Legislature(2013 - 2014)FAHRENKAMP 203
04/04/2013 01:30 PM Senate TRANSPORTATION
Audio | Topic |
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Start | |
HB153 | |
HB94 | |
SB85 | |
Adjourn |
* first hearing in first committee of referral
+ teleconferenced
= bill was previously heard/scheduled
+ teleconferenced
= bill was previously heard/scheduled
+ | TELECONFERENCED | ||
+= | SB 85 | TELECONFERENCED | |
+= | HB 153 | TELECONFERENCED | |
= | HB 94 | ||
SB 85-EXPERIMENTAL VEHICLE PLATES 2:36:11 PM CHAIR EGAN announced that the final order of business would be SB 85. BRITTANY HUTCHISON, Staff, Senator Click Bishop, presented SB 85 on behalf of the sponsor. She explained that the difference between the CS and the original bill can be found on page 1, lines 6, 7, and 11. The wording was changed to get rid of the words "cold weather," so that Alaska would welcome all types of vehicle testing. SENATOR EGAN asked if she was working from version U. MS. HUTCHISON said yes. MS. HUTCHISON continued to relate the history of the need for the bill. She said for many years, Alaska has been marketed as the most affordable, accessible, and reliable cold weather testing spot in the world. Currently, there are no statutes regarding registration for experimental vehicles. Recently, the Volkswagen Group of America, who has been testing vehicles in Alaska since 2000, had to bring their vehicles back for a second round due to stricter emission regulations. When they returned to Alaska, the DMV notified them that they would have to register and title all of their vehicles. The sponsor discovered that a statute change was required to fix the problem and worked with the DMV and the Volkswagen Group to draft SB 85. MS. HUTCHISON related that the bill would allow the DMV to issue an experimental vehicle plate to a vehicle manufacturer or distributer for vehicle testing. The plates are good for 12 months and can be renewed twice for a total of 36 months. CHAIR EGAN requested a motion to adopt version U. 2:39:09 PM SENATOR BISHOP moved to adopt the work draft CS for SB 85, labeled 28-LS0692\U, as the working document. There being no objection, it was so ordered. AMY ERICKSON, Director, Division of Motor Vehicles, Department of Administration, answered questions related to SB 85. She confirmed that Volkswagen Group approached the DMV several years ago to register their vehicles, but DMV did not have the authority to register vehicles that cannot be titled. The former director of DMV allowed non-renewable registration for one year. She stated that DMV supports SB 85. 2:40:23 PM SENATOR FAIRCLOUGH asked how DMV treats large commercial trucks that are brought to Alaska for testing. SENATOR BISHOP asked if they are foreign or domestically produced. MS. ERICKSON explained that some vehicles were from Germany and some from Mexico. She could not recall whether there were any large trucks at the Volkswagen testing center. SENATOR BISHOP clarified that most of the Class A trucks being tested are Navistar, an International Harvester derivative, and have been on the Haul Road for two years. He said he has not seen any other brands. MS. ERICKSON said she believes the legislation covers those trucks. 2:42:53 PM SHELLY MELLOTT, Deputy Director, Division of Motor Vehicles, Department of Administration, addressed the previous question, noting that DMV has not been approached about registering any large trucks; however, this bill would allow them to be registered. JIM DODSON, President and CEO, Fairbanks Economic Development Corporation, testified in favor of SB 85. He described the affordability and economic impact of cold weather testing in Alaska. He said it is a growing industry. He voiced appreciation for the legislation. 2:45:25 PM ALLISON AIRHART, Attorney, Volkswagen Group of America, testified in support of SB 85. She related that the bill would allow Volkswagen Group to continue with cold weather testing. She described the benefits of testing in Fairbanks. 2:47:13 PM SENATOR FAIRCLOUGH moved to report the CS for SB 85, labeled 28- LS0692\U, from committee with individual recommendations [and attached zero fiscal note]. There being no objection, CSSB 85(TRA) was reported from the Senate Transportation Standing Committee.
Document Name | Date/Time | Subjects |
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SB 85 lttrs supporting - Heather Mossman and 10 others 032513.pdf |
STRA 4/4/2013 1:30:00 PM |
SB 85 |