HB 217-SP. REQ. ARTS LICENSE PLATES; COMPETITION  8:09:16 AM CHAIR LYNN announced that the first order of business would be HOUSE BILL NO. 217, "An Act relating to special request registration plates commemorating the arts; and relating to the Alaska State Council on the Arts." [Before the committee was the proposed committee substitute (CS) for HB 217, Version 29-LS0999\N, Martin, 1/25/16, adopted as a work draft on 1/26/16.] 8:09:54 AM REPRESENTATIVE KREISS-TOMKINS, as prime sponsor, presented HB 217. He stated that the proposed legislation was an "American Idol" type competition for an Alaskan statewide license plate design to be held every four years administered and juried by the Alaska State Council on the Arts (ASCA). The final designs would be picked by juries selected by the ASCA, and a winner would be selected by popular vote. CHAIR LYNN asked what "American Idol" was. REPRESENTATIVE KREISS-TOMKINS answered that "American Idol" was a reality television show in which singers competed before a jury and ultimately the public was invited to vote on their choice of best singer. He further stated that this was a similar idea except it was for license plate design and art portraying Alaska. He said that the idea behind this is that every license plate in Alaska is a canvas and Alaska artists would have the ability to compete to put their designs forth as a license plate design that Alaskans can choose for their vehicles. The revenue from this competition would go to help fund ASCA. He stated the intent of HB 219 is to generate a modest revenue stream for ASCA and to make sure that Alaska has the most stunning and beautiful license plates - designed by Alaskans - of all 50 states in the nation. 8:12:30 AM REPRESENTATIVE KREISS-TOMKINS relayed that the Division of Motor Vehicles (DMV) requested the fee for the plate, as shown on page 1, line 14, of Version N, be changed from $35 to $50 for internal consistency. REPRESENTATIVE KELLER asked how the $50 fee was derived from the existing $150 fee currently in law. REPRESENTATIVE KREISS-TOMKINS offered his understanding that the $150 fee in law is out-of-date and was for a plate design that is not currently offered. The drafters of the proposed legislation mistakenly used the $150 fee amount. 8:13:47 AM REPRESENTATIVE KELLER moved to adopt Amendment 1, as follows: Page 1, line 14: Delete "$35" Insert "$50" There being no objection, Amendment 1 was adopted. 8:14:02 AM REPRESENTATIVE KREISS-TOMKINS commented that it was a pleasure working with ASCA and various artists in Alaska who are excited about visioning this process. CHAIR LYNN opened public testimony on HB 217. 8:14:34 AM AMY ERICKSON, Director, Division of Motor Vehicles, Department of Administration (DOA), stated that the division has no objections to HB 217. 8:15:08 AM REPRESENTATIVE KELLER REPRESENTATIVE moved to report CSHB 217, Version 29-LS0999\N Martin, 1/25/16, as amended, out of committee with individual recommendations and the accompanying fiscal notes. There being no objection, CSHB 217(STA) was reported from the House State Affairs Standing Committee.