area required under sec.
4 of this Act;
and (2) the Department of Natural Resources has implemented and administered a big game guide concession area program in the concession area established under sec.
4 of this Act for a period of at least three years, notwithstanding the requirement in AS 38.05.022(a) and (c) that the Board of Game approve the establishment of the area under AS 16.05.262.
This Act takes effect immediately under AS 01.10.070(c) SSSB 253 -8- SB0253B New Text Underlined [DELETED TEXT BRACKETED]
Section 2 of this Act takes effect immediately under AS 01.10.070(c).
SB0253A -5- SB 253 New Text Underlined [DELETED TEXT BRACKETED]
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How this bill changes current law

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The bill establishes a big game guide concession area permit program in Alaska, creating regulatory oversight for big game guiding activities.

  • AS 08.54.600(a)

    (6) adopt procedural and substantive regulations required by this chapter;

    Adds a requirement for the board to adopt regulations related to the new concession permit program.

  • AS 16.05

    Sec. 16.05.262. Establishment of big game guide concession areas.

    Creates a new section outlining the procedures for establishing big game guide concession areas.

  • AS 38.05

    Sec. 38.05.022. Big game guide concession area permit program.

    Introduces a new section that establishes the permit program for big game guides.

  • AS 38.05.022(a)

    The commissioner shall implement a big game guide concession area permit program to limit the number of individuals authorized to conduct big game guiding on land in the state where the Board of Game has approved the establishment of a big game guide concession area under AS 16.05.262.

    Mandates the creation of a permit program to regulate the number of big game guides operating in designated areas.

  • AS 38.05.022(b)

    The commissioner shall administer the big game guide concession area permit program to...

    Details the goals of the permit program, focusing on conservation and management of wildlife.

  • AS 38.05.022(c)

    The department shall issue full big game guide concession area and limited big game guide concession area permits for a big game guide concession area established by the Board of Game under AS 16.05.262...

    Outlines the process for issuing permits through a competitive process.

  • AS 38.05.022(e)

    Subject to the approval of the commissioner, a big game guide who holds a concession permit under this section may, during the term of the permit, transfer the concession permit to another individual...

    Allows for the transfer of concession permits under specific conditions.

  • AS 38.05.022(f)

    The commissioner, in consultation with the Big Game Commercial Services Board... may suspend or revoke a concession permit issued under this section.

    Gives the commissioner authority to enforce permit compliance through suspension or revocation.

  • AS 38.05.022(h)

    The commissioner is responsible for administration and enforcement of this section and may delegate that authority as appropriate.

    Clarifies the administrative responsibilities for overseeing the new permit program.

Action History

  1. (S) Heard & Held

  2. (S) RESOURCES at 03:30 PM BUTROVICH 205

  3. (S) Minutes (SRES)

  4. (S) Heard & Held

  5. (S) RESOURCES at 03:30 PM BUTROVICH 205

  6. (S) REFERRED TO RESOURCES

  7. (S) RES, FIN

  8. (S) SPONSOR SUBSTITUTE INTRODUCED - REFERRALS

  9. (S) Minutes (SRES)

  10. (S) <Bill Hearing Canceled>

  11. (S) RESOURCES at 03:30 PM BUTROVICH 205

  12. (S) RES, FIN

  13. (S) READ THE FIRST TIME - REFERRALS

Sponsors

Sponsorship breakdown

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1 sponsors · 0 co-sponsors · 64 not signed on

Sponsors (1)

Co-sponsors (0)

None.

Not signed on (64)

64 members have not signed on to this bill.

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"Not signed on" means a member has not sponsored or co-sponsored this bill — it does not imply opposition. Members flagged Voted No have a recorded No vote on this bill.

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Frequently asked questions

Who sponsors SB 253?
SB 253 is sponsored by James Kaufman (R).
What is the current status of SB 253?
This bill died with 33rd Legislature (2023-2024). It reached “In Committee” and never advanced before the session ended, so it can no longer move — a new version would have to be reintroduced in the current session.
Where can I track SB 253?
Track SB 253 free on One Click Politics — get push/email alerts when it moves.

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