1997-07-10                     House Journal                      Page 1960
HB 83                                                                        
The following letter, dated June 4, 1997, was received at 5:10 p.m.:           
                                                                               
"Dear Speaker Phillips:                                                        
                                                                               
Under the authority of art. II, sec. 15 of the Alaska Constitution, I have     
vetoed the following bill:                                                     
                                                                               
CS FOR HOUSE BILL NO. 83(STA) am S                                            
"An Act relating to regulation of commercial vehicles; and                    
providing for an effective date."                                              
                                                                               
                                                                               
The original intent of this bill was a good one.  The bill changed the         
state commercial motor vehicle inspection program from one that has            
been inadequately financed and thus has been unable to meet its                
statutory mandates, to a more practical and less costly inspection             
program.  Unfortunately, changes to the bill have necessitated a veto.         
The bills sponsor agrees that we need to work cooperatively over the           
interim period to develop a new bill for next session which meets the          
original intent of this legislation.                                           
                                                                               
                                                                               
Unfortunately, amendments were made to the bill that were apparently           
not fully examined by the participants in the legislative process.  The        
resulting bill repeals the states authority to implement an independent        
inspection mechanism to assure compliance with safety standards for            
commercial motor vehicles.  This raises the possibility that unsafe            
commercial motor vehicles will be operating on our highways and                
threatening the lives of Alaskans.  It also jeopardizes our eligibility for    
federal highway funds.                                                         
                                                                               

1997-07-10                     House Journal                      Page 1961
HB 83                                                                        
The bill presents other problems, although not as critical to the safety       
of our highways.  For example, it requires a person operating a                
commercial motor vehicle to carry proof of insurance.  This is a good          
idea.  However, it defines proof of insurance to include a certificate         
of self-insurance, and then cross-references an unrelated statute              
requiring self-insurance at significantly lower levels than those required     
for commercial motor vehicles.  This is confusing at best, and creates         
the possibility that an owner or operator of a commercial motor vehicle        
will not be in a position to pay for damages the vehicle causes if it is       
in an accident.                                                                
                                                                               
A practical and realistic commercial motor vehicle inspection program          
that protects the safety of our highways is important.  I have asked my        
Administration to work with the bills sponsor and other interested             
parties over the interim period to develop a plan for new legislation for      
commercial motor vehicle inspection and monitoring that is in the best         
interests of all Alaskans.                                                     
                                                                               
							Sincerely,                                                              
							/s/                                                                     
							Tony Knowles                                                            
							Governor"