2003-03-05                     House Journal                      Page 0444
HB 170                                                                                            
HOUSE BILL NO. 170 by the House Rules Committee by request of                                       
the Governor, entitled:                                                                             
                                                                                                    
     "An Act increasing certain motor vehicle registration fees; and                                
     providing for an effective date."                                                              
                                                                                                    
was read the first time and referred to the Transportation and Finance                              
Committees.                                                                                         
                                                                                                    
The following fiscal note(s) apply:                                                                 
                                                                                                    
1.  Fiscal, Dept. of Administration                                                                 
                                                                                                    
The Governor's transmittal letter dated March 5, 2003, follows:                                     
                                                                                                    
"Dear Speaker Kott:                                                                                 
                                                                                                    
Under the authority of art. III, sec. 18, of the Alaska Constitution, I am                          
transmitting a bill that would adjust the fees on motor vehicle                                     
registration which have remained the same since 1986.                                               
                                                                                                    
The bill will equalize registration fees between pick-up trucks and                                 
passenger vehicles, adjust commercial and private vehicle registration                              
fees, and update vehicle recording and lien fees. Even with the fee                                 
increase, the State of Alaska's registration fees will be less than the                             
national average and significantly below an increase based solely upon                              
inflation.                                                                                          
                                                                                                    
This fee increase will allow the state to maintain the value of the                                 
revenue derived from the user fees and assist the state in closing the                              
fiscal gap while maintaining essential services.                                                    
                                                                                                    

2003-03-05                     House Journal                      Page 0445
I urge your prompt consideration and passage of this important bill.                                
                                                                                                    
                                 Sincerely,                                                        
                                 /s/                                                                
                                 Frank H. Murkowski                                                 
                                  Governor"