Legislature(2005 - 2006)HOUSE FINANCE 519
04/04/2006 09:00 AM House FINANCE
| Audio | Topic |
|---|---|
| Start | |
| SB218 | |
| HB384 | |
| HB419 | |
| HB403 | |
| Adjourn |
* first hearing in first committee of referral
+ teleconferenced
= bill was previously heard/scheduled
+ teleconferenced
= bill was previously heard/scheduled
| + | HB 384 | TELECONFERENCED | |
| + | HB 403 | TELECONFERENCED | |
| + | HB 419 | TELECONFERENCED | |
| + | TELECONFERENCED | ||
| += | SB 218 | TELECONFERENCED | |
HOUSE BILL NO. 403
"An Act relating to registration and operation of
neighborhood electric vehicles."
Representative Foster MOVED to ADOPT the work draft for HB
403, labeled 24-LS1229\I, Mischel/Luckhaupt, 3/31/06. There
being NO OBJECTION, it was so ordered.
IAN FISK, STAFF, REPRESENTATIVE BILL THOMAS, related that
the bill is about low-speed vehicles. He explained that HB
403 was amended in the House State Affairs Committee to
eliminate all references to electric vehicles in order to
conform to federal law. Mr. Fisk referred to a handout that
describes the vehicle (copy on file.) These vehicles are
not golf carts. It is defined in federal law that they must
have four wheels and be capable of a minimum speed of 20
mph, and a top speed of 25 mph. The National Highway
Transportation Safety Administration requires equipment such
as taillights, break lights, headlights, automotive quality
windshield, turn signals, mirrors, parking breaks, and they
must meet testing requirements. The federal regulations for
these vehicles were developed in 1998 and they are now legal
in 36 states. They offer fuel efficiency and zero emissions
and are popular in retirement communities. DMV would like
the authority, which this bill provides, to regulate this
class of vehicle.
Co-Chair Meyer asked about speed limitations. Mr. Fisk
related that they can go no more than 25 mph. They cannot
be used on a road where the posted speed limit is 35 mph or
faster. They are limited to neighborhood roads, but
permitted to cross roads with higher speed limits. Co-Chair
Meyer asked how they operate in snow and ice. Mr. Fisk said
he does not know.
10:05:10 AM
Co-Chair Meyer stated that he tested electric vehicles in
Fairbanks and they have limited experience in northern
climates. He expressed support for this legislation.
Representative Holm asked about the occasional use
provision. Farm equipment can go on highways for occasional
use. There are roads with varying speed limits. Under this
law these vehicles could not be used on them. Mr. Fisk said
that is correct. Representative Holm spoke of limited roads
available for these vehicles in his neighborhood. He noted
a provision that allows a municipality to modify the bill.
10:08:29 AM
Co-Chair Chenault pointed out that they do not require a
valid driver's license. Mr. Fisk said that is corrected in
Section 5 of the bill, subject to all laws.
Co-Chair Chenault asked if there are any specific
communities where these can be used. Mr. Fisk responded
that Skagway has requested the use of this type of vehicle.
Representative Weyhrauch pointed out that the word
"electric" does not appear anywhere in the bill. Mr. Fisk
said that federal regulation terms them "low-speed
vehicles". Representative Weyhrauch wondered why, in
subsection (e) on page 1, the wording "or by this state" is
needed. Fisk said that was not caught in previous hearings.
10:12:22 AM
Representative Kelly asked about line 13-14 on page 3, "may
further restrict". He wondered if a community could allow
for less restriction. Mr. Fisk responded that a community
could not supersede the maximum speed limit of 35 mph. They
could restrict where they can be used. He suggested using
"modify" instead of "restrict". He asked what would prevent
these vehicles from being used now. Mr. Fisk said DMV wants
to clearly allow this new category of car. Representative
Kelly noted that a reason for not including the word
"electric" is because there are many power types. He asked
what is stopping people from using this car now. Mr. Fisk
deferred to Mr. Bannock at DMV.
