CSHB 195 - East Side of Cook Inlet Set Net Fleet Reduction Act

• Creates a separate administrative area for commercial set net fishing in statistical areas 244-21, 244-22, 244-31, 244-32, 244-41, and 244-42 of Cook Inlet's Upper Subdistrict, effective January 1, 2025.

• Establishes a voluntary entry permit buy-back program allowing qualified set net fishers to sell permits to the Alaska Commercial Fisheries Entry Commission for $200,000 less administrative costs, with option for three-year payment plan.

• Limits buy-back eligibility to individuals or immediate family members who held the permit since January 1, 2020, and actively participated in the fishery between December 31, 2020, and December 31, 2022.

• Requires an April 1, 2025, election among permit holders in the new administrative area to approve the buy-back program, with commission authorized to repurchase not more than 300 unencumbered permits through lottery selection.

• Terminates state land leases under AS 38.05.082 used for purchased permits without penalty, and repeals buy-back program sections June 30, 2031.