AK HB129

Increases maximum fine for sport fishing, hunting, and trapping license violations from $1,000 to $5,000 for class A misdemeanors.

Allows fishing and hunting licenses to be presented in electronic form (mobile phone, tablet, or computer) and provides peace officer immunity from liability for damage to electronic devices except in cases of intentional misconduct.

Permits persons charged with failing to have a license in actual possession to avoid conviction by providing evidence of a valid previously-issued license within 90 days of citation.

Increases restitution amounts for unlawful takings of big game animals (e.g., brown/grizzly bear from $1,300 to $2,500; moose from $1,000 to $2,500) and allows lost federal matching funds from Pittman-Robertson and Dingell-Johnson/Wallop-Breaux programs to be included in restitution orders.

Creates exemptions from restitution payment for persons who voluntarily report illegal wildlife takings and surrender all salvaged animal portions to the department, with restitution amounts to be adjusted for inflation every five years beginning July 1, 2023.