Legislature(2005 - 2006)HOUSE FINANCE 519
04/19/2005 01:30 PM House FINANCE
| Audio | Topic |
|---|---|
| Start | |
| HB216 | |
| HB94 | |
| SB63 | |
| SB93 | |
| Adjourn |
* first hearing in first committee of referral
+ teleconferenced
= bill was previously heard/scheduled
+ teleconferenced
= bill was previously heard/scheduled
| + | HB 216 | TELECONFERENCED | |
| + | HB 94 | TELECONFERENCED | |
| + | SB 63 | TELECONFERENCED | |
| = | SB 93 | ||
CS FOR SENATE BILL NO. 63(TRA)
An Act relating to road signs encouraging the use of
safety belts.
3:31:29 PM
CHERYL SUTTON, STAFF, SENATOR BEN STEVENS, explained that SB
63 would encourage posting signs promoting the use of safety
belts. The legislation allows the Department of
Transportation & Public Facilities to erect and maintain
signs at the site of a motor vehicle accident where a
fatality occurred as a result of failure to use a safety
belt.
Representative Croft asked if the Department needed the bill
to grant such authority. Ms. Sutton responded that the
Department does not have the authority to add the name to
the signage. She explained the story of Nathan Kampen.
3:33:58 PM
Co-Chair Meyer asked the cost per sign.
NORA WILSON, LEGISLATIVE LIAISON, DEPARTMENT OF
TRANSPORTATION & PUBLIC FACILITIES, introduced herself and
said it would cost $500 per sign. Ms. Sutton noted that the
number of deaths last year in Alaska was approximately 39
from not wearing seat belts.
Co-Chair Meyer asked about the fiscal note. Ms. Sutton
pointed out that posting would only occur for those persons
requesting the signs.
Co-Chair Meyer noted that Representative Croft had asked if
it could be done through regulation rather than legislation.
Ms. Wilson replied that the legislation had been the vehicle
presented and that the Department supports a statute change.
3:35:41 PM
Vice-Chair Stoltze referenced Page 1, Lines 11 & 12 and the
types of signs that could be put in place. Ms. Wilson
responded that language maintains the right of the
Department to guarantee once the sign is placed, that it
abides with sign posting criteria.
MARK NEIDHOLD, CHIEF, DESIGN AND CONSTRUCTION STANDARDS,
DEPARTMENT OF TRANSPORTATION & PUBLIC FACILITIES, agreed it
is important to follow standards when erecting the signs,
while not infringing on the Department's right to manage
those standards.
3:37:53 PM
Vice-Chair Stoltze opined that the scope of the bill
appeared too broad. Mr. Neidhold noted that the current
Alaska Administrative Code language for the Alaska Memorial
Program specifies the sign information and requirements. It
is the Department's expectation that there would only be one
additional sign.
3:39:49 PM
Representative Kelly referenced Page 1, Line 9, and asked if
the verbiage should instead say "likely". Ms. Sutton
acknowledged the concern had been raised in the House
Transportation Committee and referred to the "Public Safety
on Traffic Accident Statistics" handout. (Copy on File).
Representative Hawker was appalled that a grieving family
could not be accommodated within the regulatory authority of
the Department and that such a request had to come before
the Legislature.
Representative Croft suggested that it be addressed through
regulation. Ms. Wilson reported that she has had the
conversation with the sponsor's office and that they would
support the bill either way. Some have indicated that a
statute change might be faster.
Representative Croft asked if the Department would issue
regulations to implement the bill. Ms. Wilson acknowledged
that they would have to. She reiterated the Department's
support of the bill.
3:44:04 PM
Co-Chair Meyer asked if Nathan Kampen was a constituent of
Senator Stevens. Ms. Sutton replied yes.
Representative Foster MOVED to REPORT SB 63 out of Committee
with individual recommendations and with the accompanying
fiscal note. There being NO OBJECTION, it was so ordered.
SB 63 was reported out of Committee with a "do pass"
recommendation and with indeterminate note #1 by the
Department of Transportation & Public Facilities.
3:45:25 PM
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