Juneau -- The Alaska House of Representatives Friday unanimously passed House Bill 78, sponsored by Representative Fred Dyson (R-Eagle River). HB 78 would eliminate the current requirement for an owner to obtain a current emission (I/M) test before transferring a vehicle title, if the vehicle owner holds a valid seasonal waiver or surrenders all evidence of registration to the department.

"The unintended result of this law is that when a vehicle is inoperable at the time of sale, the seller must remain the registered owner of record," Dyson said. "Sometimes, a new owner won't have the money to do required repairs right away. Likewise, auto hobbyists can take years in a national search for original parts. In either situation, the vehicle must remain in the previous owner's name.

"There is a work-around process for this situation, but it is cumbersome and onerous," Dyson said. "Since the problem only affects areas of the state which require I/M testing, the effect is that cities and boroughs are in the improper position of telling the State that it cannot transfer a vehicle title."

House Bill 78 now moves to the Senate.

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= Fred Dyson, 87 K