Legislature(1995 - 1996)
1996-06-03 Senate Journal
Full Journal pdf1996-06-03 Senate Journal Page 4245 SB 1010 SENATE BILL NO. 1010 BY THE SENATE RULES COMMITTEE BY REQUEST OF THE GOVERNOR, entitled: An Act relating to motor vehicle records and hearings of the Department of Public Safety; increasing the period under which a person may drive a motor vehicle under a temporary permit; relating to ownership of certain abandoned motor vehicles; relating to suspension or revocation of a motor vehicle registration or special permit; relating to renewal of a driver's license by mail; relating to procedures applicable to administrative revocation of a driver's license; relating to commercial driver training schools; increasing the property damage amounts for proof of financial responsibility and proof of motor vehicle eligibility in order to lawfully operate a motor vehicle in the state; amending the definition of `commercial motor vehicle'; relating to prohibited operation of a commercial motor vehicle and to disqualification from driving a commercial motor vehicle; relating to certain notifications in accidents involving property damage; relating to motor vehicle registration procedures; and providing for an effective date. was read the first time and referred to the Labor and Commerce Committee. Zero fiscal notes published today from Department of Public Safety, Department of Transportation and Public Facilities. Governor's transmittal letter dated June 3: Dear President Pearce: Under the authority of art. III, sec. 18, of the Alaska Constitution, I am transmitting an omnibus motor vehicle bill, which makes several amendments to our motor vehicle statutes, including statutes relating to commercial motor vehicles. The bill will make our highways safer by increasing the Department of Public Safety's authority to enforce laws relating to commercial motor vehicles. This bill is important to consider during this special 1996-06-03 Senate Journal Page 4246 SB 1010 session because, in addition to being good public policy, failure to pass the bill will result in a serious loss of federal funding. The Department of Transportation and Public Facilities will lose $8,000,000 in federal highway money in fiscal year 1997 for failure to comply with the federal Commercial Motor Vehicle Safety Act. Additionally, the Department of Public Safety will lose $200,000 in federal funding for commercial motor vehicle inspection, which represents half the budget for that program. Under the changes made by the bill, the Department of Public Safety will be better able to the enforce safety requirements for commercial motor vehicles. It will be able to revoke the registration of a commercial motor vehicle if the vehicle is put back on the road without making repairs ordered by the department or without being inspected as required. Furthermore, commercial motor vehicles must meet the department's safety requirements even when driven on a highway that is not connected with other highways and on low traffic volume roads. In addition, other amendments made by the bill will save the Department of Public Safety (department) and the public time and resources by streamlining many of the duties of the department. Most Alaskans need a driver's license in order to carry on their daily lives - earning an income and taking care of their families. Obtaining license renewals and conducting other business with the division of motor vehicles can be time consuming. Most of us have stood in line waiting to take care of such business, wishing the line were shorter. This bill will make it easier and less expensive for the department to serve the public. For example, it 1) simplifies procedures for obtaining a driver's license; 2)allows for administrative hearings to be held by telephone to avoid costly travel; and 3) allows the department to keep its records electronically and provides that certified copies of electronically stored records are admissible in court and administrative hearings. 1996-06-03 Senate Journal Page 4247 SB 1010 I urge your prompt consideration and passage of this bill. Sincerely, /s/ Tony Knowles Governor