HB 40 - REQUIREMENTS FOR DRIVER'S LICENSE CO-CHAIR MASEK announced that the first order of business would be HOUSE BILL NO. 40, "An Act relating to issuance of a driver's license." She reminded the members that the committee has heard this bill before and that a proposed committee substitute (CS) has been prepared. Number 0089 REPRESENTATIVE FATE moved to adopt the proposed CS, Version 23- LS0262\H, Ford, 4/16/03, as a work draft. There being no objection, Version H was before the committee. Number 0135 REPRESENTATIVE BOB LYNN, Alaska State Legislature, as sponsor of HB 40, highlighted the merits of the bill. He reiterated comments made at an earlier hearing by saying that HB 40 is an important piece of legislation to protect homeland security, guard against identity theft and voter fraud, and ensure legal accountability. Representative Lynn said he believes this is a good bill and asked the members for favorable consideration to pass the bill out of committee. CO-CHAIR MASEK asked if members have questions with respect to the new proposed CS the committee has before them. She also noted for the record that Representative Ogg has joined the meeting. Number 0212 KERRY HENNINGS, Driver License Manager, Division of Motor Vehicles, Department of Administration, testified in support of HB 40 and offered to answer questions from the members. REPRESENTATIVE FATE asked Ms. Hennings if the Division of Motor Vehicles has any problem with the bill. MS. HENNINGS told the committee that the Division of Motor Vehicles supports this bill and as a policy is currently administering the driver's licenses program in keeping with the legislation. She explained that about 30 states currently have this kind of legislation in place, and there is the hope that more states will adopt this policy as a security measure prior to the policy's being mandated by the federal government. REPRESENTATIVE OGG asked if an individual in the United States and who is seeking political asylum would be allowed to get a driver's license. MS. HENNINGS replied that while she is not an expert in that area, her experience working with ICE [Bureau of Immigration and Customs Enforcement], formerly the INS [Immigration and Naturalization Service], has shown that a person in these circumstances would be able obtain the proper documentation necessary to get a driver's license in Alaska. CO-CHAIR MASEK commented that Representative Ogg's question is addressed in the proposed committee substitute on page 2, lines 17-19. Number 0398 REPRESENTATIVE FATE moved to report CSHB 40, Version 23- LS0262\H, Ford, 4/16/03, out of committee with individual recommendations and the accompanying zero fiscal notes. There being no objection, CSHB 40(TRA) was reported out of the House Transportation Standing Committee.