This bill amends various sections of Alaska's vehicle registration and licensing laws, particularly focusing on the registration of legally imported vehicles and the proof of financial responsibility for drivers. A new section, AS 28.10.068, is added to allow vehicles that are at least 25 years old and legally imported into the U.S. to be registered without needing to comply with current federal motor vehicle safety standards. Additionally, AS 28.10.221 is amended to prevent the department from refusing, suspending, or revoking a certificate of title for these vehicles based on safety standard compliance.

The bill also revises the requirements for maintaining proof of financial responsibility in relation to suspensions for nonpayment of judgments. It introduces a tiered system for how long proof must be maintained based on the number of suspensions a person has faced, with specific timeframes for first, second, third, and subsequent suspensions. Furthermore, it allows applicants who do not pass a driving test to retake only the failed portion. The bill includes provisions for applicability to suspensions occurring before, on, or after its effective date and mandates insurance companies to notify their customers of these changes within six months. Sections related to vehicle registration take effect immediately.

Statutes affected:
SB0239A, AM SB 239, introduced 02/11/2026: 28.10.221
SB0239B, AM SB 239 am H, introduced 05/19/2026, passed House 05/19/2026: 28.10.221, 28.10.068, 28.20.330, 28.20.270, 28.33.100
SB0239Z, AM Enrolled SB 239, introduced 05/20/2026: 28.10.221, 28.10.068, 28.20.330, 28.20.270, 28.33.100