HB 73-FIREFIGHTER/EMT LICENSE PLATES  9:04:54 AM CHAIR MENARD announced the first order of business to come before the committee was HB 73 [CSHB 73(FIN)]. REPRESENTATIVE BOB LYNN, sponsor of HB 73, said the purpose of the bill is to recognize and thank volunteer and paid firefighters and emergency services persons. A "side effect" of HB 73 is to encourage volunteerism. CHAIR MENARD recognized Senator Kookesh as joining the meeting. REPRESENTATIVE LYNN said the bill packet includes petitions signed by over 200 supporters. 9:07:29 AM CHAIR MENARD asked if this had been effective in recruiting more firefighters. REPRESENTATIVE LYNN has heard that is the case anecdotally. NANCY MANLY, staff to Representative Lynn, said that the Firefighters Association thinks the license plate will work for them. CHAIR MENARD said she was curious about how many other states have done something similar. SUZIE KOKLICH, Alaska State Firefighters Association and the National Volunteer Fire Council, said recruitment and retention has been a big problem nationwide. People want to belong to something good and be proud of it; a perk like a license plate does help. HB 73 is a feel good bill to help people feel better about what they are doing. A license plate is a small gesture for people who give their lives or take time away from their families in training. 9:10:16 AM SENATOR PASKVAN said he likes the idea of public recognition. He noted that volunteers are also first responders in rural Alaska and identification on their vehicles can provide the easier access to the scene. REPRESENTATIVE LYNN said he believes Senator Paskvan is correct. SENATOR MEYER asked what kind of proof a person must present to get the license plate. MS. KOKLICH replied a form will be available at the fire department or possibly from the Division of Motor Vehicles (DMV). The fire chief or EMS director will verify that the applicant is an active member or is retired. She noted that supporter plates will also be available and don't require proof. 9:12:45 AM SENATOR MEYER asked commented that he was sure the DMV would administer the program but he wonders how difficult it will be. He commented that the plate costs a little extra which balances the DMV's extra time; the fiscal note is zero. REPRESENTATIVE LYNN said Whitney Brewster, with the DMV, has testified in HB 73's previous hearings. CHAIR MENARD said it would be helpful to hear from the DMV. SENATOR MEYER said he will take the sponsor's word for it that the DMV has testified favorably previously. CHAIR MENARD said she would do so as well. SENATOR KOOKESH said HB 73 is a feel-good bill. He appreciates the bill and has no objection to it. 9:15:04 AM CHAIR MENARD closed public testimony. SENATOR MEYER moved to report HB 73 from committee with individual recommendations and attached fiscal note(s). There being no objection, CSHB 73(FIN).