Legislature(1999 - 2000)
2000-02-11 Senate Journal
Full Journal pdf2000-02-11 Senate Journal Page 2277 SB 264 SENATE BILL NO. 264 BY THE SENATE RULES COMMITTEE BY REQUEST OF THE GOVERNOR, entitled: An Act providing for the revocation of driving privileges by a court for a driver convicted of a violation of traffic laws in connection with a fatal motor vehicle or commercial motor vehicle accident; and amending Rules 43 and 43.1, Alaska Rules of Administration. was read the first time and referred to the Judiciary and Finance Committees. Indeterminate fiscal note published today from Department of Administration. Zero fiscal notes published today from Department of Law, Department of Public Safety. 2000-02-11 Senate Journal Page 2278 SB 264 Governors transmittal letter dated February 10: Dear President Pearce: Many Alaskans are killed annually by drivers who are operating their vehicles in an unsafe way, but are not specifically violating any criminal laws. In 1998, approximately 20 deaths on our state highways may have fallen into this category. The extent of any punishment in these cases is merely a fine for a traffic violation of up to $300. Regardless of whether their conduct is criminal, drivers whose traffic violations contribute to an accident causing the death of another person pose a risk to people on the highways and cause much suffering to family and friends of their victims. This bill I transmit today addresses this unfortunate situation by requiring, under certain circumstances, revocation of driving privileges of a driver involved in a fatal traffic accident. This bill requires the court to revoke driving privileges in cases where a person violated traffic laws and the violation contributed to an accident that resulted in a death. The license revocation would be for one year and applies to drivers of all vehicles, including those for commercial use. The court would be allowed to grant limited license privileges if it determines driving is critical to the person's livelihood and will not pose a danger to the public. When people drive in an unsafe way and cause the death of another, their privilege to drive should be taken to protect other drivers and pedestrians on the roadways. Sincerely, /s/ Tony Knowles Governor