1994-07-15                     House Journal                      Page 4526
HB 407                                                                       
The following letter dated June 29, 1994, was received:                        
                                                                               
"Dear Speaker Barnes:                                                          
                                                                               
Under the authority of art. II, sec. 15, of the Alaska Constitution, I         
have vetoed the following bill:                                                
                                                                               
CONFERENCE CS FOR HOUSE BILL NO. 407                                          
"An Act relating to issuance of commemorative gold rush motor                 
vehicle license plates; and providing for an effective date."                  
                                                                               
The original intent of this bill was simply to authorize the Department        
of Public Safety, division of motor vehicles, to issue vehicle                 
registration plates commemorating the gold rush period.  A section was         
added to the bill, however, that reduces the number of license plates          
to be displayed by vehicles in the state from two to one.                      
                                                                               
Reducing the number of license plates would make it more difficult for         
other drivers, including law enforcement officers, to identify a vehicle       
when necessary, such as in cases of drunk drivers or a hit-and-run             
driver.  Businesses that have drive-through windows rely on the front          
license plate number to be able to identify customers who fail to pay          
for their purchases.  It would also make it more difficult for people to       
identify a vehicle that is pulling into their driveway, which can be           
important in stalking situations.  Finally, law enforcement officers who       
observe traffic violations must be able to identify the vehicle from the       
front or the back.                                                             

1994-07-15                     House Journal                      Page 4527
HB 407                                                                       
For these reasons, requiring two license plates on each vehicle makes          
sense.  I am not convinced that significant reasons exist to change this       
practice.  Accordingly, I am vetoing this bill.                                
                                                                               
									Sincerely,                                                            
									/s/                                                                   
									Walter J. Hickel                                                      
									Governor"