Governor Mike Dunleavy vetoed House Bill 8 On Friday, July 21. The bill was described as “an act relating to electric-assisted bicycles; and providing for an effective date” In his veto message, the Governor’s reason for vetoing this bill is that it “creates unnecessary bureaucracy by regulating a recreational activity.”
The bill was sponsored by Representative Ashley Carrick (D-West Fairbanks), who expressed her displeasure with the veto on Monday;
“House Bill 8 passed the legislature nearly unanimously and was strongly supported by user groups and individual Alaskans. Passage of the bill in both bodies was the culmination of five sessions of work started by my predecessor Representative Adam Wool. During the consideration of this bill, we received no opposition from the administration and would have preferred that a dialogue had taken place prior to taking this action.”
In a quote provided to the Alaska Beacon, Governor Dunleavy’s Spokesperson, Shannon Mason provided more information behind the veto decision;
“If people want these types of activities regulated, the governor believes the decision should take place at the local level, where communities can decide for themselves what they permit and prohibit.”
E-bikes are bicycles with auxiliary, electric motors. While e-bikes have some degree of regulation in 39 other states, they are currently unregulated by the state of Alaska, and aren’t mentioned in state law. HB 8 would have confirmed that lower-powered versions are not considered motor vehicles and can be used on sidewalks. Bicycling enthusiasts in the state, as well as a select number of communities had asked for clarification on the state’s position on e-bikes..
The legislature may override the Governor’s veto of HB 8 in joint session within the first five days of the next regular session with a vote of 2/3rds of the entire membership of the legislature. The second session of the 33rd Alaska State Legislature begins on January 16, 2024.