The bill establishes a new Department of Agriculture in Alaska, transferring agricultural responsibilities from the Department of Natural Resources. It includes significant amendments, such as changing references from the "Department of Natural Resources" to the "Department of Agriculture" throughout various sections of the law. The new department will oversee agricultural projects, pest management, and the regulation of industrial hemp, while the commissioner of agriculture will have the authority to issue licenses for elk farming and manage bee importation. Additionally, the bill introduces a forgivable loan program to enhance agricultural resilience and mandates the creation of a plant materials center in collaboration with the University of Alaska.

Furthermore, the bill amends Alaska's land management laws to enhance the role of the commissioner of agriculture in decisions regarding agricultural land. It replaces references to the "Board of Agriculture and Conservation" with the "commissioner of agriculture," allowing for greater involvement in land disposals and agricultural use rights. The commissioner will also conduct land capability surveys and provide technical guidance to settlers, ensuring that land development aligns with its capabilities. Overall, the bill aims to streamline agricultural governance and improve land management practices in Alaska, with a focus on promoting effective agricultural use and conservation. The bill is set to take effect on July 1, 2025.

Statutes affected:
HB0140A, AM HB 140, introduced 03/17/2025: 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