The bill establishes a big game guide concession area permit program in Alaska, which involves the coordination of various state departments, including the Big Game Commercial Services Board, the Board of Game, the Department of Fish and Game, and the Department of Natural Resources. The Board of Game is tasked with considering and approving proposals for the establishment of big game guide concession areas, which will be administered by the Department of Natural Resources. The bill outlines the process for public notice and comment, as well as the criteria for approval, emphasizing the importance of conservation, management of resources, and public interest.

Additionally, the bill introduces a structured permit program that limits the number of individuals authorized to conduct big game guiding in designated areas. It specifies the issuance of full and limited big game guide concession area permits through a competitive process, with regulations to be established regarding qualifications, permit fees, and the transfer of permits. The bill also includes provisions for the initial establishment of a concession area and a transition period before further proposals can be considered. The effective date of the bill is retroactive to July 23, 2024, and it takes effect immediately.

Statutes affected:
SB0097A, AM SB 97, introduced 02/12/2025: 08.54.600, 16.05.263, 38.05.021, 08.54.591, 08.54.790, 08.54.750, 08.54.680, 08.54.760, 16.05.262, 38.05.022
SB0097Z, AM Enrolled SB 97, introduced 05/16/2025: 08.54.600, 16.05.263, 38.05.021, 08.54.591, 08.54.790, 08.54.750, 08.54.680, 08.54.760, 16.05.262, 38.05.022