Legislature(2007 - 2008)FAHRENKAMP 203
03/25/2008 01:30 PM Senate JUDICIARY
Audio | Topic |
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Start | |
HJR34 | |
HB163 | |
Adjourn |
* first hearing in first committee of referral
+ teleconferenced
= bill was previously heard/scheduled
+ teleconferenced
= bill was previously heard/scheduled
+= | HJR 34 | TELECONFERENCED | |
+= | HB 163 | TELECONFERENCED | |
+ | TELECONFERENCED |
HJR 34-FEDERAL FUNDING FOR DNA TESTING CHAIR FRENCH announced the consideration of HJR 34. 1:35:14 PM CRYSTAL KOENEMAN, Staff to Representative Bob Roses, sponsor of HJR 34, said that this resolution asks Congress to reenact the Debbie Smith DNA Backlog Grant Program. The program, which was originally passed in 2004 and is due to expire in fiscal year 2009, ensures that DNA evidence can be used to convict the guilty and free the innocent. Alaska has about 400 backlog DNA cases and reauthorizing the program will ensure continuation of the grants so the backlog can be addressed. She noted that the packets contain information on the federal grants that Alaska has obtained and what has been done with that money. CHAIR FRENCH said he assumes that this would cost the state nothing, and Ms. Koeneman agreed. He asked if the resolution has a connection to the Innocence Project. MS. KOENEMAN replied there really is no connection. She added that according to the Innocence Project website, Alaska has not had any post-conviction DNA exonerations. 1:37:32 PM CHAIR FRENCH said he believes that's accurate, and noted that Mr. Bill Oberly has been hired to head the Alaska Innocence Project. He asked how much Alaska might get if Congress elects to reauthorize the program. MS. KOENEMAN estimated that the state has, on average, received about $160,000 a year. CHAIR FRENCH noted that the grants total $151 million, and commented that he'd like Alaska to get a little more of that money. Hearing and seeing no one else who wished to testify, he closed public testimony. Finding no discussion, he asked for a motion. 1:39:02 PM SENATOR HUGGINS motioned to report HJR 34 from committee with individual recommendations and attached fiscal note(s). CHAIR FRENCH announced that without objection, HJR 34 is moved from the Senate Judiciary Committee.
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