2001-01-09                     Senate Journal                      Page 0030
SB 20                                                                                             
SENATE BILL NO. 20 BY THE SENATE RULES COMMITTEE                                                    
BY REQUEST OF THE GOVERNOR, entitled:                                                               
                                                                                                    
          "An Act providing for the revocation of driving                                           
          privileges by a court for a driver convicted of a                                         
          violation of traffic laws in connection with a fatal                                      
          motor vehicle or commercial motor vehicle accident;                                       
          amending Rules 43 and 43.1, Alaska Rules of                                               
            Administration; and providing for an effective date."                                  
                                                                                                    
was read the first time and referred to the Judiciary and Finance                                   
Committees.                                                                                         
                                                                                                    
The following fiscal information was published today:                                               
 Fiscal Note No. 1, zero, Department of Law                                                         
 Fiscal Note No. 2, zero, Department of Administration                                              
 Fiscal Note No. 3, Department of Administration                                                    
                                                                                                    
Governor's transmittal letter dated January 8:                                                      
                                                                                                    
Dear President Halford:                                                                             
                                                                                                    
It may be surprising, but true, that many traffic accidents leading to                              
deaths carry no criminal punishment. The driver may be guilty of a                                  
simple traffic violation carrying a maximum fine of $300. At least 10                               
deaths a year on our state highways can fall into this category. Perhaps                            
the driver fell asleep at the wheel or skidded on ice, and the                                      
consequences are deadly to a passing motorist or pedestrian.                                        

2001-01-09                     Senate Journal                      Page 0031
Regardless of whether their conduct is criminal, drivers whose traffic                              
violations contribute to a fatal accident pose a risk to people on the                              
highways and cause much suffering to family and friends of their                                    
victims. I am re-introducing this bill that takes seriously these tragic                            
deaths by requiring, under certain circumstances, revocation of driving                             
privileges of a driver involved in a fatal traffic accident.                                        
                                                                                                    
This bill requires the court to revoke for one year the driving                                     
privileges of a person who violated traffic laws which contributed to                               
an accident that resulted in a death. The license revocation applies to                             
drivers of all vehicles, including those for commercial use. The court                              
would be allowed to grant limited license privileges if it determines                               
driving is critical to the person's livelihood and will not pose a danger                           
to the public.                                                                                      
                                                                                                    
When people drive in an unsafe way and cause the death of another,                                  
their privilege to drive should be revoked to protect other drivers, their                          
passengers, and pedestrians on the roadways.                                                        
                                                                                                    
       Sincerely,                                                                                   
       /s/                                                                                          
       Tony Knowles                                                                                 
       Governor