Environment (Wildlife) in Alaska

in committee · Alaska · House Apr 21, 2026

HB 321: An Act relating to state refuges, sanctuaries, and fish and game critical habitat areas; relating to the hunting of brown bear; and providing for an effective date.

HB 321 prohibits the hunting of brown bears in specific areas of the Katmai region, including the McNeil River Wildlife Sanctuary and designated sections of land adjacent to Katmai National Park and Preserve. The bill defines exact boundaries using geographic descriptions (e.g., Township 14 South, Range 32 West) to restrict hunting on both state and federal lands in these zones. This directly affects hunters seeking to hunt brown bears within the defined areas. The bill also updates management standards for wildlife refuges but does not change general hunting regulations outside these protected zones. The prohibition applies to all brown bear hunting in the specified locations, regardless of permit type.

Topics ✓ Environment

Sub-Topics Parks & Recreation Wildlife

in committee · Alaska · House Mar 5, 2026

HB 332: An Act relating to microplastic testing; and relating to a microplastic strategy plan.

HB 332 requires Alaska's Department of Environmental Conservation to develop and implement a statewide plan for regularly testing water, soil, fish, wildlife, and other environmental media for microplastics (defined as plastic particles under 5 millimeters). The department must use scientifically sound methods and update the testing schedule annually before July 1 in even-numbered years. This bill directly affects state environmental agencies by establishing mandatory testing protocols and reporting requirements for microplastic pollution. It does not alter existing public assistance programs, despite an unrelated amendment to health department duties appearing in the bill text.

Topics ✓ Environment

Sub-Topics Conservation Wildlife

signed · Alaska · Senate Jul 1, 2026

SB 214: An Act making appropriations, including capital appropriations, supplemental appropriations, and reappropriations; making appropriations to capitalize funds; amending appropriations; and providing for an effective date.

SB 214 is a funding bill that allocates state budget resources to specific agencies and projects, rather than creating new policies. It directs approximately $272.5 million for village water infrastructure, $15.3 million for cruise terminal electrification, and $6.8 million for salmon recovery programs under the Pacific Coastal Salmon Recovery Fund. The bill specifies exact funding amounts for departments including Environmental Conservation, Fish and Game, and Commerce, with all allocations tied to existing state programs and federal grant requirements. As a procedural appropriations measure, it does not establish new regulations or alter policy but authorizes the use of existing funds for designated purposes.

Topics ✓ Budget & Taxes ✓ Environment ✓ Transportation

Sub-Topics Appropriations State Budget Coastal & Flood Protection Conservation Wildlife

vetoed · Alaska · Senate Jul 1, 2026

SB 174: An Act establishing the Alaska Invasive Species Council in the Department of Fish and Game; relating to management of invasive species; and providing for an effective date.

SB 174 establishes the Alaska Invasive Species Council within the Department of Fish and Game to coordinate state efforts in managing invasive species. The Council, composed of appointed representatives from state agencies (like Fish and Game and Environmental Conservation), tribes, universities, and conservation groups, will facilitate cooperation between government entities and organizations. Key duties include recommending policies on species importation and classification, guiding how state funds are allocated for invasive species responses, and providing technical assistance for regional management. This bill directly affects state agencies, tribal governments, and conservation organizations involved in preventing or managing invasive species across Alaska.

Topics ✓ Environment

Sub-Topics Wildlife

in committee · Alaska · House May 12, 2025

HB 191: An Act establishing the Alaska Invasive Species Council in the Department of Fish and Game; relating to management of invasive species; and providing for an effective date.

HB 191 creates the Alaska Invasive Species Council within the Department of Fish and Game to coordinate state efforts against invasive species. The council, composed of state agency representatives, tribal members, academic experts, and organizational leaders, facilitates cooperation between state, federal, tribal, and local entities managing invasive species. Key provisions include advising on import rules, species classification, funding priorities, and technical assistance for regional management efforts. This bill directly affects state agencies (like Fish and Game, Environmental Conservation, and Transportation), tribal governments, and organizations involved in invasive species prevention and response.

Topics ✓ Environment

Sub-Topics Wildlife

in committee · Alaska · Senate Mar 4, 2026

SB 161: An Act relating to the use of certain trawl or dredge fishing gear in state water; and providing for an effective date.

SB 161 prohibits commercial fishing operations in Alaska state waters from using trawl or dredge gear that causes substantial contact with the seafloor, effective January 1, 2028. It requires the Department of Fish and Game to study seafloor ecosystem health and bycatch data from the past decade, then report findings to the legislature by January 2027. The report must analyze impacts on fish habitats and recommend whether such gear should be banned or limited for sustainable fisheries and public benefit. This bill directly affects commercial fishermen using bottom-contact fishing gear in Alaska's waters.

Topics ✓ Environment

Sub-Topics Wildlife

in committee · Alaska · Senate Apr 18, 2025

SB 120: An Act establishing the Alaska Climate Change Emergency Response Commission; and relating to the powers and duties of the Alaska Climate Change Emergency Response Commission.

SB 120 establishes the Alaska Climate Change Emergency Response Commission within the Governor's Office to address climate impacts. The commission consists of 15 members: six department heads (including fish and game, environmental conservation, and natural resources officials) and nine municipal representatives appointed by the governor - one from each of nine designated Alaska regions (e.g., Northwest Alaska, Anchorage, Southeast Alaska). It requires the commission to elect co-chairs (one departmental, one municipal representative) and will develop strategies to protect communities, the economy, traditional lifestyles, wildlife, and ecosystems threatened by climate change. The bill focuses on creating this advisory body, not specific policy actions.

Topics ✓ Environment

Sub-Topics Climate Change Wildlife

in committee · Alaska · House Mar 25, 2026

HB 203: An Act relating to the use of certain trawl or dredge fishing gear in state water; and providing for an effective date.

HB 203 prohibits the use of trawl or dredge fishing gear that causes substantial contact with the seafloor in Alaska state waters, directly affecting commercial fishermen using this gear. The bill requires the Department of Fish and Game to conduct a study on seafloor ecosystem health and bycatch (unintended catch) from such gear, reporting findings by January 2027. The study must assess impacts on fish habitats and recommend whether to ban or limit this gear for sustainable fisheries and public benefit. If adopted, the prohibition would take effect on January 1, 2028. The bill is currently under consideration by the Fisheries Committee.

Topics ✓ Environment

Sub-Topics Wildlife

All environment bills