This bill establishes new responsibilities for the commissioner of fish and game in Alaska, specifically regarding the economic impacts of sport fishing. It mandates that the commissioner produce a report every four years on these impacts, modeled after a previous publication by the Department of Fish and Game. Additionally, the bill creates a sport fishing angler access account funded by a new surcharge on sport fishing licenses, which will be used to support the report and enhance access opportunities for nonmotorized sport fishing.

The bill also outlines the specific amounts for the sport fishing angler access surcharge, which varies based on the type of fishing license purchased. Exemptions from the surcharge are provided for certain low-cost or free licenses. Furthermore, the commissioner is granted the authority to adopt necessary regulations for implementing these changes, with the regulations taking effect in accordance with the Administrative Procedure Act. The overall effective date for the bill is set for January 1, 2027, with certain provisions taking effect immediately.

Statutes affected:
HB0304A, AM HB 304, introduced 02/13/2026: 16.05.050, 16.05.130, 16.05.340, 16.05.341
HB0304B, AM CSHB 304(FSH), introduced 02/27/2026: 16.05.050, 16.05.130, 16.05.340, 16.05.341