10:14:58 AM
Representative Hawker related that this bill, as it is
constructed, would empower municipalities to regulate these
vehicles. He wondered if the sponsor had contemplated
making the municipalities "opt in". Mr. Fisk replied that
the opposite approach was taken. Representative Hawker
stated that he preferred to let decisions be made locally,
rather than state mandated. He asked the sponsor to
consider that idea.
Representative Hawker suggested that in Section 1, "or"
should be "and".
Representative Hawker suggested adding a subparagraph (e) to
AS 28.10.041, grounds for refusing registration, and a list
of many reasons why registration could be refused. He
provided examples such as: the application contains a false
statement, the applicant does not give the information, the
applicant is not entitled to the issuance of a certificate
of title, and the vehicle is determined to be mechanically
unsafe. Also added would be a blanket statement that DMV
may not refuse to register a low-speed vehicle that meets
the requirements of a passenger vehicle, the safety and
equipment requirements of a passenger vehicle, and it has to
meet federal motor vehicle safety standards. He suggested
that these requirements would override the rest of the
prohibitions. Mr. Fisk responded that there are federal
safety elements in the statute. He said that the sponsor
would have no problem changing "or" to "and".
10:19:35 AM
Representative Hawker concurred that safety is considered in
the bill, but not the other elements.
MICHAEL CATSI, EXECUTIVE DIRECTOR, SKAGWAY DEVELOPMENT
CENTER, SKAGWAY, emphasized that these vehicles provide an
alternative transportation that is cheaper for short runs.
He requested the opportunity for people to own these
vehicles. They go 25 miles on a single charge and have easy
maintenance. Each municipality should be allowed to decide
on restrictions, but not ban them outright.
10:23:35 AM
DUANE BANNOCK, DIRECTOR, DIVISION OF MOTOR VEHICLES (DMV),
DEPARTMENT OF ADMINISTRATION, testified that DMV supports
the addition of Neighborhood Electric Vehicle (NEV's) or
low-speed vehicle (LSV's), a different class of vehicle.
There is language in the Manufacturer's Statement of Origin
(MSO) that gives direction to DMV and states conformity to
federal regulation. NEV's have an MSO that states that this
low-speed vehicle conforms to federal regulation under Title
49. He explained the title process. He addressed Section
3.
10:27:23 AM
Representative Kelly summarized that Alaskans are currently
prevented from driving these vehicles. He asked if other
states license these vehicles as passenger vehicles. Mr.
Bannock replied that only one state does not have specific
language regarding them.
Representative Weyhrauch spoke to the issue of conforming to
federal standards. He noted that Representative Hawker's
concern was about state supremacy. He asked for
clarification of line 6 on page 1.
Mr. Bannock said Section 1 is not DMV's. He opined that
issues of safety are addressed in the federal definition of
low-speed vehicle. Representative Weyhrauch summarized that
it is complying with federal standards. Mr. Bannock said
yes. Representative Weyhrauch asked if the wording should
say "by federal motor vehicle safety standards". Mr.
Bannock agreed.
10:30:30 AM
Representative Weyhrauch asked if the vehicle should be
limited to "electric" motor vehicle. Mr. Bannock suggested
that "electric" be struck because the name is not
appropriate. "Other powered" vehicles are available.
Representative Weyhrauch asked if it is the sponsor's intent
to limit it to electric vehicle. Mr. Fisk said no.
Mr. Bannock said that there are other vehicles that are
electric, such as hybrids, which are not low-speed vehicles.
10:32:40 AM
Representative Hawker asked about the definition of a low-
speed vehicle and the 4-wheel restriction. Mr. Bannock
agreed that there are other-wheeled vehicles and they would
not meet the definition of a low speed vehicle.
Co-Chair Meyer suggested that a new CS be written to include
today's suggestions.
HB 403 was heard and held in Committee for further
consideration.
| Document Name | Date/Time | Subjects |
|---|