State legislators yesterday unveiled a pack of bills they've prefiled ahead of the Jan. 18 start of the 2011 session.
Here are the bills of interest to Alaska fish folk.
House Bill 20, providing for a priority for a fishery that is restricted to residents when fishing restrictions are implemented to achieve a management goal. Sponsor: Rep. Bill Stoltze, R-Chugiak
House Bill 59, relating to loans made to commercial fishermen under the Commercial Fishing Loan Act for product quality improvements and energy efficiency upgrades; and providing for an effective date. Sponsor: Rep. Paul Seaton, R-Homer
House Bill 60, relating to aquatic farm permitting involving geoducks and to geoduck seed transfers between certified hatcheries and aquatic farms. Sponsor: Rep. Paul Seaton, R-Homer
Senate Bill 20, relating to personal use fishing permits; and establishing the personal use fishery fund. Sponsor: Sen. Tom Wagoner, R-Kenai
Senate Bill 24, establishing the Sport Fishing Guide Services Board and licensing requirements for sport fishing guide-outfitters, sport fishing outfitters, sport fishing assistant guides, and sport fishing transporters; making conforming amendments; allowing the Department of Fish and Game to collect information on guiding services; and providing for an effective date. Sponsor: Sen. Lesil McGuire, R-Anchorage