Legislature(2019 - 2020)BUTROVICH 205
03/28/2019 01:30 PM Senate TRANSPORTATION
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| Audio | Topic |
|---|---|
| Start | |
| SB75 | |
| SB84 | |
| Adjourn |
* first hearing in first committee of referral
+ teleconferenced
= bill was previously heard/scheduled
+ teleconferenced
= bill was previously heard/scheduled
| += | SB 75 | TELECONFERENCED | |
| *+ | SB 84 | TELECONFERENCED | |
ALASKA STATE LEGISLATURE
SENATE TRANSPORTATION STANDING COMMITTEE
March 28, 2019
1:30 p.m.
MEMBERS PRESENT
Senator Shelley Hughes, Chair
Senator Mike Shower, Vice Chair
Senator David Wilson
Senator Jesse Kiehl
MEMBERS ABSENT
Senator Peter Micciche
COMMITTEE CALENDAR
SENATE BILL NO. 75
"An Act relating to a license to drive a commercial motor
vehicle."
- MOVED SB 75 OUT OF COMMITTEE
SENATE BILL NO. 84
"An Act naming the Trooper Gabe Rich Memorial Bridge."
- HEARD & HELD
PREVIOUS COMMITTEE ACTION
BILL: SB 75
SHORT TITLE: COMMERCIAL VEHICLE LICENSING REQ'S
SPONSOR(s): SENATOR(s) COSTELLO
03/06/19 (S) READ THE FIRST TIME - REFERRALS
03/06/19 (S) TRA, STA
03/19/19 (S) TRA AT 1:30 PM BUTROVICH 205
03/19/19 (S) Heard & Held
03/19/19 (S) MINUTE(TRA)
03/28/19 (S) TRA AT 1:30 PM BUTROVICH 205
BILL: SB 84
SHORT TITLE: NAMING TROOPER GABE RICH MEMORIAL BRIDGE
SPONSOR(s): SENATOR(s) COGHILL
03/11/19 (S) READ THE FIRST TIME - REFERRALS
03/11/19 (S) TRA, FIN
03/28/19 (S) TRA AT 1:30 PM BUTROVICH 205
WITNESS REGISTER
DON ETHERIDGE, Lobbyist
AFL CIO
Juneau, Alaska
POSITION STATEMENT: Testified in support of SB 75.
AVES THOMPSON, Executive Director
Alaska Trucking Association
Anchorage, Alaska
POSITION STATEMENT: Testified in support of SB 75.
RADAMES MERCADO, Intern
Senator John Coghill
Alaska State Legislature
Juneau, Alaska
POSITION STATEMENT: Introduced SB 84 on behalf of the sponsor.
ANGIE RICH, representing Trooper Rich's family
Fairbanks, Alaska
POSITION STATEMENT: Testified in support of SB 84.
RONALD WALL, Captain
Alaska State Troopers
Department of Public Safety
Fairbanks, Alaska
POSITION STATEMENT: Testified in support of SB 84.
DAVID RICH, representing self
Fairbanks, Alaska
POSITION STATEMENT: Testified in support of SB 84.
ACTION NARRATIVE
1:30:00 PM
CHAIR SHELLEY HUGHES called the Senate Transportation Standing
Committee meeting to order at 1:30 p.m. Present at the call to
order were Senators Wilson, Kiehl, and Chair Hughes. Senator
Shower arrived soon thereafter.
SB 75-COMMERCIAL VEHICLE LICENSING REQ'S
1:30:36 PM
CHAIR HUGHES announced the consideration of SENATE BILL NO. 75
"An Act relating to a license to drive a commercial motor
vehicle."
She noted that the bill was introduced on March 31 and the
committee previously heard invited testimony.
1:31:23 PM
CHAIR HUGHES opened public testimony on SB 75.
CHAIR SHOWER joined the meeting.
1:31:53 PM
DON ETHERIDGE, Lobbyist, AFL CIO, Juneau, testified in support
of SB 75. He explained that many training programs require the
apprentice to have a Commercial Driver's License (CDL) in the
first 2,000 hours of the program to advance to the next step.
[An apprentice who is precluded from taking the CDL test because
of age] could be delayed up to a year in completing the
apprenticeship program. SB 75 addresses this issue. Noting that
"in a previous life" he worked with at-risk youth, he said the
bill has the potential to help young people who see no reason to
complete high school but are looking for job opportunities. He
said those youths would sometimes look at their work options and
return to school to get their diploma.
CHAIR HUGHES asked if an 18-year-old has to have a high school
diploma to take the CDL test.
MR. ETHRIDGE said no, but the CDL test is rigorous and somebody
who can't do high-school-level work would have trouble passing.
He noted that the AFL-CIO apprenticeship programs require either
a GED (general education diploma) or a high school diploma.
CHAIR HUGHES said she has respect for commercial truck drivers
after trying her hand driving a semi in the state fair parking
lot with Northern Industrial Training.
SENATOR SHOWER argued that the armed services also teaches kids
about hard work and what's important in life.
