The Alaska House’s special committee on Fisheries on Tuesday approved a measure that would relax the conflict-of-interest rules for the state’s fish and game boards.
If approved by the full House and Senate, then signed into law by Gov. Bill Walker, House Bill 87, sponsored by Rep. Louise Stutes, R-Kodiak, would allow fish and game board members to deliberate on matters even if they own a business that participates in the matter at hand. Those with family members who have a stake would also be allowed to participate.
HB 87 advances to the House Resources Committee for consideration.
Also Tuesday, the House special committee on energy approved House Bill 81, which allows nonprofits and tribes to participate in a state energy efficiency loan program that had been restricted to municipalities. HB 81, sponsored by Rep. Jonathan Kreiss-Tomkins, D-Sitka, advances to the House Finance Committee for consideration.
In the House Committee on Military and Veterans Affairs, members approved House Bill 4 by Rep. Steve Thompson, R-Fairbanks. HB 4 allows “military facility zones” to be designated by Alaska’s adjutant general in areas outside a municipality. HB 4 now goes to the House Community and Regional Affairs Committee.
All three bills that advanced in committee Tuesday have a long road to becoming law. Each must pass through another House committee, survive a House floor vote, be approved by Senate committees, then be approved on the Senate floor and approved by Gov. Bill Walker.
Contact Empire reporter James Brooks at james.k.brooks@juneauempire.com or call 419-7732.
