Sponsor Statement for SB 22

Board of Game Qualifications Senator Bert Sharp

This Bill amends the required qualifications for persons that may be appointed as a member of the Board of Game by adding the requirement that the applicant 'must have held an Alaska hunting or trapping license or a permanent ID card (over 60) during each of the five years immediately preceding the appointment to the board.

This added requirement would provide improved assurance of interest fostered by past involvement in legal utilization of the game resource and understanding of the dynamics of arctic game resource management.

Several states have this "licensed" qualification required for appointment to their state wildlife boards.

Many believe this will markedly improve the dedication and committment of future game board members and encourages stronger actions to improve the policies affecting users of the resource.

SB 22 has a zero fiscal note from the Department of Fish & Game.

Thank you.

***see suggested amendment--delete <a resident> on line 11, page 1 and replace with 'an Alaskan'.