Legislature(2023 - 2024)
2023-02-08 Senate Journal
Full Journal pdf2023-02-08 Senate Journal Page 0201 SB 64 SENATE BILL NO. 64 BY THE SENATE RULES COMMITTEE BY REQUEST OF THE GOVERNOR, entitled: "An Act relating to homicide resulting from conduct involving controlled substances; relating to the computation of good time; 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, Department of Administration Fiscal Note No. 2, Department of Administration Fiscal Note No. 3, zero, Department of Corrections Fiscal Note No. 4, zero, Department of Family and Community Services Fiscal Note No. 5, zero, Department of Law Fiscal Note No. 6, zero, Department of Public Safety Governor's transmittal letter dated February 7: Dear President Stevens: Under the authority of Article III, Section 18, of the Alaska Constitution, I am transmitting a bill relating to penalties for drug distribution and using controlled substances. Drugs and drug overdoses have had a devastating effect on our state. According to the Department of Health's 2021 Drug Overdose Mortality Update, between 2020 and 2021, Alaska experienced the largest percent increase of drug overdose deaths of any state. In 2021, 2023-02-08 Senate Journal Page 0202 Alaska recorded over 100 deaths more than the previous year. Unfortunately, fentanyl, a highly potent opioid, makes up a large percentage of these drug related deaths. Increasingly, those who distribute drugs are mixing fentanyl with other types of drugs in order to cultivate addiction and attract buyers. These buyers may not necessarily know that fentanyl is mixed in with their drug of choice, increasing the risks associated with drug use. This legislation attacks the problem at the point of distribution, making it second degree murder when a person distributes or manufactures a controlled substance and a person dies as a direct result of ingesting that substance. This legislation further serves to protect our communities by ensuring offenders convicted of distributing or manufacturing drugs will not be subject to early release due to a “good time” deduction from their sentence. Those who choose to manufacture or distribute drugs illegally should be put on notice that there are significant consequences for the harm they cause. I urge your prompt and favorable action on this measure. Sincerely, /s/ Mike Dunleavy Governor