Legislature(2017 - 2018)
2018-01-18 Senate Journal
Full Journal pdf2018-01-18 Senate Journal Page 1770 SB 147 SENATE BILL NO. 147 BY THE SENATE RULES COMMITTEE BY REQUEST OF THE GOVERNOR, entitled: "An Act relating to misconduct involving a controlled substance in the second degree; and providing for an effective date." was read the first time and referred to the Judiciary and Finance Committees. The following fiscal information was published today: Fiscal Note No. 1, zero, Department of Administration Fiscal Note No. 2, indeterminate, Department of Administration Fiscal Note No. 3, Department of Corrections Fiscal Note No. 4, zero, Department of Health and Social Services Fiscal Note No. 5, zero, Department of Public Safety Fiscal Note No. 6, zero, Department of Law Governor's transmittal letter dated January 17: Dear President Kelly, Under the authority of Article III, Section 18, of the Alaska Constitution, I am transmitting a bill making large quantity distribution of drugs a class A felony offense punishable by up to 20 years in prison. 2018-01-18 Senate Journal Page 1771 In Alaska, heroin and methamphetamine are the most heavily imported controlled substances. National surveys have shown that methamphetamine contributes to violent crime, and heroin is a contributor of property crime. Additionally, according to Alaska's Department of Health and Social Services, between 2009 and 2015 Alaska's heroin deaths have more than quadrupled. Alaska's geographical makeup and strained law enforcement resources have made Alaska a profitable location for drug traffickers. These traffickers are importing large amounts of controlled substances into our state and poisoning Alaskans. For example, in 2016 the Statewide Drug Enforcement Unit seized 92.5 pounds (approximately 41,968.1 grams) of methamphetamine, and 252.9 pounds (approximately 114,584 grams) of heroin in Alaska. Those trafficking large amounts of drugs are not intermediary users distributing to support their habit. These individuals are typically connected to traffickers from outside of the state, and contribute significantly to Alaska's drug epidemic. Under current law, a person who distributes 2.5 grams or more of a drug such as methamphetamine, or 1 gram or more of a drug such as heroin, is guilty of a class B felony. If it is the person's first felony offense, they are subject to a presumptive sentencing range of zero to two years, with a maximum possible sentence of 10 years. This has little deterrent effect for those importing large amounts of drugs into the state. Classifying the distribution of large amounts of drugs as a class A felony will allow judges additional discretion to appropriately handle these cases and deter those thinking of importing drugs into the state. Without a supply we can reduce the demand, and in order to prevent addiction and relapse we must remove the temptation. To create a Safer Alaska, I urge your prompt and favorable action on this measure. Sincerely, /s/ Bill Walker Governor