Our state government protects Alaskans’ interests by convening volunteer boards of subject matter experts to weigh in on relevant issues. State boards include those that help manage our fish and game populations and provide guidance on important issues. There are also boards that oversee professions that can have significant impacts on Alaskans’ physical or financial health. While some professional licenses can be administered solely by department staff, others rely on the specialized knowledge board members provide to ensure licensees are held to the most current best practice standards and to assist with investigations.
Equally important is the regular review of state boards to ensure that they are operating effectively and continue to provide value to Alaskans. Sunset dates in state law provide an assurance that reviews will be conducted regularly and in a timely manner. Boards can only continue operations when bills are passed to extend their life. The Legislative Budget and Audit Division conducts sunset reviews of these boards, providing objective information to Legislators regarding any areas where a board’s operations need improvement and whether the boards continue to provide value to Alaskans.
In my role as the Chair of the Senate’s Labor and Commerce Committee, I sponsored three bills to extend Alaska boards that are due to sunset this June 30 and that I believe provide value to Alaskans:
· Senate Bill 182, which would extend the Big Game Commercial Services Board, passed from the Senate Finance Committee last week and is expected to pass the Senate early this week. The Board plays an important role in managing the activities of hunting guides and transporters to protect Alaska’s wildlife resources.
· Senate Bill 228, which would extend the Board of Massage Therapists, passed the Senate unanimously and was heard in the House Labor and Commerce Committee last week. In addition to other oversight duties, Board members provide an important safeguard when they review applications for signs of human trafficking in order to maintain the safety of Alaskans and the professional standards of the industry.
· Senate Bill 234, which would extend the Marijuana Control Board, passed from the Senate Finance Committee and is also expected to pass the Senate early this week. The Board controls the cultivation, manufacture, and sale of marijuana in the state.
After passing the legislature 59-1, I’m thankful that my bill, Senate Bill 93, was signed into law last week. This bill increases the limits on payouts for commercial fishing injuries and better ensures fishing crew members’ medical costs are covered. SB 93 is zero cost to the State treasury, because the Alaska Fisherman’s Fund dollars come from fees received from commercial fishing license sales. The fund is healthy, and fees will not increase from this change.
I am honored to be your State Senator and I want to hear from you. You’re welcome to call my office at 907-283-7996 or email me at Sen.Jesse.Bjorkman@akleg.gov. I hope you’ll take the time to share your questions and ideas.