Legislature(2003 - 2004)
2004-01-26 Senate Journal
Full Journal pdf2004-01-26 Senate Journal Page 2010 SB 280 SENATE BILL NO. 280 BY THE SENATE RULES COMMITTEE BY REQUEST OF THE GOVERNOR, entitled: 2004-01-26 Senate Journal Page 2011 "An Act relating to fines for an infraction; and providing for an effective date." was read the first time and referred to the State Affairs and Judiciary Committees. The following fiscal information was published today: Fiscal Note No. 1, zero, Department of Public Safety Fiscal Note No. 2, zero, Department of Law Governor's transmittal letter dated January 23: Dear President Therriault: Under the authority of article III, section 18, of the Alaska Constitution, I am transmitting a bill that would raise the maximum fine that may be imposed for an infraction under AS 28 from $300 to $750. While the majority of the bail amounts for infractions related to AS 28 are established by the Alaska Supreme Court, there are a select number of offenses that require a mandatory court appearance. In these cases, the magistrate or judge can determine the amount of the fine to be imposed. Currently, the maximum amount is $300. Such infractions include behavior ranging, for example, from negligent driving to minor operating a vehicle after consuming alcohol. The maximum fine for an infraction under AS 28.40.050 has been $300 for over 27 years. The punitive and deterrent effect of such a low amount has greatly diminished over the years, and an increased amount is a more accurate reflection of current values. By raising the maximum amount that could be applied to infractions, magistrates and judges will have the ability to more appropriately address aggravated violations of specific offenses. Those offenses, by their very nature, are the most serious of the infractions and the ability of the courts to apply a higher degree of penalty is long overdue. 2004-01-26 Senate Journal Page 2012 I urge your prompt and favorable consideration of this proposal. Sincerely yours, /s/ Frank H. Murkowski Governor