Legislature(2019 - 2020)BARNES 124
04/18/2019 01:00 PM House TRANSPORTATION
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| Audio | Topic |
|---|---|
| Start | |
| HB123 | |
| SB54 | |
| HJR14 | |
| Adjourn |
* first hearing in first committee of referral
+ teleconferenced
= bill was previously heard/scheduled
+ teleconferenced
= bill was previously heard/scheduled
| *+ | HJR 14 | TELECONFERENCED | |
| + | SB 54 | TELECONFERENCED | |
| += | HB 123 | TELECONFERENCED | |
| + | TELECONFERENCED |
HB 123-ELECTRIC-ASSISTED BICYCLES
1:04:24 PM
CO-CHAIR WOOL announced that the first order of business would
be HOUSE BILL NO. 123, "An Act relating to electric-assisted
bicycles."
CO-CHAIR WOOL handed the gavel to Representative Drummond.
1:04:32 PM
The committee took a brief at-ease at 1:04 p.m.
1:04:52 PM
REPRESENTATIVE DRUMMOND noted this was the committee's second
hearing on HB 123.
1:05:44 PM
REPRESENTATIVE DRUMMOND opened public testimony on HB 123.
1:06:05 PM
TRAVIS SWANGEL testified in support of HB 123. He encouraged
Alaska to adopt the federal regulations for electric-assisted
bicycles ("e-bikes"). He predicted an increase in e-bike use.
He encouraged those who have not done so already to try riding
one. Mr. Swangel said that they are similar to regular
bicycles, except that there is an assist to pedaling.
1:08:11 PM
REPRESENTATIVE STORY inquired how the Division of Motor Vehicles
would let the public know about HB 123 should it pass.
1:08:34 PM
MARLA THOMPSON, Director, Division of Motor Vehicles (DMV),
Department of Administration, answered that the DMV would update
its media and online information. In response to a follow-up
question from Representative Story, she said the DMV attempts to
advocate the use of helmets; it shows videos in the waiting area
of its offices that include promotion of helmet use.
1:09:57 PM
CO-CHAIR WOOL asked Ms. Thompson what the current law in Alaska
is with regard to helmet use when operating a motorcycle.
MS. THOMPSON stated that she did not have the information in
front of her. Notwithstanding that, she related that those 18
and older [operating] a motorcycle are not required by Alaska
law to wear a helmet.
1:10:48 PM
REPRESENTATIVE DRUMMOND offered her understanding that those
under 18 and passengers on motorcycles must wear helmets.
MS. THOMPSON responded yes.
REPRESENTATIVE DRUMMOND inquired whether those helmet laws were
under DMV or the Department of Public Safety.
MS. THOMPSON said she would find out and get back to the
committee with an answer.
1:11:43 PM
REPRESENTATIVE DRUMMOND, after ascertaining that there was no
one else who wished to testify, closed public testimony on HB
123.
1:11:52 PM
REPRESENTATIVE TALERICO expressed his support for HB 123, which
he summarized would provide the same definition to e-bikes as
nonmotor-assisted bicycles. He noted that the bill sponsor had
included a provision that "municipalities also have the ability
to provide separate ordinances if they so choose."
1:12:21 PM
CO-CHAIR WOOL confirmed Representative Talerico was correct on
both those points.
1:12:36 PM
REPRESENTATIVE STORY moved to report HB 123 out of committee
with individual recommendations and the accompanying fiscal
notes. There being no objection, HB 123 was reported out of the
House Transportation Standing Committee.