Legislature(2023 - 2024)BUTROVICH 205
04/08/2024 03:30 PM Senate RESOURCES
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| Audio | Topic |
|---|---|
| Start | |
| SB164 | |
| SB253 | |
| SB248 | |
| Adjourn |
* first hearing in first committee of referral
+ teleconferenced
= bill was previously heard/scheduled
+ teleconferenced
= bill was previously heard/scheduled
| += | SB 164 | TELECONFERENCED | |
| *+ | SB 253 | TELECONFERENCED | |
| *+ | SB 248 | TELECONFERENCED | |
| + | TELECONFERENCED | ||
SB 164-STATE PARK PERMITS FOR DISABLED VETERANS
3:32:47 PM
CO-CHAIR BISHOP announced the consideration of SENATE BILL NO.
164 "An Act making certain veterans eligible for a lifetime
permit to access state park campsites and facilities without
charge; and providing for an effective date."
He stated the committee received two amendments.
3:33:09 PM
CHAIR BISHOP solicited a motion.
3:33:12 PM
SENATOR WIELECHOWSKI moved to adopt Amendment 1, work order 33-
LS0985\S.8, to SB 164.
33-LS0985\S.8
Bullard
3/22/24
AMENDMENT 1
Page 1, line 2, following the first occurrence of
"and":
Insert "the parking and restrooms of developed"
Page 1, lines 6 - 7: 4
Delete "developed campsite and facility"
Insert "developed facility parking and restroom
and developed campsite"
Page 1, lines 8 - 9: 8
Delete "campsite and a developed facility with
developed parking and rest rooms
[CAMPSITE]"
Insert "campsite and the parking and restrooms of
a developed facility"
Page 1, line 10:
Delete "A" 14
Insert "The department shall automatically renew
a"
Page 1, line 11: 17 Delete "does not require renewal"
Insert "every five years upon receiving
confirmation of the permit holder's 19 mailing
address"
Page 1, line 12, following "or": 22
Insert "the parking or restrooms of a developed"
Page 2, line 5:
Delete "July 1, 2024"
Insert "January 1, 2025"
3:33:13 PM
CO-CHAIR BISHOP objected for purposes of discussion.
3:33:25 PM
SENATOR WIELECHOWSKI stated that Amendment 1 was developed in
collaboration with DNR. The amendment introduces slight
modifications to the bill.
3:33:42 PM
At ease
3:34:21 PM
CO-CHAIR BISHOP reconvened the meeting; he announced invited
testimony regarding Amendment 1 to SB 164.
3:34:26 PM
RICKY GEASE, Director, Division of Parks and Outdoor Recreation,
Department of Natural Resources (DNR), Anchorage, Alaska,
invited testimony for SB 164. He stated he was available for
questions or background information as needed.
CO-CHAIR BISHOP asked if DNR worked with the bill sponsor on
Amendment 1 to SB 164.
3:34:42 PM
MR. GEASE replied that is correct.
3:34:45 PM
CO-CHAIR BISHOP asked if DNR supports Amendment 1.
MR. GEASE replied yes.
3:34:49 PM
CO-CHAIR BISHOP removed his objection; found no further
objection and Amendment 1 was adopted.
3:35:03 PM
CO-CHAIR BISHOP solicited a motion.
3:35:07 PM
SENATOR CLAMAN moved to adopt Amendment 2, work order 33-
LS0985\S.7, to SB 164.
33-LS0985\S.7
Bullard
3/22/24
AMENDMENT 2
Page 1, line 11, following "renewal.":
Insert "Upon request, the department shall
provide the disabled veteran with up 2 to three
copies of the permit issued under this subsection
for the veteran to use in a 3 vehicle used by the
veteran."
3:35:09 PM
CO-CHAIR BISHOP objected for purposes of discussion.
3:35:21 PM
SENATOR CLAMAN spoke to Amendment 2. He explained that Amendment
2 aims to provide greater flexibility for disabled veterans with
vehicle permits. The amendment acknowledges that while veterans
may drive an RV to a campground, they might prefer to use a
different vehicle, such as a car, for activities like hiking.
