Legislature(1993 - 1994)
1994-07-15 House Journal
Full Journal pdf1994-07-15 House Journal Page 4526 HB 407 The following letter dated June 29, 1994, was received: "Dear Speaker Barnes: Under the authority of art. II, sec. 15, of the Alaska Constitution, I have vetoed the following bill: CONFERENCE CS FOR HOUSE BILL NO. 407 "An Act relating to issuance of commemorative gold rush motor vehicle license plates; and providing for an effective date." The original intent of this bill was simply to authorize the Department of Public Safety, division of motor vehicles, to issue vehicle registration plates commemorating the gold rush period. A section was added to the bill, however, that reduces the number of license plates to be displayed by vehicles in the state from two to one. Reducing the number of license plates would make it more difficult for other drivers, including law enforcement officers, to identify a vehicle when necessary, such as in cases of drunk drivers or a hit-and-run driver. Businesses that have drive-through windows rely on the front license plate number to be able to identify customers who fail to pay for their purchases. It would also make it more difficult for people to identify a vehicle that is pulling into their driveway, which can be important in stalking situations. Finally, law enforcement officers who observe traffic violations must be able to identify the vehicle from the front or the back. 1994-07-15 House Journal Page 4527 HB 407 For these reasons, requiring two license plates on each vehicle makes sense. I am not convinced that significant reasons exist to change this practice. Accordingly, I am vetoing this bill. Sincerely, /s/ Walter J. Hickel Governor"