Governor Dunleavy signs new bills into law

Last week, Governor Mike Dunleavy signed into law SB 123, which rolls back the requirement that someone hold an Alaska driver’s license for 1 year before getting a commercial driver’s license.

The bill does not change the minimum age for obtaining a commercial driver’s license (CDL), which is 18 if used only within Alaska, or 21 for drivers traveling between states.

CDL recipients still have to go through the normal application process, which includes a written test, road test and physical exam. the time they’re eligible for an Alaska commercial driver’s license.

Backers of the bill had said that waiting period, which isn’t in federal law, penalized immigrants and rural Alaskans who get their licenses later in life. In rural parts of the state, many Alaskans wait to get a driver’s license, and the additional 1-year waiting period can put them at a disadvantage if they don’t get a normal driver’s license until they’re older, then want to get a CDL.

The bill had the support of the Alaska Teamsters, the Alaska Trucking Association and other groups.

Governor Dunleavy also signed a separate bill mandating that the Alaska Department of Corrections (DOC) help newly released prisoners obtain an ID card if they do not already have one.

Senate Bill 119 was signed into law this past Saturday, giving the Alaska DOC legal authority to issue state IDs to inmates leaving custody in Alaska who don’t already have one.

The ID is considered as a valid form of state identification, although it comes with certain restrictions. It is only valid for 180 days, then could be exchanged for a permanent ID at an Alaska Division of Motor Vehicles office. Also, people with this type of ID would not be allowed to buy marijuana or alcohol with it.

Experts in rehabilitation said the lack of an official ID is a hurdle preventing people from reentering society after prison. and can contribute to recidivism.

SB 119 will take effect on Jan. 1 of 2024.