HB 267-SNOW MACHINE USE IN DALTON HWY CORRIDOR  1:17:49 PM CO-CHAIR JOHNSON announced that the first order of business is HOUSE BILL NO. 267, "An Act relating to travel by snow machine within five miles of the right-of-way of the James Dalton Highway." [Before the committee was CSHB 267(TRA).] 1:18:20 PM CO-CHAIR JOHNSON, in response to Representative Seaton, confirmed that no public testimony will be taken on HB 267 at this time. He said he knows the bill is contentious, so public testimony will be allowed the next time it is brought before the committee. In response to Representative Kawasaki, he said no people are online to testify and the bill is being put forward today so that it can be heard later. 1:19:06 PM DEREK MILLER, Staff, Representative Mike Kelly, Alaska State Legislature, introduced HB 267 on behalf of Representative Kelly, joint prime sponsor. He said that since 1980 state law has prohibited virtually all off-road vehicle use along the Dalton Highway. The bill would lift only the ban on snow machine use between the months of October 1 and April 30 when the tundra is frozen. The House Transportation Standing Committee amended the bill in three ways in response to the concerns that were heard: the prohibition for snowmachine use would be lifted, but only to south of Coldfoot [milepost 176]; the existing snowmachine prohibition would take effect again after two years so data on the use can be utilized in future discussions; and users would be required to obtain a permit so usage can be tracked. He added that the bill is supported by the Alaska Outdoor Council and the Alaska Outdoor Alliance. CO-CHAIR JOHNSON stated that HB 267 will be a policy call because it is equally contentious pro and con. He held over the bill.