Juneau watch

The Senate Community and Regional Affairs Committee today held a hearing on Senate Bill 268 with the short title "Sick leave exemption: fish processors."

The Pacific Seafood Processors Association really likes this bill.

But the Alaska AFL-CIO doesn't, writing to the committee: "Just because someone works in a seafood processing plant does not mean their right to sick leave should be taken away."

Here's the sponsor statement for SB 268 from Sen. Gary Stevens, R-Kodiak.

Juneau watch

Several bills of importance to the commercial fishing industry were introduced today in the Alaska Legislature. Here's a rundown.

Sen. Gary Stevens, R-Kodiak, filed Senate Bill 268 titled "An Act relating to minimum paid sick leave requirements for individuals employed in seafood processing."

Sen. Lyman Hoffman, D-Bethel, filed Senate Bill 269 titled "An Act restructuring the Board of Fisheries."

Rep. Sarah Vance, R-Homer, filed House Bill 356 titled "An Act relating to health and sanitary requirements and certain permits for commercial fishing vessels."

Rep. Neal Foster, D-Nome, filed House Bill 368 titled "An Act relating to meetings of the Board of Fisheries."

Rep. Kevin McCabe, R-Big Lake, filed House Joint Resolution 34 titled "Urging the United States Congress and federal fisheries managers to make changes to the federal Prohibited Species Donation program to reduce the waste of edible bycatch, increase vessel participation, and improve food security in the state."

Rep. Justin Ruffridge, R-Soldotna, filed House Joint Resolution 35 titled "Urging federal fisheries managers to reduce trawl bycatch, maintain existing bycatch limits, and strengthen enforcement; and supporting federal efforts aimed at reducing bycatch and benthic habitat contact."

No on Ballot Measure 1, says PSPA

The Pacific Seafood Processors Association is opposing Ballot Measure 1 and explains why here.