HOUSE BILL 11 "An Act relating to driver's licensing; and providing for an effective date." JEFF LOGAN, STAFF, REPRESENTATIVE JOE GREEN, noted that HB 11 would establish new rules for young drivers. Due to the high incidence of accidents, injury, and death among teenage drivers many states, and other political jurisdictions, are changing the rules which grant teenagers the "license" to drive. He added that one strategy to reduce young driver accidents is the provisional licensing system. HB 11 would establish a graduated system whereby a new, young driver must begin his/her progression to "driver-hood" with a learners permit, graduating to a restricted provisional license, and then if driving performance has been satisfactory during the provisional period, an unrestricted license would be awarded. Language in HB 11 would establish certain conditions during the provisional stage which include restrictions on nighttime driving, so that driving takes place in less dangerous circumstances. Several states have laws which limit teenagers from operating motor vehicles during late evening or early morning hours. Studies in these states have shown that nighttime restrictions have significantly reduced accidents. Mr. Logan concluded that the legislation would also be designed to allow the Division of Motor Vehicles to take full advantage of federal legislation establishing monetary incentives for states that implement programs for young drivers. HB 11 will help stop the teenage carnage on our highways. Mr. Logan provided a sectional analysis of HB 11. He noted 2 that Section #3, AS28.15.057, would establish who is required to hold the provisional license. Representative Foster voiced concern in how passage of the legislation would affect youth drivers in the rural village areas. JUANITA HENSLEY, CHIEF OF MOTOR SERVICES, DIVISION OF MOTOR VEHICLES, DEPARTMENT OF ADMINISTRATION, explained that in village areas which do not have access to a Division of Motor Vehicles (DMV) office, would have the option to come to the Juneau office or to be issued a restricted driver's licenses in the mail, not having to take a full fledged road test. Although, before these youths could drive in a large city, they would be required to take a behind-the-wheel test to show their proficiency of driving in traffic. She reiterated, these youth could receive the restricted license through the mail; the nighttime restrictions would be the same in the village areas as it would be in the cities. Representative J. Davies asked if there was a definition of "vehicular" way. Ms. Hensley reported that definition is provided in AS 28.4100.24: "Vehicular way area means a way, path or other area, highway or private property that is designated by official traffic control devices or customary usage and that is open to the public for the purposes of pedestrian or vehicle travel". Representative J. Davies referenced Page 2, Line 21, and asked if including "or" would be problematic. Ms. Hensley explained that language in context would be standard throughout the statute. REPRESENTATIVE JOE GREEN advised that in the wintertime, it could be safer to travel on a highway, as a vehicular way might not be maintained as well. Inclusion of that language allows the person to go the most safe route home. JOHN GEORGE, NATIONAL ASSOCIATION OF INDEPENDENT INSURERS, JUNEAU, noted that his organization has supported the legislation throughout the United States and that it has been adopted in a number of other states. The legislation has been successful at lowering the rate of young people's accidents. He noted that the legislation would restrict young people from driving during the early morning hours when it is most dangerous to drive. That is the time of night when the drunks are out and when the typically fatal accidents occur. Representative Foster asked if passage of the legislation 3 would bring down the insurance rates for kids. Mr. George believed that it would, noting that the rates are based on losses, so a downward trend in accidents would lower the rates. Mr. George added that insurance rates are determined by individual circumstances. He agreed with members that insurance is expensive. BRUCE YATES, (TESTIFIED VIA TELECONFERENCE), REPRESENTATIVE, ANCHORAGE SAFE COMMUNITY COALITION, ANCHORAGE, testified in support of the proposed legislation. He noted that he worked as a prevention specialist with the Anchorage School District. He agreed that the legislation would make Anchorage a safer place to live. In working with teenagers, he is informed about the injuries and deaths that occur each year among high school students. These youth are the highest age risk group in the municipality. Statistics indicate that young adults between the ages of 15 and 24 years old, are statistically involved in more motor vehicle deaths than any other age group. MARTI GREESON, (TESTIFIED VIA TELECONFERENCE), EXECUTIVE DIRECTOR, MADD, ANCHORAGE, voiced support for the proposed legislation. She noted that she has worked in the "victim's service" field for twenty years. The grief associated with the loose of a child can be the most difficult to over come. Young people are involved in over twice the number of crashes per mile driven as are experienced adult drivers. Those crashes occur mostly between midnight and 5 A.M. She urged Committee members to adopt the proposed legislation. PEGGY HAYASHI, (TESTIFIED VIA TELECONFERENCE), STATE COORDINATOR, SAFETY FOR KIDS, PROVIDENCE HOSPITAL, ANCHORAGE, voiced support for the legislation. She testified that the legislation would provide an opportunity for the Legislature to help kids. JOAN DIAMOND, (TESTIFIED VIA TELECONFERENCE), ANCHORAGE, echoed support for the proposed legislation and its intent to hold juveniles accountable for their licensing. MARK JOHNSON, CHIEF, EMERGENCY MEDICAL SERVICES, DEPARTMENT OF HEALTH AND SOCIAL SERVICES, noted that the Department supports the legislation and sees it as a step toward better public health. He pointed out that other states who have adopted similar legislation have indicated a reduction in crashes for the youth population by 16%. Ms. Hensley summarized that the fiscal note indicates total operating costs of which $77 thousand dollars would be a federal grant. The National Traffic Highway Administration offered incentives to states to look into such a system. Alaska and North Carolina were the only two states, at that 4 time, which had undertaken such a study. Consequently, Alaska received a grant for $77 thousand dollars. Representative Mulder noted that implementation would provide a net positive of $120 thousand dollars per year for the State. Representative G. Davis MOVED to report HB 11 out of Committee with individual recommendations and with the accompanying fiscal note. There being NO OBJECTION, it was so ordered. HB 11 was reported out of Committee with a "do pass" recommendation and with a fiscal note by the Department of Administration.