Juneau -- The Alaska House of Representatives Friday passed House Bill 134, sponsored by Representative Bill Hudson (R-Juneau). HB 134 amends sections of the Alaska Ski Safety Act which have proven to be unclear and therefore unenforceable.

HB 134 clarifies two provisions of the Alaska Ski Safety Act of 1994 and was introduced at the request of Eaglecrest Ski Area and Alyeska Resort. The amendments are necessary to fully implement the Act in all ski areas and allow the Court system to establish a bail forfeiture schedule to enforce intent.

HB 134 stipulates that the Act is meant to apply to all ski areas by removing the term in the original bill "over which the State has jurisdiction." This deletion makes the Act apply to any recognized ski area in the State. Additionally, it provides the specific authority to allow the Courts to establish a bail forfeiture schedule for specific violations within the Act. While this was the intent of the original bill, the language did not meet the Courts specifications in the final draft.

HB 134 allows for the full implementation of the provisions of the Alaska Ski Safety Act and is fully supported by ski area operators, as well as the Alaska Division of the National Ski Patrol.