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Alaska2026Passed Legislature

SB232

Personal Collection of Certain Fossils

Last scannedSep 22, 2026, 12:32 AM

In one sentence

This law allows people to collect specific types of fossils for personal use on most state lands without a permit, while setting limits on weight and tools.

What it does

  • Allows individuals to gather certain plant or invertebrate animal fossils from state land that is not managed by the department as a park or game refuge.
  • Limits collection to a daily total of 25 pounds of specific fossils, 50 pounds of rock containing fossils, or one large fossil over 50 pounds if it is an invertebrate fossil.
  • Requires collectors to use only hand tools without electricity and cause minimal damage to the ground surface.
  • Prohibits selling collected items or using them for research projects intended for museums or public display.
  • Updates state law definitions to clarify which fossils are allowed under this new personal collection rule.

Who it affects

  • People who want to collect specific types of fossils on Alaska state land
  • The Department managing state lands outside of parks and game refuges

Limits and unknowns

  • The law does not apply to state parks, state game refuges, or land managed by other agencies.
  • Collectors must ensure they are in an open area and follow weight limits exactly as written.
  • The text does not specify the exact date this rule becomes active.

Plain language

Terms to know

Certain fossils
Plant remains, invertebrate animal remains (like shells), or tracks made by invertebrates.
Personal use collection
Gathering items for private keeping rather than selling them or using them for scientific study.

Official record

Sources

Source checked
Official bill pageIntroduced textCurrent bill text
Read the official summary

PERSONAL COLLECTION OF CERTAIN FOSSILS An Act relating to personal use collection of certain fossils.

Official activity

Bill history

  1. (S) REFERRED TO RESOURCES2386
  2. (S) FN1: ZERO(DNR)2386
  3. (S) AM: KIEHL2386
  4. (S) NR: TOBIN, STEVENS2386
  5. (S) EDC RPT 2NR 1AM2386
  6. (S) Moved SB 232 Out of Committee -- Testimony <Invitation Only> --Text
  7. (S) EDUCATION at 03:30 PM BELTZ 105 (TSBldg)Text
  8. (S) Heard & HeldText
  9. (S) EDUCATION at 03:30 PM BELTZ 105 (TSBldg)Text
  10. (S) EDC, RES1606
  11. (S) READ THE FIRST TIME - REFERRALS1606