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," which clarifies the authority responsible for overseeing agricultural practices, including the regulation of industrial hemp production and elk farming. The bill also introduces provisions for a plant materials center and a forgivable loan program to enhance agricultural resilience and food supply. Additionally, it specifies that agricultural facilities will not be considered a private nuisance if they comply with soil conservation plans, and it includes various technical amendments for consistency in terminology and regulatory authority.

Moreover, the bill amends Alaska's land disposal laws to involve the commissioner of agriculture in decisions related to agricultural land, replacing references to the "Board of Agriculture and Conservation" with the "commissioner of agriculture." This ensures that agricultural interests are represented in state land management decisions, as the commissioner must be consulted before the disposal of agricultural land and the adoption of related regulations. The bill outlines the powers and responsibilities of the commissioner, including conducting land capability surveys and providing technical guidance to settlers. It also repeals certain existing laws under the Department of Natural Resources, transferring those responsibilities to the new department, with the aim of enhancing the state's agricultural framework and taking effect on 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