AK HB134

Repeals the Alaska Marine Transportation Advisory Board and establishes the Alaska Marine Highway System Operation and Planning Board within the Department of Transportation and Public Facilities.

Board composition includes the transportation commissioner (or designee) and 10 public members appointed by the governor with specific expertise in marine operations, business, Alaska Native representation, union labor, and travel industry restructuring.

Public board members serve staggered three-year terms and can be removed by majority vote for missing more than two meetings per calendar year or for other good cause.

Board meets at least four times annually and must submit annual reports to the governor by September 1 covering financial information, operational plans, and recommendations for cost-saving practices, scheduling, maintenance, fleet strategy, and other system improvements.

Long-term operations plan updates must be submitted every three years (changed from five years) and must address long-term marine transportation objectives, planning assumptions, operations milestones, and strategic initiatives.