03/27/2003 01:35 PM Senate L&C

        HB 124-COMMERCIAL MOTOR VEHICLE DRIVERS/EMPLOYER                                                                    
                                                                                                                                
CHAIR BUNDE announced HB 124 to be up for consideration.                                                                        
                                                                                                                                
MR. TODD  LARKIN, staff to  Representative Jim Holm, said  HB 124                                                               
is  a housekeeping  measure suggested  by the  Administration. It                                                               
would cost  the state $20 to  $40 million in highway  funds if it                                                               
does  not come  into compliance  with  a federal  code that  says                                                               
commercial drivers  need to stop at  railroad crossings. Although                                                               
that's taught in  CDL classes and is a  federal requirement, it's                                                               
never been  the law in  Alaska. He  found that Alaska  is already                                                               
past its deadline  for compliance, so the bill  should be hurried                                                               
along. He noted that HB 124 has an immediate effective date.                                                                    
                                                                                                                                
MS. KAREN HEMMINGS stated support for  HB 124 so that drivers can                                                               
be in compliance with their CDL licensing program.                                                                              
                                                                                                                                
MR. MATT LAVECK said he was available to answer questions.                                                                      
                                                                                                                                
There being no further comments, CHAIR BUNDE set the bill aside.