HB 397 Summary

• Clarifies and codifies Alaska's ownership of all submerged land underlying navigable waters at statehood, explicitly including those within and adjacent to federal areas.

• Requires the Department of Natural Resources to compile, maintain, and make public a comprehensive list and map of navigable waters in the state, with ongoing research to identify navigable waters within and adjacent to federal areas.

• Establishes detailed definitions for navigable water, including specific criteria such as boatability at least one-third of the open-water season and allowance for various watercraft types without requiring continuous clear channels or historical navigation evidence.

• Mandates annual legislative reporting by the commissioner on newly identified navigable waters in federal areas and any modifications to previously identified waters.

• Creates a new section (AS 38.04.063) listing approximately 1,873 specific navigable waters (lakes, rivers, and streams) in and adjacent to federal conservation areas across Alaska, with identification numbers for reference in a maintained database.