Politics

Alaska lawmaker proposes change to process for fisheries, game boards

JUNEAU -- An Alaska lawmaker has proposed changing how the state boards of fisheries and game make regulations.

Rep. Tammie Wilson introduced a bill Wednesday that would eliminate board-generated proposals.

The bill says the boards can adopt, amend and repeal regulations only if they are brought forward by an advisory committee, state agency or individual petitioning the board.

Wilson said the boards are intended as a way for the public to speak, not for the boards to make rules on their own.

In 2013, the joint boards determined that before using a board proposal, the board should consider whether the proposal is in the public's best interest, if there is opportunity for public comment, if the issue is urgent and if another process could be used to change the regulation.

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