The bill amends existing laws regarding the collection of fossils in Alaska, specifically introducing provisions for personal use collection. It allows individuals to collect certain fossils on state-managed land, excluding state parks and game refuges, with a limit of 25 pounds of fossils or 50 pounds of aggregate material per day, or one invertebrate fossil over 50 pounds. The bill specifies that these fossils cannot be used for research or commercial purposes and mandates that only hand tools may be used, ensuring minimal surface disturbance during collection. Additionally, it requires that the collection occurs in open areas and that the collected fossils meet the established criteria.

Furthermore, the bill modifies existing regulations by clarifying that, except for the personal use collection provisions, individuals must obtain a permit from the commissioner to appropriate or disturb any historic, prehistoric, or archaeological resources. It also expands the definition of "historic, prehistoric, and archaeological resources" to include fossilized tracks and burrows, and introduces a definition for "certain fossils," which encompasses plant fossils, invertebrate animal fossils, and fossilized tracks or burrows made by invertebrate animals. These changes aim to balance the preservation of Alaska's natural and cultural heritage with the interests of individuals wishing to collect fossils for personal use.

Statutes affected:
SB0232A, AM SB 232, introduced 02/04/2026: 41.35.080, 41.35.200, 41.35.085, 41.35.230