Legislature(2019 - 2020)
2020-01-27 House Journal
Full Journal pdf2020-01-27 House Journal Page 1476 HB 224 HOUSE BILL NO. 224 by the House Rules Committee by request of the Governor, entitled: "An Act relating to the crime of impersonating a peace officer; relating to the powers of the Alaska Police Standards Council; 2020-01-27 House Journal Page 1477 relating to the definition of 'village police officer'; and providing for an effective date." was read the first time and referred to the House Special Committee on Tribal Affairs and the Judiciary Committee. The following fiscal note(s) apply: 1. Zero, Dept. of Public Safety The Governor's transmittal letter dated January 24 follows: "Dear Speaker Edgmon: Under the authority of Article III, Section 18, of the Alaska Constitution, I am transmitting a bill relating to Police Standards in Alaska. This bill will ensure that Alaska has rigorous, enforceable standards for the employment of police and village police officers throughout Alaska. The bill proposes amendments to AS 18.65, Police Protection, to provide that a person may not be appointed as a police or village police officer if the person has been convicted of a felony, a sex offense defined in AS 12.63.100, or a crime involving domestic violence as defined in AS 18.66.990. The legislation further clarifies that the Alaska Police Standards Council has the power to set standards for employment for village police officers by regulation and may investigate when there is reason to believe an officer or a village police officer does not meet minimum standards for employment. In addition, this bill would include a definition for village police officer in statute. Establishing in law the standards and qualifications for the employment of police and village police officers, will ensure that individuals who are appointed to these important positions of trust and authority in our communities, are qualified to hold such a position. 2020-01-27 House Journal Page 1478 I urge your prompt and favorable action on this important public safety measure. Sincerely, /s/ Mike Dunleavy Governor"