Legislature(2017 - 2018)
2018-01-18 Senate Journal
Full Journal pdf2018-01-18 Senate Journal Page 1773 SB 149 SENATE BILL NO. 149 BY THE SENATE RULES COMMITTEE BY REQUEST OF THE GOVERNOR, entitled: "An Act relating to the surcharge imposed for violation of state or municipal law." 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 Corrections Fiscal Note No. 2, Department of Public Safety 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 relating to the surcharge imposed on individuals convicted of violations of state or municipal law. 2018-01-18 Senate Journal Page 1774 This bill would increase the surcharge fee collected under AS 12.55.039 for conviction of a felony from $100 to $200, for conviction of violation of a misdemeanor or municipal law offense from $75 to $150, for conviction of violation of a municipal ordinance from $50 to $100. For misdemeanor convictions, for which a sentence of incarceration may not be imposed, the surcharge would increase from $10 to $20. The Legislature may appropriate money collected from the surcharge fee to the Alaska police training fund (AS 18.65.225). The increased revenue as a result of the increased surcharge fee would, if appropriated by the Legislature, be used to stabilize and enhance public safety by helping fund training for both law enforcement and corrections. This proposed bill strikes the necessary balance between the need to adequately fund police training programs and the ability of a convicted defendant to pay the surcharge. To create a Safer Alaska we need to ensure our officers are receiving adequate training in order to protect the ones we love. I urge your prompt and favorable action on this measure. Sincerely, /s/ Bill Walker Governor