| SUMMARY OF: | A Sunset Review of the Department of Commerce, Community, and Economic Development,Big Game Commercial Services Board |
Why DLA Performed This Audit
The purpose of the audit is to determine if there is a need for the board’s continued existence and whether its termination date should be extended. The board is set to sunset June 30, 2016, and will have one year from that date to conclude its administrative operations.
Report Conclusions
Overall, the audit concludes the board has provided reasonable assurance that individuals licensed to guide and/or outfit hunts, as well as transport hunters to and from hunt locations, in Alaska are qualified to do so. Additionally, the board’s regulation and licensing of qualified guides, guide-outfitters and transporters benefited the public’s safety and safeguarded the state’s wildlife resources. In recognition that the board reported an operating deficit of over $1 million as of April 30, 2015, we recommend extending the board only three years under the condition that the board demonstrate the ability to address its deficit during the legislative sunset review process. The board believes proposed regulations that increase licensing fees and create new record processing fees will address its deficit by the end of FY 17. If the board fails to demonstrate the ability to address its operating deficit, we recommend it be considered for termination.
Findings and Recommendations
- The Division of Corporations, Business and Professional Licensing’s (DCBPL) director should ensure staff adhere to procedures designed to provide efficient and effective support to the board.
- DCBPL’s director should take steps to improve the timeliness of investigations.
- DCBPL’s director, in coordination with the board, should increase licensing fees to address the board’s operating deficit.
- DCBPL’s director should ensure the transporter license renewal application form complies with statute.