
Louise Stutes
99:50 - 100:35
"as the body tasked with confirming board members and executive branch oversight, I believe it's the legislature's duty to initiate an independent review of the Board of Fisheries and to ensure they are compliant with applicable policies, regulations, and statutes."
“as the body tasked with confirming board members and executive branch oversight, I believe it's the legislature's duty to initiate an independent review of the Board of Fisheries and to ensure they are compliant with applicable policies, regulations, and statutes.”
This audit request does not address the outcomes of board meetings or how the resource was allocated. It's only about whether the board is following the law and sound public process in making those decisions. There is ample evidence and stakeholder concern to warrant an objective and impartial audit of this process. Given this, as the body tasked with confirming board members and executive branch oversight, I believe it's the legislature's duty to initiate an independent review of the Board of Fisheries and to ensure they are compliant with applicable policies, regulations, and statutes. And with that, I would be happy to answer any questions.
The Alaska Legislative Budget and Audit Committee voted unanimously Thursday to commission a special audit of the Board of Fisheries, examining whether the board followed its own statutes, regulations, and public-notice requirements from October 2023 through July 2026.

Chris Curtis submitted her resignation as Alaska's legislative auditor effective August 30, ending more than 34 years with the division. A three-person subcommittee will review applicants and recommend a nominee to the full committee in August, followed by separate House and Senate confirmation votes.