1:35:37 PM
AVES THOMPSON, Executive Director, Alaska Trucking Association
(ATA), Anchorage, stated that ATA is a statewide organization
that represents nearly 200 member companies. He said that
freight moving is an essential element of the economy that
impacts everyone. He said he was testifying in support of SB 75
because ATA believes that lowering the eligibility age for an
intrastate CDL will provide young men and women with a path to a
truck-driving career.
He said that his previous testimony failed to mention that both
intrastate and interstate drivers are subject to the same
qualifications and medical, safety, and equipment rules. The
state adopts the federal rules by reference in the Alaska
Administrative Code. He also pointed out that an 18-year-old can
receive a commercial pilot's license. He said ATA believes that
lowering the intrastate age requirement to 18 will allow
students to go directly from school into commercial truck driver
training. The CDL doesn't automatically create a professional
truck driver, he said, but it provides the opportunity. ATA
believes SB 75 provides an opportunity for young people and the
potential to create a larger driver pool to help satisfy the
demand for commercial drivers. He highlighted that the current
commercial driver shortage will only get worse if a major
project begins. SB 75 will help solve that problem and also
ensure that Alaska is ready when Congress passes federal
legislation lowering the interstate driving age, he said.
CHAIR HUGHES thanked him for clarifying that except for age, the
qualifications are the same for interstate and intrastate, and
the reminder that someone is eligible to receive a commercial
pilot's license at age 18.
MR. THOMPSON said he also wanted to say he agrees with Mr.
Ethridge that the CDL test is not easy. Simply taking the test
demonstrates some commitment to hard work, he said.
SENATOR SHOWER asked, should the bill pass, if there was a plan
to get the word out about the age reduction.
MR. THOMPSON said ATA will work with the King Technology Center
and schools throughout Alaska. Through word of mouth, members
will also let it be known that an 18-year-old is eligible to
take the CDL test.
CHAIR HUGHES encouraged him to notify the commissioners of labor
and education about this career option, should the bill pass.
1:40:37 PM
SENATOR KIEHL related that Mr. Thompson visited his office to
discuss the insurance requirements and to clarify that lowering
the age to 18 would not raise insurance rates for every trucking
company.
CHAIR SHOWER thanked him for putting that on the record.
SENATOR SHOWER asked if somebody with driving infractions would
be precluded from receiving a CDL.
MR. THOMPSON said potentially yes; drug convictions could
severely constrain the ability to get a CDL.
1:42:57 PM
MR. ETHRIDGE added that somebody who has a drug or DUI
conviction must wait five years before they can test for a CDL.
CHAIR HUGHES found no further questions or comments and asked
the will of the committee.
1:43:46 PM
SENATOR SHOWER moved to report SB 75, work order 31-LS0610\A,
from committee with individual recommendations and attached
fiscal note(s).
1:44:05 PM
CHAIR HUGHES stated that without objection, SB 75 passed from
the Senate Transportation Standing Committee.
1:44:14 PM
At ease
SB 84-NAMING TROOPER GABE RICH MEMORIAL BRIDGE
1:44:14 PM
CHAIR HUGHES announced the consideration of SENATE BILL NO. 84
"An Act naming the Trooper Gabe Rich Memorial Bridge."
1:46:09 PM
RYNNIEVA MOSS, Staff, Senator John Coghill, Alaska State
Legislature, Juneau, introduced herself and Intern Radames
Mercado.
1:46:50 PM
RADAMES MERCADO, Intern, Senator John Coghill, Alaska State
Legislature, Juneau, introduced SB 84 speaking to the following
sponsor statement: [Original punctuation provided.]
Senate Bill 84 (SB 84) Naming the Trooper Gabe Rich
Memorial Bridge
SB 84 will rename bridge number 392 over the Chatanika
River at mile 38.8 of the Steese Highway to the
"Trooper Gabe Rich Memorial Bridge".
The name change honors Trooper Gabe Rich, who
performed his duties as an Alaska State Trooper with
honor and courage until his End of Watch on May 1,
2014.
This bill will memorialize his name onto the bridge
approximately two hours from Central, Alaska, Gabe's
favorite place to visit in the state.
He took many camping and hunting trips with his
grandfather Dick Ganley in the Central community and
became lifelong friends with several people there;
Gabe made acquaintances with many different people of
all ages and backgrounds, showing each of them
respect.
Gabe Rich became the captain of the Lathrup High
School hockey team during his senior year, graduating
from Lathrop High School in 2006; like many Alaskans,
Gabe enjoyed snow machining in the Alaskan winters,
playing hockey with friends, and hunting with those he
was close to.
He attended Montana State University and the
University of Alaska Anchorage before becoming a law
enforcement officer, and in 2013, Gabe was given an
Accommodation for Honorable Service.
Gabe's last assignment as an Alaska State Trooper was
in the "D" Detachments Rural Unit, which is
responsible for protecting and covering 77,000 sq.
miles of Alaskan Frontier.
The Trooper Gabe Rich Memorial Bridge will stand to
remind Alaskans of the dedication and the sacrifice
that Trooper Rich made on their behalf.
Trooper Gabe Rich is survived by: his fianc?, Angie
Rich; sons, Lenox and Malakai; parents, David and
Patty Rich.
