HB 82-OFF HIGHWAY DRIVER'S LICENSE; REGISTRATION; INSURANCE  1:33:59 PM CHAIR STEDMAN announced the consideration of [CSHB 82 (STA)AM]; "An Act relating to vehicle registration; relating to off-road system restricted noncommercial drivers' licenses; relating to off-highway commercial drivers' licenses; relating to off-road system eligible areas; and relating to motor vehicle liability insurance." He noted the bill was previously heard and that there were possible amendments. He asked the sponsor to review the bill for the committee. 1:34:38 PM REPRESENTATIVE JONATHAN KREISS-TOMKINS, Alaska State Legislature, Juneau, Alaska, sponsor of HB 82, stated that the bill clarifies the eligibility criteria for the long-standing off-highway drivers program. He explained that several communities that had been eligible for the program for several decades became ineligible because of a new Division of Motor Vehicles interpretation of eligibility. When he looked into the matter, he saw the opportunity to tighten and clarify the eligibility criteria. CHAIR STEDMAN asked Senator Wilson if he had a proposed amendment. 1:35:54 PM SENATOR WILSON moved to adopt Amendment 1, labeled 30- LS0367\J.A.2. 30-LS0367\J.A.2 Martin 3/5/18 AMENDMENT 1 OFFERED IN THE SENATE BY SENATOR WILSON TO: CSHB 82(STA) am Page 5, lines 1 - 18: Delete all material. Renumber the following bill sections accordingly. Page 5, line 29: Delete all material and insert:  "* Sec. 7. AS 28.22.011(a)(1) and 28.22.011(b) are repealed." 1:36:18 PM CHAIR STEDMAN objected for discussion purposes and asked Senator Wilson what the amendment does. SENATOR WILSON explained that the purpose of the amendment is to require off-road motorists to carry vehicle insurance. The intent is to make sure that assessments of property damage are levied equally and that all lives are valued equally. The amendment simply requires vehicles to be insured. He pointed out that anyone can insure a vehicle they drive, not just the registered owner. He also highlighted that coverage can be obtained remotely. SENATOR EGAN asked how remotely would be applied under the amendment. SENATOR WILSON explained that the amendment would require the 294 off-highway communities the sponsor identified to comply with the same insurance coverage requirements for motor vehicle as communities on the road system. SENATOR EGAN asked if the idea is that someone who is in a community that does not have an insurance agent could... SENATOR WILSON interjected, They could call any provider of their choice, statewide, to be covered through insurance. CHAIR STEDMAN asked the bill sponsor to comment. 1:39:55 PM REPRESENTATIVE KREISS-TOMKINS said he opposed the proposed amendment, primarily because it goes beyond the scope of the bill. He reiterated that the bill seeks to clarify and tighten the eligibility criteria for the off-highway drivers program. Whether insurance is required to operate a motor vehicle in villages in Alaska, is a long-standing but separate question. 1:40:34 PM CHAIR STEDMAN removed his objection. Finding no further objection, he announced that Amendment 1 was adopted. He asked the sponsor to comment. REPRESENTATIVE KREISS-TOMKINS restated the explanation of the purpose of the bill that he provided earlier. He said the bill is a product of discussions with DMV regarding the off-highway drivers program. Amendment 1 changes it to require everyone in all villages in Alaska to carry vehicle insurance. CHAIR STEDMAN asked if he continues to support the bill. 1:41:56 PM REPRESENTATIVE KREISS-TOMKINS replied he supports the underlying bill but has concerns with the amendment. He opined that most legislators from rural Alaska would likely have similar concerns. 1:42:16 PM CHAIR STEDMAN found no further questions and announced he would hold HB 82 in committee.