Legislature(1995 - 1996)
1996-01-26 House Journal
Full Journal pdf1996-01-26 House Journal Page 2545 HB 454 HOUSE BILL NO. 454 by the House Rules Committee by request of the Governor, entitled: An Act relating to domestic violence; amending Alaska Rule of Civil Procedure 3, Alaska Rule of Civil Procedure 100, Alaska Rule of Evidence 505, and Alaska Rule of Administration 9; and providing for an effective date. 1996-01-26 House Journal Page 2546 HB 454 was read the first time and referred to the State Affairs, Judiciary and Finance Committees. The following fiscal notes apply: Indeterminate fiscal notes (2), Dept. of Administration, 1/26/96 Fiscal note, Dept. of Corrections, 1/26/96 Fiscal notes (2), Dept. of Public Safety, 1/26/96 Zero fiscal note, Dept. of Education, 1/26/96 Zero fiscal note, Dept. of Health & Social Services, 1/26/96 Zero fiscal note, Dept. of Law, 1/26/96 The Governor's transmittal letter, dated January 26, 1996, appears below: Dear Speaker Phillips: Under the authority of art. III, sec. 18, of the Alaska Constitution, I am transmitting a bill entitled the "Domestic Violence Prevention Act of 1996." It is a comprehensive revision of Alaska's domestic violence statutes and adopts many of the provisions of the Model Code on Domestic and Family Violence, developed by the National Council of Juvenile and Family Court Judges. Domestic violence is a pervasive and frequently lethal problem that challenges society at every level. Violence in families is often hidden from view and devastates its victims physically, emotionally, and financially. It threatens the stability of the family and negatively affects all family members, especially the children who learn from it that violence is an acceptable way to cope with stress or problems or to gain control over another person. It violates our communities' safety, health, welfare, and economies, not just by imposing costs on the criminal justice system, but also through medical expenses, psychological problems, lost productivity, and intergenerational violence. Domestic violence must be reduced and prevented. When domestic violence occurs, we must intervene effectively. To do so we must have a strong public policy against domestic violence and the policy must be implemented with appropriate legislation. The Domestic 1996-01-26 House Journal Page 2547 HB 454 Violence Prevention Act of 1996 provides effective ways to protect victims of domestic violence in a fair, prompt, and comprehensive fashion, to prevent future violence in every family in which domestic violence has been discovered, and to reduce the increase in violence from one generation to the next. The Domestic Violence Prevention Act of 1996 will protect children and adults from domestic violence in many ways. The bill sets out procedures for comprehensive civil protection orders consistent with due process. It treats domestic violence as a crime that requires early, effective, and thorough intervention. The Domestic Violence Prevention Act of 1996 assures that the child's safety and well-being is of paramount concern when domestic violence exists. Finally, it will provide the training necessary for police, prosecutors, health workers, and teachers to respond effectively to domestic violence. Domestic violence is a wrong that needs to be righted. The key is community commitment to recognize, address, and prevent domestic violence. The Domestic Violence Act of 1996 is the cornerstone in Alaska's efforts to abate the ravages of violence in families. I urge your prompt consideration and passage of this bill. Sincerely, /s/ Tony Knowles Governor