JUNEAU – Representative Kelly Merrick saw her effort to help military members serving abroad face less bureaucratic red tape pass the House floor today by a unanimous vote. HB 268 helps our men and women in uniform by creating more flexibility in their driver’s license renewal process.
Current Alaska statute allows for renewal of driver’s licenses within one year of expiration. However, some foreign governments in which service members are stationed often require licenses to be valid for the duration of deployment. The tight turnaround time for deployments and specific requirements that vary by location make renewal planning difficult. HB 268 helps our military members and their families by doubling the current exemption, allowing a full two years to renew licenses.
“This simple statute change will make driver’s license renewal more convenient for our brave men and women and their families serving or transferring abroad,” said Rep. Kelly Merrick (R-Eagle River). “I’m proud that my colleagues came together to make life a little easier for service members during times of transition.”
HB 268 now moves on for further consideration to the Senate.
