The bill establishes a new Department of Agriculture in Alaska, transferring relevant agricultural functions from the Department of Natural Resources. It includes significant amendments, such as changing references from the "commissioner of natural resources" to the "commissioner of agriculture," thereby redefining the powers and duties associated with agricultural oversight. The commissioner will be tasked with promoting the agricultural industry, regulating agricultural product transportation, and managing the farming of elk. Additionally, the bill introduces regulations for industrial hemp, a forgivable loan program to enhance food production, and mandates the establishment of a plant materials center in collaboration with the University of Alaska.

Furthermore, the bill amends various sections of Alaska's land disposal laws, replacing the "Board of Agriculture and Conservation" with the "commissioner of agriculture" to ensure the commissioner is consulted on agricultural land use and disposal matters. It allows for the sale of agricultural land in parcels and outlines the commissioner's responsibilities, including conducting land capability surveys and providing technical guidance to settlers. The bill also modifies existing laws to require land user approval for soil conservation measures and allows the commissioner to create soil and water conservation districts. The effective date for these changes is set for July 1, 2025.

Statutes affected:
SB0128A, AM SB 128, introduced 03/12/2025: 03.05.010, 03.05.076, 03.20.130, 33.30.191, 03.05.027, 03.05.040, 03.05.050, 03.05.075, 03.05.090, 03.09.020, 03.10.040, 03.20.140, 03.20.110, 03.20.120, 44.38.020, 44.37.030, 03.20.200, 03.22.010, 03.22.040, 03.47.020, 03.47.030, 03.90.010, 09.45.235, 14.40.450, 16.20.310, 27.19.030, 37.05.146, 38.04.020, 38.05.055, 38.05.057, 38.05.065, 03.09.010, 38.04.030, 38.04.055, 38.05.020, U.S.C, 40.25.100, 40.25.295, 43.55.014, 38.05.035, 38.05.059, 38.05.069, 38.07.030, 38.07.010, 38.09.010, 41.10.040, 41.10.045, 41.10.100, 41.10.110, 41.10.120, 41.10.130, 41.10.140, 44.17.005, 44.37.020, 44.38.030, 44.62.330, 03.47.040