The Alaska State Legislature's House Resources Committee convened on March 26, 2025, to discuss House Bill 93, aimed at addressing residency claims in the state. The meeting featured public testimony from local residents, including retired Colonel Eggleston and Nicholas Orr, who provided insights into the implications of the proposed legislation.

Colonel Eggleston, a resident of Thornton Bay on Prince of Wales Island, expressed strong support for HB 93, arguing that it would close loopholes allowing non-residents to improperly claim residency. He highlighted concerns about individuals from out of state purchasing property, establishing temporary residences, and exploiting subsistence fishing and hunting rights meant for true residents. Eggleston noted that in some communities, nearly half of property owners may not be legitimate residents, which he believes undermines local resources and revenue. He emphasized that enforcing residency requirements could lead to increased revenue from non-resident licenses and better availability of fish and game for actual residents, particularly in light of challenges faced by rural subsistence users.

Nicholas Orr, representing his personal views rather than any organization, provided a contrasting perspective. He acknowledged the committee's support for the bill but raised concerns about the Department of Fish and Game's assessment, which suggested minimal impact on license revenue. Orr pointed out that the push for HB 93 appears to stem from ongoing tensions within the community regarding hunting rights and resource management. He argued that the bill could reflect underlying conflicts rather than a clear-cut issue of residency abuse.

Orr also noted that many individuals labeled as non-residents contribute to local economies through property taxes and civic duties, such as jury service and voting. He cautioned against defining residency too narrowly, suggesting that the bill might not adequately consider the complexities of community dynamics and the contributions of all residents.

The committee's discussions highlighted the ongoing debate over residency definitions and resource management in Alaska, with significant implications for local communities and wildlife conservation. The meeting concluded without a definitive resolution, leaving the future of HB 93 and its potential impact on residency claims and resource access in Alaska open for further deliberation.