HOUSE BILL NO. 324 "An Act requiring written consent by the person who is the subject of the information before releasing personal information contained in motor vehicle records, to comply with 18 U.S.C. 2721; and providing for an effective date." CHARLES HOSACK, Deputy Director, Division of Motor Vehicles, Department of Administration testified via teleconference from Anchorage. He stated that this legislation would bring Alaska into compliance with federal law regarding release of information. He noted that Alaska and federal law currently allows the release for 11 permitted uses and added that this bill, including the federal law change will affect two of these permitted uses. He added that one of these was for marketing and solicitation and the other for open release of vehicle records. He advised that these uses are currently permitted, unless a person specifically informs the division not to release this information. He asserted that the changes to these two uses will not be allowed unless the person specifically requests that their specific information be released or that they want to receive solicitations. Co-Chair Torgerson asked how the division would notify the public of these changes in law. Mr. Hosack responded that this would be accomplished through public releases and along with registration renewal notices. Senator Phillips asked if this legislation would restrict a person from researching the history of a vehicle. Mr. Hosack responded affirmatively and added that if an individual wishes to buy a used vehicle, the division would not be able to release this vehicle's history of use. He pointed out that this same provision is already signed into federal law and will go into effect June 1st. Senator Phillips asked what someone would do if they collected antique or classic cars. Mr. Hosack responded that the division would not be able to release this information unless the collector obtained a signed release from the vehicle owner. Co-Chair Torgerson asked if the state would be out of compliance by making an exception for historical antique vehicles and classics. Mr. Hosack responded that the state would be out of compliance with federal law. He noted that the state and the individuals who release this information could be fined $5000 per day by the U.S. Attorney General's office. Senator Donley added that his interpretation of this legislation was that it requires written consent from the person who is the subject of the requested information and he wondered why Mr. Hosack specified that permission must be granted by the vehicle's owner. Mr. Hosack responded that the owner information would be information such as name, address and vehicle type related to this individual. Senator Donley disagreed and added that this information could include a lot more, such as prior owners. He noted that this would solve the present problem with this legislation, because before an individual buys a classic car, the present owner could give permission for researching the vehicle's history. He stated that he thought this language went to the "subject of the information." He asked if the federal law specified. Mr. Hosack responded that the federal law reads exactly as the proposed language before the Committee, i.e., the subject of the information. Senator Leman referred to the definition of "personal information" in statute. He read the following excerpt: "Personal information includes name, address, telephone number and medical or disability information, but does not include information on vehicular accidents, driving or equipment related violations, drivers license or registration status or a zip code." He wondered why zip code would not be included if someone's address and telephone is included. Mr. Hosack responded this was set aside for statistical purposes in generating reports on where vehicles are located. Senator Donley stated this exemption could be a way for individuals who are interested in buying antique cars to get some of the pertinent information regarding the history of the vehicle. Senator Leman made a motion to move HB 324, version 1- GH2063.A from Committee with individual recommendations and a zero fiscal note from the Division of Motor Vehicles. Hearing no objection the bill was MOVED FROM COMMITTEE.