Legislature(2005 - 2006)
2005-01-26 Senate Journal
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Full Journal pdf2005-01-26 Senate Journal Page 0157 Governor's transmittal letter dated January 25: Dear President Stevens: Under the authority of art. III, sec. 18, of the Alaska Constitution, I am transmitting a bill relating to child protection, including forensic interviews and transportation of children. Under current AS 47.17.064, the Department of Health and Social Services (department) may take photographs of areas of trauma visible on a child, and have x-rays and medical examinations done, without first notifying the child's parents, if the department has reasonable cause to suspect that the child has suffered physical harm as a result of child abuse or neglect. This bill would amend AS 47.17.064 to permit the department, or certain persons authorized by the department, to conduct, without first notifying the child's parents, a forensic interview of a child suspected of suffering sexual abuse or physical harm as a result of child abuse or neglect. Implicit in the existing statute is the recognition that the department has the authority to transport a child in order to take the photographs or to have the medical examination or x-rays done. This bill would amend AS 47.17.064 to make it explicit that the department has that authority, as well as the authority to transport a child for purposes of conducting a forensic interview authorized by the bill. The clear authority to transport the child for these procedures is key to ensuring that they can be conducted in an appropriate environment that is not threatening to the child. The bill also would give the state and the department, its officers, its employees, and its agents certain immunity for certain actions taken related to the transportation of a child under AS 47.17.064. I urge your prompt and favorable action on this measure. Sincerely yours, /s/ Frank H. Murkowski Governor