(JUNEAU) - Today, Representatives Beverly Masek (R-Willow) and Nancy Dahlstrom (R-Eagle River), co-chairpersons of the House Resources Committee, called for greater public review process and more in-depth study over the upcoming legislative interim, on HB 442 and SB 303, the bills which would reinstate the Big Game Commercial Services Board.

Citing a lack of adequate public participation in a rushed end-of-session atmosphere, the co-chairs recognized the need to review why the old board was done away with, what limits of power the board should have, why controversy surrounds a recent legislative audit, and just how responsibilities will be divided between the Department of Fish & Game and the Division of Occupational Licensing. It also remains to be established whether or not the Alaska State Legislature would exercise powers of confirmation over those appointed to the board.

"In serving our constituencies affected by this issue and establishing a true standard of fairness, we will need to more carefully evaluate a broader range of public input," said Representative Masek.

Representative Dahlstrom went on to say, "With the level of contention on the rise among these interest groups, the House Resources Committee is obliged to seek consensus in a more focused setting, and that is not possible at the end of the current legislative session."

The co-chairs will close all further hearings on these measures for the remainder of the legislative session, and will announce a plan for public hearings in the near future. Interested parties should contact Eleanor Wolfe in Representative Masek's office.

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