"An Act relating to accidents involving the vehicle of a person under the influence of an alcoholic beverage; and providing for an effective date."

House Bill 423 is a bill for taxicab operators who transport a motor vehicle owned by an intoxicated person to their home or another directed residential location. (Another cab will take the intoxicated person to the same residential location.) Absent gross negligence or reckless or intentional misconduct, a person engaged in this activity would not be civilly liable for damages.

There are times when Alaskans find themselves in an "end of evening" dilemma - they are over the .08 blood alcohol limit and shouldn't drive, but are worried and reluctant to leave their car unattended overnight. HB 423 resolves this dilemma by allowing a taxicab operator to drive an intoxicated person home while a second operator follows them home in the intoxicated person's vehicle.

This legislation would allow the intoxicated person and his or her vehicle to get home safely without the taxicab operator who drives the intoxicated person's vehicle fearing liability. HB 423 promotes responsible behavior and encourages people to do the right thing and not drive while intoxicated.

I urge your support of this important piece of legislation.

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