Legislature(2003 - 2004)
02/26/2003 01:35 PM Senate CRA
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* first hearing in first committee of referral
+ teleconferenced
= bill was previously heard/scheduled
+ teleconferenced
= bill was previously heard/scheduled
HB 68-OFFICE OF VICTIMS' RIGHTS: INCLUDE MUNIS REPRESENTATIVE RALPH SAMUELS, co-sponsor, explained the bill clarifies language of the 22 Legislature. The Office of Victims' Rights was created by the 22 Legislature in an effort to give victims an independent voice in the criminal justice system. The difficulty regarding HB 68 arose after the shooting of former Commissioner Glen Godfrey and his wife Patty. The family contacted the victims' rights office so they would have a voice in the debacle over the 911 call in Anchorage. Conflict arose because the city attorney adopted the view that municipalities weren't specifically covered in the statute and therefore wouldn't release information on other cases to the victims' rights office. This legislation specifically includes municipalities in the definition of a justice agency. REPRESENTATIVE SAMUELS said he was available for questions and Mr. Branchflower was on line to respond to questions as well. CHAIR WAGONER asked Mr. Branchflower if he would like to testify. MR. STEVE BRANCHFLOWER from the Office of Victims' Rights replied Representative Samuels' presentation adequately and correctly justified the legislation. Since and because of the 911 debacle in Anchorage, the municipal assembly adopted a resolution wherein they acknowledge the Office of Victims' Rights does have oversight over the municipality. Subsequently they promulgated Ordinance 2003-2 where as a matter of law, they have accepted jurisdiction of the office. He urged passage of the legislation. There was no further testimony. CHAIR WAGONER called for a motion to move the legislation. SENATOR TAYLOR made a motion to move CSHB 68 (JUD) \D version and accompanying fiscal note from committee with individual recommendations. There being no objection, it was so ordered.
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