CHAIR HUGHES directed attention to the photo of Trooper Rich in
the packets. She mentioned the zero fiscal note and asked how
the signage would be handled.
1:49:00 PM
MR. MERCADO explained that the sign will be fabricated and
installed when the bridge is next updated. The project will
cover the cost of the signage.
CHAIR HUGHES asked when that might happen.
MR. MERCADO said he understands it will be in the next five
years. He clarified that SB 84 is the companion to
Representative Talerico's bill. He has been in contact with the
Department of Transportation and Public Facilities and therefore
knows more about the timeline.
SENATOR SHOWER asked for clarification that the family has been
asked and is supportive of this effort. He noted that the
committee was taken by surprise when it heard another bill to
rename a bridge and the surviving spouse voiced reservations
about the effort.
MR. MERCADO replied he has been working with the family to make
sure they approve and there are four signature sheets indicating
support for this effort. He described the overall support for
renaming the bridge as very high.
CHAIR HUGHES noted that copies of the signature sheets were in
the packets.
MS. MOSS clarified that her office began discussing renaming the
Tok River Bridge (SB 4) with Brandy Johnson in October 2018 and
Ms. Johnson never indicated she opposed the effort.
SENATOR SHOWER said he wasn't blaming anyone, but the
miscommunication took everyone by surprise.
MS. MOSS said it has been a very emotional experience for Ms.
Johnson and she prays for her.
1:52:17 PM
CHAIR HUGHES opened public testimony for SB 84.
1:52:29 PM
ANGIE RICH, representing Trooper Rich's family, Fairbanks, said
the family definitely supports SB 84. Mr. Mercado has been very
careful and diligent in his work with the family to make sure
they support and are part of the process to rename the bridge.
She said it's important to the family to know that Gabe will not
be forgotten and that his name will be memorialized in a
positive way. This peaceful site is traditional to Alaska and a
place that is part of Gabe's childhood.
CHAIR HUGHES expressed appreciation for her testimony and all
the things that Gabe did to make the state a safer place.
1:54:38 PM
RONALD WALL, Captain, Alaska State Troopers, Department of
Public Safety, Fairbanks, said he was testifying on behalf of
the agency to say that it was a pleasure to work with Trooper
Rich. He worked patrol and rural and was pending a transfer to
Southeast. Not only was he an outstanding trooper, he was also
an exceptional father. He brought joy and happiness to those
around him. The department supports SB 84, he said.
1:56:27 PM
DAVID RICH, representing self, Fairbanks, said he wanted to echo
Angie's testimony. The family is proud that the state is doing
this. It will live on with us as we cross that bridge, and it
will be nice for others to see Gabe's name and remember him, he
said.
CHAIR HUGHES thanked him for the sacrifice he made as a father.
1:58:07 PM
CHAIR HUGHES closed public testimony and held SB 84 in
committee.
1:58:35 PM
There being no further business to come before the committee,
Chair Hughes adjourned the Senate Transportation Standing
Committee meeting at 1:58 p.m.
| Document Name | Date/Time | Subjects |
|---|---|---|
| STRA Agenda 3.28.19.pdf |
STRA 3/28/2019 1:30:00 PM |
|
| SB75 Sponsor Statement.pdf |
STRA 3/19/2019 1:30:00 PM STRA 3/28/2019 1:30:00 PM |
SB 75 |
| SB75 Bill Text Version A.PDF |
STRA 3/19/2019 1:30:00 PM STRA 3/28/2019 1:30:00 PM |
SB 75 |
| SB75 Fiscal Note - DMV.pdf |
STRA 3/19/2019 1:30:00 PM STRA 3/28/2019 1:30:00 PM |
SB 75 |
| SB75 Letter of Support_Local 302.pdf |
STRA 3/19/2019 1:30:00 PM STRA 3/28/2019 1:30:00 PM |
SB 75 |
| SB75 Letter of Support_Carlile.pdf |
STRA 3/19/2019 1:30:00 PM STRA 3/28/2019 1:30:00 PM |
SB 75 |
| SB75 Letter of Support_NIT.pdf |
STRA 3/19/2019 1:30:00 PM STRA 3/28/2019 1:30:00 PM |
SB 75 |
| SB75 Additional Materials_Federal Statute.pdf |
STRA 3/19/2019 1:30:00 PM STRA 3/28/2019 1:30:00 PM |
SB 75 |
| SB 84 Sponsor Statement.pdf |
STRA 3/28/2019 1:30:00 PM |
SB 84 |
| SB84 Bill Text Version A.PDF |
STRA 3/28/2019 1:30:00 PM |
SB 84 |
| SB84 Fiscal Note - DOT&PF.pdf |
STRA 3/28/2019 1:30:00 PM |
SB 84 |
| SB 84 Gabe Rich Picture.pdf |
STRA 3/28/2019 1:30:00 PM |
SB 84 |
| SB 84 Support.pdf |
STRA 3/28/2019 1:30:00 PM |
SB 84 |
| SB 84 Images of the Bridge.pdf |
STRA 3/28/2019 1:30:00 PM |
SB 84 |