The bill establishes a new Department of Agriculture in Alaska, transferring relevant agricultural functions from the Department of Natural Resources. It includes amendments that change references from the "Department of Natural Resources" to the "Department of Agriculture" throughout various sections of the law. The newly created commissioner of agriculture will oversee agricultural projects, pest management, and the regulation of industrial hemp, with the authority to issue stop orders related to hemp production and regulate elk farming. Additionally, the bill introduces a forgivable loan program to enhance agricultural resilience and food supply, mandates the creation of a plant materials center in collaboration with the University of Alaska, and ensures the Department of Agriculture manages bee importation and disease prevention.

Furthermore, the bill updates various sections of Alaska's land disposal and agricultural regulations, replacing references to the "Board of Agriculture and Conservation" with the "commissioner of agriculture." It emphasizes the need for consultation with the commissioner regarding agricultural land use and sales, streamlining agricultural land management processes. New provisions regarding the sale and management of agricultural land are introduced, including regulations for lottery participants and potential moratoriums on payments for agricultural land. The responsibilities of the Soil and Water Conservation and Development Board are also outlined, advising the commissioner on soil resource management. The bill is set to take effect on July 1, 2025, and aims to enhance the governance and development of Alaska's agricultural industry.

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