AK SB177

Establishes an exception allowing sport fishing operator license holders in the Kenai River Special Management Area to hire guides who have not completed required training courses if the operator has lost an employee due to unforeseen circumstances and cannot find a replacement guide who is fully trained.

Requires the director of the division of parks or designee to expeditiously issue a waiver for uncertified guides, applicable only for the duration of the fishing season in which the waiver application is submitted.

Mandates that the waiver applies only when the sport fishing operator has lost licensed guide services due to unforeseen circumstances and cannot hire an available replacement guide meeting all departmental requirements.

Amends AS 41.21.506(b) to authorize the commissioner to establish licensing and registration procedures for professional fishing guides and additional controls as deemed necessary.

Changes the repeal date of sport fishing guide licensing provisions from January 1, 2010 to January 1, 2011, and takes effect immediately upon passage.