(JUNEAU) - The Alaska House of Representatives unanimously approved House Bill 24 by a vote 34 to zero on Wednesday. Sponsored by the Representative Bruce Weyhrauch (R-Juneau) and Representative Jim Whitaker (R-Fairbanks), HB 24 allows the Department of Fish and Game, the Board of Fisheries, or the Board of Game to enter into management agreements with federal agencies; however, these agreements cannot cede authority to a federal agency. If any agreement allows a federal agency to override the established authority of the state's fish or wildlife enforcement, that contract will be void after July 1st, 2004.

"Enforcement of hunting and fishing regulations is a big responsibility in Alaska, and that requires cooperation between our state and federal agencies," Weyhrauch said. "However, the state must ensure that it maintains the authority of its own boards and departments over state resources."

"Cooperation between state and federal law enforcement is a crucial part of successful government," Whitaker said. "Maintaining the proper jurisdiction of state fish and wildlife is just as important."

HB 24 moves to the Senate.

# # #