Legislature(1997 - 1998)
1997-07-10 House Journal
Full Journal pdf1997-07-10 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"