How SB174 changes current law

AI-generated reading aid from the bill's amendatory text — verify against the official bill.

This bill establishes the Alaska Invasive Species Council and outlines its management framework.

• AS 16.20

  Article 6. Management of Invasive Species. Sec. 16.20.800. Alaska Invasive Species Council. (a) The Alaska Invasive Species Council is an advisory council established in the department to facilitate efforts by the department, the Department of Natural Resources, the Department of Environmental Conservation, the Department of Transportation and Public Facilities, and other natural-resource-related governmental entities operating in the state to manage invasive species in the state by (1) facilitating cooperation between state, federal, tribal, and local agencies and nongovernmental organizations; (2) assisting in coordination of activities to manage invasive species, including those undertaken by local governments and nongovernmental organizations; (3) recommending coordinated interagency strategies and policies related to management of invasive species, including (A) importation, possession, and use of invasive species; (B) classification and listing of non-native species; and (C) management of pathways associated with transfer of invasive species; (4) upon request of a state agency, providing guidance on prioritizing the state agency's responses to occurrences of invasive species and how funds made available under AS 16.20.810 may be best used; (5) recommending expenditures from the invasive species response fund; (6) providing technical information and assistance to persons engaged in regional and national invasive species management efforts.

  This creates a new advisory council focusing on invasive species management in Alaska.

• AS 16.20

  Sec. 16.20.810. Invasive species response fund. The invasive species response fund is established as an account in the general fund. The fund consists of appropriations made to the fund. Money appropriated to the fund does not lapse. The department may use money appropriated to the fund to manage invasive species, without further appropriation.

  This establishes a dedicated fund for managing invasive species in Alaska.

• AS 16.20

  Sec. 16.20.850. Definitions. In AS 16.20.800 - 16.20.850, (1) "council" means the Alaska Invasive Species Council; (2) "department" means the Department of Fish and Game; (3) "invasive species" means a non-native species the introduction of which causes or is likely to cause economic harm, environmental harm, or harm to human health; (4) "manage invasive species" means to take actions to prevent or minimize harmful effects of invasive species on the economy, the environment, public health, infrastructure, and cultural heritage; (5) "non-native species" includes any biological material capable of propagating a species that is not native to the state or an ecosystem in the state.

  This adds definitions crucial for understanding the terms used in the context of invasive species management.

• AS 16.20.800

  Sec. 2. AS 16.20.800, 16.20.810, and 16.20.850 are repealed July 1, 2035.

  This sets an expiration date for the established sections regarding the council and its activities.

• APPOINTMENT OF MEMBERS AND CHAIR AND TIMING AND NUMBER OF MEETINGS REQUIRED IN INITIAL YEAR. (a) Notwithstanding AS 16.20.810(i), added by sec. 1 of this Act, the governor shall appoint the initial members of the Alaska Invasive Species Council required under AS 16.20.800(b)(1), added by sec. 1 of this Act, within 60 days after the effective date of this Act. The governor shall appoint the members to staggered terms as follows: (1) two members shall be appointed to three-year terms; (2) two members shall be appointed to two-year terms; and (3) one member shall be appointed to a one-year term. (b) Notwithstanding AS 16.20.800(e), added by sec. 1 of this Act, the Alaska Invasive Species Council shall (1) hold its first meeting within 90 days after the appointment of members under (a) of this section; and (2) meet at least four times in the 12 months following the appointment of members under (a) of this section.

  This establishes specific initial appointment procedures and meeting requirements for the new council.

• This Act takes effect immediately under AS 01.10.070(c).

  This specifies that the Act is effective immediately upon enactment.