Alaska State Legislature
News from the House Majority

Jerry Ritter, House Majority Press Secretary
State Capitol
Juneau, AK 99801
Phone: (907) 465-3804
web site: http://www.akrepublicans.org
Actuality line: 1-800-478-6540

House Passes Snowmobile Regulation Measure

Bill would Increase Effectiveness of Existing Registration Program

For Immediate Release: March 9, 1998 Contact: Rep. Beverly Masek at (907 )465-2679.

Juneau -- The Alaska House of Representatives Monday overwhelmingly passed a bill which would simplify and greatly increase the effectiveness of the State's snowmobile registration program.

"There has been a statutory requirement for registering snowmobiles since 1968," said the bill's sponsor, Representative Beverly Masek (R-Willow). "Due primarily to problems that exist in the registration process, few Alaskans have actually taken part in this registration program," Masek said.

House Bill 231 would permit dealers to handle registration at the time of purchase. It also permits dealers and other agents to handle renewals. In addition the Division of Motor Vehicles is expected to institute a mail-in system for renewals in the near future..

"It is vitally important for snowmobilers that we obtain a good accounting of just how many snowmobiles there are in Alaska. This information is integral to the formula for acquiring trail moneys that are available from the National Trails Fund," Masek said. "The establishment of more and better trail systems will provide Alaskans with more and better places to ride. It will also provide us with an opportunity to expand winter recreation and tourism," Masek said.

# # #