Legislature(2007 - 2008)SENATE FINANCE 532
03/29/2008 10:00 AM Senate FINANCE
| Audio | Topic |
|---|---|
| Start | |
| HB233 | |
| HB 233 | |
| HB373 | |
| HB19 | |
| HB75 | |
| HB338 | |
| Adjourn |
* first hearing in first committee of referral
+ teleconferenced
= bill was previously heard/scheduled
+ teleconferenced
= bill was previously heard/scheduled
| + | HB 19 | TELECONFERENCED | |
| + | HB 75 | TELECONFERENCED | |
| + | HB 373 | TELECONFERENCED | |
| + | HB 338 | TELECONFERENCED | |
| + | TELECONFERENCED | ||
| = | HB 233 | ||
CS FOR HOUSE BILL NO. 75(STA)
"An Act relating to driver's licenses and to alcohol
and drug awareness and safety testing."
REPRESENTATIVE JAY RAMRAS, SPONSOR, presented the bill. He
shared personal experience in the hospitality industry and
his concern about drunk drivers. He related the current
process of awarding a driver's license to young people. He
outlined DMV's testing procedure at different ages. When a
driver turns 21 there is no further testing. He maintained
that three groups would benefit by the passage of the bill:
the hospitality industry, young people between 21-25 with a
minor's driver's license, and average citizens.
Representative Ramras explained that the bill would draw a
much brighter line between minors and adults and stop the
issue of "leakage". It would also educate those who are of
the drinking age by developing an eight question test with
the object of bringing awareness of alcohol safety and laws
prior to receiving an adult Alaska driver's license.
11:31:41 AM
Co-Chair Stedman asked if the penalties for serving a minor
alcohol were substantial.
Representative Ramras defined the penalties for those who
serve a minor. The first offense is a class A misdemeanor;
the second offense is a class C felony. He maintained that
HB 75 would provide a remedy to draw a brighter line between
minors and adults. It calls for the automatic expiration of
a driver's license when a person turns 21 and helps combat
the issue of minors consuming alcohol.
11:35:50 AM
Co-Chair Stedman clarified that a portion of the bill would
require a person to update their license when they turn 21.
They would have an opportunity to have the questions on the
test repeated until they successfully pass the test.
Representative Ramras agree that that would be the
legislative intent. He emphasized the need for the alcohol
education portion of the bill.
11:37:13 AM
Senator Elton referred to Section 1 and noted that the
provision only applies to Alaskans who hold under 21
licenses.
Representative Ramras agreed. He noted that the original
intent was to have all Alaskans take the test. That element
of the bill was deleted.
Senator Elton voiced concern that the standard would apply
to a 21-year-old Alaskan, but not to a 21-year-old who moved
to Alaska with a minor's driver's license.
11:39:48 AM
Senator Huggins asked how military people are dealt with in
the bill.
JANE PIERSON, STAFF, REPRESENTATIVE JAY RAMRAS, explained
that military are covered under AAC exemptions.
Senator Huggins wondered how other driving impairment drugs
are handled.
11:41:17 AM
Representative Ramras referred to page 1, line 10, which
says, "relating to alcohol, drugs, and driving". He added
that it is also covered in the Driver's Manual and as part
of the test. Senator Huggins noted that the test only
addresses alcohol.
Representative Ramras said it is the intent that the test
would address all drugs and alcohol. He said he was
amenable to amendments to the bill. He explained that all
persons could not be included and the focus should be on
educating young adults.
Co-Chair Stedman noted two fiscal notes: a zero fiscal note
from the Department of Health and Social Services, and a
fiscal note for $30,000 from the Department of
Administration - DMV.
11:44:06 AM
DIANE CASTO, SECTION MANAGER, PREVENTION AND EARLY
INTERVENTION SECTION, DIVISION OF BEHAVIOR HEALTH,
DEPARTMENT OF HEALTH AND SOCIAL SERVICES, testified via
teleconference in support of HB 75. The bill addresses a
critical issue - reducing underage access and consumption of
alcohol and promoting responsible consumption upon reaching
21. HB 75 is in line with the state plan and with
nationwide best practices. She agreed with the multi-
strategy approach toward reducing underage drinking,
especially education.
11:47:22 AM
DALE FOX, PRESIDENT, CABARET, HOTEL, RESTAURANT, AND
RETAILER'S ASSOCIATION (CHARR) testified via teleconference
in strong support of Section 2 of the bill, which makes it
easier for the hospitality industry. It assists in
developing the bright line which helps people in the
industry make the right call. Mr. Fox concluded that CHARR
is neutral on Section 1, but supports the overall bill.
11:49:06 AM
WHITNEY BREWSTER, DIRECTOR, DIVISION OF MOTOR VEHICLES,
DEPARTMENT OF ADMINISTRATION, said that DMV supports HB 75.
DMV would develop a test with the help of others, such as
Behavioral Health, with eight questions that would address
alcohol and drug awareness. The test would be statewide and
could be retaken until the individual passes it. She
reported that there is an exception policy in place which
would address Senator Huggins's concern about military
personnel, as well as those away at school.
11:50:17 AM
Senator Elton asked if this is a one-time cost. Ms.
Brewster said that it is a one-time cost for a programming
change to allow for an expiration date. The second part of
the fiscal note is for loading the test onto the machines.
She reported that DMV does not anticipate on-going costs.
Senator Elton asked if the test is graded by the machine.
Ms. Brewster replied that it is electronic.
Senator Olson asked what types of provisions are made for
rural students. He noted that the DMV is closed in Nome.
Ms. Brewster reported that the Nome office is now filled.
She understood that the bill would not prohibit someone from
st
coming in before their 21 birthday to take the exam.
11:53:02 AM
Representative Ramras noted that the payment fee for a new
license would pay for the program. He concluded that this
bill is an excellent strategy for combating the problem of
drinking and driving.
CSHB 75(STA) was heard and HELD in Committee for further
consideration.
AT EASE: 11:54:13 AM
RESUME: 12:08:25 PM
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