Legislature(2015 - 2016)BELTZ 105 (TSBldg)
02/24/2016 01:30 PM Senate JUDICIARY
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| Audio | Topic |
|---|---|
| Start | |
| SB123 | |
| SB24 | |
| SJR19 | |
| SB180 | |
| Adjourn |
* first hearing in first committee of referral
+ teleconferenced
= bill was previously heard/scheduled
+ teleconferenced
= bill was previously heard/scheduled
| *+ | SB 180 | TELECONFERENCED | |
| *+ | SJR 19 | TELECONFERENCED | |
| + | SB 24 | TELECONFERENCED | |
| + | TELECONFERENCED | ||
| += | SB 123 | TELECONFERENCED | |
SB 123-USE OF ELECTRONIC DEVICES WHILE DRIVING
1:34:26 PM
CHAIR MCGUIRE announced the consideration of SB 123. She
solicited a motion to adopt the work draft committee substitute
(CS) and noted the individuals who were available to answer
questions.
1:35:14 PM
SENATOR COGHILL moved to adopt the work draft CS for SB 123,
labeled 29-LS1198\H, as the working document.
CHAIR MCGUIRE found no objection and version H was before the
committee.
1:35:36 PM
SENATOR KEVIN MEYER, Alaska State Legislature, sponsor of SB
123, summarized that the bill seeks to make it easier to cite
people who text while driving. It is mirrored after the
Anchorage ordinance and imposes a $500 fine for the violation.
He assured the members that this is not intended to be a revenue
bill and offered his belief that it will result in a savings to
the state. Changing the offense from a misdemeanor to a
violation will avoid the lengthy investigation process and
potential jury trial.
CHAIR MCGUIRE commented that she believes this will get people's
attention.
1:37:56 PM
EDRA MORLEDGE, Staff, Senator Kevin Meyers, highlighted the
changes in version H of SB 123. She noted that the packets
contain a memo from Legislative Legal Services that answers many
of the questions raised during the previous hearing. At the
drafter's suggestion, the CS cites Title 12 for the penalty so
people understand this is a violation, not a traffic infraction.
The next change, which was suggested by the Court System,
directs the court to include the violation in the bail schedule.
An effective date of July 1 also was added to allow time to
accomplish these changes.
CHAIR MCGUIRE found no questions and solicited a motion.
1:39:39 PM
SENATOR COGHILL moved to report the CS for SB 123 from committee
with individual recommendations and attached zero fiscal note.
1:39:52 PM
CHAIR MCGUIRE announced that without objection, CSSB 123(JUD) is
reported from the Senate Judiciary Standing Committee.