AK HB101

Creates an affirmative defense for first-time unlawful taking of certain big game animals if the defendant voluntarily and promptly reports the taking to the department or state law enforcement officer and surrenders all salvaged portions of the animal.

Reduces the crime from a class A misdemeanor to a violation when the affirmative defense is successfully established for animals that did not meet sex, age, or size limitations set by the Board of Game.

Exempts defendants who successfully establish the affirmative defense from paying fines under AS 12.55.035 and restitution payments for the violation.

Prohibits use of the affirmative defense if the defendant has any previous conviction for taking an animal listed in the statute that did not meet sex, age, or size limitations.

Applies the previous conviction bar retroactively to convictions occurring before, on, or after the effective date of the Act.