HB 123-ELECTRIC-ASSISTED BICYCLES  1:04:24 PM CO-CHAIR WOOL announced that the first order of business would be HOUSE BILL NO. 123, "An Act relating to electric-assisted bicycles." CO-CHAIR WOOL handed the gavel to Representative Drummond. 1:04:32 PM The committee took a brief at-ease at 1:04 p.m. 1:04:52 PM REPRESENTATIVE DRUMMOND noted this was the committee's second hearing on HB 123. 1:05:44 PM REPRESENTATIVE DRUMMOND opened public testimony on HB 123. 1:06:05 PM TRAVIS SWANGEL testified in support of HB 123. He encouraged Alaska to adopt the federal regulations for electric-assisted bicycles ("e-bikes"). He predicted an increase in e-bike use. He encouraged those who have not done so already to try riding one. Mr. Swangel said that they are similar to regular bicycles, except that there is an assist to pedaling. 1:08:11 PM REPRESENTATIVE STORY inquired how the Division of Motor Vehicles would let the public know about HB 123 should it pass. 1:08:34 PM MARLA THOMPSON, Director, Division of Motor Vehicles (DMV), Department of Administration, answered that the DMV would update its media and online information. In response to a follow-up question from Representative Story, she said the DMV attempts to advocate the use of helmets; it shows videos in the waiting area of its offices that include promotion of helmet use. 1:09:57 PM CO-CHAIR WOOL asked Ms. Thompson what the current law in Alaska is with regard to helmet use when operating a motorcycle. MS. THOMPSON stated that she did not have the information in front of her. Notwithstanding that, she related that those 18 and older [operating] a motorcycle are not required by Alaska law to wear a helmet. 1:10:48 PM REPRESENTATIVE DRUMMOND offered her understanding that those under 18 and passengers on motorcycles must wear helmets. MS. THOMPSON responded yes. REPRESENTATIVE DRUMMOND inquired whether those helmet laws were under DMV or the Department of Public Safety. MS. THOMPSON said she would find out and get back to the committee with an answer. 1:11:43 PM REPRESENTATIVE DRUMMOND, after ascertaining that there was no one else who wished to testify, closed public testimony on HB 123. 1:11:52 PM REPRESENTATIVE TALERICO expressed his support for HB 123, which he summarized would provide the same definition to e-bikes as nonmotor-assisted bicycles. He noted that the bill sponsor had included a provision that "municipalities also have the ability to provide separate ordinances if they so choose." 1:12:21 PM CO-CHAIR WOOL confirmed Representative Talerico was correct on both those points. 1:12:36 PM REPRESENTATIVE STORY moved to report HB 123 out of committee with individual recommendations and the accompanying fiscal notes. There being no objection, HB 123 was reported out of the House Transportation Standing Committee.