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Bill to create permanent executive-administrator position for Alaska big-game guide board wins support from guides; committee holds first hearing
Summary
Senate Bill 29 would secure in statute an executive administrator position for the Big Game Commercial Services Board, funded from guides' licensing fees; the committee heard board members and industry groups describe administrative strain when staffing turns over and set the bill aside after a first hearing.
Sen. Jesse Bjorkman told the Senate Finance Committee on April 1 that Senate Bill 29 would enshrine in statute an executive administrator (EA) position for the Big Game Commercial Services Board to provide continuity and institutional knowledge for guide licensing and examinations.
‘‘This position is funded entirely from designated general funds, paid for by fees that guides pay to fund the regulation and operation of their profession as big game guides in Alaska,’’ Bjorkman said, asking the committee to approve a statutory authorization for the role.
Former board chair Jason Bunch, who served on the board from 2018 to 2024, described the administrative burden the board faced when licensing examiners rotated frequently. ‘‘I began spending many hours each week on the phone with the examiner, teaching them the nuances of our industry,’’ Bunch said. He said investigative costs historically comprised a large share of the board’s expenditures and that consistent staff would reduce administrative errors and lower workload on volunteer board members.
Aaron Bloomquist, current board chair, agreed that consistent staff has improved operations. He said the board previously had multiple full-time staff but had been reduced over time; the current shared EA arrangement with another program had proven insufficient and licensing continuity improved after the board secured a dedicated administrator for the past two years.
Sam Rohrer, president of the Alaska Professional Hunters Association, told the committee the industry supports the bill and understands the position will be funded through existing licensing fees.
Senator Stedman summarized the fiscal note: the Department of Commerce, Community and Economic Development reported roughly $195,000 in personnel expenditures, to be covered by designated general funds from license fees. The committee took no final vote and set the bill aside for further consideration; amendments are due by noon Friday, April 11.
The testimony emphasized the board’s operational needs — board members cited high investigative costs and training burdens when licensing staff turnover — and the industry’s willingness to fund a permanent statutory position through fees rather than general funds.