The proposal would allow disabled veterans to have a permit
sticker that can be used on more than one vehicle.
3:35:50 PM
SENATOR DUNBAR raised concerns about potential misuse of permits
intended for disabled veterans. He specifically highlighted the
risk of permits being retained or misused after a vehicle is
sold or transferred, as well as the possibility of unauthorized
use by individuals outside the intended beneficiary group, such
as family members. He asked for the sponsor's perspective on
mitigating these risks and emphasized the importance of ensuring
that benefits remain tightly controlled within the veterans'
community.
3:37:02 PM
SENATOR CLAMAN addressed the challenge of balancing the
prevention of permit misuse or "leakage" with making the process
straightforward for veterans. He questioned whether it is more
important to prevent misuse, such as a nephew or someone other
than the veteran using the permit, or to prioritize making it
easy for veterans to access the permits they need. Amendment 2
leans toward prioritizing the veteran, allowing them to request
permits for multiple vehicles. For instance, a veteran could
request one permit for an RV and another for a car they use to
access hiking areas. He emphasized preferring a system that
accommodates veterans' needs over strict enforcement,
acknowledging that perfect enforcement may not be achievable. He
suggested that it would be best to avoid situations where a
veteran must transfer a single permit between vehicles, which
could be inconvenient.
3:38:10 PM
SENATOR DUNBAR expressed interest in hearing Co-Chair Giessel's
opinion. He said he was considering a conceptual amendment to
the amendment to change the number of permits from three to two.
He noted that the example provided described two permits instead
of three and suggested that two permits, being more than one,
seemed like a logical compromise.
3:38:28 PM
CO-CHAIR GIESSEL said she wanted to build on what Senator Dunbar
had already articulated, expressing the same concern about
misuse. She questioned why the permit couldn't hang from a
rearview mirror, like a handicap hanging permit, which can be
moved from vehicle to vehicle. She suggested that the veteran
could receive one portable permit.
3:38:56 PM
SENATOR WIELECHOWSKI said he thought DNR had been asked about
this previously. It was mentioned that if a veteran needed an
additional permit, one would be provided under current law. He
was curious about this, and suggested Mr. Gease share the
department's opinion.
CO-CHAIR BISHOP asked Mr. Gease if he could answer the question
and address the suggested option of a hanging tag.
3:39:29 PM
MR. GEASE stated that if the legislature agrees, a hanging
rearview mirror tag could be created to transfer between
vehicles instead of a windshield decal. He suggested providing a
day-use parking permit similar to an annual pass. He opined that
issuing three decals creates unnecessary redundancy. He also
recommended offering veterans one decal and one hanging tag.
CO-CHAIR BISHOP asked Senator Wielechowski to restate his
question.
3:41:11 PM
SENATOR WIELECHOWSKI recalled that Mr. Gease had testified that
the Department of Natural Resources (DNR) currently works with
individuals in similar situations without requiring additional
language. He questioned whether Amendment 2 was necessary.
3:41:29 PM
MR. GEASE replied yes and said DNR understands the intent and
importance of the program. He confirmed that if there were
specific needs for a veteran, the department would work with
them directly.
3:41:44 PM
SENATOR WIELECHOWSKI stated that although the department does
not appear opposed to Amendment 2, it seems unnecessary because
the department is already assisting veterans who request an
additional permit.
3:41:52 PM
MR. GEASE replied that said DNR currently provides those
services to veterans. He stated his belief that with Amendment
1, DNR can accommodate veterans on a case-by-case as needed
bases to receive permits for two vehicles.
3:42:31 PM
SENATOR CLAMAN withdrew Amendment 2. He stated he agrees that a
hanging permit is a better option and that DNR expressed its
ability to handle the change.
3:43:02 PM
CO-CHAIR BISHOP solicited a motion.
3:43:07 PM
CO-CHAIR GIESSEL moved to report SB 164, work order 33-LS0985\S,
as amended, from committee with individual recommendations and
attached zero fiscal note(s).
3:43:20 PM
CO-CHAIR BISHOP found no objection and CSSB 164(RES) was
reported from the Senate Resources Standing Committee.