HB 381-CHILD ENDANGERMENT DRIVING OFFENSES  The committee took up CSHB 381(RLS). MR. HEATH HILYARD, staff to Representative Lesil McGuire, sponsor of HB 381, testified the version that passed the House includes only one provision, including the charge of child endangerment when driving with a child in the vehicle, while driving under the influence. The original version also included a secondary charge regarding failure to properly restrain. That failure leads to injury or death. Members of the House decided this was too extensive, particularly in light of there being confusion regarding what the proper restraint laws are, and on what constitutes a proper restraint device. Members of the House decided to remove that. This new charge carries with it a Class A misdemeanor. He noted this is supported by MADD and is also recommended by the National Transportation and Safety Administration. MS. LINDA WILSON, Deputy Director of the Public Defender Agency, noted there was an indeterminate fiscal note although what was originally a felony is now a misdemeanor. When a new crime is created, a new offense of child endangerment, as proposed by this bill, it will have an effect on the public defenders. There will be new criminal charges made regarding those who are under the influence and who transport a child. In the Municipality of Anchorage there are current city charges against a person for doing this, it's child neglect or child abuse. By making it a state offense, the numbers will increase; she said she doesn't know what those numbers might be, so she's not testifying for or against the bill, but wanted to inform members that there will be an effect. CHAIR DYSON asked if she was lobbying for a finance committee referral. MS. WILSON replied in the affirmative. SENATOR GUESS moved to report CSHB 381(RLS) out of committee with individual recommendations and attached zero fiscal notes. CHAIR DYSON asked if there was any objection. Seeing none, it was so ordered.