"An Act relating to the powers and duties of the commissioner of fish and game, Board of Fisheries, and Board of Game in promoting and preserving fishing, hunting, and trapping in the state. "

House Bill 75 clearly expresses the Legislature's protection of hunting as an integral part of Alaska's cultural heritage.

This bill was brought to the sponsor by a constituent and is modeled after a bill considered by the Michigan State Legislature in 2004. In addition, in recent years there have been moves in other states to include similar language in their constitutions. Similar language was added in Minnesota in 1998 and Montana in 2004.

Hunting, fishing, and trapping have always been a core component of our heritage and livelihood in Alaska and this sentiment is expressed in our Constitution in Article 8, sec. 4. HB 75 creates greater statutory clarity in directing the Commissioner of Fish and Game and the Board of Game to adopt regulations and enforce existing statutes in a manner consistent with protecting Alaskans' rights to utilize our state's game resources.

HB 75 will provide an additional protection from outside encroachment on our ability to responsibly harvest our game resources.

Bill Version: 24-LS0359-A

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