(Juneau) - Alaska miners who inadvertently file their paperwork late will not immediately lose their claim if HB 344 is signed into law. The bill, sponsored by Representative Hugh Fate (R-Fairbanks), will change the current law that says if a miner misses the filing deadline by as little as one day, the mining claim is considered abandoned. A miner must wait a year before refilling the claim.

HB 344, which passed out of the Senate Resources Committee today, allows a grace period if the deadline is missed. By filing the necessary paperwork, paying the royalties, rent, and a penalty equal to one year's rent the claim remains protected.

The change in statute is designed to help small miners who do not get to the filing office on time for various reasons, including weather, illness or transportation problems. "Small miners are a very important part of Alaska's local economy," said Representative Fate. "They buy their materials and supplies from local businesses keeping the money at home. We need to do everything we can to encourage their continued operation."

Fate added, "This bill is a correction to earlier language that ultimately had an unwanted effect. Miners devote a lot of time and energy to their claims. Keeping Alaskans working is an important part of the legislature's job. HB 344 will simply prevent miners from losing that investment and job because of a mistake."

HB 344 is now scheduled to be heard in the Senate Finance Committee.

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