AK HB303

Changes department oversight of commercial passenger vessel environmental compliance from an established program to direct regulatory authority over vessel discharges and compliance verification.

Prohibits wastewater discharge from commercial passenger vessels into Alaska marine waters except in emergency situations to secure vessel safety or save life at sea.

Establishes an environmental compliance fee of $5 per berth per voyage for commercial passenger vessels, with reduced fees of $1 per berth for vessels with approved electronic monitoring systems and rebates for unoccupied berths; sets flat fees of $75-$175 per voyage for small vessels with 50-249 passenger accommodations.

Creates a wastewater infrastructure grant fund for municipalities to establish or upgrade wastewater treatment systems and facilities in port communities serving commercial passenger vessels, with grants prioritized based on public health, water quality, and environmental impact considerations.

Repeals the commercial passenger vessel recognition program, citizens' suit authority for environmental compliance violations, and related program definitions effective April 1, 2020, with primary act taking effect January 1, 2023.